“I don’t know.”
“He left my mother with nothing. Absolutely nothing, and she was the one who stood by him and he ruined everything by leaving.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“From that point my father became worse. He became very showboaty about his life, and all his belongings. Then, he started gambling and it has just snowballed from there.”
“I understand.” We lay in silence for a moment as Ellis continues running his fingers through my hair. “Is your mom better now?”
“Yeah, she actually lives up in Atlanta down the street from me.”
“And she’s happy?”
He kisses the top of my head. “Yeah, she’s happy. And like I said. This wedding is important to you, so I’ll be there to support you and only you.”
This man makes me feel all mushy inside. I lean up, pressing a kiss against his abdominals. “Thank you.”
He hisses when I make contact with his skin, and then he sits up. “I’m serious. This is who you are. You’re a dog wedding planner, and I love that about you.”
My ears perk up at the mention of love. “I love that you’re a beer guy.”
He cracks a smile. “I’m a little bit more than that. You forgot kickass dancer, awesome beer master, graphic designs that will knock your socks off.”
I laugh. “And you forgot about the bedroom.”
“Oh, right. I’m an ok lover.” He grins wide.
I kiss his cheek. “You’re so much better than just ok.”
He kisses me quick on the lips. “It’s because of you. It’s easy with you.”
“I hope that’s a compliment.”
He shakes his head. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean, it’s like we’re always on the same page. It’s a great feeling.”
“They say dogs have an internal connection to their owners. That when they’re sad, the dog is sad and so on. I feel like we kind of have the same connection.”
Ellis breathes in my hair, smothering his face in the soft curls before pulling back. “I like that.” And then he kisses me, long and slow, smooth and deep, his tongue penetrating me to the point of complete arousal. When he finishes, he pulls back, cupping my cheeks in both hands. “I really like that.”
I kiss him, because if I don’t I might end up blurting out words like love, marriage, and forever. And even though we have this amazing link between us, I don’t want to rush things.
TWENTY-TWO
Ellis
Never count your eggs before they hatch...
I think I could watch Kiki sleep all day long. Is that creepy? That’s creepy, right? Well, I mean it in a she’s just so fucking cute kind of way. And she is, seriously.
I kiss her cheek and crawl out of bed, padding my way into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Yesterday after we left Dune Dog’s my phone had two missed calls from two more places that wanted to carry our beer. Dave raved about it, and I plan on telling Urban the good news. Once we get the money from the investors and sign the contract, life should be great for the Bearded Goat Brewery.
My whole world is looking up.
I let the coffee percolate, and the smell travels throughout Kiki’s cute little cottage. She lucked out in finding this place. It’s close to the beach, on a quiet little road, with not that many neighbors.
I get the cream ready, and make myself a mug and take it outside to sit on her patio. The weather is cool this early in the morning, and I relax as I try to come up with a game plan for today.
“Heard about Dune Dog’s, that’s awesome,” Urban texts me.
I throw back another. “Two more places just called and I plan on checking them out.”
“Perfect. Dad’s wondering if you can stop by his place. Noon.” I read Urban’s text, wondering what my father could possibly have to say to me. A ball of nerves churns deep inside my belly. This can’t be good.
I finish my coffee, making my way back into the kitchen to rinse the mug.
“Morning sleepyhead,” I say when I spot Kiki making her way into the room, her eyes still sleepy and her hair a mess. She looks cuter than I’ve ever seen her.
“Coffee,” she mumbles.
Ah, my girl is not a morning person. I pull down a mug and pour her some piping hot coffee.
She breathes it in. “What are you doing up so early on a Saturday?”
“Work, baby. Always work.” I smile and kiss her cheek. “Actually, I have to meet Urban at my father’s house. He has something to talk to us about.” My smile turns tight and I can’t help rolling my eyes a bit.
“Uh oh. I hope it’s ok.”
“I’m sure it will be.” I wrap my arms around her. “And what’s on your agenda today?”
“I have to pick up a few things for Yasmin’s wedding.”
“Dinner after?”
“Absolutely.” We’re falling into this perfect little rhythm and I fucking love it.