Page 45 of Make You Mine

“Can’t hear you! One sec,” I yell out, slightly high-pitched. Turning the temperature knob to a cooler setting, I dip my face beneath the water to wash away the tears I’ve shed, hoping any redness calms down enough and I’m not questioned.

It takes a few minutes for me to regain full feeling and then turn the water off, grabbing a towel as I step out. Cool air hits my skin and I shiver, tightening the fluffy fabric around me.

He’s still just outside of this door. Can hear the heavy steps of his boots on the wooden floors right before he stops and his phone rings. It starts and then stops, only to start all over again.

“Motherfuck,” Eli spits out, and I have a feeling it has everything to do with whomever is calling. “Sweetheart, I need to—” he trails off as I open the door, stopping in front of him in a terry cloth robe. I’m not trying to tempt him, but there’s no choice but to step out like this again when I left my clothing inside my room.

The same electrical currents flow between us—the palpable hunger and intensity from the last time we were in this position—yet we don’t react. Instead, his body is tense and his jaw ticks, but those hazel eyes remain on mine. Ever the gentleman, and I appreciate it.

Now’s not the time.We can’t be. I can’t.

No matter how much my body yearns for him to comfort me.

“You need to leave, and something happened.”

Elijah swallows hard, giving me a small nod. “He’s been spotted in Arizona.”

“Go on. I’m fine.”

“Don’t lie to me, Ava.”

“I will be when you find him.” It’s the best I can do, and his expression is one of understanding. Elijah takes a few steps inmy direction, closing the gap between us. My skin prickles in the anticipation of his nearness. For a minute or two, the man looks at me with so much warmth that it creates butterflies in my stomach. Soothes my fragile soul.

It also makes my lips lift into a tiny smile no matter how much I try to fight it.

I lose myself in his stare.

“I’m going to give you your life back one surprise at a time.” Bringing a hand to my face, he cups my chin and rubs his thumb across my warm cheek. “Please enjoy my kitchen while I’m gone.”

That’s all he says before walking away and out the door.

It’s confusing. Leaves me breathless.

He’s…wait. His kitchen?

16

AVA

As soon as I’m dressed, I rush out to the kitchen and upon entering, stop dead in my tracks.

Oh.

My.

GOD!

“Wow,” I breathe out, in shock by what I’m seeing. Every single inch of counter space is full of items, the baking necessities needed to make some of my favorite creations. From pots and pans to sugar and flour—chocolate and fondant, and even a piping gun set.

They’re new and good quality, making the excitement in me grow.

It’s been so long, and giddiness I haven’t felt in months blooms deep inside my chest with the rush of a freight train. It helps push away every negative thought, momentarily forcing back the living nightmare I’m currently navigating through into the back of my mind.

Ideas form as another reality takes center stage.He saw me and listened.

It slams into me, and I can’t stop the giggle that escapes. This thoughtful act touches me in a way that leaves me breathless, and my heart beats rapidly inside my chest while my body feels as though I’m temporarily walking on sunshine.

Light. Carefree. Itching to start measuring my ingredients, but then I notice the small Post-It attached to a bag of semi-sweet dark chocolate.

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