Page 163 of New Growth
“What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing, huh?” He folded his arms. “So what was that little stunt you pulled on the phone? Hanging up on me? Yelling at me? Since when have we treated each other like that?”
My heart sank. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry ain’t enough, Elliot. Explain yourself. What’s gotten into you?”
You. Last night.
I clenched my jaw, swallowing the thought like it tasted bitter. “I said nothing.”
“Are you mad I was busy?” His tone was controlled. “Because I told you I would be when I left this morning.”
“I know.”
“So what’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
He stepped closer. The space between us shrank like it did in the salon. “You think I’m stupid? Tell me what the problem is.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them. “The problem is you left.”
That stopped him.
His face shifted, brows knitting together like he didn’t quite hear me right. “What?”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Forget it.”
“No. No—talk to me.” He gently tilted my chin up with his hand. “Help me understand. You’re upset I left this morning?”
I let out a breath. “It’s not the fact that you left. It’s how you left. And how you’ve been treating me all day.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly, but the concern in his eyes only deepened. “How have I been treating you, Peanut?”
I hesitated. “Like last night didn’t matter. Like it was just another night. Maybe that’s what it was for you, but for me... it wasn’t. It was a big deal. A huge deal. I haven’t been naked in front of a man in years, El. I haven’t let myself be that vulnerable in... I don’t even know how long. Last night meant something.”
He exhaled sharply, his head falling for a second before he met my gaze again.
“Ellie,” he sighed, voice rough and quiet, “I thought you said you trusted me last night.”
I was visibly taken aback by his words, blinking and mouth ajar like a fool. “I-I do.”
“You trust me, but the minute you don’t hear from me you assume the worst?”
Oop.
“You trust me, but you think I’ve been playing you all this time to get what I want?”
“I shouldn’t have said that—”
“Last night meant a lot to me too, Elliot. I told you I was in love with you. We made love for the first time, not just had sex. You don’t think I felt that? Our souls connected. Your spirit intertwined with mine. You think I don’t understand the importance of that?”
“Then why are you acting like you don't understand the importance?” I whispered.
“I’m not. I swear, I’m not.” His hands found my waist and pulled me into him like it was the only place that made sense. “Baby, if I had it my way, I’d still be in that bed with you, thanking God you chose me. I’dspend the whole damn day kissing your thighs and worshipping every inch of you. But I can’t. Not every day.”
