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Will he grow to find me annoying if I take advantage of his kindness? Bah, I don’t want to even let myself think down that path. I’ll never ask for anything in that case.
Listening to the hum of the machine, I watch the plate spin and spin. There’s a creak on the floor and I turn my head to the sound. I jump when I realize I’m not alone.
Idris jerks like my startled state has scared him as well.
“Sorry, sorry. I heard movement and hoped you woke up.” He keeps his distance, resting on the counter a solid ten feet away.
Compared to his outfit earlier, Idris looks dressed down. Was he sleeping before he heard me moving throughout his home? His hair is a bit rustled, so I’m left believing that’s the case.
The thought of him jumping up to check on me leaves a small flutter in my stomach. One that is unexplainable but not entirely hated.
“Have you heard from my father?” I ask instead of paying any attention to how my body reacted only moments ago.
Idris’ smile falters and he shakes his head. “I wouldn’t hold your breath. He’ll wait a few days before he calls. Knowing him, he won’t risk calling so soon.”
Good to know. Ordering myself not to get all stressed about it, I curse softly when the machine behind me beeps and I jump out of my skin for a second time. Everything is startling me lately.
Plucking out the plate, he points out where the utensils are before I move toward him to find the table I drank tea at. The same drink Idris is offering to make now.
I accept his kindness and soon, we’re sitting together and I’ve already scarfed down half of the food on my plate.
The corners of his eyes wrinkle as he watches me. Instead of pulling me into some conversation, he sips at his cup. Silence has never felt so welcoming. At the same time, having his eyes on me is making the same tingles attack my stomach all over again.
“So, before, you mentioned getting stuff for me.” My words come out a bit hesitant. “Does that just go for clothes?”
His eyes light up at my question. “Anything, Daria. What do you need?”
I look away as I feel some heat trickle up to my cheeks. “Well, I was thinking about snacks earlier. That, and because I didn’t have a lot of time to pack, I left most of my yarn at home. Do you think you can get me that kind of stuff?”
Before, I did a lot of crocheting to help pass the time. Always stuck at home, it’s one hobby I stuck with through the years.
That’s one of the things in my life thatisn’tdifferent. Even with my father, I had to find ways to keep myself busy whenever he wasn’t home. I’m sure I’ll be happier here if I can work on a new project. I’ll feel a little bit more like myself.
Idris looks surprised but soon nods. He shifts, pulling out a cell phone. Asking for my preferences, his eyes stay down on his screen as he types what I say. I’m assuming he’s making a list. That, or messaging someone late in the night. I hope he’s not waking anyone up for my sake.
“Can I have one of those too?” I ask as I look at his phone, figuring it wouldn’t hurt. My father made me leave my own behind much to my dismay.
“I’m sorry, but that’s not a good idea.” He grimaces a bit at having to turn me down. After typing away, he soon slips the device back into his pocket. “We’ll have your things here by tomorrow afternoon.”
“That quickly?” Caught off guard, I cough on my food.
He leans over the table with worry etched into his expression and immediately reaches a hand out. I quickly dismiss him, my face hot.
If this man keeps worrying about me, I’m going to start getting spoiled.
“Wrong pipe,” I offer instead as I use my tea to hide my face. How embarrassing.
The last thing I want is for Idris to think I can’t even eat without needing help.
He doesn’t pull his hand away fast enough and I’m left taking in those fingers of his. So close to touching me, I can’t stop myself from wondering how it would feel to have his fingertips graze my skin. He looks warm. Even earlier, through my clothes, his touch burned.
My pulse thumps and I feel it in my next swallow.
Well, this is no good. I can’t let my attention get caught by this man. He’s the guy my father asked to take care of, no, toprotectme. Not to make my heart pound and stomach tingle. Quite the opposite.
It’s only been a day. I’m confused after being put through the wringer all day. Tomorrow, I won’t think all of Idris’ kindness is for any reason other than him being a kind babysitter.
He sits with me while I eat. To fight against the noise of silence, he asks me questions about myself. Starting with my hobbies, he tugs out information. From my crocheting to my enjoyment of watching rom-com movies, I’m talking more to this man than I have anyone else before.
