Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
KAIA
“You packed quite the lunch today. In fact, I’ve noticed you’ve been packing your lunch a lot these days. Am I not paying you enough?” Drea laughed.
“Don’t even get me started on the money, Dre! I’m still coming down from the shock of it all. But yes, I have been packing more frequently. Well, technically…” I lowered my voice, almost embarrassed to admit it. “Daisy’s been making my lunch for me.”
The smirk on her face could’ve stayed hidden and I wouldn’t have been mad about it. I knew I could trust her with my life, but if I didn’t want to be mocked about something, it was best to keep quiet. Why didn’t I?
“Oh really. How very domestic of you two. Have you asked her out yet? Now that you’re living together, it’s probably easier to get in there.”
I groaned. At least once a week, Drea would ask me about Daisy, I’d hide my hurt of having to say no, and we’d move on quickly.
“No, Dre. She had a date last night, actually. And I’ve told you a billion times that we are just friends.
Just because I have feelings for her doesn’t mean I’m going to act on them.
She’s dating, apparently, and I’ve already finalized the sale on my dad’s house so I need to think about finding somewhere else to live. ”
“What? Why would you move out? You love each other… just in different ways, but still. Why on earth would you want to move out?”
I groaned. I was well aware of our relationship. I really needed to get it together. Things could go back to normal once I moved out and had some space between us.
“I don’t… whatever. Because eventually, one of these dates won’t end, and she’ll want to move them in.
I cannot be there and watch her be with someone else.
It was easier when we didn’t live together and we had that space.
I’d just hear about them, not see them. Of course I want her to be happy; that’s why it’s best if I move out and give her her independence back. ”
She frowned. “I’m sorry, Kai. I’m still rooting for you two. Seeing you together would be like seeing two Snow Whites from different universes fucking in the forest. Too perfect.”
I blushed. That was an image I… was actually okay with. Interesting. “Thanks for that, Dre. Oh, am I still okay to take a long weekend next week?”
“Of course. Where are you and Daisy going?”
“Actually, it’s just me. I’m getting out of town for a few days. I need to be alone and figure things out.”
“Figure things out? Is everything okay? You’re not planning on leaving me are you?”
I laughed. “No. You know I love you and this store. You’re stuck with me, I’m afraid. No, everything’s fine. It’s…” I trailed off, not wanting to say it.
She nodded like she knew. Of course she knew. “Daisy. Got it. Listen, I won’t pry into your life, sweetie. Take some time for yourself, but don’t give up on her. There’s something there, I know it.”
“I appreciate the support, but I’m fine. She’s dating and I need to figure things out and be okay with it. I’m not ready to start dating again right now, but I think some space will be good for us. I’ll come back and everything will be back to normal.”
“Take as much time as you need, Kai. I’m serious. You deserve it. And the Christmas party will be good for you, too. Who knows what’ll happen?” She winked and walked away without another word. She was so cryptic like that, but I just rolled my eyes and finished out my shift.
On my walk home, I thought about my trip. I didn’t know where I was going yet, or what I would do, but I knew I had to go, and I had to tell Daisy sooner rather than later. I knew she wouldn’t care, but I at least wanted her to know in case something happened while I was gone, to either of us.
I didn’t know if I’d go no contact with everyone or not. In theory, I’d like to, but I knew I’d be nervous the whole time. I’d be constantly thinking about what could go wrong while I was away. I could always tell everyone not to call or text me unless it was an actual emergency.
When I got home, my mood brightened when I saw Daisy and Duke lying on the couch, a book in her hand.
For a moment, I just watched the two of them, admiring how adorable they were.
Duke lying on her lap, Daisy petting him.
I didn’t think I’d ever get tired of coming home to the two of them, and my heart couldn’t handle it.
Finally, she looked up and smiled when she noticed me. “How long have you been standing there?”
I shrugged. “Not long. I just walked in the door. Sorry if I scared you.”
She closed her book and sat up. “You didn’t. How was work?”
“Work was pretty good. Thank you for lunch. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to. And you’re welcome. You’re a working woman and I’m unemployed. It’s the least I can do. That and make sure you have a hot meal when you come home from your hard labor job.”
I laughed. “Oh yeah, I work so hard. And are you still upset about your date? You’re not unemployed!”
She smiled softly. The same smile that would get me to do anything for her. “No, I’m not upset. There will be more, I’m sure. I was just making a joke.”
I sighed. My decision became easier the longer I sat with it. Moving out was a good idea. Although I’d miss accidentally seeing her walking out of the shower in only a towel. Sometimes not even that. I’d catch only the back of her, but it was a really great back.
“Oh, for sure. Speaking of… I’ve been thinking about that. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Letting me stay here and invade your space means a lot to me, but… I’m going to start looking for a place of my own.”
Her smile fell, and it crushed me. I didn’t want to move out, but the alternative hurt too much to think about. It was only a matter of time before she found someone she wanted to settle down with, and while I’d always be there for her, I couldn’t be that close.
“You want to move out? No! I mean, if you’re unhappy here, we can talk about it. While I’d love to kidnap you, that is kind of illegal. But I love having you here.”
“I’m not unhappy, Daisy. I just know how you like your space, and—”
She shook her head, stopping me. “I like you in my space, Kai. If you’re not unhappy here, why do you want to leave?”
Because I’m in love with you and being this close to you is killing me, but I’m too chicken shit to say anything!
I sighed. “Because eventually, one of your dates will go past horrible dinners. I know you want to find your person, and you might want to start a family someday, and I don’t want to be in the way of that.
You’ll want to come home with them and not sneak around your own house because you don’t want to wake me up or whatever.
It’s just easier if I move out.” That was true in more ways than one.
“Okay, calm down here. Let’s not make any hasty decisions.
We can cross that bridge when we come to it.
There’s no rush, and after my date last night, I’m putting dating on hold for a while.
First dates are tiring, and I want to focus on work right now.
Please stay, Kaia. I love living together. Please.”
Well, shit. How was I supposed to say no to that? I should’ve known it was a lost cause. I should’ve just moved out quietly and left a note or texted her or something. But she might’ve murdered me if I’d done that, so maybe not.
After a resigned internal groan, I nodded. She was right, we could talk about moving when she was actually serious with someone, which I hoped was simultaneously never and also someday.
When I wasn’t in turmoil over my feelings for her and thinking about her naked body in the shower, in the bath, in her room at night, or watching her cook breakfast in short shorts and tank top with no bra, I actually enjoyed living together.
I loved going to work with her and seeing her all day.
Laughing and talking at lunch. Scrunching up our noses and smiling when Blair and Drea came out of her office a little less perfect than when they went in.
Coming home together and eating dinner at the table like a cute little family.
Reading together and just enjoying each other’s company. It was almost perfect.
“Okay.” I put on a small smile as she jumped up and ran over to give me a hug, kissing the side of my head all over.
“To celebrate you not moving out, how about I tag along to your yoga class tomorrow? I’d love to see what it’s all about.”
“I mean, it’s basically the same thing I do here, except without the instructor, and it’s with people and the atmosphere is just different, but sure, if you want.” I shrugged.
“Well, then I know I’m going to enjoy myself.” She winked at me and walked away, leaving me confused at the dinner table. What did that mean? I supposed I’d find out soon enough.