“Will you think about it this weekend? I don’t want you to make the decision under pressure, but with a clear head.”
The fact that he was backing off and letting me have time to think about what he was asking put a huge crack in the wall I’d built between us. Shit.
“Okay,” I agreed.
I already knew that I was going to say yes. I just needed a couple of days to obsess and overthink it.
“Will you respond if I text you this weekend?” he asked.
It was crazy, but that was one of the things I missed the most about our time together. Getting his messages at odd times of the day, knowing that he was thinking about me, even if it was something silly or an inane observation.
I nodded my agreement. The smile that stretched across his face shifted something inside me. I felt the tiny spark of hope ignite within me and prayed that it wasn’t misplaced this time.
Chapter Fifteen
As I suspected, I spent the entire weekend thinking about Elijah and his request. Even though I’d basically made my decision on Friday afternoon, I wondered if it was the right one.
I also debated whether or not I should ask my friends for advice. I wouldn’t have to tell them his name, but ultimately I decided not to bring it up. They would know who I was talking about if things did work out. I didn’t want to be the cause of tension in the group. As a recovering people-pleaser, I still struggled with conflict and hated to be the source of it.
The texts from Elijah started that evening. They were exactly what I expected. Until around ten p.m.
I tended to go to bed early, even on the weekends, something that he knew.
Elijah: Good night, sweet girl. Sleep well.
Grier: Good night, Eli.
A selfie came through then. He was lying in bed, shirtless, the room only lit by a bedside lamp.
Elijah: I miss you and wish you were here with me. Are you already in bed?
Shit. Shit. Shit. I hated the way I wanted to melt at his words. I’d spent so many years needing someone to want me. To need me.
Grier: Yes.
Elijah: Send me a pic.
I frowned as I considered his demand.
Elijah: Please?
Okay, so it was a request. I glanced down at my light cotton pajamas. The white material was thin and stretchy. And a little transparent. Elijah liked them when he used to stay with me. He said that he could see straight through them when the light hit just right.
Finally, I settled back on my pillows and took a selfie. I didn’t give myself a chance to reconsider before I hit send. My face heated as I waited for his response.
Elijah: Now I really wish you were here. Those are my favorite PJ’s.
Grier: I think you should delete that photo.
Elijah: No way. It’s going to get me through the night.
Even though he couldn’t see me, I blushed harder.
Another picture came through, this one taken from a wider angle and it encompassed his bare torso. I could see a sliver of elastic where his shorts were low on his hips but the rest of him was bare. Every dip and curve of his muscled upper body was on display. He’d definitely been spending more time at the gym since the last time I’d seen him like this.
Elijah: There. We’re even, so I don’t have to delete the pic.
Grier: That’s not how this works.
