5. The Dozen Roses

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I knock again, louder this time but no one answers

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I knock again, louder this time but no one answers. My left arm is safely behind my back so I set down the bag from my right hand to get out my phone. Unlocking it, I double check the address first, then call.

On the fourth ring, there's a groggy voice, "Hello?"

"Hey, I'm outside. Are you not home? I texted that I was on my way."

"Oh," there's shuffling and static over the line. "Hold on." I hear the knob rattle and watch the door barely open to reveal a drowsy Essi with the phone still pressed to her ear, "Hi."

"Hi," I answer, hanging up to retrieve the grocery bag. "Were you asleep?"

"A little."

I chuckle, "You were 'a little' asleep?" A giggle flashes across her face. Damn, she's so casually sexy right now. Clearing my throat, I continue, "I come bearing gifts." I raise the bag and she opens the door more but stays mostly behind it. "There's chicken noodle soup and ginger ale as promised."

She takes the bag from me, looking mischievous, "What about the dozen roses?"

I keep my other hand behind my back. "Some gratitude would be appreciated. I cooked for you," I tease.

"You heated up a can of soup in a pot."

"Excuse me, I had to add water. Now are you gonna let me in or leave me in the literal cold here?" 

"Oh, sorry! Umm, just give me one second," she fidgets behind the door, looking around the room. "Actually, can you close your eyes?"

"What?"

"I fell asleep after my bath so I'm only wearing a robe right now."

"Oh, sure, okay." I close my eyes, respectfully. Shit, now I'm imagining her taking the robe off. A soft hand holds mine, clearing my thoughts. She guides me into her apartment and shuts the door. I hear her set down the bag somewhere.

"Stay here. No peaking."

I laugh, mostly to myself and give her enough time to go into the other room. After a few seconds, I call out, "Can I open them now?"

"No," her voice startles me from only a few feet away. "My clean clothes are on the table. I was doing laundry this morning." I hear a swoosh followed by a soft thump. My head turns slightly in the direction of the sound. "Don't look!"

"I'm not. Promise," I reassure her, putting my right hand over my eyes. "So," I trail off coyly, purposefully dropping my voice, "what are you wearing?"

She half scoffs, half laughs and copies my tone, mocking me, "Nothing."

Gulp. "I didn't realize canned soup was all it took to get you naked." I hear more fabric rustling and suddenly something fluffy smashes into my face. I instinctively grab it as it falls into my right arm.

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