Trapped in a Castle

by Katie Holland

“Nice to see you again,” she said smiling, “and under better circumstances this time.”

  “This is my youngest sister Lilly and Marissa’s husband Travis. Everyone, this is my lovely Eve.”

  I loved that he called me his Eve. “I’m so glad to finally meet you,” I said to Lilly.

  “Oh my God Ellis, she’s so pretty. How in the world did you convince her to date you?” Lilly said then gave me a hug. “Welcome to the family Eve.”

  I was a little stunned. Ellis just shrugged his shoulders. “That’s Lilly,” he said.

  We went back to the kitchen and made the introductions to my parents. Ellis got everyone something to drink. I put out a tray of appetizers and some of the baking for everyone to snack on.

  I was talking to Marissa when there was a knock on the door. I got Ellis’s attention and we answered it. It was his parents.

  “Please come in,” I said.

  His mom came in and gave me a hug before we’d even been properly introduced.

  “Eve,” she said fondly, “I’m so glad he found you, you are so good for him. Before all he talked about was work, work, work. Now all he talks about is you, much, much better.”

  For the second time in less than twenty minutes I was left speechless by a member of Ellis’s family.

  “Mom,” Ellis said, “we talked about this, you’re going to overwhelm the poor woman. And I haven’t even introduced you yet.”

  His mom just dismissed him with a wave of her hand. It was actually kind of funny. “So, introduce us,” she said mocking him. I liked her already.

  “Eve, this is my mom, Nancy and my dad, Ron. Mom, dad, this is Eve.”

  I couldn’t help but giggle at Ellis. I could tell that his mom ruled that household. “It’s so nice to finally meet you,” I told them. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Don’t believe a word of what my son says,” his dad said, slapping Ellis on the back.

  I just laughed. “Let me take your coats and I’ll introduce you to my parents.”

  They took off their coats but gave them to Ellis. Again, I had to smile. They were just like he’d described them. I made the necessary introductions and Ellis got his parents drinks. So far everyone was getting along.

  The next to arrive was my brother. I opened the door to his smiling face.

  “Blake, I haven’t seen you in what feels like forever. Give your big sister a hug.”

  He was holding a bunch of flowers but still managed to give me the best hug. We’d become a lot closer since my accident.

  “Hey sis, looking good,” he said as he stepped back. “These are for you. Your favorite,” he said, handing me the flowers with a wink.

  They were my favorite. Multi-colored alstroemeria. I loved any kind of alstroemeria but having a bunch in so many different colors was always the best.

  “Thank you, Blake, you’re the best brother a girl could ask for. Let’s go meet Ellis and put these in some water,” I introduced Blake to Ellis, then everyone else.

  Corrine and her husband Patrick arrived just a few minutes after Blake did. Even though she wasn’t strictly family I’d invited her to even out the numbers a little bit on my side. Ellis had a much bigger family than I did, and I wanted at least one more friendly face.

  I introduced everyone and refilled the appetizer trays. Good thing I’d made lots, looked like everyone was hungry.

  Ellis kept checking the time. I knew he was wondering where his brother was. It was getting close to 8:00 when there was a knock on the door. Ellis got there first.

  “Where have you been?” Ellis asked.

  “We had to find a new babysitter. Ours cancelled at the last minute,” the woman said.

  “You could have brought them,” I told her.

  “That’s sweet but sometimes it’s nice to get away and have some adult conversation. You must be Eve, I’m Lana and this big lug over here is Todd. Nice to meet you.”

  “Hi Lana, Todd. So glad to meet you too,” I said.

  “Well it looks like I’m not needed here,” Ellis said joking. “I guess I’ll just get a drink.”

  I took their jackets and we made the final round of introductions.

  Before my accident I would have tried to stay on the sidelines of any party, but those days were long gone. I mingled all evening. I really liked Ellis’s family, they were all a lot alike. Everyone seemed at ease with each other which helped settle my nerves immensely. I could see us all at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It would be loud but loving and a lot of fun.

  By the end of the night a lot of phone numbers were exchanged, and I think mom and Nancy were going to have lunch next week. Lilly and Blake had a lot in common as they were both still in college. All of the guys talked a lot about sports and cars. I had no idea how they could retain so much knowledge about stats and engines but couldn’t remember to stop for milk.

  Around midnight only Corrine and her husband were still here. Ellis and Patrick were in the living room and Corrine was helping me in the kitchen.

  “This was fun,” Corrine said, as we put the leftover appetizers away. “This was really the first time you met his family?”

  “Yes, except his oldest sister. The first time I met her I thought Ellis was cheating on me with her. To be fair I just left when she answered the door and didn’t give anyone a chance to explain.”

  “Only you Eve,” she said laughing. “Everyone was so welcoming. Even I felt like I was part of this family and I’d only met you mom once or twice before I think.”

  “I was really nervous to meet his mom but now it just seems silly. It’s like I’ve known them all forever. I shouldn’t really be surprised though, I mean Ellis is so kind and caring, it makes sense that the rest of his family is as well, he was raised that way.”

  “Lilly was a blast, I bet she was a handful when she was younger.”

  “From what Ellis told me they all were, and his mom ruled with an iron fist. I think that’s why I was a little scared to meet her.”

  “And when did your little brother grow up to be so hot?” she asked.

  “Really? Come on, he’s my brother and your married.”

  “Doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes,” she said laughing.

  I just rolled my eyes at her.

  “So, did you really make everything here? I mean the appetizers and baking?”

  I nodded.

  “When did you learn to do that? You used to be barely able to make spaghetti,” she teased.

  “Very funny. After my accident when I was living with my parents I started getting into it to for something to do. And it turns out I’m pretty good at it. Ellis keeps telling me to open a bakery.”

  “I’d buy your stuff, that’s for sure. You know, if you ever need to get a loan or something for that Patrick would be able to help you.”

  “Thanks, but I think it’s probably just going to be a dream. I mean I don’t really know the first thing about running a business.”

  “I didn’t either when I took over the shop, but I learned and now it’s doing better than ever. I’m always here if you need advice.”

  “Thanks Corrine. If I ever decide to do something about it, I’ll let you know. Do you want to take any of this home?” I asked pointing to the large amount of baking left. I guess Ellis wasn’t the only one that went overboard.

  “I’d love to.”

  I packed up a few boxes for Corrine and they headed out.

  Chapter 35

  “Alone at last,” Ellis said as he hugged me from behind. “It feels like forever since I could hold you properly.”

  I melted against him. This was home. “It went well tonight don’t you think?”

  “Extremely well,” he replied. “What’s the next holiday, Easter?”

  I nodded.

  “I think we should have everyone here for Easter dinner then. Invite your aunts, uncles, and cousins too.”

  “We’d need a bigger place for that,” I joked.

  “Then I’ll buy
you a big house,” he simply said.

  I wasn’t sure what to say to that. I turned in his arms, so I could look at him. I could tell that he was serious.

  “You want to buy me a house?”

  “Yes Eve, one with a wraparound porch, a huge fireplace, and a big backyard. Maybe not today, but some day.”

  “That sounds … absolutely perfect.” I was overcome with emotion. I knew at that point I was completely in love with him. I was sure it was too early to say it, but I tried to show him with my eyes.

  “I love the look you’re giving me,” he whispered to me.

  I kissed him with everything I had trying to convey my feelings. He kissed me back with the urgency I was feeling. I started unbuttoning his shirt as he started to unzip my dress. We left a trail of clothes on the way to the bedroom.

  When we got to the bed, he picked me up and gently laid me on it. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips and made a trail of kisses all the way down one side of me and back up the other side. I was practically vibrating with need by the time he made it back to my mouth. I was ready, and I could tell he was too.

  “Ellis, I need you. I don’t want to wait. Please, I need you inside me now.”

  My words did something to him because a look of pure lust crossed his face. He got a condom from the nightstand and my wait was finally over. He slid in me with one quick thrust. We both moaned, and I heard him whisper “Perfect.”

  He made love to me just the way I was needing it right now. Somewhere in between hard and fast and painfully slow. I could feel my climax building. I could already tell this was going to be unlike anything I’d yet to experience.

  “I’m close,” I told him. “Faster.”

  He did as I asked. The increased friction was just what I needed. I called out his name as I came and realized that he came at the same time. That just heightened my pleasure.

  He rolled us to the side as we tried to slow our breathing. After a few minutes he reluctantly got up and disposed of the condom. He came back to bed and laid down facing me.

  “That was … that was … I don’t even have the words Ellis. I …” I love you was on the tip of my tongue, but I held back. The last person I’d said that to ended up being a figment of my imagination.

  “I know Eve, I love you too.”

  I looked at him. “But … how … I didn’t say anything.”

  “You didn’t have to. Your body told me what your mouth didn’t.”

  “I do love you Ellis. I thought it was too early to tell you. I mean we’ve only been dating for two months.”

  “I know. But when you know, you know. And I know I love you my sweet Eve.”

  “I could listen to you say that all day,” I said with a stupid silly grin on my face.

  “I love you, I love you, I love you Eve Caulder.”

  “And I love you back Ellis Darlow.”

  “Those are the best words I’ve ever heard,” he said and pulled me closer to him.

  * * *

  We spent the majority of Sunday doing one of three things; eating, watching movies, or making love. Ellis woke me up by “punishing” me. I was left breathless, but what a way to wake up. We made breakfast and then had sex in the shower, I was never happier to have a big shower.

  After we showered Ellis had to work for about an hour. He ran back to his apartment to get his laptop. I read while he worked. We agreed that in turn for him working he’d have to watch the movie of my choosing, so naturally I made him watch Fifty Shades of Grey. He was both fascinated and confused. He asked a lot of questions. I told him to read the book and laughed hysterically. He looked at me like I was crazy, but I guess I deserved it.

  After the movie he decided to try out a few moves from the movie, who was I to argue. I even let him tie my hands with a tie, but I giggled the entire time ruining the effect.

  As we lay there trying to catch our breath Ellis asked, “So is there another one of those movies?”

  I burst out laughing because he sounded so serious. He had a silly grin on his face, but I answered him anyway.

  “Actually, there are two more, but I highly suggest you read the books first. You know the book is always better. And besides, the sex scenes are way more detailed in the book,” I managed to keep a straight face until he tickled me.

  Naked tickling was way more fun than regular tickling. I begged him to stop. I got a hold of his nipple and pinched, that finally managed to stop him.

  I laid there giggling and thinking how great Ellis was. I don’t think I’d ever laughed during sex before and I liked that I was comfortable enough with him that I could. He brought out sides of me that I didn’t even know existed.

  After laying together just enjoying each other Ellis decided that we needed to get out of the apartment for a bit. He told me he was taking me to dinner and that I should get dressed. I fixed my hair, touched up my makeup and threw on some jeans and a sweater.

  We went to a twenty-four-hour diner that he knew. I’d never been there but I’d go back. It was really good home cooked food. When we left the diner, Ellis turned in the opposite direction of home.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “I just need to pick up a couple of things before we go home.”

  “Oh, okay.” I figured we were headed to a grocery store, but we stopped in front of a bookstore.

  “What are we doing here?”

  “You’ll see,” he said.

  We walked through the aisles of the store. I kept asking what he was looking for, but he wouldn’t tell me. We finally stopped in the romance section. When he found what he was looking for I laughed, really loud. I’m sure everyone in the store heard me. It was the Fifty Shades trilogy.

  “Are you really buying those?”

  “Yes, I’m really buying them. Someone suggested I read them so I’m taking her up on her offer.”

  “I can’t believe you,” I giggled. “You’re the best Ellis Darlow. I love you.”

  “God, I love hearing you say that. I love you too.”

  He paid for the books and drove us home. We curled up on the couch and flipped through the channels. I was expecting him to leave and go back to his apartment, but he didn’t. We made love again and laid in each other’s arms. It was one of the best days I’d ever had. I fell asleep enveloped by Ellis’s scent and arms. It was the best way to fall asleep.

  Chapter 36

  Ellis had an early morning meeting, so he was up some time around 5:00. He kissed me before he left. I went back to sleep with a smile on my face. I got up about an hour and a half later and got ready for work. When I got to work, I was still on a high from the weekend. I’m sure I had a ridiculous smile on my face, but I couldn’t help it, Ellis had told me he loved me, and nothing could take that away.

  Even though I hadn’t heard from Ellis all day I was still in a great mood and that made my day go by fast. When I got home I called mom and gave her a recap of Sunday. When I told her about the trip to the book store I think she laughed as loud as I did.

  I figured Ellis was busy with that big work thing, so I decided to go ahead and make myself dinner. Well, actually I was going to make enough for two in case he popped by.

  I was just finishing cooking when there was a knock on the door. I ran to answer it hoping it was Ellis. I was rewarded with his handsome face when I answered the door.

  “Hey you,” I said.

  “Hey,” he said smiling.

  He followed me back to the kitchen. “Are you hungry? I made enough dinner for you too.”

  “I’m so lucky,” he said to me as he wrapped his arms around me.

  “Rough day?” I asked.

  “Something like that. I’ll tell you over dinner. What did you make? It smells great.”

  “Nothing special, just hamburger steak, mashed potatoes and a salad.”

  We dished up plates and sat down to eat. He was quiet for the first little bit, I could tell something was on his mind.

  “Ellis, is everything
okay? You’ve been a little off since you got here.”

  “I have some news that you’re probably not going to like,” he said quietly.

  My first thought was that he was breaking up with me and my heart sunk. I didn’t say anything and hoped I was wrong.

  “I know that we haven’t been seeing each other that long.”

  “Oh my God you’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?” I said frantically.

  “Oh God no. No, no, no, Eve. That’s not it at all. I’m being sent to Sweden for work and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone for. Break up with you, are you crazy? I’m in love with you. I’ve never been happier in my life.”

  He got up, came over and kneeled in front of me. I turned to face him. He took my hands in his and placed them in my lap. “Eve, you are the first woman I’ve ever felt this way about. I’ve never even considered a serious relationship until I met you. When I found out my company was sending me to Sweden for an indeterminate amount of time I was devastated. We’re just getting to know each other better and here I have to go away. In short, it sucks.”

  I felt a small smile form on my lips. Ellis had a way of making things better, and he wasn’t breaking up with me.

  “When do you leave?” I asked.

  “Saturday.”

  “Then we’d better make the most of the time,” I told him.

  I leaned down and kissed him. It started out slow but quickly got heated. Ellis stood up and lifted me out of my chair. He took me to the bedroom where he laid me down and continued to kiss me. His touch was urgent but so was mine. We undressed each other as fast as we could and before I knew it Ellis had a condom on and was positioned at my entrance. I wiggled for him to continue but he just looked at me for a moment.

  “I love you, Eve,” he said, and with that he entered me in one thrust.

  That one move had both of us groaning with pleasure. This felt like it was going to be quick and that was just fine with me. Ellis looked at me and I nodded. He started to move, and I lost all coherent thought. I wrapped my legs around him to get even closer, matching his movements. I was trying to keep my eyes open to watch him, but the sensations got to be too much, and I lost that battle. My orgasm came out of nowhere and was so intense I had trouble catching my breath. I managed to open my eyes in time to watch Ellis come. It was a beautiful sight.