by Tessa Elaine
“You're awful quiet back there?” she finally says and I smile.
I wonder what she would say to the thoughts running through my head. I pull her closer and start nibbling on her neck until she is squirming in my arms.
“I'm trying to think of the best way to convince you to let me throw your things in the back of my truck and get us back to Eureka before sundown. “
She giggles and flips around in my arms. I love to hear her laugh, especially when I'm the cause. She runs her palm over my four-day old stubble and I lean into her hand. This woman can bring me to my knees with the slightest touch.
She smiles at me with soft eyes, kisses me once, then twice, and runs her tongue along my bottom lip. I groan and grab her thigh pulling it over my leg so I can press my growing erection in between her legs. Even after just having her she makes me want more.
She presses her hand to my chest and pushes me back slightly. I miss the feel of her soft lips on mine. I lean forward to capture her mouth again, but she stops me and leans back. My brow furrows in confusion, but she's still smiling.
“Today is always the same for me, I end up crying myself to sleep and waiting for it to pass.” She swallows and tries to start again. I see her trying to think of what she's going to say and when she starts talking again her voice is shaking.
“This year is different, I know it's because of you. Being around you, being with you makes today easier to deal with.” She waits for a second and looks down at her hands that are tangled together, then looks back up at me with uncertainty.
“You sure you want me to move in with you?”
Is she serious right now, does she not know I don't say anything I don't mean.
“I have never been more sure of anything in my life, Elena. You are everything to me, and I want you by my side for the rest of our lives.”
Her smile is radiant, blinding, loving. I don't know how else to tell her how much she means to me.
“Can we head home in the morning, so I can spend tonight with Aubrey?” It takes half a second to realize what she said. I have her pinned under me in the next second. I grab her wrist and hold them above her head.
“Please, tell me you're not messing with me right now?”
“I am not messing with you, Lucas.”
I slam my mouth down on hers, pushing my tongue past her lips. I growl deep in my throat and I know she is my home, as long as I have her everything will be perfect.
“Oh, thank god. I don't think I could have left without you. I was thinking about throwing you over my shoulder and kidnapping you.” She starts laughing at me.
“Let me call Aubrey and tell her the plan.”
I let her up to make her phone call and fall back onto the bed. I put my hands under my head and stare up at the ceiling, loving how everything is falling into place. I get my girl, my company has done great this year, my future is right in front of me, what more could I want? A family.
I start thinking of Elena growing round with my baby, her being my wife. I can't get the image out of my head. I feel like I'm being watched, so I look over at the door. The most beautiful angel I have ever seen is leaning against the door frame with a smile just for me.
“I don't think I have ever seen you smile like that. What could you be thinking about to put that look on your face?” She asks.
“Come over and I will tell you.”
She steps away from the door and walks to me, stopping just out of reach. I sit up and grab her so fast she can't get away. She yelps as I pull her on top of me. She straddles my waist just right, so my dick is perfectly lined up with her. I raise my hips, pushing up into her. She looks up at the ceiling and groans.
“No distractions, tell me what that smile was for.”
“You,” I tell her.
“What about me?” She insists while I run my hands up her legs and rest them on her waist. I notice her nipples start to pebble under my shirt. I love seeing her in my cloths.
“I was thinking about us and how amazing it will be to start our life together.” I place my hand on her stomach and look her in the eyes. “I was also thinking how wonderful it will be to watch you grow with our child.”
She doesn't say anything, she just leans down and slowly takes me back to that place that's just the two of us. Pushing each other over the edge. Perfect ecstasy.
After making love to Elena, we lay there most of the day talking about life and what we want out of it. When it's time we get dressed and head out to have dinner with Elena's best friend Aubrey. She wants to take her out and I have to admit, Aubrey and I were both surprised Elena said yes.
We arrive at the nice Italian place, it's Elena's favorite. We are seated at a booth and soon order our food. Elena seems a little uneasy, so I rub her back trying to ease the stress. I know Aubrey means the world to her, so this can't be easy. I hate taking her away from her life, but I can't live without her. I'm a selfish bastard.
“Hey chica, you okay?” Aubrey asks Elena.
She looks over at me for support and I squeeze her shoulder letting her know I'm right here.
“There is something I want to tell you.” Elena says and Aubrey nods her head telling her to go on. “I'm moving to Eureka a week early.” She says fast.
I guess like ripping a band aid off, just get it over with. I kiss her temple and she smiles up at me. When we both look back at Aubrey, I'm not sure how she's taking the news. Her expression is hard to read. Aubrey lets out a long sigh and looks over at me.
“I should be mad at you.” She says pointing at me, I don't know what to say to that. Elena starts to say something, but Aubrey holds up her hand stopping anything she's about to say.
“I said I should, but, how can I? You put a smile on my girl's face that I've never seen. You got her to leave her room today, of all days. Shit you got her to leave the house.” She says with a smile. Elena looks down at her hands, so I pull her closer to me under my arm.
“What I'm trying to say,” Aubrey looks over at Elena, “is that as long as Elena is happy and this is what she wants, then I'm happy. But Lucas, I'm telling you now, if you hurt her I will kill you and bury you, and no one will find you.”
The way she says she will kill me makes me believe every word.
“I promise you, Aubrey. The last thing I will ever do is hurt our girl. Elena means the world to me, and I will spend every minute of my life making her happy.” Aubrey smiles and claps loud.
“I am so happy for you chica.” She says to Elena.
I see the blush cross Elena's cheeks and she turns her face into my side, obviously embarrassed. I laugh and feel so relieved Aubrey isn't mad at her. I don't think Elena could have handled that. The waitress brings our food and we have a nice dinner laughing at stories Aubrey and Elena tell.
Chapter 22
Elena
Dinner with Aubrey went a lot better than I thought it would. I was worried she was going to be upset with me. She has been my rock these last few years, I'm going to miss not seeing her every day. We made a promise to talk daily and take turns visiting every month. My aunt and uncle are still in Seattle and I'm going to miss them too. They have been so amazing to me in a dark part of my life, I don't know what I would have done without them.
When they called to wish me a happy birthday I told them about Lucas and I, about my decision to move back to Eureka. They are really happy for us and Aunt Grace started crying. She started to tell me how proud my mom and dad would be of me and the women I have become. They didn't ask about the ranch and I'm thankful, I'm still unsure of what to do. I can't bring myself to sell it so that should say it all. Lucas said to take my time and he will support any decision I make.
I feel like one of those cartoon characters with the hearts in their eyes every time he's around. I know I have a dopey look on my face, but I don't care. He makes breathing easier. Starting this new life I have dreamed of since I was a young girl is so surreal. I'm so happy life has come full circle, finally. Things have a fu
nny way of working themselves out and I've learned you just have to keep your head up, go after what you want, and love yourself.
I get most of my things packed before we head to bed, at least all the necessities. Lucas said we can come back in a couple weeks and get the rest. I'm a little anxious about leaving, but I know this is right for me, everything feels right. Lucas feels right.
When we are both in bed he pulls me close and I dissolve in his arms. Going to bed every night and waking up every morning in the arms of the man I love is a dream come true. I can't believe how much life has changed in the last couple month, I can't wait to see where we are in a year.
“Elena” Lucas pulls me from my thoughts.
“Hmm?” I mumbled, half asleep. He pulls my chin so I'm looking at him.
“You have made me the happiest man in the world. I promise, I will do everything in my power to make you as happy as you have made me.” I hush him by placing my finger on his lips. He kisses it and I smile at this amazing man.
“Lucas, you have already made me happy, just you being here with me is everything I ever wanted.” His arms press my body firmly to his and he hums so deep I feel the vibrations in his chest. I am home. Wherever Lucas is, that is home.
Morning comes early and we are up with the sun. Lucas wants to be home before dark. Home. I love how that sounds, home with Lucas, our home. We load his truck with my stuff and I'm going to follow him in my car. He wasn't thrilled at first, but I need my car in Eureka. He said he understood but he didn't look happy about it, that puts a smile on my face. I love that he can't stand to be away from me for too long.
Saying goodbye to Aubrey is one of the hardest things I have ever done. My aunt and uncle came to see me off too. I wasn't surprised though; Aunt Grace and Uncle James are the sweetest people. I don't know where I would be without them, they have been amazing. I will miss them.
They said they would visit often and I said I would do the same. Now for the hard part. Aubrey shakes her head at me and the tears form in my eyes.
“Don't you dare, you start with the water works and I will start crying. You know how I feel about crying.” I laugh because she told me when we first met “Crying is a weakness you can’t afford to show, when people learn they can hurt you they will use it against you.” I wipe my eyes before the tears can fall and she hugs me so tight and whispers in my ear.
“We won't be apart for long. And if this guy doesn't treat you right, I'm one phone call away.” I laugh again because she would be in Eureka in half the time that it takes to get there. “I love you, chica. Now go live your happily ever after.”
“I love you too”
We say our goodbyes to everyone and I climb in my car. Lucas comes to my window and leans in to kiss me.
“You ready, baby?” He asks, making sure this is what I really want. And as sweet as that is, I want him to trust that I'm making this choice with my eyes open.
“I'm ready, let's go home.” A beautiful smile takes his face before he kisses me again and pulls away.
“Stay close, if you need to stop call my cell. We can stop any time or anywhere you need.” I nod my head and he walks to his truck.
He pulls out and I follow as I wave to my family one last time. The tears fall before I even make it to the highway, I can't help but feel like I'm leaving a piece of me. I wipe my eyes and my phone rings, I answer without looking at it.
“Hello” I try to sound normal and not like I have a frog in my throat.
“Baby, you okay?” Lucas deep voice soothes me instantly.
“Yeah, just going to miss them.”
“I know darlin’, I promise we can come back whenever you want.” I love this man so much.
“Thank you” I tell him.
“I told you, anything to make you happy, Elena.” I smile and tell him I love him and we hang up so we can both concentrate on driving.
We make one stop to eat some lunch and get gas, but other than that we keep driving. By the time we make it to the Eureka town sign my butt is numb and my legs hurt from sitting so long. We make it to town by three, but it's still another thirty minutes to Lucas’s house. We make our way through the rest of the town, when we make it to that familiar road. My stomach knots and I try not to think about it, but how can I not.
We make it past the spot of the accident, but then there's the driveway to my childhood home. I take a deep breath and keep going. A couple minutes later we pass his mom and dads, down a long drive that leads to his house. When we pull up I shut the car off but don't make a move to get out. I didn't get a chance to really appreciate Lucas's home the last time I was here.
It's small, but it's perfect for the two of us. He told me he built this place on his own and it shows. It's a beautiful log cabin, but you can see the rugged touch in the details. The view of the mountains is stunning, the trees are all green and standing tall behind it. Every time I think of home this is what pops in my head.
I look over and at some point Lucas has opened my car door and I was completely oblivious. I was so lost in the view of my new/old home. I look back over at Lucas and he is holding out his hand for me. Reaching up I take it and he helps me to my feet. I go to reach for the things in my car, but he stops me by pulling me closer.
“We can get all of this later.” He kisses the top of my head.
I started to get scared when we pulled into Eureka, but Lucas can wash all that fear away with a simple touch. He leads me into the cabin and I take the opportunity to look around. The living room and the kitchen are almost one room, the stairs are off to the left and they lead upstairs to his bedroom and the bathroom. He didn't build a large home, it's just big enough for him.
I catch him watching me as I look around, waiting for me to say something. He looks a little nervous about what I might think of his home.
“It's not that big, but we can add on or buy something else. Whatever you want.” This man is always going above and beyond to make me happy. That's going to take some getting use too.
“It’s perfect.” I tell him, and watch him visibly relax. “If were not unpacking my stuff, what are we doing?” He scrunches his nose and looks down at the floor. “Just say it.” I don't know why he looks like something stinks, but I know he has something to say.
“My dad told Sarah and mom that you were coming back with me...” he pauses and thinks about his next words carefully. “Mom wants to make us dinner, but I told her we would be tired from the trip, so if you don't want to...” He is cute when he thinks he’s making me feel uncomfortable. I have to admit I am a little nervous about dinner with Lucas's family.
This will be our first dinner with them as a couple. I don't want it to be awkward, what if things change now that we’re dating, what if I'm not good enough, what does Sarah think? He must see the thoughts running through my head, maybe it’s written all over my face. My fear and panic. He takes my hands in his and turns me to face him.
“We don't have to go if you don't feel up to it, but whatever is going through your head, stop. Mom and dad love you and they are happy for us.”
“What about Sarah?” I ask, worried about causing a rift between Lucas and her or me and her.
“Sarah is Sarah, if she is upset she will get over it, but I really think she will be happy.”
I lean into his chest enjoying being in his arms. I know my answer before I even say it. I just want to stay like this for a minute before we are surrounded by everyone. He kisses the top of my head and whispers in my ear.
“I will call mom and tell her another night.”
“No, we can go.” I tell him.
“You sure?” He arches a brow.
“yes.” He pulls out his phone and makes the call. It's so quiet in his house I can hear the phone ring on the other end.
“Put Elena on the phone.” Eva says as soon as she answers. I cover my mouth trying to hide the giggle. Lucas’s eyebrow shoots up and he look down at me and hands me the phone. I shrug my shoulders and take the
phone from him.
“Hello, Mrs. Wayne. How are you?” I ask.
“Now Elena, how many times do I have to tell you, none of that Mrs. Wayne nonsense.”
Lucas is laughing now and I slap him on his arm. He is mocking me, making a face while grabbing his arm like I hurt him. As if. I just roll my eyes and turn away.
“Sorry Mrs.... Eva.” She just laughs.
“My dear girl, it is so good to hear your voice again. Has Lucas asked you to dinner at our house?”
I love Lucas's parents, how could I pass up getting to see them again, it has been three weeks and before that seven years. I missed them and I am loving having all this family in my life. And the Wayne's are family.
“Yes, we would love that, what time would you like us and what can we bring?” She sighs a happy sound.
“That's so wonderful dear, you two come over whenever you're ready we will eat around six. And you don't need to bring anything, I have it covered.”
“Thank you, Eva.” I say smiling.
“No, thank you my sweet girl. You have made this old woman very happy.” I say goodbye and hand Lucas his phone. He gives me a questioning look and I know he wants to know when dinner is.
“She said dinner's at six, but to show up whenever.”
It's almost four in the evening now, so we have a couple of hours before we eat. Maybe we can go visit and hang out, it would be nice to catch up a little more. I would love to spend more time with Sarah, we didn't get much time to talk when I came back the first time.
I look up at Lucas and he has the look of a predator hunting its prey, and it looks like I'm the pray. I take a step back and he stalks me with desire in his eyes. He licks his lips and my knees go weak. This man has my panties soaked with just a look.
“Lucas, baby, we have to get ready for dinner.” I try to get through to him, but he's not hearing a word I have said.
I keep walking back until my back hits the wall. He uses his knee to spread my thighs, grabs my wrists and holds them in one hand above my head. He brushes my hair out of my face with his other hand and lifts my chin until our eyes meet. He looks me intently in the eyes as if all he wants is to devour me. Leaning in close my eyes fall closed and I take a deep breath, holding it in.
