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"Well, we haven't even started cooking, so if you guys want to go watch some TV while we do that, go for it," Betty says.
You don't have to tell me twice. Cuddling up to Adonis is just what I need right now. His strong arms around me make me feel like I'm at home. We settle into the couch, with me in the crook of his arm, while he surfs through the channels.
"So, I move into my new apartment next week. It's just down the hall from here."
He turns and smiles at me. "Are you inviting me over for a date?"
I love that he makes me laugh. Sometimes my face hurts from doing it too much. "I was thinking more than just a date, but sure."
Adonis and I haven't taken that next step yet, and it's all I can think about, what he will feel like, how he would moan my name... just all these dirty thoughts swirling through my mind.
"Well, you tell me when and I'll make dinner for you that night. Whatever you want."
I put my lips on his, not caring if my brother and Betty are watching.
What would my life be like if I didn't come back to Grapevine?
22
Adonis
The guys are done making a fuss about me being back at work. The first couple of days, they make me do light duty, even though I am healed and have signed documentation from my doctor to release me. So, today has been my first day doing my actual job. I step outside and the sun shines brightly in the sky, a deep lavender hue makes the scene even more dazzling.
It’s a reminder of the evenings I spend with Raven, the woman who has become more than so much more than a friend to me. She supported me through my recovery and gave me hopes for the future. Taking the leap to start dating is the best decision, and I have been nothing but over the moon since.
Raven has a way of putting things in perspective. She is strong and determined, and didn't back down from a fight or shy away from voicing her opinion. In many ways, she reminds me of Britney.
I’m determined to make the most of this second chance and to find the strength to keep on living. Even if my heart is shattered, the memories of my lost love will remain with me forever. But I am ready to build a future of my own with Raven.
Today she moves out of Ryan’s place and into her own. To say I’m excited is an understatement, because I don’t mind her being at my place, but it’s nice to be able to go to hers every once in a while. It’s not like we could do much at her brother’s apartment. It’s not like her brother doesn’t know she is a grown woman, but I don’t want to overhear him and his girlfriend going at it. Hard no! I’ll pass.
Once I get into my truck, I send her a message. She might still be getting things moved over - and her furniture should be there by now. I’m cooking dinner for her tonight, and the nervousness has set in. It’s not that I can’t cook, I’m just out of practice. There is no point in cooking a meal for one person and that’s all it’s been for years. Now that I have someone in my life, I can finally make my favorite meals again and share them with someone. Let’s hope I’m not too out of practice.
Raven: Just got the last of the stuff moved from Ryan’s. I’ll leave a key with my brother so you can get in if I can’t answer the door. Need to wash all this sweat off. Still cooking me dinner tonight?
Me: Grabbing ingredients from home right now and then headed to you.
Raven: So, are we thinking I need to wear a dress? Just want to know what i need to prepare myself for - you know or I could just wear sweatpants.
Me: You look gorgeous no matter what you wear, but I’ll be wearing a button-up. This is a special night. So, wear whatever makes you feel good.
Raven and I have yet to take the next step, and tonight seems to be the night. Obviously, if she is not into it, then we won’t, but we promised each other to take things slow, and now I’m ready to speed things up. When she isn’t around, I am thinking about her.
I stop by Ryan’s and get the key, and when I open the door, the shower is still running. She will take a while to get ready, which is normal for any woman, but this time it gives me plenty of time to prepare dinner. It will be hard to concentrate with her watching me otherwise.
By the time she is done, the food is ready. I bought all of his ingredients from the local farmers market - fresh vegetables, spices, meats are cooked beautifully with an array of seasonings tantalized even my own taste buds as they simmered in fragrant sauces on the stovetop. A bottle of fine red wine rests on ice.
This might be cliche as hell but I want tonight to be perfect. So, I usher her to the table and pull out a chair for her. Instead of sitting next to each other, I sit across so I am able to see her face while we talk tonight.
The apartment is dimly lit, creating a romantic ambiance and allowing us to focus on each other. Raven is in a long, black dress highlighting her curves and I have chosen a blue button-up shirt.
I open a bottle of chilled wine and pour it into two glasses.
"To us," Raven says.
I clink my glass against Raven’s and say, “To us.” We both sip our champagne, taking in the other’s presence.
Raven spreads a slice of bread with butter and I follow suit. We take a bite and smile as the warm, buttery flavor filled our mouths.
