Oral Care

Chapter 20: Personal Appliances

*** Evelyn's POV ***

This motherfucking tooth. I am tempted to find my pliers and pressure Rafael into removing it immediately. He might just agree, given how quickly that little game of ours turned sore. Thankfully, the salt water rinse and ibuprofen takes the edge off again. We get back to work and before I know it, my entire condo is nearly unpacked. I have Rafael to thank for that.

He is still breaking down boxes. I decide to try my luck and initiate this time. We earned it. "I think you earned a treat."

"Oh? It isn't another popsicle, is it?" He asks cautiously. I bite my lip and shake my head, beckoning him to follow me. He laughs. "Give me a minute. I want to run these last boxes down."

"Ugh, you're such a perfectionist." I mockingly bitch.

"You'll save us both some time if you run the vacuum while I'm gone or else I'm going to need a few more minutes." He advises with sheepish look.

"Oh my gosh! You can vacuum my carpets later, Raf. Please go and get back so we can fuck around!" I insist impatiently.

He chuckles. "Yes, ma'am."

He loads up his arms with the boxes he has broken down and clears my entryway of the remaining trash. I have to say that I am floored by what we accomplished. We make an amazing team. As I pull the vacuum out of the laundry room, I have a playful thought. I strip down bare and start vacuuming in the buff.

Rafael won't know what to do, take me or finish vacuuming. I find his particular, detail-oriented ways refreshing. I think it is one of the reasons that we just click. Actually, it is one of the many things that clicks between us. I smile to myself at the thought.

I don't even hear the door click open because I am actually into the vacuuming. But I startle when I turn and find Miguel admiring the view. "Fucking hell!"

I switch off the vacuum and grab for a blanket draped on the couch. He finds my antics amusing, rubbing his chin. "I don't remember this little cleaning ritual. Don't stop on my account."

"Oh I'm stopping. Did you find someplace to live?" I inquire.

His smile drops. "Uh not that I qualify for in my current jobless state. I might need to find employment first and then look after like ninety days or something."

My mouth drops open in shock as realization hits me of what is coming next. "Oh no you don't, Miguel! You are not staying with me for three months! I'm sorry, but my line is drawn!"

He moves towards me as though he is trying to tame a wild animal. His thick hands land on my bare shoulders and he speaks softly. "Amante, please."

I hear the front door open, drawing both of our attentions as Rafael rounds the corner and takes in the scene in front of him. His brow instantly furrows as he puts two and two together. Miguel steps in front of me, trying to shield me possessively. The two men stare each other down and no one speaks for what feels like forever.

I slap Miguel away. "Stop it, Miguel. This is Rafael, the guy I'm..."

"Screwing, right?" Miguel finishes when I don't. My eyes shoot to Rafael.

"Among other things." Rafael replies without missing a beat.

"He helped me unpack." I add.