~Chapter 24~
I ’m so ready to be home! I finally convinced Charlie to let me take Beatrice on a date. Of course, we can’t leave the property. It’s only been three weeks since her accident and though she’s doing much better, physical therapy is kickin’ her ass.
She doesn’t sleep nearly as much as she did, even a week ago, and spends more time out of her room than in.
We can all tell by how Stu and her look at each other, and always find ways to subtly brush up against each other, that their relationship is flourishing…and more. I’m not exactly jealous, but I’d love to just lean over and kiss her gorgeous face whenever I damn well please.
Soon, I remind myself. Soon.
Bright lights illuminate my little dungeon as Charlie hauls ‘Ol-what’s-his-name’ over his shoulder. His heavy steps tromp through the basement until he unceremoniously dumps the man onto my steel Dooms Day table.
I clap my hands merrily at the thought of slicing and dicing this pathetic waste of space. But, first, my date.
Charlie and I quickly gag and bind the man- who’s happily snoring from the drugs we injected him with. I was hoping the gag would muffle the sound but, unfortunately, it just makes it louder. The only snores I wish to hear are my Flower’s. Oh! Flowers! I should get her some.
Charlie clears his throat before facing me. He must see it written all over my face that my mind is definitely not on the man passed out on the table. With a thick finger, he points at me and sternly reminds me, “No going off the property. It’s too dangerous and she’s still healing. And, be fucking careful with her!” He growls out the last bit as if I would dare hurt Beatrice. I mean, unless she wanted me to, of course.
But, whatever. His chastisement doesn’t affect me so I rattle off an “Ay-Yi, Boss,” saluting him with a wide smile.
He chuffs and shakes his head at me before jogging back up the stairs.
Patting Fuckface on the shoulder a few times, I talk to the man on my table as if he could possibly hear me. “Welp, I’ve got a hot date. Gotta go, buddy. See you later!” And then, I’m rushing up the basement stairs, grabbing my keys, and bounding through the garage. Tonight is going to be perfect. I just know it.
It takes me a little longer at the store than I wanted but, I had a really hard time picking out flowers at the store. There are so many. I almost went with roses, but they’re so cliché, and I have a sneaking suspension that Bea feels the same.
Unfortunately, they didn’t sell cacti there, or I would have searched out the Queen of the Night. I wonder if she understands the significance of her profile picture choice.
Shaking my thoughts free, I stand, freshly showered in my best black button-up and dark jeans. The bouquet of Stargazer Lilies wrapped in ribbon is giving off the most heavenly scent and I really hope Beatrice likes them; I sure the hell do.
Knocking on her door, I wait with bated breath as I hear rummaging, then a muffled non-curse; so cute. Finally, the door flings open and Beatrice stands in front of me in a soft-looking, pale pink dress. The pink covers most of her chest in a classy way, but hugs her breasts to the point that I can’t help but stare at them.
“Ahem.” Oops. “My eyes are up here, Tiger.” Her eyes twinkle with mischief and my cock starts to harden.
“I-I’m sorry. You just look….damn.” There really are no words. Her pale pink sleeves are wide and flowy and almost hit her elbow. The bottom part of the dress flares out with horizontal, white, and pale pink stripes. She has the cutest, beige flat on her right foot- since she can’t wear anything on the left. The view gives me a little spark of color from a tattoo I was unaware she had.
I don’t have time to check it out right now because I can feel her glare cutting into my head.
Snapping my eyes back to hers, I’m relieved to find her smiling with a tinge of blush spread across her cheeks.
Suddenly remembering myself, I thrust the bouquet at her. “Here. Um. I didn’t know what you like so…” I trail off, palming the back of my neck and looking anywhere but at her. Why can’t I just act normal?
“Oh my gosh! I love them! Lilies are my favorite flowers! And look,” I find myself drawn back to her; the excitement radiating from her is infectious in all the best ways. “Some are still closed! That always makes for the best bouquets! As they grow, I get to experience each new bloom... and it keeps the room they’re in smelling amazing for so much longer. Thank you, Danny!”
She squeals and launches herself into my arms. I’m too shocked to move at first and find myself unable to remember how to hug.
But then, she squeezes her left arm around me and presses her warm, soft body against mine. My arms finally remember their manners and they wrap around her, pulling her tightly into a sweet embrace.
Releasing her is so damn difficult but, I do have a plan. Much to everyone’s surprise.
Stepping back, she quickly lies the bouquet on the nightstand, then returns; hobbling gracefully in her cast with each step.
Holding out my hand, she smiles as she tentatively places hers against mine. Taking that as a good sign, I entwine our fingers and slowly lead her down the hallway.
“As you know, we can’t leave the property. So, I planned a couple of things we can do here.”
She nods silently and I briefly wonder if that’s good or bad. But, I decide to keep going anyway; trying not to second-guess myself along the way.
Opening the back door, we step outside. Thankfully, we’re in our, like, fifth summer in Texas. Even though Thanksgiving is a week away, it’s a crisp 76℉.
“Oh wow!” She comments, sounding breathy and tempting. Shit, snap out of Danny.
Her gaze is riveted to the large cabana area to the left of the pool. It’s just out of view from her window, and I don’t think she’s ever actually left the house, so I hope she likes it.
With a smile, I tug her forward, and gently help her get situated on the ginormous, white cushions. The cushions are basically the size, and shape, of our sectional; so we can all relax under the awning if we want to. However, instead of being high off the floor, they're low to the ground. A three-inch, wooden base holds them up.
She leans against one of the headrests and crosses her right leg over her left. With a contented sigh, she looks around the space. A tiny gasp leaves her mouth and I know she’s noticed my little secret.
With a slight chuckle, I scoot over to the far end of the cushions, lean over, and roll over the giant cooler. Getting up on my knees, I open it up and start laying out all the things I bought for our picnic. And, ok, I may have gone overboard.
There’s one of those coochie trays, or however you say it. I also grabbed a sandwich tray made with Hawaiian rolls, Funyuns, Doritos, Ridges, Cheetos, and Fritos with bean dip, French Onion Dip, and Ranch Dip. I also bought two trays for dessert! One has four different kinds of brownies, and the other has six different types of cookies. I'm very proud of myself.
Her soft giggle stops my movements and causes me to look over at her. Holy fucking shit! This is the Bea I fell for that night at the bar. Her smile is contagious and it completely transforms her face.
With another breathy laugh, she chortles, “Are the others joining us because, I may be a big girl, but there’s no way I can eat all of this.” I feel like she didn’t comment on her size maliciously, so I let it go for now; instead focusing on her actual question.
“Well, I didn’t know what you liked and there were so many options. It’s actually one of the reasons the guys don’t let me grocery shop. I can never make up my mind so I just get it all.”
A self-deprecating chuckle leaves my mouth and I shrug indifferently. But, this woman sees right through me.
Her hand on mine has me whipping my head to look at her. Instead of bright and playful, her face is sweet and soft, and… damn I want to kiss her. Is it too soon?
In a low voice, she smiles and says, “It’s so sweet and utterly perfect. Thank you, Danny.” Her eyes hold me hostage and I recognize this moment for what it is. She’s letting her walls down, being vulnerable, and fuck I want to do the same.
Leaning a little more toward her, I smile softly and whisper, “You deserve the best. And we will always make sure you get it.”
I hadn’t realized that I kept moving toward her while speaking. But, once the words are out of my mouth, our breaths mingle and her sweet scent envelops me.
I wait, and wait, and w-
Her lips tentatively seek mine out, and I almost die on the spot.