Page 43 of Ruined
I realized then that a mother’s love truly is unconditional. A faint knock sounded. “Mom, I have to go, but I promise to come visit soon. Hug Dad for me and if you can, tell Adam I love him.”
“Love you, sweetpea.”
As we said our goodbyes, the door slowly opened. Kenzie’s head popped out behind the wood. She took one look at my tear-stained face before rushing to me. “What happened.”
With a shake of my head, I said, “That was my mom. I told her about the gallery.”
“What did she say?”
I relayed most of my conversation with Mom. By the way Kenzie was nodding, I could tell she agreed with my mom.
When I was done, she pulled in for a hug. Whispering “It’s going to be okay” as she wrapped her arms around me.
She released me and then immediately eyed the mess on the bed. Chuckling, she walked over to the mountain of clothes. “Can’t figure out what to wear, huh?” She picked up a few items, examined them then returned them to their spot.
I dropped my phone on the nightstand, shaking my head I folded my arms in front of me. “I’m being silly, right?”
“Is there a reason you’re having trouble picking out an outfit?” Kenzie fluffed the pillow before sitting down on the bed and leaning back.
I looked at the clothes then slowly met my friend’s gaze, “I like them, Kenz,reallylike them. I want to look nice…”
My friend lit up like a freaking lightbulb. Before she could say anything, I held up my hand. “Don’t do it…Don’t say something that will make me regret admitting that to you.”
Kenzie smiled sweetly, “Wouldn’t dream of it. Now let’s get you dressed.”
For what felt like the hundredth time, I swiped my palms over my denim-clad thighs before tugging the black tank top into place. I’d been standing in front of Eli’s front door for almost five minutes, unable to bring myself to knock.
After stooping to grip the gift bag handles, I straightened, took a breath and tapped my knuckles against the wood. With every second that passed, my heart started to thunder louder and louder.
I eyed my sandaled feet, willing my nerves to calm the heck down. My head was still bowed when the door opened. Slowly lifting my gaze, the breath got knocked out of me as soon as I caught sight of Eli standing in front of me.
He had the door gripped in one hand and the frame in the other, his tall muscular body was covered in a pair of well-worn jeans and a dark blue t-shirt that stretched tight across his chest. My mouth instantly went bone-dry.
“You made it.” I didn’t think my heart could race any faster, I was proven wrong the very second Eli’s lips lifted into a sinfully sexy grin. “Come on in.” He opened the door completely then stepped to the side to allow me entry.
Once inside, I tried my best not to fidget as Eli’s gaze leisurely traveled from my head to my toes, then settled on the bag in my hand. One dark eyebrow quirked in question.
“Uh,” I raised the gift. “I hope you don’t mind, it’s something small for Molly.”
Still watching me intently, he closed the door before stalking closer. That scent that was so uniquely Eli wrapped itself around me like a blanket of deliciousness, it was all I could do not to shut my eyes and suck in a deep breath.
Biting into my bottom lip, I stood frozen as he steadily raised his hand toward my face. Before I could feel the heat of his palm against my skin, little Molly came barreling into the living room. “Miss. Zoe, you’re here!”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Eli had taken a few steps back. Turning my attention to the little girl, I dropped to my haunches and opened my arms wide. The moment those small arms wrapped around my neck, I felt her crawl deeper into my heart.
“Well hello there, little Miss.” Molly pulled away slightly, flashing me a toothy grin. I reached forward to tap her nose. “I have something for you.”
An excited squeal filled the air, “A present? For me?” Enthusiastically, she clapped her hands together. The anticipation on her face was amazing to witness. With a smile of my own, I handed over the bag, eagerly waiting for her to pull out the items.
I’d briefly wondered whether I should have gone with a doll or something a little more girly, but as I watched her face light up more and more with every item she pulled out, I knew I’d made the right decision.
“Eek! Daddy look—” Molly gathered up her stuff and hurried toward her father. “—Miss. Zoe got me all this awesome stuff.” She spread out the books, pencils and paint supplies on the floor at Eli’s feet. I was still watching her when suddenly, she stopped talking, spun around and flung herself at me again. “Thank you, Miss. Zoe.”
“You’re so welcome, sweet girl.”
She beamed up at me for a beat then gathered up her new supplies. As I watched her skip away, I knew that falling for Eli and his daughter would be the easiest thing in the world. I was still staring at the empty entryway when a strong hand gripped my shoulder. There was no way I could turn around, so I stayed rooted to the spot, my breath catching as I felt Eli lean closer.
He was so close to my ear, I could feel the scratch of his stubble against my skin. “You’ve made my girl very happy tonight. Thank you, sunshine.”
