That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

will have eaten all our breakfast, and I know you didn’t eat yesterday, so I need to make up for it today.”

I don’t even get to reply as he is directing me down the stairs and into the kitchen where he picks up the last platter of fruit, not letting go of my hand for a single moment. He pulls me out to the back deck, so I don’t have any opportunity to run for the front door.

Coco is sitting at Seth’s feet being fed bits of breakfast sausage and looking happy as anything. I think she just found a new best friend.

“Sleeping Beauty is awake, ladies, gents, and Seth,” Kurt says, lightening the moment straight off, knowing how uncomfortable I feel, which I appreciate.

“Asshole!” Seth says to Kurt before jumping straight to his feet, dragging me out away from Kurt for a hug.

“You okay, little lady? Big boy here was pretty stressed last night when he called me.” He releases me from the hug but tucks me into his side, arm over my shoulder, and I’m trying not to laugh at the steam coming out of Kurt’s ears.

“Hands off!” He almost growls at Seth, and Coco comes over to stand with Kurt, giving a bark to say she has Kurt’s back.

“I think the boyfriend is a little possessive of you, Asha.” Seth starts moving his arm before Kurt takes it off.

“You think?” I giggle, stepping back into Kurt’s arms, feeling the comfort of the claiming he just did in front of them all.

“You know the dickhead who has made his presence known already.” Kurt turns me towards Jodie. “In a little bit of a calmer situation today, this is my sister Jodie who can be bossy at times, but I’ve learned to just ignore it, and I’m sure you will too.”

Jodie, now standing, takes me in a hug, which feels so much different than the guys. Softer and full of a gentle feminine touch. I’ve gone so long without the sensation of touch from another human, yet since I’ve met Kurt, I’ve never been embraced by so many people.

Best feeling ever!

Don’t ever underestimate the power of physical touch and the emotions it brings.

“You look much better this morning. Glad to finally meet you properly. My brother has been hiding you away from me. But don’t worry, he’ll pay for that later with lots of embarrassing stories when the time is right. Sit, and let’s get some food into you,” she says, stepping back and giving me some room.

“Oh, not another one.” I giggle.

“You’re just lucky Mom’s not here, otherwise she would have been force feeding you in bed this morning before you even opened your eyes.” Kurt kisses my cheek and pulls a chair out for me. “Also, this is my friend Oscar that I used to work with, who luckily doesn’t have any embarrassing stories to share.”

“Wouldn’t bet on that.” Standing, Oscar holds his hand across the table to shake mine. “Nice to meet you, Asha, and glad you’re feeling better.” He seems quiet, but then again, everyone would seem quiet with Seth in the room.

“Thank you.” I sit down and just take a breath. Jodie and Seth carry on a conversation which I just listen into, feeling Kurt’s hand on my thigh to let me know he is right here and not going anywhere.

“Wait, why aren’t you at work?” I ask, looking at the sun and guessing it is way past his start time.

“Canceled it today, and don’t say a word. Just eat.” His smile lets me know that there is no debating this one.

Plates of food get passed around, full of eggs, bacon, sausages, mushroom, and tomatoes. And that’s just half of it. On the table sit bagels, with all the condiments to go with them, along with fruit and yogurt. Plus of course juice and coffee.

“How many people were you intending on feeding this morning? There’s enough food here for an army.” I pick at the fruit on my plate as Kurt places a bagel with cream cheese in front of me as well.

“A good boy scout is always prepared.”

Jodie starts laughing at Kurt’s response and replies, “Bullshit. I shopped on the way here. Besides, these boys eat enough for a small army, plus I figured he owed me breakfast before I head home from night shift, considering the crap he gave me last night, constantly in my way and not listening to me.” She winks at me as she baits her brother for a reaction.

“It doesn’t work, Jodie, when I see the wink.”

We all start laughing at them. I can imagine what it was like in their house growing up. Their parents were probably ready to kick them out by the time they were teenagers.

Sitting around for a few hours, talking and eating, has been a great way to start the day. Nothing too serious and plenty of banter. The sound of the ocean and the soft breeze that’s blowing straight off the water. I almost want to cry at how good it feels to be a part of life again. Rather than a princess locked in her tower, or better still, a lonely woman stuck out in her beach house with her dog that pretends to act as the fierce guard dog. Although, from what Kurt told me about last night, she did her job perfectly.

“I need to go and get some sleep.” Jodie stretches her arms up and yawns at the same time. “Some of us have already done a day’s work before the sun rose.” At the same time, Seth stands, knowing that’s his cue to leave too.

“I suppose I better get to the workshop and see what mess my guys have gotten themselves into while I’ve been gone. Nice to meet you, Oscar. Feel free to call into the garage at any time and I’ll show you that Pontiac I’m working on. Actually, I’ve got an even better idea. Why don’t you come and crash at my place for a