Chapter 74 Back To Normality

Chapter 74 Back To Normality
Jasmine

I've finally arrived in California and am heading home to my apartment. I can't wait to see Cody — it's been six weeks since we last saw each other. He doesn’t know I’m returning early; he’s expecting me next week. I told him I’d fly out next weekend, but I’ve come back a week sooner. This allows me to spend my weekend with him since he’s free. I start classes again on Monday, and I’ve already reached out to my professors to let them know. 

Everything at home is going well. Life has returned to normal. My dad is almost fully healed; in a week or two, he should be fully healed and require less assistance. Lily is also doing well; her cast has been removed, and her head has healed, leaving her with a small scar. My mom no longer needs my help, so it was time for me to return. Of course, I will miss them. I have no idea when I will see them again—probably not until Christmas break. Cody and I plan to visit home then, but it’s still a few months away, so it won’t be easy. My parents said they’ll try to visit here before Christmas, though their plans depend on work and school. 

No one will be home, as I intend to surprise Cody when he returns from work. I chose a flight that would arrive while he was still at the office, giving me time to unpack, shower, and maybe take a nap. I didn’t sleep well last night because I was too excited. I tried napping on the plane, but the noise made it difficult. I plan to prepare dinner for everyone when they come back. I missed Cody the most, but I also missed my friends. It will be nice to share a meal together, but after tonight, the weekend will be just for Cody and me. 

The cab pulls up outside my building. After thanking the driver and paying, I retrieve my belongings from the trunk and head inside. It feels good to be back. I call out to see if anyone is home, but there's no response. The silence is exactly what I wanted. The place is clean and tidy. I knew it would be everyone chipping in to keep our apartment tidy. Though there is a slight scent of weed in the air, someone has been smoking it in the house again. I hope it isn’t Cody, but it could be. 

I take my things to our bedroom and unpack. Everything has been washed, so there is no need to do that before I put them away. I strip down, head for a quick shower, change into something more comfortable, draw the blinds, and climb into bed. I set my alarm for an hour. I need to check whether there is anything in for dinner or go grocery shopping. 

As I climb into bed, I curl up under the covers and breathe in Cody’s scent, which provides comfort. I’m eagerly looking forward to sleeping beside him tonight, as I’ve missed that so much. I believe I’ll sleep better with him next to me. The past six weeks have been extremely difficult—texts, calls, and video chats just aren’t the same. Maintaining our connection has been challenging at times, but I am confident that once we’re together again, our bond will grow even stronger once again. I close my eyes, sleep quickly taking over. When I wake, it will mean less time until I finally see Cody again. 


I am in the kitchen making dinner for everyone. I am making a beef stew with a side of mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. There is more than enough for everyone. It smells amazing, if I do say so myself. It is a hearty meal that will fill everyone up for the rest of the night. Everyone should start arriving home soon.

The sound of the front door opening quickens my heartbeat as I hope it's Cody. I had to resist the urge to go to his workplace to see him because I was so eager. 

“Hello? Who's making stew?” Cody’s voice echoes in the apartment. I swear he has a bloodhound's nose. 

I don’t respond, so he'll come into the kitchen and see me. He calls out again before I hear his footsteps approaching. I turn to face the door, with my back against the counter, and wait for him to reach me. 

The moment he enters the kitchen, he freezes, eyes widening in surprise. After a brief pause, he recovers and exclaims, "Jasmine! What are you doing here? I thought you wouldn’t be back until next weekend.” He quickly moves to me, wrapping his arms around me tightly and holding on securely.  

I wrap my arms around him tightly. “I wanted to surprise you. I've missed you so much," I whimper. 

“I have missed you so much. I don’t ever want to be apart from you for that long again.” 

“Me neither.” 

We embrace in the kitchen for a few minutes, then he gently kisses me. “I’m so happy you’re back home, angel. Things aren’t the same without you.” 

“I promise I won't be gone so long again.” I smile and press my lips to his. 

The kiss quickly intensifies as I moan and tangle my fingers in his hair. He groans, pressing closer, and our desire takes over. 

“I need you to take me to the bedroom right now.” 

I turn everything off for now, needing him more than anything else. Cody doesn’t wait; he lifts me and carries me directly to our bedroom. The kiss is intense and filled with desire. I grind my hips against him as we move, sensing his increasing excitement under me. 

He mumbles into my lips, "I have missed this too." 

“Mmm, me too,” I say as we reach our bedroom. 

He locks the door behind us and immediately pushes me onto the bed. I can’t wait to reconnect like this. It has been too long. My body has been craving him. I am sure he has been the same. It is probably the longest he has gone without it.