“You ready? I left my car running so it would stay warm.” He motioned to the curb.
“Yep. Just need these.” I pointed to my boots.
“Let me grab her for you.” Blake reached for the carrier and took it from my hands.
“Thanks.” I slipped my boots on, and then followed him out onto the porch. “You could have waited in the car. I would have come out,” I mumbled as we walked down the steps.
“That is not acceptable. A gentleman never picks up his lady from the car. He always walks her to and from the door.” He scowled at me as he secured Ava’s carrier in the backseat.
I thought about it for a few minutes. Warren never walked me to and from the car. If he was picking me up after work, he would just honk and expect me to come out. “I’ll remember that. Thanks.” I gave him a quick peck on the cheek as he opened my door for me.
After slipping in the front seat, I secured my belt and then relaxed back against the warm leather. Soft jazz was playing on the radio, and the only light was that of the street lights outside. Memories flooded me of the nights Warren took me out. Blake had never asked, and I wondered why. Without thinking, the words came flying out. “How come we never go out places for dinner?” My face turned red almost immediately.
Blake glanced at me and then back at the road. “Is that something you want to do?”
“I don’t know. Forget I said anything,” I muttered as I turned to stare out at the city as we made the short drive. Blake only lived a few blocks away. If it wasn’t freezing out, we could have walked.
“No.” His voice was firm. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” My head whipped around in his direction. I could see frown lines, and his grip had tightened on the wheel. He was angry, and I wasn’t sure what I’d done to cause it.
“Pretend like you don’t matter. I want to know how you feel about things. I want to know your desires, your wishes. I wanna know if I do something that you don’t like. I want you to talk to me. What you think and feel matters, and you need to tell me even if you think it’s something I don’t want to hear.” He turned quickly and parked in a space. “Do you understand what I’m saying?” He put the car in park, and cut the engine. “There are gonna be times when I get mad, but I’m never going to hurt you. I’m not him, but I am human.” He was still holding the wheel and his breathing was ragged. “I’m not him.”
“I know.” It came out whispered, and I placed my hand on his forearm. “I know.” oooooooo
Blake
I was falling in love with her, plain and simple. I knew when I started this that it would be a challenge. I knew he’d always be in the background, but I guess I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be. She’s so afraid that she’ll upset me, that she won’t be herself. “Let’s go upstairs?” I opened my door, and then came around to help her out, and grab Ava’s carrier. She was awake now, and babbling under the covering Brooke had put on her. “I think she’s up.” I laughed lightly.
“I fed her before I left, so she should be ok for a little while.” She stared up at the building in front of us. “Which one is yours?”
“I’m on the top.” I smiled. “Penthouse apartment. I wanted the tall ceilings.”
We stepped inside and rode the elevator up. Normally I take the stairs, but Ava’s carrier is heavy, and I wasn’t sure Brooke would be up for six flights. When we reached the top, I unlocked my door, and stepped back.
“This is really nice.” Brooke’s voice was shaky.
“Thanks. I need to check the roast, so make yourself at home. Explore all you want.” I motioned with my arm as I set the carrier down and closed the door behind us. I went toward the kitchen as Brooke began unbuckling Ava.
“Just toss your coat on the chair over there.” I rounded the corner, and left her there. Normally, I’d give a tour, but I wanted to give Brooke time to herself. I could hear her feet padding on the floor as I moved about the kitchen grabbing wine glasses, and putting the finishing touches on dinner. oooooooo
Brooke
Blake’s apartment was beautiful. His living room had a wall of floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city. There was a giant brown leather couch that sat to one side, and a large TV on the other. Soft lighting was throughout. A hallway was off to the side, and even though he said to explore, I felt odd meandering through his space. He’d gone to the left when we came in, and I assumed the kitchen was that way. Behind the living space was a large glass table with chrome chairs surrounding it. The walls were white, and everything minus the couch seemed modern. It was as if it was picked out by someone else.
“Hungry?” Blake came around the corner wearing an apron.
“A little,” I mused. “You have a great view.” I motioned to the window. The snow was still falling softly, and everything outside was lit up with Christmas lights.
“I know.” He stared right at me as if the city wasn’t even there. “Come on over to the table. I’ll get the food. Do you drink wine?” he called out as he was walking away.
“Sure. Anything white is fine.” I carried Ava over and nestled her in the carrier, setting it by my feet. If she got fussy, I could rock it with my toes.
It seemed like
