The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (96 page)

“Are you sure?” I asked again, trying to catch his eye, but it was kept solely focused on his drink in front of him.

“I was just asking him what his intentions were towards you?” B piped up. No wonder Ollie’s mood had taken a nose dive.

“And what the fuck has that got to do with you? That’s between us.”

She huffed at my remark. “Calm down, E, I am family. I want to know that it’s not just a phase he’s going through and will end up leaving you high and dry when he suddenly decides he’s straight again.”

“I should go . . .” Ollie made to stand, but I grabbed his arm.

Luke’s eyes flashed to mine, giving me an apologetic look, but I was too pissed. I knew she’d start something, despite her many promises they meant nothing in the end. She had ruined our night, and I wasn’t about to let her have any more of the floorshow.

“Listen to me, B, and listen good. You want to be in my life then you respect whom I choose to be with. You know nothing about Ollie, so don’t even pretend you had my best interests at heart. You were stirring and trying to get a rise out of him. I told you to watch your mouth, but you went ahead anyway. I’ve made more than enough excuses for your behaviour over the years, but this time you’ve pushed me too far. Come on, Oll, we’ll eat somewhere else.”

Her face filled with a look of horror. “E, please, I’m sorry. I’ll be good, please stay,” she pleaded, but it was pointless.

“No, I’m done. Come on, Oll.” I grabbed his hand, and we left moments later. Once outside I kicked the wall, damaging my new shoes, but right now, I was just too pissed to even care.

“It’s okay, Elijah, I’m fine. She was a little intense, but I survived. Please don’t fall out over me,” he begged, and I was surprised by his ability to still try to diffuse the toxic situation she had just created.

“I told her over and over again not to question you, but she just didn’t listen. She thinks she can get away with murder because I’ve let her in the past, but this is one time too many,” I fumed, turning and banging my fist against the wall. I flinched with the pain, and Ollie grabbed me, steadying me and held up my hand, kissing the broken skin on my fist lightly. I winced a little, but he soon took my mind off things when his lips crashed against mine.

I lost all train of thought and didn’t care as long as his lips stayed there that was all I could think about right now.

He pulled away moments later. “Did I do a good job distracting you?” he asked smiling. It was only then that I noticed we were outdoors, no hiding. He had kissed me out in the open for anyone to witness. This was huge.

I leaned in for another but when he pulled back my heart sank. He had no doubt registered that too and reverted into his shell.

Two steps forward and three steps back.

“We should go somewhere more private,” he mumbled awkwardly, seeing my confusion.

“Yeah, that’s fine, whatever.” I made to march off, but he grabbed my hand and held it tight in his not giving me the chance to try to shrug him off. At least we were holding hands—that was something. I sighed at just hating to relish the small things that other young couples took for granted.

Would it always be like this?

We walked over to the car and climbed in. Ollie started the engine, and I stared out the window. What was supposed to be a great evening had been the dinner date from hell.

“Do you want these extra fries?” Ollie offered, and I shrugged finally shaking my head. I had eaten enough carbs today. So much for the diet.

“No, I’m stuffed,” I replied, disinterested. Balling up the burger wrapper in front of me and tossing it in the bin.

“Oh, so you won’t want this then?” Ollie held up two crème egg McFlurrys. My eyes instantly brightened.

Ice cream and chocolate was my one weakness.

“When did you get those?”

“Remember when I went back in to change the wrong order, well, I picked them up then and hid them.”

“Sweet lord, these are amazing,” I said between bites.

“I know, right,” Ollie agreed, taking another mouthful. We ate in silence the only noise was the odd groan of pleasure that left our lips.

After the last spoonful, I fell back onto the bed, feeling the full effects of our binge session. “Oh god, I couldn’t eat another morsel. I can barely move.”

Ollie flopped down beside me, and we lay there before slowly falling into a carb coma. I woke up a while later and stretched, turning to see Ollie still flat out beside me. I smiled as I took in all his features. He really was beautiful.

His blonde hair gently fell across his forehead, and I longed to sweep it away to press my lips up against his and fall into a sweet kiss. As if he could hear my thoughts Ollie popped open an eye.

Oh shit caught out.

“Were you watching me sleep?” Ollie asked, and I bit my lip to hold back the smile that was about to break out across my face.

“Maybe,” I confessed. He had caught me outright looking I could hardly lie.

“Do you usually watch people sleep?”

“No, you’re my first. I couldn’t help it, you looked—”

“What?” he asked, urging me with his eyes to finish.

“You looked beautiful.”

He scrunched up his nose. “I don’t think you should ever call a guy beautiful.”

“But you are, those eyes, this face, it’s stunning.”

He blushed and swallowed slowly. I could tell he didn’t receive many compliments. I moved forward along the pillow, so our noses were practically touching.

“I love that you don’t realise how good looking you are. It’s sweet the way you react when anyone pays you a compliment.”

“I just feel awkward.”

“I can tell.” I chuckled. “But you had better get used to it as I’m going to be giving you compliments all the time. You may even grow a bigger head from it.”

“Doubtful,” he replied as a small smile tugged on his lips.

“When I was watching you sleep all I could think about was all I wanted to do was kiss those lips.” It was all I ever thought about.

He licked them slowly with his tongue like he was enticing me even more. My eyes stared deep into his, and I watched as he gave me a silent exchange.

I stroked my nose up against his and he gasped lightly. I held off for a few beats, giving him time before our lips gently pressed together. At first it was a soft, gradual kiss that slowly turned into something deeper. I wanted it to last forever, to feel this wave of emotion that filled me each time we connected, but then Ollie broke apart and I was left feeling a deep sense of rejection.

“You know it’s not true what B said about me using you.” His eyes flashed with the pain at the thought I might have even believed B’s words were true.

“Hey, I know,” I soothed, he didn’t have to explain to me.

“I just don’t want you to think that I would toy with your feelings like that. I know I’m constantly telling you that I need to take it slow, but I do want to be with you. I would never hurt you like that.” He frowned just at the thought of it.

“Shhh, I know what we have, what we share. B doesn’t understand, she’s just stepping in and handling the situation in her usual bull in a china shop way.” I stressed, hoping to alleviate his embarrassment at B attacking him so publically.

“I just don’t want you to think that I’m using you to experiment.” The ache in his voice made me sad.

“Ollie, please, it’s fine.” I didn’t want him dwelling on B’s poisonous words.

“I need to say this, Elijah, so please let me say it while I have the courage to do so,” he insisted, and I couldn’t help but smile at his little act of bravery.

“Go on then, I won’t say a word.”

He quirked his eyebrows giving me the ‘oh yeah really’ look. I knew it was a tall order, but if it meant he would express his feelings then I would happily keep schtum, for a short while anyway.

“These past few weeks have been amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. I love waking up to your texts, hearing your voice. I don’t think you’ll ever realise how much you’ve done for me in this short space of time. Your patience and compassion and ability to always make me laugh make me like you more every day. I’m hooked and you’re my drug. I need you like I need the air in my lungs. I’ve asked for you to be patient and you’ve given me that, but I need for you to know that I’m falling fast and hard. I’m ready to tell everyone. I want them to know you’re mine. That we’re together. I want you to be my boyfriend, well that’s if you want to?”

I slammed my lips against his, and his eyes widened before his mouth broke out into a grin. I pushed my tongue deep into his mouth, and he groaned as they tangled with each other. My hands grabbed his hair while his fingers gripped the back of my shirt. It was hot, it was intense. It was everything a kiss should be.

We eventually pulled away panting and Ollie chuckled. “I take that as a yes then?”

“It’s a hell yes with chocolate sprinkles on top.”

“That certain, huh?”

Absolutely.

“From the moment I met you I knew, you only get feelings like this once or twice. I knew fate brought us together for a reason.”

“Well I’d like to thank fate for bringing me to you, well Jessica really for holding the party.”

“Oh purlease, I’m not thanking that bitch for anything.” I snorted. Hell would freeze over first.

“Elijah, that is my sister . . . but yeah, she can be a bitch, I’ll give you that.”

“So I’m your boyfriend then?” I asked still a little unsure.

He bit his lip in contemplation before replying. “Yeah, looks like it.”

“Can we get rings, you know to make it official?” I asked.

Ollie’s face dropped. Oh shit I’d overstepped the mark. “It’s okay. I’m rushing you. Just forget it.” I cursed myself for being so forward.

“No, I’d like that. I’d wear your ring, to show our commitment to each other.”

“Really?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes, I want to.” He nodded in agreement.

“Can we look for some tomorrow?”

He shook his head slightly at my eagerness, but hell, I wasn’t waiting a moment longer. “Of course, but right now I think we’re busy doing other things.”

“Like what?” I asked teasingly.

“Let me show you.”

I gasped as his lips brushed with mine, and I groaned as every thought melted away so my only concentration was on our lips locked together. It was pure bliss.

I tentatively took a sip of the herbal tea my mother had placed in front of me and immediately spat it out. “Dear lord, that tastes like something died in my mouth.”

My mother pursed her lips at my not so subtle reply. At five foot two, she was tiny, but still commanded the type of authority to keep me in line. We shared the same sandy hair, but unlike mine being styled to perfection, my mother’s hair was wild as the wind. She didn’t believe in hair products, everything she used was naturally sourced. She was very into herbal healing, devoted to her one passion despite my many disparaging remarks on the subject.

“It has great healing properties. I’m thinking of taking it to one of my spiritual meetings. I think it will go down well during the break.”

“Spiritual meetings? I think you might kill someone with that poison. Are you sure that’s wise?” I muttered, but still loud enough for my mother to hear.

“Oh don’t be dramatic.” She scowled in annoyance.

“When am I not?”

“True, that’s why I love my baby boy,” she replied, patting my cheek playfully.

“I love you too, even though you feed me disgusting concoctions.” Jeez, not even mouthwash was going to remove the foul taste that was ingrained in my mouth.

“Hmm, wonder if Ollie would maybe like to try some. Is he adventurous, do you think?” she asked looking eager to inflict her concoction on another helpless victim.

“Yeah, you’re not giving my boyfriend that cat piss, thanks.” I snorted.

No way in hell.

“Elijah, language.”

“Well you know it is, whether it has the power to heal or not,” I threw out, not bothered if I was causing her any offence.

“When is Ollie arriving? I can’t wait to meet to find out everything about him.” Her eyes widened in glee, I knew she couldn’t wait to start firing questions his way.

“Err, this is a visit not an interrogation, please remember that,” I insisted, I didn’t want her chasing him off with her overeager ways before he had even got in the door.

“Oh but I want to know all about him,” she insisted, giving me the look.

“And you will, but please for the love of god do not scare him off,” I warned.

“Well I make no promises. Brianne phoned me before.”

That stopped me in my tracks. “I do not want to discuss her today.” I snorted, she was not ruining this day as well.

“She was really upset, you two need to sit down to talk and make up. I hate to see you fight like this.” I could see the look of sadness in her eyes. She hated to see us both arguing. She always said to never let anger come between two people but right now that just wasn’t possible, the rage I felt towards B was far too intense. I rolled my eyes and she looked at me sternly before sipping her cat piss tea.

“I’m too angry to speak to her at the moment, but I will eventually when I’ve calmed down and not ready to cut a bitch,” I offered, hoping it was enough to placate her for now.

“Elijah, no violence please, even if it is said in jest.”

“Okay Mother, whatever.” My phone went off, and I quickly silenced it. My mother’s eyes held mine, she didn’t need to ask who it was. She pursed her lips slightly before sipping her tea. The doorbell broke us from our staring standoff.

I opened it to be met with a gorgeous pair of blue eyes. He stood looking slightly hesitant, and I couldn’t help but wonder how long he had been stood outside.

“Hey you.” I smiled, but his look of fear was enough to knock it from my face. “Breathe, Ollie, it’s my mum. She won’t bite. She might smother you with affection, but you’ll love it, I promise you.” I pressed my lips against his and felt his relax beside me. I couldn’t help but smile at the fact my kisses gave him such reassurance.

“Okay, I’m ready,” he murmured between kisses. I pulled away and grinned

“Well, let’s go meet my mother.”

“Mum, this is . . .”

She barely gave me time to speak before she sprang up from her chair and rushed forward with open arms. “Oh Elijah, you never told me your beau was this handsome.”

Ollie flushed deeply, but he was still smiling which was good. Well until she encased him in a hug. He stood there frozen for a few moments before he relaxed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if his mother had ever held him like that. I highly doubted it and the thought instantly made me sad but when I looked at his now beaming face, I knew that what he lacked from his parents he would receive in abundance through my mum and me.

She pulled back and cupped his face and smiled. “You are a good boy. I can tell by your aura, there is nothing but sweetness inside you. I’m happy you’re with my son.”

Ollie’s eyes glazed over, and I quickly grabbed his hand yanking him away. “Okay Mum, maybe tone it down a little, he’s barely been in the door two seconds.”

“You know me, I’ve never been one to stand on ceremony with my thoughts.”

I laughed and pulled Ollie along to sit beside me at the table. We linked hands and my mum smiled. I could see the delight radiating in her eyes.

“So would you like to sample this new tea I’m trying out? It’s infused with a number of different flavours to give it its unique taste,” my mother offered.

“Tastes like cat piss, I’d pass if I were you. He’ll just have a coffee like me, Mum, thanks,” I answered for Ollie, I did not want to put him in that position where refusal would not be an option.

“Well you won’t get all the goodness, you know all that caffeine isn’t good for you,” she chided but I was sticking to my guns.

“I think I’ll stick with it regardless, thanks,” I said with a no nonsense smile.

“You sure I can’t tempt you, Ollie?” she asked looking hopeful.

He wavered and I squeezed his hand. His eyes turned towards mine, and I gave him a look.

“Err, I’ll just have regular coffee too, thanks.”

“You made the right choice.” I winked and made a dying sound. It would be a fate worse than death to drink that vile concoction.

“Two coffees coming up. Why don’t you get the rice cakes out? We use my very own recipe that I like to make.”

“Screw the rice cakes, we’re having Kit Kats.” I winked, finding the secret stash at the back of the cupboard. My mother didn’t approve of my chocolate addiction, but I lived and breathed for my chocolate fix.

I handed two over because, well, one was never enough, and Ollie gratefully received them, quickly ripping open the wrapper and devouring half in one mouthful. He was a man after my own heart.

My mother placed down the coffees and brought over her tea, and I cringed at the memory, taking a bite of Kit Kat letting the sweet chocolatey goodness eradicate the aftertaste from the tea.

“So tell me about yourself, Ollie,” my mum prompted as I frowned.

“Mum, please.”

“It’s fine, Elijah. Well, I work for my dad at the moment. It’s a stop gap to bring in some extra money as I’ve just got back from travelling, and my dad needed the extra help. It’s a make do job for the moment.” He frowned at the last part, and I could see just how deeply unhappy he was there.

“So what is it you would like to do?” she asked looking intrigued.

“I’d like to go into counselling for children.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Ooh that sounds interesting,”

“Really, Oll? I’m surprised, but I like it. I think it’s perfect for you. You’re kind and patient, you would be great working alongside children.” I smiled as he looked relieved at my response.

“Thanks, my parents think it’s a waste of time, but I didn’t expect anything from them.” He shrugged, but it broke my heart to hear how disinterested they were in his life.

“Listen Ollie, follow your dreams, be happy. Life is too short to be in a job you hate. I’ve only known you minutes, but in that time I can see you are charming and well mannered. You have the right temperament to help kids. I think you’d be a welcome addition to any school.” My mother’s words had me smiling, she was always so good in building people up, I wanted to hug her right now.

“Thanks.” He picked awkwardly at the table, and I could tell he wasn’t one to receive a compliment.

“It’s true, Oll, you need to believe it. My mother is an amazing judge of character, she enjoys that part of getting to know people’s psyche, to analyze them. She will help you with anything, and we both will be here to support you.”

“That means a lot.”

I squeezed his hand and he smiled. I could see our words had a huge impact, and I knew I needed to give him a moment to absorb it all.

“Well I will have to love you and leave you, I need to get going to start my herbal session with all my lovely ladies,” my mother said with a smile.

“Don’t ask,” I said as Ollie raised a brow. “Just be glad you aren’t being dragged along.”

“Well, if you fancy coming along, Ollie, you could maybe get a few—”

“Nope, he’s all mine this afternoon.” I grinned. He was going nowhere.

My mother smiled, shaking her head, grabbing her jacket. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before doing the same with Ollie. I think it took him by surprise, but he quickly recovered.

“I don’t blame you, son, but both you boys be good, okay?”

“Err Mum.” I willingly shoved her out the door before she had time to add to that sentence.

“I was young once, I remember.” She stuck her tongue out before disappearing off to her crazy ladies meeting.

“So she was—”

“I know she’s a little eccentric at times,” I said as a way of explanation, quickly defending my mother’s ways.

“I was going to say nice. I envy you having a mother that supportive. I wish mine cared to take an interest without totally shooting down everything I decide.” He sighed.

“That must be hard,” I offered, seeing his pain in front of me.

“It is but I get by, I’ve learned to switch off for my own sanity. To concentrate on the positive and to live my life how I want to.”

I smiled at his attitude. “That’s all the great qualities of a counsellor. I know you’ll be amazing in that role.”

“Do you think?” he asked, almost hesitantly.

“I know so. Now what do you want to do now that I have you alone? Fancy making out on the sofa.” I quirked an eyebrow awaiting his response.

“Elijah.”

“Okay, Bourne trilogy it is then.” I grabbed the disc and smiled. Thank god it was the third, but at least I’d get to perv over Ollie. That was something at least.

My phone let out a bleep, but I didn’t bother to look at it.

“Is that Brianne?” Ollie asked.

“No doubt.” I sighed, I did not want to have to deal with her at this moment.

“Are you still not talking to her then?”

“Nope.” And I wasn’t about to anytime soon either.

“Don’t you think that you two should just make up? I don’t want you falling out over me.” He looked almost horrified by the thought.

“I just can’t at the moment. I don’t know, she’s my cousin and I love her, but he just has a way of just pushing the boundaries all the time. I keep letting her get away with it, but she pushed it too far this time and I need some distance.”

“Bet she’s going stir crazy,” he added, and he wasn’t wrong there.

“She is, that is the fifth message in a row. I had thirty yesterday, but I don’t care.” She had really upset me going against everything I had asked her not to, normally I was far more forgiving but this time she had pushed me too far.

His hand squeezed mine. “You know that I’m here for you. I know you think I scare easily, but I want to be with you. I don’t want you feeling like you’re waiting for me to run away.”

“I did get worried that she’d scared you off,” I confessed. It was one of my biggest fears that I’d lose him so early on. I knew how fragile he was.

“She would have in the beginning, but these last few weeks have been amazing. I know what I want now.” Ollie grabbed my hand, and we linked fingers. It was the most perfect thing in the world to feel his hand in mine.

“Do you know what I want?” I asked, quirking a brow.

“What?”

“Your lips against mine.”

He smiled and rolled his eyes before bridging the small gap that was between us. I sighed the moment our lips connected.