“I’m okay. Just go back to bed,” I said, trying to push him away with my weak arms and failing.
“Fat chance babe,” he replied. I knew without looking at him that he had that damn smirk on his face. I leaned up, wiping the residue of my vomit from the toilet. “I’ll get that babe, come on,” Luke said, placing his hands on my shoulders, waiting for me to stand.
“I got it. Just go away. Please.” I was mortified and the last thing I wanted was for Mr. Perfect to see me like this. I struggled to stand and he helped me, holding onto me while I went to the sink to wash my mouth. Fuck it. He could stay. I didn’t have the strength to argue with him anymore. My face was pale and my still damp hair was a mess.
I washed my face, rinsed my mouth and brushed my teeth with the new tooth brush Luke handed me. Noticing my shirt was no longer clean; I took it off and carelessly dropped it to the floor. Luke never spoke, just stood there beside me. I never looked at him. How could I? I made my way back to the bedroom and crawled in the bed, turning my back to him. If I had my car, I would have left right then.
Luke laid down beside me pulling the covers up with him. He rubbed my back, my ass, and my shoulders. He was so attentive. How in the hell was he single?
“Why are you single?” I blurted out.
“I have been waiting for you,” he responded, kissing my head. Good one Luke. I smiled to myself, wondering how many times he had used that line. I lay awake for a long time after that. When I finally did dose, Luke’s tireless arms were still caressing me.
Mornings in Luke’s arms are indescribable. I have never felt so safe and secure and loved as I do when I am in his arms. I knew there was no way he could love me this soon, but it was nice to think about. We were still in the same position as when I went to sleep, so I couldn’t see his face. I wanted to turn over so I could admire him, but I didn’t want to wake him, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to wake up completely myself.
His arm moved from my waist and I quickly closed my eyes. For some reason I didn’t want him to know I was awake. I was sure it had something to do with attention, but I didn’t want to admit that. I felt him lean up, like he was looking over at me. He brushed the hair out of my face and planted a kiss on my temple then got out of bed.
I could hear some noises that sounded like it was coming from the kitchen.
Deciding not to spend all day in bed I got up and rummaged through his drawers, finding a pair of basketball shorts and one of his many black t-shirts. In the bathroom, I noticed that the color had returned to my face. I looked well rested and was only slightly sore. I piled my hair on my head and brushed my teeth, then struck out to find Luke. He was in the kitchen, wearing nothing but pajama pants that hung low on his waist. He looked scrumptious. He spotted me and his face lit up into a smile.
“Good morning beautiful,” he said cheerfully. I smiled shyly, crossing my arms and looking at the floor. He always knew just what to say to make me blush. “I’m making us some breakfast. It’s quite a delicacy too. You may have heard of it before.” He held up a packet of instant oatmeal and I laughed.
“Sounds great,” I said, taking a seat at the bar.
“Orange juice or coffee?” he asked setting both on the bar in front of me.
“Juice, please.” He poured me a big glass and I greedily drank it all. He smirked at me refilling my glass. “I was thirsty. You know dry mouth from the… well from last night.” I looked down at my knotted fingers, not meeting his gaze.
“Well, I have plenty,” he said turning and taking the steaming kettle from the stove. Thank God he wasn’t going to elaborate on what happened last night. He fixed us both a bowl of oatmeal and sat down beside me. The oatmeal smelled fabulous and I was starving. It tasted just as good as it smelled and I couldn’t remember ever being able to make it taste this good.
“Dallas, I want to make us official,” Luke suddenly said. I looked up to see him watching me. Wow. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. Did people even do that anymore?
“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend Mr. Carmical?” I asked dramatically. He laughed and dropped his stare to his hands. Was he embarrassed?