Amber couldn’t stop the tears from filling her eyes. “You’re being serious about this?”
“Deadly serious.”
She could live without any sex. Six months prior to him walking back into her life she’d been without.
“All right.” She nodded her head and then picked up the menu.
“I don’t want any bullshit either. If you’re not up to going out or you’re too ill, tell me.”
“I will.”
He gazed at her for several minutes before taking the other menu. “I’m starving. I’m thinking eggs, bacon, and some toast. What about you?”
She agreed with him. They ordered breakfast and ate in silence. The quiet wasn’t tense or awkward. She was comfortable around him.
After they were finished, Elijah led them outside. The city was getting busier as it always did on a Saturday.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“We’ve got to walk there. I didn’t bring my car.”
She hadn’t driven her car either. Driving around the city was too stressful, and it took too long. It was much easier walking to places.
“Okay, where are we walking to?”
“That’s the surprise.”
He took her hand and headed off up the street. She held her bag tightly on her shoulder, following behind him. The city was too loud and crowded for them to have a real conversation. She couldn’t believe they were doing something in public. Club Kink was not really in public. The customers and owners were very selective on who they allowed into their club. There was no way she’d ever see Heather or Connie frequenting one of the clubs.
Elijah stopped at the opening to the city center. It was full to bursting with different stalls. She saw a huge selection of food, clothing, and wines. Everything her heart desired was stationed at some stall up and down the city town center.
“You’ve brought me to the market?” she asked, smiling.
“Shopping is great way to relieve stress. Also, I’m cooking dinner at your apartment this evening. What better way to kick off dating than starting with fresh ingredients bought today?”
She’d just fallen head over heels in love with him, all over again.
Laughing, she kept hold of his hand as they made their way around the stalls. The scents were amazing. Some reminded her of the comforting warmth of stew, while others were filled with heat and were more exotic.
Amber couldn’t believe she was having more fun right now, shopping in a busy city center, than she had last night, with Dale.
He’s the man for me.
Elijah never once let go of her hand throughout the whole morning. She loved his time and attention, and he made her feel utterly complete.
****
The day he’d planned was the spur of the moment kind of day. Elijah hadn’t known the market was on until he saw it advertised on the café shop window. He intended to spend the whole day with Amber, but doing what, he hadn’t known. The market offered him an opportunity to expand their knowledge of each other. It also gave him an excuse not to let go of her hand.
He needed to wipe the memory of Dale from her mind.
They were carrying up their bags from their expedition around the market. Amber was laughing as he made a joke about her new vases. He’d offered to foot the bill for the two new vases, but she’d refused.
He wouldn’t let her pay for dinner. Elijah bought all the ingredients and intended for Amber to be full and satisfied.
“I noticed those vases are a lot bigger than the last two you smashed trying to aim for my head.”
“I know. Are you worried?”
“Not at all. I don’t intend to be the person you throw vases at.”
She chuckled, digging in her purse for her keys.
“I can’t believe how much fun I’ve had. I didn’t think it was possible to be so happy from just shopping.” She pushed the door open, letting him through.
He went straight toward her kitchen. Elijah started unloading bags as Amber did the same from the sitting room. Looking across the space that separated them, he felt calm. There was no arguing or fighting. They were both getting on with the task of unloading their stuff.
Elijah knew he could live like this. She bent over the coffee table and started to arrange her vases. He admired her full rounded ass and grew hard, staring at her. Diving into his bag, Elijah began to unpack everything. He put the chocolate and butter to one side and then started looking for some flour in her cupboards.
He took the time to spread everything out on the counter, separating the ingredients into the main meal and the dessert.
Amber brushed past him to put the wine she’d purchased in the fridge. “I called Ashley to cover for me this weekend.”