Dinner - Chapter 9

Chloe was at home lying on her couch resting her ankle. Nancy and Craig had gone to a charity function for dinner. Nancy had apologized profusely. The truth was Chloe was glad to get some time to herself. She had spent a very restless night thinking about Brady and what was going to happen between them, if anything. Chloe was deep in thought and didn't even hear the doorbell ring the first two times. She got up slowly. Grabbed her crutches and made her way to the door.

"Brady!" She squealed, catching herself by surprise. "What are you doing here? Come in." She smiled.

Brady pulled flowers from behind his back and passed them to her.

"These are for you" Brady said proudly.

"Um okay I have to sit down, this medication must be stronger than I thought. I never thought I would see the day when Brady Black did something nice for me." She said laughing.

"Okay ha ha. Give me a little more credit. I'm not that bad a guy"

"No Brady. I know that, I really do" Chloe smiled shyly as she watched Brady's face flush.

"So what are you up to?"

"Not much, since I can't go to work like this I have nothing to do"

"Oh I think we can fix that" Brady said with a wide grin.

"What are you talking about?"

"Hang on one sec" he said as he ran to his car carrying back bags.

"What's all this?"

"You'll see, can't you just play along?"

"Brady, with you I don't know what I'm getting myself into. Please, just tell me so I won't worry myself to death."

"Oh Chloe, don't be so dramatic. Okay since you insist on ruining my surprise...I was planning on cooking you dinner."

Chloe burst out laughing "You? Cook? Brady isn't it enough that I have to wear this cast around for weeks? I don't think I need my house burnt down on top of it"

"Oh you're so funny. Look it would make me feel better if I could do something nice for you. It's partly my fault that you got hurt and I just thought I could try to make it up to you but if you are going to act like this I might as well leave" he picked up the bags and headed for the door.

"Wait! I was just kidding Brady. Don't go"

Brady still with his back toward Chloe smiled.

"Man, I'm good" he said laughing.

"You mean you were kidding? You are such a jerk Brady. You never change." She laughed giving him a slap.

"Oh, but I have, wait and see. Stay tuned for the new improved Brady Black complete with many changes" he laughed.

'Oh, Chloe you make me want to change. When I'm around you not matter how hard I try I can't stay angry'

"sure"

"So you sit here, and I will just go into the kitchen and get to work. Do you need anything before I leave you?"

"Um, it's kinda cold in here, could you get me a blanket and maybe something warm to drink?"

"Sure is hot chocolate okay?"

"That would be great"

He went to the hall closet where Chloe said they kept the extra blankets. He pulled out a large blue and white quilt. He brought it to Chloe who reached for it but Brady draped it over her himself. He tucked her in and allowed himself the pleasure of touching her exposed arms. She closed her eyes wondering if he had seen the effect he had on her. Brady finished with the blanket. He looked down at Chloe and gave her a wink. He walked into the kitchen and took a deep breath, wondering if Chloe knew the kind of effect she had on him. He took pots and pans and filled them with various ingredients. He turned on the stove and placed a casserole dish into the oven. Brady finished chopping vegetables and other ingredients, put them in the pot before he returned his attention back to the fresh hot chocolate he was making. He poured the mixture into two mugs, placed marshmallows on top and carried them through the doorway. Chloe was still wrapped in the blanket lying on the sofa.

"You know if you're still cold I could turn down the air conditioner."

"No. I like it like this. How else could I drink hot chocolate in the summer to keep warm?"

"Good point." He said handing her the mug after she twisted so she was now sitting. Brady sat beside her holding his own mug.

"Wow this is really good Brady. I'm impressed"

"Ahh Chloe, you always underestimate me, just wait until dinner. I'll prove I'm really a nice guy yet."

"So is it ready yet? I'm starving." She said holding her stomach as it growled.

"Just a few more minutes. That reminds me I better go check on it"

He went through the kitchen door. "Okay come on in."

Chloe stepped into her kitchen and was surprised to see how good everything looked. She was more surprised at how good everything tasted. Brady cleared the table and told Chloe to go back to the living room while he did the dishes. Chloe was beside herself. She had no idea how caring Brady actually was. Brady finished cleaning up. He went to the refrigerator and pulled out a blueberry cheesecake he had purchased at the super market. He cut two slices and brought them into Chloe.

"Brady, everything was so good but I don't think I can eat another thing"

"No one can resist blueberry cheesecake. See? Yum, yum, good" he said while putting a large piece into his mouth. "Come on just one bite" he said while putting some on a fork and bringing it to her mouth. Chloe backed away playfully. He persisted. She finally gave in, placing her hand on his and directing the fork into her mouth.

"Oh, that is so good" she said through giggles.

Brady was laughing too but more about the fact that he had inadvertently gotten some of the dessert on her nose.

"What?"

"Nothing" he said through muted laughter.

"Come on. What is it?" She said starting to get annoyed.

"You a, you got a little cheese cake on your nose"

"Where?" she said as she moved her hand onto her nose trying to find the culprit of Brady's amusement.

"Here let me."

He moved closer as she leaned in. He gently brushed the cake off her nose and licked his finger.

"Sweet" he said through a smile. Chloe did not move. She felt the pace of her heart quicken.

To be continued.......