Breaking Elle

by Antoinette Candela

  “Morning, doll.” I smile through the pain. “So, how did I look? Was I as graceful as a ballerina?” I laugh trying to deflect what just happened, but she continues to look at me. She’s not buying it.

  “Does this happen a lot?” She asks directly, glancing at my knee and then back up at me.

  I sit up, stretching my leg out in front of me. “No, just a couple of times in the past week. It’s nothin’. I just need to ice it and I’ll be fine.” I finish with a hesitant smile. She straightens up, gazing down, as the sun beams behind her and frames her face. I ache to run my fingers though the brown hair cascading around her, and to stare into those hazel eyes all damn day.

  “You should probably cut back on the runs.” She turns, glancing over at the track, giving me the best view of her stunning body. She doesn’t know how much she complicates things and that only makes her more enticing.

  “No, nope. Reed Austin is not a quitter.” I get up and grab her hand. “Let’s go run.”

  I shouldn’t have run those laps. I try to be a hard ass and here I am, crying like a damn baby. It was three too many and now my knee is really busted. This shit hurts. This is one of the many secrets that I was trying to get away from, and it returns like a fucking bad headache. If I didn’t push myself to begin with, I wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place, but Doc said that running and working out will help with the injury and make my knee stronger. Maybe I’ll cut back a little bit. I have to get home, call the doc, and see what he says now.

  “Hey.”

  I look up to find the most gorgeous jogger I’ve ever seen. Her shorts are clinging to her thighs and her cheeks are flushed pink. All I can think is wow. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, baby.” I smile, rubbing my knee as I rise from the bleachers.

  “Thank you. And nice try at the deflection.” She smiles, watching me stretch my knee. “Speaking of sore, how’s your knee?”

  “I guess you were right; I should’ve taken it easy. But it’s nothing a little ice can’t fix,” I answer as I gingerly walk around the grass. It’s going to take more than some damn frozen water to fix this shit. “On second thought, I’d rather have you nurse me back to health.” I smirk, watching her pink cheeks burn red.

  “So, you never told me you were a shitty comedian.” She laughs, her hazel eyes sparkling. “Do you have any more surprises for me?”

  Wow, she just hit the nail right on the head with that one. A wounded expression passes over her face, and I know right then and there that I can’t keep things from her for too long. She’s been hurt and I can’t drag her through anything more. It’s so hard right now since it seems that my problems are coming to a head. My shit that I don’t want her mixed up in. Am I being selfish? Should I tell her and let her decide?

  “What are you thinking about?” She reaches over and taps my arm with her finger, bringing me out of my thoughts.

  I shake my head and hungrily take all of her. “What are you doing after work tonight?” The words come out before I have a chance to think, but I’m glad they did. I don’t care if I have this huge card game tonight. I want her at my place. That’s what she fucking does to me; she blows my mind. It’s weird to be on the other end, to want someone so bad that you’ll do anything for her. Never thought I’d see the day.

  “I don’t have anything set in stone,” she replies with her sexy mouth. I just want to take her right now on the grass and slowly peel off the little bit of clothes she has on her body. I get anxious thinking about it and have to walk off the damn ache that surges through me. It feels like being tackled by a three hundred pound linebacker. “Are you okay?” She asks with a slight smirk. “Is the heat getting to you?”

  Not the kinda heat you’re talking about.

  “Just waiting for your answer? You comin’?” Please come.

  “Sure,” she replies coyly, watching me with those mesmerizing eyes.

  “Hey doll,” I call out when I enter the office, but I don’t see her. Then she walks out of the supply room and I lose it. I saw her this morning in her running shorts and I was all bothered by that. But right now, she’s wearing the sexiest little outfit. A tight low-cut white blouse shows just enough of her full breasts, a black skirt that hugs her curvy hips and ass, and her long brown hair up in a bun. I have this fantasy about a librarian all the time, and right now, I’m close to it becoming a reality if she wants to play along. I just want to lock the door and have my way with her.

  “Hi,” she says, coming around the desk to stand in front of me. She looks tired but gorgeous as hell.

  “Rough day?” I ask, kissing her on the forehead.

  “Yes,” she sighs. “I had to meet with the board of trustees today about the center. I presented some reports that I worked on.”

  “I’m sure you knocked it out of the park,” I say, pushing back a piece of hair that’s fallen from her bun. “You look beautiful, too.”

  “Thank you.” She smiles, as the prettiest shade of red spreads to her cheeks. Damn, she gets more irresistible by the second. “I can’t wait for this day to be over.” She breaks off, glancing up at me with those sexy eyes. All I can think about is touching her, but I keep my hands to myself like a good boy. “What are you doing here? You miss me?” She says coyly.

  “Little bit.” I wink. All we’ve done is kiss since this whole thing started. I want to take my time with her and not rush things, but right now, standing here looking at her dressed like this, I have to pat myself on the back for having the willpower to wait this long with such a fine looking woman.

  “Okay,” she says stepping closer, her vanilla scent floating around me. I have to keep more than my hands down, but I’m failing really badly. “What time do you want me to come over?” She smiles, her body inches from mine. I want to grab her tiny waist, press her to me, and taste those perfect lips. God, I’m experiencing some major sensory overload right now.

  Early as fuckin’ possible. I was thinking eight, but I don’t think I can wait.

  “Seven?” I ask. Seriously, I wish I can pick her up, throw her over my shoulder, and take her home with me. But Momma always says ‘good things come to those who wait’. That is one line I’m not feeling right now.

  “Perfect,” she whispers, and then unexpectedly, she reaches for a kiss, wrapping her arms around my waist. We’re trying to keep our relationship low key at work, but I’m not going to complain as I grab her tightly to me, already feeling happy down south. The more locations I can do things like this with her the better. She smells so incredibly good that I inhale her like there’s no tomorrow. I don’t know if it’s her perfume, her shampoo, or her natural scent. Either way, I crave her so badly. She grabs the back of my neck, pressing our mouths closer together. She moans softly, pulls away, and smiles, her eyes slightly closed with a smile on her face. I brush my hand across her flushed cheek and grin.

  “What happened to keeping things low key at work? I mean, don’t get me wrong; I like what’s happening here a lot,” I say, still feeling the aftershock of her.

  “I had a rough day, and I needed to take my frustrations out on someone. Lucky it was you that happened to be here at just the right time.” She smiles sweetly, tilting her head to the side as strands of hair fall from her bun and dangle sexily around her face. I bite my lip in agony looking at her. She has no idea the how fucking difficult she is making things for me. “Are you okay with that?” she whispers, spoiling me with her sexy hazel eyes.

  “I’m glad I was the lucky fucker who walked through that door, and I think you know I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy.” My voice sounds gruff even to my own ears. I’ve just made her a promise that I intend on keeping. How can I ever say no to her?

  I slip the black strapless dress over my head for the fiftieth time. Staring in the mirror, I remind myself that it doesn’t matter what I wear around him. I can tell he likes how I look no matter what by the way he looks at me after our morning runs when I’m hot and sweaty. The smile that touches his l
ip and the way his eyes travel over my body is so sexual and carnal. It makes my stomach twist and my body sensitive thinking about what could be going through his mind. This feels like a whole new level of attraction; one that I didn’t even know existed. I don’t think there’s a word in the English dictionary that can accurately describe what I’m feeling right now.

  I apply a little bit of eye shadow, mascara, and lip-gloss. I have no need for blush since I do enough of that when I’m around him. I know Tyler’s going to be over to play cards; he reminded me and wanted to walk over together. I told him I needed more time to get ready, which was a lie. I just want to be alone because I know that he’d ask questions about what’s really going on with Reed, and at this point, I don’t have any definite answers yet.

  “Where are you going dressed like that?” Jace asks when I enter the kitchen. He’s standing at the counter flipping through a Sports Illustrated magazine while eating an apple. My brother is the jock and sports buff who knows everything about every sports team in Boston. Dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, his dark brown hair disheveled and still damp from taking a shower, he’s obviously got plans tonight too.

  “A friend’s house.” I place my purse and cell phone on the counter as I meet his gaze.

  He smirks at me with one eyebrow raised, his hazel eyes questioning. “Really?” He stops flipping through the magazine and throws the apple core in the trash.

  “Cut it out,” I reply throwing the dishrag at him.

  “Relax, sissy. You look nice.” He chuckles, leaning on the kitchen counter.

  “Thanks.” I turn my back and reach for a glass in the cabinet. “So, what are you doing tonight?”

  “Meeting Cane. Probably watch the game.”

  “How’s he doing?” I ask hesitantly, still facing the other way, realizing that no matter what, he will always be around since he’s my brother’s friend. I didn’t want their friendship to end because of what happened between us.

  “All right,” he replies. “He’s been quiet. He’s really focusing on grad school this fall. He misses you, though.” He pauses and I feel his eyes on my back.

  I didn’t want to hear that. He should have thought about that when he cheated. I don’t hate him, never will, but I can never understand why he did that again.

  “He regrets it every day,” He says, matter of factly. “I don’t blame him for regretting it because my sister’s a catch.” I can hear the smile in his voice.

  “Thanks Jace, but I don’t want to talk about that.” I reply, wiping away a tear and remembering what we used to have. “Tell him I said hi.” I spin around to face him, prop my hands on the counter, and let my body slump between my shoulders, managing a small smile.

  “I will.” He looks up from the magazine. “So, do you know where Mom is tonight? She didn’t come home from work.” He frowns, pushing the magazine aside.

  “I think she said something about dinner and drinks with some friends,” I reply, uncomfortable with the idea of my mom out drinking alone. It’s crazy thinking this way, but she’s been keeping to herself lately even after she said they were going to counseling.

  “I’m worried about her. She’s taking this much harder with Corey than she did the first time with Dad.” His voice goes soft. “She never drank before.”

  “We can’t babysit or smother her. That’ll probably push her away even more. I’ll text her in a little while to see how she’s doing.”

  There’s a knock at the door and the sound of the screen door slamming. “Hey, Jace!” The voice sends a tingles down my spine. I grow anxious as the footsteps get louder, closer. I swallow noisily, spin in Jace’s direction, and give him a pointed look as he shrugs his shoulders with a cocky smirk on his face. Seems my brother neglected to tell me that Cane was on his way to the house.

  Cane enters the kitchen and freezes in the doorway, smiling softly, his expressive brown eyes sweeping over every inch of me. He obviously didn’t expect me either and this was my brother’s attempt at playing peacemaker. I know the look and immediately turn away, not prepared to deal with his presence. Seeing the lust in his eyes reminds me of the last time we were together. I can’t deny that I’m still attracted to him. My insides twist in agony, remembering how we used to be. I’ll probably have this reaction every time I see him for a long time.

  “Hi,” I say, arching my brows slightly in surprise.

  “Hi, Elle. You look great tonight.” The way he says my name is like a caress. “You always do,” he says rubbing his brow. I know that he’s trying to be nonchalant about it, but I also know what he’s feeling.

  “Thanks, so do you.” I step away from the sink, grabbing my purse and cell phone from the counter. “You guys have fun tonight.” I walk over and squeeze Cane’s arm. He places his hand over mine and smiles down at me. His touch is familiar and warm.

  “You, too.” I gently pull my hand from under his and walk down the hallway, wondering if seeing him will get easier.

  Tyler and Reed have been playing for almost two hours while I try to make conversation with Crissy and Jade, the girls who showed up with the other two guys at the table. They’re Goth chicks with long black hair, dressed all in black and covered in tattoos. Crissy’s right arm is inked with a purple mermaid with flowing red hair and a snake wrapped around her fin, and she has a large lily on her upper outer thigh. Jade has a large butterfly on her back and a trail of stars that starts at her shoulder and travels the length of her arm with the quote, ‘I talk in a daze, I walk in a maze. I cannot get out, said the starling’. I peek down at my plain black dress and sandals and think that I could never carry their look.

  Not sure who’s with whom, but one of the guys at the table has the rock star look with shaggy, blonde hair and goatee, wearing a white t-shirt and faded blue jeans with a chain hanging from his belt loop. Right now, he doesn’t seem too happy as it looks like Tyler won the last hand. The other guy is clean cut, kind of preppy, and reminds me of my brother in a way, with short brown hair and dressed in black jeans and a dark navy t-shirt. He’s scratching his forehead and frowning at his cards on the table.

  The last break they took was twenty minutes ago. They should be due for another one soon. This wasn’t how I pictured my night with Reed, but his invitation was last minute and I accepted because I like how it feels to be around him. I think I just like everything about him so far.

  “So, which one is yours, Elle?” I turn to Crissy who is leaning up against the balcony. “The hot one or the hot one?” She asks, laughing as she plays with her earring.

  “If I had my choice, I’d take the brown-eyed babe,” Jade replies

  “Don’t let Nick hear you,” Crissy retorts, snickering.

  “Screw Nick. He can’t make up his mind about anything. All he cares about is his band and his motorcycles. I’m sick of being number three.” Jade frowns and looks back into the apartment.

  “Nick has a band?” I ask. Uncomfortable with where the attention seems focused, I try to divert her interests from Reed and Tyler by talking about her current boyfriend.

  “You don’t know the famous, or should I say, infamous Nick Moon of Crimzen?” Jade laughs sarcastically without taking her seductive eyes off Tyler.

  “Jade, cut the crap! You know he’s good.” Crissy laughs.

  “Yeah, that’s part of the problem,” Jade replies sharply as she whips her long hair back and frowns at Crissy. “He knows he’s good at everything! I need someone to show me a little more attention. Maybe the hottie over there will give me what I need.” She smiles, her green eyes sparkling dangerously.

  I follow her eyes back to Tyler and swallow back a huge knot in my throat. He looks up at just the right moment to catch us looking at him. He grins, his eyes never leaving my face while Crissy looks over in my direction.

  “So, which one’s yours? I don’t want to have to fight you over him.” She laughs softly nudging my forearm.

  “Reed,” I reply, pointedly. I can’t say both. How would
that look? I don’t want this girl with Tyler, though. What’s wrong with me? Tyler can choose to be with whomever he wants.

  “We met him about a month ago at the Mohegan Sun,” Jade answers. “He’s nice, but a little intense when it comes to playing cards.”

  “Reed? Is that the one with the problem?” Crissy asks, glancing over at me and back at Jade.

  “Problem?” I ask, looking between them for an explanation.

  “Oh, Crissy’s confused and doesn’t know what the hell she’s talking about.” Jade counters defensively, shooting Crissy a pointed look. “She’s got Reed confused with another guy that Nick and Dave played with at the casino. I mean there’s a shitload of people that go to Mohegan Sun and Crissy was probably drunk and seeing double.” She laughs and takes a sip of beer as she glances back at Crissy. “She can’t hold her liquor.”

  “Whatever.” Crissy frowns at Jade and shrugs her shoulders. “All the hot ones have some kind of demon they can’t shake.”

  I half-smile and look back into the apartment as Reed looks up from his hand and winks. I’m tired of the conversation with these two bickering back and forth about who’d they like to hook up with and their trip to the casino. I finish the rest of my beer, set it on the table, tell them I’ll be right back, and head back into the apartment. I approach the table and stand between Reed and Tyler while they play their hands. It appears that Reed is the luckiest one tonight since he has the largest pile of cash sitting in front of him.

  “Blackjack!” Reed laughs before looking up at me. His mouth lifts in a seductive half grin that renders me breathless. I hate that he can do that to me without being aware of how he makes my body sensitive to any simple look, touch, or sound. I glance over at Tyler and smile as he rakes his hand anxiously through his hair.