It was hard for me to admit it, to make myself vulnerable. But Lucy had been correct that morning. It was time for me to open up and go along for the ride. There was always a possibility that Elijah could hurt me again, but that was a risk in any relationship. At some point I was going to have to let go and take the leap.
“I miss that, too,” he answered.
“Then, maybe you should come over.”
My stomach clenched when his end of the line was silent for a few seconds.
“I would like nothing more than to drive over there right now,” he finally said. “But not tonight.”
I sighed in disappointment.
“If you still want me to tomorrow, I’ll bring dinner over after work. And stay.”
“I’m not going to change my mind,” I said.
“Then, you can tell me that tomorrow.”
I snorted. “You’re so damned stubborn.”
“I know. You love that about me.”
My brain froze at his words. I’d been falling for Elijah since the night of Lucy’s wedding. Deeper and deeper.
Until this moment, I hadn’t realized that I was in love with him. That I’d been headed in that direction for a long time. And that’s why it hurt so badly when he told me he didn’t want anything more than a casual fling.
Before I could even process all these thoughts, much less come up with something to say, Elijah spoke again.
“It’s getting late, Brown Eyes. We both need our sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”
“Okay,” I murmured, my voice subdued.
“Sweet dreams, Gigi.”
“You, too, Eli,” I replied.
There was a click as he disconnected, but my eyes were fixed on my bedroom ceiling as my mind raced.
I’d finally fallen in love, but I was terrified that, despite what he said, Elijah might not be able to love me back.
Chapter Nineteen
When I opened my eyes the next morning, the first thing I did was have a mini freak out. Then, I took a deep breath and let it out with a whoosh. I needed to focus on what I could control, which was me. And I’d already decided that I wasn’t going to let my fear control me. Lucy was right. It was time to take the risk.
I rolled over and reached for my phone.
Grier: I want you to stay with me tonight.
I set my phone aside, assuming that Elijah would still be asleep, and climbed out of bed. Before I’d even taken two steps toward my bathroom, my phone chimed.
Elijah: Then I’ll be there.
My fingers itched to pick up the phone to reply, but I left it. I needed to take a shower and get ready for work. Lucy’s showing was in two weeks, and my prep checklist wasn’t getting any shorter, no matter how much I did. I would see Elijah at the gallery soon enough.
After I got out of the shower and made my first cup of coffee, I gave in to the urge to look at my phone.
Elijah: I won’t be at the gallery today. I have to handle some business with Marcus. I’ll see you at your apartment at 6:30.
I tried to ignore the disappointment that swirled in my stomach. I’d gotten so used to seeing him every day. I hated the idea that I wouldn’t.
