The Right One

by Ariadne Wayne

  Elliot stopped. “Are you looking at my butt?”

  I sat on the couch, tilting my head. “Maybe.”

  “I could feel your eyes on it, like they were burning a hole.” He waggled his hips, and I snorted with laughter. “Any day I can make you laugh that way is a good day,” he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

  * * *

  Later, I lay in Elliot’s arms, revelling in the sensation of his naked skin against mine. My body was his, but my heart was my own. At least, that was what I kept telling myself.

  “What are you thinking about?” Elliot asked, nuzzling my cheek.

  “This. What we’re doing. It’s so freeing to have you as a friend and be able to be this close without any expectation of anything more.”

  “Hmmm.”

  I turned my head toward him. “I like what we have. Whatever it is. You make me feel safe.”

  Elliot kissed me softly, tenderly. “I’m glad I make you feel that way. I don’t want to be anywhere but with you.”

  I smiled. “How about monogamous friends with benefits?”

  “Well, it is safer.” Elliot’s kisses were on the move, down my neck as his hand …

  “You want to go again?” I asked

  “That is a bit of a crazy question while I’ve got my hand between your legs. What do you think?” His dimples told me just how happy he was to be there.

  I shifted my hips, raising them to meet his hand.

  “I think you have your answer.”

  Chapter Eight

  Apparently it takes three weeks to form a habit. After three months of this whatever-it-was with Elliot, I was as blissfully happy as I had been from the start. He was most certainly entrenched as a habit.

  I craved routine. At work I had it; routine was essential for me to keep my head above running the business. Especially with it growing the way it had.

  My home life was a different story. I'd never been one for keeping to timetables or doing anything on a regular basis. Having Elliot in my life changed that.

  Sort of.

  With his odd jobs and the band he occasionally played in, we had to squeeze in time together. That meant late arrivals, or that he’d be gone before I woke. Soon my days became work, Elliot and sleep. Sometimes it was Elliot, work, sleep. When I was really lucky it was Elliot with bacon sandwiches for breakfast, work and then sleep.

  It might have been a casual relationship, but I had never been more fulfilled. He met all my needs in the bedroom and out of it? I always did like a good snuggle on the couch. If I’d wanted to commit, he would have been close to perfect. I didn’t know how he felt about anything more, but I was still terrified.

  On the other hand, now I knew what it was like for Olivia meeting Logan. He'd become her friend before anything else, although with those two that didn't last two long.

  I’d dated outside of my social circle, sure, but never anyone as free as Elliot. He never planned, sometimes didn’t know what he was doing from day to day, did all kinds of random jobs, and somehow made enough money to keep himself afloat even without his grandmother’s help.

  She was on a pension and barely had enough for herself. Having Elliot around helped her.

  This was the last thing my dad ever wanted for me. The business had been a huge thing for me to take on, he knew how serious I was. But if I was hooking up with anyone for any length of time, Elliot wasn't the type of guy he would approve of.

  He wanted me with a career man, someone who would pull his weight financially and emotionally. When I thought I'd found that, it turned out to be a steaming pile of ...

  Around Elliot, I could be myself for the first time. I took better care of myself, keeping up the lunchtime trips to the gym and eating well. But, a little bit of that rebellious streak leaked out every time I saw my friends now. I hadn’t eaten anything green at Le Grande for months.

  Olivia was now waddling like a duck. At six months pregnant, she was huge and I marvelled more than ever at my friend working and managing her home life with her children and Logan.

  I pulled into the car park below her apartment, wondering for the millionth time just when they were going to move, their tiny little place cramped with the four of them.

  We saw one another at work all the time, but it wasn’t the same as spending relaxing time together.

  As I knocked, footsteps ran toward the door and it flew open, Thomas standing there with big eyes.

  “Rebecca’s here, Mum,” he yelled at the top of his voice.

  Shy little Thomas wasn’t so shy anymore.

  “Come in,” Olivia called from inside. I took a step in the door and surveyed the chaos that surrounded me.

  I loved this place. It didn’t matter to them that there was barely enough room to swing a cat—they laughed and loved and were all content. Such a warm and loving family, it was hard not to envy them.

  Holy crap.

  The man who put that glow in Olivia’s cheeks stood right in front of me, and I ran my eyes over him, taking in the view. He was tall, well-built with dark hair and stubble. Seeing it made me think of Elliot, his cheek against my thigh, those little hairs scraping and tickling my skin as he …

  I swallowed hard. Not now.

  “Hey Logan,” I said.

  He moved his gaze from me to Olivia and a shiver went up my spine watching as her cheeks pinkened. Oh, there was no denying it, she had it bad. Although she welcomed me with open arms, there was no debating the pair of them wouldn’t be upset when I left and the kids were in bed. They had better things to do.

  Honestly, that guy was gorgeous, and I might have just humped his leg like a horny dog. But he was Olivia’s and I was … shit.

  “How are you doing, Rebecca?” He wrapped his arms around Olivia’s waist protectively. He’d been bad enough before, now he was in mega Papa Bear mode. I was lucky Olivia was still coming to work. Soon he wouldn’t want to let her out of his sight.

  “I’m well, Logan. How about you?”

  "I'm well."

  Olivia beamed at him and he kissed her. I stifled a sigh; the love between them was so obvious. There should be more couples in the world like Logan and Olivia.

  “I don’t even think you have to answer that. Now when are you moving into that house?” I grinned.

  Olivia smiled and Logan sighed loudly. “Very close—next week or two. We’ll be there before the baby arrives. I’ve promised Liv.”

  “Sure. Well, if you need more space, you’re welcome at my house. There’s plenty of room there.”

  Logan shook his head. “Thanks. We’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

  Olivia squeezed his hands. “I know you’re just teasing, but I will be so damn happy when we’re out of this place.” She smiled at me.

  “I bet. Unless you’re planning on letting that baby sleep in a drawer, better hurry up.” I raised my eyebrows at Logan, and he rolled his eyes.

  “I’ve got to get to the workshop. I’ll leave you two to gossip.”

  I waved at him. “It was good to see you, Logan. Go on, get out of here so I can find out the latest on your sex life.”

  He chuckled, kissing Olivia on the neck. “It’ll all be in her next book. See you later, Rebecca.”

  Shaking my head as he left, I kept laughing. “He bites so well.”

  She picked up a cushion from the couch and threw it at me. “You’re terrible at baiting him. He’s as frustrated about the house as I am.”

  I laughed as I caught the cushion. “Well, maybe he needs to stop being a perfectionist and just move you guys. Who cares if it still needs some work? He has perfection right here.” I opened my arms dramatically, waving them around as she smiled.

  “He wants everything just right. And I do too. The bedrooms are all done, just waiting on the furniture.”

  Her cheeks glowed with excitement. Oh, this was so good for her, and I loved it. Logan and the house and the baby were just what she needed to plant her feet on the ground. Since the day her shithead husba
nd left her, she’d been unsettled

  “I’m so happy for you. I know I give Logan shit, but I love the pair of you. You’re just amazing together.”

  She sat on the couch, and I sat beside her, placing the cushion back down.

  “This is good for all of us. My boys …”

  “Where are they? Thomas was here for about five seconds before disappearing.”

  “He came out for a couple of cookies. They’re playing in their room. They were building a tent by pushing the beds closer and draping a big blanket over top. Logan helped them weigh down the ends. I can’t wait until they have somewhere to run around and let out all the pent-up energy.”

  Her jaw dropped. “I am being so rude. Do you want a coffee or something?”

  “No, I’m good. If I want one I’ll make it myself. Stop you from getting up. I just wanted to come and hang out with you for a bit. I’ve missed that.”

  “Me too.”

  I took a deep breath. “I wanted to share something with you that I’ve been keeping to myself.”

  Her brows furrowed in concern. “Is there something wrong? You have this look on your face like you’re about to tell me something terrible.”

  “No. Actually it’s pretty amazing." I looked down to avert my gaze. "I met someone a while ago and we’ve been kind of seeing one another. It’s casual, and I’m enjoying it, but it’s scaring the shit out of me.”

  Olivia smiled, nodding. “I get that. Logan was so caring and gentle, but after Evan left me I was scared about starting something new. I’m glad I did, though.”

  “It’s just … I know my dad won’t like it. Alexander was a lawyer; Elliot does odd jobs.”

  “Does it matter?”

  I shook my head. “Not to me. I've just always tried so hard to meet Dad's standards, and this isn't it. But, it’s not like we’re getting married or anything. Just having a bit of fun." I sighed. "So much fun.”

  She grinned, patting my arm. “Enjoy it. Your father doesn’t have to know—at least not yet. Tell him if it gets serious.”

  “I just had to tell someone.”

  “Then I’m very honoured that it’s me.”

  I leaned over, hugging her over that big bump, loving that I could confide in her. My most special friend.

  Chapter Nine

  I’d given Elliot a key to my place by the second month. Given that he was coming and going at night, it made more sense than getting out of bed to let him in.

  I was almost asleep on the couch in front of the television when the key turned in the lock. It wasn’t that late, and I looked up to see Elliot coming in the door.

  “Hey,” I said.

  He leaned over the back of the couch and kissed me. “How was your day?” he asked.

  “Did you seriously ask me how my day was?” I laughed.

  Elliot looked puzzled, his eyebrows raised. “What’s wrong with that?”

  “That makes us sound domesticated. I don't think we are.”

  He sat as I moved over, leaning over to kiss me again. “What are we?”

  My breathing became heavy as he moved over the top of me, pressing his hips against mine. His lips grazed my neck, and I became a gasping, groaning mess, feeling him hard against me. He knew exactly how to get me going.

  “Elliot,” I whispered.

  “What are we, Becs?”

  “I don’t know, but I really like what you’re doing.”

  He sucked gently at my neck while I clawed at his back, willing our clothing to just disappear because the last thing I wanted was to waste time getting undressed.

  “Want to watch a movie? There’s one on TV tonight that I want to see,” he whispered.

  I dissolved into laughter as he pushed up and off of me, sitting up as I threw a cushion at him.

  “Damn you, getting me all hot and bothered like that.”

  He grinned. “Before I forget, I brought you a present, something you’ll love.”

  My curiosity piqued, I cocked an eyebrow. “What is it?”

  “I dunno if I should give it to you. It’s something very special.”

  I growled, and he laughed. “You are so impatient.”

  “You know it.”

  “You would have found it if I’d been lying on top of you for much longer.”

  What the hell could it be?

  Elliot held up one hand, finger up to indicate that I should wait and reached into his back pocket. In a flash he produced a packet of microwave popcorn. “Tah-dah,” he announced.

  I rested my elbow on the armrest, laughing. “Is that all?”

  “I offer you a gift and you laugh at me.”

  “What’s the movie, smart arse?”

  Elliot grinned. “Finding Nemo.”

  “What are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and pop that stuff. I’ll find the right channel.”

  My eyes weren’t on the television as he walked away. My heart warm at the close relationship we now had. That he’d remembered this was one of those movies that had made me emotional made me feel cared for. If our crazy attraction we had to each other ever died off, one thing was clear.

  We were friends.

  * * *

  “I told one of my friends about you today,” I murmured, stroking his shaggy locks, pushing them off his face.

  “I thought I was your dirty little secret.” Elliot waggled his eyebrows, and planted a kiss on one breast.

  I ran my fingers through his hair as he kissed closer and closer to my nipple, making me sigh. “My friend Olivia always told me her secrets. I felt like I could confide in her. If people find out about us, they find out about us, anyway. I’m not ashamed of you. Just a little scared of Dad.”

  He reached his spot, and I sighed again.

  “Elliot,” I moaned, tugging on his hair just a little.

  “I should let you get some sleep. You have work tomorrow.”

  I ran my hand down his back, stroking his skin as he snuggled against me. “Unfortunately you’re right.”

  He held me tight in his arms, and I nestled into his chest, feeling safe.

  “Sleep,” he whispered.

  “Yes, Dad.”

  His chest vibrated as he laughed.

  I kissed his golden skin. “I'm sorry. He’d be more 'Why aren’t you working?' than telling me to get some sleep.”

  “He can’t be that bad.”

  I looked up, shaking my head. “No, he’s not that bad. It’s just how I feel sometimes. I’ve always tried so hard to make him happy.”

  Elliot placed his palm on my cheek before running a finger down my neck and across my collarbone.

  “Maybe that’s why you don’t feel fulfilled. Maybe you should work on making you happy,” he said.

  Smiling, I snuggled back in, resting my head on his chest. “I am.”

  * * *

  It was still dark when Elliot gently shook me awake.

  “Hey, I’ve got to get going. I’ve got an early start.”

  “What are you doing today?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes as I sat up.

  “I got a few days with a trucking company, filling in while some of their guys are taking holidays. Loading and unloading trucks.”

  “I’ll pay you double to stay in bed with me. You’re warm.”

  He laughed. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty. I want to show you something.”

  I yawned and looked at the clock. It was just before five, and I’d be up and out of bed shortly anyway. I liked getting into the office early before everyone else got there. It was peaceful, quiet, and so much easier to concentrate.

  “Fine. This had better be worth it.”

  I pulled a T-Shirt over my head. Elliot wrapped a blanket around me and led me out and into the living room, through the back door and out onto the deck.

  “What are we doing out here? It’s freezing. Let’s go back to bed.” I tried my best puppy dog look, but he shook his head, slipping his arm around my shoulder and pointing.

  That sappy sentimental man ha
d brought me out to watch the sunrise. And it was beautiful, the sun peeking out above the trees, the sky tinged with pink. Shepherds warning. It lasted for just a moment before I realised I’d rather look at him. Why, when I didn’t want to give my heart away, was it trying so hard to just be with him?

  “Isn’t it amazing?” he whispered, snuggling up close to me.

  “It is.” You are.

  “Any room under the blanket?”

  I laughed, letting go of one end so he could wrap it around himself, and we stood in the cold dewy morning, watching the sky fill with golden light.

  His arms were tight around me, as if he didn’t want to let go, his nose buried in my hair, and he planted small kisses on my head.

  This was wonderful, but call it intuition, something wasn't quite right.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “Why do you think anything’s wrong?”

  “The way you’re acting. I love watching the sunrise with you, but you’re being weird.”

  Elliot took a deep breath, and I held mine as I wondered what the next words out of his mouth would be. “I’m going to be away for a couple of months.”

  I swallowed hard. We might be casual, but I’d kinda gotten used to the few times a week late-night rendezvous.

  “Why?”

  “After I finish the job with the trucking company, I've got some work labouring on a construction site. It’s down south and I can’t afford to be back and forward, so I’m not going to be around for a while.” He bent his head, kissing me softly on the lips. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologise. You have to do whatever you need to do.” I licked my lips, tasting his kiss. “You are coming back though, right?”

  “Of course I am. I feel bad about leaving when I said I’d help Nan out, and it might not be the only trip I make. It all depends on how it goes.”

  I nodded. I couldn’t be upset about him earning for himself. What was I going to do? Be his keeper?