“I’m staying with you tonight,” Peyton said as she got up.
Connor looked over at her, “Ellery will be staying with me tonight Peyton.”
She started to pout, “Elle is that true? We can have a girl’s night?” I looked over at Connor then back at Peyton and could not believe these two were fighting over whom I was staying with.
I took Peyton’s hand, “Listen, you are my best friend, and I love you, but I think its best I stay at Connor’s tonight, anyway, we are leaving in the morning for Michigan.”
Her mouth dropped, “What? The two of you are going to Michigan together? Why?”
“Connor and I are taking a road trip.” I looked at him and winked.
“Fine, but as soon as you get back we are having a girl’s night.”
I smiled and hugged her, “I will and we will, now go find Dr. Beckett; I didn’t see a ring on his finger, and I could tell he liked you.”
A gigantic smile grew across her face, “Do you think?”
“I know so, now go.”
Peyton started to walk out of the room and then turned around and looked at Connor, “You better take care of her and make sure she’s alright. She’s like a sister to me.” He smiled at her.
I looked at Connor who was helping me from the bed, “Why would you pass out like that? Is something wrong with you?” he asked.
I grabbed my purse, “I don’t know, I think I took too hot a bath.”
“You need to be more careful.” He lightly took a hold of my arm as we walked down the corridor. My eyes widened as I saw Dr. Taub walking in the opposite direction towards us. My heart started racing as I did not want to talk to him, especially in front of Connor.
“Miss Lane?” He said as he looked at the bandage above my eye.
“Dr. Taub, lovely to see you again,” I faked a grin.
“Miss Lane what happened to you?”
“Oh, I fell and hit my head; I tripped in the hallway.”
He looked at me curiously, “How have you been feeling?”
“I’ve been feeling great Dr. Taub, now if you will excuse me; I have to get this prescription filled.”
“Yes of course,” he said as he looked directly at Connor.
“Have a good day Dr. Taub,” I smiled as I could not get away from him fast enough.
“How do you know him Ellery?”
I knew that brief encounter would trigger questions. I looked straight ahead at the sliding doors.
“He’s my family doctor; I’ve seen him a couple of times since I’ve moved here.”
“A couple of times and he knows you like that? Why would he ask you how you’re feeling?”
Shit, why does he have to ask so many questions, he doesn’t explain anything to me when I ask him questions?
“I saw him a couple of months ago for a bad cold I had. He is a good doctor and truly concerned for all of his patients.” We walked out the door as the cold air hit me and cooled my burning body.
We slid into the back of the Limo as Denny turned and looked at me, “I’m glad to see you’re doing better Miss Lane.”
I gave him a heartfelt smile, “Thank you Denny, I appreciate it.”
Connor looked over at me and smiled, “Denny almost got fired today.”
I looked at him; shocked expression on my face, “What, why?”
“He didn’t pick me up for my meeting. It wasn’t until he called and told me that he drove you to the hospital because you cut your head.”
I looked at him with a confused look. “Didn’t you drive yourself to work this morning?”
“Yes, yes I did,” he answered.
I ran my tongue across my lips to moisten them, “Then why didn’t you just drive yourself to the meeting, especially if he was running late?” I heard Denny lightly laugh from the front seat, and I think Connor did to by the irritated look on his face.
“I suppose I could have but…”
I tilted my head, “There’s no but. You were going to fire him for not picking you up when you had a vehicle the whole time? I’m sorry he couldn’t call you, but he was concerned about me Connor Black, and for that you should be grateful. I could have bled to death on the streets of New York.” I was silently grinning.
He looked at me and rolled his eyes, “Now you’re being a drama queen.”
I let out my silent smile, “I know and I’m good at it to.”
Connor laughed as he took my hand and gently squeezed it. I laid my head his shoulder as my body warmed from his touch, and my heart started beating faster.
Chapter 17
I walked into my cold apartment and headed straight to my room to pack my bags. “Help yourself in the kitchen, there’s not much, but if you can find something it’s yours,” I yelled. I grabbed what clothes I needed from my closet and drawers and folded them neatly into my suitcase. I looked up and saw Connor standing in the doorway with his arm up on the frame of the door.
“Why did you lie to that doctor and tell him you tripped over something in the hallway?”
Oh shit, he wasn’t going to let this go. I looked down and continued packing, “I don’t know, I wasn’t going to tell him I fainted then he would make a big deal about it and want me to get a bunch of tests done, that’s what doctors do.”
“You said you took too hot of a bath.”
I stopped and looked at him, now seriously irritated, “I did Connor now let it go for fuck sake. You talk about me asking a billion questions, it’s different when it’s you, right?” My voice grew louder.
He walked over to me and put his hands on my shoulders, “I’m sorry, I did not mean to upset you.”
My first mistake was looking into his beautiful green eyes because before I knew it I cupped his face in my hands as I so desperately wanted to kiss him, taste him and feel him. I was vulnerable at that moment, and for one second, I didn’t care; all I knew is I needed him in ways every woman needs a man. Then reality hit me, “I’m sorry I raised my voice, I’m just tired.”
I let go of his face and turned to zip up my suitcase. He grabbed my arm, turned me to face him and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. This was the first real hug we ever shared. His arms were strong, and he made me feel safe. I closed my eyes as I took in his scent that made me weak but excited. He didn’t say a word, and it felt like we stayed in each other’s arms for eternity. He broke the embrace and turned away like he did something wrong. “We should get going.”
Suddenly it hit me; I never made it to my work to give my notice. I shook my head and sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Connor asked.
“I was on my way to the record studio to give my notice, and I just realized I never made it there.”
“Give your notice, why are you quitting?” Connor grabbed my suitcase, and we walked out into the living room. My face lit up as I was about to tell him the good news.
“I completely forgot to tell you, my paintings sold, all three of them,” I excitedly said. “Now the owner wants to contract me and my paintings, and that’s a full-time job.”
He smiled at me, “That’s brilliant news Ellery, congratulations.”
As I was grabbing the last of my things, my phone rang; it was my cousin Debbie. I asked Connor to go in my desk drawer and grab a piece of paper and pen so I could write down the name and address of the funeral home. I took down the information and hung up. I turned around as Connor was staring at my list I keep in the drawer.
“What’s this?” he casually asked.
I walked over and took it from him, “Just a list of things I would like to do in my lifetime. I wrote it after Kyle moved out, kind of a new start on life list.”
He looked at me only the way Connor could and said, “Ok, ready to go?”
I locked up the apartment and headed to the Limo. I called my boss at the record company and explained to him what happened and how I was on my way in give my notice. I explained to him how much I liked working there, but my painting was now go
ing to become a full-time job. He congratulated me and told me if I ever needed a job he would take me back.
We arrived back at Connors penthouse as he took my suitcase upstairs. I followed him and fell back onto the large comfy bed.
He looked down at me, “Do you like this bed?”
I smiled, “Yes, it is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.”
He held out his hand to help me up, “Are you up for some Chinese food?”
I smiled as my stomach growled, “Sounds delicious.”
We walked down to the kitchen where Connor opened the drawer, pulled out a menu and sat on the bar stool next to me, “What do you like?”
I leaned closer as his scent filled me with excitement. I wanted to respond, I like you, but that would not be a cool move, “I like just about anything, you pick.”
He looked at me, “sweet and sour pork, chicken fried rice, Mongolian beef and egg rolls?”
“That’s a lot of food Mr. Black, is anyone joining us?”
“No, I’m going to make sure you eat.”
I rolled my eyes and then held my hand over my cut, “Ouch.”
He smiled as he looked at me, “Stop rolling your eyes at me and it won’t hurt.”
“Then stop making me roll my eyes at you and I will.”
He chuckled and grabbed his phone to call in the order. He poured us some wine and led me to the living room where we sat on the couch. The fireplace was on and had warmed the room nicely. I sat with my leg under the other and faced him.
“I want to know more about you Connor Black.”
He looked surprised as he responded, “What’s to tell?”
I took in a deep breath, “We’re friends right?”
He nodded his head, “Of course we are.”
“Friends know things about each other. It doesn’t have to be intimate or deeply personal things, but I want to know about where you come from and your family or even your business. Of all the time we have spent together hanging out, you have never told me anything about your family other than I know you have a sister who is an interior designer. You know a lot about me, and I know nothing about you. I feel like this friendship is one-sided Connor.”
He stared at me as he drank his wine, being cautious as to what he was going to say to me. He ran one hand through his hair, “You’re right, and I’m sorry, I just don’t like to talk about my life with anyone. It’s not that it’s a bad life; I’m just a very personal person and I like it that way.” I looked down disappointed as he leaned over and cupped my chin in his hand. He lifted it so that I was looking into his eyes, “Give me some time; this friendship thing is new to me. You need to understand that I’ve never been just friends with a woman before.”
The thought of the tall beautiful woman entered my mind as he said that and with me and my big mouth I said, “But you said you and that woman you’re always with are just friends, so you have other women that are friends, right?”
He looked at me intently, “It’s different and I’d rather not discuss it now.”
The doorbell rang, and he got up to answer it. I sat there wondering what the hell I was doing. Was I playing a game? Was I his game? Was he using me to prove something? He came back with the cartons of Chinese food, plates and silverware.
“Can I have the chopsticks please?” I asked. He looked in the bag and pulled out a pair and handed them to me.
“What are you doing?” I asked him as he started to put food on his and my plate.
“Um, serving dinner?” He looked at me with a - are you stupid - look. I shook my finger from side to side.
“Let me,” I said as I grabbed the cartons. “Grab your chopsticks,” I told him.
“I don’t know how to use chopsticks, I could never get those things right.”
“I will teach you then.”
“Ellery, let’s just eat.”
“We are going to eat, but my way,” I smiled.
He sighed and took his set of chopsticks out of the bag. I took the sweet and sour pork container, inserted by chopsticks and grabbed a piece of pork, “See, easy.” If looks could kill, I’d be dead just about now.
I took his chopsticks and placed them properly between his fingers. The feel of his soft skin sent shivers down my spine. I guided his chopsticks inside the carton and helped him pull out a piece of pork. He looked at me and smirked.
“See, it’s not hard with the proper training.”
I took a piece of beef and held it to his mouth as he took it and smiled. He was enjoying this new found way of eating Chinese food even though he would never admit it. He still had some trouble, but managed to get a piece of pork and brought it to my mouth. He laughed when I grabbed the chopsticks between my teeth and refused to let go. This moment we were sharing felt so right and comfortable, and it scared the hell out of me.
When we finished eating, he took his thumb and gently stroked the area above my cut, “Does it hurt?” he asked sympathetically.
“Not anymore,” I answered as I looked down. His touching me like that was killing me. It stirred up heat in me I never knew existed. Kyle never made me feel the way Connor does, and I was bothered by that. I should not have these feelings for him; we’re friends, and that is all we can be. I believe we met for a reason, but I have yet to find out why.
“What are you thinking?” he softly asked. I took his hand and removed it from my head, holding it up to my face as I gently kissed it. I could feel him tighten as his breathing grew heavier, but I didn’t and wouldn’t let go.
“I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have a friend like you,” I smiled.
He smiled and pulled his hand away, “We need to leave early in the morning; we should get some rest.”
I got up and started walking upstairs, “Do you want a pain pill?” He yelled from the kitchen.
“No, I’m fine,” I responded.” I slipped into my night-shirt and got under the absurdly warm covers.
I was looking through my phone when Connor knocked on the door. “Come in.” He walked in the room wearing dark gray silk pajama bottoms that hung off his hips. His muscular frame stared at me as my butterflies awoke and the fire ignited in my blood. He sat down in the chair and reclined it back. “What are you doing?” I asked.
“Getting some rest?”
“Here?”
“Yes, do you have a problem with that?” The only problem I had was trying to keep my hands off him and having my way with him.
“Yes I do Mr. Black.”
He sat up and looked at me, “Why? The doctor said you need to be watched for a concussion. How am I supposed to do that if I’m in the room down the hall?”
“I’m fine, and besides you cannot sleep all night in that chair, you’ll be hurting in the morning, and we have a ten-hour drive to Michigan.”
“Doctors’ orders Miss Lane, so deal with it. You are not getting your way with this one.”
“Now you’re making me feel bad,” I took in a sharp breath and wanted to crucify myself for what I was about to say, “At least sleep in the bed.”
His eyes widened, “I don’t think that is a good idea Ellery.”
“Why not? We’re friends. Peyton and I sleep in the same bed when we have sleepovers, and my bed is tiny compared to this one. You have your own side way over there,” I pointed. “If you don’t then I’m leaving and you know I will.”
“You are not going anywhere, and I’m not sleeping in that bed.”
I threw the covers back, got out of bed and started to put on my yoga pants. Connor jumped up from the chair and grabbed my arm, “Stop it Ellery, you need your rest.” His voice was angry, and his face was irritated.
He took in a long sharp breath, “Fine, I’ll sleep in the bed, just please get back in it and leave those pants on.” I smiled at him and climbed back into bed. He walked to the other side, climbed in and turned the other way, “You are the most stubborn and defiant person I have ever known Ellery Lane.”
I smiled
as I closed my eyes, “So, I’ve been told Mr. Black, goodnight.”
Even though, I could not see him, I could feel him smile, “Goodnight Ellery.”
Chapter 18
I awoke the next morning, and I was alone. I got up and headed to the bathroom when I heard yelling coming from downstairs. I stepped a little closer to the top of the step when I heard Connor’s raised voice. “That’s too bad Ashlyn; I have to go out-of-town for a few days on business. No, I cannot, I don’t have time. Don’t you dare come over here; I’m leaving. I’ll call you as soon as I get back. I know it’s been a while, but I can’t help that; I’ve been busy. No, she has nothing to do with it, I’ve been working. Ashlyn, I promise we’ll get together as soon as I get back. I’m going to send an envelope over with Denny; I’ll talk to you soon.”
My stomach felt sick, and my heart ached after I heard that conversation. I leaned my head against the wall and felt the sting of tears fill my eyes. My inner voice started to yell, “Stop it Elle, just stop it, he’s your friend. You knew from the beginning it could never be more than friendship. You knew what you were getting into, and I warned you.” I looked up at the ceiling to stop the tears from falling.
I heard footsteps coming up the stairs, so I ran into the bathroom and started the shower. There was a knock at the door.
“Elle, make sure the water isn’t too hot,” Connor said.
“No worries, it’s not.”
I stood in the shower and let the warm water fall on me. I was going to have to put an end or distance to this friendship when I got back from Michigan. I silently cried as I buried my face in the water, drowning my sorrows. I turned the shower off and stepped out; I wrapped a towel around me and noticed I didn’t bring any clothes except my night-shirt that was lying on the floor wet. I opened the door and jumped when I saw Connor leaning against the wall across from where I was standing.
“Shit, you fucking scared me Connor.” Not to mention the fact that I was half-naked in front of him and the towel was barely covering my ass.
He looked at me with a hunger in his eyes as he blushed. “I’m sorry; I just wanted to make sure you didn’t take too hot of a shower. I didn’t want you getting dizzy and passing out again. You do have a habit of not listening to anybody.”