Page 87 of Rebound

Oh god. Do I? Part of me does, for sure. But how much of that part only wants to say yes to test him? To push him and see where his boundaries lie. If we’re going to rebuild, that’s not a healthy way to begin.

No, stay in New York. But I appreciate the offer. I’ll see you when I’m back and we can talk.

I can’t wait to see you. I love you.

After replying that I love him too, I lean back in the chair and gaze up at the star-filled sky. There are already a few premature fireworks lighting up the night, and they make me grin. Or maybe it’s Elijah that makes me grin. It means a lot that he wants to tell his family about us.

For now, though, I don’t want to analyze anything too deeply. I don’t want to dismantle it all and examine it—I just want to enjoy the way I feel in this moment.

I hear the countdown from inside the house and laugh as explosions of color erupt in all directions. Under that rainbow shimmer, I am filled with hope. Granny Lucille is right, as usual. He is my missing piece—and I want to rebuild.

ChapterForty-Two

ELIJAH

She loves me. She fucking loves me. And she wishes I were there. And… Shit, should I just go? What’s the point in having a private plane if not to do crap like this? If I left now, I could be in Charleston by three. In her bed by half past…

I’m still turning it over in my mind when Mason nudges me so hard I almost drop my phone.

“Bro,” he whispers, nodding toward the balcony. “Look.”

I’m annoyed at being dragged out of my fantasy of being in Amber’s bed, but I follow his gaze. Drake and Amelia are out there alone. “So?” I ask.

Maddox sidles over, drinking orange juice out of a cut-crystal champagne flute, and grins at me. “Drake’s been shifty all day. I think this is it.”

I realize how wrapped up in my own drama I’ve been. I worked late, catching up on the Kim deal, and by the time I arrived, the party was in full swing. I chatted with my brothers, caught up with Ashley and Tyler, and checked in with my dad—but if I’m honest, none of them had the whole of my attention. I’ve been waiting all night to message Amber. To catch her near midnight and let her know that although we’re apart, I’m still thinking of her. I remember all the New Year’s Eves I spent here without her and wish I could take them back. All I can do is try to move forward, and I meant every word when I offered to join her in South Carolina.

Now, my focus is drawn back to my family—and to that balcony.

“Oh man, I hope he’s going to,” says Mason, glancing at his watch. “She’s perfect for him. Come on, come on, Drake. It’s almost midnight.”

Luz and Dad start the countdown, and the place erupts into cheers as the clock turns. As soon as that dies down, we all turn our eyes back to the balcony, where Drake is down on one knee. Fuck, he’s actually doing it. None of us can hear what he’s saying, but her hands are on her face, and he’s holding out a small black box.

“Put the ring on her finger before she changes her mind, bro,” yells Mason, making us all laugh. We whistle and holler and look on as Drake does exactly that. I feel tears brimming in my eyes. Fuck, this is a great start to the new year. My baby brother, finding his happy ending. I couldn’t be more pleased.

It doesn’t take long for everyone to storm the balcony like fans at the end of a football game. We smother them both with hugs and kisses and congratulations. Maddox and Mason hoist Drake up on their shoulders and parade him around, and as soon as Nathan joins, we do the same. He clings to us, laughing and telling us to put him the fuck down so he can get back to his fiancée.

We eventually do, but we don’t let him go without another round of hugs and handshakes.

Now, as I watch my family celebrate together, my heart filled with warmth and love, I know it’s time to leave. It’s time to find my own happy ending, and the only person in the world who can give me that is Amber James.

* * *

Findinga pilot willing and able to fly me to Charleston after midnight on New Year’s Day isn’t easy, but this is one of those occasions when having vast wealth is extremely useful. Our usual guy suggests some colleagues, and eventually I find someone who is both sober and happy to work—at inflated rates, of course. I don’t care. This will be worth it.

I’ve been to Lucille’s charming home a few times before, but it’s been several years. Little has changed in her historic neighborhood, and I smile as I’m driven through the pretty streets. It’s almost five, and only a few of the buildings are lit up and active. Lucille’s is one of them.

I climb out of the cab and stretch my legs. Is this a crazy fucking idea? It definitely is. But Amber and I have been cold and civilized for way too long. The passion of Mr. and Mrs. Smith unlocked something in us, and it feels right to act on impulse like this. I know I told her I’d give her space, but I’m going to start my year the way I intend to finish it—with my wife by my side. I think deep down she wants that too.

The front door is open, and inside, I find the remains of what was clearly a legendary party. The house is quirky at the best of times, and now it looks like the aftermath of a Halloween frat party. Slumbering guests are sprawled on the couches covered in crocheted blankets, and one is sleeping upright beneath the broad green leaves of a monstera plant. Goblets, glasses, and paper cups cover every surface, and the huge punch bowl is completely empty. Low music is playing in the next room, and I find Granny Lucille curled up on a large bean bag with a woman with long gray hair. Lucille looks up at me and smiles, not looking remotely surprised to see me.

“About damn time,” she says. “Upstairs, third door down. She’s been in bed for hours—the youth of today have no stamina. And Elijah?” I nod for her to continue. “Two things—one, happy New Year. And two, if you hurt that girl again, I will find you, and I will kill you. Capisce?” She says the last word like a Mafia don.

I hold my hands up in surrender. “Capisce, Lucille. I have no intention of hurting her.”

I climb the stairs, stepping over a fat black cat that glares at me with vivid green eyes, and find the right door. She’s asleep on her side, only half covered by the sheets. The light from the hallway shows me she’s wearing a silky pink slip, and her hair is spread over the white pillows. After closing the door, I quickly take off my clothes and climb into bed next to her. Careful not to startle her too much, I curl myself around her and stroke her hair back from her ears. Fuck, she is so beautiful.

“Baby,” I whisper, “it’s me. Happy New Year.”

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