Page 21 of Knot Falling in Love
In hindsight that nudge definitely felt a lot more like a shove, but it did help me finally put the past to bed. Oh, that’s a poor choice of words.
“So, you’re not mad?” I ask.
“Why would I be mad?” She places her hands on my shoulders and looks into my eyes, “You’re practically my sister already. I am happy as long as you two are happy. You are happy, right?” She glances between the two of us.
Elijah doesn’t reply, instead, he looks at me, waiting for my answer.
“Yes.” I smile, “Yes, I am.”
“Good.” She wraps me in a hug, and I can feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. “Now, we should get inside,” she pulls away, smoothing my hair down and touching my face.
“Actually, you go ahead and go inside.”Elijah says.
Hannah looks at her brother. “Fine, I will give you two some privacy.”
He waits until his sister is back in the house, then he turns to me, grabbing me by the waist and kissing me. It’s gentle at first, soft pecks testing and almost trying to make sure that I am real. Each longer than the one before, until the lingering touch makes my heart ache, showing me just how much he missed me.
I grip his shoulders, hissing out a breath as his cool hands slide under my shirt, lifting towards my ribs. He takes advantage, teasing his tongue against mine and deepening the kiss until we’re both breathless.
“What happened to you?” I mutter, pushing his damp hair back from his forehead, and admiring how handsome he is.
He smiles, “I ran too far north and came across a couple of giants.”
“Elijah.”
“I’m fine,” He squeezes my sides then slides his hands out from under my shirt, digging into the front pocket of his leather jacket, “After the night I’ve had, I just really want to go home.” He dangles the keys to his Camaro between us.
“Home?” I tilt my head, searching his face.
“I know we haven’t talked about it, and I know you probably don’t want to decide anything just yet.”
I press my finger against his lips, “Home sounds good.”
Elijah smiles.
Chapter Twelve
Maisie
We drive back to his place with the windows down, both damp from the rain, with his hand on my thigh as I sing along to the radio struggling to find the right key. Even with the moon and stars shining brightly above us, Elijah can’t take his eyes off of me. Smiling, just as he always has.
I used to think he was teasing me, but now I recognize the look. Love.
Love that has weathered storms and gone without for years. Love that started out as something entirely different, but now wehave to redefine as mates. I recognize it since it’s the same way I look at him.
That’s the secret we’ve always shared—the smile only meant for me.
“It’s late. I was thinking we could get you out of those dirty clothes and . . .”
“I have a better idea.” Elijah says as he shuts the door, gripping my bicep and tugging me closer. His hand tangles in my hair as he kisses me. We shuffle together in a lazy, lust-drunk daze until my back is flat against the wall, his palm wrapping around my jaw to lift my chin for easier access.
My hands tangle in his shirt, holding him at arm’s length as I catch my breath.
“Oh,” I murmur, “I thought you were going to be tired. You ran something like 35 miles tonight.”
His eyes search my face, “Do you think I’m going to sleep after spending hours smelling your scent mixed with mine?” He shoves his leather jacket down my shoulders, lowering his face to my neck and breathing in.
I can’t help but squeeze my thighs together, searching for the friction I desperately need.
