“What scent is this?” I asked as I smelled the bubbles.
“I’m not sure. It was sitting on the shelf.” Ian grabbed the bottle of bubble bath and looked at it. “It’s cherry vanilla.”
“I like it.” I smiled.
“Well, then, I’ll make sure to buy a few bottles before we leave.” He winked.
I brought my knees up to my chest as Ian washed my back. “Tonight is all about you, Rory. We’ll do whatever you want. Name it.”
“That’s sweet, Ian, but I just want to stay in.”
“Okay. We can do that. We’ll order in room service and rent movies.”
“Really?”
“Of course. We’ll have quiet evening in,” he said as he lifted my chin and gave me a kiss. “Finish up your bath, and I’ll go order us a bottle of wine.”
I didn’t want to stay in the tub anymore. I just wanted to lie on the bed in Ian’s arms. I stepped out and put on my pajama shorts and tank top. I climbed on the king-sized bed where Ian was looking over the dinner menu. I snuggled up next to him and we looked at it together.
“What sounds good?” he asked.
“Let’s eat burgers, fries, and a coke.”
“I already ordered the wine,” he said.
“We can drink it later.”
“Do you like cheese on your burger?” Ian smiled.
“Yes,” I replied.
Ian dialed the number for room service and ordered two cheeseburgers, fries, and two cokes. After he hung up the phone, he wrapped his arms around me and we both sank down into each other. Being wrapped up in his arms took my pain away. I didn’t think about anything but him and the moment we were sharing. I could picture this always. I could picture us always. I knew that deep down, he felt the same way I did and he needed me just as much as I needed him. I just had to figure out a way to reach him. Room service arrived with our food and the bottle of wine Ian ordered. He rolled the cart to the middle of the room and took the tops off the silver trays. He looked at me and smiled as he picked up one plate and handed it to me on the bed.
“Your gourmet burger, Miss Sinclair,” he said in a sexy accent.
I took it from him with a smile and positioned it on my lap. Ian brought his plate over to the bed, climbed next to me, and turned on the TV.
“What do you want to watch?” he asked.
“I don’t care. Pick something,” I said as I took a bite of my burger.
“Okay. Let’s see what they have in the way of p**n .”
“Ian!” I laughed as I smacked his arm.
“I’m just teasing.” He chuckled.
He turned to the movie channels and the movie Friends with Benefits was just starting.
“I love Justin Timberlake,” I said.
“Do you want to watch this? I kind of like the title,” he smirked.
Of course he did. “Sure.” I smiled.
Ian reached over and took a fry from my plate. “Hey,” I said as I smacked his hand.
“I’m all out.”
“You ate all those already?” I smiled.
“I was hungry. What can I say?”
I took a fry from my plate and put it in his mouth. Ian put his arm around me and I snuggled into him while we finished watching the movie.
****
It was good to be back in Malibu and at Ian’s house. When we arrived home, Adalynn was in the kitchen, talking with Charles.
“Oh goodie, you two are back. How was your trip?” she asked me.
“Eventful, to say the least.”
Ian walked over and kissed Adalynn on the cheek. “Are you bombarding Charles with requests for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow?” he asked.
“You know me, Ian. I have to have my mother’s special cranberry nut bread.”
“Then why don’t you make it yourself?”
Adalynn waved her hand in the air. “You know I don’t bake. The last time I attempted to bake it, the bread was completely flat and tasted like pure yeast.”
“I can make it for you,” I said.
“Don’t be silly, Rory. Charles will bake it. Right, Charles?”
“Of course I will,” Charles replied.
“No, I’m serious. I want to help,” I said as I looked down.
Ian walked over to me and put his hands on my hips. “What’s wrong?”
“The last time I celebrated Thanksgiving with a home cooked meal was the last one before my mom died. She and I would go shopping together every year and then, on Thanksgiving morning, we’d cook. After she died, there wasn’t any more turkey or potatoes. Nancy didn’t believe in Thanksgiving because she said she had nothing to be thankful for, so she would just stay in bed all day and shoot herself up. Once I was old enough and worked, I would take Stephen to this little diner that was opened every Thanksgiving for the truckers that were passing through town and we’d order the turkey dinner. So, for me to help Charles out tomorrow would mean the world to me.”
A tear dropped from Adalynn’s eye as she walked over and hugged me. “I’m so sorry.”
“Charles, it looks like you’re going to have some help tomorrow,” Ian said.
“I’m looking forward to it, Rory.” Charles smiled.
Adalynn left and Ian went to his study. After Charles and I discussed the events of tomorrow morning, I walked into the study and Ian hung up the phone.
“I tried to get Stephen out for tomorrow so he could have dinner with us, but the doctor said it was too soon and wouldn’t be a good idea. They’re having a lunch with all the works, so I thought we could go for a while and you could spend some time with him before the guests arrive here.”
“That would be great.” I smiled as I leaned against the doorway. “Thank you for thinking of him.”
“No problem. Andrew called and we’re going out in a bit,” he said as he got up from his chair.
“Oh. Where are you going?”
“Out to dinner. I’ll be back later.”
“Maybe I’ll call Jordyn and see if she and Ollie want to do something,” I said as I turned around and walked into the living room.
“Like what?” Ian asked as he followed me.
“I don’t know. Maybe go to a club or something.”
“Why do you have to go and do that? Why can’t you just stay here and read or watch a movie or something?”
Was he serious? “No, I don’t feel like staying in. I’m going out,” I said as I walked up the stairs and sent Jordyn a text.