Chapter 18
EIGHTEEN
PRESENT
Icouldn’t wait to return home from my work trip.
It was by far the longest work trip I’d been on in years, and it came at the worst time.
I had enjoyed getting to know Serenity on the phone, but I was antsy to see her in person again.
Her laugh. Her smile. My stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of her.
I wanted to proceed slowly just as much as she did because, honestly, all the feelings I’d been developing for her over the last few weeks had scared me.
I’d only been in one serious relationship, which destroyed me.
I decided that when I was ready to get into another, it would be with someone who felt like the one.
I made it home, threw my bags in my room, and headed straight to the shower. I instantly called her when I was done.
“Hey, you,” she said in greeting.
Her voice could make the saddest person smile. “I have landed and am finally home, hallelujah.”
We both chuckled. “What are you going to do for the rest of your day?” she asked. “You got in pretty early.”
“I’ll probably unpack and then lounge on my couch for the rest of the night.” There was a long pause. “Serenity?”
“Yeah, I'm here. I’m not sure if I have the nerve to ask if you want company. You just got home and probably wanted to relax…”
I cut her off. “I’d love company. My roommate will be coming home soon, but your company sounds a lot better.”
“I’ll get ready then. Unless you need more time to get settled.”
“Get your pretty face over here,” I teased. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ll be right over.” I could hear the smile in her voice, and it made me grin much wider.
I couldn't believe I'd get to see her soon—at my house. I wanted to plan a date night at home and make her a candlelit dinner but tonight would be about catching up after being apart for almost a month. I unpacked quickly and was about done when the doorbell rang.
I took one more look in the mirror before opening the door. “Okay, wait. I do not remember you being so beautiful. Get over here.” I hugged her around her waist and lifted her slightly, so I wasn’t bending so low.
“Well, nice to see you too.” She giggled. “I was obviously more beautiful during our first date. I’m in loungewear and a messy bun.”
I rolled my eyes, giving her a bright smile. “I think I like this tuned-down version of you a little better.” I saw her chest and cheeks turn crimson. “Go ahead and make yourself at home. Would you like some water? I think that’s all I have in the house to drink right now.”
“No Mountain Dew Zero?” she asked teasingly.
“I had to drink it all before I left, obviously. Couldn’t let the drink Jesus himself created go to waste, now, could we?” I gave her a mischievous grin.
She cracked up. A full belly laugh that left me speechless. “Water it is,” she finally said.
“If you want to follow me, I can give you a short tour of the house.” She reached for my arm to guide her to the kitchen—like on our first date. I looked down at her hand and then slowly into her eyes, giving her a genuine smile. I could get used to this.
“You have every kitchen appliance, so which ones do you actually use?” She walked around the kitchen admiring each one. They were all black and in pristine condition because if my Gram taught me anything, it was to always deep clean an appliance after each use.
“They’ve all been used, at least once. I do enjoy making myself a good meal, and of course, you've got to start your day with a couple shots of wake-up juice,” I said, pointing to the Nespresso machine. She chuckled. I couldn’t get enough of her laugh.
“I can’t have a lot of caffeine, so I can only drink a cup of coffee occasionally. I definitely can’t have espresso,” she admitted.
I scrunched my eyebrows together, turning to look at her. “Why can’t you have a lot of caffeine?” I asked. “Or is it personal?”
“I take a medication called Wellbutrin; it doesn't pair well with caffeine. If I have more than a small cup of coffee, I can’t sit still and become the Energizer Bunny from those old commercials, where I keep going and going.”
I blew out a breathy laugh. “So, no espresso for you. Noted.” She left the kitchen and roamed around the house. “Taking a self-guided tour?” I joked.
“I’m browsing. Why don’t you have any pictures on the walls?” She turned toward me, giving me a concerned expression.
“I haven’t gotten around to it.” I ran my fingers through my hair. The truth was, I hadn’t put any pictures up because I wasn't close to anyone anymore. I had a chest full of pictures; I hadn’t dared go through them all in years.
She made it over to my bookshelf. “You weren’t joking about reading romantic fantasy, were you?” She smirked.
I stood next to her. “I wasn’t. I love action, fight scenes, and war, but the love story as the world is falling apart around them is always so hopeful.”
“Do you have a favorite?” There was no judgment in her tone. I was a man who enjoyed a good romance, and I wasn't afraid to say it—especially to her.
We both sat on the love seat next to the bookshelf. “I don’t think I have an all-time favorite, give me dragons and love, and I’ll be having the best time.” I laughed at myself, and she joined me.
She scooted closer to me on the couch, our legs brushing against one another. “Have you read a fairytale retelling? It’s my new genre obsession,” she said enthusiastically.
My cheeks hurt from smiling with her. I should have been exhausted from being away from home and traveling all morning with little to no sleep.
“I thought of another date idea.” She cocked her head to the side, questioning. “It might sound cliche, but we go to a bookstore and pick out a book for each other to read—or we pick the same book to read together—and spend the rest of the night reading.”
Her smile grew the more I explained. “What a great idea,” she said. “Sounds perfect. Let’s plan it now.”
I put my arm around the back of the couch behind her. “I have another plan for date three already, but we’ll be sure to do it for date four.”
She settled into me. “Date four sounds like a good time to do it.” She emphasized do it in such a sensual way.
I pressed my tongue into my cheek, avoiding her gaze. She giggled. “What’s so funny?”
“Your face turned as red as a lobster.” She lightly pinched my cheek. “I hope it wasn't because of something I said…” She looked away, but her shoulders shook with laughter.
“We’re taking it slow, right?” I asked with lifted brows. She held the reins on the speed of our intimacy because if she asked me to kiss her, I wouldn’t even hesitate.
“Right,” she said, inching slightly away from me. “Should we put on a movie?” She looked back at me. “Cuddling on the couch watching a movie is moving slow, right?”
“Absolutely,” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to me. I grabbed the remote from the side table. “What should we watch?”
“Something with dragons and love,” she said with a wink.
“I know the perfect movie.” I put on How to Train Your Dragon. It was one of my favorite movies. I hoped she didn't think it was childish.
“I love this movie,” she said, molding herself to the side of my body and resting a hand on my chest. I brought my hand to her back and turned on the movie.
I was content for the first time in a long time.
I caught myself staring down at her because she had become the calm to my storm.
We watched the movie wrapped up in each other.
“Can I tell you something?” I asked as the movie came to an end.
“Always,” she said, sitting up to look me in the eyes.
“I’m glad we’re taking it slow and really getting to know each other, but I can’t imagine spending time with anyone else as long as we’re doing this.” I stared right into her eyes to show my sincerity. “I wouldn’t be thrilled by the idea of you seeing anyone else, but I don’t want to pressure you.”
“I don’t want to see anyone else either.” She gave me such a genuine grin. I couldn’t wait to kiss those lips. “I should be getting home, though. Would you mind walking me to my car?” She unraveled from my embrace, gathering her things.
“Serenity, I will always walk you to your car and even watch you drive away until you’re out of sight. Then I’ll be waiting for your text that you made it home safely.” Her safety became one of my top priorities.
“You’re something special, Grant.” We walked together toward the door, and Gio happened to walk in.
“You’re back,” he exclaimed. “Who do we have here?” His attention turned to Serenity.
“This is Serenity. And Serenity, this is my roommate, Gio.” They extended a hand to each other.
“Pleasure to meet you,” he said. “Are you all heading out?”
“I am,” she said. “I’m sure I’ll see you around, though.” She shot him a bright smile.
“See you,” he said, waving as he walked toward his room.
I walked Serenity out to her car. We hugged for a long time before I finally let her go. “Text me when you’re home safe, okay?”
“I will. Pinky promise.” We joined pinkies before she settled in her car and drove away.
I walked back into the house and leaned against the door with the biggest smile on my face. The exhaustion caught up to me from traveling, so I headed to bed, waiting for Serenity’s message before I fell asleep.
Serenity
I’m home. Thank you for the great night.
Me
Any time, pretty girl. Sleep is about to take me under, but let’s plan our next date tomorrow.
Serenity
Get that beauty sleep. Goodnight, buff boy.
Me
Goodnight, sad girl.
I woke up from the best sleep I’ve had in…
I don’t know how long. I didn’t even remember to take my sleep meds last night but still fell into the deepest sleep with thoughts of Serenity calming me.
There were hardly nights when I slept the whole night through.
I usually woke up from nightmares and spent the rest of the time in a restless sleep.
I already wanted to see Serenity again. I hoped she didn’t have to work tonight, so maybe I could make her dinner.
Me
Good morning, pretty. Do you happen to work tonight?
Serenity
I’m actually heading to work now, but I’m off at four. Miss me already?
Me
Always. Can I make you dinner tonight?
Serenity
What time? Should I bring anything?
Me
How about 6? Just bring your cute self. Have a good day at work.
Serenity
See you soon.
I crawled out of bed to prepare for the day, but first—coffee. Gio stood in the kitchen having his coffee.
“Hey man,” I said as I approached the Nespresso machine to put a pod in.
“How was the trip?” he asked, sipping on his steaming cup of coffee.
“Work was fine. But I was ready to be home.” I took my cup of coffee to sit with him at the table.
He looked up in thought. “I could see why,” he said, winking.
“It’s not like that,” I assured. “I really like her, though. Like a lot. Not only physically, either.”
His eyes widened, and he set down his coffee. “Whoa, that’s big. You haven't given anyone a second glance in as long as I’ve known you.”
“I know. I’m super excited about it, but also a nervous fucking wreck.
” I played it cool throughout last night, but I also thought about how important she could become to me.
The fear threatened to overcome me, but I deserved a chance at love again.
Serenity was worth it. I wanted to prove to her how worth it she was to me.