What He Couldn't Buy

5

Amelia woke up to the sound of the doorbell ringing. She sat up really quickly, feeling as if she were late to school and had hit the snooze button one too many times. The doorbell was soon followed by the sound of Chris' voice. She threw on a short silk robe and padded down the stairs, trying not to make too much noise. Her attempt to sneak a peek at Chris failed when he was standing directly at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hi." She looked like a deer in headlights.

Chris smirked and eyed Amelia up and down. Her long legs were in full view in her short robe. He winked as he moved away from the stairs and followed Rosie into the kitchen. He tried to help Rosie with breakfast while Amelia got dressed but was distracted by his thoughts. Although Amelia's wavy hair was flipped over in many different directions and she wasn't dressed in a stunning gown like the night at the gala, she still looked amazing.

Once Chris moved into the kitchen, Amelia quickly got her act together. She brushed her teeth and hair and threw on a t-shirt dress. Despite changing quickly, Chris and Rosie had already started putting pancakes on the griddle.

"I am so sorry. I went to bed late last night, I guess I underestimated my ability to wake up early without an alarm," she blushed as she entered the kitchen.

Amelia sat on a stool by the kitchen island and began to cut fruit. Chris was across the island, flipping pancakes, "so why were you up so late? Something sneaky?"

"Nah, more like they played all three Godfather movies in a row on TV last night."

"Hmm... that is a pretty good reason. I guess I'll excuse you for being tardy" he said, mocking an authoritative school teacher.

"Oh boy! Thank goodness I didn't get detention!" Amelia rolled her eyes and giggled.

Rosie interrupted, "I'm going to pick some flowers for the table. Can you two set the table once you are done with the fruit and pancakes?"

They both nodded and finished their respective duties.

Even though the kitchen was spacious, Chris and Amelia kept bumping into each other because the plates and silverware were in such close proximity.

Amelia was struggling to reach a serving dish that was high up on the cupboard, so she began to climb up onto the counter. She was standing on the kitchen counter while Chris was just below her, grabbing forks.

He looked up at her, "You guys don't have a step stool or ladder or something?"

"Oh we do! I'm just too lazy to get it out"

"But... you realize you exert more energy when you climb up on the counter, right?"

Amelia rolled her eyes, "Oh just hush and grab this" she handed him the platter. He grabbed it and set it on the island behind him. Chris then waited until she was seated on the counter, about to jump off. He took her by surprise when he put his arms around her waist and began to kiss her. Amelia felt herself fighting a smile as she kissed him back.

He then picked her up from the counter and set her back on the floor.

"Come on, I don't want Rosie to think I'm a lazy guest" Chris said as he began to put pancakes on the platter.

Rosie soon returned with a bouquet of daisies and sunflowers. "My two favorite flowers!" Amelia exclaimed before she arranged them and put them in a vase.

Next, they all sat down to their breakfast on the porch outside.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Rosie asked.

"Work" Amelia said with a mouthful of pancake.

Chris laughed at her, "And I'm going paddle boarding with some friends, Amelia you can meet up with us after work if you want"