“One month, dating, heavy foreplay, and no sex. I got it. I can do this. It’s not, like, set in stone though, right?”
“I have no idea. We’re just going to see how this goes. You know, no sex, and to see if we can just be ourselves.”
“Awesome.”
“Awesome,” she said, giggling.
“Oh, you’re also moving into my bedroom,” Jax said. “I’m not negotiating on that.”
Chapter Eight
“You seem in a much perkier mood,” Ryan said.
“I am.” Jax picked up the mango and gave the flesh a little squeeze, finding it just ripe enough.
“I’m shocked you asked us to go grocery shopping with you,” Lily said, coming up beside him with her own shopping cart.
“I felt it was time for a change, and, seeing as I have a girlfriend now, I do have to impress her.”
“Wait? What?” Lily asked. “When did he get a girlfriend?”
“Did it work out with Dani?”
“Yes, it worked out. She plays hard to get, but I know what I’m after and I know how to play just as hard to get what I want.” He picked up a lemon. It had been so long since he made lemon pudding, but now he couldn’t get the thought out of his head. Checking through his list, he moved the cart to the chili section and went straight for lots of jalapeno and cilantro. The herbs were right there with the jalapeno. His mom used to grow her own. He’d been a giant momma’s boy.
“Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” Lily asked.
“I thought you told her everything?”
“I do but the important stuff.”
“The quick version. Dani is my roommate. She also likes to work out on the stripper pole I have installed.”
“She’s a stripper?”
“Not even close. We made out. I like her. We’ve got an agreement. No sex, but we can have foreplay for the next month. We’re seeing if we fit and make a good match. Also, I think she’s seeing if I can be faithful. During that time, we’re going to date. I’m making her dinner. I already showed her my mom’s meatloaf, and believe me I think it helped me seal the deal.”
“Your mom’s meatloaf? You won’t even cook that for us.”
“I know. It was a bit of a shock to realize what I was making, but before I could second guess myself it was already in the oven. It’s amazing how these things work out.”
“Jax, honey, are you really sure about this?”
“I am. I enjoyed cooking for her, and it feels right to do it again. That’s why I’m with you guys grocery shopping.”
“This girl must really mean something to you to be cooking like you used to when we were younger. I’ve not seen you cook in so long, Jax,” Lily said.
He shrugged.
The truth was, he didn’t see himself cooking so soon again either. It had come as a shock when he found himself in the kitchen getting back into the swing of things. In a weird way, he felt like he was doing something right. Looking through his cupboard this very morning, he’d been a little embarrassed by what he’d found or what he’d not found. So that’s why he was having a complete overhaul of his food supplies. Fresh vegetables and fruits were in his trolley. Next was some meat. Beef, lamb, and chicken were his favorites. Pork had a place but was not something he intended to use regularly.
Lily and Ryan followed him around the shop and then as they headed out to their car. He knew what they were trying to do as they kept suggesting that Lily at least have the chance to meet Dani.
This wasn’t about meeting Dani but about coming over for his food.
He invited them for food but told them both they had to be on their best behavior, as otherwise he wasn’t going to invite them again.
They both agreed, and he took off toward his apartment. After making several trips with all of his groceries, he spent the afternoon rearranging his kitchen to make everything fit.
Once he was done, he felt … better.
Smiling, he got to work marinating some chicken and preparing some vegetables to make a kickass stir-fry. This was one of his favorites, with coconut, chili, and lots of fresh herbs.
Dani arrived as he was preparing the table.
“This is weird. I’m not going to lie.”
“You’re home for the rest of the night, right?”
“Yes.”
“I need you to do me a schedule of your working hours.”
“Okay. Why are there four seating arrangements?” she asked.
“Ah, Ryan and Lily came to the store with me. I invited them to dinner as well. It’ll be fun. It’s good to, you know, have friends.”
“Cool.”
“You’re always nervous about meeting Lily. You’ve put it off for a long time now.”
He saw she was playing with the strap of her bag. She once again hadn’t put it up with his jacket. Walking toward her, he took her bag and placed it on the hook. He stepped back up to her and took her hands within his. He placed a kiss to each of her knuckles, and he saw that it confused her a little bit.