Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“You can change,” Leo agrees, but when I try to pull my wrist from him, he doesn’t let go. “Lead the way.”
I have a sneaking suspicion this isn’t going to be a quick visit.
Chapter Fourteen
LEO
“You’re being ridiculous,” Ella hisses as I open up the trunk of the car and put her overnight bag inside.
“Get in,” I order because I’m done with her making demands. “Or you’ll see exactly how ridiculous I can be.”
She makes the cutest little growl before getting in the back seat, and I follow behind her.
“Buckle up, kids,” Flynn says from the front seat, but I’m already strapping Ella in.
“Just drive,” I tell him when I double-check that her belt is secure.
“It’s fine,” she says and crosses her arms over her chest in irritation.
When we went to her room, Oliver followed after us, so there wasn’t much of a chance for a private conversation. Although he did bring me a small suitcase, which was incredibly helpful. It’s too bad Ella scowled at me the whole time I was packing it.
We’re still not alone as Flynn happily hums from the front seat like he’s enjoying himself, and maybe he is. I’m not sure how I’d feel in his shoes because I can’t stand the thought of Ella being with anyone but me.
“It was only a change of clothes,” I sigh as I slide close to her and put my hand on her thigh. I wanted to bring more, but I’m trying to compromise so I don’t upset her. Or the baby. “Oliver told me you’ve been getting sick.”
“Yeah, well he’s a snitch.” She shrugs, still looking out the window.
“Ella.” I say her name, but she doesn’t look at me. I try another tactic and lean closer. “Gorgeous.”
Her cheeks flush as she turns to face me, and I want to smile with vindication, but instead I give her a soft kiss that only teases my need for her.
“Tell me why you’re upset,” I say as I graze my lips along her jaw. “I know it’s not because Oliver helped me take you.”
“What if this is a phase?” She says it so quietly I almost don’t hear it, but I lean back to make sure she’s serious.
“A phase?” The word tastes dirty in my mouth. “You think me hunting you down and demanding you come with me is something that will…what? Go away?” She shrugs in answer, and I shake my head. “My gorgeous girl, you have no idea the power you wield.”
“You don’t know what the future holds.”
There’s sadness in her voice, and I’m reminded that she’s lost so much. After her father died, the only mother she ever knew doesn’t always know who she is. She’s been practically held captive in that estate since her stepbrothers took over and the only person who can truly protect her is Oliver.
He’s a good man, but he only has so much reach even with living under the same roof as her. Deciding that Ella will need action and not words, I’m going to show her that I’m not going anywhere. From here on out, I’m going to live each day dedicated to convincing her that this is it for me. That she’s enough and I’ll always be by her side.
“That’s not true,” I tell her as I slide my hand over her belly and keep my eyes locked on hers. “As sure as the sun will rise, my love will be waiting for you every morning.”
“Leo.” The way she says my name is in disbelief, like I can’t be here sitting next to her and opening my heart.
“Later,” I tell her, then kiss her forehead.
It’s a quick drive back to my place, and as soon as we’re there, Flynn jumps out of the car and goes to the trunk. Once I climb out, I reach in and hold out my hands for Ella. She doesn’t hesitate to grab on to me as I help her out of the back seat and then get her bag from Flynn.
He’s not looking at me as he hands it over, and when I turn to see his line of vision, I see Zelly in the vegetable garden nearby.
“I’m going to go,” he says, still not looking at me.
“You all right?” I turn to Zelly and then back to him, but he’s already getting in his car.
It’s odd because his usual cheery demeanor wasn’t anywhere to be found on the way back home. Was it something he heard me say to Ella? Why would the sight of Zelly make him want to leave?
“Who is that?” Ella asks, bringing my attention back to her as Flynn pulls out of the driveaway.
“My sister.” I smile and pull her in that direction. “Come on, I want you to meet her.”
When we walk into the garden, Zelly looks up and beams at Ella. She puts her gloves down next to the basket of tomatoes she so lovingly grew and hurries to greet us.