Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) (9 page)

JENNA
“Brilliant idea. Seriously. This is going to be so amazing.”
“Ok so it’s not over the top? He’s not going to wish he got a new Xbox or something right?” Elle asks nervously.
“Hmm, a house or an Xbox. Let me think.” I tap my head obnoxiously. “I think he will be floored. You know he wants to live together. You know he wants a house on the water like you do, how could this not be perfect?”
“Well I don't know. I just don't want him to be angry. The apartment is too small, I have the money and I want a home but I don't want him to feel like he can’t provide or any of that testosterone fueled crap.” She whines.
“Elle... come on. Call the realtor and let’s go house shopping!” Elle’s face finally breaks into the smile I was hoping to see and she picks up her phone to make the call. An hour later we’re on our way to see three houses in her price range situated on the beach.
The first stop is a three bedroom and two bath house near the cottage she rented before. There’s a large great room with vaulted ceiling and ceiling fans throughout the house. The master bedroom has a large walk in closet and master bath has a separate shower and garden tub. The kitchen is large with an eat in area plus a formal dining room. There is a huge bonus room that can be used as an office or bedroom over the garage with a large storage area in the attic. The two car garage is well laid out with cabinetry for lots of storage. The home also has a nice screened in porch off the back with a patio overlooking a small backyard and the ocean. I think it’s amazing but Elle wants to see more so we head off to the next location.
House number two is a wonderful three bedroom and two full bath ranch home with an ocean view is priced to sell. The home has a beautiful front porch great for relaxing in rocking chairs and a patio out back. It has open floor plan which would be great for entertaining and comes with vaulted ceilings, fans and custom lighting throughout the home. All of the bedrooms are very spacious and come with tons of closet space. The kitchen comes with all the appliances and has tons of cabinet and counter space a cook could ask for. Elle and ask the realtor for a moment alone and wander through the house together. Stopping in the master bedroom she opens one of the windows and listens quietly for a moment. The breeze is frigid but the sound of the waves lapping the sand can be heard loud and clear.
“I love this one.” She gushes.
“It’s totally perfect. Colin would love it. It’s still close enough to the shop and gym that you could walk if you wanted too.”
“You’re sure he’d like it right?”
“What’s not to love about this place. It’s got the patio, the front porch...even one more bedroom then you were looking for. The price is amazing for the location and it doesn't need any work!”
“Have you considered being a realtor?” Elle laughs. “‘Cause you really know how to sell a house.”
“I’m just saying, this place has all the things on the list you rattled off.”
“True. I think maybe it’s offer time.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement and I feel like squealing but know I need to check myself. I’m not buying the house, Elle is but it’s so exciting knowing that she will be a permanent resident close by. It’s a new start for her and I’m really happy for it. We find the realtor on her cell phone in the living room and patiently wait for her to finish her call.
“What do you think? Want to see another one?” She asks.
“I, ah, I’d like to make on offer, full asking price on this one.” Elle wrings her hands together as she speaks. This is a big deal for her and I can feel the nervous tension radiating off her. I toss my arm around her waist and give her my most encouraging smile.
“Wonderful! Let’s get the paperwork going then.” Her realtor elates. Elle and I follow behind her in my car back to the office to get the ball rolling. I am beside myself with excitement and Elle looks like she might throw up.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve just never purchased something so....substantial on my own before. It’s kinda scary.” She admits.
“You have the funds. You’re an adult and you’re free to make your own choices in life. Live it up Elle. This is a great investment.” I coddle her.
“I know, I know. You’re right. I just want this to be perfect. I’m being ridiculous.”
“You’re being a responsible woman, of course it’s nerve wracking but it’s also super freakin’ exciting! I don't know how I’m going to keep this to myself for two weeks.” Elle laughs and the tension around her visibly reduces as we hop out of the car and start inside.
“You’re right. This
is
freaking exciting and I can totally afford it, especially with the sale of the house last week… so I don't know what I’m so worked up over.” By the time we head out the realtor thinks that within a couple days’ time we can be under contract if all goes according to plan.

ELLE
I punch first, duck and hit him right back after he swings. When he dances around me and counters, I fake a punch, slip away and then smack him. Stepping straight in with an authoritative jab I quickly change my head level and duck down to hit my opponent with a hard right hand to the stomach. Hitting right at the top of the stomach hurts the most so Colin says. I try relax, breathe and not get intimidated or caught up in the moment. I let the other boxer do all the work. Not every punch has to be a knockout punch I remind myself.
“Don’t wait for your opponent to finish punching you before you fire back. If he starts to tee off on you, unload your hands quickly and break up his combo right away and move out.” Colin yells. “Don’t just sit there in a defensive position.” The rowdy guy has already hit me with two punches and plans on throwing more so I start throwing back right away. I throw quick punches to break up his focus as best I can and move away.
“STOP!” Colin yells. The burly looking man drops his hands as do I and we both turn to face Colin. “Elle, go cool down, I think that’s good for today.” Big burly man fist bumps me and shoots a lopsided grin at me before exiting the ring. I crawl out and head to the treadmill for a five minute cool down walk, while toweling the sweat from my brow and neck. I’ve improved so much since I came back I impress myself. Giggling at the thought a towel swats my ass.
“What’s so funny Ms. Parks?” Colin teases.
“I was laughing at myself.”
“I don’t see anything to laugh at.”
“I impressed myself today. Then I thought that’s pretty ridiculous to think of yourself and it made me laugh.” I explain trying to not sound like a lunatic.
“You should be impressed you did awesome today. Hell, I’m impressed.” He beams.
“You’re just saying that because you’re the teacher.” I joke. He pulls the rip cord from the treadmill making it halt suddenly and catches me as my step falters. “No, Elle, I mean that. You’re amazing.” His hazel eyes bore into mine as if he’s trying to will me to accept his words. I kiss his cheek and snort before pushing out of his arms and letting him know I’m going to shower and change.
As is routine now he walks me to the shop, kisses me and waits until I’m safely inside before heading back to the gym. I take a few minutes getting everything up and running before heading out back to put the finishing touches on some arrangements for the display case.
The day passes quietly with a steady stream of people entering and exiting. Some looking, some buying and some curious window shoppers. By six thirty I’m out back touching up my make-up and hair. Colin should be here shortly to pick me up. John, his new lady friend Sarah, Ben and Jenna are meeting us at the local bowling alley for a night of drinking and ball rolling. Bowling’s never really been my thing but I’m not terrible and the guys all seem to really enjoy it so we agreed that this Thursday we’d make an exception to our try something new night and hit the bowling alley. The bell above the door chimes letting me know that Colin’s out front waiting on me.
“Be right out!” I call. I scoop up my purse, throw on my coat, lock the back room door and greet Colin with a fierce hug.
“You’re chipper. Good day?” He asks bearing that killer dimple.
“Yup. Plus we get to see everyone tonight.” He leans down stopping a centimeter from my lips and smiles teasingly. Before he has a chance to hold out on me any longer I push up, grabbing the back of his neck to pull him the remaining distance and let my lips crash into his passionately. His lips are cold from walking here and he tastes like mint.
“Don't start what you can't finish little lady.” He growls in my ear as his lips move across my jaw line inching down my neck.
“Who says I can't finish?” I tease trying to keep my wits about me. His lips are delightfully distracting.
“We have places to be.”
“Let’s go then!” I chirp and pull away from him. The look on his face is priceless, like a little kid who’s candy’s been taken away.
“Tease.” He jokes.
“How do you know? The night’s still young.” I wink and head to the door leaving him cursing under his breath about bowling.
This is our last Thursday night gathering for the month. Christmas is a week away and I have barely been able to contain the excitement of Colin’s gifts. I managed to put aside my nerves after going through Colin’s phone to get his parents phone number and call them. I’ve invited them for Christmas morning and they were more than happy to accept. Since I don't know them I offered to pay for their trip as a present to them as well. They refused at first but when I wouldn’t back down they graciously accepted. Colin has no idea they will be showing up and I’m really excited for him. I’m also super nervous to meet them, especially on a holiday, but I figure better now than later. The offer on the house was accepted and I will be a proud home owner in thirty days. The closing is scheduled at the end of January.
Since the house is currently vacant the realtor gave me the lockbox code so that Christmas day I can bring Colin and his parents for a tour of our new home. The shop’s been steadily gaining business and everything in my life seems to be seamlessly falling into place. It’s a strange feeling really. Some days it overwhelms me and others I feel on top of the world. Even on my off days I’m alright though, Colin’s support of me and love never falters, acting as an invisible pillar there to catch me if I fall.

RYAN
“If you don’t stop whining I’m going to let John here, show you what happens to people who behave like children.” Alister barks at me.
“There has to be some other way for me to pay you back. We can work something out yeah?”
“Ryan, family or not, you do not receive special treatment. I’m sick of your fucking excuses. First it wasn't a problem, then it was you’d get money in the divorce. Now you want a payment plan?” Alister’s sneer makes my skin crawl. No one knows that we’re related and I’d like to keep it that way considering his reputation is less than clear. I owe him tens of thousands of dollars at this point and my
family
status isn't going to keep me safe from his wrath for much longer. I’m willing to do anything for some cash.
“Elle is still an option. She has the funds.” I state.
“Need I remind you that Elle is no longer your wife?” He clips.
“That doesn't mean I can't extort it from her.”
“As if you’re capable of that Ryan.” The rage that drips from his words irritates me.
“Give me a month.” I plead.
“A month! You don’t deserve another day.” He growls at me.
“Alister, give me a month.” I try again. He stares me down before glancing at his bodyguard John.
“As you wish. I will
give
you one month as well as something to remind you of your commitment.” He turns on his expensive heel and leaves the room. I let out the breath I’d been holding and wait for John to open the door for me.

Before I realize what’s happening the sickening crack of my rib fills the air and my lungs feel like they’ve deflated as John’s fist connects with my side. With a thud my knees hit the floor while I clutch my side. My body struggles to absorb the air around me but I can’t do anything but gasp.
“Let that be a warning.” John snarls down to me. His boot comes to my chest and kicks me from my knees the rest of the way to the floor.
“Fuck you.” I manage to spit back before he leaves me where I lay on the floor.

JENNA
“Ben! Put that down. How hard is it to set a table for Christ’s sake!” Ben, John and Colin stare at me a beat before bursting into laughter. “What?”
“You said for Christ’s sake...it’s Christmas Eve... get it?” Laughter bubbles up from Elle as she joins the boys teasing at my expense.
“Alright, alright...it was punny, now...set the damned table.” I don’t think it was the pun retort that set everyone off again but I’ll be damned if I give a shit.
The guys manage to set the table and entertain Sarah while Elle and I finish pulling dinner together. Elle’s gone all out trying to make Christmas Eve dinner something special. There are delicious smelling floral arrangements decorating the apartment, which is spotless, and enough food on the menu to feed an army. I hand Colin another bottle of wine to open and set out before joining Elle in carrying out the platters of yummy smelling food. Before eating I make everyone at the table give thanks for something just so we all remember to be grateful for what we have and then silence envelopes the table as six forks dig into six plates piled high with mouthwatering food.
“So, a client is having a New Year’s ball and gave me a stack of tickets. It’s at the Wyngate, but I don’t think they’ll remember you Elle.” I snicker.
“Why would they remember her?” Sarah chirps.
“She got booted out.” Ben informs her. Sarah gives a confused glance at Elle who just chuckles and shakes her head.
“I haven’t heard any plans for New Year’s yet. I’d love to go.” Elle looks to Colin for affirmation. He’s so whipped though that whatever Elle wants, Elle will get so of course they’re in.
“How fancy is it?” Sarah asks.
“Tux’s for the guys and gowns for us.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen.
“We should take a shopping day after Christmas together and buy gowns.” Elle gushes.
“Yes!”
“I’m on a budget.” Sarah says avoiding eye contact with us.
“My treat then.” Elle offers. Sarah shakes her head no but Elle insists and finally wins. That’s Elle, always willing to give to ensure everyone’s happy.
“Perfect. How about the twenty eighth? We can shop, do lunch and grab drinks when we’re done.”
“Deal.” Elle clips.
“Alright.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Ben whines. I can’t help but love that adorable puppy dog face he wears right now. I lean over and kiss some sense into him until John clears his throat.
“We can rent our tuxes and play Xbox.” John offers. “Let the girls have some fun.”
“Great. This will be so much better knowing you all will be coming too. Plus it’s totally romantic getting all dolled up and going to a swanky New Year’s party.” I’ve always been a sucker for the holiday and I’m especially pumped to have someone to kiss this year when the ball drops while looking like a million bucks. I can’t even imagine how stupidly amazing Ben will look in a tux.
“Anyone up for dessert?” Elle looks around the table. Everyone looks stuffed yet here she is always jonesing for dessert.
“Why don’t you dig in and we’ll help ourselves when we’ve got room.” Colin chuckles making her blush.
“I can wait.” She pouts while still looking slightly embarrassed. Ben and I both start laughing, Colin’s ribs start shaking and soon he bellows out his laugh causing the rest of the table to join us.