Page 128 of Ripped & Shipped
Chris takes his time answering me. It’s one of the things about him that drives me nuts, but also makes me respect him deeply.
Finally, he says, “You are …”
And then he pauses.
Impatient woman that I can be, I ask, “What am I?”
“You’re still fabulous.”
“That’s so cheesy, Soldier.”
“No, seriously. You are. You’ve got so much going for you. And you don’t need an online platform to prove that. You can keep doing your social media gig, or you could do something else.”
“What else is there? I’ve put everything I am into becoming Fab-U-lous Ella Mae.”
“I don’t know, but let’s dream. What would you be or do if the whole internet crashed tomorrow?”
I sit up, looking down at him in horror.
“First of all, blasphemy. Never utter that sentence again in my presence, Soldier.”
He chuckles, pulling me back down onto him. I feel the vibrations of his laughter rumble through me. It’s beyond delicious. I snuggle back into him like a cat in the sunshine.
“Second of all,” I say, “Isn’t that a little touchy-feely for a big guy like you? You’re not thelet’s dreamtype.”
“Maybe you make me want to be all touchy-feely.” He accentuates that comment with a gentle stroke of his hand across my cheek while his other hand brushes down my back and lands on my hip with a possessive squeeze.
Oh, I want to be all touchy-feely with you too, Soldier. You better believe it. I clear my throat and tip my head back and to the side so I can look up into his eyes. He’s got this sweet, protective expression. His whole face is soft and open. He’s giving me space to find my answer.
I think for a bit, staring into the night with Chris’ protective embrace infusing me with courage.
“I guess, photography?” I finally say. “I love taking photos. But also, maybe helping other entrepreneurs and creatives get their businesses off the ground. I know people think I’m a spaz, but this spaz has made a lot of money and a name for herself starting with nothing but a phone and a strong will.”
“You’ve got a lot more than that going for you,” he says with such earnestness I feel my cheeks heat and my eyes well with unshed tears.
“Could you loan me the glasses you use when you look at me?”
“I don’t need glasses. I see what’s there—maybe you cover it up at times, but you’re brilliant, quick on your feet, unafraid, persistent, and you look out for others. You don’t hold grudges, and you’re one of the most fun people I’ve ever hung out with.”
“You didn’t even mention how ravishingly beautiful I am,” I tease.
“You already know that. But, yeah. Sometimes I can barely look at you. That’s how beautiful you are.”
“What a way with words.” I roll my eyes even though he probably can’t see me do it from his position lying next to me in the dark.
“I hope you know what I mean. I can’t look at you because I will lose all self-control. You make me want to do things … to say things … and I’m not a man who acts without thinking.”
“Tell me about it,” I breathe out a laugh.
It takes a minute after my knee-jerk joking reaction to let his words hit me. And then they do—like a shot of adrenaline. Having that kind of effect on a man like Chris is a heady experience.
“You know, you’re a lot softer than you let on,” I say.
“Don’t tell anyone. I’ve got a reputation to uphold. Only Duke and Alex really know what a big softy I am. Maybe Duke knows most of all. Well, Shannon does, but she’s all but forgotten I exist now that she’s married and expecting.”
“I highly doubt that. I’m sure she knows you exist. Think about how much you mean to her. She put off dating Duke just for you.”
“Huh. Yeah. I never saw it that way.”
