Page 124 of Saving Sparrow
“I think you need to stop thinking,” he breathed, clearly in shock.
I laughed, then stopped when he didn’t join in. He seemed so fragile right then, but maybe looksweredeceiving because he’d been the one to make the first move. He’d been the brave one.
“What now?” he asked.
“We have to set some ground rules, I think.” This was all new to me, but rules seemed like a good thing. “And you need more time to be sure.”
“I am sure.” He raised his chin.
“Well, more sure.”
“But—”
“It doesn’t mean we can’t be together while you’re making sure. Quentin and I didn’t rush into things. It took us years before we even kissed. Let’s just take our time,” I said. Elliott frowned. “We can still have some fun while we take our time. I just don’t want to lose you.”
His gaze turned soft. “You won’t lose me. I promise.” He brushed his fingers down my cheek, and I nodded, hoping he was right.
“Umm, you said fun…”
“Yeah,” I said slowly when he dragged his bottom lip between his teeth.
“Did you mean kissing?”
“Yeah, Ellie.” I chuckled. “We can kiss.”
Elliott touched my smile with gentle fingertips, clicking his tongue when it fell away, so I smiled again for him. His touch was soft and kind, and it asked for permission. Nothing like Quentin’s domineering hands. Elliott’s eyelids fluttered shut, and he leaned into me.
“Wait.” I caught him by the shoulders, holding him back.
“You said we could kiss.” His words came out huffy and cute, making me want to give in.
“Not without Quentin. We don’t do anything without Quentin.”
“Oh, right.” He straightened again. “You think he’ll want to?”
I’d said as much, but he seemed nervous about it anyway.
“Trust me, he will.” I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”
As if my words reminded him of how little sleep he’d had, he yawned, moving to the middle of the bed so I could get in.
I didn’t even remember to turn the lamp off before spooning him. “I missed you, Ellie. So damn much.” I pressed my nose to the back of his ear, inhaling the soapy scent of his skin.
“I missed you too,” he said sleepily, tracing the knuckles on the hand I flattened against his stomach.
We hadn’t even drifted off when heavy footsteps stomping down the hall made us bolt upright. Was Dylan here? Elliott and I gave each other a confused look before Quentin appeared in the doorway.
“Quentin?” I said in surprise. “What are you doing home?”
“Oh good,” he stepped in, dropping his backpack to the floor, “you’ve already worked shit out.”
“Is that why you’re here?” Elliott asked.
“I’m here because I couldn’t sleep without you two, and I need to fucking sleep.” He placed his hands on his hips. “I had this whole plan to pick your ass up and toss you into our bed. I was prepared to tie you to the damn headboard if I had to.” He definitely seemed pumped up enough to do it, maybe even a little disappointed he wouldn’t get to. “I had a whole speech and everything. What am I going to do with all my rage now?” He sounded put out.
Elliott and I shared a smile, then he pulled the blanket back, patting the space next to him. “Get in.”
“About damn time,” Quentin grumbled, kicking his shoes off and stripping down to his boxer briefs.
