Page 51 of Cherished Lands
"Dear god, man. You didn't even touch skin."
I chuckled and stroked my hand down her thigh, leaving it cupping her knee for the remainder of our drive.
Chapter Eighteen
TESSA
The Everton housewas pure chaos when we arrived.
Emma and Marie were cooking in the kitchen. Natalie and Charlie sat at the island, chatting.
Jay, Herbert—who I'd been instructed to call Papa—Chase, and Jasper lounged on the living room sectional, watching ESPN and gearing up for the Lions to take on the Vikings.
Christmas music played in the background. The sound of a train circling the bottom of the freshly decorated tree cut through the chatter from both rooms.
I loved it.
"We're home!" Elliot announced as we walked through the front door.
"El!" Charlie hopped off her bar stool and darted across the kitchen before leaping onto her brother.
"Hey, squirt."
When Elliot released her and set her on her feet, she turned to me. "Hi, Tessa. I hear congratulations are in order." She pulled me into a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around me.
Of all the Everton siblings, I knew Charlie the least. She was ten years younger than me, so we'd never had much opportunity to interact. The few times I had spoken with her were usually at town functions. She'd always been kind, if a little reserved. Here, though, surrounded by her family, she seemed more open and comfortable.
"Thank you. I know it's a bit of a shock, but"—I reached over and grabbed Elliot's hand, lacing our fingers together—"we're happy."
I was, at least. And judging by the soft smile when I looked up at him, he was too.
Was all this happiness the product of half a dozen orgasms? Of getting away with the fake marriage and sticking it to my father? Of being surrounded by good company on my favorite holiday? All of the above?
Maybe it was more than that.
It could've been the product of feelingseenfor the first time in my life. Of not worrying that I was 'too much' or 'not enough.' In the time I'd spent with Elliot over the last few weeks, I could just be me and, while he put on a good show of being annoyed, he never made me feel like I needed to be anything other than myself.
Not only could Elliot handle my sass and give it right back, but he made my body sing.
"I'm glad. My big brother deserves it." She patted Elliot a couple times on his muscled chest. "Plus, he's only been in love with you for, like, his whole life."
Elliot choked on air, but he couldn't very well deny it. To everyone in this room—except Jay and Emma—we were in love.
"His whole life, huh?" I looked up at my husband and crooked a finger.
He hesitated, eyes darting to his sister before he leaned in and kissed me. It was quick—just a peck—but it was the first time we'd crossed any physical lines in front of his family.
"Aw!" Charlie cooed. "You two are the cutest. Okay, come on, Tessa. The boys are watching stupid sports, so we're hanging out in the kitchen."
Charlie dragged me away by the hand, and I looked back at Elliot with an exaggerated pout. "But I like football."
In the kitchen, I was greeted by more warm hugs. The room smelled like syrup and sausage.
"How was the trip?" Emma asked.
"It was good. Elliot has horrible taste in music." I snagged a sausage link off the plate on the island.
Charlie giggled next to me, and Emma beamed. "Well, at least you didn't kill each other."
