“No-no problem.” I stumble over the words. “Did you find everything you needed?”
“I had a change of clothes and my wash bag in the car. I used the folded towel. I put it on your wash basket. I also popped your case by the door.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
My mind wanders to the all-nighters we would pull at mine before our exams. Elijah would often use my shower then, too. He left his body wash and shampoo for ease, claiming mine were too girlie. I used to steal small amounts every night before I went to bed. I had no shame then, his toiletries were high end, and I loved the smell. It was comforting.
I bite my lip and notice Elijah’s eyes lock on the movement.
I turn away as the pressure builds between my legs. I take another drag on my coffee cup, only to find it empty.
Shit.
You’re an engaged woman, Penelope Dawson.You’re just frustrated. You and Kris were too tired with all the running around last week. Soon, that won’t be a problem.
“Coffee?” I ask, moving across the kitchen, needing a distraction. “I know I could certainly do with another one.”
“That would be great,” Elijah says, pulling out a stool at the kitchen island.
Fantastic! It appears we’ve moved on from talking business to that awkward morning after speech. Only this one is without the orgasms.
What!?!
“Did you get what you wanted done?” Elijah asks.
I exhale, flicking my eyes to the ceiling.
Thank you. Back to something I can control.
I nod. “And I have an idea how to catch whoever is responsible,” I add.
A slow, sexy smile spreads over Elijah’s face, and my heart pounds in my chest.
Stop.
“I’m going to send Gabriel a very large case of wine as a thank you for calling you,” he says. “What can I do for you?”
I swallow hard.
“Nothing. Catching the bastard will be reward enough.”
That, and getting back on with my life.
Lusting after an old friend is not okay. I boxed up my feelings for Elijah Frazer years ago. I cannot let old emotions resurface and derail my current life, especially when I’m weeks away from marrying someone else and fulfilling my heart’s desire.
Unrequited love sucks!
My best friend. That’s all Elijah ever was. It’s not his fault I fell in love with him while we were at university, and I wasn’t the only woman to do so. His charisma and charm made him irresistible. He just didn’t know it, or was so used to it, it no longer registered. To him, work or swimming was his priority. Plus, he had a beautiful girlfriend on his arm, not someone I could compete with. Never even thought to try. At least not untilthey split up. Then there was a speck of hope until there wasn’t. His beautiful ex-girlfriend, announced she was pregnant, and he married her. No surprise there. Elijah would always do the right thing.
He told me after Christmas, they were over, then he had his accident. Next he was engaged to beautiful, put-together Darra, who came from the right breeding stock, unlike me, with my charity shop clothing, heavy makeup, piercings, and single-parent family.
I slam down on the pity party taking place in my head. I refuse to let these unwelcome feelings of inadequacy resurface.
I’m going to blame my overactive libido. On the fact, it’s five AM, and our banter and close proximity have reignited memories I’ve suppressed over the years.
They aren’t real.
We scarcely know one another now.
