The edges of the screen faded to black, closing in slowly until all that was left was a tiny circle of the savior’s back and the sound of their hearts beating on.
Ellie’s body stiffened. Her heart stilled.
“That’s the stupidest line ever,” Mitch said with a laugh.
“I think it’s kind of romantic,” Regina said.
Ellie looked into Dex’s warm blue eyes. Oh, Dexy. And you can always be sure of me. He smiled at the same time she did, the secret words of their love passing silently between them. He pulled her close and nuzzled against her neck. “Always,” he whispered.
She could barely breathe past the lump in her throat. He’d memorialized their love. The love she’d almost thrown away. Jesus, maybe fate was real after all. She took a few deep breaths and pushed to her shaky legs before she began to bawl like a baby.
“Okay…” She cleared her throat. “On that note, I’m heading out to get a new bag.” Ellie touched Dex’s shoulder, and he pulled her into a deep and passionate kiss. A kiss that pushed that lump away and replaced it with security—and embarrassment. “Dex,” she whispered, heat creeping up her cheeks.
“What?” He flashed his crooked grin, which clearly said, I can’t help it if I want you every minute.
She was surprised to see that Regina and Mitch were intent on reading something on Mitch’s computer screen, as if they hadn’t even noticed the kiss that sent her heart reeling.
“Forums look good. Same old shit from KI touting their stuff as more dynamic, faster game play, ripping ours, but fans are coming to our rescue.” Regina pulled out another Twizzler and put it in her mouth.
“I’m gonna run.” Ellie wondered if they could hear the quiver of lust and embarrassment in her voice as strongly as she could feel it.
“Hey, El?” Regina called after her.
“Yeah?”
“We don’t judge. No worries, okay?”
Blushing again, she nodded. “Thanks. I’m not used to—”
“Sucking face in public. Yeah, we get it, but really, we’re both happy for you guys. I was starting to worry that Dex was gonna be one of those thirty-year-old guys who lived alone with his nose in a computer twenty-four-seven.” She arched a brow in Mitch’s direction.
He reached over his worktable and swatted her.
THE BRISK AIR stung Ellie’s cheeks as she walked down the street. A sense of calm had washed over her during the last few days, and as she headed toward the shops, she felt pride blossoming inside of her. She’d not only stayed with Dex, but the urge to flee was no longer swirling inside her mind like an ever-present Tasmanian devil. She might be a master at telling herself things would be okay, but she was no master at ridding her body of the storm of worry that followed her thoughts like shadows. Today that shadow was almost gone as she put one foot in front of the other, feeling, wanting, needing Dex in every part of her life.
She took the subway to Greenwich Village. Ellie had read online about a thrift shop that looked like it had a few bags that she not only liked but could afford. Her other option was a street vendor, and she’d happily go that route, but the less expensive the better until her paychecks started rolling in.
As teenagers, she and Dex had gone into the city a few times. One of her favorite memories was when they’d spent the afternoon walking through the Village. Dex had always carried himself with quiet confidence, and she remembered that when they’d come to the Village she’d felt safe with him, much like she did now, while living with him. Living with him. How the hell did that happen? The word fate whispered through her mind and brought a smile to her lips. She thought about how she’d ended up at Dex’s apartment. Dina hadn’t reached out to her again, which was probably a good thing. She realized that Dina was probably a more typical twenty-five-year-old in that way than she was, but Ellie didn’t care. She’d given up aiming for typical a long time ago. Everyone had their comfort zone, and she had always tried to remain in control of hers. Dex pushed her to the brink in that regard, but somehow when he did it, it wasn’t so hard to deal with.
She gazed in the thrift shop window, thinking of Dex and the ending of the game he was releasing into the world. Reticent Hollow. He hadn’t forgotten about her after she’d gone away. What have I done to deserve him? A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts, snaking its way toward her and searing her nerves like a hot bullet. Her body froze and her pulse soared. Fuck. She spun around looking for Bruce and caught sight of him two stores away, his arm around a tall blond woman. Ellie hurried inside the thrift shop, thinking of the annoying texts he’d sent her over the past week, claiming he’d missed her and that they weren’t “done.” She hadn’t answered any of his texts, and now, knowing he was right there in New York, she almost wished she’d stayed in Maryland. No, she didn’t. She wouldn’t trade being with Dex for anything. She hovered behind a rack, watching out the window until he passed. What the hell was he doing in New York? Was that his wife? Shit. This was the last straw. Her veins burned with anger. She watched his handsome profile move slowly past the window. Short brown hair, wide jaw, penetrating eyes—which she couldn’t see from her angle but she could damn well picture. Why were all assholes gorgeous? Bastard. Her hands fisted, and sweat formed on her brow despite the cool air.
“Can I help you find something?”
Ellie started. “Oh. Um. No, thanks. I’m…just looking.” Hiding. She started for the door, planning on hightailing it back to Dex’s apartment, but when she reached the door, she froze. She’d already run. She’d left her job behind, a job she’d really enjoyed, with kids she cared for. She drew her shoulders back, refusing to be forced back into the person she’d been when she was younger. Fuck him. She came for a purse, and she was going to find one. I didn’t know he was married. He’s the asshole, not me. She bit her lower lip as she tried her damnedest to convince herself and draw courage from her silent pep talk. He can’t hurt me anymore. After a deep breath, shaky as a leaf in the wind, she turned back around and headed for the bags.
She weeded through a pile of bags, unable to concentrate. Her army-green jacket, which had been comfortable when she’d left the apartment, was now too hot and bulky. She took it off and held it under her arm. Her black sweater felt stiff and prickly. The bags were all ugly. Damn it. He’d ruined her entire day. She thought of calling Dex, but what would she say? I saw the asshole with some woman? He didn’t approach her, didn’t even seem to see her. She needed to get a grip. And she needed to get the hell out of the Village before he did see her. Ellie headed out of the store with her head down and made a beeline for the subway.
Chapter Twenty-Three
AT THREE O’CLOCK Dex began to wonder when Ellie was coming back. He, Regina, and Mitch often worked through the weekend afternoons and into the wee hours of the next morning, but now that Ellie was back in his life, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her. It was Saturday night, and he wanted to take Ellie on an actual date. He pulled out his cell and texted her.
Miss you. Back soon?
He turned back to the program he’d been working on. “Hey, where can I take Ellie on a date?”
“When?” Mitch’s eyes never left the computer screen.
“Tonight.”
“Why go out? You can have crazy wild animal sex here,” Regina teased.
“Just because all you think about is sex doesn’t mean Dex is the same way,” Mitch said.
“Right. When’s the last time you saw me go on a date? Sex is the last thing on my mind.” Regina lowered her chin and stared at Mitch.
“I don’t know what you do with your free time,” Mitch said without looking at her.
“You two are my free time.” She sighed. “That’s sweet, Dex. You really like her, huh?”
Dex stood and stretched. “You might say that.” He started to walk out of the room and hesitated in the doorway. “I’m getting a drink. You guys want anything?”
“Pizza?” Mitch asked.
“Veggie burger,” Regina said.
“Why don’t you guys call Jay’s and have them deliver? I don’t want anything.” He left the room and pulled out his cell. He called Ellie. His call went directly to voicemail. He tried to quiet the panicked voice in his head that immediately jumped to her leaving town. He wouldn’t allow his mind to go there, but hell if it wasn’t a struggle.
The door opened a few minutes later and Ellie walked in. Her eyes jetted around the room in the old unsettled way that he hadn’t seen over the last few nights.
“Hey.” The fine line between loving and smothering was a tightrope walk, and Dex felt like a two-hundred-pound bull, wanting to ask why she looked so haunted and why she had her phone turned off. Instead, he stuck to the safer subject. “Did you find a bag?”
“Yeah, at a street vendor.” She held up a backpack. “I figured it couldn’t be stolen if it was on both arms.” She set it on the table by the door.
He folded her in his arms and held her, reading her body language. He’d become a master of reading her silent signals. When she was scared, her body trembled. Uncertainty caused her muscles to tense. The need to escape made her leg bounce, and wandering eyes translated to her being stuck in the midst of it all. She put her arms around him and pressed her cheek to his chest. He’d expected her to be tense, to take the time she usually needed to accept his comfort. Why did this quiet, warm need scare him even more? He eased his hold on her, but she held on tight. Something had happened. His muscles tensed.