Page 33 of Quietly Falling
ROMAN: Ells—you gotta come. I’m only here for a couple days
ELLA: WHAT?!
ROMAN: I only have a couple days
ELLA: If someone had just TOLD me then I would’ve, but I’m on a business trip
ROMAN: Detour!
ELLA: I can’t. I’m not alone
ROMAN: Bring them—are they hot?
ELLA: Yes he is
ROMAN: You’re on a roadtrip with a GUY? Is that even allowed?
ELLA: Shut it
ROMAN: Seriously though…
Unable to stopmy hands from shaking, I dial my cousin’s number and pick at an imaginary thread on the comforter.
“Ells, you gotta come.”
“You’re home? Why didn’t you tell me?” My voice is a little hysterical as relief floods my veins.He’s home.
“I wanted to surprise everyone. I can’t extend my leave; it’s fine if you can’t make it.”
I sob into the phone, unable to muffle the sound as he sighs.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t cry, Ells. It’s okay. I’ll figure something out. Maybe I’ll come right to you in Blackstone Falls.”
His voice is light, obviously trying to make me feel better. But how could I feel better when I’m missing seeing Roman, who is not only my favorite cousin but is also my best friend?
“Ells, I gotta go. Call me later, all right?”
“Yeah, sure. Maybe if we can get home tonight, I can tell Rhea I’m taking the next couple of days off.”
“Just be careful. The weather was shit coming in.”
My eyelids flutter shut as we say our goodbyes and I disconnect the call, my phone dropping into my lap.
”What’s wrong?” Bodhi’s voice is low and rumbly, the timbre sending a delicious little shiver between my legs despite the dive my mood has taken.
“Nothing,” I say a little too brightly as Bodhi’s eyebrows furrow. It’s not his fault he’s gorgeous and sexy as he runs his hand though his wet hair.
“I don’t want you to lie to me,” he says softly, not quite meeting my gaze.
And I can’t have that.
“My cousin is home on leave. He’s in the Marines and was deployed and surprised everyone by coming home this weekend and he can’t extend his leave.”
“And you’re here,” he says, putting it together easily.
“Yes.” Taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly, I add, “If we get on the road and make it home tonight, I might be able to head out in the morning.”
