Peeking intothe hall to make sure the coast was clear, he then returned to herside and gathered her up in his blanket.
“Kelley?”
“Sh… let me,” he said, carrying her into the bathroom. Heplaced her on her feet and proceeded to turn the shower on. He thenhelped her into the tub and joined her, drawing the curtain aroundthem.
Feeling something between joy and sorrow, Becky let him lookafter her. It’s what he did best. It might not be forever, butshe’d take it for as long as she could. Funny how the mind works,going up and down from one moment to the next. Watching him soap upthe puffy loofa, she wondered what she would do when he was nolonger with her. Whenever that may be. Perhaps at the end of theschool year. Perhaps when he graduated college in a years time. Nodoubt, she would have to move on. Maybe move back to Toronto. She’dhave to find a place of her own. Away from the House of Goths. Awayfrom Dorian and Crispin. Away fromKelley…
“Love, why the long face?” he asked, slowly skimming the loofaover her skin.
“It’s nothing…” she said, refusing to give into herinsecurities. They had just shared a magical moment. She was notabout to let her fears ruin it.
“A little overwhelming, isn’t it?” he guessed.
“Yes, that’s all it is,” she agreed, resting her back againsthim while he massaged the shampoo into her hair.
“Well, you’re in good hands.” He hugged her close. “I’ll takecare of you.”
“Yes…”
“You’re a little sore, I imagine?”
“A little bit, yes,” she whispered as he leaned in and ran hissoapy hand, gently between her legs. “It was worth it, though,” shesaid with a smile.
“Aw…” He winced, hugging her tighter. “You weren’t afraid of meback there, were you? I mean when I went all caveman onyou?”
“Of course not,” she said with a throaty giggle. “I like itwhen you play all tough like that.”
“Tough, but never rough.” He snuck a kiss on hercheek.
Chapter 45
The next fewdays around the house were pure bliss as far as Becky wasconcerned. For the most part, everyone was happy enough to lazearound the place. Mornings were spent at the breakfast table,perusing local flyers for sales. Afternoons were spent napping invarious rooms, and evenings were spent watching movies together inthe front room.
Dorian was allsmiles, coming and going with Heather, running off upstairstogether for hours on end, while Keegan was happy enough to loungeabout. Becky and Kelley couldn’t keep their hands off each other.They were always sneaking off into dark corners, to make out awayfrom prying eyes.
Crispin, on theother hand, went from melancholy to all out misery. While he washappy for his housemates, it was killing him to be around all thatdomestic bliss.
Christmas Evemorning, Becky greeted the unhappy Goth in the kitchen, just ashe’d poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Are you off to see Gracie, today?” Becky asked as he kindlypoured her a cup.
“Why would I do that?” he asked, taking a seat at the kitchentable.
“To give her your present?” she suggested. “Perhaps she’llchange her mind when she sees the pretty bracelet. She’ll realizehow thoughtful you are.”
“Fat chance of that ever happening…” he said, giving her aquirky smile.
Becky satbeside him and observed the sullen expression on his otherwisebeautiful face. “What a terrible waste,” she said, reaching out andlightly stroking his dark wavy mane. “She doesn’t deserve you,Crispin.”
“She’s better off without me,” he said, gazing out the backwindow.
“She doesn’t appreciate what she’s got, foolish girl,” Beckysaid, placing her hand over his. “I just can’t understand why shewould pass up the chance at…”
“That’s enough, Becky,” he said with a frown. “I know you thinkyou’re helping, but you’re not.”
“I’m sorry…”
“It’s just that… you have a way of filling me up with hope,” hesaid, turning his fingers around and grabbing hold of herhand.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“It is, when you’re me.” He gave her hand a firm squeeze, thengot up and left the kitchen.
Moments later,Dorian and Heather appeared, all smiles and giggles. “Good morning,you two,” Becky said, watching as Heather’s cheeks flushed at beingcaught. The two of them couldn’t even be bothered to get properlydressed. Dorian showed up wearing only sweat pants, his heavilytattooed chest on display. Heather wore only an oversized t-shirtof his, and fluffy slippers on her feet.
“Hi, Becky,” Heather chirped, standing by as Dorian proceededto make her breakfast.
“Hey, you…” Dorian said, ruffling Becky’s hair. “Want eggs? I’mmaking everyone breakfast!” he announced proudly.
“Sure thing, Dorian,” Becky smiled as Heather sat down at thetable.
“Isn’t he amazing?” Heather said with a sigh.
“He is that,” Becky agreed, watching the dynamics between thesetwo seemingly opposites. Heather with her blonde hair and freshface. Dorian, well, what could she say other than he wasn’t exactlythe type of guy that Becky imagined Heather would be into, yet herethey were, so obviously into each other.
And then therewas Kelley… Becky couldn’t contain her admiration when he enteredthe kitchen, all dressed up so early in the morning. The man rarelydressed down. Not that she was complaining. He was absolutelygorgeous in his glorious Gothness.
“Good morning, love.” He greeted Becky first with a kiss on thecheek. “Heather, how are you?”
“Fine…” Heather said suddenly very shy. She was like that,Becky observed. When it was just her and Dorian, Heather was quitecomfortable and chatty but as soon as any of the other guysappeared, she immediately clammed up.
“Dorian’s making us breakfast!” Becky said, following Kell’sglorious butt with her eyes as he poured himself some coffee.Sometimes, she still couldn’t quite believe that thismouth-watering specimen of hunky manliness was all hers.
“Is that right? Then I’ll have mine over easy, mate,” he said,playfully slapping Dorian on the shoulder.
Chapter 46
“Not so fast,love,” Kell said, catching Becky on her way to the couch. Beforeshe could escape him, he nabbed her around the waist.
“Kelley…” She giggled, going limp in his fortress-like arms. “Iwas hoping for a little after breakfast nap.”
“There’ll be plenty of time for napping later,” he said intoher ear, his hot breath tickling the sensitive skin of her neck.“Now,
