Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 161(@300wpm)
She climbs to her feet as I approach, giving me a full view, and her appearance under the dim light halts me in my tracks. Dressed in baggy sweats that swallow her small frame and red rimmed eyes brimming with tears, she looks lost and broken.
Concern grips my chest like an iron fist. “Elle, what is it? What’s wrong?”
My questions hang like a dark cloud, casting shadows across her delicate features.
She fidgets with the hem of her hoodie as if trying to distract me from the tears flooding her eyes before she manages a shrug. “Got my period.” Her fragile composure shatters under the confession, triggering a sob from her chest.
A curse escapes me as I close the distance between us and take her into my arms. I hold her close, forming a protective shield around her trembling body as she cries against my chest.
“I’m sorry, Elle,” I whisper against her hair, wishing my words were enough to ease her disappointment; not only for her but myself.
“I know I’m being stupid,” she says between sobs. “But I really thought this time was it. I was so sure of it. Felt it in my bones. How could I have been so wrong?”
Her sorrow rips me apart from the inside out. “You’re not stupid,” I murmur. “You were hopeful, we both were. Nothing wrong with that. It’s just going to take more time than we were expecting, but it will happen.”
“What if it doesn’t?” she whispers fearfully. “What if something is wrong, Gunnar? What if they overlooked something at the clinic, and I can’t get pregnant?”
I dismiss that thought, refusing to even go there. “I’m sure that’s not the case, but if it is, we’ll figure it out. We might just have to shift the plan. Hell, for all we know, maybe it’s me.” That thought unsettles me more than I care to admit.
“Doubtful,” she grumbles.
I frown at the response. “Why do you say that?”
“Because anytime anything ever goes wrong, it’s never you, it’s always me,” she cries. “You’re perfect and good at everything you do, and I’m always riding the Hot Mess Express.”
That statement is so ridiculous I can’t help but laugh. “I’m far from perfect, Elle, but if it’s any consolation, I will gladly ride the Hot Mess Express with you, anytime, anywhere.”
A giggle escapes through her tears, which is the exact reaction I was hoping for. The sound of it eases the heaviness of the moment.
Sniffling, she lifts her face from my chest, revealing a slightly pink nose and red-rimmed eyes. The sight of it has me dropping a kiss on her forehead, my lips lingering as I silently vow to always fix what hurts.
By the time I pull back, I see her eyes have fluttered close, a tranquil calm settling over her face before she reopens them.
“You always make it better,” she says, her voice a mere whisper.
Good because that’s what she has always done for me. She’s always been my anchor in the storm.
“I’m sorry for showing up and falling apart on you like this,” she adds. “Especially when you’re so busy. I was just really sad and didn’t want to be alone.”
That confession hits hard. “You never have to apologize for needing me, Elle,” I say, my thumb sweeping away a stray tear from her cheek. “Let’s just give it a little more time before we worry too much, okay?”
Her response is a gentle nod.
“Why don’t we stay here tonight?” I suggest, pulling her in closer. “We can make some popcorn, watch a movie, or just talk. Whatever you want.”
A grateful smile touches her lips, a glimmer of hope breaking through the sorrow. “I’d like that.” Her soft agreement further eases the moment.
“Good. Me too.” I drop one more kiss to the top of her head, lingering just a second longer before stepping back. “Go on up. I’ll be there soon. Just need to lock up.”
Nodding, she heads for the stairs. “Take your time. Bear and I will start the popcorn.” She pats her leg, motioning for him to follow.
His tail wags in excitement as he happily trots behind her, the sound of their footsteps fading as I enter my office.
Despite her reassurance, I try to make it quick and rush through my task, refusing to leave her side for too long.
Less than a minute later, I hear the gentle patter of footsteps echo through the shop again. Assuming it’s Elle, I venture back out.
It’s not Elle.
Shock anchors me in place, bringing me to a hard stop as I come face-to-face with a voluptuous brunette in a trench coat.
“Maxine,” I utter, my surprise more than evident.
A seductive smile dances across her lips as she leans against the charger. “Hey, stranger.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask, forgoing any kind of greeting.
Our relationship doesn’t warrant unexpected visits like this, and it’s not something I appreciate when I have Elle upstairs.