Cherry Skies

Chapter 18 - Trying to Set Boundaries

Chapter 18 – Trying to Set Boundaries

The next morning Elizabeth comes to a bit groggy. Her vision slightly blurred, and her head continues to spin.

"I hope he got the license plate to that bus. Oh, what a night!" She mumbles to herself but then flips out and rushes out the door when she notices that the bedroom isn't her own.

"Hey, good morning! Slept well, I'm going to venture to guess." Matt calls out from the kitchen.

From where she stands, the aroma of breakfast whiffs up her nose, allowing Elizabeth to shut her eyes and relax. The pleasant moment of bliss crashes and burns when she gets inside of her mind.

"Oh, my goodness, we didn't, did we?" She asks, approaching Matthew in the kitchen.

"No! You passed out in the truck, and after the movie, I brought you here and let you sleep in my bed. I crashed on the couch and got up early to get my kids. I'm making breakfast while they play in their rooms."

A huge wave of relief falls over her mind, but not her body. Taking a seat at the oversized island, Elizabeth takes a mug and pours herself a cup of coffee.

"Want some cream for that?" Matthew offers, scooting the container over.

"Read my mind, and I am so sorry that I fell asleep on you but thank you for a wonderful time. It's been years since I had that much fun."

Unable to turn his attention away from the eggs on the stove, Matthew keeps his body turned away from Elizabeth.

"I had a blast, and it was wonderful, getting to reconnect with you. It was a tad bit unorthodox, but I want to do it again, Ellie. Things won't ever be like it was when we were younger, but maybe a fresh start with reminders of what was might be the ticket."

Caught up in the thought of it all, Elizabeth scoots from the chair and wraps her arms around Matthew's midsection.

"Matt, I loved last night and what it represented. After years of feeling unwanted and virtually unloved, it's going to take some time to trust myself with a man. Not saying I don't want this because I do. More than anything in the world, but I am a mess. I still need to find a place for me, M.J. and Katie. If we are going to do this, then let's take it slow. You have two kids to think about too."

His response totally catches her off guard.

"I agree wholeheartedly. Listen, I want slow too. I know you went through hell. You let some things out in private that I won't ever tell a soul. After we kissed last night in the truck, I felt my heart come back to life. Like you, I have to make sure this is right for not just me but all the kids."

He pauses to make one final statement.

"Which one final thought before I scoot you back, so I don't burn the eggs. 'M.J.' doesn't care to be called that anymore. I address him as Mike, and that makes him feel accepted as an adult."

That's when it dawns on her that she made the right decision to give him another chance.

"I never thought about that, and you're right. Mike deserves to be treated as an adult more now than ever."

"That's my unofficial girl!" Matthew says, lifting the pan and scooping the eggs out and into an old-fashioned ceramic-colored bowl.

Killing the gas burner after setting the pan down and before he can pick up anything from the counter, Elizabeth twirls Matthew around and plants another kiss on him. It isn't until she pulls back that she gives him a subtle but sex-crazed look.

"It's not unofficial, just new and slow." She whispers with soft words.

Refusing to open his eyes for the moment to end, Matthew turns his head and calls out to his kids.