Page 61 of Only Ever Yours

“It's fine,” I say softly. “The stovetop can be cleaned. It's no big deal.”

“It is though… you’re pissed at me.”

“I'm not pissed at you, Peachy. I’m just glad you’re okay.” I search her glossy eyes, wanting to say a hell of a lot more, but I hold back—because she's not mine.

Her lip pops out with a pout. “I guess I should have told you before now… I can't cook.”

I can't help but laugh, shaking my head at her. She's so damn adorable right now. I tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“Don’t laugh at me,” she sighs deeply, and I pull her body back into mine even tighter.

“I said it's fine… I can do dinner from now on, don’t worry.”

She looks back up at me. Holding her in my arms feels so damn good. Her beautiful eyes flutter closed, her long lashes resting lightly against her cheeks. I can't help myself when I lean down and place my lips to her forehead, inhaling her intoxicating scent and engraving it to memory.

I feel her body shiver in my arms, and I know she's just as much affected by me as I am by her.

Does she hate me… or feel something more?

I’m torn between wanting to know, wanting to dig deep within her and make her confess her true feelings… or just letting this ride out between us and see where it goes.

She pulls back, lightly pressing me away with her palms. My arms stay locked in place around her.

She whispers up at me from beneath her lashes. “Let me get started cleaning this up.”

My arms reluctantly slip from around her. I squeeze the back of my neck, watching her walk away… but secretly wishing she were still inmy arms.

It’s like someone is playing a fucking joke on me. The woman I’m falling for is living in my home… but somehow in a relationship with another man.

I’ve got to figure something out. I don’t know how much more of this torture I can take before I fucking lose it.

Ellie

I had to get out of his arms. I could feel myself falling—drifting into a place where I would never be able to return from, needing him a little more.

Why is he being so fucking sweet to me? How the hell am I supposed to stay away from him when he says things like that and holds me like it's our last day on earth?

Still feeling his stare, I busy myself, grabbing the sponge and cleaner, and start wiping off the stovetop, praying this mess comes clean. I finally hear him move. Turning my head over my shoulder, I see him walking into the other room and opening the window.

Luckily, the smoke detector isn’t tied into calling 911. I would have been mortified.

The haze quickly dissipated once Jaydon threw the pot outside and left the patio doors open.

I just can't shake these feelings. I've never felt like this before… and it’s a little terrifying.

Chapter 17

Ellie

I've had the shittiest day. I got an email earlier this morning reminding me of the due date of my car payment and insurance, and I have no fucking idea how I'm going to pay it this month—let alone pay Jaydon for my first month of living here.

I knew this was coming. I just thought I would have been able to bring in more clients before now. Nobody has inquired about my planning services, although I haven't exactly been advertising much with everything else going on. I’m so screwed, and I need to figure something out quickly.

As soon as I got home from the cafe, I hurried to change out of my clothes and showered, putting on my favorite tank and sleep shorts. I can’t stand to smell like a freaking cup of coffee all afternoon.

Jaydon got home a little while ago. I heard him come in when I was getting dressed. I’ve been trying to keep my distance from him since the other day. It’s weird; I’m confused as hell about how he truly feels about me. We’re like fire and ice.

Am I just convenient for him, since I live here?

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