Page 42 of Deceptive Vows
She released me and slid her hand over mine. “Here, let me finish this one up. I’m sure we’ll need cups, and based on the size of this kitchen, we could be here all night while I look for them.”
This time, I allowed myself to look at her. There was nothing in her eyes akin to pity. Just understanding. We hadn’t just suffered loss. We’d suffered similar loss. We’d both lost the ones who made us feel safe. “All right. I’ll grab the plates while I’m at it as well.”
Once we had our plates, we sat atthe table and ate.
“This is delicious, especially the fruit filling,” she said after a few bites. “Truly a lovely surprise.”
I shrugged, watching how the low kitchen light caught in her still-damp hair. “It hasn't been that long since you lost your home and everything else you own. I felt you needed to be taken care of.” A hint of a grin tugged at my mouth. “Besides, a full belly will lead to a good night’s sleep, I hope.”
“Me too.” She rested her hand on her stomach before she stood. “You cooked, so I’ll clean.”
Before she could finish the sentence, I was on my feet. “Nyet.” I caught her hand. “I’m taking care of you tonight. I’ve got it.”
She scoffed. “You’ve been wonderful. It’s only fair?—”
“Nyet.” I slowly rubbed my thumb over the back of her hand and noted how small it felt in mine. “Relax. There aren’t many dishes, and I have this fancy invention—a dishwasher.”
That made her laugh. Our eyes locked, and I witnessed the moment she decided to surrender. “All right. I’ll… keep you company. Is that okay?”
Narrowing my eyes, I smiled as I teased her. “No helping.”
She held both hands up. “On my honor, I will not lift a single finger.”
“Harasho,” I quickly added. “Good.”
Once I was sure she’d relented, I cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher. In the midst of all of this, she remained close, keeping me company. When I was finished, I motioned to the clean kitchen. “See? All done.”
She chuckled in response. “I’m amazed by your domestic prowess.” The exhaustion was even more evident in her voice now than it was before.
“Are you tired?”
“Yes, but I doubt I could sleep.”
I pushed off the counter. “How about we check out the rooftop terrace? It’s rather peaceful up there. Maybe it’ll help.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Rooftop terrace?” She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Of course, there would be one. No one would pay the amount of money this home fetched without that.”
“It was a perk.” I smiled.
“I’d love to see it.”
As before, when I led herthrough the house, I held out my hand, but this time, I laced my fingers with hers. To be honest, I had expected her to pull away, and when she didn’t, I wondered if it was because she was tired or feeling as I was that this could be more.
When I opened the door onto the roof, her gasp was what I’d hoped for. One of the reasons I enjoyed the space was the serenity it offered. The previous owners had created a retreat that resembled a Tuscan garden.
String lights wove through potted cypress trees, casting warm pools of light across stone pavers. The city sounds were muted here, replaced by the gentle burble of a small fountain. The night air carried traces of lavender and rosemary from the herb garden.
“I’ve seen my fair share of rooftop gardens, but this is incredible.” She drifted away from me, strolling through the greenery. “I’m so glad I was wrong about the pool.” She glanced at me over her shoulder and smiled.
“Pool?”
She gave a slight shrug. “I thought you might have one. Usually, it’s all concrete with a place to sit. Nothing like this. This is magical.”
It made me happy to see her happy. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it.” She looked at me again. “You may have a hard time getting rid of me now.”
“You’re welcome up here anytime you like.” I found my favorite double lounge chair overlooking the city and sat while she continued looking around.
