OBSESSED

22

LEAH

I was still mortified that I'd confessed to starving myself for this date. I'd meant it jokingly, even though it was true.

Jarrod took it far more seriously than I expected, but his concern for my well-being was endearing.

I didn't think it was that big of a deal. I just hadn't eaten because I was 1) nervous about tonight and 2) I didn't want to look all bloated after dinner.

Starving myself was not typically a habit of mine, as I had little self-control with food. I'd probably be thinner if I did, but here we were.

While I stewed in embarrassment over the crackers he'd insisted I eat, we caught up on life since Monday. Jarrod played the Beatles on his speaker and danced me around the island. We were laughing and smiling. I could easily imagine doing this with him every day.

We took a break to check on the food and I was charged with the task of opening a bottle of wine from the fridge. After wrestling with his fancy automatic bottle opener for a solid thirty seconds, I filled two glasses with generous pours.

Jarrod was already watching me when I turned to hand him his glass. He grinned.

"What?" I asked, smiling self-consciously.

"You're just adorable."

I stuck my tongue out at him and his smile grew. Accepting his glass, he pulled me into him and kissed the top of my head.

"I find you adorable, too, I guess," I murmured, gulping down some liquid courage.

"You guess?" he scoffed mockingly.

"Okay, fine. I find you really hot."

He chuckled and tipped my chin up. "I find you extraordinarily beautiful." He kissed me softly and then tapped his wine glass to mine. "To another incredible date with my stunning girl."

"You're going to give me a fat head if you keep complimenting me," I teased him.

"Get used to it, sweetheart."

For the first time probably ever, I believed the compliments. I usually felt like people just said things to make me feel better or to be nice, but there was only authentic appreciation in his voice and lingering gaze.

While he continued to watch the food, I wandered over to one of the enormous window panes in the living room. The view of the city was spectacular from here. In the distance, high rises and skyscrapers glowed orange and pink in the fading sunlight.

A hand settled on my lower back. "What do you think?" he asked.

"It's gorgeous. I'm a little envious, honestly."

"I like your place, too, though," he said. "It's charming and cozy."

"And I have great neighbors who will drive my naked, unconscious ass to the hospital."

He laughed. "Very true. I think that's a valid selling point."

"So, what made you choose to live here? Aside from the view, I mean. I'm sure there were places closer to the hospital."