15.06 (#2)

Chapter 11

I leaned against the doorframe just watching Rori move around the kitchen, cooking up a storm. It looked my kitchen on Christmas day. I didn't interrupt her as she worked, content in just watching her maternal qualities shine. Her hair was tied in a messy ponytail, and her apron was stained with tomato sauce. She was blowing the loose hairs from her face since her hands were dirty. I strode over to her and brushed the hairs out her eyes. She looked up at me, lips parted. I rubbed my thumb against her temple.

"You got some sauce on you." I stated. She blushed, looking back to the bubbling pot. I moved my hands to cup her face so she had look at me. Her long lashes framed her hooded lids, different coloured eyes filled with love. Her breath hitched as I leaned in closer. She tiptoed to meet me halfway, eyes fluttering shut on their own accord. I kissed her more tenderly this time, relishing the taste of her lips.

"Ahem, am I interrupting something?" Someone cleared their throat. We jumped apart, Rori blushing like a teenage girl getting caught red handed.

"We... Uh. It's not what you think," Rori stuttered.

"And what do I think?" Donny raised an eyebrow.

"It's exactly what you're thinking Donny. We were kissing." I grinned at Rori's deepening blush.

"Dad..." She muttered.

"I just wanted to ask how long dinner will take."

"20 minutes." I replied.

"Okay, I'll lay out the table." Donny left us again.

"So where were we?" I turned back to Rori.

"Finishing up dinner, that's what." She said, turning back to the pot.

We really had a feast that night, tomato soup, grilled salmon with healthy portion of roasted broccoli and spicy mashed potatoes. Dessert was cherry pie made by Lillian and Olivia earlier in the afternoon. There was more than enough ice cream to go around too.

"Seriously, Rori I think you should take over the restaurant."

"Thanks for the offer but I have enough on my plate as it is." She laughed.

"This food is so good though. It's been a while since I've have good hearty meal."

"I swear you have dinner with your parents almost every week?"

"Yeah but I have to make it." I complained.

"Cooking is your job!"

"Doesn't mean I want to cook all the time." I rolled my eyes.

"Well I'm glad you liked the food, but you should try Lillian's food. It's to die for."

"Oh stop it you." Lillian blushed at the compliment. "Alright kids why don't we watch a movie?"

"Yaay!!" Olivia and Ryan cried, running to the living room to pick out a film.

"It's movie night." Rori explained. "Every other Friday night we either have games night or watch a movie. It helps keep the kids occupied and the family together."

"It seems to work," I noticed how their family worked like a well oiled machine. When dinner was over, Julia and her mother, Lillian cleared the table while Donny washed the dishes and David- Julia's husband, wiped them before placing them away.

Rori took me to the living room to grab the comfiest couch. As soon as we sat down though, the two kids squeezed in between us. Rori kissed the top of Olivia's head before settling to watch some Disney movie the kids had chosen. Halfway through the movie I yawned and placed my arm around Rori's shoulders.