Love Beyond The Rite

Chapter 16

EMBER

It was hard to stay away from Elijah since that night.

The other day, I decided to sit on the fence and watch Elijah and his four brothers work on the farm. I used to love doing this as a child, watching my best friend work hard.

Now, Elijah was a full-grown man, and I couldn't help but notice his strong muscles as he worked. His long torso flexed as he moved, his broad shoulders rippling beneath his worn overalls. His biceps bulged as he lifted heavy bales of hay, and his forearms tensed as he expertly guided the horses.

My eyes were drawn to his rugged hands, rough from years of hard labor. I imagined those hands on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His dark hair was messy, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at his brothers.

As I watched, Elijah paused to wipe the sweat from his brow. Longing for his eyes meet mine.Looking down, I realized I needed to get ready for my date with Connor. A 30-year-old mechanic in town. I hadn't expected to go on so many dates, but Mom had encouraged me to get out and meet new people.

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. I wasn't sure if I was ready to move on from Elijah, but I knew I needed to try. Connor was charming and easy to talk to, and maybe he could help me forget about Elijah.

As I stood up from the fence, I smoothed out my shirt and made my way back to my house. I had a few hours before the date, enough time to get ready and collect my thoughts.

But as I walked, my mind kept wandering back to Elijah. His strong muscles, his piercing eyes, and his gentle smile.

Connor told me he was taking me to a nice Asian restaurant, and I was excited. The last five dates I'd gone on were really boring, but I'd had great conversations with Connor so far, and I hoped it would flow just as well in person.

Searching my closet, I was hoping to find something modest but sexy. I stumbled upon a soft knit knee-high black dress. It was a little big, but it looked intentional, like it was meant to be worn that way. I decided to curl my hair and do a full face of makeup to make my eyes pop.

I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress. I looked in the mirror, and my eyes sparkled back at me. I felt confident, ready to take on this date.

Hearing a knock at the door I run to open it.

I stood there, taken aback, as Mary gazed at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. I had expected Connor, not Mary, to be standing on my porch.

Mary's eyes widened as she took in my appearance. "Ember, you look...different," she said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

I smiled, feeling a bit self-conscious about my dress and makeup. "Thanks, Mary. I was just getting ready for a date," I explained, hoping to clarify the situation.

Mary's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. Anyway, my mother would love to have you over for dinner tomorrow. We're having roast chicken and mashed potatoes."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should accept the invitation. But something about Mary's warm smile put me at ease.

"I'd love to," I said finally, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mary and her family.

Mary beamed with delight. "Great! I'll See you then!"

With that, she turned and disappeared into the night, leaving me feeling both surprised and intrigued.

Before I could turn to close the door, I saw a black Silverado truck pull into the driveway. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was Connor. I could feel my nerves taking over, and I tried to calm myself down.

Connor pulled in and got out of his truck, his 6'2" strong build and little beer belly making him look like a rugged, yet lovable, man. He was bald, with a shiny head that gleamed in the fading light. His blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at me.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You look stunning tonight."

I forced a smile, trying to hide my nervousness. "Thanks, Connor," I said, feeling a bit self-conscious about my dress and makeup.

Connor walked towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang of uncertainty. Was I really ready to go on this date? But then I remembered why I'd agreed to meet him in the first place - to get my mind off Elijah and to have some fun.

I took a deep breath and placed my hand on Connor's arm. "Let's go," I said, trying to sound confident.

As we walked to the truck, Connor's arm felt awkward under my hand. I tried to relax, but my mind kept drifting.

Connor noticed my distraction. "Hey, everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I forced a smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just a little nervous, I guess."

Connor chuckled. "Don't be nervous. I'm a great date."

We got into the truck, and Connor started the engine. The drive to the restaurant was quiet, with only occasional small talk, but I welcomed it.

As we pulled into the parking lot, I felt a sense of relief. Maybe this date wouldn't be so bad after all.

Connor took my hand, his grip firm but not uncomfortable. "Let's go get some food," he said, smiling.

The dinner was pleasant, with Connor telling me stories of his mechanic shop and his passion for cars. He was charming and confident, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was trying too hard.

As we finished our dessert, Connor reached across the table and took my hand. "I had a great time tonight, Ember," he said, his eyes locked on mine. "I think we really connect."

I smiled politely, trying to gauge his intentions. "I had a nice time too," I said.

Connor's grip on my hand tightened. "I was thinking, why don't we cap off the night with a drink at my place? It's just a short drive from here."

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to go back to his place. "I'm not sure," I said.

Connor's smile turned persuasive. "Come on, Ember. I promise I'll be a gentleman."

I felt a surge of unease, but Connor's charming smile and confident demeanor made me hesitate.

I pulled my hand away, trying to sound firm but polite. "I appreciate the offer, Connor, but I really need to get home. My mother isn't feeling well, and I need to be there for her."

Connor's expression changed from persuasive to puzzled. "Oh, sorry to hear that. But can't someone else take care of her for a night?"

I shook my head. "No, I need to be there. It's just a family thing."

Connor's eyes narrowed slightly, but he smiled again. "Okay, I understand. Can we do this again soon?"

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to see him again. But to be polite, I agreed. "Yeah, that sounds nice."

Connor's smile broadened. "Great. I'll call you tomorrow."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief that the night was ending. As we walked to his truck, Connor's arm brushed against mine, making me feel a bit uncomfortable.

When we reached my house, Connor turned to me and leaned in, his face inches from mine. "I'll be thinking about you tonight," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I didn't know how to react. I just smiled and nodded, hoping to convey that I was interested, without committing to anything.

As I walked into the house, I felt a sudden urge to run to Elijah's office and tell him all about the horrible date. I wanted to share my frustration and disappointment with him, to get his advice and reassurance.

But as I stood there, hesitating, I realized that I couldn't do that. Elijah and I weren't talking right now, and it wouldn't be fair to involve him in my personal life.

I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling. I reminded myself that I was strong and capable, and that I could handle my own problems.

I walked into my mom’s room. "Hey, Mom," I said, trying to sound casual.

My mother looked up from her book. "Hey, sweetie. How was your date?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to share. But then I decided to tell her everything.

I’m going to miss these moments with her. I feel so guilty for being gone for so long. I can’t understand how my siblings still aren’t here after knowing they don’t have much time left. Chris is supposed to be arriving tomorrow but Abigail has been avoiding my calls.

Mom has fallen asleep, exhausted from me venting. I count her wheezed breaths to help calm me down from my thoughts.

I walked to bed, feeling anxious about tomorrow's dinner. It would be the first time I'd see Elijah's family after the incident, and being forbidden from seeing him again.

I doubted Mr. Troyler had told anyone about what he witnessed, hoping he was reasonable enough to just say I was a bad influence on Elijah.

The truth stung. Elijah was supposed to be with a girl from his community, not some temptress like me. I had distracted him from his chores and work, filled his head with complicated teachings, and taken his virginity on the floor of a barn. He was supposed to wait for his wedding night.

I ruined him.

Tomorrow, I'd be sitting at a table with his wife and children, and the man who had walked in on me moaning his son's name. Talk about awkward.