Chad knocked on the door frame to Stevie's bedroom, then leaned against it. "I'm finished for today."
She looked at him for a moment, not realizing that she was biting her lower lip, as she was nervous about replying. "You don't have to be."
"No? Another job you have in mind for me?"
"Well... Sort of. If there's someone to watch Greta, you could maybe spend some time with me as Chad and not just my handyman."
It had been a few days since that kiss by the pool and they hadn't engaged in anything like that once after. Not that one of them didn't want to, but because they were both slightly worried about what this meant. Chad didn't want just a fling. After the loss of his wife, he had sworn to never fall in love again as it simply hurt too much, but... And Stevie wasn't up to playing games anymore either. She was of a certain age now and if she was to get involved with someone romantically, it would have to be serious.
"I'm sure Amanda wouldn't mind." He said and approached the bed, on which Stevie was sitting cross-legged. "What are you reading?" He asked, sitting down next to her.
"Poetry. I don't have a clue whose poems are these, I just came across this book in my boxes, thought it give it a shot."
"I bet it's nowhere near as good as yours."
"Flattery will get you... everywhere." She smiled, although avoiding his eyes, as she put the book away. "Are you hungry? I could make us dinner."
"Intelligent, spiritual, beautiful and you cook. You're a real catch, you know."
"I'm no chef, but... I used to do it every once in a while, when I lived with Lindsey and we allowed ourselves a good meal."
Chad stood up and held his hand for Stevie. "I'll call Amanda, just in case."
"Sure."
In the kitchen, Stevie was washing her hands before she started preparing dinner, as she felt a pair of those strong arms around her and her heartbeat quickened. She turned around in Chad's embrace and he didn't even have to lean in as she reached up to kiss him first.
"You make me feel things..." He said, pulling back. "Things I haven't allowed myself to feel."
"It's mutual." She replied, sliding her hands up and down his arms, while his were clasped behind her back. "For how long are we going to keep just kissing?"
"Well, that was forward." Chad laughed softly, bring one hand up, tangling his fingers in her hair, as she closed her eyes, cocking her head back. She didn't mean anything by it, but he took it as an invitation, pressing a series of small kisses along her neck.
"Maybe..." She somehow willed herself to put her hands on his face and lock their eyes. "...maybe this is too fast? I'm never like this usually..."
"I can't pretend I'm not afraid of opening up to you, but God, do I want you as well. But... I don't want you to think that's the only reason either, because I like you, in all kinds of ways." For the first time Stevie thought she was witnessing Chad's softer, more sensitive side. It was clear it wasn't easy for him to say these things, so in that way, he reminded her a lot of Lindsey, which she wasn't sure it was a good thing.
"We don't have to rush into anything. Kissing is nice too." She smiled and so did he. "We could... cuddle maybe?"
"Yeah, we definitely could." He nodded, pecking her on the lips.
"Although, if we keep this up, we'll remain starving."
"Oh that's right, you were going to cook. Sorry, I won't disturb you."
They were talking the whole time while Stevie worked around kitchen. It felt nice. New and different, but nice. It felt very homey and she wanted it, not really having experienced it. When with Lindsey, all she did was work. She couldn't deny that he tried his best to make up for that when she would come home, but still, she would always worry about rent and supplies, and everything else. She wondered what it would be like to just enjoy this kind of life? To simply be an ordinary couple with a man she loved.
"Thank you. I'll do the dishes." Chad said, having finished eating, kissing the top of her head on his way to the sink.
"You don't have to, I'll clean up tomorrow."
"No, we're Chad and Stevie now, remember? Not a handyman and an employer. I'm allowed to disagree."
"If we only had disagreements like this one." Stevie laughed, bringing her empty plate. "Would you like a drink?"
"Honestly, I'm not much of a drinker."
"I'm not one myself either, but I do enjoy a glass of wine from time to time."
"What I would really like is that cuddle we discussed."
"That could be arranged." She reached for the kitchen cloth and dried off the dishes.
Once done with cleaning up, Stevie took Chad by the hand and led the way upstairs, as they lay down and he instantly pulled her close to himself, enveloping her in his arms.
"This feels... safe."
"Good, I want you to feel safe with me."
They stared at each other for some time, studying each other, before he couldn't take it any longer and captured her lips, as she responded, opening her mouth, inviting him in. He didn't hesitate, brushing their tongues ever so lightly, eliciting a moan from her.
The two continued playing this torturous game, only allowing themselves to explore just a tiny bit. They were both hot and bothered, they both wanted to give into temptation, but also there was a mutual feeling that whatever that had started between them could develop into something more than just a mere satisfaction of bodily needs.
"I wish I could stay with you like this..." Chad laced his fingers through hers, placing their hands on her stomach, her back pressed up against his front.
"I wish you could too. I didn't think things would escalate so quickly tonight, we were meant to cuddle."
"You're hard to resist."
"We should have a date, a real one. And you should have someone look after Greta for the whole night." She smirked looking over her shoulder.
"I'd like that."
They fell silent again, feeling the inevitable approaching all too fast. Stevie was the one to say it. "You should go, I'll see you tomorrow."
"You do understand why things are going the way they are, right?" Chad had to make sure they were on the same page, because the sadness across Stevie's face was killing him. Although, he didn't know it wasn't his fault, she was simply getting flashbacks of a man she loved, leaving her and going home to another woman...
"Yeah, yeah I do. Everything's fine. Tonight was great." She forced a smile and he reached for her hand, kissing the top of it.
"You don't have to see me out. I know my way around the place pretty well." He attempted to cheer her up. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." She replied, and turned away not to see him go.
She didn't think she would ever fall in love again...
