Page 12 of Coming Home

Her whole body trembles, and it’s a good thing she pulls from my grasp because I’m afraid she’ll feel the reaction I have to being this close to her.

She puts her hands to her cheeks and smiles as she goes to slide her feet into her shoes. “I’m about ready. Just need to grab my purse.”

She starts to ramble. “You have to ignore the place. I was very fortunate to find something that was already furnished, but it’s not really my style. As soon as I’m able to, I’m going to fix it up a little… make it more homey.”

I don’t even look around the room. I don’t want to take my eyes off her. “Homey?”

She nods. “Yeah, you know, the kind of place that when you walk in, you feel like you’re home. It brings a sense of belonging, and I don’t know, it just feels right.”

The way she’s talking about it makes me wish I could experience it. I haven’t felt like that since I was little.

“You like to decorate?”

She nods and puts her purse over her shoulder. “Yeah, I love to, actually.” She shrugs as if it’s not a big deal. “Oh well, someday.”

I move to the side and let her walk through the door. I make sure it’s locked and pull it closed before following her outside. I have to jog to catch up and open the door for her. Her cheeks are still red.

She doesn’t say much on the way to the office. “Do you want to stop at the Sugar bakery for a coffee and a donut?”

She shrugs. “I’m good, but if you want one, you should stop.”

I pass by the turnoff for downtown and head toward the distillery offices. I’m finding it hard to concentrate with her lavender scent filling the cab of my truck.

When we get there, she looks around, and I try to hold it in, but when I help her out of the truck and she’s looking around again, I have to say something. “You embarrassed to be seen with me or something?”

Her mouth falls open. She’s standing next to her open door, staring up at me. “What? No! Why would you say that?”

“Because you look as if you’re trying to make sure no one sees you getting out of my truck.”

She shakes her head. “No, that’s not it at all. The truth is, I am running from something, Huddy. I’ve had to look over my shoulder, and I guess it’s a habit now. Trust me, there’s no way I would be embarrassed to be seen with you.”

“What—” I start, but I don’t get my question out.

She’s already walking away. “I’m not telling you about it, Huddy. The less you know, the better.”

It’s obvious she wants to keep some distance between us. I don’t get the feeling she’s afraid of me anymore, but I do feel that she’s not going to let her guard down either.

“I’m sorry,” I tell her because I don’t know what else to say.

“For what?”

“You’re obviously not comfortable with me, but I sort of keep pushing myself on you and butting into your life. I hope you know that I’m no threat.”

She looks at me doubtfully.

“What? You think I’m a threat?”

She shakes her head. “Not the way you’re thinking, no. But yeah, you’re a little bit of a threat to me.”

Because I can’t stop myself from touching her, I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m not going to hurt you, Ellie.”

It’s obvious she doesn’t believe me, but she nods her head.

We walk into the office. With a mumbled “Thanks for the ride,” she goes to her desk.

Lilian says good morning, and I don’t miss the curious look she’s giving me and Ellie.

I stalk down the hall and walk into Lucas’ office. “Hey, we need to talk.”

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