“Heather has plans with Julian.” He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth. Her friends knew about them. To her friends it was no big secret. He figured both women would tell Connie when they were ready.
“Yeah. Connie and Ashley usually plan to do something together. It’s fun and always something to do with Wade. Ashley is trying to set Connie up with him. The man is in love with her, but he won’t make a move. He’s driving Ashley crazy.”
“His gaze follows her everywhere.” Elijah had noticed the other guy’s attention toward Connie. He thought it was sweet, but if Wade didn’t get her attention soon, then someone else was going to sweep in and take it.
“I know. He keeps trying to ask her out, but he balks at the last minute. I think Connie’s losing patience with him. She’s eating lunch elsewhere now.” Amber shrugged. He moved out of her way as she put away some jars of coffee.
“It’ll only be a matter of time before she moves on,” Elijah said. He grabbed some measuring cups and bowls to start making dessert.
“I doubt Connie will truly move on. She doesn’t give herself easily.”
He guessed Connie was the most complex member of the group even though Amber had her days in the complex department.
“So, what do you want me to do?” she asked, leaning over the counter to stare at him.
“Nothing. You can sit, chill, relax, and watch as I make you my mean spiced pork casserole and melting chocolate puddings.”
“Wow, that sounds delightful. I’m going to leave you to it.”
He watched her saunter off to the sofa. She sat down with her feet underneath her. Clicking his fingers, he got to work in making a dinner that Amber would remember. He’d never really liked cooking when he was younger. Cooking had taught him patience and how best to handle his anger and aggression. Over the years he’d taken several cookery courses and was adept at everything he did in the kitchen. He hoped all those years would finally be put to good use.
Every now and then he’d look up and see Amber either reading or watching something on the television. He couldn’t believe how quickly she changed her mind of what she was doing. Amber wasn’t a one track mind. Elijah watched her pick up one paperback book off her shelf. She’d start reading, but about ten minutes later she put it back and picked up another one. Her mind was never focused on one thing.
Looking through their time together, Elijah realized the only time she kept track was when she was with him. There was no pushing or rushing her. Amber was only ever ready when she was ready.
He’d only just realized how different Amber actually was from what he thought. For many years he’d figured her as woman with a schedule and control issues. He thought that was why she let him take control in the bedroom. It would be the only place where she’d give up control.
She padded toward him. Her shirt was falling from her shoulder, showing off her bra. It was cute and utterly adorable watching her in her own home.
“I’ve never seen you like this,” he said.
“Like what?”
“Carefree and happy.”
“I’ve got a lot to be happy about.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re giving us a chance, and instead of doubting everything I’m going to live it up. You never know how long it’s going to last,” she said.
He took her kiss and smiled. She hummed as she grabbed a drink out of the fridge. Elijah continued to make their meal while watching her. Amber was a beauty to witness in her element.
Marry her.
The thought took him by surprise as he stared at her. First he wanted to seduce her, and now he wanted to have her by his side for the rest of his life.
“Are you all right?” she asked, shaking some juice in the carton as she looked at him.
“What? Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Looked like you spaced out there for a second.”
“No, I’m not spaced out. I’m seeing something I’ve never seen before,” he said.
She smiled. “I hope it’s something good.”
Amber left him alone. They were behaving like a couple. No fear came to him at the thought of settling down. It was time for him to be with Amber. She’d been his for so long, and he’d taken her for granted.
No more.
Chapter Nine
Amber pulled her hair up into a ponytail. It had been three weeks since Elijah declared his seduction, and they’d been three weeks of bliss to her. He was attentive toward her, and not a moment went by when she didn’t feel cherished. Ashley was still keeping her secret, and it had been three weeks since she’d seen her friends properly. She knew it was only a matter of time before they all found out the truth.