Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) (4 page)

JENNA
“That’s wonderful news!” I squeal into the phone. Ben pokes my side and shoots me his ‘tell me what’s up’ look. “Yes, yes I’ll come up tomorrow, we all will!” I hang up the phone and turn to Ben.
“You’re never going to believe this! Dr. Rand is missing, he just disappeared and without him Ryan has no one in his corner. Between the police report, the mental evaluation Elle had done through Joe and the death threat the judge has ruled in her favor! Ryan no longer has power of attorney and Joe said she can be discharged tomorrow evening!” I ramble at the speed of light. Ben’s face lights up as he scoops me up in his arms and twirls me around the living room.
“Colin must be peeing his pants right now.” Ben laughs.
“That’s just gross. Why would he pee?”
“I meant in excitement.”
“Do you pee when you’re excited?”
“No?” We double over with laughter at Ben’s unsure answer before sobering enough for Ben to call Colin and find out how he’s doing. I assume Joe called him first but if not, Ben will get to make him a very happy man. I watch as my built boyfriend dials Colin with clumsy fingers and waits for him to pick up.
“Yes!” Ben yells into the phone. “We’re coming tomorrow! I’ll call John after we hang up. Yeah, of course man. ‘K.” Ben hangs up the phone and looks to me. “Colin says he needs ‘the box’.” He eyes me in confusion.
“Ok. I’ll be sure to pack it.” I answer not giving anything up.
“Ookaay then.” Ben huffs as he dials John.
COLIN
The hotel room looks more like a bachelor pad than my apartment does. The last seven days have proved to be the hardest I’ve ever encountered. Seeing Elle every night for a few moments just isn't cutting it. I can see the defeat in her eyes each passing day she's stuck in there. She’s almost hit the month mark and it has to be weighing heavily on her, I know it is on me.
“‘Lo.”
“Colin, good news son!” Joe cries in my ear.
“Well...”
“Elle’s being discharged tomorrow evening. The judge ruled in Elle’s favor, Ryan’s lost power of attorney over her. The divorce hearings set for November twenty eighth. Until then Elle’s a free to return to Searsport.” I can’t form words and my body is shaking uncontrollably with relief. “Colin? You with me still?” Joe prompts.
“Y..yes. I’m here.”
“I’ll bring her straight to your hotel room tomorrow when we’re out.” He says.
“Ok. Joe..”
“Yes.”
“Thank you so much.” I mumble still shocked.
“Don’t thank me yet Colin, we’ve still got a way to go.”
I hang up and immediately call Jenna. Her shrieks of delight make my eardrums feel like they’re bleeding but I can't complain, I feel the same way. If I had boobs I’d probably be squealing and jumping up and down too. After I hang up I clean the room like a maniac because there is no way in hell Elle can see it like this. After what she’s endured I want to make tomorrow the best night of her life.
At seven I enter the courtyard to find her staring down at me already. The smile on her face is bright and intoxicating. Tears stream down her face but she looks so happy they must be tears of release. I fish out the flashlight and hold up, what’s hopefully the last poster ever.
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough ‘cause I’ll give you forever if you’ll take it.

I can just make out the green of her eyes burning brighter as she nods her head furiously up and down at me. I stand transfixed as she fogs the plate glass and fingers ‘yes’ into it. Her letters are shaky, like she can't tamp her excitement down enough to steady her hand. My heart skips a beat and I hug the poster to my chest like a chump because I can't hold her yet. Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.
We play our intense staring game until I’m convinced she can see into my soul and I’m frozen to the bone. The October weather isn't great for standing still outside. The wind whips around through the buildings making a wind tunnel that chills me no matter how bundled up I am. I blow her a kiss, catch her return one and wave good night before stalking back to the hotel. Rubbing my face roughly with both hands, I don’t anticipate sleeping at all tonight which will give me plenty of time to pull everything together.

ELLE
Sometimes all you need is love. Never have I felt so adored and cared for. I’m not convinced I deserve Colin but I refuse to give him up for anything. I swear when he’s near I can feel his heart beating perfectly in tune with mine. It’s a strange intense awareness to his proximity. I can’t really explain it but I’m not sure I want too. I’m content just experiencing and living with it until it’s no longer mine to have.
The moment Joe stepped into my room I started crying. I couldn’t fathom that I was really leaving, not escaping,
leaving
. Joe wrapped his arms around me and comforted me the best he could but I wouldn't feel right until we were outside the hospital, until I was face to face with Colin. I received warm, heartfelt goodbyes from Manny and Rachel and promised them I’d check in with them every once in a while. As Joe drove us away from the hospital my mind swirled with how far I’d come in eleven months. I’d again gone through overwhelming loss, tried to harm myself, left Ryan and somehow found love. Joe slows the car as we turn into the carport of the hotel.
Chills break out all over my body and my eyes dart around the entrance until I see him. Colin. He’s wearing faded jeans and a blue button down shirt un-tucked with the sleeves rolled up with a sexy smirk on his face. He looked delicious. I sat there gaping at the hotness in front of me as his eyes find mine. The car comes to a stop and yanking the door open I jump out running for him.
When our bodies meet they entwine like they were meant to be one. He places a warm gentle kiss on my neck and inhales deeply as his hand snakes through my hair and holds me tight to him. Releasing my hair, he runs his fingers over the place on my neck where he just kissed and smiles. “God I missed you.”
I kiss him with every bit of emotion that I have and lose myself in it as he kisses me back just as eagerly. “I love you.” I breathe in his ear still refusing to let go of him. His lips meet mine again in a gentle yet intense kiss. “I love you too Elle.” In one quick swoop he lifts me up and wrapping my legs around his waist I bury my face in the crook of his neck. He smells so good. My body is practically humming with need.
Someone clears their throat and coughs once breaking our reunion. I glance behind Colin to find Jenna, Ben and John anxiously awaiting their greetings. Squealing I jump down and race into Jenna’s arms. Tears stream down her face. “I’m sooo glad you’re alright.” Her voice breaks as she squeezes me tighter. I hug Ben and John before turning around to a beaming Colin who’s carrying my bag.
“Joe didn't want to interrupt, he said call him when you get back in town.” He tells me.
“Well come on! Let’s go!” Jenna prompts making me laugh. We head up to Colin’s room and catch up before deciding where to eat.
The room is clean and flowers line the window sill for me. Jenna brought a bag of clothes so I could change. I’m so happy she always thinks of everything because I don’t really want to be seen in the sad attire I’m currently sporting. Ben cracks open the minibar, handing everyone a nip before toasting me. We all clink miniature bottles laughing, and down our shots. Jenna shuttles me into the bathroom to change so we can head out. I sit at the mirror applying makeup, not that it will do any good. My blonde roots scream white trash and I look haggard and tired. The door cracks open. “Decent?”
“Yeah.” I chuckle as Colin enters.
“You look tired babe. We don't have to go out, I’m sure they’d understand.”
“No, they drove all this way for me. Let’s have dinner and then stay in the rest of the night.” I concede.
“Alright.” He says as his warm hands land on my shoulders and start kneading the stress away. I groan audibly at the strength and pleasure his fingers bring as he continues to massage my neck and shoulders. “That feels so good.” The low sexy chuckle that follows makes me want to skip dinner to find out where else his hands might wander.
“Come on, you look gorgeous, let’s go.” He murmurs low in my ear.
“I just need five minutes.” I tell him as he exits the bathroom. I can't help it, Colin in the flesh makes my eyes start watering. It’s been thirty five days since I’ve been able to touch him, smell him, be with him and it overwhelms me. Jenna pokes her head in and seeing my tears quickly enters shutting door behind her.
“Shh, shh, it’s ok.” She soothes rubbing my back.
“I know, I’m just so overwhelmed.”
“Girl, let’s just finish the eye shadow up and get going. I’m sure you’re starving and anxious to get back here and make up for lost time.” She winks making me laugh. God I love her. Taking the tissue from her I dab my eyes and quickly finish what I started.
All parties involved think we should just stick to the hotel restaurant because it’s safer, yet no one comes out and directly talks about the elephant in the room. That no one wants me out in my hometown while Ryan’s around. I don't feel like addressing it either really, not tonight anyways, so I keep quiet and let them believe that I agree and the hotel restaurant is probably really great.

COLIN
I can't tear my eyes off her. Her body clinging to mine after all this time had given me a raging hard on but with a receiving line waiting to greet her there wasn't much I could do about it. Her eyes were dull and she looked tired. Happy but spent. I watch her light up at some crude statement Ben makes before joining in the laughter at the table. I love her smile. She’s kept her hand in mine since we left our room and I can't get over how perfect it feels, warm and soft, in mine. I cannot get close enough to her. I keep running my eyes up and down her body to make sure I’m not imagining all this. Her green eyes turn to mine and I’m momentarily stunned stupid. “Well?” She asks.
“Huh?”
“Colin!” She playfully smacks my knee. “Where are you?”
“Sorry.” I shrug.
“Jenna wanted to know what you have up your sleeve for tonight.” John chastises.
“Oh. Well, I don't think Elle here would like it too much if I shared those details.” Elle gasps and falls into easy laughter with everyone else.
“Well then, Elle, since you’re from here where’s the best nightlife?” Jenna asks.
“Hmmmm... I guess I’d say, Punter’s. You could walk from here and they have great music, dancing and drinks.”
“Great! John, you coming with us?” Jenna turns to him.
“Yeah sure why not.” He answers looking hesitant at being a third wheel to Jenna and Ben.
The waiter brings our food, setting each plate down in front of the appropriate person and the table falls silent as we all dig in. Occasionally Jenna, Ben or John steal glances at Elle while she sits moaning and eating happily at my side. Everyone’s concerned still but no one wants to ruin her homecoming by bringing it up. Elle scoots her chair closer to mine and leans into me. The contact is subtle but intense. It takes all my effort to keep my hands off her.
“Can we have dessert?” She says quietly in my ear.
“In the room or here?”
“Here!” She admonishes in a hushed tone. I give her my best sad puppy face but it only elicits a chuckle from her. “Here Colin.”
“Fine, fine.” I turn to the rest of the table. “Anyone want to join Elle in dessert?” Elle laughs loudly before Jenna pipes up that she too wants dessert. No one can decide on any one item though so we end up ordering four desserts and sharing them between the five of us. I think Elle might be in heaven. She keeps giggling, squeezing my knee and then digging her fork into another plate of dessert. My chest tightens every time I see her sparkling green eyes and smile. I’ll do anything to keep her safe this time.
John, Ben and I split the bill much to Elle and Jenna’s dismay, but we’re not the sort of guys who let ladies pay. With full bellies we sluggishly make our way back through the lobby. Elle hugs and kisses everyone again before giving them directions to Punter’s and sending them on their way. As soon as they’re out of the lobby she turns back to me, her green eyes blazing and presses her soft body into mine as she stretches up to claim my mouth. I scoop her into my arms, bridal style, making her giggle and carry her to the elevators.
“You can put me down now.” She laughs.
“Nope.”
“Colin. People are staring.” She hisses.
“Don’t care.” The doors open and still carrying her I walk in, and position her to push the button for our floor. She pushes it then brings her arm back around my neck playing with the hair at the nape of my neck as she kisses me softly. The elevator bounces gently as it stops and the doors slide open. I carry Elle to our door and wait for her to fish the room key from my pocket. I kick the door shut behind us and stand her at the edge of the bed. Her hands make impossibly fast work of the button and zipper on my jeans, with one tug they were gone. Just as fast her jeans are tossed on the floor.
My torso is heavy on hers as my thumbs hook her underpants and tug them down. She kicks them off her ankles and wraps her legs around my waist while I kiss her ear, neck and collarbone. My fingers dip between her legs, toying with her and my groans drift into her mouth as I lay her back on the bed.
ELLE
Grabbing his face between my hands I kiss him until he moans in my mouth. “Elle.” He growls. His thumb puts pressure on my clit and my hips buck again. His hips shift and I adjust my legs around his letting him drive in. My lips part, my neck arches and my eyes flutter closed. His thrusts are driving me towards an orgasm the likes of which I’ve never experienced before when he pulls out. My eyes fly open. “Colin!” I hiss.
Suddenly I’m flipped on my belly and moving backwards towards the edge of the bed. My feet hit the floor, a palm between my shoulders and I’m bent over the mattress. The pads of his fingers trace the tattoo at my ribs.
“It’s always been you.” His voice low and heavy as he holds tight to my hips and resumes thrusting. I’m going to burst. My breathing comes in quick, short gasps. He pulls out and flips me back over, wrapping an arm around my ribs and hoists me up the bed with him. He enters slowly, taking his time. Our eyes lock and he starts rolling his hips. The buildup is too much. “Colin!” I rasp. My orgasm crashes over me as his tongue traces my collarbone lightly.
Five seconds later with my legs tightly holding his hips, he planted his face in my neck, drove deep, and groaned my name. I love the weight of him on me. We’re both panting as I turn my face into his neck and kiss him behind the ear while I lightly trace the muscles of his back. I love the way they quiver as my fingers slide over them.
“Give me a second.” He says while rolling off the bed. I feel the loss of his heat immediately and wonder what’s he’s doing. He steps into the bathroom and moments later I hear water running.
In nothing but skin he stalks back to the bed, the bathroom light glowing behind him softly. He reaches out, snags my hand and tugs me up. Gathering me into his arms he carries me easily to the bathroom. “Let’s relax.” He murmurs in my ear.
The tub is full of bubbles and he has a candle lit sitting centered on the vanity. He sets me into the water gently before flipping the light off, leaving only candlelight flickering, before climbing in behind me. The hot water is delicious and instantly relaxes me. His warm wet hands slide around my waist and draw me back against him. I rest my head on his chest and sink into his arms. “Mmm. This is nice.” I mumble suddenly feeling sleepy.
“I planned this first but we ahh, got a little distracted.” He says softly into my ear. His warm breath makes me shiver. Reaching out he grabs the shampoo bottle and pours a small dollop in his palm. “Let me take care of you.” I pick my head up slightly and let him massage the shampoo into my scalp. His fingers manipulating all the tension from me. He scoots me forward a bit then leans my head back into the water and rinses the shampoo out. He repeats the process again with conditioner before grabbing the loofa, soaping it up and with gentle, deliberate strokes washes me toe to top. I can't remember a time feeling so adored or pampered ever before. When the soaps rinsed and I’m glistening with cleanliness Colin kisses my neck and hops out. Donning a robe he holds one out to me and helps me out of the tub.
“You’re improbable.” I state wrapped in the robe and his arms.
“What?”
“It’s not right. You’re too perfect. I don't know what I did to deserve you.” I ramble into his chest.
“Elle. You’re sexy, stunning, and kind. All roads in led us to each other. What’s improbable would be us not finding each other.” He kisses the top of my head and ushers me into bed.
Snugly tucked in under the covers he snuggles into me and kisses my temple. I breathe a sigh of relief, yet again, to be back in his arms, and let his steady breathing and the dull thump of his heart beat lull me to sleep.