Page 76 of New Growth
More silence followed, and I should have just closed my eyes and waited for morning to come. However, the previous feeling of his hand on mine burned my skin, and I couldn’t help myself—
“El?”
“Yeah?”
“…Can I lay with you?” My voice was barely above a whisper. “You’re kind of… comforting.”
He didn’t hesitate. “Come here.”
I turned, tucking myself into his side. His warmth surrounded me instantly, and my body relaxed before my mind could fight it.
“You tell anyone about this, I’ll deny it,” I mumbled.
Elliot chuckled, low and deep. “My lips are sealed.”
He shifted slightly beneath me, getting comfortable. “Can I hold you, Peanut?”
I nodded. “Please.”
He pulled me closer and draped his strong arm around my lower back, but this time, it didn’t feel so wrong.
“You smell so good, Elliot,” he murmured.
I smiled sleepily, my eyes growing so heavy I struggled to keep them open. “You do, too. And you’re warm.”
“You’re making me blush.”
A soft laugh escaped me.This was dangerous. It felt too good, too safe, and too fucking easy.
“This feels nice, but it’s so wrong,” I muttered. “I should—”
“Shhh.” He tightened his hold. “Get some sleep.”
I didn’t argue further. “Okay, Sugar.”
His soft chuckles were the last thing I heard before I drifted off.
A small nudge stirred me awake.
I blinked against the dim light, turning my head to find El standing beside the bed, already dressed in his loose shirt and grey sweats.
“Mind if I raid your fridge?”
I rubbed my eyes and stretched out a little. “Of course not. Come on.”
He followed me down to the kitchen. I switched on a light above the stove, casting a soft amber glow over the space.
“It’s just…” he said as he scratched the back of his neck. “It’s a bit of a drive back to my place, and I didn’t wanna risk it being low.”
“I get it,” I said, cutting him off gently and opening the fridge door for him. “No need to explain.”
He scanned the shelves for a few seconds, then pulled out a jar of grape jam.
“Want me to make some toast?” I offered, already reaching for the bread.
“Nah,” he said with a half-smile. “I’ll eat it like this. Thanks.”
There was something different in his expression. He looked almost… ashamed? Like he was expecting me to react to his actions with disgust. But I just walked over, opened the drawer, and handed him a spoon.
