Page 19 of Séance

At my response, he flashes that damn dimple again, and I’m so dazed that I allow him to guide me to the car. Nerves flutter in my stomach, swooping like bats dive-bombing out of the sky, and I’m not sure if it’s because of him or the prospect of trusting someone.

His hand rests on my lower back, and my skin tingles at the contact.

Is that normal?

I read about attraction in romance books, but I thought it was all nonsense, embellishments written to entertain bored housewives. Now I wish I had studied them closer, and I make a mental note to download some books the instant I get home.

Research is needed.

Lots of research.

Ellis opens the car door for me, and I can’t stop the blush that heats my cheeks at his attention. He makes me feel special, like I matter, and I’m not sure what to do with all my emotions, so like any normal, healthy adult, I shove them deep down and ignore them. Glancing away, I slip into the car and focus on tucking my skirt around my legs. Though the guys might have seen my underwear while unpacking, I’m not ready to flash them yet.

Wait!

That came out wrong.

No flashing is happening tonight.

Or ever.

Thankfully, he shuts the door and hurries around the front of the car, leaving me to my runaway thoughts. As he rounds the hood, he flashes me a bright smile, and I’m so frazzled that I miss latching the seat belt.

I try twice more before I finally succeed.

Once Ellis slides behind the wheel, the scent of books and burning candles envelops me—two of my favorite things—and I realize it’s coming from him. It must be some type of cologne mixed with his natural scent, and it’s all I can do not to lean over and take another whiff.

Why didn’t I know boys could smell so good?

When he fastens his seat belt, I clear my throat and look out the windshield, trying to pretend I’m a normal girl and not some awkward freak who has been locked away from others for her whole life. “Where are we going?”

I’m pleased when the question comes out strong and not like a scared girl asking for reassurance.

“Not far,” Ellis promises, remaining still as he waits for me to look at him again.

I blow out a breath, then wilt in my seat, determined to enjoy myself. “Okay.”

A tiny smile curls his lips, as if he’s pleased at my trust, and he starts the engine. The motor responds immediately, turning over with a little roar, and I feel the power rumble in my seat.

I run my hand over the smooth leather seat with a pleased smile, a tiny bubble of excitement growing in my chest. This is what it must feel like to go on a date.

As we back out of the driveway, I peer out the window. I saw little of the area when we arrived here after my rescue. By the time we were done with the police and the visit to the emergency room, most of the ride was dark, plus the pain medication put me to sleep almost immediately.

Once on the road, we crawl down the street, but I don’t mind.

We only travel a few yards before he switches on the blinker, and then we turn into the driveway next door. Confusion stirs within me for a second, then carefree laughter spills from my lips, amusement warming my cheeks. “You goof! We could have walked.”

“What fun would that be?” His bright smile threatens to steal my breath, and I decide I like his reasoning. He turns off the engine before opening his door. “Wait there. I’ll come around and help you out.”

I grab my purse as I watch him jog around the front of the vehicle. When he reaches my door, I can’t help but smile when he opens it and offers me his hand. I don’t hesitate to accept it. “Thank you.”

My dress swirls around me as I stand, and he pulls me close as he shuts the door. I can’t resist the urge to lean into him, stealing one last sniff of his scent, only he turns at the last second, and my nose ends up buried in his neck. I should be embarrassed, but he wraps his arms around me to keep me from stumbling, and a delicious shiver goes through me as his warmth sinks into my skin.

Instead of saying anything, he cuddles me against him like he’s enjoying the closeness as much as I am. Though he’s smaller than the rest of the guys, he’s surprisingly solid, his muscles clearly defined under his shirt, and I find my fingers distractedly tracing his abs.

When he captures my wandering hand and places it on his chest, my head snaps up. His brown eyes darken with heat, and he searches my face before his gaze drops to my lips. I immediately lick them, and a tortured groan escapes him, his expression turning intense as he leans in closer.

“Little vixen, you tempt me.” His arm tightens around me, and I shiver at his husky tone, my body going haywire. I’m overwhelmed by my reactions, drowning in emotions, and I fucking love every second of it.

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