Hayden
Waking up to the sound of heavy breathing in my ear was a little weird, but I liked it.
From the angle of the sun sneaking in around the edges of the curtains, I would have guessed that it was around eight. But when I craned my head to peek at Leif’s alarm clock, it was already nine.
Slowly slipping out of his grasp, I tiptoed down the hall to the guest room since all of my stuff was still there. After a quick shower, I tied my hair up in a clip so it would dry in waves.
I went down to the kitchen to have a glass of water, and simply look around Leif’s space.
He was clearly extremely wealthy, but there was nothing overly fancy. Everything seemed to serve a purpose. Sure, the appliances were top-of-the-line, but there was nothing wildly extravagant.
Poking around, I found the coffee and set a pot to brew.
His kitchen was unbelievably well stocked. A tiny door that I had assumed was a broom closet was actually a pantry, filled with all kinds of neatly labeled containers, cans and bottles.
Since it was Sunday morning, and possibly the only day of the week Leif got to sleep in, I didn’t want to run the blender making smoothies.
I washed the fruit we had bought at the farmer’s market, peeled an apple and chopped it, and got everything ready to blend as soon as he was awake. Then I chopped up peppers and onions for a batch of his special scrambled eggs.
Between chopping, organizing, and sipping coffee while looking out across the lush backyard, a beautiful wave of contentment washed over me.
If Leif and I were in it for the long haul, would I feel like this all the time?
Realistically, probably not. There would be some stress now and then. But he truly listened to me. He paid attention to my feelings. I bet that if I was ever upset, he would give me some space to think things through.
I didn’t have very many men to compare him to, other than my father, who was a bit distant.
High school was when most people learned about dating, but I was busy either studying or reading. College was basically the same. Sure, I looked at cute guys now and then, but didn’t have the nerve to actually speak to them.
And then the one time I let my guard down, all hell broke loose.
After that improv class, I was so amped up on adrenaline that I thought having a coffee with one of the other students would be fun. How on earth was I to know that it would lead to a month of stalking?
I couldn’t help wondering whether things with Craig might resolve faster if Leif spoke to him. As gentle as Leif was with me, I’m sure that he could be absolutely ferocious if he wanted to.
A sick little part of me actually wanted to see Craig look terrified. After making me jumpy for so long, it would be a fair payback. But more than anything else, I just wanted him to go away, permanently.
Leif, on the other hand, I wanted to stick around for a long, long time. At least, I was pretty sure. The things he made me feel last night were indescribable. Magical.
He was very clear that he felt the same for me. Seeing such a big guy being so tender touched my heart. Just after we had made love, when he was kissing my cheeks so sweetly, I felt him still trembling.
We moved each other. We could be an incredible team together, I knew it.
I just didn’t know what the next step was. How do you ask a man if he will officially be your boyfriend? My natural instinct was to let him take the lead. But at least I could make it easy for him.
Some women played games and teased and beat around the bush. I only wanted to be open and honest with him. Maybe if I just showed him how much I cared, over and over, it would become blatantly obvious.
Walking to the bottom of the stairs, I listened to see if maybe his shower was running, or if he was walking around yet. I heard his voice speaking, as if he was on a phone call. It was definitely something serious, but then I heard him chuckle.
Perhaps bringing my man his morning coffee was the sort of thing that would make him realize that I was thinking about him.
Maybe the very first cup of coffee wouldn’t announce true love, but after many times, it would certainly suggest it.
Chapter 14
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Leif