Kate was so deep in thought, she didn't even realize that Jason had been watching her from the kitchen door. She sat on the edge of the table, her legs swinging back and forth. He knew by now that this was her most favourite spot in the entire house. The verandah was open and spacious, extending from the kitchen door all along the side of the house, and was furnished only with a sturdy wooden table, 2 chairs, and a couch. Her blanket was still on the couch, she had spent the morning there, reading. In fact, she spent many hours out here, mostly processing and coming to terms with how her life had changed. At this particular moment in time, she was sipping a cup of coffee, holding the mug with both hands. It was raining, storming actually, and he also knew that this type of weather resonated with her. Storms, flashes of lightning, thunder in the distance. She was at peace. Perhaps even for the first time in the 5 months she'd been here.
Her husband, Shaun, had been his best friend since childhood, and the two couples used to spend a lot of time together, mostly camping over the weekends. She and Shaun had been together since college, but their 10 year marriage and his own of almost 6 years didn't mean much when David and Jason's wife decided they prefer each others company instead.
Both of them were in bad place after the break ups, and he offered her a place to stay, knowing she would struggle to make rent on her own. After all, he had this big house to himself after Lillith left. He recalls that it was an awkward conversation, and he didn't even expect her to accept his offer. But she did.
And it was awkward, at first. They were both broken, wounded. They kept to themselves for a while, each dealing with this new situation, and with the betrayal, in their own way. Eventually it become... comfortable. They started spending more time together, and she would keep him company most evenings while he worked his Chef's magic in the kitchen.
A low rumble of thunder brought him back from his thoughts. He walked up to her, stood in front of her and took the mug from her hands. She could tell by the way he looked at her that something was different. She instinctively parted her legs slightly, and he stepped in closer. It came naturally. It felt like he belonged right there. She was so close to him, he could feel her warmth on his crotch. Damn this woman...
"I have something to say," he started, "and I need to get it off my chest before my courage deceives me."
She didn't say a word, and he continued.
"I think, no, I know that... I..." He felt so vulnerable, suddenly.
"Yes?" she urged on.