22. Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Doug
W hen Beth’s name popped up on my screen Thursday afternoon, I got up and closed the door. AJ was on assignment so I had the office to myself. Which was good, because the excitement in Beth’s voice meant she found a sitter for Friday night.
I didn’t need a mirror to know my smile was stupidly big. AJ would never let me hear the end of it, had he seen it.
“Nina has to be home by ten Saturday morning.”
“That won’t be a problem.” My mind was already thinking of all the ways we could fill the morning hours before she had to head home. Does she like to sleep in on her days off?
I planned on cooking for Beth, hoping to impress her with my culinary skills.
“Do you have any food allergies, or is there anything you don’t like?”
“No allergies and I’ll try just about anything.”
That made planning the menu easier. “Great. Want me to pick you up?” It was a date, after all.
“That’s okay, I’ll drive. Nina’s available after six, so let’s plan for six-thirty.”
“Perfect. I’ll text you my address.”
“Sounds good. Can I bring anything?”
“Just yourself and whatever you need for the night.”
“Alright…”
It sounded like she wanted to say more, so I waited. When she didn’t, I said, “Beth, you know you can change your mind right?” I wouldn’t be mad, disappointed for sure, but not mad. I’d respect her decision.
I reminded myself there was no guarantee we’d sleep together, even if she stayed the night. Hell, we could be naked in bed, me between her legs with only half an inch separating me from heaven, and she could still change her mind.
If she didn’t want it to happen, it wouldn’t. But I hope it does . I’d been thinking about getting Beth into my bed for longer than I cared to admit, and was ready to exchange the fantasy for reality.
“I know. It’s not that. It’s just… it’s been a while, that’s all.”
The slight tremble to her voice gave away her nervousness.
“We can go as slow as you want or need. No pressure, I promise.”
I could hear her tension subsiding as she said, “Thank you, Doug.”
Beth relaxed more as we talked for a few more minutes.
After we hung up, I checked my email to make sure there were no new messages then started making a list of things I needed at the grocery store. I wanted to make chicken cacciatore, a dish I’d fallen in love with when I was stationed in Italy. I’d loved the food there so much that before returning stateside, I went shopping for a cookbook. I could have looked online, but I liked the idea of getting an Italian cookbook in Italy. I hit the jackpot when I found one filled with old world Italian recipes.
I’d made a few of the recipes, and liked them. This one was my favorite.
I hope she likes it . I’d made it for my ex once, but she’d complained about the carbs and always asked for something else whenever I suggested making it. At least Beth wasn’t anti-pasta, though given the number of times she made mac and cheese she might want something different.
This isn’t box mac and cheese . Stop worrying.
I kept my apartment clean, so I wouldn’t have to scramble to clean it. It needs some decorative touches . Right now, the only things decorating my living room walls were an American flag, and some shadow boxes with commendations from the Air Force over my desk.
It’d be easy enough to get a few pillows and a throw blanket for the couch, maybe a couple of fake plants, and some candles – women love candles. There really wasn’t much else I wanted to add. I could probably get some wall art, but that felt like something I should put some effort into selecting, not just buy on a whim.
Lists in hand, I got up and went to the reception area to hand in my report for the Spencer job. I waited for Meg to hang up the phone before handing her the folder.
She looked up when she reached for it and a mischievous smile spread across her face, her emerald green eyes sparkling.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing, I just don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so happy to turn in their paperwork.” Amusement coated every word.
I didn’t have time to think of a clever reply before I heard Jack.
“There has to be some other reason he’s happy, because no one likes doing paperwork.” He paused and looked at Jamie’s door as it opened. “Except maybe Jamie, but he’s weird that way.”
“I’m weird in what way?” Jamie asked.
“You like doing paperwork,” Jack answered, clapping him on the shoulder.
“No, I don’t. I just don’t whine about it like a baby,” he shrugged off Jack’s hand, “unlike some people.”
Every day. It was like this every day. Well, some days it was worse, but AJ wasn’t here to escalate the crazy. I loved it, though no one suspected as much because I rarely joined in.
“So why am I being singled out, inaccurately I might add, for liking paperwork?”
“Because, Meg said Doug looked happy to be handing in his paperwork,” Jack answered.
Naturally, they all turned to look at me. Stupid me hadn’t had the forethought to school my features while they teased one another and got caught with a very large smile on my face.
“You do look rather happy.” Jamie asked, “Any particular reason?”
“No, just planning my weekend.” Then before they could ask, I added, “And no, I won’t tell you.”
“Good for you,” Meg said to me before turning to the brothers and shooing them away with a wave of her hand. “Now if you guys don’t mind, I have work to do.”
Thank you, Meg . I wasn’t ready to be on the receiving end of a tag-team interrogation.