I cleaned my apartment from top to bottom. I even dusted the light fixtures. I usually kept up with the cleaning since Molly’s hair had a tendency to get everywhere but due to my banged-up head I had slacked in the last couple of weeks. After a good two solid hours I was finished and felt a sense of accomplishment. My apartment looked great. I sat down on the couch with my eReader and got lost in my book.
I’d managed to keep my mind occupied for the entire day. I was proud of myself and glad to finally be able to start cooking.
I hadn’t heard from Ellis all day. I hoped he was still going to come over. I was really looking forward to seeing him. I put the potatoes in the oven and prepared the items I was going to put in them. Cooking kept me busy for the next hour and a half. By the time 6:30 rolled around I’d seared the steaks and made the twice baked potatoes. Both were in the oven. The bread was sliced, and the salad was ready. All I had to do was change and wait for Ellis.
When I got back to the kitchen there was a text. It was from mom.
Mom: Good luck honey. Just be yourself and always be open to the idea of new possibilities.
Me: Thanks mom! I’ll call you later.
I was in the process of setting the table when there was a knock at my door. I looked at the time, 6:45. Ellis was early. I smiled as I went to the door. When I opened I laughed at what was on the other side. It was a vase full of flowers and a note. I picked it up and took them to the kitchen. I opened the note hoping he wasn’t cancelling on me.
Eve,
I missed our notes and door surprises. I’ll see you in a few minutes. Dinner already smells great.
Ellis.
My heart was making an “awww” sound. He was so sweet and even better, he was still coming. My nerves started to make an appearance again. I needed to get that under control. I didn’t want to create any awkward tension … again.
It was almost 7:00. The table was set. The food was ready. All I needed was my date. And as if on cue there was a knock on the door. I was almost positive it was going to be Ellis this time. I opened the door and was greeted with the stunning sight that was Ellis.
“Hi,” I said, in an almost breathy voice. “Please come in. Thank you for the flowers, they’re beautiful and I loved the surprise.”
“You’re very welcome. What’s for dinner? It smells fantastic in here.”
“Pan seared steak, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, salad and French bread.”
“Wow, I can’t wait. Anything I can do?” he asked.
“No, just sit down and get ready to eat,” I told him.
He sat at the table and I took everything out of the oven and plated our food. I took the plates to the table and joined Ellis.
“Eve,” he said, “this looks really great, like something I’d get at a restaurant.”
“Thank you. Cooking and baking has kind of become a hobby of mine.” I took out my phone and took a picture of my food on the table. I looked up to see Ellis giving me a small smile.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Oh … I … well this is probably going to sound a little silly, but I created an Instagram account yesterday that I’m dedicating to the food I make, and this looked so good I thought I’d put it on there. I was inspired by the dessert I made for us.”
“Well if you keep on making things like this you’ll have lots of followers in no time.”
“You’re on Instagram?”
“Yes. I don’t use it much though. My sister bugged me for weeks until I finally did it.”
“So, you have a sister. Tell me more about your family,” I said, as I took a bite, the steak was really good.
“I have two younger sisters and an older brother. My parents are still married, and I visit them every week. My brother is two years older and is married. He has a little boy and a baby girl. My youngest sister is kind of a free spirit. She’s in college still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. My other sister is newly married and teaches elementary school.”
“Sounds great. How old are you anyway?” I asked.
Ellis had just taken a bite of his steak. “I’m twenty-seven. Eve, this steak is perfect. I’ve never had it like this. How did you make it?”
So, he was twenty-seven. That’s the same age as Jackson was. Hmm, another coincidence? Wait he asked me a question right. Oh yeah, the steak.
“I marinated them overnight and then lightly seasoned them. Then I seared them in butter in a hot cast iron pan and finished them in the oven. It’s how my dad used to do it when it was too cold outside to grill. Grilling has never been my thing so when I make a steak this is how I usually make it.”
“Well I approve. It’s absolutely delicious. Now it’s my turn. How old are you?” he asked with a smile.
“I’m twenty-six.”
“And what about your family?”
“I have a younger brother in college working toward a computer science degree. He wants to design video games. My mom and dad don’t live very far from here and might just be the best parents on the planet. And of course, there’s Molly. She’s my cat and is around here somewhere. She’s not always a fan of new people. You’re the first person who’s been here that’s not family.”
“Really?”
I nodded.
“I’m honored then. I hope this doesn’t come across as rude but what happened to your forehead? I noticed the other night that it looked like it was bruised or something.”
“I was in a small car accident a couple of weeks ago. I was hit from behind and my air bag didn’t deploy so I ended up hitting my head on the steering wheel. I was unconscious and ended up in the hospital overnight. They only kept me for observation because of my accident a few years ago. I was off work for about a week. I’m sure I could have gone back sooner but the man I work for is friends with my dad and wanted to make sure I was one hundred percent better before I went back.”
“I’m sorry Eve. You’re sure you’re alright?”
“Yep. Other than missing my car I’m okay. Mom has been taking me to work and picking me up every day. Don’t get me wrong I love seeing her but I miss my car.”
“Is it fixable?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. Still waiting for the insurance company to tell me what they’re going to do.”
“Wow, that sucks,” he said smiling.
“Yes, it does.”
“So, what do you do for a living?” he asked me.
“I work in an office mostly doing data entry.”
“That sounds … boring,” he said with a laugh.
“And what do you do?” I asked in return.
“I’m a corporate lawyer.”
“Sounds … boring,” I said, laughing back.
Then it hit me. I’d had this same conversation with Jackson. I’m sure my face paled.
“Eve are you okay?” I heard Ellis say.
Just tell him. “Um … well … this is going to sound strange, but I had this same conversation with Jackson not too long after I met him. He was a corporate lawyer as well. This is just way too weird,” I said, and I started breathing a little shallow.
Ellis got up from his chair and came over to me. I turned to face him. He took both of my hands and got down on his knees until we were face to face. “Remember when I said I believed in fate and destiny?” I nodded. “And I asked you to tell me more about Jackson?” I nodded again. “Well I had a feeling that there were going to be more strange coincidences when it came to us. When you told me about Jackson I knew for sure that this was going to be something special. Whatever you’re feeling it’s okay. Just know that nothing you can tell me will scare me off and I hope you feel the same way about me.”
I looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity. My mom’s words came back to me, be open to all possibilities. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Ellis’s hands were comforting in mine and I decided I liked that feeling. I opened my eyes and simply said “Okay.”
Ellis smiled at me and I smi
led back.
“How about we finish this delicious meal,” he said standing up.
I nodded, and he sat back down. Neither one of us said much for a few minutes as we finished our food, but it wasn’t awkward. I wanted to break the silence, but I wasn’t sure what to say. I opened my mouth to ask him how he liked the rest of the meal when he beat me to it.
“Eve, this meal has been utterly amazing. One of the best I’ve had in a long time.”
“Thank you. Just wait until you see the dessert I made.” I stood and started clearing the table.
“Let me help you,” he said and took his plate to the sink.
“You don’t have to do that,” I told him. “You’re my guest.”
“If my mom found out that I didn’t help you clean up she’d probably whoop my ass.”
That made me laugh. “I think I’d like your mom. Mine is kind of the same way but I’d get a lecture instead of an ass whooping.”
When we were done with the dinner dishes I got the cake out of the fridge and carried it to the table.
“Wow Eve, that looks incredible. What is it?”
“A three-layer chocolate mousse cake. I hope you’re prepared for chocolate overload,” I told him as I cut two slices and put them on plates. “I’ve never made this before, so I hoped it tastes as good as it looks”
We both took a bite at the same time. I think I groaned. It was really good.
“Eve, forget data entry, I think your future lies in baking. This is exquisite.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “Exquisite huh?”
“Yes, absolutely. Have you ever thought about opening your own bakery?”
“Uh, no. I just started baking for something to do after I left the long-term care facility. It’s just a hobby.”
“Well I think you could be very successful at it if you wanted to.”
We finished our dessert and together we cleared the table and did the dishes making small talk about our families the entire time. It was nice and strange all at the same time. It reminded me of Jackson.
When we were done I poured us each a glass of wine and we went to sit in the living room. Ellis told me more about his work as a corporate lawyer. I could tell he was very passionate about it. The company he worked for was a large tech company that had locations all over the world. The thing I liked most was that he’d chosen to work there because a portion of their business was dedicated to finding ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities, specifically military veterans. His job was mostly going over and creating contracts. It sounded awful to me, but I could tell he loved it.
He asked me about my accident and the resulting two-year long struggle. He listened intently about how I was unable to walk or even feed myself and what I had to do to get back to the person I was before. I told him about my job and some funny stories about my coworkers and my baking.
I glanced at the clock, it was 11:05, we’d been talking for over three hours.
“As much as I hate to say this I think we need to call it a night. I have to go to work in the morning and I’m assuming you do as well.”
Ellis looked at his watch and smiled. “I had no idea it was that late. And yes, I need to work in the morning. I actually have a breakfast meeting at 7:00.”
I cringed, that was early. We stood up and I walked him to the door. “I had a great time,” I told him.
“Me too Eve. Thank you for dinner and the conversation. I really think you should think about the bakery idea.”
“Maybe.”
I opened the door and before he left he turned to face me. I knew he was going to kiss me and I really, really wanted him to. He put his hands on either side of my face and gave me a very gentle kiss on the lips. I didn’t think a kiss like that could be romantic or hot, but it was both of those.
“Good night Eve,” he said, with his lips still almost on mine. “Until next time.”
I watched him enter his apartment before I closed the door.
Wow. I’d been kissed before but the only other kiss that I could compare that to was my first kiss with Jackson. That one had been explosive and hungry. This was soft, sweet and gentle but it stirred the same feelings inside of me. I knew I had one of those stupid silly grins on my face, but I just didn’t care at the moment. I wanted this feeling to last as long as possible.
I checked my phone on the way to my bedroom. Mom had texted me over an hour ago.
Mom: I hope you’re having a good time. I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll be a little early, so you can tell me all about your evening. Love you.
I smiled at mom’s text. It was too late to text her back, but it looked like I’d have a chance to tell her all about my wonderful evening.
I quickly changed, set my alarm, and crawled into bed. Molly finally came out from her hiding spot and curled up beside me.
“You know Molly, I think you’re going to have to get used to Ellis around here,” I said, smiling to myself as I petted her. I pulled the blanket up and closed my eyes. I fell asleep thinking about Ellis.
Chapter 25
My alarm went off and I looked at the time, 6:30. Why had I set it so early? I shut it off and remembered that mom was coming over early. I jumped in the shower and got dressed. When I got to the kitchen I started a pot of coffee. Today felt like it was going to be more than a two-cup kind of day.
Mom knocked on my door at 7:15. I opened it and smiled. She’d brought breakfast.
“Thanks mom, you’re the best,” I said, taking the bag to the kitchen.
She sat at one of the bar stools while I poured her a cup of coffee. She started taking food out of the bag. It smelled great.
“What beautiful flowers, are they from Ellis?” she asked.
“Yes. And the best part was that he delivered them by leaving them outside of my door fifteen minutes before he was supposed to come over. He said he missed our notes and door surprises.”
“That’s really sweet,” she said. “So, tell me about last night. I didn’t hear from you, so I assumed it went well.”
“Mom, I’m not even sure I have the right words to tell you what I’m feeling. He’s so great. At one point during dinner I had a little freak out because the conversation we were having was exactly like one I’d had with Jackson, I mean word for word. He calmed me down and told me that I could tell him anything and it would be alright. Mom, he’s a corporate lawyer just like Jackson was. Has three siblings, just like Jackson, except Ellis has two younger sisters and an older brother. He played football in high school and likes to work out, just like Jackson. This can’t be real, can it? I mean, I feel like I’m in a dream or something. This is all just too strange and seems too good to be true.”
“Well honey, the mind works in mysterious ways and no one, not even doctors can tell you what happens to your brain during a coma. There are too many things in this world for us not to believe in the power of magic or miracles. I can assure you that you’re not in a dream and this is real. But as to how Ellis is so much like Jackson I can’t really tell you. All I know is that the world is full of endless possibilities, you just have to be open to them. Tell me about the rest of your date. How did dinner turn out?”
“Oh mom, it was great, and Ellis absolutely loved it. And the chocolate mousse cake was heavenly. In fact, I’ll get some, so you can take some with you. I’m sure dad will love it. Ellis thinks I should open my own bakery. How crazy is that?”
“I don’t think that’s crazy at all honey. Your baking is always wonderful. Is that something you’d like to do?”
“I don’t know, I’d never thought about it. I just bake for something to do.”
“Well I’d give it some consideration if you really wanted to try it. You know dad and I would help you in any way we could.”
“I know mom. And I guess maybe I’ll think about it. It’s all about possibilities, right?”
We both laughed and cleaned up our breakfast mess. I boxed up some cake for mom and she took me to work.
As my computer was warming up I decided to send Ellis a text.
Me: Good morning. I hope your meeting went well.
I wasn’t expecting a reply right away, so I was surprised when my phone went off.
Ellis: And good morning to you sweet Eve. My meeting is going very well. I think that’s because I’m in such a good mood.
Me: I’m in a pretty good mood myself. Must have been the company last night. Are you texting me during your meeting?
Ellis: Yes!
Me: Get back to work and text me later
Ellis: Ok bossy. Until next time.
Of course, I was smiling like a fool. I could tell that the girl who worked next to me was dying to know what I was smiling about, but luckily for me, her phone rang before she could ask me.
My day flew by. I had lots of work to do to keep me busy and in the little bit of spare time I had my thoughts went back to my date last night. I wondered if tonight was too soon to see him again. I shut down my computer and tidied my desk.
Mom was waiting for me when I walked out the front door. She dropped me off and I went up to my apartment and changed out of my work clothes. I was deciding on what to make for dinner when my phone chimed telling me I had a text.
Ellis: You wouldn’t by chance have any of that cake left, would you?
Me: Only about half of it!
Ellis: Could you be persuaded to let me have another piece?
Me: Maybe
Ellis: Name your terms … please
I laughed out loud. I had to think of something I wanted that I thought he would give me. Then it came to me and I giggled.
Me: My terms are as follows … an earth-shattering kiss
I thought he would reply immediately but I didn’t get an answer. I waited a few minutes longer and still nothing. Had I come on too strong? I was pacing in the kitchen when I heard a knock on my door. I opened it. It was Ellis. I moved to let him in. He closed the door and forced me to step back until my back was against the door. Then his lips were on mine, hot and searing. My hands immediately went to his arms and he pulled me closer to him. His tongue found mine and everything got that much more intense. After what could have been an eternity he stepped back. I know I was flushed and the look on his face was a combination of lust and something else.
Trapped in a Castle Page 11
