Rosie White

Chapter 30

I wake to the sound of the front door and a mumbled conversation. I open my eyes and am immediately met by a thick muscular bicep.

I know that bicep.

I pull back far enough to see the body that that particular limb is attached too, yep, the one and only.

"Afternoon sleeping beauty," Alex's deep voice ripples through my body.

I glance around his shoulder, eyeing Milly and the driver carrying endless amounts of bags through the front door.

"How are you feeling?" Alex asks, his hand cupping my face.

"Better," I reply, pushing myself off his rock-solid chest.

"I have never had so much fun shopping," Milly beams from the other side of the room.

"Fun?" Alex asks as he shuffles himself as well.

"Rosie, do you know what it's like walking round a supermarket without the calculator app on your phone, adding up every item you place in the basket? I felt like I was breaking the law it was that mad!" Milly smiles.

I laugh quietly before pulling myself up to stand, I don't miss the warm hand which comes to rest on my lower back as Alex stands as well.

"What did you get?" Alex asks as Milly starts unpacking the groceries.

"What didn't I get! Once I got started, I couldn't stop. And also your guy was like throwing stuff in as well," Milly laughs.

"Oh Jesus, Alex, I may have to set up monthly payments to afford to pay you back for this," I laugh awkwardly.

"Rosie, I already told you I am covering the cost of this, lets unpack and get some food on the go," Alex replies, unpacking a bag of bakery items.

"Cookies!" I scream as I snatch them from Alex's hand.

I hold them up to Milly, "How the fuck is this 'essential,'" Milly goes to open her mouth but is stopped by Alex's deep voice replying for her.

"Rosie, Milly did what I asked of her, do not shout at her please."

"Alex, you don't understand," I reply, placing the cookies onto the kitchen counter, my voice breaking slightly.

Alex turns to face me, gripping my shoulders in his arms, "Rosie, how many times do I need to tell you not to worry, I know you are programmed to, and I know you've had every right to up to now, but I need you to relax, please, just relax for me."

I think about the last time Alex tried to relax me and warmth pools in my lower belly.

Although I don't want to, I do feel myself calm down.

I nod slowly, before turning back to the bag in front of me. Toiletries.

I pull out boxes of toothpaste, hand wash, body wash, bubble bath, shampoo, condit...

"Conditioner!" I shout.

"I know" Milly laughs.

I haven't been able to afford conditioner for nearly three years, I've avoided all items that aren't a complete necessity.

I can't help the smile that etches my face, I feel, happy? Excited? I don't know, but I feel like I've just won the lottery with all these items of food and toiletries being places around me.

When I look towards Alex, he's smiling towards me as well, so much so that it makes my eyes well.

Milly is discussing something with the driver, who's just bought the last few bags inside.

I turn towards Alex, wrapping my arms around his neck, I move up on my toes and pull him tight to me. His arms circle my waist, as I bury my face in his neck.

"Thank you," I mumble.

Alex pulls back before placing a kiss on my cheek, "You are more than welcome Rosie."

"I think we need to meal plan Rosie, to make sure none of this food goes to waste," Milly replies, pulling my attention away from Alex.

When I turn around and glance over to Milly, she has piles of vegetables, fruits and meats on the kitchen counter.

"Oh my god," I speak, unaware of the words leaving my mouth. "I don't know the last time I had a proper cooked meal, with fresh ingredients," I add quietly.

"I know loads of recipes I can make with all this stuff, things I cook for the boys, so I can batch cook and we can freeze some meals," Milly replies.

"The boys?" Alex asks beside me.

Milly smiles towards him, "Yeah, I nanny for twin boys."

Alex nods his head. When I look back to Milly, she's holding one of the bags full of cleaning products. "Look Ro," She speaks, holding a bag of dishwasher tablets in her other hand.

"Are those dishwasher tablets? You mean we can actually use the dishwasher?" I laugh.

"Yep, and also I got more washing machine powder and also some fabric conditioner, goodbye rock-hard towels," Milly smiles.

"I hope this is all okay Alex," I reply quietly.

Alex doesn't reply, but the expression on his face shows me he's tired of me being concerned over this.

"Thank you so much Alex, you really don't understand how much this means to both of us," Milly says.

"You are both more than welcome, and I want you both to promise me that if you ever need anything, whether it be food or even for bloody hair shampoo, you call me, do you understand?" Alex replies, looking between the both of us.

"I understand, but that shouldn't be a problem anymore Alex, especially if you're going to change my pay, it was just unfortunate that the fridge broke when it did," I reply.

Alex frowns and turns towards me, "Right, that reminds me, I want you to send me the details of your landlord, please."

"Why?" I question.

"Just please?" he asks.

"Okay," I reply.

"Just so you know, he's an arsehole," Milly replies from her position by the fridge.