The Boss

Chapter 8: It's Not Like This

Sauli

I woke up nuzzled against Adam’s chest. The only sound in the room was the sounds of our breathing and his gentle snores. I found myself cuddling up closer to him for warmth and he started to stir. I looked him in the eyes and smiled as I brushed back a lock of his hair that had fallen in his face.

Me: Hey …

Adam: Hi.

My stomach growled loudly and Adam laughed.

Adam: Want me to go get you something to eat? I can’t believe I haven’t fed you yet.

Me: You can if you want. I’m not that hungry.

Adam: Well your stomach thinks otherwise.

Me: Well my stomach can mind its own business. I’m quite comfortable where I am thank you very much.

For emphasis I tenderly placed a few kisses on his chest. He gave me a brilliant smile and kissed my lips. He sat us both up and gently cradled me in his arms. He stood up and started carrying me out of the room.

Me: What are you doing?

Adam: You said you liked where you were so I’m carrying you to breakfast.

Me: You can put me down I don’t want to hurt you.

Adam: Oh please you are not a problem.

He carried me into the kitchen and balanced me in one arm as he gathered eggs, bacon, potatoes, orange juice, milk, and bread.

Adam: How do you like your eggs?

Me: Scrambled.

Adam: Me too.

He was starting to cook but I wiggled trying to get out of his grasp.

Me: Let me down you can’t cook with one arm.

Adam: Want to bet?

Me: No I don’t want to bet … I want to help you.

He thought about my offer for a moment and then willing put me down. Together we prepared everything and sat down in his gorgeous dining room to eat. I was in awe of everything in his house. I realized that Adam had been talking to me when he started laughing and waved his hand in my face.

Adam: Earth to Sauli … come in Sauli.

Me: Sorry … this place is gorgeous Adam. Did you do all the decorating?

Adam: Yep that’s all me. What I was saying was … do you have plans tonight? You can stay here if you want to? I can take you to your house if you need clothes.

Me: No!

My sudden change in volume scared Adam and he moved back a little. He looked at me with a questioning look as I hung my head.

Me: Sorry I didn’t mean to say it in that tone. You can’t come to my house …

Adam: And why is that?

I was so embarrassed of the place I lived. I didn’t want Adam to think any less of me for living there. He sat there waiting for a response and I knew I had to tell him. The man did just open up to me and tell me his life story … it was the least I could do.

Me: It’s not like … this. I don’t want you to think less of me.

Adam: Hey … money doesn’t mean anything to me. This … this is what matters.

He placed his hand over my heart and smiled. He got changed and together we drove to my house. It definitely wasn’t in the greatest neighborhood and people were eying his BMW the second we drove down my street. I cringed … this definitely wasn’t the greatest idea I’d had. Once I got out of the car the people dispersed … they wouldn’t touch the car knowing that I knew the driver. I guess that was ONE good thing about living there. I walked up the steps 2 at a time and opened up the door allowing Adam to go first. The house was in shambles almost everything broken or simply not working. Adam followed me into my bedroom and shivered at the sudden temperature change. He noticed the broken window but didn’t say anything. I quickly grabbed some clothing and the few dollars I had stashed in my pillow and walked toward Adam who was staring at the cracked wall.

Me: Told you it was bad.

Adam: Sauli ... it's so cold in here. How do you sleep?

Me: Lots of blankets. It's really not that bad.

I lied; I didn't want him worrying about me. Truth be told I shivered every night and barely got sleep. I would wake up and take a steaming shower to warm up, at least the hot water worked ... for now anyway.

Me: I have everything, we can leave now.

Adam: Ok.

We drove back over to his house and I walked inside not sure what he wanted to do.

Me: What do you want to do?

Adam: Do you want to watch a movie?

Me: Depends on what movie ... and what it includes.

Adam looked at me and raised an eyebrow. He put in 'Hunger Games' and we both sat on the couch. I slid up against him and curled up under his arm. He smiled and pulled me in close as I laid my head on his chest. I never wanted to move.