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She survived the packed grocery story and arrived home before Gray got back. Free from the delectable distraction that was Gray Sherbrooke, Kiera lost herself in preparations for dinner. Once she did all the food prep she could, she turned her attention to cleaning. No one ever used the words neat and tidy to describe her. Most days, that didn’t bother her. If she decided to leave her magazines on tables and her dirty socks on her bedroom floor, it affected no one but her, a definite perk to living alone. So far, Gray hadn’t commented on it either so she assumed it didn’t bother him.
Her parents, especially her dad, viewed her lack of housekeeping skills in an entirely different light. Numerous times growing up, she’d been grounded when her bedroom didn’t meet his standards. He could no longer ground her, but he’d let his opinion be known if he found her apartment less than perfect. If he made such comments with her mom there, Kiera would brush them off. With Gray joining them tonight, however, she’d rather avoid any negative comments from her dad. Since her parents had no reason to examine her bedroom for an unmade bed or stray sock, she focused her attention on the living room.
As of late she made a conscious effort to keep the room in better shape. Ever since Gray’s first kiss, she’d hung up her jacket and brought her shoes upstairs rather than leave them by the couch or wherever else she’d kicked them off. She’d started sorting the junk mail that often lingered on the table every few days so a month’s worth didn’t build up. A few of her favorite magazines did remain on the coffee table now, but since she’d already read them, she tossed them into the recycling bin. She then moved on to vacuuming, an activity that took little time thanks to the size of her apartment.
Once done in the living room, Kiera moved on and finished the rest of the loft.
With everything in order, Kiera stretched out on the bed. She couldn’t officially start cooking dinner for another few hours, and the cake was cooling, which meant the only thing she had left was to shower.
Shower. Gray’s words earlier teased her and brought up all kinds of visions. She’d expected him back a while ago. He’d only gone for wine. Had he decided to pick up a few other things while out? Or had he run into friends.
Whatever kept him; she hoped he got back soon. In the meantime, she’d close her eyes for a few minutes. She’d slept later than normal this morning, but thanks to Gray, she’d gotten little sleep the night before. Kiera rolled onto her side and pressed her face into the pillow Gray slept on. The scent of his shampoo still lingered. Memories of the way he’d held her and touched her made her smile. Soon, those memories led to how she’d showed him her love, and she again hoped he got his cute butt home soon.
***
“Hey there, love.”
Warm lips touched her cheek, and she snuggled deeper into her pillow.
“Time to wake up.”
Something heavy dropped over her waist, and a solid form pressed against her back. Kiera touched the object now resting against her stomach. It felt like a hand. She moved her fingers upward across warm skin.
“Your parents will be here soon.”
Gray’s words sent her eyes open wide, and she rolled onto her back.
“Have a nice nap?”
Nap? She intended to lie down for a few minutes not fall asleep. “What time is it?”
“Almost three-thirty.” Gray leaned over at the same time she bolted upright, causing her to bump her head in his chin.
“Fudge.” Kiera rubbed her head. “That doesn’t give me a lot of time.”
“Fudge? You can’t think of a better swear than that?” Gray rubbed his chin where she’d bumped him.
Kiera scooted off the bed. Before she got dinner going and frosted the cake, she needed a shower. “My vocabulary isn’t as educated as yours.” She pulled her t-shirt off. “I need a shower. I’ll be back.”
“I thought you wanted help with that?”
She’d spent much of the afternoon thinking about that. “I need to make this quick. You should have gotten back sooner. What took you so long anyway? Did you go all the way to California for the wine?”
“After I bought it, I decided I should get your dad a present. It took me awhile to settle on something.” Gray came and stood near her. “Your dad still likes the theater, right?”
Kiera pressed her lips together and nodded, otherwise she feared she’d tell him he was the most thoughtful man alive. His ego didn’t need any boosting.
“Good. I got him and your mom tickets for a Broadway show next month. I booked them a suite at The Sherbrooke Regency in New York, too.”
“Gray, that’s—” Kiera stopped herself. For most people, Broadway Tickets and a stay at that particular hotel would put them in the hole for few months. Gray Sherbrooke didn’t fall into that group. If she wanted any proof about how far apart their stations in life were, there it was, right in front of her. “You didn’t have to get him anything.”
“I wanted to.” He took her face in his hands and kissed her. “Are you sure we don’t have time for that shower?” He pulled away and looked at her. The love and passion she saw reflected in his eyes left her wondering how she’d gotten so lucky.
“Unfortunately, I’m positive. Later, though, you have an appointment with a washcloth and my back.”
After zipping through a shower, Kiera tossed on some clothes and hit the kitchen.
Dinner cooked: check. House clean: check. Everything looked ready. She only needed her parents. They’d called twenty minutes ago and said they were on their way.
