here. She’d come to me at last.
By the time I got a glass of water and came back she was fast asleep.
I chuckled lightly under my breath and pulled the covers over her. After I’d tucked her in, I turned out the light and joined her. It was a long time until I finally drifted off. I held her in my arms, breathed her in, and let my imagination run wild with scenarios of every night being just like this.
I woke up to the smell of bacon and an empty bed. Even Marshmallow had abandoned me. I pulled on a clean t-shirt and sweatpants and wandered out to the kitchen. She didn’t spot me right away, so I got to take her in – long hair pulled up into a high ponytail, tank top, no bra, bless the good Lord, and small sleep shorts that seemed funny since she’d fallen asleep fully clothed meaning she had to have put them on after she woke up this morning. She padded around the large space barefoot, humming and fully engrossed in whatever she was cooking.
“Smells great.”
She jumped and then glanced over to me with a shy smile.
“I hope it’s okay I ransacked your kitchen.”
“Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just add it to the grocery list on Alexa and I’ll have it sent to the house this afternoon.”
“What’s the plan for today?” She grabbed two plates and started placing food on both. Bacon, eggs, toast, fruit.
“I thought you might want to see your brother, so I could take you over there this morning. Team thing isn’t until tonight. We’ve got all day.”
“I’d love that.”
We sat at the huge dining room table that I’d never used before. I almost always ate in the living room, but she’d put out place settings and honestly, I’d have eaten in the bathtub if that’s what she wanted.
“Nothing that requires syrup this time, I see.”
She blushed and I leaned over to kiss her. Marshmallow jumped onto the table and walked between us.
“You’ve wasted no time becoming her favorite again.”
She smiled and ran her hand along Marshmallow’s back. “I think she remembers me.”
I’d been yapping on about her for months, so yeah, my cat hadn’t a chance to forget Adele. “I think so too.”
After breakfast we showered together. It took us probably the better part of an hour before we’d both had enough of one another to tide us over until later.
I drove to her brother’s house a little regretful to share her. Aubrey was at the door when we pulled up and as soon as we stepped out of the truck, CJ ran past her and threw himself against Adele’s legs, hugging tightly. He didn’t let go even while she hugged Aubrey and then Chance over the top of him.
“Alright, buddy, you can let go. She’s spending the day with us and you can’t hold on to her the whole time.”
“Like hell he can’t.” Adele scooped him up and hugged him properly. He squealed and laughed.
Aubrey and Adele chatted excitedly, and Chance offered me a shrug. “You want something to drink?”
“Water would be great.”
We let the women have time to catch up and settled on the couch.
“Guess there are some perks to you dating my sister if it means she’ll be visiting more often.”
“Hopefully.”
“So, what’s this event you’re going to tonight? Something with the team?”
“Yeah, big media night. Cocktails and dinner as they unveil the new safe-standing supporter’s section.”
“How’s Adele feel about going to something like that?”
“She’s excited. I think.” I hadn’t second guessed it until now. “Didn’t she and what’s his face go to parties and things?”
“I don’t think so.” Chance shook his head. “Maybe office parties or that type of thing, but they were long distance for most of their relationship and when they spent weekends together, I think they mostly just stayed in.”
I nodded. We were basically falling into the same routine and I didn’t like the idea of doing anything the same way she and Dick had. Tonight, we’d do it up right and I’d make a point to take her out more often from now on.
“It’ll be fun. Don’t worry, Adele’s solid and I’ll be there.”
“Just keep an eye on her. I know what those events can be like and I don’t know how Adele will react. If you hurt her or put her in harm’s way, I’ll have to punch you.”
I chuckled under my breath. I understood that he worried about his sister, but he didn’t know how strong