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“Sorry. I know I passed right out. Is everything okay?”
“I was just restless last night. I’m going to sleep so well tonight,” she said.
“Let me let you go then. We can talk when you’re here tomorrow.”
“You convinced me. I’m gonna hop in the shower then probably pass out.”
“Mmm,” he said, considering her in the shower for a minute. “Be sure to think of me while you’re all wet and sudsy.”
Laughing now, Elle said, “I absolutely will.”
“Night, honey.”
“Night,” Elle said.
* * * *
Jim pulled into the driveway around five the next afternoon and he was exhausted. His parents had wanted to walk every square inch of the park. His feet hurt and he was thrilled to be home.
Seeing Elle’s car already in the drive buoyed his spirits even more. He’d been thinking about her all day. He missed her anytime he wasn’t with her, it seemed. He’d never had this level of attachment to anyone. He really hoped she’d decide to move in. The idea of coming home to her every night was incredibly appealing.
Turning off the engine, they all piled out of the vehicle and made their way into the house. He unlocked the door and immediately smelled the chili cooking. Making his way into the kitchen, he said, “Elle. That smells amazing!”
His parents followed him into the kitchen, both sniffing the air appreciatively.
“Hey,” Elle said, grinning. “Did you guys have fun?”
Jim pulled her into his arms and said, “Yeah. Wish you had been able to go. We’ll have to go after the baby is born.”
He smiled when her arms slid around him, and she said, “Definitely. Roller coasters are a no-no right now, though. It seemed silly for me to go and just walk around.”
His mother waved her hand dismissively and said, “We could have shopped, honey. It would have been fun.”
“Maybe next time,” Elle said. “Dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes. I’m just toasting some garlic bread to go with this.”
His father looked longingly at the pot on the stove and said, “Can I try it?”
Elle reached into the drawer on her left and passed him a spoon, saying, “Be careful. The spices haven’t quite mellowed yet.”
He immediately moved over to the pot and took off the lid. Breathing deep, he said, “This smells so good.”
Jim watched as she waited apprehensively for him to take a bite. When he took the bite and immediately nodded in appreciation, she relaxed slightly.
“Oh god, that’s so good,” his father said. “Jim, hang on to this one. She can cook!”
Elle laughed and said, “You guys must be exhausted. Go, sit down. I’m almost done in here. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”
“Yeah,” Jim said, “Go hang out in the living room. I just need a minute.”
The moment they walked out of the room, he pulled her into his arms and pressed his mouth against hers briefly. Her arms wrapped around his midsection and she hugged him close. Running a hand down her back, he said, “I need to go entertain my parents now, but I’d like to continue this later. Stay the night tonight?”
“We’ll see. I feel weird with your parents visiting,” Elle said, hesitantly.
“They know we’ve had sex, honey. Besides, it’s my house and I’d like you to be here,” Jim said.
“Okay,” Elle said. “I’ll stay.”
“Thank you,” he said, after he had pressed another kiss against her lips.
