Mother Nature: The Bitch
I chewed my nails thinking about him being stuck in NOLA during a hurricane. Would I know is he was ok? Visions of Hurricane Katrina filled my mind and made my stomach queasy.
The storm track never wavered, landfall would be New Orleans. Kayden cancelled his airplane ticket; deciding to drive to get out of the path and to see me.
“I’m getting ready to leave now, babe,” Kayden said over the phone.
“It’s already five here, you worked all day, and it’s a long drive. Are you going to be okay?” I asked.
“I’ll be fine. I have a cooler filled with energy drinks, a bag of candy, and music to keep me awake. Knowing I’ll be with you in a couple of hours will keep me awake.”
“Just drive slowly for God’s sake. I’ll be here waiting, no need to rush.”
“I’ll drive like I always do. I’ll be there in about nine hours.”
“That’s what worries me. Be safe love, I just want you in one piece,” I said, sighing into the phone.
“I’ll text you in a little while and keep you updated on where I am. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Kayden.” I tapped the end button on my phone.
I needed to make myself busy while he drove. I knew he’d be careful, but the radar showed pockets of rain along the Gulf Coast and it would be dark soon. I cleaned my bedroom, straightened up the house, and showered. His text messages were sparse, each one giving me solace.
My eyes stung and grew heavy with each passing minute until I drifted off to sleep.
I blink a few times to clear the haze that formed on my contacts as I grabbed my phone.
My heart pounded in my chest. I had to get out of this bed. I wanted to be outside when he pulled in. I brushed my teeth, covered the dark circles that formed under my eyes and headed outside, book in hand.
It was after one a.m. and the stillness filled the air. The stars twinkled above as the moon illuminated my surrounding. Sitting on the front step, I opened my book, but I couldn’t process the words.
A loud screeching echoed, my head turned to see what caused the vile noise—a white truck rounded the corner. My pulse went into overdrive as soon as I realized that Kayden was in that little white truck.
The truck came to an abrupt stop in the street, he jumped out and I ran down the driveway. I jumped into his arms unable to hold back my excitement.
His work uniform was dirty, his boots untied, and smelled musky from a day of hard work in the sun.
“Surprised you, didn’t I?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. A tear trickled down my cheek onto his shirt, relief flooded me knowing that he was safe.
“I’m gross from working all day, baby doll.”
“I don’t care. I’m just so happy you’re here safely.”
“I need a shower before we crawl into bed,” he said backing away from me.
“Let’s get you cleaned up, you need rest,” I said.
“One thing,” he said.
His hands cupped my face and as he kissed me. Not a passion filled kiss, but one filled with love and relief.
His lips pulled away from mine. “Let me grab my stuff,” he said.
He pulled a small bag from the passenger seat before holding my hand and walking inside with me.
I turned the shower on for him while he put his bag in my room, not wanting to waste a moment. While he showered I undressed and crawled into bed. I heard the shower turn off and my bedroom door opened. Crawling in next to me, I could instantly feel the warmth of his skin.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered to him as he hovered over my lips.
“I’m happy to be here with you,” he replied and then kissed me passionately and with hunger.
“I love you, Kayden,” I said to him as I melted into his arms.
“I love you, too. Sweet dreams, beautiful,” Kayden said as he kissed the top of my head and stroked my arm lightly with his fingertips.
I woke before Kayden as I often did. I watched him for a minute before rolling over trying not to wake him. I put my robe on and grabbed my glasses. I started the coffee and pulled all of the ingredients out of the refrigerator for breakfast. I wanted to surprise him and I knew he’d be starving when he woke up.
Suzy emerged from her room when the scent of bacon and eggs must have drifted under her door. “Morning, Suzy,” I said cheerfully as I continued to prepare breakfast.
“Kayden make it in okay? Although… I don’t really even have to really ask, since you’re so happy and cheerful this morning,” she said with a chuckle, rubbing her eyes and stretching in the living room.
“Yeah, he finally made it in around one thirty,” I said to her as I moved around the kitchen, prepping the toast and pouring the orange juice. “Would you like to have breakfast with us, Suz?”
“Really? That would be great. What do you want me to do to help?”
Suzy finished the eggs while I went to wake Kayden.
I opened the door and stood in the doorway for a moment. He slept peacefully, lying on his back with the blankets pulled up to his chin, holding a pillow in his arms. I sat down on the bed next to him and kissed his lips.
“Good Morning, handsome,” I said to him in a whisper just loud enough to wake him but not startle him. “Breakfast is ready.”
“Morning, baby. I thought I was dreaming for a minute. I was scared to open my eyes and not be in your bed,” he said as he reached out and stroked my cheek.
“I’m here, baby. Not dreaming this time.” I said to him as I moved the covers off of his body to expose his naked flesh. “Come on, we can have breakfast before we decide what to do today.”
He grabbed me, pulling me on top of him, holding me tightly against his hot flesh.
“Stop, Kayden. If we fool around now, Suzy will ruin the breakfast,” I said to him while trying get out of his grip.
