Chapter 63
Chapter Sixty-Three
ELLE
Mabel won’t leave me alone. She’s fussing about, reminding me of our mother. If my life didn’t feel like it was ending, I would poke fun at her. I finish off the grilled cheese that Mabel shoved into my face, demanding I eat it. I attempted to fight it but she threatened to call Mama if I refused.
Mabel takes my paper plate and is walking to the garbage when there’s a soft knock at my front door.
I start to climb off the couch but Mabel catches the movement and stops me in my tracks, pointing a finger at me.
“No! You aren’t allowed to move. I will get the door.
” Mabel shuffles to the door, her finger never lowering.
“You know when you point, you have three or four fingers pointing back at you.” I grumble.
If I focused on anything else outside of how badly I needed to see Patrick, I would feel overwhelmed with the love my siblings were showing me.
They’ve been the very best to take care of me, keeping my company in the hospital and making sure I’m settled at home.
Even Lola volunteered to go over and check on my Intruder.
God, I hope he’s still my Intruder.
“Hey bubs.” My head whips to my door, Lola stepping in, shutting the door behind her.
“How are you feeling?” I don’t want to answer, I want to demand to know how Patrick is.
Demand to know where Patrick is but I’m sure she’s also worried about me and I owe her at least a few minutes of chit chat before I get to the important bits.
“I’m hurting.” Not a lie. I just don’t elaborate that my heart is hurting more than any other part of me.
It still hasn’t really registered that I have a sprain.
It’s become more noticeable as the night has continued but Mabel gave me some painkillers while I was eating.
“I’m sure. I know it’s getting late but Patrick’s outside.
Do you want to see him?” Lola’s question comes out tentatively and my jaw drops.
How could she question that? “Yes! Yes, of course I want to fucking see him! Why didn’t you lead with that?
” Mabel laughs at my outburst, throwing the door open and yelling for Patrick to get his ass in here.
I feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest, life has slowed down and if I don’t see him coming through the door, I’m going to run until I can find him. Ankle be fucking damned. He’s here. Standing in my doorway, red faced and chest heaving.
He so fucking perfect.
“Patrick.” His name comes out as a whimper.
I’m so happy to see him and so scared that he hates me.
I need to get to him. I swing my leg off the pillows and start to stand before his booming voice stops me in my tracks.
“Elle, stop.” His voice is strong but I can’t get a feel of his emotions.
“Sweetheart, don’t get up.” Patrick’s long legs eat the distance between us, once he’s as close he could get without sitting in my lap, he drops to his knees.
I’ve stopped breathing. He’s here, kneeling in front of me. His hands—big and warm—cradle my calf and foot, rearranging me so my foot is back on the pillows. My opposite leg is still resting on the floor, leaving me open to him. I ache to have him between my legs again.
“Are you okay?”
I’m too overwhelmed having him here. There’s a lump in my throat and I can’t force any words out, so I nod.
Having him here, everything is fine. I lift my hand, it’s shaking in fear, and slowly—giving him the chance to pull away—rest my hand on his cheek.
His usually smooth face is slightly stubbled and the hair prickles my skin.
He leans into my touch and I know we're going to be okay. My heart starts beating again as I lean into Patrick and press my lips against his. Being around him feels like coming home. Everything is correct with his mouth on mine.
A throat clears and Patrick pulls away from me.
I try to follow but my legs are positioned so awkwardly, I can’t get very far.
I glare at my sisters, both of them with wide smiles on their faces.
“We’re just going to go.” Mabel can’t keep the chuckle out of her voice.
Lola nods her head and sticks her thumb out, gesturing towards my front door.
“Thank you. I can’t thank either of you enough. Paul too. I love you guys.” They echo my sentiment, telling me to call if I need anything. Mabel wiggles her eyebrows at me before closing the door with a quiet snick.