“You didn’t need to do that.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you, I promised a fluffy and warm towel. Now get in there.”
“Thank you.” She smiled, and I realized then that I’d do anything to serve her to make her feel cared for. It was a strange mix, part of me wanted to strangle anyone who ever made her feel like she wasn’t worth their time. Part of me relished being the one to show her what being spoiled was like. She looked at this simple act as if it was one of the greatest gifts and I couldn’t wait to show her what she truly deserved.
I waited a few minutes after I heard the shower running to knock on the door.
“Yeah?” Her voice was tight, almost worried.
I spoke loud enough for my voice to reach through the door. “Do you mind if I sneak in and grab your clothes? Also, peppermint or regular hot chocolate?”
“Uh sure,” she said. “And regular please!”
I cracked the door and gathered her clothes. I did my best not to look at the frosted glass. I failed and though it was just a giant blur of skin-toned color; I saved that image for my mental bank later and adjusted my rapidly growing cock.
It was strange to see the infamous boots somewhere other than on her feet. I tossed her clothes into the wash along with my own. I checked the pocket of her jacket and pulled out some cash (seven dollars) and her silly little phone that looked more like a toy than anything else. I started the laundry and made my way to the kitchen to start the hot chocolate.
When I went back to my room, the shower was still running, and I sat on my bed, her phone in hand. It was as good of a time as any and I pulled the few cards from my wallet and added minutes to her phone. I wanted to text her as much as I wanted. I wanted to be able to call and not worry that she was lost in a ditch or something and unable to answer because she didn’t have those damn minutes. I couldn’t help looking at a few texts. Her most recent was to Rosalie.
ROSALIE: Just have fun and don’t overthink it! You idiot.
ELIZA: It just feels too natural. Too good to be true, you know?
ROSALIE: Just take it at your own pace and if he doesn’t like it, aim for the nuts.
ELIZA: I won’t need to make a nut shot. He’s actually nice. It just feels too weird.
ROSALIE: You deserve to be happy. Shut your brain off for a few hours and maybe pull the stick out of your ass, you’re too uptight. Quit texting me and get back to your date. (But you better text me later.)
I fought (and failed) the rising smile. I wanted more of this, more of her, but it was beyond clear how careful I would need to be around her. I didn’t want to scare her off.
My bathroom door creaked, and she stepped out, absolutely drowning in my clothes. “That’s a good look,” I said.
“Despite how much I had to roll the pants to fit, I am tempted to steal these, they’re so soft!”
“I’m half tempted to let you, like I said, it’s a good look.” I shamelessly let my eyes rove over her body and I couldn’t help but notice the little blush spreading across her cheeks.
“Thank you for this,” she said, shifting on her bare feet.
“For what? Refusing to let you sully my truck with your muddy consequence of being too slow?”
She threw her hands up. “I knew it was a mistake as soon as I agreed to that stupid race. But no.” She took a few steps toward me, stepping between my legs from where I sat on the edge of my bed. “For taking this at my own pace. For being nice.” She ran her fingers through my hair. She had to look slightly down at me from her new vantage point. Maybe it gave her the confidence boost she needed to make the first move. I closed my eyes as she tickled my scalp with her small hands. “I can come off as abrasive, a little blunt. It makes people uncomfortable.”
“A little blunt?” I raised an eyebrow at her.
She laughed. “You know what I mean. But thank you. For this.”
“And what isthis?” I asked. I didn’t want to have those juvenile conversations about labels but damn I wanted her to know I was serious, and she was mine alone.
“I don’t know…” Her voice faltered, and she looked stricken for a moment.
I gathered her hands in mine. “That wasn’t supposed to scare you. I’ll take a page from your book and be blunt.”
She rolled her eyes.
“What?” I smiled. “Was it the whole page/book pun? Or the blunt comment.”
“Both.”