“I just wanted to check if this workaholic is actually coming to Millie's birthday party this weekend. You're welcome too.”
“I wouldn't miss it,” I responded quietly.
Elliot clears his throat. “Well, I'd best be off before my wife thinks I’m hiding in my car to avoid housework. Really nice meeting you, Willow. I’ll see you this weekend.” He pats Elijah on the shoulder. “Don't be late—or Millie will have your head.”
“Is it normal to be afraid of an eight-year-old?” Elijah asks dryly.
“How do you think I feel? She's just like her mother, and I live with them, so don't be late and bring the present she specifically requested, or it's both of our heads on a dinner plate on Sunday.”
Elijah watches his brother get into his car and drive off, his finger brushing against my side before turning to me.
“Let's get you inside so you can tell me why you're standing outside my garage looking like someone broke your heart.”
Chapter 19
Willow
Elijah guides me into his office and closes the door behind us. The soft click echoes in the sudden quiet. I watch him turn, my body tensing as his attention settles fully on me.
He looks unfairly good today. The black cap is turned backwards, which should honestly be illegal. His forearms are thick and veined as he crosses them, ink spiralling over muscle, and the black T-shirt clings to his chest like it's got a personal vendetta against my concentration. His trousers fit perfectly, tailored in a way to showcase his very muscled thighs.
Damn him for looking so good.
“Are you going to tell me why you were standing out there freezing instead of coming inside?” he asks, concern threading through his voice. “I could've picked you up if you told me.”
Because I’m an idiot who overthinks.
I want to tell him that I didn't want to ring, just in case he was with Rose.
I shift my weight, suddenly very aware of my hands, my breathing, everything.
Instead, I lift a shoulder, forcing a small, casual shrug that fools absolutely no one. “Didn't want to bother you.”
He walks toward me, gradually backing me up against his work desk. I end up slumping against the edge, which only makes me feel shorter and more exposed. He doesn’t stop, invading my personal space, and when I try to look away, his hand comes up, firm yet gentle, tilting my chin back toward him.
“Try again, or do I need to tickle it out of you?”
I don't even get a chance to tell him not to before he lightly prods my side. I flinch instantly, a laugh slipping out because I’m ticklish everywhere.
“Elijah,” I warn, already smiling. “That’s cheating.”
He does it again, quick and teasing, and I squirm, trying to scoot away. “It's stupid,” I blurt.
He stops instantly.
“Nothing you ever say is stupid,” he says, without hesitation. I open my mouth to argue, because obviously I beg to differ, but he cuts me off gently. “Now tell me what's making you sad, so I can make it better.”
My shoulders sag, tension draining out of me like he's pulled a plug somewhere deep inside me. I want to kiss him so badly it hurts. I want to forget what Rose said and forget about the doubt swirling at the back of my mind.
And because I’m me, my mouth starts moving before my brain can catch up.
“Rose basically lost it with me today. She noticed neither of us was home last night. I told her I got drunk and you picked me up like the caring, responsible adult you are.” I huff softly. “Which… wasn't exactly a lie. You did pick me up.”
I pause, then wince. “I just left out the part where you confessed your feelings and then ate me out like a champ.”
His brow creases, but he doesn't interrupt, just watches me like he's hanging on every word. I don't miss the grin he's trying to hold back, though.
“She knew you weren't at work or at your parents', so I had to say something. Then she got into my head, saying the only reason you're being so nice is because you feel guilty about my dad. That you're just trying to make yourself feel better. That no one could ever really care about me, and that this guy she's trying to set me up with is basically my best shot.” I swallow thelump in my throat. “Then she said you crawled into her bed last night and that she was coming here to see you today because you're finally ‘working on your marriage’.”
