It’s the first semi-smile I’ve been treated to in weeks. Even though it’s in no way full-blown, I still want to bask in its warmth.
An answering expression tugs at my lips as the memories roll through my head. “Yup.” My mom would nag the hell out of me, insisting I would catch a cold and end up getting sick. It never happened.
As my gaze roves over the length of her, a wave of possessiveness slams into me. There’s something about the sight of her wearing my clothing that claws at my insides. It’s like a small claim of ownership that I have no right to make. Silently I admit that the need to put my stamp on her is nothing new. The desire has always been there, pounding like a steady drumbeat beneath my skin, even when I did my damnedest to deny its existence.
It takes effort to blink back to the present as she grabs hold of the thick curtain of dark strands before lifting them from the back of the hoodie until they spread around her shoulders like a silky waterfall. It’s so damn tempting to reach out and sift my fingers through the heavy mass. Instead, I tighten my hands and keep them locked at my sides.
Needing a distraction, I clear my throat along with those thoughts before glancing toward the back of the house. “I’m guessing you didn’t know about Theo.”
Further clarification isn’t necessary. The fresh wave of sadness that seeps into her eyes leaves me wincing, making me wish I’d left well enough alone.
Her forehead furrows as she stares at the stone façade of the expansive structure before slowly shaking her head. “Until I walked through the door, I had no idea he existed.”
Ouch. That’s tough.
I’m not sure why Katherine chose to spring her new boyfriend on them at a random dinner. Seems like it might have been easier to talk to her kids about the situation and give them a little time to adjust before introductions were made.
Then again, what the hell do I know?
I’ve royally fucked up my relationship with Elle and we’re not even going out.
I shift my stance, fighting the impulse that demands I tug her into my arms in order to offer comfort. “If it’s any consolation, he seems like a nice guy.”
Her teeth sink into her lower lip before she worries it. Instead of answering, she pops a shoulder and breaks eye contact before staring off into the distance.
Even though I should do us both a favor and keep my big mouth shut, I say, “It’s been four years since your dad died. That’s a long time to be alone.” I wince as the words leave my lips. It’s not like I understand what it’s like to see one of your parents with another person. Mine are still together, happily bickering with one another.
Her entire body wilts, deflating before my eyes. It only leaves me feeling like a bigger jackass for inflicting more heartache.
“I know exactly how long it’s been.”
My gaze flickers to the massive residence. “It’s a big house for just one person. It must be lonely with both you and Brayden at school.” I know exactly what it’s like to rattle around all alone in an empty house. It’s the reason I spent so much time with the Kendricks while growing up.
Air escapes from her lungs like a tire that has sprung a leak. “I’m sure you’re right.” Her voice dips, flooding with pent-up emotion. “It’s just hard to see her with someone else. Before, it wasn’t something I could even conjure up. Now, I can’t get the image out of my head. It feels burned into my retinas.”
No matter how much self-control I pretend to have where this girl is concerned, those words are my undoing. Powerless to resist the urge, I reach out, nabbing her fingers with my own before towing her to me. It’s almost a surprise when she comes willingly. Once there, I wrap her up in my arms, cocooning her in my embrace.
If it were possible to leech away her pain and take it onto myself, I would do it without question. Even though her body is stiff as a board, I hold on tightly, securing her to me. With the side of her face pressed against my chest, I close my eyes and simply enjoy the feel of her.
With my face buried in her hair, the floral scent of her shampoo inundates my senses. Gradually her muscles loosen until she sinks fully into my arms. Time stops and I lose track of how long we stand wrapped up in one another. I don’t understand why everything always feels so much better when I’m holding her, pretending that she belongs to me.
It’s a problem I don’t know how to solve.
Because at the end of the day, Elle isn’t mine.