Page 26 of Stay With Me

She heads into the bathroom, coming out less than three minutes later and climbing back into bed. I pull her into my arms, relishing the feeling of her there.

Elise smiles at me. “I guess the town’s efforts in matchmaking finally paid off.”

My lips quirk and I tap her nose. “It was inevitable. Between our friends, the town, and those tiny little shorts you love to wear, I never stood a chance.”

She scrunches her nose. “You’re one to talk with your tight T-shirts and those gray sweatpants.”

Elise snuggles in closer, her laughter teasing my chest, and I feel myself hardening again. She stills, her eyes widening.

Propping her leg over my hip, I push into her again. I’ve been denying myself this for fifteen years, hell if I’m not going to be with her as much as I can. I just hope this isn’t a whim, a momentary lapse that leads to my heart being broken later.

Chapter Eleven

Elise

Ihearthebellring from the kitchen in Perk Up. Mary calls back to let me know Adeline and Rae are here. It’s been far too long since we’ve had a girls’ night and since I have more free time, it was overdue.

Finishing up the last of the prep so everything is ready to go in the morning, I glance around the kitchen to ensure it’s clean. Washing up, I hang my apron with one final check.

Having my afternoons free has been incredible and it feels like Mary has been here for years instead of mere weeks. Her cooking skills are phenomenal, and we have a great rotation of hot items, which more than pays for the cost of hiring her.

Leaving the kitchen, I smile at the gals. “Mary, everything is prepped for this evening and for in the morning, so there shouldn’t be much to do after close. Call me if there’s anything you need.”

She smiles maternally. “I will be okay. You have fun.”

With a wave, I follow my friends out the door.

“Brynne said she can’t come for pedicures, but I think I managed to convince her to join us for dinner.” Adeline’s voice is disappointed, but I’m not surprised.

We opt to walk to the salon, enjoying the sunny day.

“I’m not surprised. She doesn’t really like to be around crowds,” I voice my thoughts. Sighing, I think about how isolated she is and frown. “I’m hoping maybe we can get her out of her shell a bit. Her family name follows her like a curse in her mind, but no one blames her for her father and brothers’ issues with the law and overall horrendousness.”

Rae hums in agreement, her fingers flying over her phone. “Sorry, I’m sending off a contract for a new graphic design client. I know I’m still in school, but things are really taking off. I didn’t think people would want to hire someone who is still learning, but I was wrong.”

“You’ve always been creative and it’s not like you’re starting from scratch.” My words are strong. Rae comes across as confident, but sometimes she doubts herself. The work she’s been doing speaks for itself, but on occasion she slips and needs a reminder.

We reach the salon, Tamarya greeting us as we head inside. She recently added a few pedicure chairs to the back area trying to increase tourist traffic in her salon.

“Ah! My guinea pigs. The girls are waiting in the back for you.” She beams, her excitement palpable.

It doesn’t take long for us to be seated with our feet soaking in hot water, the massagers in the chairs buzzing.

“How are things going with Young Jae?” Rae cocks her head, eyeing me.

It’s been a couple weeks since things took a carnal turn, but I haven’t told my friends yet. I don’t know what Young Jae’s thoughts are regarding our friendship and what the sex means, so I didn’t text them. But I need their insight—just not right now.

Shrugging, I say easily, “Good. We’ve found our routine and I don’t think I wake him up when I get ready for work anymore.”

It’s moments like these that I’m grateful I’m not a big blusher otherwise my lie would be revealed. I want to tell them, but not in front of three of the town’s biggest gossips.

I see Rae eye Katie, Serena, and Beth. They’re clearly listening intently as they work on our feet and she nods slightly.

We move on to talk about how things are with Adeline and Owen. Owen’s mom moved into the apartment above Adeline’s barn this spring.

“How is it having the potential future mother-in-law so close?” I ask.

It’s hard for me to imagine having family nearby. My mom passed away when I was a child and my dad remarried and moved away as soon as I turned eighteen. He reaches out on my birthday and holidays, but our relationship has been strained due to his wife.

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