The Men Next Door

Ch 14 - Brooks

"Good morning, sleepyhead," I said amusedly as I watched Cam yawn and stretch in the doorway. I'd nearly given up when she didn't answer my first gentle knock, but as soon as I took a step back toward my apartment, I heard the telltale sound of a door unlatching behind me. "Sorry if I woke you up."

"You didn't," she replied with a shake of her head. "I was up an hour ago, but then I got a little too cozy on the couch. This cold weather makes me want to stay in bed all day." I nodded in agreement, then my neighbor's eyebrows shot up in interest as she processed my attire. "And speaking of staying in bed... what's so important that it brought you over here in your pajamas?"

"Hey now, we practically match," I said, gesturing to her leggings and oversized crew neck. I was still in my flannel joggers and a hoodie, but we were well past first impressions at that point... and I was on a mission that couldn't be derailed by a trip to my closet.

"Yeah, but this is basically my daily uniform. You usually put on real pants," she observed, scrunching up her nose like the mere thought of slacks pained her.

I gave her a shrug. "Real pants help me focus when I'm working. But it's a Sunday, and I don't plan on doing much of anything."

"Well, I like the pajamas. They make you look very... domestic," she said, covering her mouth to hide her giggle. "Are you going to stand in the hallway all day or come in?"

"Maybe stand in the hallway after you called me domestic," I joked, but walked past her into the apartment anyway.

"So to what do I owe this..." she squinted toward the kitchen to read the clock on the oven "...9:30 AM visit?"

I swallowed down my nerves and tried to ignore my sweaty palms as we settled onto the couch. Her place was always just as tidy as mine, only a little more colorful, and we tossed a few throw pillows aside before cuddling up under a fuzzy floral blanket.

"I wanted to see you. And tell you I had fun meeting everyone at the party. And ask if you wanted to... um... let me cook for you again? Friday night, maybe? I can make whatever you want, or I can surprise you if that's more fun."

The corner of her mouth twitched as she tried to hold back a teasing grin. "Are you trying to ask me on a date, Mr. Becker?"

"That's exactly what I'm doing, Miss Kramer." I'd realized early that morning, as a puff of steam swirled above my mug like a paper dragon in the breeze, that I had to put myself first. Bottom line, the end. Luca wasn't my responsibility, no matter how much he felt like family, and I wasn't doing either of us any favors by half-assing my interest. "What do you think?"

She beamed at me. "I think that sounds lovely. And I think you're cute when you're nervous."

"I'm not nervous," I denied. She looked at me pointedly. "Not now that you said yes, anyway."

"You're cute when you're not nervous, too," Cam assured me, blushing at her own compliment. I pulled her closer, and she pressed the sweetest kiss against my cheek. "But it's more fun to make you admit it."

I knew exactly where she was coming from. It was fun to ask the kind of questions that make your blood pump a little faster through your veins — and it was even more fun to hear the answers. I did it to her all the time, even if she hadn't quite caught on yet.

And looking back now?

That's probably where I got the idea for date night.

~~~

I let out a humored breath of air through my nose as Cam wrapped her arms around my torso from behind. She'd just finished up her work for the week, and I was at the stove putting the finishing touches on the meal I'd promised her: general tso's, bok choy, and spring rolls.