by Layla Hagen
“No, I didn’t know.”
“It’s everyone’s dream, but I’m not sure if I want to travel that far. I’ll see. The downside to all these rotational programs is the pay, to be honest. It’s a fraction of a normal salary, and I’m not sure how long I’ll want to have roommates and be super frugal.”
He was silent for a few beats. I wondered what he was thinking about.
“I’ve never been passionate about what I do the way you are,” he said after a while.
“Really?” That was surprising. “I assumed you went into software because you liked it.”
“I do like it—mostly because I’m very skilled at it. I’m just not passionate about it. But a few years ago, Dylan wanted to start a business, and I didn’t want him to shoulder all that risk by himself. We came up with Gallagher Solutions.”
Oh, wow. This man was incredible.
“What’s with that look?” he asked.
I tried to school my features. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.”
Shrugging one shoulder, I brought my mouth to his ear. “You can’t know all my secrets.”
He pulled back a few inches, looking me straight in the eyes. He cupped my jaw, touching my lips with his fingers. “I’ll learn them. One by one. I’m patient.”
His voice was so deliciously sensual that I wasn’t even sure what to do with myself. I needed a distraction. I curled up in a position that made it easier to look around us.
“It’s so peaceful here,” I murmured. “I’ve always liked being outdoors. Back home, I spent hours in the backyard, reading. When Dad was still at home, that’s where I went when they started fighting. Henry was lucky. Being older, he spent a lot of time at his friends’ houses, but I didn’t.” I’d felt lonely without my brother, especially once he left for college.
“Did it get better once they divorced?”
“Sort of. There wasn’t much fighting anymore, but Mom was very sad. I’m not sure if it was actual depression or not, but she wasn’t herself. Sometimes we’d even drive to where the other woman lived so that we could check if Dad’s car was there.”
My stomach clenched at the memories. I remembered clutching the seat, and my heart beating so fast that I could hear it in my ears.
Ian frowned. “And you never told her it bothered you?”
“No, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, and she had no one else to talk to. I think she felt ashamed—like other people might judge her or something. I’m not sure.”
“And your dad?”
“I didn’t see him much. Mostly weekends or vacations. I used to wait in front of the house for him to pick me up so Mom didn’t see him. She got in a frenzy every time. I think she was also a bit mad that I still wanted to spend time with him despite the stuff she told me. Part of her was hoping I’d be too angry to want to see him again.”
Thinking back on those rough years always made me sad, but sharing it with Ian somehow made me feel lighter.
“That’s harsh.”
“It was a very difficult time for her. I don’t blame her. She did the best she could, and she’s changed a lot since then.”
“Did your dad marry the woman he was with after the divorce?”
“No, they broke up. He met his current wife shortly after that. Everyone found their balance eventually. But let’s not talk about them anymore. We’re here in this amazing place. Let’s enjoy it.”
A buzzing sound caught my attention. Ian took the phone out of his pocket. I didn’t mean to look, but the screen was right there next to me.
Up for some drinks and fun in bed?
I froze. Ian groaned. He looked from the screen to me. I was trying to put on a poker face, but I felt a knot in my throat.
“You saw that?”
I nodded, unsure what to say. My heart was pounding in my ribcage.
“She’s someone I hooked up with months ago a couple of times, nothing more.”
“Okay.” My heart rate intensified yet again. It felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. “So, what are you going to tell her?”
“No, obviously.”
Relief rushed through me. My whole body felt lighter. Ian must have noticed the change in me, because he turned to me, bringing both hands on my face. “Ellie, you thought I’d sleep with someone else?”
“No, I mean... I don’t have experience with this, and we never talked about it.” I spoke quickly. My voice was a bit uneven.
“Let me make this clear: I’m not even thinking about anyone else. Only you. Do you understand that?”
I nodded again. A smile popped up on my face of its own accord, and it just kept spreading until my face was literally hurting.
“I like the sound of that,” I confessed, feeling a bit silly. “Let’s talk about something else. Does Dylan also like to come here?”
“I always come here by myself,” he said.
“Thank you for sharing this place with me.”
“It’s our secret.”
I made a zipping gesture over my lips. “I’m not telling anyone.”
Butterflies roamed in my belly. I couldn’t believe I was the first one he brought here. Still, unease gnawed at me because of that text. With the way he looked, I imagined he got lots of them. What if he tired of waiting for me? I bit my lip, snapping myself out of that train of thought. He’d shared this place—and a part of himself with me. That meant something, and it filled me with immense joy.
I was usually always on the lookout for the next phase of my life, but for once, I was happy right where I was.
Chapter Eleven
Ian
“Did you ever think about doing something other than software?” I asked Dylan two weeks later while we went through a frustrating report about repeated crashes in the software solution we provided for a big client.
He looked up from his report, cocking a brow. “No. You?”
“Not seriously. I’m just wondering if there’s anything out there I’d enjoy doing more. I sometimes get restless.”
Spending time with Ellie was rubbing off on me. I couldn’t get enough of the passion in her voice when she spoke about the restaurant she wanted to open one day. I’d never had a passion to follow. I went into software programming only because I was very good at it, but I couldn’t say it was my dream career. I didn’t have one. Spending time with her was making me consider new things, ask myself questions I never did before. Watching her go after what she wanted at full speed was making me question things.
“Where is this coming from?” he asked, pushing the report to one side. I did the same. We’d spent the whole morning on it, and we’d likely spend the rest of the day troubleshooting. We could afford a short break.
“Whenever Ellie talks about the restaurant she’ll open one day, I realize I’ve never been passionate about anything. Not like that.”
Dylan shrugged. “It’s the same with Isabelle. Her counseling practice is more than a job. I can’t say I’ve ever wanted to do anything else, but if you do, I’m sure we can work something out.”
I knew my brother would always have my back, and I wasn’t going to let him down.
“It’s all talk,” I said. “Want to go back to the report?”
Dylan flashed me a shit-eating grin. I pointed at it, saying, “Judging by that, the answer is no.”
He laced his fingers on top of his head. “So what other life-changing questions is your best friend’s off-limits younger sister making you ask yourself?”
I burst out laughing, tapping my fingers against the desk. Okay, I deserved it. I made so much fun of Dylan when he first started dating Mel that this was more than warranted.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“I do. It’s fascinating to watch you going through this change.”
“What change?” I asked blankly.
Dylan started counting on the fingers of his right hand. “Let’s see. One: you are going out with the same woman fo
r more than a week. That’s a record, right there. Two: you’re spending time with her, not just sleeping with her.”
I wondered what he’d say if I told him I took her to the Overlook but decided not to tell him. He didn’t have to know everything. Some things were private, even in my family.
“And now you’re questioning your life choices, and it’s only been a few weeks. I’m trying to figure out what’s going to happen months down the road.”
“Nothing,” I assured him. “She’ll be in another city, completing the next stage of her placement.”
The words were bitter in my mouth. Dylan narrowed his eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like this?” I challenged.
“I’m trying to figure something out. But I’m in over my head. I’ll just let Isabelle do all the heavy lifting.”
I was utterly confused. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know how to explain it. But, speaking of Isabelle, she and Josie are already looking for a present.”
“Fuck me. We’re still competing?”
“There was never any competition. Our sisters win by default.”
“Not this time.”
“Why not?”
“Because Ellie’s gonna help us.”
Dylan’s eyes bulged. He opened his mouth but closed it again without saying anything. That was a first.
After he left the office, I messaged Ellie.
Ian: Dylan and I have no clue what to buy my parents for their anniversary. We need help. Are you in?
Ellie: YES.
I grinned just imagining her huge smile right now.
Ian: Want to stay in my condo?
Ellie: Mr. Gallagher, you like to live dangerously. We can barely keep our hands off each other with Harper as a buffer. How are we going to fare alone?
Ian: I have faith in us.
Ellie: I don’t.
I laughed, even though I kind of agreed with her. Being completely alone with Ellie was dangerous. Even though my condo only had one bedroom, it was more spacious than their apartment. I liked Harper, but I wanted time alone with Ellie. I wanted her all to myself. I chuckled, imagining what Dylan would say if he knew that Ellie and I didn’t even sleep together. He’d probably say he didn’t even know who I was anymore. I almost didn’t recognize myself. But I wanted Ellie to be ready. She was the important one here.
***
“Why are we making a list?” I asked Ellie that evening, perplexed.
“Because I need to get a feeling for what your parents like.”
Ellie was lying on her belly on my couch; legs bent at the knees, feet up in the air. She’d piled her hair on top of her head and stuck a pencil in it. She was holding another pencil in her hand, scribbling furiously everything I told her, which wasn’t much. So far, I’d come up with their home, Montana, barbecue, Christmas.
I wasn’t what you’d call observant. Certain details didn’t register.
“You make lists for everything?” I asked.
“I make vision boards usually.” She smiled sheepishly. “I’m a visual person, so I think better in images.”
“That sounds... the opposite of how my brain operates. I think in lines of code and numbers. It explains the atrocious gifts I give. So what do you have vision boards for?”
“Ha! Everything, honestly. How my dream restaurant should look—from architecture down to the menu. My favorite design for a home. Outfits.”
Ellie was fascinating to me. She was so vibrant and full of life and a dreamer through and through. And it made me consider things I’d never thought about before, things I’d dismissed all my life, such as spending a quiet night in my condo with Ellie. Dylan’s words rang in my mind. It’s fascinating to watch you going through this change.
Change was a good thing, right? Even though it was temporary. After she left New York, my life would go back to the same old same old. I didn’t like the thought of it.
“Can we call Dylan?” she asked with a grin.
“Sure.” Taking out my phone, I put it on speaker, calling my brother’s number.
“Hey! You’re on the speaker, and Ellie’s here too,” I said as soon as he answered.
“Hi, Ellie!” Dylan said. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I think I saw you once when I came to DC, but it was years ago,” Ellie said.
“Oh? I don’t remember you at all, but I can’t wait to meet you in person. What’s with the phone call?”
“Ian and I are brainstorming what to get for your parents. I’m making a list of things they like, and it’s not too long.”
“You’re making a list? You’re thorough.” He sounded stunned.
“Help us out. What do your parents like?”
“Montana. Barbecue,” Dylan said immediately. I barely held back laughter.
Ellie groaned. “I already have that. As well as their home and Christmas. Anything else?”
Dylan didn’t reply. If we were in the same room, I was sure he’d look at me desperately for help. It was why I called him.
“Honestly, no clue,” he said eventually.
Ellie kept chewing at the pencil. “Okay, I’ll work with what I have.”
“So... what are you guys doing? Brainstorming over dinner in the city?” Dylan asked.
“You’re so obvious, brother,” I countered. Ellie glanced at me in surprise. My brother chuckled.
“We’re in my condo. And since you’re not helping....”
“I’ll back off. I’ll back off,” he said quickly. “Great meeting you, Ellie. Even through the phone.”
“You too,” Ellie said.
After the line disconnected, she trained her eyes on me. “What was that about?”
“My brother was fishing for information,” I explained. “I recently told Dylan I wasn’t sure software was something I was passionate about. He was intrigued. Especially when I told him that spending time with you is making me consider all sorts of things.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but I could tell she was pleased.
“What else would you like to do?”
“That’s it. I don’t even know. But I do like the company I’ve built with my brother, so I wouldn’t do anything drastic like pulling out and disappointing him.”
“Why would you think that?” she asked, looking revolted. Talking to her was surprisingly easy.
“During college, he was always the serious one. I didn’t take too much seriously. Even all these years later, some of our business partners aren’t happy that I’m so laid-back.”
“Is there a rule that you can’t be laid-back and good at your job?”
“In some circles, it is. But Dylan and I never cared about what other people said.”
“I like the dynamic between you two.” Her face lit up before she went back to the list, staring at the words as if she could get the information to multiply just by looking at it.
“Do you want wine?” I asked.
“Oooh, yes.” She wiggled her toes, looking up from the sheet of paper. I had a wine fridge in the kitchen, and Ellie looked at it intently. “I want a sauvignon blanc.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Uncorking a bottle, I poured us both a glass and handed one to her.
“That’s the sexiest thing you’ve done all evening,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. On instinct, I leaned into her, kissing the side of her neck. First, I only gave her my lips and then my tongue. I felt her shiver and brought my mouth to her ear.
“I’m going to do a lot more than this, Ellie. That’s a promise.”
She drew in a sharp breath. Mission accomplished. Straightening up, I went back to the dining table where I was sitting before. I liked watching her from a distance. I liked that she was here in my condo, spread out on my white leather couch.
Our conversations usually revolved around work or our families. If something special happened during the day, Ellie would text me about it, and we’d talk about it on the phone or whenever we got together. I’d nev
er had anything remotely resembling this before, and I liked it.
“I need more,” she said thoughtfully, munching on the end of the pencil. Fuck, she was adorable, concentrating on this like she was writing a thesis.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Can we get Isabelle and Josie on the phone?”
“Isabelle and Josie are the competition, remember?”
Ellie laughed, tapping the pencil against the sheet of paper. “I love your competitive streak. Why didn’t you ever just join forces and buy one huge gift?”
“We thought about it, but it seemed lame to just get them one present from four kids. Besides, it became some sort of tradition. I don’t even remember a time when Dylan and I weren’t competing against our sisters.”
“That’s not very helpful, but it’s funny. I’ll give you that.”
“We have enough time to buy them something,” I said. “They’re coming in two weeks.”
Ellie turned on one side, propping her head in one hand. “Not as much time as you think. Not all online shops have fast delivery, and I don’t know my way around the city. Obviously, if it’s something we can find in a department store, that’s okay. But if it’s anything more specific....”
I moved from the chair at the dining room table to the end of the couch, taking her feet in my lap.
“Okay, enough research for one evening,” I said.
“But I’ve only begun.”
“Then let’s take a break.”
She grinned at me. “I can do that. Can I get a foot massage?”
“You can get whatever you want.”
“Are you serious?”
“Very.”
“Is it because I’m helping with the gifts?”
“Yes, but not just because of that.”
“Hmmm... what else could it be? Oh, I know. Is it foreplay because you have dirty things in mind for later?”
I leaned closer to her, speaking directly against her lips. “Ellie, foreplay makes you wet. This is just a foot massage. You’re on your feet all day.”
She cleared her throat. “Glad we clarified it.”
I moved further away, pressing my thumbs along her ankles. Her breath caught. I trained my eyes on her, feeling her body hum under my touch.