Secrets And Tea

Chapter 24

Damien lay in the bed staring at Rhionna's sleeping form. He had slept peacefully after she had refused to leave the bed last night.
No nightmare of the incident that had gotten his best friend killed.

He had woken up fully awake in other parts of his body, but he was a gentleman and didn't want to take advantage of Rhionna.

They were both still recovering from their own heartbreaks and to use that vulnerability just to satisfy a hunger that can be filled easily wasn't worth the regret that may follow.

He gently shifted his arm from under her and got out of bed. Heading for the bathroom and a cold shower.

As he washed he pondered the night before. The kiss had been wonderful. Rhionna had felt so soft beneath his body.

Getting out he dried off and went back to the bedroom to find the bed empty and the smell of food filled the room.

Dressing in a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt he headed downstairs to find Rhionna in the kitchen cooking some breakfast.

She wore her robe over her pajamas, the dark circles around her neck visible in the pale light.

"Good Morning," he greeted as he stepped in.

Rhionna gave a slight jump, then responded "Good Morning, I hope you like bacon and eggs."

"I won't complain. Better than rations." He said.

"There is instant coffee in that cupboard. I always keep some for coffee drinkers, since I only drink tea. The kettle is filled with hot water," Rhionna stated, pointing to one of the cupboards.

Damien grabbed a mug and instant coffee. Pouring hot water over the grounds and giving it a stir.

He made an appreciative noise for the dark brew.

"How is your throat?" He asked, walking over to gently run a finger along the marks.

"Sore, but other than that its fine. I'll apply some salve later." She responded.

Damien went to sit at the table and watched as Rhionna made their breakfast. He appreciated the way she moved. He knew what Thomas wanted, and after last night he felt they could make that leap when they were ready.

The moment the plate of food was placed in front of him he picked up the fork to eat. He told Rhionna it was delicious, and it was.

They had just finished eating when someone rang the door bell. Rhionna left to answer and Damien washed the dishes.

Abigail's voice could be heard.

"That Henry is one stubborn spirit, geez louise. I couldn't even get one word in. He just flew off the handle." Abigail was saying as she walked into the room with Rhionna.

"Was Henry always that ornery?" Abigail asked Damien, "I mean in real life was he always so quick to fly off the handle?"

Damien shrugged one shoulder, "At times. He had gotten into quite a few scuffles with other members at base and while on missions."

"He's going to be difficult to remove from your location if we can't get him to calm down enough to talk to." Abigail stated.

"I think I know of a way," Damien said, "He always would listen to his commanding officer. Why don't I go with you? I am partially the reason why he is dead and his commanding officer."

Abigail fiddled with her hair a bit, biting her bottom lip as she thought about his offer.

"I think I have someone else in mind," she said, "You would only aggravate him. I invited Mrs. Joplin to stay with me until we get him to move on he's been a nuisance to her."

"Damien, why don't you come to work with me today? I have plenty of things I can get you to do." Suggested Rhionna.

Damien nodded, "Fine, but its not free. I demand dinner tonight."

"No problem," stated Rhionna, with a grin.

Damien climbed into the car an hour and a half later with Rhionna, Abigail in the back seat. When they reached the tea shop Rhionna didn't waste time to tell him what she wanted done.

He went to work. The jobs were mostly heavy lifting in the backroom. Pushing, Shoving, and taking out boxes to the dumpster.

He was just dusting off his hands from cleaning the backroom when Rhionna stepped in holding a cup of coffee from the local cafe down the street.

"Wow, you did great. Here. This is for you." She said handing him the fragrant brew, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. We haven't done a full clean up in here since Janurary."

"It' s no problem. I can't go home to work on the house until Abigail has Henry removed. Has she spoken about her plan?" He said, sipping the warm liquid from the cup.

Rhionna shook her head, "She rarely tells us what she has planned when it comes to spirits and removing them from a location. It's her thing and she's good at it. Just trust her."

Damien winked, "I trust her," he said, and hooked a finger in her jeans, "Do you grant me permission to kiss you again?"

He loved how Rhionna's eyes fluttered a bit before she gave her consent. He kissed her softly. He didn't want to rush her or make her uncomfortable.

"What's for dinner tonight?" He asked when they parted.

"I was thinking we should go visit Poppy's restaurant. Delicious Delights. She makes a mean bean and feta salad." Suggested Rhionna.

"Can't wait. Now get out before you distract me further and I forget to do my job boss," Damien said with a grin.

Rhionna just gave her him a small salute and walked out of the storeroom.

Damien returned to work until she came to get him for dinner in the early evening.