Breaking Elle (26 page)

“I think I’m going to leave you two alone!” Evelyn giggles, as she looks back mouthing, “
Nothing my ass.”
I shoot her a pointed stare. She shakes her head laughing and walks back into the apartment.

“So, where did you learn to play?” I ask now that we’re alone. My stomach flutters when I look up into his eyes.

Setting the beer down on the table, he steps closer, gazing at me with his hypnotizing eyes. “Why, do you want me to teach you?” he whispers, trapping me between his strong arms.

“I’ve never been good at games.” I reply softy. I can’t pull my eyes away from his achingly perfect face.

“I can start off slow.” His voice is husky and enticing. Leaning in closer his eyes search mine, gauging my reaction. He reaches down and strokes my cheek, and the way my body responds to his touch is just... indescribable. “I’m jealous of your pillow and sheets; I want this cheek to rest on mine and I want to keep this body warm,” he whispers, his lips right above mine.

My heartbeat spikes and I close my eyes. I inhale, soaking all of him in: his scent, his image, his words. I try to fight the urge to touch him, to fight the fact that I want him to touch me. It’s so painful, my senses are screaming for him. Opening my eyes, I don’t move, waiting, knowing from the look in his eyes that he wants the same thing. But he stops and retreats. He smiles flirtatiously and lifts one perfect eyebrow. I’m breathless and my head’s spinning with the thought of being so close to tasting him.

“Let’s go and join the party,” he says. Taking my hand, he turns to the entryway, but when he sees that I’m not moving, he looks over his shoulder. “What’s wrong?” He asks playfully. “You look disappointed. Were you expecting something?” He smiles crookedly, his eyes warm and intense.

“
No. Nothing.” I blink, inhaling a deep breath, catching myself before I say or do something I’ll regret. I can’t make it easy for him, and he’s definitely not making it easy for me. I can play this game. I don’t want him to think he’s gotten to me so quickly.

“Come on,” he says, motioning gently with his head. “We’re missing all the fun.”

“I’ll be right back,” Reed says, gently squeezing my hand before disappearing down the dimly lit hallway that probably leads to his bedroom. I turn away, picturing where he sleeps, what his bed looks like, being under his sheets skin to skin. I fight the images that flood my brain, but they linger there for a little while longer torturing me. Turning away, I notice Tyler has gotten friendlier with the blonde since I last saw him. She can’t seem to keep her hands off him. Spotting me across the room, he smiles, says something to his latest distraction. She’s not happy when he crosses the room to talk to me.

“All right, I don’t want to hear it.” He beams. Grabbing my hand, he spins me around catching me in his arms.

“I didn’t say anything.” I look up innocently fluttering my eyelashes.

“You didn’t have to. I know that look.” He smiles. “Fourteen years and counting. I know your every twitch, every bad habit, and every embarrassing thing about you. So, you be nice.” He says as he pulls me up.

“All right, all right,” I laugh, rolling my eyes at him. “Yeah, we have this
thing.

“Now it’s my turn.” He says with a crooked smile. “What’s the deal with you and Reed?”

“Noth—”

“Stop.” He raises his hand, not letting me finish. “
Fourteen years
is a long time. So,
that being said, do you want to change your response? I know when you have a thing for someone.” He finishes but his eyes hide something. I know that look.

“Hey, shark!” Reed interrupts, coming up behind Tyler and slapping him on the back. “Can I cut in, partner?”

I hazard a small sigh of relief for Reed’s perfect timing. I’m saved from trying to explain something that I don’t have a clear, concise answer for, something that I’m still trying to figure out for myself.

“Sure, man. Watch out though, this one has two left feet.” Tyler laughs, stepping away as I lunge at him, but Reed catches me mid-flight, and I’m okay with that because I like the feel of his arms around me. Tyler winks and heads back to his date.

“I could kill him sometimes,” I mutter, smiling.

“He’s a good guy. I like him.” He says, giving Tyler a nod as he retreats. “He’s a really good friend and very protective of you.”

“Yes, I have to agree with you on that one, but he tends to get a little carried away with it.”

“I’d love to help him with that. Looks like a job I’d be interested in taking.” He laughs and touches his finger to my nose.

“I’m accepting applications,” I say, tilting my head. My body wants to melt, but my brain forces it maintain its composure. I need to act natural, but I haven’t been able to since I’ve met him. This feeling excites and scares me at the same time.

“I’d be the perfect candidate. My resume doesn’t lie.” He takes a step closer to me. His heat, his scent hovers dangerously close, inciting intense desires that I’ve never felt for anyone.

“Well, I guess I’ll be the judge of that.” I counter, looking up into his simmering blue eyes.

“I promise. You will not be disappointed.”

I don’t know what to say; from what I’ve seen so far tonight, I seriously believe him and I’m anxious for more.

“So is it true about you and dancing?” I follow his gaze as he glances over at the DJ, giving him the thumbs up before I can answer. Instantly, the music changes from Pitbull to Lady Antebellum’s ‘Just a Kiss’. Shrugging his broad shoulders, he faces me with a playful look in his eye. “Well?”

Why does he have to be so damn sexy?

“I can hold my own. If you’re scared that I’m going to step on your toes, that won’t happen.”

“Or I can just pick you up.” He bites his lower lip, causing my body to ache for his touch again.

“May I have this dance?” He asks slipping his hand in mine. It feels so natural, like sliding on a pair of old shoes. Placing his hand on the small of my back, he draws me into him, his breath in my hair, and his heartbeat in rhythm with mine. “I’m glad you came.” He pulls me away, gazing down at me with those hypnotizing blue eyes.

“You left me no choice.” I smile. “Remember?”

“Yeah, I didn’t did I?” He chuckles. “I can be persistent when I
really
want something.” His hold tightens around me as the room suddenly gets dimmer, and I get lost in the moment while listening to the words of the song and wonder if he picked it for a reason.

“Did you plan this one, too?” I whisper, bravely peeking through my long lashes, catching his smile.

“Nope,” he murmurs, lowering his face to mine. “But I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.” His lips linger painfully over mine; my breath catches when he presses his mouth to mine. I shiver, wondering if this is all a dream but everything about this moment is so real. I’ve wanted this to happen, and it’s more than I could have ever imagined as I meet him with the same desire. My body feels his, my heart feverishly beats with the feel of his lips touching mine. He inhales deeply, a soft groan escaping as he places his hand behind my neck, pressing our mouths together fervently. I wilt just a little as his tongue teases mine, kissing me softly but urgently before he slowly pulls away, leaving me breathless.

“Thank you, doll. That was the best gift
ever
,” he says softly in my ear, touching my cheek with his hand.

“Happy birthday,” I whisper right before he kisses me again.

I hang out with Tyler and his acquaintance, Phoebe, while Reed says goodbye to his last guests. I feel like the whole night was a dream, and I don’t want it to end. He strolls over wrapping his arm around my waist. I’m not quite sure what’s transpiring; everything is happening so fast. Tyler raises his eyebrows in surprise. I know he’s going to have questions for me like I have for him since he’s been missing most of the night.

“So, what are we doing, Elle?” Tyler asks, gesturing towards the door. “You ready to go?”

I glance up at Reed to get his reaction. He smiles, placing his arm over my shoulder. “I can walk her home. That’s if you want me to, doll.” He tilts his head, squeezing me to his body.

Tyler shifts his weight, glancing over at me waiting for my answer as Phoebe grabs his arm to go. “You can go, Tyler. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.” I reply, cautiously peering at him knowing what’s going through his mind.

“Are you sure?” He adds eyeing me protectively.

If he doesn’t cut the bodyguard shit he has going on, I’m going to kill him!

I shoot him an ‘I’ll be fine look’ and he gradually eases up.

“Relax bro. She’s in good hands with me.” Reed adds, catching our exchange.

“Cool, man,” Tyler relaxes and steps up to leave with his arm candy.

“So, I’ll give you call next week for a night of blackjack?” Reed asks.

“Sure, I’m free any time after work. Let me know.” Tyler gives Reed a fist bump before he plants a kiss on my cheek. “Night, guys.”

“Thanks for coming.” His silky drawl wraps around me like a warm blanket as I try to tame the butterflies flapping wildly in the pit of my stomach.

“It was fun.”
Great answer, Elle. So original
. I face forward watching the moon float over the trees, and then look back at his handsome face illuminated by the pale glow. I admire his full lips and his dark locks of messy brown hair that sweep across his face. I have this urge to feel them. When he looks over at me, he steals my breath away.

“There’s one little thing I want to ask of you before I take you home.” He smiles, raising his eyebrows as he pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. “Do you think I can have your number? I’d love to spend more time with you. I really enjoy your company.”

I blush, thinking how things have changed in just over a week. It’s only been that long since Cane and I have broken up. Is this wrong? Am I being hasty? What am I waiting for and what am I afraid of? I have to get on with my life, and if this is the first step towards doing that, I don’t see a more perfect way.

“Sure.” I smile, shrugging my shoulders and digging my phone out of my purse. “What’s your number so I can call you?” I ask, looking at him, watching as a small smile touches the corner of his lips. Exchanging numbers with another guy, I never thought I’d be doing this.

“Good idea,” he says as he recites his number to me so I can punch it in my phone. A few seconds later, his phone rings and he smiles. He types something and puts his cell in his back pocket. “Thanks, doll. Now that’s the second best gift I’ve gotten all night. We both know what my first one was.” He winks.

I take a deep, calming breath and put my phone back in my purse as we walk for a couple of minutes without speaking to each other. I’m so aware of his presence, the heat of his body close to mine. I silently wonder where this is all going, if we are going anywhere. And if we are, can we get there fast? The anticipation is killing me.

“So, what are you doing tomorrow for the fourth?” I ask nonchalantly, silently praying that he may be free. When I look at him, his haunting blue eyes are on me with a smile that makes my heart flutter and my body combust. Looking away, I try to focus on anything, but the pull he has over me is intense and I find myself looking at him again.