"Yes. But I need to go get ready." Leilani rushed to the door of the bathroom, then stopped. Her eyes closed, she took a deep breath. "I need to make breakfast first."
She felt a presence behind her and her spine stiffened. He was so close to her she could smell his cologne. She didn't turn, she couldn't. Her body was reacting to his presence in ways that were unfamiliar to her. She held onto the door frame for support when he placed a hand on her shoulder. She had to get a grip.
"Don't worry about breakfast. I made something." She cocked her head a little to get a glimpse of him. He made what? Kelvin nodded and her heart clenched in fear and surprise. "I'll wait for you so we can eat together."
A smile broke out on her lips, she hopped into the bathroom without a reply to him. As soon as the door closed, she leaned on it and placed a hand on her chest. Her heart was beating so fast, so hard. Her husband was making her feel things, things she didn't want to feel.
Laughter from outside the door snapped her out of her trance, and she got into the bathroom. Her bath took only a few minutes. While dressing, all she could think about was her husband who was waiting for her. She tucked her shirt into the black pencil skirt which showed her curves and slim waist. After one last look at herself in the mirror, she switched off the lights and walked out of the room.
Her steps faltered at the aroma that came from the dining room. What was that delicious smell? The food spread out on the table had her mouth watering, she looked around to be sure she was in the right place.
The phone on the table caught her attention and her feet grinded to a stop. "What's that?"
"A phone," Kelvin replied as he picked up the Samsung phone that was the exact replica of the one in her purse. "The screen of yours is cracked."
"And it's working perfectly fine." His lips pulled into a thin line. "Kelvin, I don't need a new phone."
"It's not returnable."
They maintained eye contact for a minute. He was a stubborn man, she was starting to see that, but she chose to ignore him for now. Pointing to the table, she asked, "Did you make all these?"
The toast looked tasty, crispy at the tips. Everything was set perfectly. What was happening here? Last night, he told her he couldn't cook.
Kelvin pulled out a seat for her when she remained standing, she smiled at him and lowered herself to the chair with a grateful sigh. It had been so long since someone else cooked for her. It felt good to be pampered. Kelvin pushed a glass of warm milk to her.
"One of my cooks sent this."
Leila choked on her milk. Kelvin rushed to her side, he rubbed her back until her shoulders stopped trembling. Her eyes glazed and she offered him a tight smile as he moved to his seat. She had to behave herself around him.
Taking the napkin from him, she wiped her lips. "You have cooks?" He nodded. She wondered briefly if the roommate he mentioned last night even existed. She broke a piece of her toast and bit into it. "Who are you?" she asked with a laugh.
"Kelvin McKenna," he replied, his voice flat. He held her gaze and shivers ran down her arms. "Your husband."
Her lips twitched. He was hiding something from her. "Did you ever have a roommate?" The mild tilting of his head was the only reply she got. She grew nervous. "Forget I asked anything. It's cool."
"As I was saying about the food, I'm a picky eater, so the cook prepares my meals in advance except I ask him not to." Leila's head bobbed as she stole another piece of toast from her plate. He was her boss, what did she expect? Kelvin had to be rich, maybe richer than he let on. If he didn't want to talk about it, then it was fine. She also had secrets of her own. "Didn't think you would mind."
"I don't," she said. Honestly, she was grateful to catch a break from cooking. "Just surprised."
"Okay."
Leila wasn't sure if it was her response that made him close off but his face took on that bored expression again as he ate. At intervals, she would steal glances at him. He was handsome, a model.
"Is there something on my face?" Kelvin asked.
She dropped the glass of milk on the table, a bit startled. Her head moved left, then right. "No."
"You were staring," he muttered and looked away.
Leila's cheeks pinked. She shoved the toast into her mouth to avoid a reply. He could have saved her the embarrassment.
"If you like, I can ask them to send breakfast more often," he murmured. He was done with his meal.
Her appetite vanished, she pushed her plate aside as a tide of guilt flooded her body. She shouldn't be offended by his suggestion but she was. Cooking wasn't a big deal, she would handle it.
"I didn't mean to sleep in. I'm capable of making our breakfast every day." Leila downed her milk in one gulp. "You didn't have to trouble yourself."
Kelvin laughed. "Finish your meal, Leila." She stabbed the toast, glaring at him as she shoved that piece into her mouth. She was acting like such a child right now but his words rubbed her the wrong way. Kelvin pulled his seat closer to her and nudged her arm with his elbow. "I didn't mean to offend you." Well, he did. "You are my wife, Leila. It's my duty to make life easier for you."
"Oh. Okay."
For the second time, her cheeks turned red from embarrassment. Her lips curled in a half-smile. He had been thinking about her comfort when he made the suggestion. The thought made her smile grow bigger, she finished her meal without any troubles. Mr McKenna was kinder than she gave him credit for.