The Infamous Ellen James(35)

"Oh. Is this your place?" I'm definitely surprised.

"Yeah it is. I hope you're in the mood for steak."

Can he read my mind?

Wasn't I just thinking about how I've been craving a nice steak for over a week now?

He gets out of the truck and opens my passenger door. I know I'm staring at Trent with an odd expression on my face, but I'm a little freaked out that this guy might have some weird mind-reading super power that I'm not aware of.

Oh my god! What if he can hear everything I'm thinking at this very moment? Or all the times before this when I've stared at his pants and tried to telepathically take them off!

"Elle, are we going in or just going to stay here and stare at each other? I've got no problems with either choice." Trent is grinning from ear to ear, and those heavenly blue eyes are filled with mirth.

"Tell me what I'm thinking right now." I'm looking back at him seriously.

Don't think about his cock. Don't think about his ridiculously hot body.

"Uh, you're really hungry for steak?" He guesses questioningly.

I pull him by the shirt so he is standing between my thighs and I stare directly into his eyes.

"Are. You. Sure?"

Trent attempts to hide his amusement at my unexpected display of weirdness, but I can still see a small grin on his lips. "I'm. Not. Sure."

I nudge his chest a little with my hand and laugh. "Stop fucking with me. I feel like you're always reading my mind, and I'm just trying to make sure you're not hiding some Hamiltonian super power from me."

Trent softly kisses my lips and pulls me out of the truck. "I promise I can't read your mind, but now you've got me really curious about what's going on inside that adorable head of yours."

"Believe me, you do not want to know what's going on up here. All kinds of crazy!" I tap the side of my head lightly.

"Come on, Ellie girl, bring those fuck-me heels and get your sweet ass into my apartment."

He grabs my hand and pulls me towards the entrance of his building.

We make our way up to his place, and I'm utterly impressed. Large pillars, gleaming hardwood floors, and arched ceilings frame the open living area. The entire apartment is done in warm, neutral hues. The kitchen is state-of-the-art with stainless steel appliances and beautiful marble countertops. The apartment has a modern yet elegant feel to it.

“Your place is gorgeous, Trent," I tell him as I stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling window looking out onto a balcony that gives a nice view of downtown Charlotte.

"Thanks. I honestly could see myself living here for a long time." He opens a bottle of Merlot and hands me a glass. I try to ignore the idea of Trent living in Charlotte permanently. I just don't want to allow myself to get my hopes up.

“When is Dr. Grey due to be back from his medical leave?” My mouth sputters out, and now I wish I could just take back that stupid question. I don't really want a timeline I can obsessively watch like a hawk.

Trent's look is pensive, relaxed. “The last I heard, he is due back around the second week in October, but no exact date is set. I'm in no rush though.” His treacherously sexy smirk is nearly knocking the wind right out of my chest.

There's your fucking timeline, you idiot.

My brain is already trying to mentally count the days.

STOP. Don't do that. Don't make yourself crazy counting down. Just live in the moment, enjoy the fact that this undeniably amazing guy is here, and for some reason, he wants to spend time with you.

Sometimes I really wish I could take the advice my subconscious gives me…

Trent takes a plate of steaks out onto the balcony and puts them on the grill. I follow him out and lean my back against the railing, facing him. He tells me about his family in Seattle. His parents have been married for over thirty years and his dad, also a physician, just recently retired and sold his family practice. I can tell Trent is extremely proud of his father, and it's very apparent that his dad was a huge inspiration for him to finish medical school and become a surgeon.

His mother stayed at home with Trent and his two older siblings. She seems lovely, and Trent's adoration for her is undeniably cute. His brother, Josh, and sister, Leah, both reside in Seattle and are happily married. Leah has a four-year-old daughter named Mia, and Trent is completely in love with this little girl. His parents seem utterly delightful and are currently enjoying time together, road tripping to various tourist spots across the country.

"So tell me about cute little Mia. I can tell you adore her." I swirl my wine around in the glass and take a sip.

"My Mia is the cutest four-year-old you will ever meet. She has me wrapped around her little finger and I love every second of it." He smiles over at me as he flips the steaks.