Page 71 of Finding Home

“Elle, I…” He stopped, sucking back the words he might have planned to say. Cupping her face, he pressed the softest kiss on her mouth. Pulling back, his fingers outlined her lips. “Come with me,” he whispered, taking her hand.

Clayton led her down the hall to his room. Once behind his childhood bedroom door, he pulled her into his arms and captured her lips. “Thank you,” he said, his voice hoarse.

“You don’t have to thank me.” She breathed in deep his citrus scent. “What was that about down there with your dad?”

“I was always supposed to be the next Dr. Owens at the clinic. Since my great-grandpa, the first son has always been Dr. Owens. When I went to undergrad declaring pre-med my major, I did it to please my dad. My heart wasn’t in it, though. When I told him I was going to go to Veterinarian school instead of medical school I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I’d failed him.”

“The only failure is his in not seeing you. Not knowing your heart,” she said, her tone firm but soft. “I see you. I see who you are…who you’ve always been.”

“I know he loves me. Someone can still love you and be disappointed in you.”

"He’s the disappointment.” She gripped his face forcing his stare to hers. “You hear me, Clayton. You are a goddamn masterpiece.” She used his words to her.

“Elle, I…”

She halted his words with a consuming kiss. Hoping each press of her lips branded him with the truth that he was everything even if his father didn’t see it. Even if his vision was clouded, not seeing himself the way she saw him.

A lopsided grin spread on his face. “I used to have very naughty fantasies about you in here.”

“Yeah?”

“Yup.” He trailed his hands to her waist, bending to kiss her.

“Too bad your parents are downstairs.”

“That may have been one of my fantasies.”

Her right eyebrow arched.

Amusement sparked in his eyes. “Just up here with you trying to be quiet, so we didn’t get caught.” Clayton’s steamy gaze jumped between the bed and her, causing Elle’s breath to hitch.

She considered pulling him atop her on the bed, allowing his hands to roam under her dress, covering her with a hungry mouth. Their careful ears listening for the sound of footsteps while she unbuckled him, slipping hands beneath boxer briefs. The stolen moments of pleasure, knowing that any moment the unlocked door could open, and they could be caught.

A tingle in her lady bits accompanied her X-rated thoughts.

“When we get home.” Her response was breathless and wanting.

Home?It was like a foreign word, yet it slipped from her tongue so sweetly.

TWENTY-SIX

“Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.”

~Jane Austen,Emma

“Still a chance to pull out.”Elle warned, as Clayton parked at her aunt and uncle’s house.

Twenty-four hours later and they were at another family dinner. Elle’s family was gathering for an Aloha-themed dinner to welcome Tobey and Jerome back from their Hawaiian honeymoon. Clayton was invited…well more liketoldor silently threatened by Uncle Pete to attend. He was a good sport, though, rocking an obnoxious yellow Hawaiian shirt that complimented Elle’s green palm printed strapless maxi dress. Even Fitz was dressed for a party in a tropical-patterned top, curtesy of his Aunt Nat.

“No chance,” he chuckled, turning off the ignition before leaning over to capture her lips with his.

Jumping out of the truck, Elle grabbed the bottle of wine she’d brought. Scooping Fitz up, Clayton placed him on thegravel driveway, grasping the pug’s blue leash. Rounding the front of the truck, Elle clasped Clayton’s left hand.

Uncle Pete, Tobey, and Jerome stood stone-faced, hands behind their backs. Clayton’s steps faltered, glancing between the three men and Elle. Individually, the three men weren’t intimidating. However, with their features unreadable, their large frames were a bit menacing. Uncle Pete stood on the porch, Tobey on the next step down, and Jerome another step below, just above the stone walkway. Pete towered over everyone like a general riding a massive white stallion.

“Son…” Pete rasped ominously. “I’m sorry to do this, but you need to understand how important Elle is to us. If you hurt her, you will face us.”

Clayton nodded, clenching Elle’s hand. “I’d expect nothing less.”

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