Page 4 of Love Notes & Lifelines
He slips between us, forcing his friend to stand, and I can finally inhale again. With only inches separating us, I was having a hard time finding my words.
Elijah presses his hand to Beck’s chest only to have it flicked away. “Go to your office, and I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”
“I get my own coffee, Elijah, and you know it,” Beck grumbles.
“Then do it,” Elijah says with his hands on his hips. Shockingly, Beck turns on his heel and leaves.
“Aren’t you afraid he’ll fire you one of these days?” I mutter, staying seated because I’m pretty sure my knees would give out if I stood.
Elijah’s laugh is light and carefree. “He won’t ever fire me, Stella belle.” He holds out a hand and helps me stand. “Remember when I told you we all have issues?”
Images of my mother in a rage on the street make my eyes well. That was the day Elijah offered me the job here. The day he learned most of my secrets.
Too afraid of the messy emotions sitting in my throat to speak, I nod.
“Well, he has trust issues. Big, fat, ugly, painful trust issues. His childhood wasn’t as idyllic as most people assume. His family was pretty messed up when he was a kid. He needs me, and that’s why I’m here.”
“You’re a good friend.” I fiddle with the mop in the bucket.
“I didn’t say that was the only reason I’m here. It helps that it pisses off my father. No son of his should be a secretary.” He makes air quotes on the last word.
I only know a little about his family, but he’s made it clear that his father would have disowned him if he weren’t the only male heir.
Heir. The word is so…old. Who worries about heirs anymore?
“But you are a good friend,” I say.
“Yes. I am. I’d better go make sure he isn’t abusing any other employees with his glowers.” He leans in for a hug. “You unsettle him, Stella. He’s different around you—that’s a good thing. Are you okay?”
I sink into his touch. You forget how much you crave affection when it’s used as a weapon against you for so long.
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
He stares into my eyes, and for the briefest moment I wish I understood what he sees when he looks at me, but it’s impossible. I’m not even sure who I am anymore. He kisses my cheek and exits the closet.
I slowly lower myself onto the bucket and pull out my phone. Opening my email app, my hands shake as I type in Lottie’s email address.
To: Lottie
From: Stella
Subject: Elijah
Dear Lottie,
Elijah Sinclair gave me your contact information and he said I would be a good fit for your hotline. I would love to discuss it with you at your earliest convenience.
Stella Anderson
There, done. I’m still not sure how I feel about this opportunity, but I trust Elijah, so I jump in headfirst. Lottie’s response comes through before I even close out of my email.
To: Stella
From: Lottie
Subject: RE: Elijah
Dear Stella,
