Page 29 of Taking What's Ours

CHAPTER EIGHT

Elaina—

The sound of the garage door wakes me. Tossing the covers, I move to the slider and watch Dylan backing his truck out and driving down the street. I can’t help wondering where he’s going.

After a quick shower, I dress in a pair of faded jeans and an off the shoulder soft sweater of silver gray. I put my hair up in a messy bun and add a pair of dangling silver earrings that almost brush the tops of my bare shoulders.

By this time, Rosie is whining to go outside, so I click her leash on and walk her down the block and back. When we return, I feed her, then try the door to Dylan’s house. It’s unlocked, so I let us both in and make a cup of coffee.

There’s a note under a magnet on the fridge.

Elaina—

I had to take care of some business.

I should be back this afternoon.

By dinnertime at the latest.

Make yourself at home.

—Dylan.

I stare down at Rosie. “Guess it’s just you and me, girl.”

Wrapping my hands around my mug of coffee, I take it and my phone out onto the balcony and sit. It’s a little chilly, but the sun is out, and it warms me.

Before I’m to the bottom of my cup, my phone rings. Glancing at the screen, I groan and put it to my ear. “Hello, Mother.”

“Where are you?”

“I told you. I need some time to think.”

“Think about what? Honey, you’re already married.”

“Mother, stop.”

“If you’d just come home, everything will work out. Elliott is really sorry. He told your father so. Don’t you think you’re overreacting?”

“No, I don’t. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to come home.”

“But Elaina, you can’t expect a man like Elliott to wait around. Besides, you’ve got a job. What about that?”

“I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon this week, so I doubt they’ll miss me.”

“That beautiful honeymoon you’re missing. It breaks my heart. Maybe you can still catch a flight. You’ve wanted to see Hawaii for so long.”

“Hawaii isn’t going anywhere. I have a big decision to make, Mom. I don’t take marriage lightly.”

“Elliott doesn’t, either. He’s heartbroken.”

I roll my eyes, thinking of him in bed with my cousin. “I doubt that, Mom.”

“Elaina, this is ridiculous. Just come home.”

“I can’t do this. I’ll talk to you later.” I disconnect and mute my phone. She calls back, but I ignore it.

My quiet morning is now effectively ruined, so I wander inside and dump my coffee in the sink. I stare out the window, wondering what I’m going to do all day. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I wander around the house, passing Dylan’s bedroom, and swearing to myself I won’t intrude. But after another lap around the house, I’m drawn straight to his door. I can’t help myself from turning the knob and opening it a foot, promising I’ll just take a peek inside.

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