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When I return from our road trip, I step into the entry hall of my house, drop my bags on the floor, and let out one long, relieved sigh.
Yeah, it’s good to be home.
For a beat, I forget I no longer live alone. But I’m quickly reminded when I catch sight of a raven-haired whirlwind that’s—shit!—about to slam right the fuck into me.
“Whoa, Ellie!” I grab her elbows as she skids to a stop in front of me. Steadying her, I chuckle and say, “Someone’s in a hurry.”
She takes two steps back, and my hands fall to my sides.
Breathing rapidly, she gasps, “Oh my God, I am so, so sorry. I almost took you out.”
I chuckle. “No, I’m fine. But that was a pretty solid almost-check there, my friend.”
Now she’s laughing right along with me as she says, “Bet you weren’t expecting that enthusiastic of a welcome back, huh?”
I know she’s kidding, but a part of me wishes she really were that excited to see me return.
Dismissing that thought, because it’s ridiculous, I tell her, “No, I can’t say that I was.”
“Well…” She smiles at me. “Welcome home, Nils.”
“Thanks.”
Since I finally have a chance to really take a good look at her, I do.
First, she’s looking as hot as ever. Even though she has on simple black pants and a black polo shirt, her body is bangin’.
But I do have to wonder why she’s dressed the way she is. Her outfit is definitely something a server at a restaurant might be wearing.
And then I see the logo.
Brow creasing, I cock my head and ask, “Did you get a job at Applebee’s?”
She nods. “As a matter of fact, I did. And actually”—she holds her phone up to check the time—“I hate to run, but I’d better get going or I’m going to be so late. That’s why I was in such a hurry and almost ran into you.”
I have so many questions, like why did she get a job so quickly? But it’s really not my place to ask. I guess I was just hoping to spend some time with her today. It’s only noon, and it’s really nice out. I was going to suggest that we hang out by the pool in the back of my house for a while.
Fuck, okay, I admit it—I’m dying to see her in a bikini. And yeah, I decided over the past few days that even though I can never have Ellie in any kind of sexual way, I can certainly still fantasize about her.
Not that I could stop myself from doing so anyway.
Yeah, that ship has sailed.
Trying to hide the disappointment in my voice, I say, “Oh, okay. You’d better go. I don’t want to keep you.”
Even though hanging by the pool is out, we still have this evening. Maybe she and I can spend some time together then.
In an even tone, seeing as I don’t want to sound completely desperate, I ask, “What are you doing later tonight? We could watch another movie here at the house if you’re not working too late.”
Her turquoise eyes light up, and I swear my heart skips a beat. “Ooh,” she says, “I’m definitely up for watching a movie. I’m done at six, so maybe we can plan for around seven?”
“Seven works for me,” I say with a smile.
“Cool. See you then.” She starts toward the door, but then she turns back. “Oh, and if you want to order pizza this time, I’d be cool with that. I didn’t have time to eat anything for lunch, so I know I’ll be starving after work.”
“Sure,” I reply. “I’ll probably be grabbing a bite after you leave, but I’ll be sure to skip dinner. By seven, I’ll be nice and hungry too.”
“Awesome, then pizza will be perfect.”
