by Layla Hagen
"Okay." She bit her lip, wiggling her toes. "Ian, about... you know... crossing boundaries."
I groaned, pulling her legs to me until her ass was nudging my thigh. "It's no use pretending we can respect them."
"True," she said.
"Fuck boundaries, Ellie."
"I agree."
She looked down, shaking her head. "How did I end up inches away from your cock again?"
"You want to drive me crazy?"
"I was just asking a question," she said with sass.
“And I was answering it. That’s another word I can’t hear out of that pretty mouth tonight."
“What? Cock?” she asked with fake innocence.
“Yes, Ellie. Damn it. Have some mercy.”
I fondled her ass, kissing her shoulder, then up the side of her neck. She shimmied in my lap.
I loved her reaction and the way she responded to the slightest touch. But despite what she said, her doctor's order had been for her to rest. I wanted her to fully recover, and concussions were nothing to play with. She pouted when I set her back on the couch, but then she lay down, looking around on the floor.
"What are you searching for?" I asked.
"For my phone. I just realized my stepdad's birthday is next week, and I forgot to order his present. I always send them directly to their place. I hope I don't forget to do it later."
"I'll remind you," I said. "So you get along with both sets of stepparents?" I asked while I resumed massaging her legs. She seemed to like it, and I wanted to please her.
"Yes, I try to. As a teenager, I resented them, but then I grew to appreciate them. My parents couldn't make each other happy, but they found happiness with others."
"I can't even imagine what that's like. My parents were always happy together. I rarely remember them fighting."
"You're lucky. I honestly think watching their relationship fall apart gave me some issues. Even though they did find happiness with the stepparents, Henry and I were caught in the middle for so many years. I played peacemaker every time one parent complained about the other. After the divorce, Mom was devastated in the beginning, before meeting my stepdad. She was too proud to go to a therapist, so she mostly spoke to me. I couldn’t give advice, but I listened, and that helped her." She looked vulnerable, and I wanted to erase those unhappy memories. She was so strong and fucking incredible. Even though she’d been a kid and suffering, she’d still wanted others to be happy.
She yawned, holding her palm in front of her mouth and then rubbing her eyes.
“You should go to sleep,” I told her. “I’ll take the couch.”
She jerked her head back. “No, you won’t. My bed is big. We can share it.”
I stared at her. “Bad idea.”
“Why? Am I so hard to resist?”
“Yes,” I said honestly.
“Well, I have full confidence in you. Besides, this couch is horrible. I fell asleep here one time after work and woke up with a sore neck and back two hours later. Can’t imagine how bad it is after spending one night on it.” She rose from the couch, pointing with her head toward the door.
“I’m going to shower.”
I wiggled my eyebrows. “I’ll wait in bed.”
She blushed, giving me enormous satisfaction. This was a bad idea. I knew it even before I got into her bed, but I did it anyway. When it came to Ellie, I clearly couldn’t heed my own advice.
I yanked off my jeans, getting in her bed in my boxers. When she came back from the bathroom, with her hair piled up on top of her head, I nearly swallowed my tongue. She was a sinful sight with her pink top clinging to her skin. It was damp in places—like her navel and breasts. I instantly turned hard at the sight of her puckered nipples.
She turned off the light, but I caught her shy smile just before the room went dark. My heart was pounding against my ribcage. I’d never slept next to a woman without having sex first. I’d also never taken anyone’s virginity. There were many firsts with Ellie.
“Are you comfortable?” she whispered, cramming in next to me.
I grunted noncommittally. The bed was all right, but my raging erection was painful. I turned on one side, reaching for her in the dark and pulling her close. She smelled amazing, like fresh flowers or fruit, or a combination. I parted her lips with my thumb before claiming her mouth. Being so close to her and not making her mine was torture. I needed this at least. She tasted delicious, and I couldn’t get enough. Deepening the kiss, I moved one hand down the side of her body, cupping her ass. She lifted one leg on top of me. On instinct, I moved my hips forward. My cock nudged her clit. She moaned against my mouth, tugging at my hair. Goose bumps broke out on her arm. The leg she had around me shook.
Fuck. Fuck. No.
I pulled back, trying to regain some semblance of control. Moving my fingers down her thigh, I felt the raised flesh there and on her calf too.
“Right. Kissing is off-limits tonight too,” I said.
“Ian,” she whispered. “We can kiss.”
I touched her lips with my fingers, feeling how swollen they were. I couldn’t stop imagining them around my cock. Mind out of the gutter, Gallagher.
I smiled, bringing my mouth to her ear. “I know we can. It’s just not a good idea. Not right now. Good night, Ellie.”
“Good night.”
She curled up inches away from me. Heat came off her in waves. Her smell was intoxicating. I wanted to know exactly what it was. Only a few minutes later, her breath slowed, and I realized she was already asleep. I was awake for what felt like hours, thinking about everything she’d shared with me. Even though she’d downplayed everything, a sentence stuck in my mind: I wasn’t just going to sleep with any guy off the street.
Sex was important to her. Waiting wasn’t my strong suit, but I was going to wait for her. Even though being so close and not making her mine was pure fucking torture.
Chapter Eight
Ellie
The next morning, the bed was empty when I woke up. My first thought was that Ian had left after all. My stomach bottomed out. I grabbed the teddy bear from the shelf above my head and stayed in bed, clutching my covers, remembering last evening, until I heard a sound in the kitchen. I sprang to my feet so fast that I lost my balance. Holy shit, he was still here. Happiness took root in my body, filling me from the tips of my fingers to my toes. He’s still here. He wants to stay the weekend and take care of me. I couldn't believe it.
I went to the bathroom first, brushing my teeth with minty toothpaste and combing my hair before grabbing a Tylenol. Fortunately, my head wasn’t aching and I didn’t feel woozy like I did after the fall, but I took the medicine anyway to prevent anything from coming on.
I also washed my face and applied face cream to look fresh. Fresh didn't equal attractive, though, since I was still half-asleep and my eyes were slightly puffy, but it made no sense to apply makeup. I was wearing my fluffy pink pajama shorts and a tee, so I was feeling a little bit presentable.
I tiptoed to the kitchen, smiling when I saw him at the counter. He was wearing jeans and no shirt. His back muscles were gorgeous and sexy. I had plenty of stuff for breakfast, like tomatoes, feta cheese, and hearty bread with herbs in it, and it looked like he’d found it all.
"This is hands down the best breakfast ever," I said, announcing myself. He turned around to me. "Oh, and it's getting even better. I thought your back was gorgeous, but that chest, damn. It should come with a warning sign or ten."
He grinned. "How are you feeling?"
"Great." I tiptoed closer to him, running my finger between his pecs. I quickly found his six-pack and traced each of them. "Someone pampered me like a princess."
"And this someone... do you like having him around?"
I tapped my finger against my chin, then stroked it theatrically as if this required a lot of thought. "Let me think. Oh yeah, especially when he wanders around without a shirt." I reached for a slice of cheese and noticed a bottle of champagne on the cou
nter. "Okay, I'm pretty sure I don't own a bottle this expensive. What's it doing here?"
"I ordered it from Dumond Foods this morning. Thought we'd celebrate."
"What? That I went to the hospital?" I asked.
"No. That you've made it past your two-week probation period."
I was stunned that he remembered. "Okay. I've never thought about celebrating that, but yeah, I'm excited."
"I checked with the hospital, and you're not allowed to drink alcohol, so I bought nonalcoholic champagne."
My eyes bulged. Had he called the hospital? I couldn't believe he was so thoughtful. I was silent as we ate, munching on the feta cheese and tomatoes and bread. Ian kept surprising me. Henry made him sound like some kind of super player, maybe even a jerk. Well, actually, no, he'd never made him sound like a jerk, just that he’d be a guy that wouldn’t stick around. My brother always did say Ian was a loyal friend... but that he doubted his boyfriend qualities. As we ate next to each other, standing at the counter, I couldn't help but ask myself... could he be a loyal boyfriend? Was there any universe in which he'd even want that?
I started mentally chastising myself. Why was I even thinking like that? It wasn't like I was moving to New York for good. In six months, I was going to New Orleans to learn all about Creole cuisine. The thought didn't excite me as much as it did when I first got this job, but I was sure it was just a phase. Everything I’d learn in this rotation program would be invaluable when I opened my own restaurant.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked.
"That I'm only here for a few months." I pressed my lips together, unsure what else to say. I didn't want to make it sound like I was asking where this was going. We'd just slept together, the platonic kind of sleeping together, for God's sake.
His gaze turned hard. "Let's not talk about that. In fact, I've already pushed it to the back of my mind."
I looked straight at him, catching my breath. I wasn't sure what that meant. Did he mean what he’d said about wanting to be my first? I knew I wanted him to be, but I wasn’t going to focus on that right now. I had a crazy-sexy man in my kitchen. He was mine for the weekend, and I was going to take full advantage of this.
He popped the bottle of champagne open after we finished breakfast. While he poured it in clean coffee cups, since I had no idea where the wine or champagne glasses were, I massaged his shoulders.
"What are you doing?" he asked with a laugh.
"I want you to relax. These shoulders have been working hard."
"Doing what? Pouring champagne? You're just looking for an excuse to touch me."
"True. These muscles are so irresistible. They beg to be stroked." He turned around, handing me a cup. We clinked them, and then I took a sip. It was exquisite.
“To making it past your probation period,” he said, then added, “Cheers.”
“You’re right. I shouldn't forget about this important milestone."
"It's good from time to time to take stock of what you've accomplished so far and enjoy it. I see so many people just set their eyes on the next goal, forgetting what they’ve just achieved and instantly taking it for granted."
"You don't, do you?" I asked.
"No. Never. I feel very grateful for all my brother and I built. We come from a humble background."
"You said your parents used to run a ski resort, right?"
"Yeah. They did," he said, taking my hand and moving me to the beanbag that I call an armchair. He sat down on it, pulling me into his lap. I shimmied for good measure, smiling when he groaned. I liked sitting on him. "I mean, we did have a good childhood. They gave us everything we wanted. We just had a few very hard winters when there was no snow and barely made ends meet. I remember overhearing my parents. They worried about paying the mortgage and so on."
"But this insurance model you're working on is going to change that, right?" I asked, remembering the conversation.
"Yes. That's what we are aiming for. It's going to be rolled out nationally, so it's going to take longer than we hoped. It's a one-of-a-kind thing, and it's a lot of work, but it's worth it. We’re licensing the software to insurance companies, but we have to tweak it for most of them to work in their operating systems."
I loved hearing about what drove him and what motivated him. Yet again, the image I had of Ian Gallagher was changing. He was a guy who liked taking care of his family and me.
“I can’t believe you’re staying here to keep an eye on me.”
“Why?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I never made a fuss when I was sick, unless I was super sick. I just didn’t want anyone worrying, like you are now.”
“I’m not worrying. Everything will be fine. As long as I’m here to look after you.”
Was he even aware of how adorable he was?
“Did you tell your family what happened?” he asked.
“Ian! Seriously. I don’t want to make a fuss. But speaking about family, do you see my phone? I really don't want to forget about ordering the present. I researched a lot to find something he’d really like."
"What are you buying?" he asked.
"My stepdad likes fishing, so I bought him a fishing set. I spent a lot of time on forums, trying to learn which one was the best. And I asked my mom to send me pics of all the sets he already owns so I don’t buy the same things."
"You're so fucking cute. I suck at getting presents. When we were kids, Dylan and I got our parents the worst presents. Our sisters always had something that was just perfect that Mom and Dad loved. They were so damned smug about it too."
I laughed, loving to hear him talk about his family. "That sounds like fun."
"Next time I need a present, I'll ask you for help."
“Sure, anytime. I don’t know my way around New York, but I can shop online like a pro.”
I only took a few sips of champagne. I couldn’t even tell it was nonalcoholic.
Looking up at Ian, I was surprised to find that he was looking at me intently.
“What?” I asked.
“I just like looking at you.”
My cheeks heated up. “Henry never mentioned you were so good with words.”
“You don’t know a lot of things about me.” He leaned in, cupping my cheek, running his thumb over my lower lip. The touch electrified me. “And the reverse is true as well. I’ll enjoy exploring you.”
He pressed his thumb on the bow of my upper lip, setting me on edge completely, but then he took a step back.
“So, what are we doing today?” I asked. “I wanted to explore Broadway and Soho this weekend. Josie said her husband’s cousins have lingerie shops there.”
“Ellie. The doctor’s instructions were to rest.”
“But strolling is resting.”
He tilted his head, determination flashing in his eyes. It sent a wave of heat through me. “It’s not. I checked that this morning also. It’s relaxing indoors.”
I melted at his concern and that deep baritone of his voice.
“Okay, then I guess I’ll visit the lingerie shop another time. What are we going to do? Watch movies?”
“Whatever relaxes you.” Leaning in, he wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m even offering up my body.”
I burst out laughing. “What a sacrifice, right?”
“Hey, don’t mock it. Who knows what you’ll want to do with it?”
“Terrible things,” I teased. “Terrible.”
“Sounds about right.”
“So wait, kissing is allowed today? And can I say words like balls or cock?” I had no idea why I was so sassy around him!
He groaned, stepping closer. “Ellie! I told you I don’t want to rush this. I won’t lie, this is new for me.”
“What?”
“Waiting. But it’s worth it. You’re worth it.”
Oh my God. I totally melted.
“I want you to get to know me,” he went on, as if he didn’t just turn my insides to mush. “To trust me. So that when we’re finally
together, it’s going to be amazing for you.”
He hooked an arm around my waist, lifting me off the floor a few inches until we were face-to-face. Then he captured my mouth, stroking my tongue with his until I forgot what I was thinking and where we were. Everything faded except him.
Kissing Ian was all-consuming. Just being in his arms made my stomach swoop. His strong arms held me tightly against him. I clasped my legs around him. I was still swooning, remembering the exact moment he said he wanted to stay over last evening. Oh, Ellie, you're already way too deep in this. A doubt wiggled in my mind. He wasn’t used to waiting. He’d told me as much himself. What if he was going to tire of waiting? I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind. I was just happy that he was here, and I didn't want to dampen that happiness.
Chapter Nine
Ian
The next week was insane. The Project Z rollout was going so well that we needed to schedule strategic meetings daily. And I still had my usual client meetings on top of that. I’d stayed at Ellie’s until Sunday evening but hadn’t seen her since. I felt restless, so when Dylan suggested we go to the gym on Wednesday before lunch, I didn’t even hesitate. It was a great way to blow off steam.
Isabelle was coming too, so it also doubled as a sibling get-together. Since she’d moved to Tarrytown with Brayden, she only came into the city two or three times a week.
I spent about an hour and a half doing my cardio and weight training routine and then headed with Dylan to the break room. Pouring myself a glass of orange juice, I realized how tense I still felt despite the workout. The empty break room with their buffet and Feng Shui, or whatever Isabelle called it, wasn’t working either.
"What did you do last weekend?” Dylan asked, pouring himself sparkling water. His fiancée, Mel, was also with us. She was a trainer at the gym. This was how they met.
I just grunted noncommittally. He cocked a brow.