Page 6 of The Awakening
Leaning down, I tipped Ellie’s chin, and she met my gaze as I winked before I pressed my mouth to hers. Her lips were soft, and delicious pressed against mine. She melted into me as I wrapped both arms around her, once again breaking my promise to keep my hands to myself. She opened her mouth, and I took the opportunity to swirl my tongue around hers.
She didn’t seem to mind too much.
She was the best kisser I had ever had the privilege of kissing. At that moment, it was like the world around us fell away. It was just me and her and this kiss.
Lost in the haze that formed around us, I vaguely registered the sound of a throat clearing.
Oh right, we had an audience.
I broke the kiss and turned to face them again, but she remained close with her hand on my chest. Sparks had flown, and my world was spinning. What had I just done?
“She ain’t wearing a ring.”
“That’s because I want to get her the best. It’s being custom made by my family’s jeweler in Dallas. Sent her measurements yesterday.” I looked down at Ellie and smiled. “Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” This was getting more far-fetched by the second. I needed her to corroborate my story.
Her eyes widened, but she mustered a nod. That would have to do.
“Elyse, is this true?” Hank’s attention turned from me to his daughter.
My pulse raced, and doubt crept into my head. What would happen if she said no? They caught us in bed together. We’d had pure intentions, and nothing had happened between us, butHank’s narrow mind wouldn’t accept that answer. What she was about to say would determine whether I was a dead man.
“Yes, Daddy, it’s true. Gavin and I are husband and wife.”
Her voice was firm and confident. If I hadn’t known better, I would have believed her myself.
“I see.” He stroked his chin. “Let’s go home, boys.” His shoulders slumped, and he glanced back at his sons. “This is going to kill your mother, Elyse. Your actions have shamed us all. I hope you’re happy, because you aren’t welcome in our home any longer.” Hank turned and left the house, followed by his sons, who didn’t give Ellie a second glance as they left.
Ellie had a death grip on my arm, and she was shaking, but she stood proud and strong beside me as they left.
“Oh, no.” she whispered as she crumpled to the floor in a heap. Quiet sobs made her shoulders shake.
I gathered her in my arms and carried her to the sofa, the kneeled before her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how else to get us out of that situation. I didn’t think they would turn their backs on you. Ellie, I’m sorry.”
She shook her head against my shoulder. “It’s not that, that was inevitable. But I’m worried about what they’re going to do once they figure out it is all a lie.”
“Inevitable? But you’re his daughter.”
“Exactly, I’m a daughter. Unlike my brothers, I’m a liability to him. My father always made it clear I was a burden, and the only way I could fix that was to marry someone he felt was fit to join the family.”
I took both her hands in mine. “You could never be a liability. Your spaghetti making skills alone make you an asset in my eyes.”
She gave me a sweet smile, but it quickly faded, and the tears returned. “He chose Ray for me, and it was my duty to eventually come around to him. I was told I would learn to love eventually,even though he repulsed me from the very start. Still, I tried, Gavin, I really tried.”
As her tears dried up and her sobs stopped, she told me more about the environment she was raised in. She’d been robbed. Of her happiness. Her choices. And of her self worth. She deserved a family that thought the world of her and accepted her for who she was.
Speaking of families, the chances were slim that this story wouldn’t get back to mine. Elyse’s mother wouldn’t be the only one disappointed to hear that we’d eloped. But I supposed bringing my “wife” home for Christmas would make up for it.
“This ranch hand friend of yours, Matt. How experienced is he?”
She tipped her head at me. “He’s worked on ranches his whole life. Why?”
“He’s about to get a temporary promotion to ranch manager. If he can hack it, we’ll see about making it permanent. That is, if you’ll agree to come to Texas with me for Christmas.”
She eyed me cautiously. “Are you serious?”
I nodded.
The bright smile on her face was contagious, and before I knew it, she’d thrown her arms around my neck and hugged me tight. “Thank you, Gavin. Thank you so much.” She damn near knocked me off my feet with the force of her hug, her scent—something floral with a sweet hint of vanilla—invading my senses.
