Page 41 of Fractured Hope
We quickly filled the tub and added some bubble bath mix, which he just giggled at. I was starting to love that sound.
“I can’t really picture you in a bubble bath.” He smirked at me with a raised eyebrow.
“Hey! Don’t knock bubble baths!” I shook my head at his chuckle. “Lyric gave them to me as a present when I finished my remodel. I haven’t had a chance to use them, but I like the smell.”
The air filled with a fragrant jasmine and sandalwood aroma.
Once Bodhi was settled, I left him to his bath and tackled the living room to make it date worthy.
Lyric messaged me to let me know they’d arrived. I went out to meet them and bring in the supplies. They’d gone above and beyond what I’d suggested, and I was thankful.
Deciding on a romantic indoor camping-style date, reminiscent of childhood pillow forts, we set about transforming the living room as quietly and quickly as possible. Seb and I moved the couch to make room for the beautiful fabric-covered A-frame half tent that we then set up in front of the TV. It was made of simple cream canvas, but Kay draped twinkle lights over the entryway and canopy inside, giving it an ethereal appearance.
Moving the coffee table and recliners out of the way, Seb and I were able to drag the guest room mattress out and place it inthe tent. Kay then helped me cover it with fluffy blankets and pillows, making the whole space cozy. After that, we decided to close all the curtains to give the illusion of nighttime. With the few dozen battery-operated candles the guys placed all over the furniture and floor, the living room was fully transformed into a romantic wonderland.
Kay and I went into the kitchen to arrange the food he’d brought while Seb and Lyric finished turning on and placing all the candles. Kay was showing off his artful presentations, making shapes with the various cold-cut meats, then placing cheese, fruit, and crackers, just so.
“This is a really nice thing you’re doing. Bodhi’s going to love it,” Kay said with a sigh.
The thought of pleasing him had me smiling. “I hope so. He’s been through so much. He deserves this.”
“He does. Who knew you were so romantic?” Kay nudged my shoulder. “You’re putting the rest of us to shame.” He chuckled at his own joke.
“Oh, is there someone on the horizon for you?” I quirked an eyebrow at him. Kay deserved to find someone, too.
Blushing, he quickly concentrated on the platter, no longer making eye contact. “No, no, there’s no one. This is just so sweet. Maybe someday I’ll find someone just as sweet.” When he finished, he turned to wash his hands in the sink.
He seemed so forlorn all of a sudden. I went over and wrapped him in a side hug. “You will, Kay. You’re a great guy and your person is out there. Come on, Bodhi was basically dropped right in front of me. Who’s to say your person isn’t waiting just around the corner.”
He sent me a grateful smirk, but his eyes were still sad. Turning back to the living room with an almost wistful look on his face, he mumbled so softly I didn’t think I was supposed to hear him. “Or I’ve already met them, and they’re not someoneI can have.” Shaking his head, he wandered back into the living room before I could puzzle out a response.
What was that all about? Kay was handsome, kind, fun, and had a good job and a great family. Sure, he was a little shy, but that made him even more interesting. Who did Kay think he couldn’t have? A sound down the hall snagged my attention.
Rushing back into the living room, I stage-whispered “thanks” to my brothers and quickly ushered them out. I almost ran straight into Bodhi when I opened my bedroom door a fraction before he did. I used my bigger body to shuffle him back, so he wouldn’t catch a glimpse of the surprise before I could show him the full scene.
“I thought I heard you. How was your bath?” I helped move him to sit on the edge of my bed.
“Relaxing, thank you,” he said with a dreamy smile.
“You do look blissed-out.” I reached up to stroke his pinker than usual cheek.
The smile he sent me melted my heart and made me realize just how gone on him I truly was.
“So, I have a little surprise for you,” I said.
He sat up straight, looking more alert. “You do?”
Smirking, I wanted to tease him, but at the same time, I was kind of nervous. What if he didn’t like it or thought it was lame? Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I took Bodhi’s hand in mine.
“Remember back when you first met Yaya, and she wanted to know your intentions?” I asked, waggling my eyebrows so he knew I was teasing. “Well, I know we never followed through on our date. Soooo.... I really like you, Bodhi, and I hope you would like to go on a date with me right now.”
I paused and waited, holding my breath.
“A date? Really?” His gaze caught mine as a smile lit up his face. “I thought you changed your mind or forgot! I would love to go on a date with you!” Color flooded his cheeks. He paused,looking down at himself. “I’m not really dressed for a date, though.” He waved a hand at his sweats and oversized long-sleeved T-shirt.
“I think you look beautiful.” Leaning in, I kissed his cheek. “Also, that’s okay, cause the date is in the living room.”
“Really? I don’t get it,” he said, looking confused.
