Page 55 of Make Her Mine
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Brandon
One in the morning came around when I picked up my cell off the nightstand to check for the zillionth time if the ringer was on and if it was charged up. “Damn. That girl is not going to call.”
Maybe I’d been wrong to put the ball in her court without telling her? My finger hovered over the screen thinking about calling her even though it was late, and Ella had probably already gone to sleep.
That pissed me off! If she’d gone to sleep without talking to me, then she obviously didn’t care. And since when was it me who cared the most in a relationship?
Putting the cell down, I turned over on my side and pulled the blanket up to cover myself. Things had to change. I couldn’t let some girl pull my chain. What Ella’s sister said about the way she acted was not a game, but it still wasn’t acceptable.
It took two people to have a relationship. Not one guy who does it all and a girl who sits still and waits. Maybe she was too juvenile for me?
The cell rang, and it was Ella’s ringtone. My heart sped up as I turned to get the phone. “Ella?”
“Hi,” came her soft voice. “You still awake?”
“Yeah.” I sat up, feeling on the overjoyed side. “You?”
“Yeah.” She took a deep breath as if getting ready to say something important.
Fear rushed through me. “Ella, I missed you today.”
“If that’s true, then why didn’t you call me?” she asked, sounding upset.
“I thought putting the ball in your court would be a good idea. Seems I was wrong.” It was time for me to be as honest with her as I’d ever been with any other girl. I’ve been taking it easy since she was so immature. “Look, it takes two, Ella. I can’t be the only one to try to make things work. You’ve got to do your part, too. That means you can pick up the phone and call me sometimes.”
“Were you worried I wouldn’t call?” she sounded bewildered.
What to say? I was never on this side of a relationship before. But honesty seemed like the best thing to me. “Kind of.”
“Can I ask you a question?” She waited.
After all the conversations we had, it was funny she’d even ask. “Ella, ask me anything. And you cantellme anything. What will it take before you understand I’mallinto you?”
“I’m sorry, Brandon.” She sighed before going on, “Does the reason you didn’t call today have something to do with a member of my family?”
I didn’t want to rat Darleen out, especially since I went to her. But I had to be honest. “Kind of.”
Another long sigh came then she said, “Brandon, we should probably leave my family out of our business from now on. They mean well, but they see me as a kid, and they can’t help themselves for trying to keep me as innocent as they’ve always known me to be.”
“You’re right about that.” I wanted to see Ella so bad it hurt. “My parents are celebrating their anniversary this Saturday. My brothers and I will be in Dallas Saturday morning. It’s a big deal with my family. Since we inherited this year, and nothing can to be handed to them, Dyllan—with Bobbi Jo’s help—has planned a festivity at the Hyatt-Regency. I want you to come with me.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she said with a ton of hesitation in her voice. “You know how socially awkward I am. And meeting your parents, too? Brandon, that’s a lot in one evening to ask of me.”
“Not really.” She’d be okay. “I’ll be with you at all times. I’ll never leave your side, scout’s honor! Go with me, Ella. I want Mom and Dad to meet you.”
“I’ll think about it. Tomorrow I’m getting some new clothes and hopefully getting my hair done.” She went quiet; she must be contemplating my request. “After that, I’ll let you know. Will you ask someone else if I don’t?”
Chuckling, the answer was easy, “Ella, I don’t want to take anyone else. If you don’t feel up to it, I’ll go alone. Clayton isn’t taking anyone, only Dyllan is.”
“Sherry told me something today,” Ella said. “See, I don’t have anyone to compare you to.”
And if I have my way, you never will.“That’s not a bad thing, Ella.”
“It kind of is,” she said. “Because the things you’ve done for me... The fact you beat that guy up who tried to kiss me is pretty heroic. And then you took me home and put me in your bed alone. That’s a rarity, too, from what Sherry said. You do a lot that other guys don’t. And I’ve taken that for granted. I’m sorry for doing that, Brandon. You’re a special kind of man, and I’m lucky you think so much of me.”
“You’re a special kind of lady, Ella, and I feel lucky.” A smile filled my face as I thought we were getting a lot closer to being the couple I could see us being. “To have you at my side for any event would be an honor.”
