Chapter 28: Chapter 7
I had no words to express how I was feeling at that moment, apart from anger.
When Louis pulled in front of the house " There you go, Miss," He said and finally turned to look at me " Mr Kinnaird will be home for dinner at half past six. Have a good eve, Miss," Louis smiled and leaned in to open the door. That gesture didn't bother me the first time around but I could let myself out of the car.
" Likewise Louis," I said as I step out of the car, and slammed the car door. It wasn't my intention to slam the door, my annoyance got the best of me.
" I'm sorry. It looks like I am not aware of my strength, " I casually said over my shoulder to Louis who chuckled and nodded. It was a plausible excuse in my opinion.
The moment I entered the house, I leaned against the door. All I wanted was to have a shower and curl up in bed, not cook dinner. Be eyho, if that would take me one step closer to my freedom and away from Mason, then so be it.
With heavy steps, I made my way to the kitchen, plopped my bag on the seat, and began rummaging through the cupboards. I didn't have the faintest idea where everything was. After taking stock of what was in the cupboards and fridge, I opened the book to see what would be the easiest meal.
Pasta was the dish of the day, I decided after glancing through the book for a little while and then looking at the clock. I didn't have time to cook anything else.
Engrossed in my task, putting all my attention and effort into it, rushing through the kitchen. Not only I didn't know what I was doing and didn't even how to do it.
When I turned around, I was faced with the big bad wolf, leaning against the threshold watching me. I panicked and looked at the clock as the little hand joined the big hand, marking half past six. If anything, Mason was punctual.
" Good evening, Mr Kinnaird," I greeted feeling uneasy under his frosty gaze. The pot was boiling over and the sauce stuck to the pan. I puffed my cheeks feeling the bite of failure.
" Good evening, Miss Abernathy, " Mason approached and stopped behind me and turned down the stove.
" Pasta," Mason hummed in approval and stirred in the saucepan. I looked at him, a little taken aback. I was expecting to be scolded or mocked.
" How was your day at the soup kitchen?" Mason asked as he picked up the colander to strain the pasta.
" Busy," I picked up the spoon and stirred it in the saucepan, mostly to keep my eyes off him. He'd shed his suit jacket, and the white shirt he was wearing fitted him quite snuggly, showing his impressive fisisque. All of a sudden, I felt hot, and sweating. And all the amendments I've made through the day with myself went down the drain with the pasta water.
" How is Ellie?" Mason asked taking the spoon out of my hand and pouring the pasta over the sauce.
" She is doing alright, barely hanging in there," I mumbled and pulled out of the cupboard two bowls.
Mason hummed " I know it's worse now with the summer holidays. Children don't get school meals anymore. I guess it will be easier now that she has some help," Mason poured the pasta into the bowls and picked up the cheese that I'd grated beforehand, sprinkling on it.
" I guess so," I said placing the cutlery on the table as Mason placed the bowls, in our usual spots, at each end of the table.
Mason waved for me to take a seat and joined me at the table, taking a bite out of the pasta and frowned but didn't say anything. When I took my first bite, the bitter aftertaste of burnt food made me frown as well. I sighed, downcast at my failure to make a simple meal. I lacked practical skills, and that was that.
" Not bad for a first try," Mason said as he blew on the pasta to cool it down.
" Thank you" I took the compliment, there was no way I could disagree with him.
" I will cook dinner tomorrow and you will cook breakfast. Also, the laundry needs to be done and the dishes " Mason said before he took another bite of his food. I knew how to do laundry and I knew how to put things in the dishwasher. Finally, something that I was capable of doing.
" I don't mind," I said, forcefully swallowing the mouthful. Mason raised his eyes to look at me, surprised.
" You can do the dishes and I will do the laundry. Until, Enid returns, will have to do these things ourselves. The lady that comes and helps Enid around will come and clean twice a week" Mason added, and I couldn't be more relieved to hear that. With me at the soup kitchen all day and Mason away, there was no way we could do all that by ourselves.
" Okay. I hope she is having a good time with her friend " I said in a light-hearted tone, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulder. And the fact that we would spend more time on our own. And once again, I let my wild imagination run free.
After dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen, while Mason went to do the laundry. Enid had told me where the laundry room was but never bothered to have a look around. I was chuffed, beyond any words that a day went by and Mason hadn't scolded me.
When I walked into the laundry room, I was greeted with a sight that made my heart jump out of my chest. Mason was half naked, shoving things in the washing machine. His sculpted back lured me to go and touch him. There was no doubt that he was handsome. I was smitten with him and everything about him. His stiffness and coldness didn't stave off my racing desire to have him.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone