by A. M. Kusi
River took a deep breath before answering. “I’m thinking that it’s heartbreaking to me how difficult your life was. I wish I could have been there for you years ago. I’m so glad you made it out, and about how strong you are.”
“Oh,” Ella said. That wasn’t what she had expected. “It feels good to hear you say how messed up my life was. God, that sounds weird. It makes me feel validated though. For most of my life, everything was so chaotic and everyone around me treated it like it was normal. I was told that I had it so good compared to so many others. I just didn’t feel like…like my pain was worth even speaking about for so long. Thank you,” Ella said, as her warm brown eyes made contact with his.
Their moment was interrupted by the server bringing their plates of dinner.
“This looks like art. It’s almost too pretty to eat,” Ella commented, seeing the creation on the plate in front of her.
“Almost,” River agreed and hungrily dug in to his two meals.
They tasted and shared their food with each other. The rest of the dinner switched to lighter conversation. River told her stories about growing up in the city, and playing soccer with his friends, Jax and Ethan, in college. River mentioned his sister, Harper. He was missing her trip home because he was heading straight to the airport in Boston to fly to New York City for the rest of the week.
The server came and brought them an artfully crafted dessert that Ella couldn’t help but take a picture of. She knew Maggie would appreciate it.
“Right, tomorrow…?” Ella said, leaving the question hanging in the air.
“Ella, I know we have only known each other for a week, but I think we have something here. I want to come back and see you.”
Ella looked at her second drink, starting to feel more relaxed. The bartender here was a little heavy-handed with the liquor. “I don’t want you to take this the wrong way,” Ella said, seeing River’s jaw grow tense as she spoke, “but I think you should give it a week. After you get out of the slow pace of the country life and away from the inn, you might feel differently about things. I don’t really fit into your world. I’m so different than you. You could find another new adventure in New York even,” Ella added, though the thought made her jealous.
She paused for a moment and River interjected. “A week? And then what? See, I don’t need a week to decide that. I like that you’re different. It’s not the Green Mountain air, I can promise you,” he added.
“Okay, fine. But just so you know, when you do decide that this isn’t working anymore, it’s okay. Just promise me you will be upfront with me about it,” Ella said.
“Are you seriously arranging an exit strategy before even agreeing to try? Is that your intuition’s guidance, or your traumas misleading you?”
Ella sucked in a quick breath, feeling his words cut straight through her remaining armor.
He waited a moment before continuing, “I’m sorry. That was not my place. I just think it’s simple, Ella. Do you want to see me again?”
Ella’s mind was swirling with indecision. Her heart was saying yes, but she was terrified to open herself up so much to another person. She silently debated his question in her mind, while he waited patiently. Did she?
“Yes,” Ella admitted.
“Great!” River smiled in relief.
Seeing his grin made her body throb with an ache that only he could make better.
“Can we exchange phone numbers, Ms. Shaw?” he asked.
Ella looked up, chuckling and shaking her head as she told him her number. She heard her phone ding with a new text message.
“Now you have mine.” River gave her a wink, raising his hand to get the server’s attention. She came over a moment later, and he requested the check.
“Let me pay for my bill,” Ella tried.
“No way. You bought me dinner once, and you were lucky I let you then. See? That’s another benefit to going on a date with me.”
Ella laughed at his smirk. “Thank you for the wonderful dinner.”
River turned towards her after signing the slip, something darkening in his hazel eyes. “Let’s go home.”
Ella liked the way River said home. Even if it wasn’t going to last, she would have tonight with him.
They drove back to the inn in silence. River reached out and held Ella’s hand, running his thumb over her flesh. Ella felt the heat building again, ready to overflow as she replayed everything he’d said to her that night.
When they reached the inn, River asked her to wait a moment while he came around to her side and opened the door for her. She stood and reached her hand out to his warm chest.
River wrapped his arm around her as they made their way back inside. It was eight o’clock, and Emily was there to greet them at the front desk with a knowing smile when they entered.
River followed Ella into the kitchen. She turned to face him. Her face felt hot, and her body tingled with the familiar zing of electricity that coursed through her whenever he was near her.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said.
“It was my pleasure.” River leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Good night.”
Ella grabbed his arm and held him in place before he could retreat back to his room. River turned and looked at her, his hazel eyes darkening with longing. Ella parted her lips in invitation and River didn’t hesitate, lowering his mouth to hers.
The kiss was sweet and full of fire. He wrapped his arms around Ella, pulling her closer against him. When she felt his body responding, she moaned.
His breathing was labored as he bent his forehead to hers. Ella panted, aroused by his kiss, her lips swollen with lust.
“Good night.” He kissed her forehead, his lips searing her flesh.
Ella reluctantly watched him walk out the kitchen door, leaving her wanting and a little confused.
Chapter 16
Ella woke at four-thirty on Tuesday morning. She felt a pang of sadness at the thought of River leaving. He’d said he wanted to see her again. What if he doesn’t come back? She had to remind herself that he probably wouldn’t, so she shouldn’t get her hopes up.
This morning would be the last time she got to see him. She was glad for the few days they’d spent together. Even with her reluctance, she could see how she had benefited from his presence in several ways. River was helping her open parts of herself that had never seen the light of day. As well as opening up emotionally, he was helping her grow her business as well. All good things must come to an end.
He didn’t belong in her world; they were opposites. It would never work, she told herself, after slipping on a pair of black Birkenstocks, completing her outfit for the day. She French-braided her hair and let it sweep down the middle of her shoulders. Ella took a deep breath before heading to the kitchen to make herself some tea.
Ella confined herself to the kitchen, replying to e-mails until Maggie showed up. She came in with a smug grin, carrying a box of ingredients.
“So, how was pottery yesterday?” Maggie asked, getting straight to the point. She set the box on the counter and got to work while they chatted.
“Oh, it was okay,” Ella answered, nonchalantly.
“Just okay?” Maggie pressed.
“I can’t believe my best friend would set me up like that. It was a little embarrassing to say the least. Traitor,” Ella said.
Maggie turned to face her. “You know how some mama birds kick their babies out of the nest when they are ready to fly on their own?”
Ella crooked an eye brow and asked, “Let me guess: I’m the baby bird in this analogy?”
Maggie continued, “The birds are scared, even though they have the ability to spread their wings.”
“Why do you think I need to fly? What if I’m happy in my cozy little nest? Why do I have to leave?” Ella demanded, feeling a little silly referring to herself as a baby
bird.
“Because if the bird doesn’t learn to fly, it won’t be able to feed or take care of itself. The baby bird will not grow or survive.” Maggie took a breath before continuing, “If you keep yourself closed off and don’t take a chance with a good guy—one who you have to admit is kinda great—then you won’t grow, Ella. You won’t be open to life’s possibilities that feed your soul and make you fly higher than you ever thought possible. You can grow only so much by yourself, but with the right person by your side, you can fly. I’m not saying River is the one, but don’t you think he’s worth the chance? He puts up with you and your impenetrable walls; that’s rare. River is still trying to get through to you, I can see it. Even if you won’t admit it to yourself, I know that you want him to.”
“He’s leaving,” Ella said, defeatedly.
“What did he say? Does he want to see you again?” Maggie asked, taking out supplies and starting breakfast.
“He said he wants to see me again, but we are so different. He’s a freaking executive—fancy and rich. I’m here covered in tattoos and scars, and I live in the middle of nowhere on a mountain, running a country inn. I can’t leave The Orchard Inn; it’s my life, my independence, and the only connection I have left with Mac. If River came here, he would be leaving his father’s business that he’s in line for running someday. I can’t ask that of him,” Ella said.
“Don’t you think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself? He didn’t ask you to marry him. He wants to see you again, so just get to know each other. It’s been, like, a week! Enjoy this. Don’t rush, and definitely don’t overthink it. I know you, Ella. Just breathe and take this as it comes.” Maggie placed several pieces of bacon on a sheet pan as she spoke. “Opposites attract. It’s a trope and has like tens of thousands of romance novels dedicated to it.”
Ella crossed her arms under her chest. “If I don’t imagine the extreme scenarios, then what am I setting myself up for? Disappointment. I need to go into this with my eyes wide open.”
Maggie sighed, and placed her hands on her hips. “I’m confused. Are you giving him a chance? Or are you going to let your fear talk you out of it? If you go in expecting it to fail, then it will most assuredly fail. Ella, you are sabotaging yourself.”
Ella nodded, and took another sip of her tea. Maggie had a point. Ella bit her lip, remembering the way River’s lips had danced with her own, and the passion their kiss awoke in her body. He had made it clear that he wanted to get to know her. Why her? But then last night when he’d had the chance to stay with her, he’d walked away. She needed to know why he chose her.
Ella’s phone dinged with an incoming text message. It was River.
River: Ready for breakfast, beautiful?
Ella couldn’t hold back the smile and the flutter in her stomach. She wrote back
Ella: Starving.
Ella made a coconut milk latte before grabbing her tea and heading out to the breakfast nook. Maggie followed behind with the warmer filled with eggs and bacon. A few other guests were walking around the lobby, drinking their coffee as they waited for breakfast. Once Maggie set the warmer down, several of the guests went over to fill their plates and find a spot to sit. Ella saw River in the corner, looking out the window.
He smiled when she set the latte in front of him. “Thank you.”
He followed her lead to the bountiful breakfast that Maggie had prepared, and they returned to the table, plates in hand.
River took a sip of the latte. “Mmmm. This is so good.”
Ella smiled. Knowing their time together was coming to an end, she had a question for him that she needed to get off her chest. “What time are you leaving?”
“I should be on the road in twenty minutes.” He frowned.
Ella looked out the window quickly before turning back to the bright hazel eyes staring at her. She tried to memorize every detail, every shadow, of his beautiful light-brown face.
River spoke first. “I will be done in New York in a week. I would like to stay in touch with you. Is that okay? I thought I could come back when it works with our schedules.”
Ella asked the question. “Why?”
River pondered. “So we can talk and get to know each other better.” He sounded like he was trying to answer a question the teacher had called on him for, when she knew he wasn’t paying attention.
“No. I want to know why, of all the women in the world, you want to get to know me,” Ella asked, watching him intently.
River didn’t hesitate. “You challenge me. Maybe it sounds cliché, but I like that. You are kind and caring; I see that with the way you are with your friends, and the way you talk about Mac. You are dedicated to your career—to this inn. You are real and genuine. There’s no pretending with you. Not to mention, you’re the deadly combination of cute and sexy. You are unique and rare. I don’t want to miss my chance with you.”
Ella faltered as she took in his words. She realized that she had secretly hoped he would say something stupid, making her rejection that much easier. Instead, he had gone and said the most perfect things—the only response that would break through her shell. “Okay.”
“Okay, we can keep in touch? Okay, we can get to know each other?” River asked, clarifying.
“Yes,” Ella agreed.
River smiled, and Ella knew if she was standing, she would have to sit from the weakness in her joints. Her body felt boneless, and she was now suddenly aware of the minutes flying by before River would have to leave her.
“Walk me to my car?” River asked.
Ella nodded and followed him to his room where he had his bags ready to go. “I’ll get you checked out so you don’t have to worry about that,” Ella offered, grabbing his room key from the desk.
“Thanks,” River picked up his duffel and pulled his messenger bag over his shoulder. They made their way to his black Tesla reluctantly, both taking their time. River put his bags in the trunk while Ella leaned her back against his car. He walked up to her, meeting her eyes. Ella bit her bottom lip and he opened his arms and pulled her into an embrace. River took a deep breath.
“When I come back to stay, I’d love to see some more of the area. Knock some more stuff off my bucket list.” River joked. She wondered how she could feel so attached to someone she had just met. Never mind that they’d only shared a few earth-shattering kisses.
“I’ll plan something fun then,” Ella said, snuggling closer, enjoying the feeling of safety that his arms offered.
River bent down and pressed his lips to her forehead. Ella shut the scared voice out of her head as she looked up into his eyes and pressed her lips to his for one more spellbinding experience; the fire and ecstasy of electric promises. Ella felt desire swirl inside her, craving more.
River pulled her closer. Finally breaking their connection, he pressed his forehead to hers while they tried to catch their panting breaths. “I’ll text you when I get to the airport.”
“I look forward to it,” Ella said.
Ella backed up so he could get into his car, and waved as he smiled and drove off. She felt a tinge of loneliness as she watched his car disappear down the mountain road and around a corner until her vision was blocked by trees.
She decided to get started on the tasks for the day, but she felt distracted. She finished checking out guests from the inn and noticed the small silver bell sitting on the corner of the front desk. She smiled and held the cool metal in her hand, remembering when River set it there as a joke.
The phone rang. Ella glanced at the caller ID. It read, unavailable. It had been a couple of days since the last prank call. Ella took a deep breath and answered. Silence.
“Declan, you need to leave me alone. I’ve moved on and you need to too. I’m reporting this as harassment to the police.”
She heard an amused chuckle on the other end before it went dead. The hair on the back
of Ella’s neck and arms stood on end. She had her confirmation that it was indeed Declan calling. Ella hung up the phone and called the police station, asking for Officer Gregory. After waiting for ten minutes on hold, she heard his voice. “Hello, Ms. Shaw?”
“Yes. Hello, Officer Gregory. I just received another call from my ex, Declan Carter. I was wondering if there’s been any progress on my case?”
“He called again, huh? You know it was him?”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?” Gregory asked.
“He laughed. I told him to leave me alone and move on, and he laughed.”
“I see. He didn’t threaten you?” Gregory clarified.
“His calls feel like a threat,” Ella admitted.
“I understand, but I need to know if he explicitly threatened you while on the phone.”
“No,” Ella answered, defeated.
“Keep me updated. I heard back that they are going to serve him the restraining order you requested. They just need to locate him and then we will get the papers served.”
“What does the paper do for me?”
“If he is harassing you or shows up, you give me a call and I will take care of it. He will either be fined or imprisoned for up to one year, depending on the offense.”
“Okay.” It was as good as she could get right now. She would have to take it.
“Keep me updated, Ms. Shaw. Okay?”
When Officer Gregory said her name, it sounded nothing like when River said Ms. Shaw. She wished River could be here. She felt grounded when he was around. She suddenly realized how attached she was already getting to him, and it scared her.
“Ms. Shaw?”
“Yes, sir. I will.”
“Write this down—it’s my personal number. Call me anytime, day or night.”
“Go ahead,” Ella said as she recorded the numbers the officer rattled off. Though she had been skeptical in the beginning, he did seem to care about her safety.