“I know,” she said with a small smile. “I’m just—”
I shook my head. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, and I squeezed her fingers. “Could we stop by the grocery store?”
“Sure.”
I drove us to the large one by my building, and we went in. We both added some things to the cart. I hid my smile at all the baking ingredients she added. I needed some basics, and I stopped at the butcher counter, looking at steaks. It was supposed to be a nice weekend, and I thought I would grill our meals.
She let out a sudden giggle, and I glanced at her. “What?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. I, ah, I just have to go there.” She pointed toward the pharmacy. “I’ll be right back.”
“You’re okay?”
She nodded. “I can see you, and I’ll only be a moment.”
My number was called, so I moved forward, asking for the steaks I’d chosen, watching as Raven moved to the pharmacy, picking up something, and heading back toward me. I turned back to the butcher, asking for some chicken, my attention diverted for a moment. Raven appeared beside me, setting a couple of things in the basket. We finished the shopping and headed for the cash register. I began to unload onto the belt.
“Damn, I forgot sour cream,” I muttered.
“Go get some. I’ll unload.”
I hesitated, and she looked at me. “I’m surrounded by people,” she pointed out.
She was right, so I hurried away, returning just as our order was done. I added the container and frowned as she scanned her card before I could get mine out.
“Don’t argue with me,” she said. “I’m inconveniencing you enough. I’m paying for the groceries.”
I held up my hands and added the packed bags to the cart.
I didn’t say a word until we parked and got into the elevator. I set down the bags I was carrying and rested my arms on either side of her, caging her in.
“You, Raven, are not an inconvenience.”
Then I kissed her.
By the time the elevator door opened, we were both breathless.
“We clear on that now?”
Her eyes were wide in her face, her lips wet. She nodded wordlessly. I pressed my mouth to hers again. “Tell me when you need reminding again.”
A smile pulled at her lips.
“I will.”
* * *
“Where will you grill the steak?” Raven asked.
I indicated she should follow me, and I took her up the steps that were only accessible from this floor that led to the rooftop. She gasped in wonder at the pots of flowers and herbs and the small grassy area.
“This is amazing!”
“Marcus was big on gardening. Grew all his own herbs. I don’t have as many, but I try to keep some, plus the flowers. I added the gazebo and the grill. I like to sit outside.”
“It’s awesome.” She sat down at the table. “You would never know this was up here.”