Chapter 21 #2
“The less dramatic and highly strung ones, yes.” Ellie winced as she tilted her head up at Alba. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”
“Of course I ended up with the highly strung dog. It goes hand in hand with the highly strung ex-wife.” Alba snorted and shook her head. “Thankfully, you’re just perfect as you are.”
Ellie narrowed her eyes as she focused on the TV, though her attention was entirely elsewhere.
She had never claimed to be perfect—she didn’t believe anyone could label themselves that way—but hearing Alba speak so highly of her did make her heart race.
“I know nothing is really happening here just yet, we’re both taking stock of the evening so far, but…
if I panic at any point, please don’t hold it against me. ”
There it was. That flicker of vulnerability.
“Hey,” Alba said as she pressed a kiss to Ellie’s hair. “I know this is going to be a learning curve for you, or…that’s what you likely imagine, but we’re okay. We’ll be fine. You can take any time you need.”
Ellie closed her eyes as that reassurance settled in her mind. “Thank you.”
“And that includes Friday, too. If you’re not sure you’re ready, you just let me know, and I’ll give you space.”
Oh, no. Ellie was ready. She’d spent the last two years single…
she wasn’t wasting any more time. It seemed ridiculous to consider stepping back, to hesitate now when everything inside her was pulling her forward.
And with the taste of Alba still on her lips, she couldn’t back off even if she wanted to. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Really?” Alba shifted on the couch and faced Ellie fully. “You’re sure?”
“I’m far more than sure.” Ellie reached out and brushed Alba’s hair from her face, her fingers grazing against her cheek. “If I’d known you felt the same way, I would have told you long before now.”
“When did you know?”
Ellie cast her mind back, her lips curving as she thought about the early days. The small, almost insignificant moments that hadn’t felt so small at all. “The chocolate cake in my office.”
“That far back?” Alba’s brows rose with surprise. “Jesus. That’s a while ago now.”
“I know, but I was confused. None of it made any sense.” Ellie’s voice softened as she spoke, honesty threading through every word.
She’d sat alone, wondering if she was just desperate for company, if she was clinging to something to fill the silence of her life, but then she’d realised it wasn’t just anyone she wanted.
It was Alba. Always Alba.
“I’ve always considered myself to be straight. I’ve never had a fling with another woman or even a moment with another woman. Then you came into my life, and I couldn’t think straight. No pun intended.” Ellie grinned as Alba gazed back at her. “The longer it went on, the more I felt for you.”
Alba ran a hand down her face and sighed, clearly overwhelmed. “This is a lot to take in.”
“I know.” Ellie shifted closer, snuggling up beside Alba and wrapping an arm around her waist. “It’s exciting, though.”
It really was. Terrifying and exciting all at once.
“How do we deal with work?” Alba asked. “I mean…about people knowing?”
Ellie smiled. Of course Alba was thinking about that. She always thought ahead, and she always considered the consequences. “How do you want to deal with it?”
“I think I want to keep it quiet for now, but I also don’t want you to think that you’re some dirty little secret.”
“I’m happy to keep it quiet until we’re ready for people to know.” Ellie didn’t want to get her hopes up, but how wrong could they get it? It didn’t feel like a possibility when she imagined this not working out with Alba. “I know it’ll be harder for you than it is for me.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Everyone at that school knows you as Mrs Ellie Hamilton, separated from her husband.
You really think the likes of Susan and Jeanette won’t have something to say about it?
” Alba lifted a brow, but it only sent Ellie’s blood south.
God, it was sexy when she did that. “I’ll streak naked if they don’t bat an eyelid. ”
Ellie slid a hand under Alba’s T-shirt, enjoying the subtle contraction of her muscles beneath her palm. She was warm, and real, and entirely captivating. In this moment, Ellie couldn’t care less what people had to say. “I don’t care.”
“And neither do I. But let’s just see how it plays out around the school, okay?”
“What about Audrey?” Ellie asked carefully. She didn’t want to bring the mood down, but she needed to know. “Are you worried?”
“Right this second, no.” Alba’s arm tightened around her. “It’s hard to worry about her when I’m here with you.”
Oh, my. Alba certainly had a way with words.
Ellie softened completely, her body sinking into Alba’s as she gazed up at her. “Thank you for coming over tonight and being so bravely honest. I appreciate it more than you know.”
Alba sighed as she lifted her legs onto the couch and lay sideways, shifting them both into something more comfortable and more intimate without even trying. Ellie followed naturally, settling partially on top of her.
Alba stroked her fingertips slowly up and down her back. “It just felt like the right time.”