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As I pulled into the driveway, I sighed. What an unappealing dinner.
The grey-panelled garage door opened as I clicked the remote on my keys, and I parked my car next to Deb’s previously bright red Suzuki Swift. Judging by the last time she used it, she’d need a jump-start to be able to drive it again. It had a thin layer of dust coating it, which made the bright red look murky.
I walked inside and had a hot shower, and as I was drying off, I heard the doorbell ring.
For a moment, I wondered who could be visiting so late, then I remembered I’d told Seb he could come over. Wrapped in my towel, with wet hair dripping down my back, I made my wayover to the front of the house and opened the door. Sure enough, there Seb stood.
‘Sorry I’m home so late. We were booked out, and I had a ridiculous amount of pizza orders. I should’ve texted you, but I’ve been so sidetracked by this kitchen drama that happened tonight. It really threw me,’ I said quickly while I pressed my palm to my forehead.
‘I only just got here. I texted you saying I was running late. Don’t worry about work, babe.’ His brows raised as he flashed his pearly whites.
‘Oh, I was in the shower and haven’t looked at my phone yet.’ I folded my arms across my chest and sighed.
‘All good.’ His eyes ran over me.
I looked down at the paper grocery bag in his hand.Ooh, what’s in there?My excitement switched to offended as the intrusive memory of the night’s kitchen drama entered my head.
‘No, seriously, I am really hurt. Daniel told me off tonight for blonde hair being in the food, and I could tell from looking at it, it wasn’t my hair. It was short, and you know how long my hair is. God, he frustrates me.’ I leaned against the door, sighing again.
‘Yeah, bosses can be jackasses. Don’t worry about it. You’re home now. Sooo …’ He gestured inside, beyond me. ‘Can I come in?’
I shook my head, still so preoccupied with work. ‘Sorry. Of course.’
He came in and stood looking around the lounge room. ‘No Deb tonight? I see the couch is empty.’
‘Yes – no Deb. She’s out with a friend.’ I smiled.
‘Oh, Billy is out tonight too. He tried to convince me to stay out with him, but I wanted to come here and see my favourite girl.’ He grinned.
‘Well, I’m glad because I could use the company.’ I could smell something delicious and pointed to the bag in his hand. ‘What’s in there?’
‘I figured you hadn’t eaten since brekkie, so I brought you some Thai.’
‘Oh my God. You didn’t, did you?’ Small tears of joy formed in the corners of my eyes as my mouth watered.
‘Don’t get your hopes up. It’s cold, but it’ll do the job.’ He passed me the bag.
‘Yep, that’s what microwaves are for.’ I laughed, overjoyed at the prospect of eating something other than seafood and reheated barbecue chicken.
He laughed too as I grabbed bowls from the cupboard and placed them on the kitchen counter. I took the takeaway containers out of the bag and put half of the rice in each bowl, then poured red curry over them and topped them with Pad Thai. Once both bowls were in the microwave, I didn’t take my eyes off the time countdown until it said zero and there was ading.
We ate the steaming food over the kitchen counter, not even bothering to go to the dining table. I leant across the bench, shovelling the food into my mouth, while Seb sat on the barstool.
‘I am so thankful for this, Seb. Really.’ I nodded in appreciation.
‘No worries, baby. I’m glad you like them mixed like I do.’ His face was alight with pleasure at our shared taste.
After we finished eating, I wiped the benches, just like at work, and rinsed and stacked the bowls in the dishwasher. Then we walked down the hallway towards my room. I realised with a jolt I still had only a towel on.What am I thinking prancing around the house in just a towel?Clearly, I needed sleep because my mind was in another land.
‘Ummm, gosh, I guess I’d better put something on,’ I said as I adjusted the towel tighter so that it didn’t unravel and reveal my naked body.
‘If you want to. You look pretty sexy like that.’ He looked me up and down with a thrill in his eyes.
‘See you in a minute.’ I laughed and headed towards the bathroom.
He grabbed my arm and stopped me.
‘What?’ I said as I turned to him.
