An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

I Don't Get it

DENNI POV

I wake up some time in the wee hours of the morning, and I slowly get up from behind Lena who is still very much sound asleep. God, she was beyond beautiful to me, and I never, ever wanted her to feel as if I wanted nothing but her body. It is her mind that I love, along with her smile, her art and I enjoy conversing with her because she is an extremely intelligent and passionate woman and that is something that has always been an attractive quality for me. However, I can't help but notice just how embarrassed Lena is to tell me about certain things that have transpired in her lifetime.

I was no saint by any means, and I feel as if I need to start divulging more about what has gone on in my life as well. It wasn't fair that I continued to encourage her to speak of her past, when I had yet to tell her much of what went on with me and my ex-wife.

But I know one thing, and that is that she is a true gem, something special to be treasured, and I was a patient woman. I'd wait for life if I had to, to get to know her and to show her just how marvelous she was to me, and I wanted her to know that her feelings and her needs mattered. That they mattered a great deal to me and that I'd never ever jump in bed with her unless that is what she wanted from me as well.

For me it was never about just sex. Sure, I loved being intimate with a beautiful woman, but there was more to a relationship, and I wanted to build that with Lena.

Heading into her quaint kitchen I smile as I run my fingers over the faces of her children once more as I see another photo stuck on the side of her fridge. I wonder how they are, and how Lena's marriage ending has affected them.  I can see the fire in her daughter, Francesca's eyes, and I can't help but want to get to know her as well. She was a wonderful and talented baker and that is something I looked forward to telling her.

I glance at her son, Corey, and I can see the same passion on his face as I see in Lena's. I can sense that he's a sensitive fella, and as I stare at her youngest one, Jude, I can see that sweet, sweet innocence in his bright blue eyes. He looks as if he is enjoying life, and I can see a rather strong resemblance of Francesca and Corey on his face.

Callie, who is also a beautiful young lady I see her mother, Stef, whom I met briefly at the gallery. That fierceness runs deep, and I can't help but wonder if she favors her father more, as my eyes look at Stefanie last. The smile on her face looks so sweet, yet I can't help but sense a deep sadness in her eyes...as if she feels lost, and I'm reminded of my own daughter, Ivory.

Snapping out of it, I quickly scan Lena's fridge as I pull out some eggs and chicken sausage links before pulling out her little griddle. Finding a classical music station on her little radio, I am lost in my thoughts as I make us breakfast, and soon I'm finished as I see her coffee pot and figure out how to use it. I mainly drink tea, but I've seen Michelle bring Lena coffees and cappuccinos at work; so, I'm guessing that she loves to drink it as well as I find out canister of Maxwell House and measure out the coffee.

"Good morning," I hear Lena's sleepy voice as I turn around and see her sweet face which only makes my heart race as I smile at her.

"Hi, darling. I made us breakfast," I smile at her as she blushes, and I reach for her hand. "I hope I didn't overstep. I know you were tired and wanted to let you sleep."

"No. I really...this is so nice of you, Denni," she looks at the scrambled eggs, sausage links and toast I had made. "Ooooo, and coffee!" She grins as she looks back at me. "But don't you like tea? I have some green tea I can make you."

"No, no, no. I'll have some coffee with you. Sit," I say as I pull out a chair and make her up a plate. "You like cream in your coffee? Sugar?"

"Mostly dark. Sometimes I'll add a splash of cream, but it depends. I'll take it black today. Thank you," she smiles at me as I nod and pour her a cup before making my own plate and mug and sitting beside her.