Page 87 of Man Seeking Woman

Chapter Twenty-one

August

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Opening the door tothe apartment, the lights were dim and the candles were lit on the table. Dropping my bag to the floor, I shut the door as I walked inside.

“Hello? Ella?” I called out, looking around for her.

I could hear soft classical music playing from the speakers, an orchestra of instruments all blended, each one complimenting the next perfectly. It wasn't something I was used to hearing, but it had a nice melody.

Two spots at the table were set, the glasses filled with white wine, and plates full of food. The center of the table was lined with more plates, each one covered with a cloche. Purple flower petals were sprinkled across the white table cloth, adding the perfect pop of color.

What's all this for?

“Hello?” I called out again, walking through the living room and moving down the hall. “Ella, you here?”

“I'm in here!” Her voice floated out and instantly I smiled to myself.

I loved having her to come home to, I loved having someone next to me at night, someone to share my day with and just have a nice laugh. We spent our nights watching movies, sometimes going out for dinner or to poke around Tribeca Greenmarket.

It took this woman being in my life for me to realize how much I was missing. After an entire lifetime of solitary confinement, a single soul had set me free. She had dusted my life with purpose, with meaning.

“What's all that for?” I asked as I stepped into bedroom, only to find it empty. The bathroom was glowing, so I moved to the door and knocked lightly. “Can I come in?”

“I was hoping you would,” she said, her tone sexy, alluring, highlighted in playful notes.

Pushing the door open, Ella was sitting in a tub full of bubbles. Her hands swayed back and forth over the top of the water, pushing the bubbles up between her tits. With her legs rested up on the side, she was reclined back, her eyes glowing with a look I hadn't seen yet.

What is that in her eyes?

“How was your day?” she asked, swirling a single finger across the top of the bubbles. Scooping up a small palm full, she blew them across the tub and smiled.

“Better now that I'm home. But we're offering a new flavor soon and I'm kind of excited about it.” Sitting on the edge of the tub, I pulled my jacket off, and draped it over the sink. “Guess what I'm naming it?” Rolling up both my sleeves, I slid my hand into the water, moving it back and forth.

“What?”