Chapter One
Hesitant Goodbyes, Houseguests, and Heart-Sinking Truths
Elliot
The credits roll across the TV, and the countdown to the next episode of Fleabag pops up. Nicholas inches closer, burying his face in the crook of my neck as the numbers tick lower. “I wish I didn’t have to go.”
The words attempt to sink in and warm my heart. I resist because I know what he’s doing. Snatching the remote, I press pause. “Didn’t you just tell me you need to show your face in this meeting or they’ll report you missing?” Knowing his friends, I’ll be surprised if I don’t see Nicholas’s wide smile plastered across the entire city.
Not that I want him to leave either. The couch is too warm and comfortable to move, at least some of it because of the giant lump clinging to me.
Nicholas brushes a kiss against my shoulder, then rests his chin on it. I swallow the flinch. That sharp jaw is not made for stunts like this. “Are you trying to get rid of me, Elliot?” he asks, his voice filled with mock sadness.
I turn to meet those impossibly blue eyes. His long lashes brush his cheeks as he blinks rapidly, trying to mimicMickey’s innocent puppy dog eyes. As if he isn't every bit as pure and innocent as his dog. As if he can’t get anyone wrapped around his finger by just a flicker of his attention.
I clear my throat. Sliding away from him, I dislodge his pretty face from my poor shoulders. Creating some much-needed space for my poor eyes too. “Go to work, big guy. I don’t want a horde of Bureau Agents breaking down my door.”
“One week and you’re already bored with me.” He pushes to his feet and heads for the door.
Don’t fall for it. He’s obviously not being serious.I huff and follow him through the hallway. “Hey,” I start. I don’t know where I’m going with this, but I’d hate for him to think I don’t want him here, not after the best week of my life. Even with a Nicholas-sized limpet attached to me almost all the time, I’ve never felt lighter. Free.
When I look up at Nicholas, he’s grinning. His teeth are on full display, even the sharp incisors failing to make him look anything but soft. I sigh and shake my head. “Aww, you really care,” he mocks, but immediately softens it with a kiss on my pouting lips.God, he’s such a dork.
His soft lips move slowly over mine, leisurely and securely. He pulls me closer until we’re plastered together. I let myself enjoy it for all of a second before pulling back. I can already see where this is headed. The growing bulge against my stomach is ahugegiveaway.
Nicholas makes complaining noises, but I recognize them for what they are this time and show no mercy. “Seriously, you need to—”
My doorbell rings, and we both turn to the door with twin frowns.
No one comes to my place with good intentions, other than Nicholas, of course. And occasional Mickey pupnappers, but he isn’t even here right now.
“Are you expecting someone?” Nicholas asks, his voice low.
I shake my head, my eyes trained at the door.
“I don’t recognize the scent,” he says. “Maybe a delivery person?” he suggests.
“Didn’t order anything.” I start walking towards the door because this is getting a bit too dramatic. C’mon, no one would abduct me right from my front door. Again. In fact, the chances of that happening twice must be negligible.
Nicholas follows me closely. When we’re at the door, he rushes to get the doorknob, placing himself firmly between me and the door.
I let him do his whole thing but not without rolling my eyes at his back. His shoulders tense as he opens the door, his body leaning forward, ready for attack.
“Finally! Where the fuck is your pho— Oh hey, Nick. Oh my god, this is theexactexpression I pictured whenever I talked to you. Didn’t believe Elliot’s whole rhapsody about the golden retriever thingfor a second.”
I push a confused Nicholas back before remembering he’s a wall. With a complicated maneuver involving a lot of squeezing and sidestepping, I push myself in front of the door to avert possible catastrophes. Nicholas has been sensitive ever since I got abducted from my front door the first time around.
“What are you doing here? Why was your phone off for a week?” I ask a grinning Sam, who’s still looking at Nicholas over my shoulder. I thought the man was smart, but aggravating a man twice your size can’t be wise. Sam might be close to Nicholas in height, but he’s lean, and his muscles are more for show than power.
Also, there’s the whole werewolf thing. Sam was firmly the brains of our operation, safely tucked behind his laptop or multi-screen system that he calls The Samanator.Don’t ask.
His gaze flicks to mine. “That’s the welcome I receive after traveling in a hostile ship for five days to check on my best friend? A growling boyfriend and an interrogation at the door?” Sam shakes his head in mock disappointment. “They were right. The minute your friends find love, you may as well be month-old leftovers.”
I roll my eyes. It’s truly a wonder my eyeballs are still attached considering the dramatics of people around me. I step back to let Sam in. “Wait, what was that about the ship?” I ask as he walks into the house like he owns the place.
“Don’t worry about it,” he waves me off.
I’m worried. Then that stops being a concern because now I have an armful of Sam and am being hugged within an inch of my life. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” he says into my hair.
