Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
PATRICK
I’m dragging my feet. I could go home, I’ve packed up most of my little space but I can’t let myself leave without seeing Elle. I don’t want to let another minute go by without talking to her and figuring out why she’s been radio silent.
Now, the thought of not being around Elle makes my chest ache. I don’t think I could stay away from her if I tried.
BANG!
The door of the office slams against the wall and Elle is standing in the frame.
Her cheeks are red from exertion and her chest is rising and falling rapidly.
Did she run here? I stand and take a step towards her, needing to make sure she’s okay but I stop when a terrible thought flashes in my brain.
Did she run here for him?
I clench my fists to stop the jealousy that threatens to spill out of me. Elle’s gaze drops to my hands before snapping back to my face. She steps forward and closes the door gently, her eyes never leaving my face.
She walks toward me, her head held high and a glint of mischief dancing in her chocolate eyes. She stops in front of me, our toes almost touching. My heart is racing, I’m so far gone for Elle and she has no idea.
“Hi.” Her greeting is soft and breathy and it makes my dick twitch.
It’s like everything is moving in slow-mo.
Elle raises her hands and rests one on my pec, the other hand continues to slide up until it’s resting on the side of my neck.
I can feel goosebumps cover my skin as she teases the end of my hair.
“I missed you.”
I don’t have a chance to be surprised by her admission.
As soon as the words leave her mouth, Elle’s fingers grip my neck and pull me down.
Our mouths collide and it might have hurt if she didn’t have the softest lips known to man.
I encircle her body with my arms, pulling her into me.
A soft gasp opens her mouth to me and I waste no time teasing her with my tongue.
I missed her.
Having her in my arms, our bodies pressed together and her mouth on mine is like coming home for the first time in over 10 years.
When we finally separate, she’s smiling.
Actually smiling at me. I can’t stop myself, I dip my head and press open mouth kisses against her neck.
For a moment, we soak in each other's presence and just hold each other. I pull my face from the curve of her neck and rest my forehead against hers, she’s so beautiful.
“Sweetheart, what happened?” I do my best to keep the pain from my voice but it’s still there.
Elle lets out a sigh that warms my face.
“We need to talk,” four words no one wants to hear, “I was scared. You’re so nice and everyone likes you and I’m me.
” I want to interrupt her with everything that I am and tell her that she’s perfect.
“No one wants to be around me for more than a few hours. I’m grumpy and abrasive and too much but I’m not going to change.
I like who I am and I’m happy with my life.
People have tried to change me in the past and I know you don’t want to change me, right now, but-”
Enough of this. I cover Elle’s mouth with my own to stop this nonsense.
Once I can feel her nipples start to harden, I pull back.
“You are not too much, Elle April Warren. You are perfect for me and I want to seriously maim every single person who has ever made you feel this way.” My gaze is fierce but she lets out a watery laugh.
“You could just say you’d want to fucking hurt them, you know?
” I’ve never been big on curse words but hearing Elle drop her favorite word calms my soul.
“Elle, sweetheart. Please come over and have dinner with me. I need you in my arms tonight.” I can feel her fingers slipping through my hair and I don’t fight her when she pulls my head away from her body.
I want to complain but I know I’ll have more chances to explore every inch of my girl’s body with my mouth eventually.
“Can we go right now? I don’t have anything else to do today.” Elle kisses my cheek, and warmth spreads through my chest. “Let’s get out of here.”