Page 36 of Strawberry Cake
“I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“Would you like to spend tomorrow evening with me again?”
“Only if I’m allowed to spend the night.”
“How could I say no to that?”
“I’ll see you after work. Unless you want to meet up at the gym first?”
“I’m sure Marco would be thrilled.”
“See you tomorrow.” With that giggle echoing in the background, Hope hung up the phone.
Decan leaned his head back and reached for Mr. Grumps, who’d taken his usual place on the pillow next to him. He’d been settling in well the past few days, and Decan couldn’t deny that he enjoyed having his three-legged companion around. After noticing him retreating into his box more often, Decan had gone back to the pet store and bought two sets of stairs: one for the couch and one for his bed. Of all people, Decan knew what it was like to not have accessible surroundings.
The next day couldn’t pass fast enough. Mr. Grumps joined Decan for his workday, curled up and content on his lap. The old grey man was easily pleased, though, he seemed to get upset when the food wasn’t filled up the moment he demanded it. He’d knock the empty bowl over the floor, making as much noise as he could.
When gym time approached, Decan pulled out Mr. Grumps’s treat puzzle and let him have at it as he left the apartment and locked the door. So far, he’d been great being left alone. Decan had followed Hope’s advice to try short outings first. Gradually, he’d stayed out longer and longer.
When he pulled up to the gym, Marco and Hope were leaning against Marco’s car, chatting away. Hope wore a sundress that must have been new, with her hair in a tight braid to keep it out of her face. They slowly approached as he retrieved his wheelchair from the trunk.
Once within arms’ reach, Hope stole a kiss. “I don’t see any battle scars, so I assume you and my little grump are getting along.”
“Yeah, he’s actually quite cuddly.”
“Is he using the stairs you bought him?”
Decan nodded. “He’s climbing onto the couch more often now, but usually only goes into the bedroom with me.”
“Stop being so fucking adorable you two,” Marco laughed. “I might get a cavity.”
“Someone’s jealous,” Hope hummed, falling into step beside Decan.
Marco rolled his eyes, but smiled. “Sure, that’s it. I’m justsojealous.”
Once Hope was checked in, she disappeared into the changing rooms while Decan and Marco went straight into their routine. When she re-emerged, she stepped up next to him and watched him finish his set of bench presses.
“How long are you two going to flex your muscles?”
“Does an hour sound okay?”
“Yeah, I’ll just chill on the treadmill.” She leaned down and kissed him, her fingers brushing a strand of hair from his cheek. “Have fun.”
As Decan watched Hope walk away, he saw a few others stealing glances and had to grin to himself. Those men could stare all they wanted. Hope was his, and she was coming home to him tonight.
“Don’t tire yourself out too much,” Marco called after her. “I’m sure Decan would appreciate it if you still had some energy for tonight.”
Hope glanced over her shoulder, her grin seeming to illuminate the whole building.
“Asshole,” Decan mumbled. But Marco was right: hedidhave something special planned for her tonight—if she allowed it of course.
An hour and a half later, he unlocked his door and let Hope in ahead of him. Mr. Grumps was sprawled out on the couch where the sun warmed his fur, the puzzle seemingly emptied of all the treats.
“Shower together?” Hope suggested, already moving in the direction of his bedroom.
“Wouldn’t miss it for a thing.”
Decan stopped off in the kitchen, meeting Hope in the bathroom where she was stripping down. She took the protein bar he offered her with a grateful smile and stepped into the shower, tipping her head into the spray and letting the droplets run down her body. He undressed himself, suppressing the feeling of being the unsexist man in the world as he transferred into the shower.