Chapter 6
Avidya
My blush would never disappear. I think my cheeks were forever painted a reddish pink. It didn’t make sense as a small smile played on my lips as Zachariah helped me from the bed and cleaned up from our make out session.
“One day soon, I’ll wash you while you take a bath,” he promised softly with a kiss. “First, your cast has to come off.”
“I’m ready for it to be off,” I said. I was more than ready. It was starting to really itch in places and driving me up the walls.
“How much longer?” Zachariah asked as we headed down the stairs in search of food.
“Two more weeks. Not soon enough,” I muttered in an answer that caused him to slightly laugh. “It’s not funny.”
“I know, but I’ve been in your shoes,” he said, heading straight to the fridge to find something to make for dinner.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sleep tonight after sleeping most of the day away due to my own small nap, then the nap I took with Zachariah in bed. It was much needed, though. I felt more awake than I had for quite some time. It would be something I’d deal with when the time came.
“So what are we going to do about the wedding?” I asked as I took a seat at the counter. I was hungry, but I was too lazy to really make anything. Luckily, Zachariah wasn’t so lazy, although he probably wanted something more than the hospital food he had been eating the last few weeks. I certainly hadn’t wanted the hospital food that had no taste.
“That’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about,” he said, turning to face me. “I know my family is going to make shit fly, but what if we go elope? Just get it done and over with?”
“Are you sure?” I asked, surprised that he’d do something like that. “Your mom would hate that. I get the feeling that your dad wouldn’t really care in the end, with after everything that’s happened lately. Actually, after the time I’ve spent with him, Carlos seems like he’d rather us do just that.”
“Oh, he will care, but not for nearly as long as my mother,” Zachariah laughed out. “I don’t want anything fancy, and neither do you. It’ll be quick, easy and painless. Spur of the moment, sort of.”
“I don’t have a dress, since I haven’t gotten back to do the alterations,” I stated.
“You don’t need a dress unless you want one,” Zachariah stated. “You can go as you are right now, and I don’t care.”
“Of course you wouldn’t,” I laughed. “When?”
“Since I can’t drive till next week…” he trailed off. I knew he couldn’t drive, not until he was able to go most of the week without the headaches. Given that this was his second concussion, the doctor seemed to be a bit more concerned. It was understandable.
“After I get my cast off?” I asked.
“It’s a date, Miss Ray,” he winked my way.
I gave him a sweet smile, seeing his eyes lighting up as I attempted to flirt. I had never flirted with anyone before, so I was certainly out of my element once more.
“About that contract,” Zachariah said.
I remembered the contract agreement well enough. I knew what I wanted, at least more so than I had ever before. Not only did I want Zachariah and the life he was offering me, but I also wanted to find out who I was as a person. I wanted to find out with this man beside me, as long as he would be there to help keep me afloat if needed.
“I want it all,” I said truthfully, meeting his shocked gaze. “I want the experience with you, Zachariah. I want to find out who I am as me. You are the only one that can help me do that. I want to explore this…what we have here. You are everything, and to keep everything I want comes through you.”
The little glimpse that I have gotten so far was enough to draw me into his world. I wanted to not just prove to him, but myself, that I wanted more of us together, whatever that would entail.
“Have I told you I love you?” Zachariah asked me in awe. Was he happy that I was willing to try? Willing to become a permanent part of his life?
“Not enough yet,” I winked at him.
Zachariah simply shook his head before turning back to the stove. He had changed his pants to a different pair of blue checkered pants. I still enjoyed the view of his butt as he began to put together our dinner.
“Travis mentioned you’ve been writing in the journal,” Zachariah stated as he looked over his shoulder at me.
“Yes,” I answered. “Not sure why, but I have been as you requested. It is easier than the meditation.”
“It’s to help you get your thoughts and fears out,” Zachariah explained once more. “Plus, it lets me get inside of your head when I need to.”
“You don’t want in my head,” I said with a shake of my head.
“I’d love to know what you think,” he stated firmly. “I also want you to write about the dreams you have been having.”
It didn’t take much longer for him to finish making us both grilled cheese to eat. Truthfully, as the smell grew with the melting cheese, I realized that I was starving. When was the last time I ate more than a few bites?
After we ate with little talk between us, we both cleaned up and then sat on the couch with me leaning into him, his arm wrapped around me.
“Any suggestions on what to watch?” he asked, looking at the menu.
“As long as I’m in your arms, I don’t care,” I answered.
“How long do you think we can hide away?” he asked, leaning his head against my own.
“Forever,” I laughed. “But in reality? Probably only until tomorrow morning. I’m sure you’ll be called for one thing or another.”
“Is that a problem?” he asked, genuinely wanting to know.
“Not at all. It’s what you’ve been doing for years,” I was quick to answer. “You are a busy man, and I’m sure that you have to check things at your places you run soon enough.”
“Yeah, I do need to,” he mused. “But it doesn’t mean I want to. I’d rather just stay right here.”
“Me too,” I agreed, letting my head lean against his shoulder, which more than anything that we could just stay in our own little bubble forever.
But I knew that life would come crashing upon us like an ocean wave soon enough.