by Tessa Elaine
“There are some things we need to talk about. Like who's moving where and the fact that you could be pregnant, darlin’.”
“Oh yea, there's that...”
I'm not really ready to talk about all this stuff but I guess we can't keep putting it off. I feel like I have been on an emotional roller coaster these past few weeks. My anxiety is high and I feel like I have been crying nonstop, but life is taking a turn for the better and I know it's just in my grasp. Everything I have ever wanted is right here for the taking. Now suck it up buttercup and take what this perfect man is offering.
“Where do we start?” I ask, he looks as nervous as I feel. I haven't really had time to think about any of this, it all happened so fast. Lucas showing up and us falling back into each other's arms. Promising one another forever.
“Let's start with where we will live. Now that I have you I can't stand the thought of waking up without you.” I smile because I feel the same way. Thinking about waking up without him leaves me feeling uneasy.
I don't want to let him go, but I have my whole life here, everything I have worked so hard for is here. My job, my friend, my apartment. My life is coming to a point where I have to make a decision. This change is bigger than anything I have done in a long time. I can feel the panic starting, my breathing gets faster and I'm getting really hot. Lucas notices the change in my body language and cups my face in his hands.
“Baby, breath for me. In and out, nice and slow. It's okay, Elena.” I do as he says, breathing in and out and looking at him for my safe place. I'm so humiliated, Lucas having to see me through this.
“How long?” He asks.
“How long what?” I manage to get out between breaths. I'm trying really hard not to hyperventilate.
“In through your nose out through your mouth, darlin’. How long have you had the panic attacks?” I don't want him knowing how weak I am, he can't possibly want to deal with all this. But I can't lie to him either.
“Seven years,” I whisper.
He doesn't move he just breaths me in with his face in my neck. I start to think I should tell him more, my whole life is a mess, I'm a mess.
What do I want? That's what I need to ask myself. Is Lucas enough to give everything up for? Will I be okay if I go back to Eureka? Can I live on the ranch or should I move in with Lucas? If I live with Lucas I have to watch someone else live on my family's ranch and possible change everything about it. While I'm lost in my head Lucas stays quiet letting me calm down.
He is always so stable when I can't be. Always my rock, so patient and understanding when I need him to be. Then he can be headstrong and courageous when I'm holding back. I wish I could be as brave as he is, just putting everything out there.
I wish I had the reassurance that everything would be okay, but life just doesn't work that way. There are no guarantees that things will always be okay. Sometimes you just have to jump in feet first and hope for the best. But with Lucas by my side I think we could pull each other through anything.
I finally calm myself and find the courage to put my heart out there the way he has.
“I have Aubrey and the apartment, I have my job, my aunt and uncle here in Seattle.” I pause thinking my next words through before I speak, but Lucas shocks me again.
“Elena, if you don't move to Eureka then I'm moving to Seattle.” I'm speechless. Why would he leave his family and friends, his father's business? He is crazy.
“Lucas, I can't ask you to leave your life and move here. That's not fair.”
Chapter 19
Lucas
I wish I knew what she was thinking. Her panic attack started the minute I mentioned our future. Does being with me scare her that bad? I have no idea how to approach this situation, I'm worried I'm pushing too hard. She might run again, I know she said she wouldn't, but how do I know for sure? I will move here to Seattle if that's what it takes, anything to keep her in my life. My family might not like it and my best friend might lose his shit, but they will have to just accept it. I can't lose her again.
“Lucas, I can't ask you to leave your life and move here. It's not fair.” How is it not fair, she would be giving up the same thing leaving Seattle? Leaving Eureka to be with Elena will be completely worth it.
“Elena, listen to me. One of two things are going to happen. One you're either moving to Eureka with me or two I'm moving to Seattle with you. So now the only thing left is for you to decide where you would be most happy at Eureka or Seattle? Shit women, you can pick anywhere as long as it means we go together.”
The smile that takes her face has my heart beating faster. I wish I could read her mind, this would be so much easier.
“I love you, so much. Your family needs you and your business needs you. I will not take you from those you love.”
“Elena...” She stops me with a hard kiss, shutting me up instantly.
“Let me finish,” she says when she pulls away, I nod letting her know she has my full attention.
“I'm not sure how this will go, but I know I can't be without you either. So, if we are doing this, it will be at home in Eureka. I can't promise this will be easy, but with you by my side I feel like I can do anything.
She has no idea how happy she just made me, I can't use words to explain so I just show her. Taking her lips with mine I kiss her with every ounce of desire flowing through my body. Soft and loving at first then it turns hard and desperate. I pull back breathless, searching her face for any doubt, but all I see is hope and love. I never thought this life was possible, I thought we lost our chance a long time ago, I'm a needy bastard so I make her say it again
“Tell me again.” She smiles sweetly at me.
“Lucas Wayne, I'm coming home. Back to you, back to my roots.” I pull her close and feel so much relief. We can take one day at a time.
“You have no idea how happy you make me.” I tell her
“I have a pretty good idea,” she says. “Do you really want me to live with you? I can always find an apartment or I'm sure Mrs. Johnson won't mind me renting a room for a little while. I mean all this is moving so fast.” I cut her off with a swat to her ass, she yelps at the light smack to her ass, but I can see the small smile she's trying to hide.
“Elena, I told you I won't wake up without you in my bed again. Now the other decision you need to make is your place or mine?” Her smile falls from her face and I start to think I said something wrong.
“Can we live at your place? I'm not sure what I want to do with the ranch yet. I don't know if I can live there, but I don't know if I can sell it either.” I hate seeing her so torn, so unsure. Whatever she needs she will get, I will do everything in my power to keep that smile on her face.
“That's just fine darlin’, you don't have to make any decisions now.” She relaxes in my arms.
“So, when can I move all your things to our house?” I love the way that sounds our house. She starts laughing but I was completely serious, I can't wait to get her moved in. In my bed every morning and every night. Breakfast and dinner, just me and her, sounds perfect.
“What's so funny?” I ask.
“Lucas, I have my job. I have to put my two weeks in and I need to start looking for a job in Eureka.” Hell, two more weeks. I don't want to wait that long. “I also have to talk to Aubrey. I can't leave her hanging like this, the lease on the apartment, the rent.” Damn, I didn't think about that. I understand though. If she leaves to make a life permanently in Eureka she has to close out her life in Seattle, and if I know Elena she has to do it right. There will be no packing up and just leaving.
“Whatever you need darlin’. I have waited this long I can wait two more weeks, but you don't have to worry about finding a job right away. We own our home baby, and I have plenty of money.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and I think she's going to say something sweet, but instead she says, “I'm hungry.”
I laugh and stand with her still in my arms walking her to the kitchen. Sitting
her on the counter I turn to look for something to fix, but she stops me with a hand on my wrist. I turn back to her and she has that sweet smile that's just for me.
“Thank you,” she whispers. I step between her legs, where she sits on the counter we are eye to eye.
“You never have to thank me. I'm the one who should be thanking you, for coming back to me.” I kiss her, taking her bottom lip between mine biting just a little. There's that sexy moan.
“Save that or I won't be feeding you.” We both start laughing and it feels so good.
I find the stuff to make spaghetti and put it together quickly. Elena stays seated on the counter watching me the whole time. When I finish cooking dinner she yells at Aubrey and we all eat dinner while watching a movie. When the movie is over we say goodnight to her friend and head to bed.
“You going to tell her?” I ask.
“Yes, when we can sit down and talk it over. I don't think right now is a good time.” I see her struggle with all of this and it makes me a little nervous. I kiss her forehead walk over to my bags and get ready for bed.
“I'm going to tell her.” I hear her say. Now I feel like an ass for doubting her, I know this has to be hard for her. I would be having the same problem if I had to tell Wyatt I was moving.
“I know baby, I'm sorry.” I kiss her again and head to the bathroom to get ready for bed. When I'm finished I head back to her room to find her lying in the middle of the bed completely naked.
“Damn baby, what did I do to deserve this?” She smiles and pulls her knees up and lets them fall to the side, showing me all of her. She’s already wet just sitting there waiting for me.
“You are so fucking beautiful. I love seeing how wet you get for me,” I say walking over to the bed. My clothes are off and on the floor before I make it to her.
She gives me that sexy smile and says, “Show me how much you love how wet I am.” I laugh and kneel on the bed in front of her, running my hands up her legs. Making my way up to that sweet spot that is dripping with need for me. We start off slow just exploring each other, falling into bed together and end up making love until we both pass out.
I wake to soft kisses and find Elena standing over me ready for work. She looks hot in her scrubs. I reached up grabbing her by the back of the neck and pulling her down on top of me. She's laughing and I kiss her harder needing to keep her here a little longer.
“Stay home today,” I say pulling back just a breath away.
“I would, but I need to put in my two weeks.” Yes, she does, I don't want to wait one more day to move her in with me.
“Okay, I guess that's fine,” I say chuckling.
“Is it now?” she says biting my neck, I hiss sucking in a breath.
“You keep that shit up and you're going to be late for work.” She gets up to leave and I stop her holding her hand in mine.
“What do I do all day while you're gone?”
“I'm sure you will find something to keep you busy.” She smiles giving me one last kiss before heading out the door. I lay there for a little while trying to processes everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours. So much has changed and now I just have to hold on to it. Her birthday is Saturday maybe I could do some shopping today.
I spend the whole day going from store to store trying to find that perfect gift for her, but there is nothing I have found that is good enough for Laney. I do some thinking and decide to make a phone call to an old friend. I climb in my truck and head back to the apartment after I make my phone call.
I pull up to her apartment I see that damn BMW and my mood changes so fast I get whiplash. Elena will be home any minute and I don't want this asshole upsetting her. Making my way up to the apartment I find him leaning against the door. He doesn't see me until I'm right in front of him because his nose is in his phone.
“Can I help you?” I ask. Recognition crosses his face and I laugh at him, he's surprised to see me.
“Well if it isn't the hillbilly, what the hell are you doing here?” I just walk past him pulling out the key Elena left me this morning. When I get the door open he puts his arm in front of me blocking my way in.
“Why the fuck do you have a key to my fiancé’s apartment?” Is this guy serious? I really don't see how this dip shit got a girl like Elena. She is way too good for this prick.
“I'm only going to say this one time. Elena was never and will never be yours. Now move your arm before I break it off in your ass.” He only hesitates for a second, but he finally makes a smart decision and steps back. Then he opens his mouth as I walk in.
“That bitch would have come crawling back if it wasn't for you.” I don't even think, I just snap, I'm seeing red. Before I know it, I have the rich asshole pinned to the wall while his feet dangle in the air. I'm so pissed I'm not sure I can stop, I might be going to jail.
“If you ever come near her again I will beat you within an inch of your life. If I so much as find out you said her name I will hunt you down and end you.” He's turning purple and I just squeeze harder. He's kicking and pulling at my hands, but this little piece of shit can't do anything. I lean in close so he knows I'm not fucking around.
“So help me God, you will be drinking out of a straw for the next four months if you don't answer me.” He's still trying to pull my hands away when I hear Elena yell.
“Lucas, what are you doing? Put Dorian down, have you lost your damn mind?” Is she really taking this guy’s side over me? I start to think I won't stop until he's unconscious at my feet, but she wraps her hand around my arm and pulls. Now she's not strong enough to really pull me off, but I don't want her getting hurt so I let him go.
Dorian falls to the ground in a heap, holding his neck and gasping for air. Elena pushes me back with a look of disappointment on her face. I feel a little bad, but this asshole had it coming.
“I don't know what the hell is going on, but it stops here.” She says, will she choose him over me? I don't think I can handle that. She walks over and kneels down to check on him.
“Are you okay?” Elena asks Dorian.
His voice is hoarse when he answers. “I will press charges on this hillbilly. Elena, this guy is fucking crazy, you need to leave with me now.”
I'm standing still waiting for her to crush me, but she starts laughing. Did I miss something?
“Dorian, get up and get out. If you ever come near me again I will be the one pressing charges for harassment. Do you understand?” Dorian's eyes get big, but he manages to stand and walk to the exit. I stand there waiting for her to tell me I need to go to. She walks into her apartment and looks over her shoulder. “You coming?” I don't know how to take that or what to say so I just follow her inside. I need to fix this.
“Elena darlin’, I'm sorry. When I got here he was at the door, I was going to just go inside and ignore him...” she is grabbing a couple of beers out of the refrigerate when she cuts me off.
“Lucas, stop.” She turns and hands one to me. I just stare at it. I hate feeling out of my depth with her. I have no idea how she will take this. “I came up right after you did, I heard everything. You have nothing to apologize for.” She opens her beer, takes a drink, and smiles at me obviously amused with my shock. I really thought I was going to have to grovel for causing a scene in front of her apartment.
“Why are you smiling at me like that?” I ask her, she shakes her head and walks over to me. I have to admit I'm on high alert. How can this woman make me so nervous, my heart is doing ninety to nothing? She runs her hand up my chest.
“It's really hot seeing you so protective and possessive over me.” She is a little minx.
“Oh yea?” I ask grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close. She bites that lip and I'm done for. Covering her mouth with mine I push my tongue into her just to get a taste. I'm about to throw her over my shoulder and take her to bed when the front door opens.
“Could you two come up for some air?” Aubrey says. Elena smiles against my lips and I
don't want to let her go. But I grab onto some self-control and step back.
“Sorry to be such a cock block,” she says walking in with some bags. “Dinner's on me tonight.” Aubrey sits the bags down on the counter and starts pulling stuff out to make dinner. We eat together while we watch TV. I can picture Elena coming home and us having dinner every night together just the two of us. After we are done I offer to clean up for the girls.
They sit on the couch to talk and I hear Elena bring up moving in with me. Aubrey asks if it is too soon, but I hear Elena tell her this is what she has been waiting on her whole life. My chest tightens and I want to go to her and tell her this is all I have ever wanted. And like a best friend Aubrey tells her, “Then go get your happy ever after hooker.” They both fall into giggles and I walk over when I'm done cleaning up.
“What's so funny?” I ask the girls.
“I just told Aubrey she would get her happy ever after and she informed me.”
“Stop!” Aubrey yells and they both laugh again.
“She said he better come with handcuffs and some toys.” They both start laughing harder and I just shake my head.
“That's a little more then I needed to know.” I tell them. Aubrey is going to keep some sorry bastard on his toes. I hope the poor guy can keep up.
I stand and hold out my hand for Elena. “Ready for bed darlin’?” She takes my hand with that sexy lip bite and stands to follow me.
We fall into bed unable to keep our hands off of each other and we spend the next few hours making love. This woman is exquisite. After we are completely satisfied we both head to the shower. She’s quite while I wash her hair, I love taking care of my women.
“How was work?” I ask her, but she knows what I want to know.
“A little disappointed, but they accepted my resignation.” I rinse her hair off and soap up her curvy body. She moans and closes her eyes.
