Page 11 of A Brilliant Spring

“Of course they did. They’ll do whatever it takes to save face, even if it means I’m speaking the truth. My little outburst probably worked in their favour, and I’m mad at myself for that.” Elissa shudders. Her hand slips from mine as she slides off the stool to stand, bending her knees one at a time to work in the bandages. “Thanks for taking care of me, Riles. You’re going to be an excellent mom.” Riley’s face blooms red as she packs up the first-aid kit and returns it to the washroom. Elissa saunters closer to me, wraps her hand around mine, and pulls me closer to her bedroom.

•••

Since that night, everything has been fine. She’s been staying at my place more often now that we’re official, and let me be the first to say — it’s nice. I finally have her, and I can’t screw up and lose her again. It’s so nice having her lithe body next to mine when we wake up, and it feels good when my arm coils around her waist, tugging her in close so that her ass is snug against my cock. It feels nice being able to bury my face in her bronze hair and inhale the scent of her vanilla and coconut shampoo.

I was a little worried at first, when we found out her father died, that she would break, run away again. But she hasn’t. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little apprehensive about her mental state — even knowing she wasn’t close with her father, there’s been little grieving. But honestly, she’s been fine. Elissa has been perfect at work, like always. Always professional, always focused. She mentions little things like “when Riley takes over the apartment…” and “not sure where I’ll end up…” it’s almost like she’s hinting at something. Hinting at moving in with me. But that couldn’t be what she means, because really, we just started actually dating. I would say yes in a heartbeat, but I know she’s just lamenting over having to find a new place. Right?

Regardless, for once, it feels like everything is clicking into place. Black & Wells’ new division is operating well right now with Selena and Elissa at the helm, so well that I’ve been able to step back a little and make more time for my real company, Collins Global Collective. Elissa has even promoted Selena officially to her position as “Assistant Department Director.”

A wad of crumpled paper swooshes through the air and bounces off my face.

“Earth to Collins,” Rhys grumbles. I shake myself from my inner thoughts and focus on my best friend. Rhys Kessler and Liam West are sitting across from me in my office at CGC. They’re slumped in the chairs, feet wide apart, and arms thrown over the back of the chairs, looking like bookends. Liam has been avoiding me after the whole thing with Elissa. They slept together one night, nine months ago, and he acted like they were soul mates. We’ve hung out a few times since then, mostly when we all get together to play basketball, but we haven’t seen much of him since I started sleeping with Elissa.

My eyes dart to Rhys and I furrow my brows at him for throwing the paper.

“As I was saying…” Rhys continues, “Liam and I are going out tonight to have some drinks and hit on some girls. I know you’re not available, but you can still come with us. We need to get laid, and you can help entertain the other women for us if there’s a group of them.” Before I can say anything, Rhys claps his hands. “Great, it’s settled then. We’ll all go out tonight.” I huff, rolling my eyes.

“What about Riley?” I ask. Rhys’ breath catches and his body tenses. His hands slowly curl into fists, then relax. His jaw pulses, then he takes a deep breath.

“Man, why do you have to bring her up?”

“I just don’t see why you’re going out, planning on getting laid, when you have a baby on the way.”

“Might have a baby on the way,” Rhys snipes. I grind my teeth as my eyes narrow and fold my arms across my chest.

“You really think Riley would lie about it being your baby? C’mon man, stop being a pussy and own up to your shit. Be the goddamn man we know you are, not this scared little boy running away from his problems.” I glance at Liam and he just shrugs, as if he has no opinion on the matter.

“What?” Liam asks, when I stare at him expectantly, hoping he’ll weigh in on the conversation. “I don’t really know Riley like you two. I can’t say if she’d lie about that or not.” No fucking help. To be honest, I sometimes get the feeling that he doesn’t actually like me. Even before the Elissa thing. We’ve known each other for years — since high school — and he’s always been a bit closed off. Part of me wonders if it’s because I upset the balance between him and Rhys when I moved to their school in freshman year. They were best friends before I came along, then we became a trio of sorts. I mean, I could care less about his problems with me and my being friends with Rhys, but it still grates on my nerves whenever he seems to take Rhys’ side just because.

“Whatever. But I am not going with you two tonight, you’re on your own. If Elissa found out, she’d be pissed at me.”

“Be pissed at you? For what? Going out with your friends for some drinks? That’s some bullshit, man. We both know how Elissa parties — partied.” My teeth grit and my blood starts to boil from hearing him talk about her that way.

“First of all,” I growl, “Do not talk about Elissa that way. And you know as well as I do it’s not because of getting drinks with you two. She’d be pissed because I am enabling your fuckboy ways, even though you knocked up her best friend. And you know that I don’t agree with what you’re doing or how you’re choosing to handle the situation.”

My phone vibrates across my desk, tearing my attention away from the conversation.

Eli: Are you coming over tonight?

“Who’s that? Elissa?” Rhys sneers. I flip him off and text her back.

Me: Sure. The guys wanted me to go out tonight for drinks, but I’d rather pass anyway.

Three dots bounce on my screen as I wait for her reply.

Eli: Okay. If you want to come over tomorrow, that’s okay too.

Me: No. I’ll be there. I’ll bring dinner for the three of us.

“Sorry, Rhys. I’ve got plans tonight,” I say, tossing my phone back on my desk.

Chapter

Eleven

Elissa

It’s only a few days into February, but we finally got the call about my father’s will. I guess it took a while for everything to be put in place and the lawyers to go over everything in detail. My mother called me this morning to let me know about the will reading on Friday. It was said that only my mother and I were bequeathed anything, other than the random charities he donated to. Ugh, that word. Bequeathed. The last thing I want is anything from my father.

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