Page 53 of Imbalanced Minds

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Cory

Work today has been such a drag. We’re no closer to finding Tyrell and none of the businesses we’ve approached have seen him either; at least that’s what they’re telling us. This guy is a damn chameleon.

Glad to be home, I sit the paper bags full of ingredients for tonight’s dinner on the benchtop. I’m not usually the cooking type, although I can cook thanks to Nan’s lessons throughout the years. I decided to make Iris my Nan’s famous Chicken Tetrazzini, something simple, yet magnificent. I set about slicing the chicken and mushroom; unable to keep thoughts of her from my mind, I text her. I love that I can be so forward with her, and her reaction to me is something incorrigible.

Knowing she’s on her way home, I prepare the rest of the dish so I can place it in the oven with time to chill the wine as well. To be honest, I’m quite nervous about this whole thing; I’ve been on my own for a few years and quickly grew accustomed to my bachelor ways. I haven’t had to, no, I haven’t wanted to woo anyone, since Sasha.

Having a few minutes to spare, I jump in the shower to freshen up. Thoughts of Iris’ tanned body have me aching to jack off, but I won’t because I get to enjoy her luscious body very soon.

It’s funny how years go by of me trying to keep my distance and now I get to cuddle her, kiss her and tell her how much I love her every day. If anyone deserves to hear how much they’re appreciated, it’s Iris.

Quickly washing up then drying off, I put on a pair of sweatpants and head back down to the kitchen to check on dinner. The divine smell assaults my senses, and I can’t help stopping to inhale the aroma. Just as I do, a knock comes from the door. “Right on time,” I tell myself.

Opening the door, I greet Iris with loads of excitement. “Hey Angel, I’ve missed you today,” I say while wrapping my arms around her and kissing her cheek. If I kiss this woman how I want to, dinner will be over before it begins.

“Hey, big guy. Mmm, what smells so good?” Iris asks with a voice as smooth as butter. God, what I would do for this woman.

“Come on in, sweetheart, get comfortable. I made us dinner.” I say, pulling her into my side and leading her to the kitchen island. Pulling out one of my white bar stools for her, she hops up and inhales again. I gulp down my reaction and round the island to check dinner.

“I wasn’t referring to the food.” She says with a purr in her voice.

Oh, Lord.

Needing a distraction—any distraction, I adjust myself the best I can then pull the (hopefully) chilled wine out of the fridge and pour two glasses. Sliding hers over, I lean on the benchtop, resting on my forearms then raise my glass to her. “Here’s to spending my nights with the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Cheers.” I clink my glass lightly with hers and watch the blush rise up her cheeks.

Downing a good part of the glass, I turn and get dinner out of the oven.

“Do you always cook with no shirt on?”

I set the dish on the cooling rack and turn, coming face to face with my blue-eyed beauty. Lowering my voice, I reply, “I don’t normally cook, so no.”

She gasps, I’m not sure if it’s from shock or surprise so I follow up my not so little statement.

“I’ve never cooked for anyone before, Iris. Especially in my own house.”

She searches my eyes and I know this is as good a time as any. Pulling out the little shiny object from my pocket, I kneel down on one knee beside her.

“Iris Rose Jones, I would love it if you woke up with me every morning and fell asleep in my arms every night.” I go to hold the key out in my palm while she gasps and covers her face with her hands, all the while she’s shaking her head at the same time in a ‘no’ motion. “Will you move in with me, Angel?”

She freezes and stares at my hand between her fingers. Tears start to trickle down her cheeks as she starts to laugh. “YES!” She yells so loud it echoes through the room. “Yes.” She whispers this time.

Iris pulls me up but before she has the chance, I kiss her. I kiss her with so much pent-up energy that it becomes fast, rough and so damn explosive.

Biting her bottom lip before I pull away, I stand there with her in my arms. “Hey, roomie,” I say cheekily. She lets out a little giggle before swatting my chest with the back of her hand.

“That was so cunning, big guy. I honestly thought you were proposing. I think we both know we’re not ready for that, yet.”

I hold Iris in my arms. It’s wonderful and right. It’s where she belongs.

“How about we go eat dinner then we can sit outside by the pool and watch the sun go down?” I ask, hoping this is the first of many nights like this.

“That sounds absolutely perfect.”

Relaxing outside with my woman on a warm night like tonight is bliss. It makes me appreciative of every moment we get to share that doesn’t involve some form of chaos.

“Do you remember the day we first met?” I ask, while staring up into the star filled sky. “Because I do,” I admit. “I’ve thought about that moment damn near every day for a long time.”

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