Page 43 of Range
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Range.”
I waited patiently as he piled his plate with food and took the seat across the table. He extended his right hand, grabbing my left. He brought it to his lips, kissing each finger, lingering on the one with the ring he’d purchased.
“Do you like it?”
Next time we meet, I expect you to have returned that ring, thanked that man for his time, and let him know he’s not whoever or whatever the fuck he thought he was to you. That cut and style of diamond does nothing to complement your hand. You deserve custom everything.
Josiah Blackwood’s words sounded in my head like grenades on the battlefield. My breath got caught in my throat. There was a sudden tightness in my chest. My throat dried completely. I closed my eyes, hoping to collect myself. Unfortunately, I fell apart behind my lids.
“Range–”
I nodded, reopening my eyes to find Kason’s mouth agape as he awaited my response.
“Uh– yes. Yes, I like– I like it.”
His lips turned upward into a smile.
“Good. Good.”
I stabbed the roasted carrots with my fork. I didn’t have more words for Kason. Not at the moment. I stuffed them into my mouth, halting our conversation. Silently, I chewed until I managed to push them down my throat. The dryness was still apparent.
Champagne washed down whatever was left of the savory dish. I moved on to the mash, promising to return to the carrots before I was too full.
“You’re so– so beautiful.”
My cheeks flushed a new shade of brown. I pulled my glossy lip into my mouth as I smiled, looking up at Kason.
He’s safe. I reasoned.
“I want to apologize. I thought about everything you said the other night and you were right. You deserve better, Range, so I’m going to be better. You are not an option to me. You’re my choice. I’m choosing you– Even over myself. I want to show you that I’m for you, always and forever. No matter what. I was blind, but you’ve opened my eyes. I just hope you’ve felt the changes and I just hope they’re satisfying to you. Because, I’ve felt every bit of them and– I like it. I like them. You woke me up. Removed the blindfold. Put an end to the ignorance. Thank you.”
I sipped from the flute as I watched Kason’s eyes blossom with curiosity. He was anxious for a response. I didn’t have one to offer.
“I don’t want to talk about that tonight.”
“Understood.”
He accepted my reply and opted for deflection.
“I was thinking we could make our own ice cream after this. I picked up the supplies on the way home.”
“Yeah? Did you get some c–”
“Yes. I got some cookies. Oreos, specifically.”
With a smile, I nodded.
“Then ice cream it is.”
“Music to my ears,” Kason admitted.
Silence fell between us as we dug into the food on our plates. Periodic gazing from Kason made me feel like a giddy schoolgirl.
“Whaaaaat?” I asked after my lamb slid down my throat.
“Nothing… And everything,” he sniggered, “I’m just fascinated. By you. Your beauty. Your courage. Your smile. Your confidence. Your– All of you.”
