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“I was thinking of ordering in Chinese food. I won’t have time to cook before you get to my house, but the place I order from is terrific, so you’ll get a good meal.”
“In that case, I accept.”
“So here’s what I propose. Go home after work and pack clothes for the next day. I’ll pick you up by six, and I’ll take you to work in the morning. “Sounds good. See you then.”
Hanging up the phone, Teigen was giddy with excitement. She could barely keep her attention on her research for her next article. When it was time to leave the office, she had to keep her eye on the speedometer to not go too far over the speed limit.
She took a quick shower and freshened up her makeup, then packed up some toiletries and an outfit for tomorrow. She danced to the door when Ellison arrived right on time.
He pulled her into a firm embrace the minute she opened the door. “It’s so nice to have you in my arms again. You smell soooo good.” He took a nip out of her neck, eliciting a little squeal.
“I’m glad you called. I missed you.”
There. She put it out there. She held her breath waiting for him to reciprocate.
“I missed you too.”
She almost went limp from relief.
“Hey,” he said. “What’s wrong. I can feel it from your body.”
“Nothing. I’m just happy you came.”
“Teigen, we talked about this. No. Lying. And if you think I can’t tell, you’re deluding yourself.” This time he nipped her ear.
“Can we not entertain the neighbors on the front porch? Please come in.”
He followed her into the foyer, where her overnight bag sat on the floor. He ignored it, pinning her in place with an unyielding stare. “Teigen, I asked you a question.”
“Okay. I’m relieved you missed me. I needed to hear you say it.”
He pulled her back into his embrace so tight she almost couldn’t breathe. “You pop up into my thoughts in the morning when I get up, during the day while I’m working, and at night before I go to sleep. You’ve even invaded my dreams.”
Wow…just wow. Not quite what she was expecting, but she’d gladly take it.
* * *
Ellison
Ellison really didn’t want to let Teigen go, but if they stood there like this for much longer, he wouldn’t get her home. He kissed her on the forehead and reluctantly released her from his embrace.
“Okay, let’s get going. I’m hungry in more ways than one and I can’t wait much longer.”
He pointed to the bag on the floor. “Is this going with us?”
“Yeah. Let me get my coat.”
He helped her into her coat, compelled to give her a squeeze as her sweet fragrance enveloped him. He grabbed her bag, waited while she locked the door, and helped her into the car.
The drive was longer than he remembered, or maybe he was just eager to get home. He’d ordered the food to arrive shortly after they did, so they wouldn’t have to wait too long for dinner.
The food showed up just as they did. Ellison put her bag in his room as Teigen got the table set. They put the containers on the bar and served themselves. It felt so domestic, and for the first time in his life, it didn’t scare him. Was he ready for something long-term? Could he carve out a life for himself that didn’t look anything like his parents’ relationship —cold, unemotional, distant? He couldn’t imagine that his desire for Teigen would ever wane, though he knew it did for many couples. But would he still want to spend so much time with her, to share his life with her as partners, to keep the lines of communication open at all times? With the way he felt about her, it could definitely happen.
“Have you made much progress on the article you told me about?” he asked once they sat at the table.
She became extremely animated as she told him about what she’d been doing. “I’ve had an opportunity to have a zoom call with Elizabeth Schecter, who is the head of the historical society in Fredericksburg. It has a vibrant downtown featuring homes and shops from the Revolutionary War and a Civil War battlefield. Her team has been extremely successful in keeping the history alive in the city. She was so gracious, answering all my questions patiently, giving me all the time I needed. I guess she figured I was giving her publicity as well, so any opportunity to get the word out, she’ll take.”
“And you’re a good interviewer, asking insightful questions that keep the interview interesting for the subject as well. I should know.”
