16. Ella
16
ELLA
A girl could get used to waking up in the arms of a strong, incredibly delectable man that smells like pine and spring rain. She could also admit that she’d never felt more at ease than she had lying in his arms all night.
“We probably need to get on the road,” he murmurs as his arm tightens around me, breaking the sleepy little spell I’d been under.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better. But I probably need an extra-large coffee.”
“That sounds good…but five more minutes,” I whine, burrowing against him and relishing the way he shakes with silent laughter.
We’d fallen into bed right after returning from the diner, Bodhi wrapping himself around me and falling asleep almost immediately. He’d been exhausted, and my heart still ached for the toll yesterday had taken on him.
The thought that he’d found comfort in me kept me up well into the night. What would it be like to be with him? Truly with him?
We’d been thrust together and things had happened out of necessity—my orgasm aside—but would he want to continue this? Could I convince him?
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, bringing me back to reality as Bodhi hands me the device.
“Here, I’m gonna go shower.”
I want to tell him whatever’s on my phone can wait and ask him if I can join him in the shower instead.
But I refrain because that would be too fast.
Right?
Ugh.
“Thanks,” I manage, missing him immediately as he gets up and saunters over to his bag, rummaging around in it before giving me a shy smile and moving to the bathroom.
Oh my God!
Unable to wipe the smile from my face, I touch the screen and nearly gasp as I sit up and fumble to unlock the device.
ROMAN: Ells—you gotta come. I’m only here for a couple days
ELLA: WHAT?!
ROMAN: I only have a couple days
ELLA: If someone had just TOLD me then I would’ve, but I’m on a business trip
ROMAN: Detour!
ELLA: I can’t. I’m not alone
ROMAN: Bring them—are they hot?
ELLA: Yes he is
ROMAN: You’re on a roadtrip with a GUY? Is that even allowed?
ELLA: Shut it
ROMAN: Seriously though…
Unable to stop my hands from shaking, I dial my cousin’s number and pick at an imaginary thread on the comforter.
“Ells, you gotta come.”
“You’re home? Why didn’t you tell me?” My voice is a little hysterical as relief floods my veins. He’s home.
“I wanted to surprise everyone. I can’t extend my leave; it’s fine if you can’t make it.”
I sob into the phone, unable to muffle the sound as he sighs.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t cry, Ells. It’s okay. I’ll figure something out. Maybe I’ll come right to you in Blackstone Falls.”
His voice is light, obviously trying to make me feel better. But how could I feel better when I’m missing seeing Roman, who is not only my favorite cousin but is also my best friend?
“Ells, I gotta go. Call me later, all right?”
“Yeah, sure. Maybe if we can get home tonight, I can tell Rhea I’m taking the next couple of days off.”
“Just be careful. The weather was shit coming in.”
My eyelids flutter shut as we say our goodbyes and I disconnect the call, my phone dropping into my lap.
”What’s wrong?” Bodhi’s voice is low and rumbly, the timbre sending a delicious little shiver between my legs despite the dive my mood has taken.
“Nothing,” I say a little too brightly as Bodhi’s eyebrows furrow. It’s not his fault he’s gorgeous and sexy as he runs his hand though his wet hair.
“I don’t want you to lie to me,” he says softly, not quite meeting my gaze.
And I can’t have that.
“My cousin is home on leave. He’s in the Marines and was deployed and surprised everyone by coming home this weekend and he can’t extend his leave.”
“And you’re here,” he says, putting it together easily.
“Yes.” Taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly, I add, “If we get on the road and make it home tonight, I might be able to head out in the morning.”
Looking up at the ceiling, he rubs the back of his neck. “I’m sorry.”
“You apologize too much.”
“Just seems to happen with you.”
“Well don’t because it’s fine. I’ll video chat with them later. Roman could have given me the heads-up. That’s his fault.”
“Where do they live anyway?”
“Trappers Ridge, North Carolina.”
“Never heard of it.”
“Most people haven’t.”
“When’s the last time you saw him?”
“It’s been about a year.”
“That’s tough.”
“Yeah, but he loves it,” I say, clearing my throat and hopping off the bed. “I’m going to shower and then we can go, okay?”
“Sure.”