Chapter 20

Our appointmentwith Doc was quick and no-nonsense. Bodhi’s foot, ankle, and wrist were all healing well. He’d been given the choice to have a removable splint on his wrist instead of having it recast even though it was a little early. He’d jumped at the option, stating how frustrated he was getting with the cast. He only had to wear it for two weeks, along with his walking boot, and he was so happy to not be weighed down by a bulky cast anymore.

We decided to skip Sunday lunch at Mama’s. She was disappointed, but with everything that had happened, she understood. She said she would come by the shop during the week to check on Bodhi herself. I loved my Mama, and while she was nosey, it just showed how much she cared. It warmed my heart to know she liked Bodhi.

Understandably, Bodhi didn’t feel like going out, so I decided to plan a little spontaneous date for us at home. I wanted to pamper him and let him know how much he was beginning to mean to me. I was determined to keep his mind off our upcoming Monday appointment and keep him distracted for as much of the day as I could manage.

I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Bodhi alone with his ex being out there. So, I enlisted the help of my brothers, along with Kay. I had them get a bunch of stuff that I needed to set about surprising Bodhi with our little date.

After our usual breakfast, I suggested he take a relaxing bath and read.

“That sounds amazing!”

We quickly filled the tub and added some bubble bath mix, which he just giggled at. I was starting to love that sound.

“I can’t really picture you in a bubble bath.” He smirked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey! Don’t knock bubble baths!” I shook my head at his chuckle. “Lyric gave them to me as a present when I finished my remodel. I haven’t had a chance to use them, but I like the smell.”

The air filled with a fragrant jasmine and sandalwood aroma.

Once Bodhi was settled, I left him to his bath and tackled the living room to make it date worthy.

Lyric messaged me to let me know they’d arrived. I went out to meet them and bring in the supplies. They’d gone above and beyond what I’d suggested, and I was thankful.

Deciding on a romantic indoor camping-style date, reminiscent of childhood pillow forts, we set about transforming the living room as quietly and quickly as possible. Seb and I moved the couch to make room for the beautiful fabric-covered A-frame half tent that we then set up in front of the TV. It was made of simple cream canvas, but Kay draped twinkle lights over the entryway and canopy inside, giving it an ethereal appearance.

Moving the coffee table and recliners out of the way, Seb and I were able to drag the guest room mattress out and place it in the tent. Kay then helped me cover it with fluffy blankets and pillows, making the whole space cozy. After that, we decided to close all the curtains to give the illusion of nighttime. With the few dozen battery-operated candles the guys placed all over the furniture and floor, the living room was fully transformed into a romantic wonderland.

Kay and I went into the kitchen to arrange the food he’d brought while Seb and Lyric finished turning on and placing all the candles. Kay was showing off his artful presentations, making shapes with the various cold-cut meats, then placing cheese, fruit, and crackers, just so.

“This is a really nice thing you’re doing. Bodhi’s going to love it,” Kay said with a sigh.

The thought of pleasing him had me smiling. “I hope so. He’s been through so much. He deserves this.”

“He does. Who knew you were so romantic?” Kay nudged my shoulder. “You’re putting the rest of us to shame.” He chuckled at his own joke.

“Oh, is there someone on the horizon for you?” I quirked an eyebrow at him. Kay deserved to find someone, too.

Blushing, he quickly concentrated on the platter, no longer making eye contact. “No, no, there’s no one. This is just so sweet. Maybe someday I’ll find someone just as sweet.” When he finished, he turned to wash his hands in the sink.

He seemed so forlorn all of a sudden. I went over and wrapped him in a side hug. “You will, Kay. You’re a great guy and your person is out there. Come on, Bodhi was basically dropped right in front of me. Who’s to say your person isn’t waiting just around the corner.”

He sent me a grateful smirk, but his eyes were still sad. Turning back to the living room with an almost wistful look on his face, he mumbled so softly I didn’t think I was supposed to hear him. “Or I’ve already met them, and they’re not someone I can have.” Shaking his head, he wandered back into the living room before I could puzzle out a response.

What was that all about? Kay was handsome, kind, fun, and had a good job and a great family. Sure, he was a little shy, but that made him even more interesting. Who did Kay think he couldn’t have? A sound down the hall snagged my attention.

Rushing back into the living room, I stage-whispered “thanks” to my brothers and quickly ushered them out. I almost ran straight into Bodhi when I opened my bedroom door a fraction before he did. I used my bigger body to shuffle him back, so he wouldn’t catch a glimpse of the surprise before I could show him the full scene.

“I thought I heard you. How was your bath?” I helped move him to sit on the edge of my bed.

“Relaxing, thank you,” he said with a dreamy smile.

“You do look blissed-out.” I reached up to stroke his pinker than usual cheek.

The smile he sent me melted my heart and made me realize just how gone on him I truly was.

“So, I have a little surprise for you,” I said.

He sat up straight, looking more alert. “You do?”

Smirking, I wanted to tease him, but at the same time, I was kind of nervous. What if he didn’t like it or thought it was lame? Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I took Bodhi’s hand in mine.

“Remember back when you first met Yaya, and she wanted to know your intentions?” I asked, waggling my eyebrows so he knew I was teasing. “Well, I know we never followed through on our date. Soooo.... I really like you, Bodhi, and I hope you would like to go on a date with me right now.”

I paused and waited, holding my breath.

“A date? Really?” His gaze caught mine as a smile lit up his face. “I thought you changed your mind or forgot! I would love to go on a date with you!” Color flooded his cheeks. He paused, looking down at himself. “I’m not really dressed for a date, though.” He waved a hand at his sweats and oversized long-sleeved T-shirt.

“I think you look beautiful.” Leaning in, I kissed his cheek. “Also, that’s okay, cause the date is in the living room.”

“Really? I don’t get it,” he said, looking confused.

“Let me show you.” I helped him to his feet and led him to the door. “Close your eyes and let me guide you.”

He turned to me with a suspicious look on his face, like he was checking to see if I was joking, but he did as I said. I held his hands and led him into the living room. I made sure to keep a gentle pace with his wrist and walking boot. When he’d made it to the edge of the tent, lit by the many flickering candles, I stood aside and cuddled him from behind.

“Open your eyes,” I whispered into his ear, and then I leaned down and nuzzled his neck.

His sharp intake of breath before he gasped my name was music to my ears.

“This is.... Oh my.” Turning in my arms, he practically jumped at me. “This is stunning!” he exclaimed.

I picked him up and gently twirled him around, careful not to knock over any of the candles. “Wait, when did you even do this? How did you do this?” Looking over his shoulder, he frowned. “How long was I in that tub...?”

Barking out a laugh at his adorable confusion, I shook my head. “I called in reinforcements. Seb, Lyric, and Kay helped me.” Hugging him closer, I grinned. “You weren’t in the bathroom that long.”

I kissed his soft lips before pulling back to put him down.

“Come on. Let me get you settled inside and I’ll go get our food.”

I helped him onto the mattress and offered him a couch cushion to pad his back so he could comfortably sit up.

“I’ll be right back.” I went to grab the platter and some napkins.

When I returned, I set the platter on the end of the mattress before hopping into the tent next to Bodhi. He was looking around in awe at the twinkling lights, eyes shining.

“This is all so beautiful. No one’s ever done anything like this for me.” His eyes shone with reverence, hope, and something else before shaking his head and pointing at the food.

“What do we have here?”

Pulling the platter forward, I offered him the first choice.

“I didn’t think to ask if there’s anything you don’t like.” I glanced down at the platter.

He rested a hand on mine. “I eat everything. It’s fine. Thank you for all this. It’s truly beautiful.”

Remembering the drinks Seb placed in the tent when we were setting up, I leaned down the side and grabbed the sparkling apple juice and two champagne flutes tucked carefully in a dish towel.

“It’s still a bit early for alcohol, so I thought sparkling apple juice would do the trick.” I offered him a glass, settling mine down between my legs as I opened the bottle and poured some for each of us.

“That’s probably a good thing because I don’t actually drink.” He bowed his head, turning away. Was he embarrassed? By what?

“Hey, now, that’s okay, Bodhi. I don’t care if you drink or not. I’m even more glad I got apple juice then,” I said, sending him a wink to lighten the mood. I raised my glass. “Cheers to our first official date.” We clinked glasses, and the smile that lit up his face at my words was beautiful.

“And here’s to many more,” he added, cheeks flushing.

Smiling at him, I took a sip. “I like the sound of that.”

He was stunning sitting there in the flickering candlelight as we sipped our juice and ate the food. We talked about nothing and everything. Conversation flowed easily between us. I was so comfortable, it felt like I’d known him all my life, rather than just a month. He fit like he was a puzzle piece I didn’t know I was missing until he slotted perfectly into place.

Once we finished the food, I placed the platter on the floor outside our tent so we could stretch out.

“I thought it would be cool to watch a movie while lounging in the tent. What do you think?” I asked.

“That sounds wonderful.” Bodhi settled back into his pillow mound.

“What do you want to watch?”

“I can’t remember the last movie I saw, so anything is fine with me.”

Loading Netflix, we scrolled through and decided on an action flick starring Ryan Reynolds. I loved lying down and snuggling Bodhi. Having his warmth next to me and his head on my shoulder felt right. He fit so perfectly beside me. I hoped I could get him to stay with me for a long, long time.