“Fucking Savita. She’s dead to me.”
“Don’t talk like that.”
“And my place is a fucking disaster. I had to cancel Inga; she normally comes today.”
I looked around the kitchen. Aside from a few dishes in the sink, it was immaculate. He had dark cherry cabinets and granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances shimmered and the place smelled like cranberries and pine. A disaster? Not by a long shot.
“Don’t be ridiculous; your place is lovely. I really like it.”
“Wait,” he said, sniffing the air and looking down at the covered ceramic pot in my hands. “Ugh, I don’t even know why I’m trying to smell the air. My nostrils feel like they’re filled with rubber cement.”
I had to laugh. “You poor thing.”
“What’s that?” he said, still looking at the pot in my hands.
I walked to the counter and looked down. “May I?”
He grabbed a trivet shaped like an owl and placed it on the counter. I put the red ceramic pot on the owl and opened the top.
“Khichdi?” he asked. His entire face transformed from misery to jubilation. “How did you…?”
“I have my sources,” I said with a wink. “I remember you saying it’s your favorite comfort food. Now, I have to admit, I have no idea if it’s any good. I tasted it, but…”
“But?”
“Okay, I have a confession to make. I’ve never had Indian food before.”
“For real?”
“Yeah. So I have no idea if it’s any good. I mean, I thought it was delicious. But I won’t be offended if you just throw it away.”
“I would never do that,” he said, placing a hand on my elbow. “I can’t believe you did this. It…” He paused. “It really means a lot. Seriously.”
A delicious shiver ran down my spine at his touch and his words. “Point me toward the bowls.”
“Right there,” he said, glancing at the cabinet on the left, a dreamy look in his eyes. I knew he was genuinely touched by my gesture. I could only hope I did the dish justice.
As I dished out a steaming bowl of khichdi, he grabbed a spoon from the drawer. “Do you want one?”
“No, that’s okay. I ate before I came over. This is all for you.”
He smiled as I handed him the bowl. “I’m gonna eat on the couch. Normally I wouldn’t, but it’s the most comfortable place right now.”
“Whatever you like,” I said, putting the top back on the dish and following him into the living area, taking a look around his beautiful apartment. He had a chestnut-colored leather couch and two coordinating armchairs. A large built-in entertainment center lined the far wall with an enormous flat-screen tv. The shelves around the TV were filled with picture frames of his family members, books, and even some of Maren’s candles. I smiled when I saw two of the pine-and-cranberry candles were lit and filling the room with their fresh winter fragrance.
“I knew I recognized that scent,” I said, remembering it was the main scent we’d burned at the ski resort.
“Yeah,” he said with a shrug. “I stopped at her shop and bought a bunch the day I got home.”
“I didn’t realize you liked it so much.”
“They make me think of you.”
My cheeks grew hot as I stared at him. He said it so matter-of-factly, but that didn’t hide the emotion behind it. Even after all of our fights and my humiliating display in the elevator, he still sought out a scent that made him think of our time together.
How did I not see you before? I mean, really see you?
As clean as the rest of the apartment appeared, the coffee table was a different story altogether. It was filled with cups, used Kleenexes, and throat lozenges. A thermometer sat next to a lone teacup still filled to the brim.
Dev plopped on his couch, covering himself with a throw blanket before digging his spoon into the khichdi. I sat in one of the armchairs, waiting with bated breath. For just a second, I pictured him spitting it out in disgust, and my stomach twisted in hypothetical humiliation.
“Wait,” he said after one bite. “You made this?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Lyra, it’s incredible.”
“Really?” I said, feeling over the moon. “You’re not just saying that so you won’t hurt my feelings?”
“Um, we don’t do that, remember?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re right.”
“And I’m totally serious. It tastes just like my mom’s. If she wasn’t in Arizona right now, I’d be convinced she made it.”
“I like to cook,” I said, tucking my hair behind my ears.
“Wow,” he said, taking another bite. “I haven’t really eaten today, so don’t judge me if I eat every single bite you made.”
“Are you kidding? I’d be thrilled!”
“Holy shit, I still can’t believe you did this. This might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” He stared off into space, before resuming eye contact. “Yeah.”
“I brought you candy too,” I said with a flirty smirk.
“For real?” He looked childlike in his enthusiasm. “What kind?”
“Well, I wasn’t really sure what you liked, so I brought a bunch of stuff.” I hopped to my feet and grabbed one of the bags from the pharmacy. I placed a bottle of red Gatorade in front of him before digging through the candy.
“Savita said you’ll only drink the red kind.”
“Yep. Thanks.”
“So I have lots of different chocolate stuff, but I also brought you some gummies.”
“I freaking love gummies…and chocolate. I kinda like all candy.”
“Khichdi first, though.”
“Got it, boss,” he said before shoveling in another large spoonful of lentils and rice. I looked at his television and noticed it was on, but paused.
“What are you watching?”
“Guess.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure I see a dragon, so…Game of Thrones?”
“Yep.” He grabbed his remote from the cushion next to him. “I won’t make you suffer through it, though.”
“No,” I said, holding up my hand to stop him from changing it. “You’re sick. I’ll watch whatever you want.”
“For real?”
“Yeah.”
“Then we gotta do it right. Let’s start from the beginning. Season one, episode one. You gotta get to know the Starks. That is, unless you need to go… It is a Friday night.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m here to take care of you. Season one sounds great. Am I allowed to put my feet up on the coffee table?”
“Normally, I’d say no, but the Khichdi Goddess can do whatever she wants.”
I threw my head back in laughter as I kicked off my shoes and put my feet up. “That’s a new one.”
“And?”
“And I like it.”
“Good. Because this khichdi is amazing. Still can’t believe you’ve never had Indian food. You’re missing out.”
“I’d love to try it sometime.”
“Ahh, I know exactly where to take you,” he said, taking another bite.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, it’s this tiny place a few blocks from here. Tandoori Cafe. You haven’t lived until you’ve had their samosas. As soon as I’m done with this plague, we’re going.”
“I’ll pencil you in,” I said with a smile.
“Okay, I finished. Pass the candy,” he said with an impish grin as he held a hand to his stomach. Grabbing the bag from the floor, I passed it to him, and he started rifling through all the packets of sugary treats.
“Oh my God, how did you know? These are my favorite,” he said, holding up the Twix bars I grabbed from the pharmacy.
“I didn’t,” I said, shaking my head. “I just love them, so I grabbed ’em.”
“Oh shit, do you want them?”
“Don’t be silly. They’re for you.”
“Yeah, but I mean… I don’t wanna be a dick.”
“Dev, you’re sick. I bought everything in that bag for you. To help you feel better.”
He tilted his head slightly to the side and beamed. “Thanks.”
Seconds later, he tore into the package and pulled out his first sweet. He bit into the chocolate and closed his eyes. “Oh yeah, that’s the stuff.”
“I didn’t see you do that for the khichdi,” I teased.
“Oh shit, I’m sorry. I mean, it’s chocolate. And it’s my favorite, so…”
“I know, I’m just giving you a hard time. Enjoy. And turn the show on so I can start understanding what the hell the fuss is about.”
He grabbed the remote, found the first episode, and clicked on it. Then, looking suddenly serious, he said, “Winter is coming.”
Um…okay?
Chapter 19
DEV
Lyra hated my show.
I mean, it was so obvious. But she was such a good sport. Every time, I’d explain a character’s background or motivation in a scene, she’d listen intently and smile. But it was forced and I knew it. It just wasn’t her thing.
But God I loved her for giving it a try.
After two episodes, I switched off the TV. With a surprised look on her exquisite face, she sat up straight in her chair. “Why’d you turn it off?”
“I figured two episodes were enough for today. Don’t you?”
She raised both eyebrows, feigning disappointment, but I knew she was actually relieved. “I mean, sure, that’s fine.”
God, you’re cute.
“Here’s what I don’t get though,” she said, with lines forming on her forehead. “What do those White Walker guys have to do with everyone fighting over the throne?”
“It’s a really long story…” I said, shaking my head slowly. “Frankly, I don’t think I have the energy for it.”
“Have another Twix.” She smirked. “I like Daenerys.”
Her smirk transformed into a modest, almost shy smile. “You do, huh?”
“But they aren’t calling her Khaleesi.”
“That happens later. It’s all just getting started.”
“Ahh. Well, maybe we’ll have to watch more tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, huh?” I asked, surprised she’d want to be around my germ-infested ass for more than a few hours. But it was a good surprise. The best kind, actually.
“Sure.” She shrugged, hopping to her feet. “You haven’t had enough fluids. I’m getting you a big glass of Gatorade.”
“I am a little thirsty, thanks.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. I told you, I’m here to take care of you. When was the last time you took your temperature?”
“Before you got here. One oh two.”
“Take it again.”
“Got it, boss.”
She rolled her eyes, placing a tumbler of iced red Gatorade in my free hand as I reached for the thermometer.
“You know that Robb Stark is pretty hot,” she said, rifling through the candy bag.
“Excuse me?” I asked, raising one eyebrow.
“You heard me.”
“I thought for sure you’d be all about my man Snow.”
“Nope. Robb all the way.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
She grabbed a package of Dots and popped open the side of the box. “I like what I like.”
“Thank God you took the Dots. I hate those things. They always get stuck in my molars.”
“Poor baby,” she said. Sassy Lyra had returned. I wasn’t sure which Lyra I preferred: Nurturing Lyra or Sassy, Smart-Ass Lyra.
Hell, I’m crazy about both of them.
“But I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you took the lamest candy from the bag; you like the lamest guy on the damn show.”
“He’s not lame!”
“You’ve only seen two episodes. What the hell do you know?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Fine, whatever. Drink your damn Gatorade.”
I chuckled before taking a big gulp of the sweet berry liquid. There was just something about arguing with Lyra that turned me on like nothing else. And now that I knew she was into me and I didn’t feel like a fool, it was even more of a turn-on.
“Will we ever stop bickering like this?” she asked, looking as amused as I felt.
“God, I hope not.” I locked eyes with her, my expression soft and vulnerable. And I meant it. My muscles still ached and my sinuses were still plugged, but when I was with Lyra, it didn’t matter. I could have the flu for the rest of my life as long as she was sitting in that armchair taking care of me and being her quick-witted self.
Lyra smiled, biting down on her lower lip before breaking eye contact and digging into her Dots. “What’s you’re temp?”
“One oh one point five. You’re bringing it down.”
She rolled her eyes playfully. “Nice try. I don’t think sugar brings down a fever.”
“Your presence is healing enough,” I said with a wink. “Seriously, though, I don’t feel as shitty as I did last night. That’s progress, right?”
“For sure.”
“I need to go to the bathroom,” I said, removing the blanket from my lap and rising to my feet. My vision blurred and the room tilted. I fell back down to the couch. “Whoa.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said, waving her away. “I’m fine. I just got dizzy for a minute.”
“Maybe you should get some rest.”
Disappointment spread through my brain. The last thing I wanted was for Lyra to leave.
Please don’t go.
“Yeah, I guess. It is getting kinda late. But, I mean, I have a guest room if you want to stay.” I said it on a lark, fully prepared for Lyra to have a million reasons why she should head back home.
“Okay,” she said matter-of-factly.
“Wait, what?”
“I’ll stay in your guest room, that way I can check on you during the night.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, why? Would you rather I go?” she asked, looking unsure of herself.
“No, no, I mean…please stay.”
She smiled warmly, taking my hand in hers. “Good. Now, let’s get you standing up again. Slower this time.”
I rose slowly to my feet, my hand squeezing hers as my other gripped the arm of the couch. Luckily I didn’t feel any dizziness this time and my muscles were cooperative. “Thanks. I’ll show you the guest room.”
“Great. Lead the way.”
Slowly, I led Lyra down the hallway to the two bedrooms. Switching on the light of the guest room, I walked in as Lyra peered around the room, taking in the queen bed and nightstand, looking impressed.
“This is really nice. I don’t know many single guys with guest rooms.”
I shrugged. “Hospitality is important. Normally, I’d have some other things ready for you, but we can improvise.”
“What do you mean?”
I walked slowly to the closet, revealing three cotton robes hanging. “I’m sure one of these will fit you.”
“You have robes for your guests?”
“Yep, normally I’d have some water and snacks in here for you, too, but I’m not gonna put my germy hands on anything. But you’re welcome to anything in the fridge. Make yourself at home.”
And for just a second, I thought about what it would be like for Lyra to call my apartment home. Lyra waking up here, Lyra cooking in my kitchen, Lyra cuddling with me on the couch while we watched movies, going to bed each night with her just inches away. It felt good. Really good. I didn’t realize how much my mind was drifting off into space until Lyra said my name.
“Dev, you okay?”
“Huh?”
“You were spacing out a little. Are you dizzy again?”
“No, no,” I said, shaking my head, feeling a little busted. “Just tired is all. I should get ready for bed. There should be some toothbrushes in the nightstan
d.”
“Wow, you thought of everything, didn’t you?”
“Oh, and I’ll get you something to sleep in.”
“A T-shirt works… It’s, uh… It’s a little warm in here.”
“Oh shit, I forgot I cranked up the thermostat! You must be boiling!”
“It’s okay, really. My parents like it warm, too, I’m used to it.”
“It’s the fever. I don’t normally keep my place at eighty degrees.”
“Oh thank God.” She laughed, placing a hand over her heart. “This is my first time here, so I didn’t know.”
“Next time I promise everything will be back to normal.”
She shook her head. “Stop it. I love your place. Now get your ass to bed.”
With a sigh of relief, I walked out of the room, looking behind me to look at her face just one last time before going to bed.
That face has me in so much trouble.
“Got it, boss.”
“Sleep well, Dev.”
I expected to toss and turn, knowing that Lyra was just on the other side of the wall, but the exhaustion from my sickness helped me drift into a dreamless sleep, still bundled up in my sweats and covered in as many blankets as I could find the night before.
I woke up drenched in sweat and feeling like I was trapped in a sauna. My fever must have broken overnight.
Thank God.
Throwing the thick layers of covers off me, I climbed out of bed and ripped off my sweatshirt before unlocking the window and throwing it open, feeling the bitter cold air cool my sweltering skin.
“Oh thank God,” I said. I opened the other window for good measure. I sighed as it slammed into the frame. When I heard movement in the room next to me, I grimaced, realizing I’d woken Lyra. Seconds later, there was a soft knock at the door.
“Dev, everything okay?” She was wearing one of my Game of Thrones T-shirts and a pair of boxers. Her thick hair was up in a loose bun, and even though she had bags under her eyes, I’d never seen her look so sexy. If I wasn’t sick as a dog, I’d pounce on her right then and there.
“Yeah, come in, sorry.”
“Oh my God, what are you doing?” She stared at the open windows, the curtains flying back frantically from the winter air.
Stuck With Me: A With Me in Seattle Universe Novel Page 18