Page 12 of Unconditionally With Me
She relaxes in my arms, turning once all the papers have been put away. Arms snaking around my waist, she explains, “It was Erik’s great-aunt.”
I immediately stiffen. Elle’s ex is a piece of shit who tried to do some fairly shady things to both Elle and to my sister-in-law. The idea of her having to interact with him sets off every protective instinct I have. “Have you heard from that jackass?” I bite out harshly.
“No. Only the estate attorney.” She waves her hand toward the pile of papers.
“Were you close with her?”
“Closer than I was with anyone else in his family. I baked for her at least once a month. She lived in an assisted-living home.”
“I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised. That’s my Elle.” I lean down and brush a kiss against her lips. I keep it light because I sense that’s what she needs right now.
“Anyway, what are you doing here?” Elle backs away before she pulls out boxes of food.
“I missed you. Besides, I have some big news I wanted to share.”
“You do?” Elle’s clutching chopsticks in her hands so hard I think they might break.
I frown. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just…I have some news as well.”
I beam at her. This is it. The perfect night to ask her. I know it. “Then how about we have some dinner, and then we both share?”
Elle drops the chopsticks on the counter before surging into my arms. “You know I love you, Julian. No matter what. Right?” Then she kisses me with all the fire and passion I’ve come to rely on.
But something feels off. The kiss feels almost desperate.
What on earth is going on?
Chapter 5
~Eleanor~
Julian finishes his meal while I pick at mine. I spend a few minutes pushing the food around before I can’t stand it anymore. “Let me drop these in the kitchen.” I surge to my feet and reach for his plate.
“Do you need any help cleaning up?” he asks sweetly. God, there are some nights when it hurts to see his handsome face across from mine. There’s a terrible feeling crawling inside of me, one I can’t rid myself of. It’s like now that my fortress has been exposed, my defenses breached, I want to run away just like Trina accused me of. My idea—go to Seattle to check out the building, check out the vibe of the city, see if it could make me fly—solidified into a plan even as I lose myself in his deep brown eyes.
But I’m not certain anything makes my heart soar as much as when his smile broadens.
“No,” I croak. “I’ve got it.”
He settles back while I rush away. As I dump the garbage into the waste pail, I catch the folder out of the corner of my eye. It felt like a no-strings-attached fresh start. I should have known better. Everything in life has some kind of complication attached, even love. “What am I supposed to do?” I whisper.
“Elle? Is something wrong?” Julian calls.
“Nothing. I’ll be right there.” I reach into the refrigerator and shove in the boxes of food, wipe down the counter, and grab myself the open bottle of wine to top myself off. “Do you want another beer?”
“No. I’m good, babe. Thanks,” he calls back.
I come back carrying the wine, and Julian begins to chuckle. “What?” I demand.
“Are you planning on drinking directly from the bottle? You took your glass with you into the kitchen,” he points out.
Damn. I did. Then I shrug. “If it doesn’t bother you.” I take a sip.
Julian bursts out laughing. “God, I love everything about you.”
And his words make my heart ache. “Julian…” I hesitate.
