Salvation (Surrender 3)

“I close the shop Tuesday through Friday this week.” There’s a tinge of disappointment in her tone.

All fucking week? She’s busy all week?

“How about Saturday then?”

“Okay, that sounds good.”

“Feel better. I’ll text you later to check on you.”

We hang up and I look at the clock on the wall. A plan comes to mind, so I reschedule my afternoon appointments. My dad looks at me curiously when I walk by his office with a half wave.

I make a quick stop at the deli and head in the direction of Ember’s house. I’m taking a note out of the Declan Collins playbook. He fucked up hard with Raven a few times, but showing up unexpected always worked. Let’s hope Ember’s as receptive.

I ring the doorbell and run my fingers through my hair. What the hell am I thinking? This is completely unchartered territory.

There’s a rustling behind the door before I hear locks click. When she opens the door, I hide my laugh. A very sleepy and disoriented Ember is looking at me in shock.

Her hair is wild and loose, hanging in knotted waves; blue eyes stare and grow wide with surprise. Her face turns a bright shade of pink.

“ROBBIE!” she shrieks.

“Thought some food may help you feel better.”

She shakes her head a few times, looking between me and the bags in my hands.

“You brought me lunch?”

“Or breakfast. I have a variety of things here. Can I come in?”

She steps back and closes the door quickly, leading me to the kitchen.

“I’m not sure what to say. But I guess saying this morning was a dream is out of the question.”

“What do you mean?”

“I fell back asleep, hoping I didn’t really have that conversation with you.“

“Why?”

Her face heats up, and splotches break out across her neck.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I wrap my hand loosely around her wrist.

“I can’t believe I told you about last night! You must think I’m a fool.”

“No! It’s me who’s the fool. I wanted to take you out. That’s why I’m here. Saturday is a long time to wait. It was a jackass thing to break our date with a text. If my Mom or sister knew I did that, I’d be in the hospital right now. I came to apologize. Ready for lunch?”

Her eyes meet mine, and I know it was the right thing to say. She smiles, giving me the two dimples and nods. “Give me a few minutes to change. Be right back.”

She takes off running to the stairs as I watch. Her oversized sleep shirt lifts up slightly, giving a glimpse of black satin covering her ass. My dick jerks, and I mentally chastise myself.

It’s a full fifteen minutes before she reappears, looking around in confusion. While she was getting dressed, I found everything to set her table for two.

“How much did you think I’d eat?” she asks me playfully, looking at the massive amount of food.

“Didn’t know what you’d like, so I brought options.”

“I certainly hope you’re hungry.”