Page 57 of Undeniably Perfect

Tabby is quiet as we drive back to my house. I’m sure she’s tired. Being around my family can be a lot for anyone but especially when you aren’t used to them.

“You OK?” I ask her as we pull up to the house.

“Yeah,” she answers with a yawn. “Just tired. It’s been a long week.”

“Me too. We should get some sleep,” I say, opening the door for her.

“You want some tea?” she asks me.

I grin. “Sure, let’s go make tea and put on an old movie.”

It’s quickly becoming a routine with her that I love. I don’t even care if she wants to watch a cheesy old eighties movie, I’d watch anything with her.

“Let’s watch Field of Dreams,” she says.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I feel like we need a classic movie that we both will enjoy.”

“I like it.”

She grins as she sets about making tea in my kitchen. I sit down on a barstool and watch her. She moves so easily in my space. It’s like she’s always been here. She chats comfortably with me as she places the kettle on the stovetop and sets up mugs. I smile as I watch her. She’s so different yet she’s just perfect. I can’t even understand what I’m feeling except I know I don’t want her anywhere but right here with me. I’ve never felt this kind of ownership over someone. I want to scream to the world that she’s mine and back the fuck off. It sounds barbaric even as I say it in my head. But I can’t help it. I want everyone to know she’s with me. I loved how everyone introduced her as my girlfriend tonight. I could see it made her uncomfortable and that’s partly my fault because we haven’t talked about that yet. Not a real talk, anyhow.

She hands me my tea, and we go and sit down in the family room. She stretches her legs out and I lift them and place them on my legs. I pull a blanket down and wrap it over her legs and my lap. We settle into watching the movie. Eventually, she rolls onto her side and I know what’s coming. She’s going to fall asleep on me. I watch from the corner of my vision as her eyelids grow heavy and begin to droop and then finally close. Her breath comes in little puffs, her body twitches slightly with dreams. I don’t dare to move because I love how her body feels, curled up against mine. Long after the movie ends, I sit there and watch her. But eventually, I grow tired. I gently move her legs and wrap her up with a blanket, not wanting to wake her from her sleep.

“Sleep tight, kitten,” I whisper as I kiss her forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake up as I head to my room, glancing back over my shoulder at her. I want so badly to pick her up and carry her into my room, to lay her on my bed, and to curl up behind her, wrapping my arms around her and sleeping with her all night long. But I know we aren’t ready for that yet. Yet. I smile as I fall asleep knowing that this woman has somehow weaseled her way into my heart, and I think I’m alright with that. She’s everything I didn’t know I needed, and the fact that my family likes her means she is perfect.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Tabitha

The next three weeks go by in a blur of photography sessions and baseball games. I’m starting to get my rhythm back. I can’t believe that Kent has talked me into going to every home game. I’ve scheduled shoots around his day games and even changed the day on a night shoot at the Lincoln Memorial.

The portraits that I’ve done for the upcoming gala are by far my best work. I can’t wait for the Moores to see Kent’s shots.

I have to admit, sitting with different family members every day has been…well, it makes me feel like part of a family.

I get to the stadium just in time for the national anthem and slide into a seat next to Clark.

“Phew, I’m glad you made it. If one thing is off from Kent’s normal schedule during playoffs, everything falls apart,” he reminds me.

“Trust me, I know,” I answer as we take off our hats and stand.

After the song ends, I wave to Kent as he looks up our way. I swear he winks at me. I’m just settling into my seat when my phone buzzes. I look down and frown. It’s Eric’s brother, Jarrod. I haven’t spoken to him in ages. He’s sort of weird and would always be hovering around with us. I’m not sure why I haven’t blocked his phone number, too. Shit, I’m surprised I even have it to begin with.

I sigh and click on the message.

Jarrod: Hi! I have a friend whose lease is up in your building and since there was the fire, I thought maybe you might want to see his place.

Fuck my life. Of course, Jarrod knows about the fire. Hell, Eric probably knows as well.

Me: Thanks. I’m sort of on the fence about whether I will stay in the building.

Jarrod: Oh. So, you don’t want to see it. I sort of set up an appointment today.

Seriously, he wants me to meet him today.

Me: When?

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