Warning: This is a slow burn novel that doesn't have much sex in it, especially at the beginning. Though there are temptations at the beginning, the actual sexual themes don't really get going until later on in the story. It's a bit different from one of my normal stories. If you are wanting really raunchy sexy, this probably isn't your story. This is much more of a love novel.
Chapter 6
After the moon completed its job for the night, providing the world a guiding light for Daniel to help Emma through her difficult reliving of the past, it made its way out so the sun could take over, leading to new beginnings.
As the honorable man opened his eyes, a subtle smile came over his face when he noticed his adorable roommate sleeping peacefully, like an angel. Though they had shared a bed, and nothing sexual occurred, never before had he felt so close to her.
He had already cherished every moment they spent together since he stumbled upon her during the downpour of an ugly night. Now, knowing what brought her down such an ugly path, he saw her in a new light, and valued her more than words could ever describe.
Eager to take care of Emma, he slowly slid out of bed, hoping not to disturb her well-deserved slumber. After the emotions she shared during their fateful night, he wanted nothing more than to help her recover from the traumas of her unfortunate past.
As her eyes slowly opened, Emma immediately looked around, confused that she was in bed alone. However, once her nose was greeted by the delicious smell of bacon and eggs, she noticed Daniel cooking diligently in the kitchen.
After a good stretch, she quickly pulled herself out of bed, eager to greet her warm-hearted roommate. She walked up to him with a subtle smile before saying, "Good morning, Daniel."
"Good morning, Emma," the man responded before increasing his work rate with the food sizzling in his pan. "I hope you're hungry. Breakfast will be ready in just a moment."
Red in the face, Emma began twiddling her fingers. "You know... you don't have to keep doing this for me..."
"Doing what for you? Making breakfast?"
"Yeah... You've done it every day this week..."
This actually wasn't their first morning together after sharing a bed. The event from that fateful night had happened a week prior. Still, even though Daniel agreed to sleep with Emma to comfort her during her emotional time of need, they ended up sleeping together every night since.
In their minds, they had moral reasons for sharing a bed. Emma didn't like the idea of Daniel sleeping on the floor, and Daniel figured he was still providing Emma some sort of comfort by not abandoning her.
Secretly though, the real reason they kept sleeping together... although they didn't want to admit it... was simply because they wanted to. And just like Daniel enjoyed sleeping in the same bed as Emma, he also enjoyed making her breakfast, which he needed to clarify with her.
"There's no need to feel guilty," he expressed, pulling out plates so he could serve her the delicious but basic meal he whipped up. "It's actually kind of fun to cook... And I like the idea of making you breakfast..."
"Just one more question," the young woman started as she stared at the ground, too nervous to make eye-contact. "Are you sure you're not just waking up early... because you're uncomfortable sleeping in the same bed as me...?"
A blush came over the man's face, and his arm started to shake as he handed her the plate. "That's not the reason I'm waking up early... I'm actually sleeping just fine... being right next to you..."
There was an awkward silence as Daniel attempted to find the words to further explain how he felt. Deep down inside, he didn't want to stop sharing a bed with her, unless it made her uncomfortable. However, he also didn't want to come off too eager, in case she found his behavior creepy.
Putting him at ease, Emma took the plate from him while smiling. "Well, I actually really appreciate you making me breakfast every morning... even though you don't have to," she explained as her cheeks grew red with embarrassment. "And... I've been sleeping much better... being so close to you..."
They both started to chuckle nervously, before brushing the awkwardness off so they could enjoy their breakfast. Now, sitting at the coffee table, it was time to address the next path they would be traversing together.
"I'm sorry if this is an odd question, but do you think it's going to feel strange spending Christmas with me?" Daniel asked while pouring two cups of coffee.
Emma's face grew red again as she started thinking about spending such a special holiday with the man she had grown so close to. However, it wasn't Christmas events like parties or gifts that had her feeling so warm inside. All she wanted was to continue spending all of her days doing normal activities with Daniel, such as hanging out, watching television, and going on walks together.
"I think it'll be great, because I'm happy everyday I spend with you," the shy woman admitted before turning away, embarrassed. Then, hoping to stop herself from sounding too needy, she further explained, "We don't have to do anything special..."
Secretly, Daniel appreciated how needy the young woman first seemed in that moment. He never wanted to see her in a state where she had to rely on anyone but herself, but after noticing how nervous she looked when admitting she wanted to spend Christmas with him, he couldn't help but notice how stunningly adorable she was.
Understanding that Emma was already uncomfortable, Daniel did his best not to take advantage of her while she was still in such a vulnerable state. Changing the subject, he asked if she minded tagging along as he ran a few errands that day. Once she agreed though, he couldn't stop himself from appreciating how vital she had become in his life in such a short period of time.
I don't know why I can't bring myself to tell you this, but... I'm really glad I met you,
he said silently while staring at the young woman, eating her breakfast.
We've only known each other for a short time... but... I'm really glad you're in my life.
Staring down at her food, Emma was also unable to contain her thoughts of appreciation for the man who had taken her in.
I don't know why I can't say this out loud, but... I'm so glad I met you... And it's not because you've given me a place to sleep, and it's not because you saved me when I was breaking down...
Without a word, they both looked up into each other's eyes, and silently spoke...
I'm glad I met you because... I really enjoy being with you.
***
Yet another quiet evening together for the man and woman. Daniel was starting to grow comfortable cooking food. He even dared to venture beyond breakfast, hoping to impress the normal chef of the house.
Though Emma still hadn't grown comfortable accepting favors all the time, she couldn't help but experience a warmness in her heart as she accepted a bowl of stew from her honorable roommate. However, the guilt inside of her from having one of her chores taken away forced her to address the subject.
"You've cooked every meal for me today," the young woman expressed as she drooled over her warm soup. Then, looking at the man, who appeared so proud of his work, she asked, "Do you not like my cooking anymore or something?"
"Oh, it's not that," Daniel urged as he placed his own bowl on the table they were sharing. "You're still a much better cook than I am. I just wanted to do this for you."
"I hope you don't feel obligated to cook for me. I can't imagine you were making yourself nice meals like this before I moved in."
"You're right," the man explained, shrugging his shoulders. But then, without even thinking his words through, he continued, "Maybe I just enjoy taking care of you more than taking care of myself."
An awkward silence filled the air as Emma was left with the generous words still repeating in her mind. As a blush returned to her cheeks, she realized how weird she was making things by staying quiet.
"Oh, that's very nice of you!" she said, suddenly panicking as she tried to calm her fluttering heart. "I really enjoy taking care of you too! Once we're done eating, I should totally get the dishes!"
"No, that won't be necessary," Daniel expressed, shaking his head. "There are a few things in the dishwasher already. I can just add these bowls before I start it."
"Well, it should be pretty simple then," Emma said while nervously chuckling. Feeling guilty that she was falling way behind on her normal chores, she desperately wanted to earn her stay. "Just relax after we get done, and I'll take care of everything!"
While eating together, the young woman continued to make suggestions on what she could do. She even offered to clean the entire kitchen, although that was something she normally did in the mornings. However, Daniel had been keeping things tidy since he started cooking, so he tried to convince her to relax for the evening.
Unfortunately, there was nothing the noble man could say that would keep Emma from at least attempting to clean something. As soon as she noticed they were both finished, she got up to her feet and attempted to rush their bowls to the kitchen.
Noticing Emma's sudden drive to clean, Daniel realized that she must have felt guilty about him cooking so much. In an attempt to stop her, so they could talk about these matters instead of keeping a silent score, he got up to his feet and stuck his arm out.
Emma didn't notice until it was too late, so she ran into his arm after failing to come to a stop.
Daniel realized that Emma was on the verge of tripping, and with the bowls in her hands, he didn't want her to cut herself. Reacting out of instinct, he grabbed a hold of her with both his arms, almost embracing her in a hug. He held her tightly until he knew for sure that she had found her balance.
Suddenly realizing she was in Daniel's firm embrace, Emma's eyes grew big and her cheeks started to burn. For the brief moment that their bodies had clasped together, and they were chest to chest, she could feel her heart pounding while being so close to his.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Daniel reacted, taking a step back as he let her petite frame out of his grasp. Then, experiencing a blush of his own, he quickly explained, "I shouldn't have tried to stop you... It was just a reaction. I apologize... You can do the dishes if you want."
Emma took a deep breath as he tried to gather herself. However, looking at how nervous Daniel was, she was smiling on the inside, knowing she wasn't the only one that was flustered.
"How about we just clean together?" she offered, giving him a cute smile. "You can start the dishwasher while I wipe down the counters."
