Page 25 of Effing Eli

The door opened. Autumn had on her game face, eyes narrowed, lips pressed thin. “Mr. Morgan.” She stayed in the doorway. I bet she feared not being able to resist me after all the sex we’d had. My gorgeous ex-wife had told me time and again, I was her weakness. I hoped it hadn’t changed.

I raked my eyes over the gentle curve of her hips and the swell of her perfect, perky breasts. The black suit she wore did nothing to hide how goddamn sexy she was, especially when she wore her black-framed glasses. Was she trying to torment me with her seductive librarian look? Had she forgotten how much I loved it when she wore glasses instead of contacts? Slipping them off was more stimulating than running my thumb over her nipple through her clothes.

“Have a seat.” I waved toward the chair in front of my desk.

“I’d rather not. What do you need?”

“I need you to fucking take a seat, Ms. Lucas.”

“Fine.” She left the door open and stiffly sat down. Christ almighty, this woman knew how to rile me up.

“Do you really think an open door will keep me from you? If you aren’t bothered by anyone hearing about our personal business, then I’m not either. They can be jealous over how muchfucking, as you like to call it, we did this weekend.”

She huffed, got up and shut the door, then dropped back into the chair. “Honestly, must you be so juvenile?”

“Me, juvenile? I’m not the one who’s been avoiding their ex-spouse.”

“See, you said it. Ex. We aren’t together, Eli. You have no right talking to me.”

“I don’t? But I can fuck you all you like.”

“I assume you called me into your office to talk business. Am I correct? Because if not, I have more important things to do, like clear out my inbox of all the emails you sent me the last twenty-four hours.”

Sometimes I could wring her neck for that smart mouth of hers. I inhaled and exhaled, shifting in my leather executive chair. I couldn’t afford to lose it on her. It would only drive her further away from me. I tried to recall what my grandma used to say about catching something with honey instead of vinegar. I should have paid more attention.

I cleared my throat. “I want you to know, I’ll give you time to warm up to the idea of me again. I’m not here to make your life a living, breathing hell, Boo. I love you, baby. I will do whatever it takes to prove to you I’m all in.”

“All in what? We’re divorced.”

“Divorced people can get back together. I hurt you, I know I did, and I’m incredibly sorry. But I still love you and I know you still love me.”

She wouldn’t look at me.Shit.

“If what you say is true, that you love me—”

“It’s true.”

“Then you need to respect my wishes. You can’t drop into my life and expect me to be happy about it. You can’t flirt or touch me, or try to get me into bed.”

I flashed her a wry smile. “Babe, you asked me to fuck you.”

“I know!” She was out of the chair and pacing. “You broke my heart, Eli.” She stopped and her gaze bore into mine. “You put your own wants and desires before mine. It’s always about you. And you got what you wanted, but it cost you me.”

Jesus, she sure knew how to make me feel like a dick.

“Please leave me alone.” She turned for the door, but in a split second I had her caged in against it. I’d just reacted as panic shot through me.

I inhaled her perfume mixed with her natural scent. “I love you, Autumn. That will never change.” I kissed her neck. “I’ll never give up on you. Ever.” I kissed her again and splayed my hand over her stomach, tossing up a silent prayer that we had created a baby. “I promise you this: I’m prepared to give you your heart’s desire if you let me.”

She sniffled. “Please, Eli.”

I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her tight, wishing I didn’t have to let her go. “I’ll give you time, but I’m not giving up. We belong together and you know it.”

I released her. She stepped to the side so I could open the door, but she didn’t move for a long beat as we stared at each other. Behind her black-framed glasses, her eyes were shining with unshed tears. Fuck, I hated it when she cried. When I made her sad.

She put her hand on my chest. “I want to believe you. Maybe in time, I will.” With those parting words, she was gone.

My chest was tight as I returned to my desk. I should feel some relief, but she had said maybe, and that wasn’t good enough for me.

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