SEVENTEEN
Reilly
After Elton checks in on Neive again, we settle outside on the vast terrace overlooking the ocean. Key moments in this situationship keep happening out here. I have a feeling this is about to be another one.
There’s a chill in the air as I take a seat at the outside table. Elton turns a heater on and drapes a blanket around my shoulders. He sent Claire and Jeeves home telling Claire to take the following day off, despite her insisting she needs to be here for them. Jeeves simply gave Elton a pat on the shoulder and a nod in my direction before leaving us alone for the night.
It’s not your normal family set up here, but the love and loyalty between them is strong. I know first-hand that even though blood may be thicker than water, that means fuck-all when it comes towho your real family are.
Elton is facing the ocean, swirling his wine around his glass, lost in thought. I won’t pull him out of it, it’s been a stressful day for him.
“How much am I screwing her up?” I don’t answer him. “I’m doing this all wrong. She ran away,” he whispers the last words, clearly in pain. “There was £500 in her bag. What was her plan for that?” He finally looks at me, his eyes still wet from his earlier tears. I put my glass down and face him, taking his hand in mine. So warm and comforting.
“There’s no right or wrong way for this, Elton. You’re practically her parent here, and you’re doing the best you can.” There’s so much more that needs to be said, but I’m not the one to say it to him.
“Go on, give it to me. I need to be told what to do.” He doesn’t – given the circumstances he’s doing an amazing job, I’m proud of him.
“I can’t tell you what to do. It’s not my place. But as an outsider, I will say this. Neive needs you. She needs a strong support system. That support system will not be in Wales.” I squeeze his hand. This is all I will say, hoping he’ll take it on board. He links his fingers through mine, rubbing his thumb along the back of my hand.
“I’m sorry about what happened last time you were here,” he says.
“Ah, you mean when you called me a gold digger?” I give him a soft smile. I won’t forget, but I won’t keep the burden of holding a grudge against him.
“I freaked out. It was wrong.” He looks at our joined hands, his touch becoming firmer. As if holding on, so I don’t run away. “An old girlfriend faked a pregnancy to try and trap me.”Fuck, I wasn’t expecting that.“I wouldn’t commit so she decided to try and make me. It was her mum who told me the truth. She didn’t agree with what she was trying to do.” He huffs a laughthen lets go of my hand. I feel the loss immediately. He necks the rest of his wine and pours himself another glass. “When I thought you were pregnant, I panicked. This time, Neive is in my life, there is so much more at stake.”
“You’re doing great with Neive.” He rolls his eyes, and I lean in towards him, hoping he’ll know how sincere I am.
“Considering how today went, I don’t know how true that is. I would be a terrible parent. I had a terrible example growing up.”
This man has so much to sort through. I would never be his priority. Not that I blame him, but I need to put myself first.
I stand and walk to the railings. The last of the sun is setting on the horizon and the sky is cast in a warm glow.
“I forgive you, Elton. The things you said hurt, but I’m a big girl. I understand your reaction … your fear.” I should turn to face him to have this conversation but if I do I might give in. Hearing the things he’s dealt with and knowing how much he sacrifices for his family forces a crack in my carefully constructed armour. My dad froze me out and my ex neglected me, but I couldn’t handle the way I might get hurt if I give in to Elton and he lets me down.
“I need to go,” I tell him. He steps up behind me and spins me around, caging his arms on either side of me.
“Stay?” His voice drops low, connecting with parts deep inside me.
“Why?” I whisper.
“For the view.” His dimples pop out as he smiles, and I fall into his eyes.
“You’re a charmer, Elton Fox.” Which scares me. Am I just another woman who has fallen into this Elton hole?
“Only to those I want to charm.” He moves closer, clouding my brain.
“And why do you want to charm me?” I breathe, tilting my head up, bringing our lips a whisper apart.
“Because you’re galvanising.”
“That’s a big word,” I tell him, impressed and surprised by the vocabulary. “What does it mean?” My arms come up around his shoulders, feeling the hard wall of muscle.
“Heart-stopping. Bewildering. Tantalising.” He scans my face and each word sinks deeper into me. “I am bewitched by you, Reilly.”
There are those moments in life when your next decision will change everything. It will make your life go one way or another. This is one of those moments.
He towers over me and presses into my body. He’s been open and vulnerable with me tonight, which must have been hard for him.
