CHAPTER 33: Adrian-1
627 Words
CHAPTER 33: Adrian
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Adrian watched as Ellie ran from the elevator. What in the hell had happened? He’d seen meltdowns before, but he’d never caused one. He hurried after her, slowing his pace when he was almost to her side. He’d learned from his sisters that sometimes men should be present but silent. Very, very silent. Even a sigh could set her off again.
She opened the door and stepped inside her apartment. He quietly let out his breath when she didn’t slam the door in his face. He’d had his foot ready to stop it but thankfully he’d be able to walk without a limp for the rest of the day.
He followed her into her house but stopped as she continued down the hallway. He waited in the living room. It was a nice place. Neat. Homey with expensive furniture but it was older and comfortable looking.
She came back into the living room, her eyes red and puffy. “I’m sorry.”
“No. I’m sorry.” He walked toward her. If he’d ever seen someone who needed a hug, it was her.
“Stop. Please.” She held up her hand and took a step back. “Thank you for offering to drive me to my parents’ house but I’ll call a cab.”
“Don’t. I was kidding about meeting your parents. I’ll drive you and drop you off. They won’t even see me.”
“You don’t have to. I’m fine.”
“I want to and it’s on my way.” She was as far from fine as he’d seen, but this time he kept his thoughts to himself.
“On your way? How do you know where my parents live?”
“I don’t.” He smiled sheepishly. “But you said it was an hour drive which means it’s out of town. My parents live out of town. So, it’s on my way.”
“That makes no sense at all. Your parents may live in the opposite—”
“It doesn’t matter.” He started to reach for her but put his hands in his pockets instead. “I’ll take you. I owe you.”
“For what?”
This was a risk. She’d either be charmed or tear his head off. “The hickey.” He winced, waiting for the blow but she only shook her head at him.
“My parents live in Glenfalls.”
“Perfect.” He’d live to see another day. “Like I said. On my way.”
“Really?”
“Kind of. My parents’ house is in Cedar Ridge.”
“That’s an hour out of your way.”
“Nah. I’ll take the back roads from your parents’ house. It’ll take about thirty minutes.”
“Still. It’s Christmas. It’s too far. I can’t ask you—”
“You didn’t. I offered.”
“You know, we’re not going to have s*x again.”
“Whoa. Where did that come from?”
“If you think that doing this means we’re going to have s*x, it doesn’t. I want that to be clear upfront.”
“I didn’t expect sex.” But he didn’t like how she said it like it’d never happen again. He hadn’t planned to have s*x right now or on the trip to her parents’ house, but he did plan on f*****g her again soon.
“Good.” She eyed him warily. “You really don’t mind?”
“Not having s*x?” Damn it. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“No. Taking me to my parents’ house.”
“I don’t. I swear.”
“Thank you.” She smiled slightly. “It’ll just take me a minute to shower and change. I promise.”
“No problem. I’ll wait here.” He tipped his head toward the couch.
“I’ll hurry.” She slipped back into the bedroom and the door lock clicked.
“Really? You locked the door? Now, I’m hurt.” He smiled as he heard her soft laughter, wishing he could see her face. She was so f*****g gorgeous when she smiled but there’d be other smiles. He’d make sure of that. He dropped onto the couch and pulled out his phone to call his mom and let her know he was okay, but he was going to be very late.
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- Writer
