Chapter 9 Bates #2
Freddie helps me by investigating every bag I set on the kitchen floor, and it only takes him a minute to find the mini Lamb Chop toy tucked away in one of the bags.
While he squeaks the thing to death, I get everything stored away. It’s not a ton of groceries, but they’re meals, snacks, and treats that I’ve seen her gravitate to a thousand times. I also made sure to stock her Red Bull shelf with her favorite flavors.
Last but not least, I cut the ends off of the stems of fresh flowers, assembling them into a vase I found in her cabinet. Centering it on her kitchen island, I step back and brush my hands together, feeling proud of the work I’ve put in today.
I wish I could be here to see her reaction, but I have a date with Kol and Cas at my place soon and really need to get going.
“Do you need to go potty?” I ask Freddie as I slip my shoes back on.
He gives me an answer that’s as clear as day when he runs up his ramp to the couch and curls into a blanket in his spot on the sofa.
“Got it.” I laugh.
“How many more of these do we have to make? Can you just tell her who you are so I don’t have to help make a single card ever again?” Cas groans, dropping his head into his hand on the kitchen table.
Kol and Cas are helping me make another small batch of cards for Serena—something that is much more efficient when there’s three of us.
“Remember this when you want help wooing some girl. You’ll have something to use on me to get me to help.” I smile, glueing a red paper heart to the top of a card.
“I still think we should start a card company at this rate. We’ve gotten pretty damn good at it.” Kol beams as he lines up paper lace on the edge of his card.
“Thank you, Kol,” I say, side-eyeing Cas. “At least someone’s not being a pussy about it.”
Cas glances up at me, glaring. His lip twitches with humor, and I chuckle as he scoffs, “Yeah, you’re definitely not being a pussy at all right now, having an arts and crafts night again.”
Cas grunts as Kol kicks him under the table. “Fuck off, Kol. You’re the biggest simp I know, and the second you find someone you want to pursue, I’m sure we’ll be right back at this damn table, helping your ass out, so shove it.”
Kol, the troll he is, eggs Cas on. “Ooh. Shove it. So threatening.”
My phone buzzes on the table, and I glance at it, seeing Serena’s name appear on the screen, the text hidden since my phone’s locked.
I immediately set the card down, brush the glitter off my hands, and grab my phone.
Serena: You got me groceries, flowers, and cleaned my house
I chuckle at her lack of a question. She’s stating it, and I can tell from the missing emojis and end punctuation that she’s bewildered.
Yeah. Make sure you eat an actual dinner tonight
Serena: I ate dinner last night
Rolos and chips aren’t sufficient for a meal
Serena: What are you, a nutritionist?
No. But you’ve been working yourself to death lately and you need energy to keep going, energy that you’re definitely not getting from meals like that
Serena: You’re so bossy
You like it
Serena: Oh really?
You know you do. Don’t bother denying it.
Serena: Fine
Typing bubbles appear. Disappear. Appear. Disappear.
What’s on your mind?
Serena: I was just trying to figure out how to say thank you without being a brat
Serena: But seriously, thank you for doing this. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but thank you. It means a lot
You’re welcome. You seemed down and I wanted to be there to help pick you up
Serena: That’s actually so sweet
Surprised? Did you think the only sides of me include bossy and controlling? There are so many others
Possessive
Obsessive
Dedicated
Serena: Sarcastic
Serena: Dominant
Serena: Loving
Her last message tightens my chest in the best of ways. While I am everything on that list, the last one holds the most weight because as long as she feels loved, I’m succeeding in my job as her boyfriend.
She might not have granted me that title, but I have no doubt that it’s mine, and if anyone wants to challenge me for it, they’re welcome to try. But they’ll have to rip that crown from my dead body.
And good in bed
Serena: I wouldn’t know. I’ve never seen you in a bed ;)
Blood rushes to my dick as I read her words. It doesn’t take much to get me going when it comes to her. She can look at me with hooded eyes, and I’m instantly rock hard.
You will soon. I have no doubt about that. I was testing yours out today when I had some Freddie cuddles. It was comfortable but I couldn’t stop picturing you lying next to me and how perfect you’d fit curled up into my side
Serena: You could always find out for yourself
Serena: If you want to obviously
Don’t worry. I plan to. Soon, my little Cupid. Soon.
Cas clears his throat, and I look up, finding both guys staring at me with a mix of awe and annoyance.
Kol, now grumpy like Cas, utters, “The least you could do is stay focused.”
“Such a grinch.” I chuckle. “You guys will need my help one day, and because of your help with Serena, I’ll be there to support in any way I can. You’re welcome. Think of it as an investment.”
“Is that your way of thanking us for our free labor?” Cas asks with a smirk.
“Yeah. Exactly.” I laugh, laying lace onto the glue on the card’s edges, framing the heart.
“I won’t need help making cards for a girl I’m stalking because I’m not as fucked up as you are,” Cas says as he glues a mini Cupid to the center of a card.
Kol and I can barely contain our laughter, and I call Cas out for the jokester he is. “You’re right. You’re worse than me.”