PATRICK
I’m dragging my feet. I could go home, I’ve packed up most of my little space but I can’t let myself leave without seeing Elle. I don’t want to let another minute go by without talking to her and figuring out why she’s been radio silent.
If it was truly because she was sick—I’m going to feel like a jerk—but if that is the case, I want her to know she can rely on me. I want to be there for her when she needs help, be the one she turns to. Which should have me turning and running for the mountains. 19 year old Patrick would be having a heart attack at the idea of opening himself up to anyone, opening himself up to being hurt again.
Now, the thought of not being around Elle makes my chest ache. I don’t think I could stay away from her if I tried.
BANG!
The door of the office slams against the wall and Elle is standing in the frame. Her cheeks are red from exertion and her chest is rising and falling rapidly. Did she run here? I stand and take a step towards her, needing to make sure she’s okay but I stop when a terrible thought flashes in my brain.
Did she run here for him?
I clench my fists to stop the jealousy that threatens to spill out of me. Elle’s gaze drops to my hands before snapping back to my face. She steps forward and closes the door gently, her eyes never leaving my face.
She walks toward me, her head held high and a glint of mischief dancing in her chocolate eyes. She stops in front of me, our toes almost touching. My heart is racing, I’m so far gone for Elle and she has no idea.
“Hi.” Her greeting is soft and breathy and it makes my dick twitch. It’s like everything is moving in slow-mo. Elle raises her hands and rests one on my pec, the other hand continues to slide up until it’s resting on the side of my neck. I can feel goosebumps cover my skin as she teases the end of my hair.
“I missed you.”
I don’t have a chance to be surprised by her admission. As soon as the words leave her mouth, Elle’s fingers grip my neck and pull me down. Our mouths collide and it might have hurt if she didn’t have the softest lips known to man. I encircle her body with my arms, pulling her into me. A soft gasp opens her mouth to me and I waste no time teasing her with my tongue.
I missed her.
Having her in my arms, our bodies pressed together and her mouth on mine is like coming home for the first time in over 10 years.
When we finally separate, she’s smiling. Actually smiling at me. I can’t stop myself, I dip my head and press open mouth kisses against her neck. For a moment, we soak in each other's presence and just hold each other. I pull my face from the curve of her neck and rest my forehead against hers, she’s so beautiful.
“Sweetheart, what happened?” I do my best to keep the pain from my voice but it’s still there. Elle lets out a sigh that warms my face. “We need to talk,” four words no one wants to hear, “I was scared. You’re so nice and everyone likes you and I’m me.” Iwant to interrupt her with everything that I am and tell her that she’s perfect. “No one wants to be around me for more than a few hours. I’m grumpy and abrasive and too much but I’mnotgoing to change. I like who I am and I’m happy with my life. People have tried to change me in the past and I know you don’t want to change me,right now, but-”
Enough of this. I cover Elle’s mouth with my own to stop this nonsense. Once I can feel her nipples start to harden, I pull back. “You are not too much, Elle April Warren. You are perfect for me and I want to seriously maim every single person who has ever made you feel this way.” My gaze is fierce but she lets out a watery laugh. “You could just say you’d want to fucking hurt them, you know?” I’ve never been big on curse words but hearing Elle drop her favorite word calms my soul.
“Elle, sweetheart. Please come over and have dinner with me. I need you in my arms tonight.” I can feel her fingers slipping through my hair and I don’t fight her when she pulls my head away from her body. I want to complain but I know I’ll have more chances to explore every inch of my girl’s body with my mouth eventually.
“Can we go right now? I don’t have anything else to do today.” Elle kisses my cheek, and warmth spreads through my chest. “Let’s get out of here.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
ELLE
Patrick won’t let go of my hand and I love it. His thumb rubs across my knuckles; it's making my heart swell and squeeze simultaneously. I feel like such an asshole for closing myself off from Patrick and letting my past relationship taint what we have building between us.
No more.
I’m going to be present and focused on my Intruder. A chuff comes out, he really did intrude in not just my work space but my heart. This curly haired ball of sunshine broke down all my walls. I know we need to talk and I want him to know it all. A small part of me is still afraid this is some kind of long con and when I lay it all in front of him, he’s going to laugh in my face. As much as we all wish one pep talk solved all insecurities, that’s just not how the world works but Patrick makes me want to try. I want to share my life with him and I trust him enough to take the risk of getting hurt by him. There are so many thoughts dancing around my head, I don’t realize we are inside Patrick’s apartment until I hear the lock click into place.
It startles me and I jump slightly. “You okay?” I settle when Patrick wraps his arms around me. My back to his front, I soak in the warmth from his body and the scent of sunshine invadesmy senses. I love that about him. He always smells bright and warm, like a summer morning. I tip my head back and take a deep breath, all the panic leaving my body. This is where I’m supposed to be.
“Never better.”
Our embrace slowly turns into more. His lips travel from my shoulder to behind my ear. My eyes are closed, reveling in his touch when his hands start to explore my body, one traveling up, coming to rest on the exposed skin of my chest and one slipping down, fingers teasing the waistband of my skirt.
I can feel my heart racing under his palm, his touch is intoxicating. “I missed you too, sweetheart.” His breath heats the skin of my neck and his kisses turn into something more, I feel his teeth drag against my pulse point. I already feel overstimulated from these innocent touches but he bites down on my shoulder and dips his hand lower into my skirt until he’s teasing my slit over my panties.
I’m not allowed a moment to let embarrassment creep in at how wet I already am because as soon as his fingers tease the damp fabric, a groan rumbles in his chest. “Elle, is this all for me?” I can’t speak so I just nod. He lets out a satisfied hum as his fingers slowly, so fucking slowly, slide my panties away from my lips, lightly stroking up and down. He’s so close to where I need him and he knows it. “Patrick, please. I need you.” It comes out on a whine but my body is so ready for him. “You have me, Elle.” He drags his tongue up my neck and slips one finger between my lips, strumming my clit in small circles.
I’m panting at all the sensations, so keyed up it only takes a few swipes of his fingers to build my orgasm. “I’m close.” The confession escapes me in a whisper. I never want him to take his hands off me. “Come for me, sweetheart. Soak my fingers, show me how good I can make you feel.” He bites my earlobe and I explode.
