Page 17 of The Deadbeat DILF
His smile made my heart lift. I told myself it was just relief that he liked my home.
After dinner, we had a small argument over who would clean up, but I was stubborn, holding my ground that since he cooked, the least I could do was load the dishwasher. In the end, he surrendered, saying something about my “lawyer tendencies” that made me smile.
Later that evening, I settled into my usual routine, which included an hour or two of work at the dining table. I had just opened my laptop when Robert walked over.
“Mind if I join you? I want to research rentals.”
For some reason, I felt a flicker of disappointment. It was silly. We’d agreed from the start that this was a temporary arrangement until he found somewhere more suitable. He wouldn’t stay here forever.
“Sure, of course.”
With both of our laptops up and running, we sat across from each other and worked. Every so often, my eyes strayed over the top of my screen to Robert. Whenever he concentrated on reading something, a crease appeared between his eyebrows as he narrowed his eyes. It was honestly kind of sexy. He idly scratched his jaw, and for a moment, I wondered how his stubble would feel against my skin.
Then he looked up, catching me staring.
I smiled, trying not to look like I’d been caught creeping, and focused my attention back on my laptop screen.
Fifteen minutes passed, then Robert sighed, shifting in his seat. His foot brushed mine under the table, sending a shudder of warmth through me. He sat up straighter and drew his feet back. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I said, thankful my voice was neutral.
Eventually, I managed to focus enough on my work to finish everything I needed to do. I closed my laptop and stood up.
“I’m going to take a shower and get ready for bed. How’d your search go?”
“Everything within my budget looks like a health and safety hazard, but I’ll keep looking.”
“Good luck,” I said with a small smile before heading to my bedroom. I set down my laptop and went into my ensuite bathroom.
The warm water of the shower relaxed my tense muscles. It had been a long, busy day, but it was nice coming home to a good dinner and someone to talk to. It was such a small thing—something almost everyone else had—but I hadn’t realized how lonely and boring living alone had been until now.
After my shower, I changed into my favorite silk pajama dress. I was about to head out when I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror.
I couldn’t go out like this.
The dress was a silver, almost iridescent colour, trimmed with lace, and fell to my lower thigh. It was soft and comfortable to sleep in, but the neckline was low, revealing cleavage, and the thin material made it clear I wasn’t wearing a bra.
Sure, I used to walk around my home in it without thinking twice, but now Robert was living here.
I grabbed a fluffy white robe from my closet and wrapped it around me before heading to the kitchen to fix a cup of green tea with honey—my favorite nighttime treat.
Robert was already there with a glass of water in hand. He wore a black T-shirt and black-and-blue pajama pants.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hi.” I grabbed a green tea bag. “Do you want some tea? I always have a cup before bed.”
Robert shook his head. “More of a coffee guy.”
I added hot water to my mug and let the tea bag steep. “I like coffee too. You can be a coffeeandtea person.”
“Maybe, but I’m not a fan of green tea. It tastes too much like grass,” he replied with a teasing smile, leaning against the kitchen island as he watched me.
“You’re missing out,” I said, tossing the tea bag and measuring a tablespoon of honey. I always used the same amount. I turned to him as I let the tea cool.
Robert chuckled, but his smile faded as his eyes slid downward.
I followed his gaze and glanced down. My robe had opened slightly, revealing my collarbone and a thin strap of my dress.Thankfully, it wasn’t anything indecent—no nip slip or anything—but Robert cleared his throat and looked away.
