Mabel was too cocky about the fact I was asking for help, too. I swear, I almost cracked a tooth with how hard I had to clench my jaw while she rambled on about how “Our grumpy little Elle was growing up and going to get dicked down.” I almost threw my phone out the window when she cracked up laughing at the unholy screech that left me when she suggested that.
My sister was a menace to society but, damnit, I needed her help. Even if I knew Patrick could and should do better, I was looking forward to seeing him outside of our jobs. Sure, we went on that hike together but my sisters and Jude, basically another brother, were there and it’s not like we even talked to each other.
No, this would be good. I hoped it would be good.
I had decided on pizza because who didn’t like pizza? Half cheese and half pepperoni for options. As I made my way toPatrick’s front door, I rolled my lips over my teeth wondering if I should have picked something else to wear.
I looked down at my casual sweater, leggings and sneakers, worried it was too relaxed. Sure, we were just going to be at this apartment but this was, technically, our first date but my day to day looks were fancier than this.
There was also a small voice in the back of my mind whispering that my leggings hugged my legs too tightly and showed off too much. That my sweater was too boxy and made me look shapeless. There was no way Patrick would like me once he saw all my insecurities on full display.
That voice was a cunt.
With all these thoughts in my head, I was ready to leave the pizza at his front door, knock, and run home with my tail tucked between my legs but the door swung open before I had a chance to make a decision.
My Intruder leaned against his door jam with his sexy arms crossed, his postage stamps on full display. He was smiling and looking at him, I forgot how to breathe for a moment.
I’d seen many of Patrick’s smiles but I’d never seen this smile. This one was new and completely focused on me. It was the best thing I’d ever seen.
I let out a breathy greeting and Patrick chuckles, he takes the pizza box from my hands and leans down, kissing the corner of my mouth. “Hi, sweetheart.” Damn this man. I was going to have to see a cardiologist if he kept my heart pounding like this.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
PATRICK
Ialmost swallow my tongue when I open my front door and I get my first look at first date Elle. I had not adequately prepared for how sexy she would look in casual clothes. Her leggings cradle her curves, giving me the perfect outline of her thick thighs. The pink sweater she’s wearing looks cozier than the softest blanket and lays over her stomach and her butt. God, I wish I was that sweater. I want to wrap my arms around her soft middle and never leave her side.
I have to touch her. I take the box of pizza from her hands and lean into her, taking in the scent of crisp apples I’ve come to associate with her and press a chaste kiss on the edge of her lips. “Come in.” I shift the box to one hand and extend my other arm, motioning for her to step into my apartment.
I force a breath of non apple scented air into my lungs. I’m wearing a pair of soft joggers and I know if I keep the scent of her in my nose, I’m not going to be able to stop myself from going full mast and these joggers would hide none of that.
Even though Elle has been the star of all of my fantasies lately, I don’t want her to think this is only a sexual thing for me. I want to get to know every part of Elle. I’ve done my best to avoid her for the majority of my stay but, somehow, this goddessof the grumpiest variety has burrowed her way under my skin and I never want her to leave.
“I like your apartment.” Elle has toed off her shoes and moved into the main living area, her gaze traveling over the sparsely decorated space. I still needed to invest in some creature comforts but my focus has been wholly on the Warren Farm—and the second eldest Warren daughter.
“Is this you?” Elle’s voice is soft as she looks at one of the only two pictures I have set up on my entertainment center. When I see the picture that’s caught her attention, it feels like my lungs seize. It’s a picture of me and my parents in front of a sign for Old Faithful. We are all smiling so hard, that was my favorite trip with my parents that I can remember.
“Yeah, that’s me and my parents, I think I was, like, 10?” I run my fingers through my curls. I’m not sure how appropriate the dead parent conversation is on a first date. “You were so cute.” Elle doesn’t say anything else about the picture, or ask about my parents, which I’m grateful for but the reason she doesn’t ask is because her focus is now zeroed in on the other picture.
She’s biting her lip and I’m sure she’s going to make a dash for the door, leaving me in the dust. “What?” I don’t think she meant to actually ask that. “I, uh, asked Lola for a copy. I wanted to remember how I felt when I finally started to feel like I was actually putting down some roots.” It’s the picture Jude took of me and the Warren sisters during our hike. I had pulled Lola to the side after we had returned to the farm and asked if she would send me the picture so I could have a copy for myself.
My confession to Elle is a half truth. I also wanted a reminder of having her in my arms, of being able to comfort her in a moment that she struggles with. I don’t think I’ll be sharing that anytime soon, or ever. I chance a glance over to Elle and her eyes are shiny.
“Hey, hey. None of that.” I wrap my arms around her shoulders, pulling her soft body against mine. “How about we find a movie and dig into that pizza?” I feel her nod against my shoulder before she pulls back slightly, looking up at me. Her eyes aren’t shiny but one side of her mouth is curled slightly. “That sounds perfect.” Her arms slide up from my chest where they had been trapped when I pulled her into me and she rests one hand on my cheek.
I nuzzle into her hand, it feels like this is where my face is supposed to be. That’s impractical because neither of us would get any work done but I’m going to soak up this softer side of Elle as long as she allows me to.
Too soon, we both drop our arms and take a step back. I grab the remote and hand it to Elle. “Find a movie you like and I’ll get us some plates.”
I don’t know why I’m surprised Elle enjoys horror movies but I am. When she asked if I liked any of the Scream movies, I just shrugged and explained that I didn’t know a lot of movies andElle demanded we watch the first one immediately. I was down for whatever she wanted to do, so I offered another shrug and grabbed some pizza.
10 minutes in and I was regretting my decision of nonchalance and accepting this movie for our first night together.
I put my plate down and cross my arms to stop myself from hiding behind my fingers. I was 29 years old, I could handle one scary movie for my girl. I jump again and huff out a breath. Elle places her hand on my bicep and I tear my eyes from the screen and am stunned. A small smile is pulling at her lips. “You okay?” I don’t trust my voice so I offer a shaky nod. Elle’s tongue darts out and wets her bottom lip. “Come here.” She lifts her arm up and pulls me into her body, my head resting on her perfect chest. I wrap my arms around her middle. My back is bent at an odd angle but I’d be happy to never move if Elle would let me stay right here.
“Better?” She runs her fingers through my hair, ticking my scalp and trailing them down my neck. She repeats this motion as the movie continues. “Much better.” I think I could get through anything if Elle was next to me, offering comfort.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
