Page 57 of Creed

He stared at me like I had two heads which made me nervous.

“Its shameful to say, but I was never home enough to organize my own kitchen. I also never had time to bake or cook. It was kind of nice to do some domestic stuff today. It occupied my mind, and I guess it was nice.” I blushed because of how he was looking at me.

“You’re…” He paused and lifted his hand. “Not what I expected.” He reached up and pushed some hair behind my ear. That smallest touch made my heart race. “Its kind of adorable.” He let his hand fall.

“What did you expect?” I was still blushing.

He shook his head. “Definitely not the girl next door, that’s for sure. Do you think we would be ready to go by around six thirty? It always starts early because of the kids.”

I nodded. “Umm… yeah, I can go get ready now and when I’m done it’ll be time to serve dinner.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be in my office if you need me.” He said.

When I went upstairs and to my dressing room, I realized it had been probably since college when I was nervous to choose an outfit. Whenever I had social events after college there was always a stylist to choose my attire. It had been a long time since I really wanted to impress someone…I mean people. It wasn’t Hollywood, and it wasn’t Cold Springs. What did the wives wear? Ugh! I looked through my clothes in the dressing room, then went to the bedroom and looked at the clothes hanging in that closet. I hadn’t been to a bar since college, so what did a normal grown woman wear to a bar?

I figured I couldn’t go wrong with black, so I chose a pair of black foe leather shorts, a black body suit with sheer sleeves, a gold star belt that matched a pair of earrings I had, and a pair of black strappy heels completed the look. My best guess was the bar was classier than anything in Cold Springs or Clarity, but not as classy as some bars in Hollywood.

After curling my hair, I put it up in a high ponytail, then put on my makeup. I went with a smoky eye, and nude lipstick. It was the most makeup I wore since arriving back home.

As I looked in the mirror a memory came to me. Callie and I were seventeen and we were getting ready for the Snowball dance.

“I’m not sure about this, Morgan. I’ve never dressed up this much for Shane.” Callie sat in a robe with her hair in curlers while I did her makeup.

“Don’t worry, my makeup artist taught me this technique. You’re going to look amazing and maybe you’ll catch the eye of one of Tristan’s friends. God knows they’re better than Shane.” I quickly realized I overstepped, then paused what I was doing and made her look at me. “I’m sorry, I know I promised not to complain about him anymore, but seriously, you could do so much better.”

“Please just stop, Morgan. Shane gets me, he comes from my world, and he is protective of me. Just because he is poor doesn’t mean he isn’t just as great as Tristan.”

“Shut your eyes.” I ordered then went back to using the eye shadow. “Tristan isn’t rich, and it doesn’t matter that Shane is poor. What matters is that he hits you. Tristan would never hurt me, and you deserve a guy that would never hurt you. You need to realize your value, Callie. You’re smart, funny, and absolutely gorgeous. Shane is always going to hold you back. Plus, you don’t need him. You know I will always take care of you.” I blew on a brush then began blending her eye shadow.

“Its not your job to take care of me, Morgan. I love Shane and nothing you say can change that fact. He promised to move with me when I go to college, and he is going to open his own shop. You know he’s really good at fixing cars.”

I stepped back to look over my work, and when I was satisfied with it I reached for the mascara. “A guy like him will ruin your life, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Plus, it totally sucks that we can’t even go to the Snowball together. That shouldn’t happen, Callie. We should be able to get ready together and have our dates show up together to pick us up. Tristan and his friends hate Shane because he’s a loser that just gets high all the time. I think you should give Tim or Brett a chance. They both think you’re as hot as hell.”

“You don’t get to plan my life for me, Morgan, so just stop.” She was mad at me.

“Fine, I’ll stop just so you won’t be mad. Just at least promise you’ll stick close and dance with me and the girls. You know Deanna and Bethany will be there and act like total bitches.”

I shook myself out of that memory and finished my makeup. When I went back downstairs the roast was done, so I pulled it out and started making the gravy. I was slicing the roast beef when I noticed Creed leaning against the wall. He must have walked in, and I didn’t notice him. “I hope you’re hungry.”

He didn’t answer so I turned and looked at him. “Did you eat anything today?”

He was looking at my legs as he bit his bottom lip, but his eyes darted up to mine. “I ordered breakfast from the mess hall but skipped lunch, so yeah, I’m hungry. Thanks for making dinner.”

I gave him my best smile. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring it over. Is red wine okay or would you like sweet tea, or maybe a beer?” I asked nervously.

“You made sweet tea?” He asked.

“Well, sun tea and I already added sugar and lemons. I thought maybe you’d enjoy something like that, maybe I presumed, but umm.”

He stepped closer. “Hey, you’re not here to serve me. I love tea, but you don’t have to do all these nice things.”

I noticed I was biting my bottom lip again as I looked up at him. “You won’t take money and…well I appreciate all you’ve done. The other guys too…I mean, I guess I hope you’re okaywith me being here. We didn’t exactly start off on the right foot. I understand that and I’m sorry if I remind you of her…but…I’m rambling, aren’t I?” I was becoming nervous because he leaned against the counter while resting both hands on each side of me. My heart sped up as he leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“Its obvious you’re nothing like my mother, I’m sorry I ever made that presumption. Just relax and enjoy the freedoms staying here can give you.” He was reaching behind me as my breath picked up, but instead of letting me feel those lips, he tore off a piece of roast and popped it in his mouth. “You’re my guest, not my cook or my housekeeper.” He pushed off the counter and went to the fridge. “I’ll get the drinks. Do you want wine, beer, or tea?” He asked.

I tried to compose myself after he left me wet and wanting more. To at least be touched or something more. I was in trouble because Creed was becoming far more than a curiosity, I wanted him and that wasn’t good. “I guess I’ll start early and have a glass of wine, thank you.”

He poured our drinks, wine for me and tea for him, as I made our plates and took them to the table. He set our drinks down and took a seat next to me. “This looks and smells amazing, Morgan. I don’t know the last time I had a home cooked meal like this, maybe never.”

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