Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17830 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17830 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
“You came,” I blurted out dumbly, and my chest warmed at the smirk I received.
“Well not yet, but the night is still young,” Cedric quipped with a wink. The man was sassy, funny, and filthy; a blend of my favorite things. “Will you help me with these?” he asked as he passed over several plastic containers.
“Sure. What are they?”
“Dinner.”
I raised my eyebrows in question; I’d scrubbed my stove because I assumed Cedric would be cooking at my place. Granted, it needed a good scrubbing anyway, but I was still confused.
He explained, “My friend had an exciting day and I promised to cook him a congratulatory dinner. I made extra to bring here, but don’t worry; it’s still fresh and I’ll heat it up.”
That wasn’t what I was worried about; I was really looking forward to a meal together. “Have you already eaten?”
“Yeah, but I plan on eating again; I’m a big eater.” I inspected his slim stomach skeptically, but Cedric just smirked. “You’d be surprised by what I can fit inside me.”
I choked on a mixture of my own spit, shock, and horniness while Cedric just chuckled and waltzed inside like he owned the place. “Will you show me to the kitchen?”
There wasn’t much showing necessary since my studio apartment was small and could easily be seen in its entirety with one look (unfortunately including the corner that served as my bedroom), but I obliged by leading the way as Cedric pranced happily behind me.
“I like your place,” he complimented as he rested the plastic containers he carried onto the countertop and I did the same. “It’s so cozy and tidy. Do you enjoy cleaning?”
“Umm…” I didn’t want to lie to the guy, but I didn’t want to seem like a slob either.
Cedric gave me a knowing smile and a nod. “That’s okay; I enjoy cleaning. And cooking, baking, doing laundry…all domestic stuff, really. You won’t have to worry about any of that.”
I blinked, unsure what to say or even what to think about the little beauty. He’d insisted on coming to my home, prepared a meal for me, and now sounded as if he was planning a life of caring for me.
Is this guy for real? Is this his way of flirting? What if he really does want to kill me? He’s so tiny, though; I could take him. And I don’t see any weapons. Wait a second; the food! What if he poisoned the food? Is this some kind of sick game?
Cedric peeled the lid off of one of the containers, revealing two huge cuts of meat. “I fixed the steaks rare, but I’m happy to cook yours a little more if you’d like.”
“No, I like mine rare too.” As long as it was poison-free.
“Good, because my animalistic side loves red meat,” Cedric replied calmly, like it wasn’t the hottest thing I’d ever heard.
Deciding to try and be a bit sexy myself, I leaned in towards him and said, “I have an animalistic side too, boy.”
Cedric’s eyes narrowed momentarily and I wondered if I’d gone too far, but then his smirk returned when he answered, “I’d love to see it some time. But first, we need to get you fed.”
I shook my head, still trying to figure Cedric out as he dug through my cabinets until he found a skillet and several pots. While humming a quiet tune, he seared the steaks on the stovetop until they were sizzling once more, and then he reheated all of the side dishes; mashed potatoes, broccoli, corn, and mushrooms. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a feast like this, and no one had ever cooked one for me.
Which brought around a thought that popped out of my mouth before I could stop it. “How do I know that you actually cooked all of this?” Technically someone else could have fixed it and he could just be reheating it.
An expression that was a mixture of hurt and confusion flashed across Cedric’s pretty face before a sassy smile returned. “I guess I’ll just have to prove it by fixing your breakfast in the morning.”
Once upon a time, I’d have a flirty or suggestive reply at the ready, but I was way out of practice and instead fell into stunned silence. Cedric didn’t miss a beat, however, and asked, “Will you please grab us a couple of drinks while I set the table?”
I had nothing more than a card table propped against the wall, but Cedric unfolded it with no judgment and placed dishes and silverware on its top, making it look better than ever before.
Then he served each plate, beginning with mine, to the brim of delicious-looking food. We sat facing one another in folding chairs and I placed a can of soda in front of each of us.
Cedric didn’t move; didn’t even raise his fork, just sat there watching me expectantly. Paranoia reared its ugly head again; What's wrong with this food?