I didn’t want to lie to her, but I also didn’t want to rub my good fortune in her face. “He, ummm…came over last night, and we talked.”
“Oh?”
“We’re going to give things a try—a relationship, I mean.”
“Oh. Wow. That’s…” She coughed a bunch of times. “…good news. That’s great news.”
I nodded. “Yeah. But I feel like an idiot talking about my blossoming romance when you’re so sick.”
“Nonsense. I want you to be happy. You know that.”
We talked for a few minutes, and then I realized Hollis and I needed to get on the road. I reached over and took her hand. “I have to run, because we need to pick up Hailey at two o’clock. But call me if you start to feel worse. Please.”
Bree nodded, though I knew she wouldn’t call anyone if her health declined, which really sucked. She struggled to get up from her chair.
I told her to stay put, but Bree, being Bree, insisted on walking me to the door.
I mentally debated asking her if she felt up for a visitor, and when we got to the door, I figured her health wouldn’t likely be getting any better. I also knew she truly wanted me to be happy, so maybe meeting Hollis might bring her a little comfort.
“Would you…want to meet Hollis before we go pick up Hailey? He’s next door, and I could bring him by to meet you really quick.”
Bree frowned. “Not today. I’m sorry. But let Hollis know I’m rooting for him, okay?”
I kissed her cheek. “I will. And I’ll text you later to check in.”
She nodded.
I went back home feeling deflated. Hollis took one look at my face and pulled me against his chest for a hug. He kissed the top of my head. “She’s not doing well, I take it?”
I swallowed a salty lump in my throat and shook my head. “She’s not really up for visitors.”
“Of course. Another time.”
I held on to him for a minute, and then pulled my head back. “I almost forgot—Bree said to tell you she’s rooting for you.”
“Oh?”
“She’s been rooting for you from the get-go. She seemed to sense that we should be together.”
“You have a smart friend.”
I smiled. “I do.”
Hollis motioned toward the door. “Come on. We have a few minutes before we need to leave to get Hailey. I saw a little flower shop when I went into town yesterday to get something to eat. Why don’t we go pick her up some flowers, and you can drop them off before we go?”
God, I loved relationship-Hollis. He was so thoughtful. “You’re the best. Thank you.”
“No reason to thank me.”
I stretched up and brushed my lips with his. “Maybe. But I’ll do it anyway—later, after Hailey is sleeping…on my knees.”
Chapter 37
* * *
Hollis
The sun was setting as we pulled up to Megan’s house. When Hailey entered the car, she seemed surprised but happy to see Elodie.
She leaned into the front seat from the back. “Are you coming home with us?”
Elodie looked back at her. “Yeah. Hope that’s okay?”
“Yeah, of course, it is!”
I was relieved to get this response from Hailey. Not that I could’ve changed anything at this point, but her feeling more comfortable meant one less complication.
“How was Block Island?” Elodie asked.
“So much fun, except I barfed on the boat on the way there.”
“Oh no!”
“What did you guys do this weekend?” she asked.
“We hung out a little at my place in Connecticut,” Elodie answered.
“I told Megan you guys were dating, and you know what she said?”
I raised my brow and looked at her through the rearview mirror. “What?”
“She said that meant you were probably boning while I was away.”
Elodie and I looked at each other, and she cringed.
“I assume you know what that means?” Elodie asked.
Hailey’s face turned red. “Yeah.”
I had to put a stop to this conversation. “Elodie and I are adults, Hailey. What we were doing is no one’s business but ours. And your friend shouldn’t be saying such inappropriate things to you. I don’t want to hear that kind of stuff again. Not sure Megan is a very good influence if she’s saying things like that to you.”
“She was just joking. Please don’t stop letting me hang out with her. I’m sorry.”
“I won’t do that, but think about what you say before you say it, okay?”
She sulked. “Okay.”
“I was only with your uncle part of the weekend,” Elodie said. “I went to my friend’s lake house. Remember I told you I was going away?”
“Oh yeah. I forgot about that. How is she?”
“Unfortunately, she’s not doing that great. But I’m glad I got to spend the time with her there. Then Hollis came to visit me when I came home from the lake.”
“And now you’re coming home with us. Are you moving in soon?”
Elodie shook her head and laughed. “No.”
“Elodie and I are taking things slowly,” I said. “But she’s going to be spending a lot more time at the house.”
If I had my way, that would mean every night. So not technically moving in, but…
Hailey seemed happy about that revelation. “Cool.”
Elodie turned to face her. “You’re okay with that?”
“Of course, I am. I love you.”
I knew they were close, but I’d never heard Hailey say that to Elodie before.
“I love you, too,” Elodie said without hesitation.
“Do you love Elodie, Uncle Hollis?”
Leave it to my niece to put me on the spot. I was definitely falling hard for Elodie, but I wasn’t sure how to answer the question.
I finally responded, “I think it would be very easy to fall in love with Elodie.”
I realized that wasn’t exactly an answer. Thankfully, Elodie seemed to like it, as she reached over for my hand.
“I’m sorry I was weird when I first found out about you guys,” Hailey said.
“I think that was a normal reaction,” Elodie said. “I totally understood.”
After a short time of driving in silence, I decided to announce, “So, I was thinking of taking the day off tomorrow and hanging out with you guys. How does that sound?”
“Oh my God. What?” Hailey squealed.
“Is it that shocking?” I chuckled.
“Yes!” they both said at the same time.
Elodie laughed. “You’ve never taken a day off since I’ve known you. And now you’re taking two in a row.”
“I know. I think it’s time I started putting other aspects of my life ahead of my job. So I’ve decided I’m calling in again.” I rolled my eyes. “Believe me, Addison’s going to have a field day. She’ll be thrilled to fill in for me.”
***
Elodie had gone straight to the guest room after the three of us stayed up late watching a movie. So much for the girl earlier who’d promised to thank me on her knees. Elodie had also been a girl scout about not showing affection toward me around Hailey all night.
But now that my niece was asleep, my focus switched to tainting Elodie’s good intentions. I knew we shouldn’t risk getting caught in the act, but I wasn’t sure I had any self-control. My ability to stay away from Elodie was much weaker now that I’d gotten a taste of being with her. Addicted couldn’t even begin to describe it.
I was determined to get Elodie into my room, come hell or high water. As I lay here alone, I took out my phone and sent her a text.
Hollis: I’m pondering changing the color scheme in my bedroom. Can you come in here for a sec and give me your opinion?
Elodie: I would, but I’m afraid if I step foot into your room, I’ll never leave.
Hollis: That’s the idea. ;-)
Elodie: I sort of figured it was. Which i
s why I am staying put.
Hollis: Actually, what I’m really pondering is the thought of you on your knees at the foot of my bed giving me head.
Elodie: That rhymes.
Hollis: Do you like that?
Elodie: Rhyming? Sure.
Hollis: I’m also pondering you on my cock grinding your hips while I suck on your lips.
Elodie: LOL
Hollis: Also…this might sound crass, but I’d REALLY like to slap your ass.
Elodie: Well, aren’t you the creative one when you’re horny…
Hollis: My version of nursery rhymes. ;-) Remind me why you’re down the hall and not in my bed again?
Elodie: Because now that we’re actually here and she’s in the next room, I’ve chickened out.
Hollis: How is it possible that I miss you already? I just saw you…what… twenty minutes ago? I’m already twitching.
Elodie: And you’re taking the day off tomorrow again! I can’t believe that. Have I mentioned how much I love sweet, romantic Hollis?
She’d used the word love.
Hollis: Not sure my intentions right now are purely romantic. By the way, did you just say you LOVED me?
There was a long pause before she retracted her statement.
Elodie: Don’t worry, I didn’t mean LOVE love. Don’t want to freak you out. LOL I just meant I really like this sweet side of you.
I decided to tease her.
Hollis: Is there another meaning for love? Because I’m pretty sure you said you loved me.
Elodie: I just meant I love the man you are lately.
Hollis: That sounds an awful lot like you love me.
The three little circles danced for a while. I assumed she didn’t know what to say, or that I’d made her uncomfortable by calling her out.
Hollis: I’m teasing you, Elodie.
Elodie: I thought maybe I freaked you out.
Hollis: That’s because a text doesn’t allow you to see someone’s face. If you could see me, you’d see how big my smile is at the moment. The only thing freaking me out is the fact that you’re right down the hall, and I can’t touch you. And if you don’t come down to my room right now, I’m coming to you, which is not ideal since you’re right next to Hailey’s room. Which is it going to be?
Elodie: Are you serious?
Hollis: Fuck Yes. Watch me.
About a minute later, my door creaked open. Elodie stood at the entrance in a long T-shirt.
“Took you long enough. Come here, beautiful.”
She shut the door carefully before walking over to me. “I just don’t want her to wake up and see me in here.”
I pulled her into me as I sat at the edge of the bed. “We’ll be really quiet. We need to start practicing that anyway. Her waking up is a chance I’m willing to take. She already thinks we’re—in her words—boning, thanks to Megan. So, I’m getting blamed for it without reaping the benefits, at the moment.”
“Yeah, that’s unfortunate.”
Squeezing her ass, I said, “What’s unfortunate? My not reaping the benefits or Megan’s choice of words?”
“Both? Anyway, you reaped the benefits just this morning.”
I nuzzled her neck. “It’s not enough.”
Her breaths were shaky as she bent her head back. “Hollis, what have you done to me? I’ve never felt like this in my life. I’m so screwed if you ever break my heart.”
That will never happen.
Somehow I knew that. If things with us didn’t work out, it wasn’t going to be me that ended it. My hesitation was always about my fear of her leaving me, never the other way around.
The words burst from me. I didn’t expect them to come out. But they did.
“You said you love the man I am when I’m with you. I love the man I am when I’m with you, too. But more than that, I love you, Elodie. I love you so fucking much. And I’m sorry if that freaks you out a little, but it’s the truth, and I thought you should know.” I swallowed, somewhat shocked by my own candor.
In the distance, Huey squawked. Baaa! “Anna’s home!”
It was as if the universe had given me the reminder of Anna to test me. But it didn’t change a thing.
Elodie looked just as shocked as I was at my admission. “How can you be sure so soon?”
“Soon? Just because I only now got my shit together and put aside my fears doesn’t mean I’m only now figuring out that I love you. I’m pretty sure I’ve loved you for the majority of the time I’ve known you. And that’s what scared the crap out of me.”
Her eyes watered as she let my words sink in.
She grabbed my face. “Oh my God, Hollis. That really was what I meant in the text. And then I backtracked, because I was afraid you weren’t there yet.”
“I’m here, Elodie. I’m very much here. And I somehow knew you felt that way about me, too, even when I was teasing you.” I looked in her eyes. “I love you.”
Her chest rose and fell. “I love you, too.”
Elodie straddled me. We started kissing, and the next thing I knew, I was inside her. Both of us were still sitting in the exact same position, fully clothed, just with our underwear pushed to the side now, as she rode me slowly, passionately—and ever so quietly.
Chapter 38
* * *
Elodie
“You sure you’re okay with me meeting up with Addison?”
I didn’t want to upset Hollis when things were going so well.
He came up behind me as I scrambled some eggs and kissed the back of my neck. “Of course. It’s good for you to get to know her.”
It was the weekend after Hollis and I had declared our love for each other. I’d spent every night this past week with him, except one. I’d insisted on going home to check on Bree and spent Thursday night in Connecticut—not to mention, I was all out of clothes.
Addison and I had decided a Saturday lunch worked best, given her schedule, so I’d be meeting her later today. Even though my initial interest in lunch with her had been to mess with Hollis, I did want to get to know the person who was such a big part of his day-to-day life.
I poured the eggs out onto two plates. “I’m sure there’s a part of her that wants to make sure my intentions are in the right place with her best friend.”
“Nah. Believe me, Addison has been a huge supporter of you from the very beginning. She’s not going to grill you. She just wants to talk to you, maybe rank on me a little for fun. Trust me. You’re good.”
***
Addison and I met at a cute little restaurant in Midtown. Even though it was the weekend, she was dressed to the nines in a crisp, collared shirt and pencil skirt. I didn’t know her exact age, but Addison looked about Hollis’s age.
“You’re so dressed up. I’m relieved I wore a nice outfit.”
“It’s just a habit. I always think I’m going to run into a client. You look lovely, by the way, Elodie.”
“Thank you.”
After we sat down, I opened my menu and said, “It’s so nice to get out like this. I don’t do it nearly enough.”
She played with her string of pearls. “Why don’t you?”
“Much of my time is spent with Hailey. By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. Well, when I used to go home.”
“Home lately is with Hollis, I take it?” She grinned.
“Yeah, at least as of the past week.”
“And now it’s Hollis exhausting you after hours?”
I chuckled. “Only in a good way.”
The waitress came by and took our order. I opted for salmon over salad, while Addison ordered a burger with Swiss.
After, Addison leaned in and said, “I hope this doesn’t come off as strange, but can I just tell you I prayed for you?”
I didn’t quite understand. “Prayed for me?”
“Yes. I asked the good man or woman above to bring someone like you into Hollis’s life—someone he would find attractive and appealing enough to hang everything up for. It had to be the w
hole package. Someone who would be worth taking the risk of getting hurt. It had to be someone special, who wouldn’t give up on him. I knew he wanted someone like you before he did. It was actually at my wedding that I wished for you.”
“Really?”
“Well, my third wedding. Let me back up a bit.” She laughed. “Third time was the charm for me. I’d been through two short-lived, failed marriages before I decided my happiness was going to come first. Both of my exes were critical people who never really supported my career, or supported me in general. With my first two husbands—both of whom I met on Wall Street—it was always a competition, never a true partnership. They never had my back.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh, don’t be. Everything worked out the way it should.” She smiled. “I met my husband, Peter, when we shared a cab. Sounds like a typical New York love story, right? Except Peter was the driver. He saw me so upset one night after a fight with my now ex-husband number one. He turned off the meter and kept driving us all the way to the Jersey Shore. We stayed up talking all night. We remained friends but didn’t get together until my second marriage was over. So, I basically made the same mistake twice before I saw the light. One day I just woke up and realized it had been Peter for so long. I was ignoring the fact that he was perfect for me. As soon as the papers were signed after my second divorce, I was all-in and never looked back.”
“Wow. That’s a great story.”
“And I know that this is it for me. Peter’s the one. When you know, you know.”
I couldn’t agree more. “Oh, I know what you mean.”
“I hadn’t told Hollis about my friendship with Peter while I was married. I kept that whole thing secret and sacred. But once Peter and I started dating and they actually met, Hollis could see how happy I was. He never approved of my first two marriages. He knew both of those men through the industry prior to my relationships and could always see through them, even when I didn’t.”
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