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“My life has been one lonely existence. Except for Nana,” she says.
Her grandmother is a force of nature. Even in her frail state I could see that.
“I get what you mean by the loneliness. I had good parents growing up, but I’ve been on my own since they died. Sybil, as you could probably imagine, wasn’t very nurturing or attentive.”
“I feel bad for Syd,” she says.
“I know, it’s something that has plagued me for a while,” I admit as I roll my hands over her shoulders. My body feels alive for the first time in a long time. Sparks shoot through me but not just because of the sexual tension running between us, but because this is more. I can talk to this woman, relate to her. Damn, I want to devour her.
I reach for the loofa and pour some body wash on it. I try to show her the kind of care she gave me. She makes me realize how much Syd and I need her. It’s more than need. It’s want. I just can’t take that leap. I can’t shake the careful world I’ve built for Syd and me. Now Sybil is a threat. She means business, which means I have to play my cards right. Syd comes first. She always has.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Ellie
I’m feeling a lot more relaxed after my bath, but I’m wound up tight remembering the feel of Connor’s hands on me. Everywhere he touched burned hot and sent white sparks down to my core. I haven’t had sex in a very long time, but it’s Connor who has awakened my sexual desire. Yet even with the closeness I just felt with him, I know there is a line he won’t cross. He said he felt lonely too, but he is also scared of changing the life he has built for him and Syd. Which means I am the fake fiancée until further notice.
I walk into the kitchen to see Connor cutting vegetables at the counter and Syd helping him by his side. He’s changed into a heather gray T-shirt and basketball shorts. He looks yummy. I’ve also slipped into a T-shirt and shorts.
“Do you guys need any help?” I ask, walking up beside them.
Syd looks up to her dad.
“We’re good. We want you to sit and rest. You’ve been cooking all those meals these last several weeks. It’s your turn to take a break,” Connor says.
“May I remind you I’m being paid to cook?” I ask.
“You’ve gone above and beyond,” Connor says, giving me a knowing look laced with a crooked grin. I can’t help but smile back at him. I’ve been reduced to being a schoolgirl with a mad crush.
“Can I eat a carrot?” Syd interrupts. I love how she loves vegetables. I know I hated them at her age.
“Go ahead, Sweet Pea,” Connor encourages.
“Feeling better?” he asks, lifting his head and looking at me. His eyes do a quick sweep over my body but linger a little longer on my bare legs.
“Much,” I confirm.
My cell rings.
“Sorry, I should’ve kept it on silent,” I apologize since I am working.
“You live here, Ellie. Stop acting like you’re always on the clock,” Connor scolds.
I stare at my phone. “It’s Nana. I should take this. “Excuse me.” I leave the kitchen. “Hello.”
“Ellie?” Nana’s voice cracks.
“Hi, Nana,” I sigh.
“Are you okay? I just got the report from today, and the pictures,” she says not sounding pleased.
“I’m okay. I know how to handle myself. Especially with people like Warren Carrington,” I reassure Nana.
“He’s a friend of Dante’s,” she says, referring to my brother.
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I respond.
“Yes, well. . . I don’t know what to say. I saw he put hands on you,” she says.
