“But not now?”
Alyssa scooted closer to Evelyn on the couch. “They still scare me, but in a good way. The moment my dinner with Josh finished, all I wanted to do was see you. And then you kissed me and my world turned upside down. I wanted you so badly last night.”
“Me, too.”
“And then this morning…”
“Yeah.” Evelyn smiled, her cheeks tinted red.
“It was perfect, Evelyn. So much more than sex. I lost myself in you and that has never happened. But I was happy that it happened, happy I got lost in you.”
“I feel the same. It’s fast…we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but I amsodrawn to you. Not just your body, which is ridiculously sexy, but to your charm and kind nature. I’m so turned on by your passion it’s unreal. I think that’s why I overreacted this morning. Our bubble was burst. It’s been a struggle these past few years. There was no happy ending for me in sight. Nothing will ever make my mum’s passing easier. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to fill a void by being with you.”
“I don’t think that, Evie.”
“Good. I also don’t want you to think I’m latching on to you because I’m lonely. I don’t put the responsibility of my happiness on you, Al.”
“I know that too, Evelyn. But I want to make you happy.”
“Our time together has made me very happy. For a long time, I’ve felt out of sorts. Nothing in my life seemed to line up. I’ve felt a disconnect. Then you waltzed into my office and boom!”
“Boom?”
“Yes, boom! Actually, I need to amend that.”
“Okay,” Alyssa chuckled.
“Bug broke into my office and boom! That little guy was the beginning. It’s because of him that you had to see me. It’s his wisdom,” Evelyn stated.
Alyssa grinned. “His wisdom?”
“Yes, he’s a special dog. He has this…God, I don’t even know how to describe it. That dog knows things.”
“And you think he knew we had to meet?” Alyssa asked with amusement.
“I mean, yeah. Think about it. He made a beeline for my office and refused to quit stalking me,” she laughed. “He knew I needed someone to show me how to relax. I lost count of how many times you came up to fetch him, only to find us looking out the window or sitting on the floor playing.”
“He’s very persistent,” Alyssa laughed.
“Exactly. He is wise. Bug gave me what I needed. He also made sure I kept seeing you. He knew what you needed, too.”
“And what is ityouneed, Evelyn?” Alyssa’s tone was husky. Her eyes had grown dark.
“I need you, Al.”
Alyssa might not be an expert in relationships, but she knew how she felt. It didn’t matter that they’d only known each other for less than two months, or that they still had a lot to learn. Wasn’t that a part of a relationship? Delving deeper, asking the hard questions, learning, exploring? That quest never stopped, no matter how long a couple had been together. So why should their limited time knowing one another be an issue? Alyssa wanted to stick around, take her time unravelling Evelyn. Coaxing out her secrets, gaining Evelyn’s trust. Being the one Evelyn relied on. Just like Four Paws, Alyssa felt that undeniable need to give Evelyn her all, and she had a little black and white dog to thank for it.
“Can we do everything you wanted to do? Watch the movies and eat gingerbread?” Evelyn asked.
“I’d love nothing more,” Alyssa whispered, gently caressing Evelyn’s cheek.
“Maybe I could show you some pictures? Like I did Bug.”
Alyssa loved that Evelyn wanted to open up and share something so precious with her. “Yes, completely yes. Why don’t we get comfy? I’ll go make us some hot chocolate, because let’s face it: nothing compares to hot chocolate with marshmallows in it whilst snuggled down in front of a film.”
The smile that beamed from Evelyn’s face was blinding. Alyssa’s heart swelled. She’d brought that smile to Evelyn’s face, and she wanted to keep on doing it.
“Is that really your favourite Christmas film?” Evelyn asked.
