“It’s settled then,” I chuckle. “I’ll have a keycard made for you.”
“That would be a great help. The concierge is cute and all, but I think my bedazzled sparkle is too much for him so early in the morning.” She heads to the kitchen and begins to open cupboards.
“Let me know if you need anything. I’ll run to the store later.”
“Oh, you can bet your bedazzled ass I’ll make a list.” A frown forms on her forehead when she opens the fridge. “Don’t you have food in this place?”
“We usually order in,” I explain.
Her head pops up from behind the fridge door. “I guess I’ll have to play chef as well then. There’s no way my godbaby is living on takeout.”
Dash goes to give her godmother a hug. “Thank you.”
“No need, my angel-girl.”
“Let’s get cleaned up,” I say to Dash, holding my hand out to her. When she takes hold of me, I pull her after me to the bedroom. “Shower so you can get back to Miss Sebastian.”
Dash goes into the bathroom while I walk to the closet. Opening her set of drawers, I grab some sexy lingerie. I drop it on the bed, then head back for her favorite oversized t-shirt and sweatpants.
When she comes out of the bathroom after showering, a towel wrapped around her body, her eyes fall on the clothes before they dart to me.
My lips curve up as I pick up the black lace thong. “I really don’t care what you wear, but this… this I insist on. It’s one hell of a turn-on knowing you’re wearing lingerie.”
A smile curves around her mouth. “Thank God. I’m really fond of Victoria’s Secret.”
I drop the lace back to the bed, and closing the distance between us, I let my fingers brush up her shoulder until they wrap around the side of her neck. Staring deep into her eyes, I ask, “Do you feel a little better today?”
She nods, and then love softens her features. “Thank you, Christopher.”
“Anything for you.” I lean down and press a kiss to her lips, then head to the bathroom.
DASH
With Miss Sebastian here today, dragging us to the store and rearranging the kitchen, I’ve had zero time to get stuck in my mind.
Sitting down at the dining table, the corner of my mouth lifts as I glance over the feast she prepared for lunch. Just the fact that she made a meal in itself means the world to me because I know how much she hates cooking.
Christopher sits down next to me, and when Miss Sebastian takes a seat across from us, she says, “Good, God, let’s eat.”
My gaze returns to the food. Biscuits with gravy, buffalo wings, creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, and roasted cauliflower.
“It’s like Thanksgiving,” I say, a smile wavering around my lips. “Thank you.”
Christopher reaches for the green beans and puts a huge scoop on my plate. “You should actually just take the bowl. I know how much you love them,” he teases.
He’s been doing little things like that all day, like setting out my clothes and now encouraging me to eat.
It helps. So much.
It feels like I’ll be able to get back to the point in my life where I can make decisions for myself without worrying about the consequences.
One day.
Right now, I just need Christopher to take control, and he’s doing it so effortlessly.
Moving my hand under the table, I place it on his thigh. His right hand instantly covers mine as he continues to load food onto our plates.
If Miss Sebastian notices, she doesn’t say anything.
When I reach for my fork, my hand begins to tremble, but I push through and pick it up. I spear a green bean. Fear begins to trickle into my veins.
“Eat, Dash,” Christopher murmurs, his voice low and commanding.
I instantly take a bite, and then it gets easier to eat.
Baby steps. I’ll get there.
After the meal, I load the plates and cutlery into the dishwasher.
Miss Sebastian sits down in the living room, then she says, “You don’t mind if I watch Shadowhunters?”
“Of course not,” Christopher answers. He comes to lean against the counter and crosses his arms over his chest, and then his eyes rest on my face. “How are you holding up?”
I nod. “Better.”
When I turn on the dishwasher, Christopher reaches for my arm and pulls me closer until I’m standing in front of him. His hands settle on my hips, and he tilts his head. “I’m so proud of you.”
His words surprise me, hitting hard and deep.
He tugs me closer until I’m pressed against his body. I lift my hands and rest them on his shoulders.
His gaze drifts over my face before settling back on my eyes. “My life, fuck, you’re beautiful.”
My mouth begins to curve up.
Leaning down, he presses a kiss to my lips, and I close my eyes to take in the feel of him.