AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I make my way past the kitchen and follow the sounds into the laundry room. when I turn the corner, I see Roman studying the settings in the washer.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
He startled and jumps back, slightly.
“I, uh, I’m doing some laundry. My clothes from the week,” he says, pointing to the open suitcase. “Why do you have a bat?”
I look down at the weapon in my hand and back to him. “I heard noises and needed something to fend off an intruder. I don’t like using the gun.”
“Well thank god for that,” he exhales a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry to wake you, baby.”
He takes the few steps to meet me and kisses my forehead.
“It’s okay.”
“I’m sorry I’m here so early, but I just couldn't stay away a minute longer. I missed you and the kids so much.”
“They missed you, too,” I tell him, leaving out the fact that my heart ached for him every night and each morning.
He gives me a tight smile when I mention the kids but not me.
I move past him and press a few buttons. The washer door clicks and the sound of water pouring into the basin fills the room.
“I can do that,” he says.
“I’m sure you can. But I’m saving your clothes from shrinking to Hunter’s size.” I smirk and he chuckles.
He tips the top of his suitcase with his foot and it falls shut.
“I was hoping I could take you all to breakfast this morning.” His hands circle my waist and a riot of goosebumps breaks out across my body. “I know you’re-that you have plans tonight, but I’d like to spend a little time with you this morning.
He remembered that I told him about going out with Lane and Dani tonight, which I am regretting. With the way my week has gone —lonely and busy— the last thing I want to do is spend the night being bounced around a crowded dance floor.
“Um, sure. Is it okay if we go around nine? The kids and I stayed a little late watching a movie last night, and I’d like to let them sleep in.”
“Of course, he says. “I need a shower, anyhow. Dad’s shower sucks. He has this misting shower head and I felt like someone was spitting on me every time I stepped in. Throw in that I was practically eye level with the damn thing and it was just horrible all around.”
I laugh and picture my big husband in the small guest bathroom shower, squatting to wash himself. His dad is a big guy, too, but he and his wife had their master bathroom built out to accommodate that.
Obviously the other bathrooms didn’t get the same treatment.
I laugh and he does the same.
“I need one, as well. But you go ahead.”
“No. You first. I’ll make us some coffee,” he leans forward and cups my face, rubbing his thumb across my cheek.
I nod and spin around to go upstairs.
I start the shower to let it warm up, stripping off my pajamas and take a look in the mirror.
I’ve lost a little weight as my appetite has been nonexistent. My misery over the last week's events have weighed heavily on me, and I just haven’t been able to stomach food. Small bites at dinner to keep up appearances for the kids, but I mostly just pushed my food around the plate.
My skin is paler than usual, and my eyes look dull and the closer I look at my hair, I can see the oily roots. My hair is about ninety percent dry shampoo at this point as I couldn’t find the energy to have to wash and style it.
I am a mess. I should just tell Lane and Dani that I don’t feel well.
The mirror begins to fog and I move to get in the shower. I adjust the temperature and close my eyes as I lean my head back. The water cascades over my body like a warm embrace. And despite the heat, a shiver crawls over me.
