Page 11 of Salvaging My Heart
“I’m right behind you, Uncle Leif,” Nick said. “You were busy with Coach T.” Oops, busted.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Leif stood in Kim’s bedroom, doubling checking that he had everything. Wallet, check. Cell, check. Watch, check. Dressed as nice as he could be, check. Okay, time to go pick up Aaron. He jogged down the stairs and looked into the living room. Kim was on the couch with Nick on the floor leaning up against it. Leif couldn’t tell what they were watching from here.
“Okay, I’m heading out,” he said as he reached for his keys. He moved toward the door quickly, hoping to make it out before the inquisition occurred.
“Hold it right there, buster,” Kim called out. Damn it. He was so close. Leif did an about face and walked over to the side of the couch.
He stood there patiently as he watched Kim purse her lips and move her head side to side. After a minute, Leif couldn’t hold it in. “Well? Do I have your approval?” he asked, snippily.
“I think you should get him flowers, Uncle Leif,” Nick said, not looking away from the TV. “You’re supposed to bring your date flowers.”
“Oh, yeah. I like that idea. You need to get flowers.” Kim almost cackled, she was so giddy.
“What the hell, Kim?” Leif demanded.
“Uncle Leif!” Nick exclaimed. Leif reached for his wallet and pulled out a single, handing it to Nick. Good thing Nick wasn’t around him when he was on deck. He’d be funding his entire college fund.
Kim snorted and asked him, “Where are you taking Aaron? There’s a new place—”
Before Kim could plan out their entire date, Leif cut her off. “We’re going theThe Spot Café. Some nice food, choice of beers. Then maybe catch a movie.”
“Their mojito burrito is good or the gorgonzola burger,” Kim suggested. “Nick and I are going to watch a marathon of Marvel movies. It’s been ages since we just rested. Maybe we’ll call Mom and have her come over and order some pizza.”
Seeing his opportunity to escape, Leif walked over to the door and opened it. Before he could take a step out he heard Kim say, “Don’t worry, we won’t wait up.”
Yeah, he should’ve known he wouldn’t get out of there without her pestering him.
Aaron peeked into the oven, worried that assuming Leif would want to stay in was too pushy. He didn’t know how often Leif cooked for himself or if he was away a lot with take out or whatever the navy fed them. The pot roast and potatoes looked to be almost done.
Hearing his doorbell ring, Aaron closed the oven. It didn’t take him long to walk from his kitchen to the door. A smile came over his face as he saw Leif standing on his doorstep holding a bunch of daisies.
“Flowers for me?” Aaron asked, gesturing Leif to come in.
Leif held the flowers out to Aaron. “I’ve been told on good authority that dates like flowers.”
“Oh really? And who is this authority? Not that I’m disagreeing. Just figuring out who to thank.” Aaron led the way into the kitchen, trying to figure out what he had to put the flowers in. Spying a water pitcher, he grabbed it and started to fill it with water. Stopping with it half full, he unwrapped the daisies and carried them over to the table.
“Nick would be the one to thank. Seems my nephew is starting to figure out attraction,” Leif told him. Aaron watched as Leif inhaled deeply then smile.
“I threw a roast in. Figuring we could stay here. Eat, watch something,” Aaron offered. He crossed his fingers behind his back. He’d go out if Leif wanted but he would rather stay here and learn more about this fascinating man.
“I like that idea but you didn’t have to go to the trouble. We could’ve ordered delivery.” Leif pulled off his jacket and laid it over one of the kitchen chairs before pushing up his sleeves. “What can I do to help?”
“Everything’s just about done. How about getting some drinks out of the fridge, while I pull the roast out. We can let it sit for a few minutes before carving it.” Aaron grabbed the pot holders and opened the oven. He bent over and just as he reached in for the pan, he felt Leif’s hands on his waist pulling him back. Straightening, he looked over his shoulder at Leif.
“Thank you for putting the effort into today. It’s been a long time since someone…” Leif trailed off. Turning his body slightly, Aaron placed a kiss on Leif’s chin.
“My pleasure. Now let’s get this out and kick back on the couch,” Aaron instructed.
Leif slumped further into the couch. They’d eaten the fantastic meal and were now cuddled together on the couch trying to decide what to watch. Aaron was stretched out on the couch, half turned back to Leif with his head on Leif’s shoulder. Now this was a position that Leif could learn to love.
“Okay, so the Jets are playing the Bills — yawn. Dallas and Green Bay — not bad. NASCAR — ew, not my thing. Or we could forego sports altogether and pick a movie,” Aaron rattled off some suggestions as he scrolled through the guide.
Not paying too much attention to the TV, Leif was more focused on the man in his arms. “How about we pick some movie as background noise and talk?” he suggested. He really wanted to get to know Aaron more. What was his favorite book? Why did he coach? Did he have family?
Aaron pointed the remote at the TV and then threw it on the coffee table, snuggling into Leif some more. “I like that idea. So where to start?”
