Page 57 of Breaking the Ice

“Zach.” Just the sound of her saying my name sends waves of warmth through me.

“How’s your mom?”

“She’s mad about being in the hospital. She’ll be there for a couple more days.”

“Tell her hello for me,” I say before asking, “How was breakfast with Yolanda?”

She’s quiet for so long I start to get nervous. She finally says, “I’m torn.”

“About what?”

“Yolanda says you’re the father of her baby.”

“She’s already telling people?” I nearly fall onto the bed at the thought that it might be too late to convince people I’m innocent.

“So you don’t deny it?” Ellie’s voice sounds strained.

Wait? What? Does she believe Yolanda? “Of course I deny it. I told you I never so much as held hands with the woman.” When she doesn’t answer right away, I demand to know, “Have you changed your mind about me?”

Instead of answering, she says, “Yolanda knows what an amazing kisser you are.”

“First of all, she knows no such thing, and secondly, you think I’m an amazing kisser?” As hurt as I am that she’s doubting me, I can’t help but tease her.

She quietly responds, “You know you are.”

“A kiss is only as good as the investment of both of the people participating in it,” I tell her.

Her mood seems to lighten as she asks, “So you think I’m an amazing kisser?”

“Oh yeah,” I tell her. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you.”

“Zach.” She’s back to sounding serious. “I want to believe you, but I’m afraid.”

“Of what?”

“Of being hurt. Of being left behind. I’m not a big risk taker and liking you is a huge risk.”

I try to put myself in Ellie’s position and I guess I can see her point. “I thought we’d agreed to take things one day at a time. If we do that, then surely the risk won’t feel so big.”

“Says a man who isn’t risking anything.”

I stretch out on the bed and stare at the raging surf outside my window. “Of course I’m risking something. I’m risking my heart.” Before she can respond, I add, “We both have to trust our instincts, Ellie. It’s the only way.”

I hear her take several breaths before she finally says, “Okay.”

“Okay, what?” I need to hear her say the words.

“Okay, I’ll trust my instincts.”

“And what are they telling you?” Come on, Ellie, believe in me.

“That you’re telling the truth. But you should know that I was full of doubts earlier this morning and I told Yolanda you’re staying at the cottage.” Before I can comment, she asks, “You still are, aren’t you? I haven’t seen your car here all day.”

“I’m in Malibu,” I tell her. I don’t care what Tony says. If Ellie is willing to trust me, I have to be willing to trust her.

“Why?”

“The man who owns the PR agency I use has a plan.”

---