33. Jillian
THIRTY-THREE
Jillian
Sunlight flutters into the room through the curtains as I blink my eyes open, memories of Elliott’s lips on mine flooding my senses. I bury my face in the pillow, heat rising to my cheeks. Doubt replaces the giddy feelings from last night. What was I thinking? No. Don’t do this. You deserve to be happy. I turn and find Jamie’s spot next to me empty and the door ajar. I panic and rush to the door, pull it open and stop when the sound of Grace’s voice rises up to meet me. She’s talking to Jamie. I retreat back into the room, close the door, and lean on it. Close my eyes and shake my head. I need to get myself together to face Elliott. I’m not a little girl with her first crush. I’m a grown woman, an adult. “Act like it, Jillian. Grow a pair and face the consequences of your actions. You wanted that kiss. Wanted him. Time to woman up.”
I take a quick shower and dress in my favorite pair of jean shorts and a tank top. The weather app on my phone says it will be eighty-four today. Minimal makeup completes the casual look I’m going for. When was the last time I cared for how I look? I can’t remember. I can’t delay any longer and drag myself downstairs. Elliott and Jamie are already at the kitchen table, a spread of pancakes, eggs, and fruit laid out.
Trying to delay facing Elliott, I walk to Daisy’s cage and say hello to her. She’s nibbling on a strawberry, quiet for a change. Her yellow eyes take everything in.
Elliott comes to stand next to me with two mugs of coffee. “Morning.” A mischievous smile tugs at his lips.
“Thank you. Good morning.” I look at his shoulder instead of his face and take a sip, needing the coffee to give me the backbone to look him in the eyes after our kiss last night. So much for woman up .
He touches my elbow. “Come sit.”
My cheeks burn. I hold on to the mug with both hands and walk around the long table to take a seat next to Jamie.
Grace walks in with a plate piled high with bacon. She winks at me. “My, my, what a lovely flush you have this morning, Jillian. This place agrees with you. Must be all the fresh air.”
The burn in my cheeks intensifies. “It’s the coffee, very hot.” I blow at my mug for emphasis and drop a kiss on top of Jamie’s head before sitting down. “Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?”
Jamie smiles and shoves a big bite of pancake into his mouth.
Grace points at the food. “Help yourself.”
Elliott takes the empty chair next to me.
I’m so very aware of his closeness. “Everything looks delicious. I’m sorry I was not up to help.”
She waves off my apology. “Oh, no. I didn’t make any of it. Carmen does all the cooking. I’m not even allowed in the kitchen. It’s her domain. If I try to do anything, she threatens me with a rolling pin.” Grace chuckles.
I smile, not totally believing her.
Elliott reaches for a slice of bacon. “It’s true. I’m not allowed in there either.”
Grace smacks his hand. “Elliott, manners. I taught you better than that. Use the spoon to put whatever you want to eat on your plate and pass the rest around.”
“Yes, Grandma.” Elliott passes the bacon plate to me and winks.
I take some for myself and Jamie. And pass it back to Grace. We eat breakfast, and the conversation flows easily, with Grace telling us stories about the house and the surrounding land.
I set my mug on the table. “It’s a beautiful property. Must feel like you’re on vacation all the time.” My elbow bumps against Elliott and an electric current flows up my arm and to the back of my head, my skin tingling. I’m hyperaware of his presence, his every move as he shifts in his seat. It takes effort to focus on what Grace is saying and her all too observant eyes seem to miss nothing. I reach for a pitcher of water and fill my glass, hoping the cold liquid will cool me off. I can’t look at Elliott without remembering the feel of his lips on mine. Damn hormones.
As soon as breakfast is over, Grace stands up. “Now all of you go out for a walk. Elliott knows all the best trails for a hike. Go now before it gets too hot.”
Elliott turns to me. “You two up for a hike?”
Jamie nods and is already pushing his chair back. I ruffle his hair. “I guess that’s a yes. Jamie needs to change out of his pajamas.”
Elliott stands up and pushes his chair in. “I’ll meet you out on the porch in fifteen minutes.”
“Sounds good. Come on, Jamie. Let’s get you dressed.”