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Feeling better since he’d reached out to her, Drew tucked his phone back into his pocket, and tried to get some sleep while he could.
***
She found Drew’s message the next morning when she checked her phone. Beth smiled at his words. If she wasn’t careful, she could see herself falling for him. Who was she kidding? She was already well on her way.
After making herself a quick breakfast, she headed to the grocery store. There were a few items she would need if she was going to make dinner for the two of them this evening. She was going to keep it simple—steak, baked potatoes, and salad. What meat-loving guy didn’t like that?
Beth was on her way out of the store when her phone rang. The moment she saw Drew’s name on her screen, her stomach did a little flip. “Morning.”
Drew chuckled. “Good morning. I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“Nope. I’ve been up for a while. I was just doing a little shopping for our dinner tonight.”
“That’s actually why I’m calling.” His voice took on a serious tone.
She frowned. “You aren’t canceling on me, are you?”
“No. Not at all. But I had to do something this morning, and it’s taking longer than expected. I haven’t even been home yet to change out of my uniform,” he said.
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask for details, but she held back. “Is everything all right? Are you okay?”
“Yeah. It’s nothing like that. A buddy of mine just needed my help with something.” He paused. “I need to go. I’ll see you tonight. I promise. I just might be a few minutes late.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”
He seemed reluctant to hang up. She was about to ask again if everything was all right when she realized he’d disconnected their call.
Trying not to let it bother her, Beth put her shopping bags into her car, and drove home. She had a lot to do before he arrived, including going through her toy box. While they wouldn’t be playing tonight, she did want to talk about what their first scene would be. If all went well, and he agreed, their first session would be Wednesday evening. It was the start of his four days off, and it would give him some time to deal with any lingering effects of their play.
The hours passed quickly as she worked around the house and prepped dinner. By the time five o’clock rolled around, everything was as ready as it could be. All she needed now was Drew.
Only twenty more minutes went by before she heard a car pull up out front. She watched as he climbed out of his vehicle and made his way up the driveway. He had a small bouquet of flowers in his right hand.
When he reached the front porch, Beth opened the door to greet him. He looked up at the sound, and smiled as soon as he saw her standing there. Despite his smile, she hadn’t missed the worry that had creased his features before he realized she was there. Something was troubling him. While their relationship was still new, she hoped he would open up and share whatever it was with her. If they were going to have the type of relationship they both claimed they wanted, communication was key. Especially if they weren’t only going to be play partners.
He stepped through her door and extended his arm, offering her the flowers. “Sorry again. I was hoping I wasn’t going to be late, but . . .”
“It’s fine. Why don’t you come into the kitchen with me while I finish putting everything together?”
Drew grinned and motioned for her to lead the way.
She strolled over to the refrigerator while he took a seat at the table.
“Anything you need me to do?” he asked.
“Nope. I cooked the potatoes and made the salad earlier. All I have to do now is cook the steaks.” She glanced back at him and smiled. “Thank you for offering, though.”
He sat patiently as Beth removed the potatoes from the oven and then adjusted the setting to broil. She seasoned the steaks and laid them aside before going back to the refrigerator for the salad. It was a simple meal, but one she thought he’d enjoy.
Once everything was cooking, she joined him at the table. She was trying to come up with the best way to broach the subject that had been eating at her all day when he spoke up. “I guess you’re probably wondering what all that was about today.”
“I am a little curious.” A little was putting it mildly.
Drew sighed. “Remember when we were talking Saturday night and I told you what happened with Shawn and his girlfriend?”
Of course she remembered. “Yes.”
“Well, she sent him a text Sunday while we were working wanting him to come by today and clean out his stuff. He asked if I’d help him.”
