45. Brielle
Chapter forty-five
Brielle
M y flight was longer than they anticipated because we had to reroute due to weather, but I was finally safe in Aubrey's car and on my way home.
I reached over and put my hand on her belly. “How's my peanut?”
She scoffed. “Making me sick as fuck, that’s how.” She chuckled. “They have me on all kinds of medication for nausea. I haven’t puked in three days, so I guess it’s working, but I am never doing this pregnancy thing again.”
“Sure you’re not, Mrs. ‘I want four kids’.”
Her eyes went wide. “Fuck that. This sucks. You will see when it’s time for you to have kids. This bitch is ruining my damn body.”
I laughed. “Is Link being helpful at least?”
“Hah. Unless groping me and trying to have sex with me every five minutes is helping, then no,” she joked. “Kidding, but that man is seriously obsessed with my pregnant body.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
She shot me a look. “Every five minutes.”
I wrinkled my nose in disgust. “Okay, gross.” We both laughed. “I don’t want to hear about my sister having hot pregnancy sex.”
“It is fucking hot. Especially when he—”
“Stop it before I throw up.” We both laughed again, and I looked at her. “He is going to be such a good dad. I am so glad you found someone to love you like that.”
She gripped my hand. “You will find the perfect person for you, too. I just know it.”
I moved my hand back to my lap as we drove in comfortable silence. This feeling right here was why I was glad to be home. A moment later, she reached over and grabbed my hand again. She looked at me quickly, then back to the road. “I fucking missed you, bitch.”
“I missed you, too. I am never leaving again.”
“Oh, I know you won’t. I will lock your ass in the basement. I can’t do this shit alone.” She gestured to her belly.
I smiled. “Promise. I'm home for good.”
As we pulled up to the house, I noticed a bunch of trash in front of her house and the house next door. “What’s all this?”
“New neighbors. I think Link is over there helping them right now.”
“Oh, nice.”
“Yeah. I told them you were moving in, too,” she laughed. “When I told them about you and how you were coming back to manage the gallery, they offered to let you go over to look at their art pieces. They are really nice.”
I stared at her deadpan.
“What?”
“You are a horrible liar.”
“What would I possibly be lying about?” She turned and walked toward the house with one of my bags.
“Aubrey Lynn,” I called out.
“Can't hear you.”
I looked back at the house with concern, then grabbed my other bags and walked inside.
What is that girl up to?
I walked inside, and a loud “Surprise” flew at me.
“Oh my God, what is this?”
Amani walked toward me. “A surprise party, dummy.” She pulled me into a tight hug. “Missed you, babe.”
I chuckled. “I missed you, too.” I looked around. “Where’s Beck? I thought he was staying with you now?”
“Girl.” She pulled me to the side a little. “Have I got some shit to tell you.”
I laughed. “Okay. Now or Later?”
“Bitch, later. This is a celebration. We are not talking about that dick right now.”
“Fair enough,” I said with a smile.
A few more people came over to hug me, and Link offered to take my bags, but I stopped him. “I got those. I brought some gifts home.”
“Gifts are my favorite,” Callie said from the kitchen.
I pulled out all the little trinkets I bought and handed them to everyone. I left the one I bought for Elijah in the bag, so I could give it to him when I see him in a few days.
I hugged Callie and Nick last, both of them thanking me profusely for coming back to deal with Aubrey and her hormonal ass.
All three of us laughed, and Aubrey gave us the stink eye. It felt amazing to be back with this crazy bunch. Only one person was missing.
A few hours and lots of food later, almost everyone had left. Callie and Nick were the last to leave.
“Are you going back right away?” Nick asked.
I shoved a chip in my mouth. “No. The current manager is finishing out the next few months, so I get to relax before I take over. She is pregnant and won't be returning after her baby is born. My bosses told me they didn’t even think about hiring anyone outside the company because they knew I would be the perfect fit. They even mentioned that in a few years, they would be looking to sell. They want me to keep it in mind.”
“It must be great to work somewhere that you feel appreciated.”
“Sure is.”
Callie looked at her phone, then nudged Nick, and they both stood quickly. “Okay, we're outta here. I am covering a shift for my mom tomorrow. So I gotta get some sleep,” Callie said.
“Let your mom know to put me on the roster. I know I only worked there one summer, but if she needs me and I’m free, I will gladly take the extra money.”
“Sure thing.”
I stretched my arms up and yawned. “I should probably head to bed and get some sleep too. It’s like two in the morning to my body... I am really surprised Elijah hasn’t called me yet.”
All four of them looked at each other.
I sat up a little straighter. “What was that?”
Callie and Nick rushed toward the door. “Love you guys. Bye.”
“Wait.” I stood from the couch. I turned toward Aubrey. “Explain.”
“Explain what?”
Link cut in. “Songbird, don’t forget to go over and water the plants at the neighbors.”
Water the plants?
“Why would she do that?” I asked.
Aubrey spoke quickly. “They aren’t staying there yet. They asked if I could water their plants this weekend till they come back on Monday.”
I eyed her suspiciously. “They asked a complete stranger to go inside their new house and water their plants?”
“There is barely anything in there. I mean, and if something goes wrong or is stolen, they know where I live.”
“Yeah, I guess,” I said cautiously.
“Can you do it for me, Brie? I’m exhausted.”
I laughed. “Pretty sure sending someone they have never met is even worse than you doing it.”
“Just do it, Brielle. The key is right there on the counter.”
“Aubs—”
“Bean, please.”
I stared at her for a moment. I looked around, realizing Link snuck out while we were talking.
“Fine. But I won't do it again until I meet them. It’s fucking weird.”
“Fair enough. The plants are in the back bedroom upstairs and the kitchen—same setup as ours.”
“Okay.”
I gave a quick knock just to be sure I wouldn’t walk in on anyone. I opened the door and turned on the lights. The house was basically completely done. I didn’t know why they wouldn’t already be staying here, but whatever.
I could tell whoever was living here was relatively young by the style of furniture. I guess if they were trusting strangers to water their plants, they were probably pretty easygoing.
There was a small watering can on the kitchen counter. I filled it and watered the few plants I saw. I walked up the stairs and peered into the first room. It was sleek, with blacks, greys, and a pop of light yellow, which was a little weird, if you asked me, but kind of cute.
“Good taste,” I said out loud.
I walked down the hall, peering into each room like the Nosey Nelly I was. When I got to the last room, the door was shut, unlike the rest. I pushed it open, and all the breath I had in my lungs left me, and I nearly dropped the watering can.
My painting.
I stepped into the room and looked around. It was an art studio. This beautiful studio had a window overlooking the beach that was only a few blocks away.
I knew the new neighbor and I would get along just fine. My attention returned to my painting. I took my phone out and called Aubrey.
“Did you see the painting hanging in their art room?”
“No, why?”
“It’s mine. I’m the one who painted it. Remember when I sold my painting at the senior exhibit but didn’t know who bought it?”
“I do.”
“Your neighbor did. How fucking weird is that? What are the chances?”
A voice came from behind me, “My girl painted it. I had to have it.”
I jumped and dropped my phone. I was speechless. Elijah walked toward me leaning down to pick up my phone. He put it to his ear. “Call you back, Aubs.”
“What…how…” I shook my head. “What is going on right now? How did you get in here?”
He held up a key.
I pulled the key I used from my pocket and held it up.
“That is yours. If you want it, of course.”
“How?” I whispered. This couldn’t be real. This wasn’t really happening.
“This is my house, Brielle. It can be ours, if you want it to be.”
“You bought this house?”
His hands went into his pockets. “I did.”
“For me?”
“Technically, no,” he shrugged. “I bought this house before I even knew you were coming home for good. But once I knew, yes. I kept you in mind when planning and decorating the house.”
He stepped toward me. “I bought that picture because you created it. It is the perfect representation of us. Don’t ya think?”
He looked back at me, and I looked at the broken heart picture and then back at him. “How so?”
His hands tangled into my hair as he cupped my face. His thumb rubbed my cheekbone. “You named this picture ‘ Fate in Pieces’ . When I was broken into a million pieces on the floor, you put me back together.”
Tears filled my eyes as he wiped away the one that fell down my cheek.
“Brielle, my world was black and white until you brought the color. You saw something in me that I still don’t see to this day.” He chuckled and leaned into me for a soft kiss.
“I have waited a lifetime to find someone like you. I can’t survive in this world without my heart. You are my heart, Brielle.”
“I love you, Elijah Ryder.”
He lifted me into his arms, and we kissed like we needed each other's air to breathe. He pushed me up against the door. His tongue found mine in a sexy, sensual kiss.
My fingers twisted into his hair, and I pulled him as close to me as I could. I pulled away, panting. He pushed a piece of hair off my face.
“What about your mom, brother, and all the guys? You can't just leave your home. You just got into school and you—”
His finger covered my lips before kissing me softly again. He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. “Home is having someone you love to come back to. That would never be my home without you. You are the best part of me, Masterpiece.”
“Are you sure about this? I feel like you should have more time to think.”
He chuckled. “If you need time, take it. But I have known since the moment I met you that this was it for me.”
I eyed him jokingly. “I believe the moment after you met me you went to the bathroom and fu—”
He cut me off with a kiss, and I laughed against his lips. When he pulled back, his eyes were serious. “I knew the moment I met you.” He kissed my forehead and put me down. “I am serious, though. If you need time, I want you to take it. But I want you to know how serious I am about this.”
“Elijah, you haven’t given this enough thought.”
He smiled, walked over to the desk, and pulled out a ring box. He got down on one knee. My hand covered my mouth. I was speechless again.
He looked up at me. “Brielle Miller,” His voice was all choked.
“I will never be able to show you how much you mean to me, but I promise to spend every day trying my best. I promise, I will be open and honest about every struggle, every good moment, every moment.
As long as I can spend every moment with you, I will be happy.
“Elijah,” I said as I got on my knees to be level with him. My hands went around his head.
He shook his head. “Wait, I have more.”
I laughed and squeezed his hand.
“Masterpiece, no matter what I do in this life, none of it will ever be enough to deserve you. I promise to spend every day of my life showing you how beautiful and important you are, and lastly,” he paused and swallowed. “I promise if death were ever to part us, I will find you in every lifetime.”
“Yes.”
He smiled widely and bit his lower lip. “I didn’t even ask you yet?”
“I don’t need to be asked. The answer is, and always will be, yes.” I leaned down, kissing him hard. He fell back on me, landing on top of me.
“I love you so much, Elijah.”
He pulled back. “It’s Eli to you.” He winked before kissing me again.
I spoke against his plump lips. “Are you done with your declaration so we can start christening every room in this house?” I asked.
He pulled me into him. “Hell fucking yes.”
Our clothes flew around the room. We couldn’t get them off fast enough. He paused my movements by grabbing my hand and putting the beautiful solitaire diamond ring around my finger. I held up my hand to admire it for a moment.
“Are you done?” he said impatiently. “I would like to make love to my fiancée.”
I smiled as I pulled him into a kiss. When he touched my clit, I was already soaked for him. He moved up my body and slid his cock into me. After a few slow pumps, we found a rhythm.
He looked down at me as I moaned.
His eyes looked glossy. He leaned in to kiss me, but I stopped him. Rubbing my hands on his stubble. “What’s wrong?”
He broke. He paused and fell onto me, his cock still throbbing inside me. “Baby, talk to me,” I pleaded.
He leaned up and pulled out of me. He sat and leaned against the wall next to us. I did the same to keep him as close as possible.
“Shit. I’m sorry.” He tried to hide his face, but I pulled it toward me.
“For what, Baby?” I climbed onto his lap, straddling him. “What is going through that handsome head of yours?” I asked.
“I thought I’d lost this forever.”
I moved his hands around my body and placed his hands on my ass as I lifted and slid him inside me.
“Fuck,” he moaned.
As I started moving up and down on him, I spoke. “You are mine. We will never be apart again.” I leaned down for a kiss.
“I fucking love you so much, Masterpiece.”
I leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Fuck me like you own me.”
“Holy fuck,” he muttered as he pulled me down onto him hard. He lifted one of my knees up so it sat near his face. I could feel his piercing perfectly from this angle.
“Fuck yes. Right there, baby.”
My orgasm came fast and hard. His release followed the moment I moaned his name. I slouched against him, and he laughed.
“What?” I asked breathlessly.
His eyebrow went up in question. “Fuck me like you own me?”
I slapped his sweaty chest and laughed. “I was in the moment, okay? No judgments.”
He pulled me into a rough, passionate kiss. “We need more moments like that. That was the hottest thing you have ever said to me.”
I leaned in and whispered, “This is just the beginning, baby.