#Chapter 51 - Conversations by the Fireside

Shirley I’ve spent the last few hours locked up in my room, working away on the rest of the day’s tasks. I’d like to say I’ve only cooped myself up in here so I can focus, but I know that another part of the reason is because I’m avoiding Keith. It’s silly - I know. But I figured it was a better alternative than returning to the kitchen table, unable to type any coherent words as I listened to his shower running in the background. I wanted to get something done after my elongated break and I know this is the only way to accomplish that. And it worked. I was able to finish all of my work today and even clear my head a little. Maybe that can also be blamed on the house being fairly quiet, but either way I’m thankful. Rewarding myself, I decide to change into my nightgown and grab my book again, soon wiggling onto the bed. I pick up where I left off in the story, smiling to myself as the two main characters share some steamy banter back and forth that has me cur