Committed (Book 2) (30 Days) (8 page)

Thursday night’s had become our favorite day of the week. The five us got dressed up every week and went to a new restaurant or bar to keep trying new things. Elle had suggested it and it had morphed into a weekly tradition that we all enjoyed. I reach around Elle and open the drawer of the register, pulling out the first dollar bill, I set it on the counter while she closes the drawer and fish around my purse searching for the frame I got for this very occasion.
“Here.” I hand her the frame.
“You have a frame for this in your purse?” She giggles.
“I come prepared.” She opens the back of the frame, places the dollar in it and closes it back up.
“Where should we hang it?” She asks searching around the shop. I snag the frame from her and hang it on the nail that I’d pounded into the wall earlier while she was busy arranging flowers.
“Seriously...what
haven’t
you thought of?” She gawks at me.
“What? I thought about this for a while.” I shrug making her laugh.
“‘K, I gotta jet, lunch breaks over but text me when you close up and let me know how you did today!” I fold myself around her in a hug before kissing her cheek and darting back to work.

COLIN
I’d woken Elle up a little early today so that we’d have time to workout before she went to the shop for the grand opening. Her excitement was adorable. I had three clients and a class today so I couldn't be with her for the opening but I had special plans for celebration later on. Jenna had texted Ben and I after spending her lunch break with her saying that she’d had her first customer and she wanted all the dirty details of Sarah. I laughed at the message secretly fist bumping John for being such a cool guy and good friend.
Elle’s house has been on the market for two weeks and has already had two offers. It’s obviously hard for her to part with the house, since she’s turned down both offers holding out for ‘the right one’ but she seems to be doing better with it as each day passes. I grab my bag, say night to Ben and walk down the block to the Friendshop.

Standing outside the window I watch as Elle rings people up and talks animatedly with a warm smile. Watching her steals my breath. It never fails to amaze me that something so stunning and resilient is mine. The December breeze is harsh and I pull my collar up around my neck. I shake the thoughts from my head running a hand through my hair and push through the door.
The bell chimes alerting everyone that someone’s come in. That was my idea. If Elle’s in the back I want her to know every time that door opens. I also make her keep her handgun under the register just in case. She thinks I’m overbearing and insane but her safety is important and I can’t be with her twenty-four-seven so she graciously bites her tongue and does what I ask or suggest without complaint. Emerald green eyes find mine and her face lights up in a big smile as a few customers pass me to exit. I stop at the cooler and pick out the largest arrangement she has and carry it to the counter.
“Colin.” She giggles.
“What do I owe ya?”
“Oh come off it. You don’t need to buy anything.” She laughs.
“Ya, but see I have this wicked little thing at home who just adores flowers and this will really make her night.” I waggle my brows at her.
“Oh? Is she pretty?” She flirts.
“Stunning.”
“Is she funny?”
“The funniest.” I admit.
“Does she treat you well?”
“The best.” I answer.
“Hmmm,” she taps her temple mockingly. “Since your answers were all so perfect, that particular arrangement is half off today.” She chuckles. I dig twenty dollars out of my pocket and hand it to her. When she reaches out to take it I lock my hand around hers and pull her half over the counter between us until our lips are almost touching.
“Colin.” She breathes startled. I lean in claiming her mouth and let my tongue slip between her lips to play and explore. When I pull away she’s breathless and glassy eyed.
“Thanks for the flowers.” I turn and head out so I can drop the flowers off at home before coming back to walk her home after she closes up.
I jack the heat up after dropping my bag at the door and setting the arrangement on the kitchen island. I have just enough time for a quick shower and to change before getting back to Elle.

ELLE
“So, how’d you do?” He asks genuinely interested.
“Not too bad actually. I banked about a hundred dollars.” I laugh.
“Hey, for your first day I think that’s great.” He tugs my hand causing me to bump into him and kisses my temple.
“Me too, especially for December. I mean it’s an odd time of year for people to seek out flowers.”
Colin slides the key into the lock and shuffles through the door after me blowing on his hands. The temperature really dropped off this week but Christmas is just around the corner. Searsport is beautiful with a fine layer of snow coating everything. I love snow, it makes the lights twinkle a little more magically and gives everything a feeling of peace and calm. I drop my bag on the table next to the door and kick off my boots before joining Colin in the kitchen.
“Smells good.” I say snaking my arms around his middle while he checks the oven timer.
“Homemade macaroni and cheese.”
“Yum. Did you make it?” She shoots me a disbelieving look.
“I’d love to take credit but I can’t. I picked it up from that place we ate at last Thursday.”
“Ohh, that place was delic. I can’t wait to try it.” I grab two beers from the fridge, hand one to Colin and sit at the island. Colin pulls an envelope from his back pocket and slides it across the countertop to me.
“What’s this?”
“A congratulations present.” I slide my finger under the flap, lift it up and pull out the contents. I unfold the paper and two airline tickets fall out on the counter. I glance at him but he nods for me to keep reading. The folded piece of paper outlines a trip.
April 25, 2013-Travellers Elle Parks, Colin Wilder
8 A.M. First Class departure
Itinerary
Paris -> Athens -> Rhodes -> Santorini -> Rome
Return Flight: May 5, 2013 8 A.M. First Class.
“We’re going to Europe?!” I squeal once I manage to digest what I’ve just read. Colin’s eyes dance with amusement as he vigorously shakes his head in affirmation.
“Holy crap Colin, this is too much! What if the shop doesn't make it?”
“You won't let that happen. I’ve been wanting to take a trip for a long time and I know you’ve never been to Greece or France yet so, why not?” I leap from the stool, crawl over the countertop and wrap myself around Colin’s hard body.
“It sounds incredible.” I breathe between kisses as I pepper his face, jaw and neck with my lips. The guttural groan that slips from him as I tighten my legs around his hips instantly makes me wet with need. “Kill the oven.” I rasp. He stumbles backwards, me still attached to him and hits cancel, before staggering us to the bedroom.
We have to reheat dinner by the time we make it out of the bedroom but it was well worth it. At nine Jenna is blowing up my phone wondering how my day ended and why I hadn’t texted her to let her know hours ago. Chuckling Colin snatches my phone from my hand, his thumbs move furiously over the screen, then hands it back. The phone immediately rings Jenna’s ringtone.
“YOU DIRTY WHORE!” She squawks.
“What?” I respond perplexed.
“You totally blew me off, then get the most amazingly awesome gift ever and blow me off again to have mind blowing sex?!” I double over with laughter and quickly check what Colin texted her. Sure enough he told her he gave me a ten day trip to Europe and that his thank you was mind altering sex.
“Colin texted that not me.” I continue laughing “But, it’s all accurate.” I say smiling at him as he waits for our conversation to be done. He pretends to be irritated, pats the couch next to him and huffs.
“Jenna, tomorrow, lunch. Ok? I have a ridiculously hot man in need of attention over here.” I quip.
“Oh sure, blow me off again.” She chuckles and hangs up. I narrow my eyes at Colin playfully.
“You’re bad.” I scold but Colin just chuckles a deep husky laugh at me.
“It’s all true though.” He shrugs his innocence.
“Yeah, yeah.” I snort while snuggling into his frame on the couch. He picks up the remote once we’re settled and clicks through the channels looking for something to watch.

COLIN
Elle’s standing at the stove scrambling eggs for breakfast wearing nothing but my tee shirt again. I love watching her, especially when she doesn’t realize it. She tucks a strand of hair back behind her ear and moves the eggs around the skillet as she hums softly. Sneaking up behind her she yelps when I slip and arm around her waist, so lost in what she was doing that she didn't hear my approach. The smell of her flowery shampoo intoxicates me. Turning in my arms she places her small hands on my chest and looks up at me. “You shouldn't sneak up on people.” She teases. I dip her backward making her yelp again as her hands instinctively wrap around my neck. Her laugh is light and easy as I pull her back up and brush my lips across hers.
“You prepared for picking out a tree after we eat?”
“A Christmas tree?” She asks hopefully.
“What other kind of tree would I be referring to in December?” I laugh while she rolls her eyes at me.
“Sure. That sounds wonderful.”
“Great, there’s a place in the park that usually has good ones.” I can't tear my eyes from her rear as she nods, then turns pushing on to her toes to reach the salt and pepper. My tee shirt lifts just enough to show the bottom of her perfectly formed ass. The sight instantly makes me hard. As if she can read my thoughts she calls over her shoulder, “Tree first big boy.” Her voice is sweet and playful. My lips twitch in amusement as Elle hands my plate over and slides on the stool next me at the island to eat.
The park’s coated with a fresh dusting of clean white snow. Elle’s bundled up, pink nosed and tucked into my side as we walk through the rows of trees debating over which one is perfect. Her green eyes sparkle with happiness and it makes my chest swell. “What about this one?” I ask pointing to a squat full tree. She wrinkles her nose and shakes her head.
“No. It’s too ... perfect.”
“Isn’t that what we’re looking for?” I laugh.
“I want a tree with some character. Like adopting an old dog instead of a puppy because no one else wants it. Like this one.” She points at a five foot tall tree with a hole in the branches at the bottom with her mitten clad hand.
“You want a reject tree?” I answer amused.
“It’s not a reject tree... just a tree in need of a good home.” She pleads adorably.
“Whatever you want. Just tell me which one I’m carrying up front.” The smile she beams at me is worth a sad looking tree.
“This one then.” She declares. I pull the tree from the rack and carry it to the attendant to pay for it with Elle at my heels grinning. Elle spreads a blanket over the roof of the car, cuts some twine and helps me secure our sad looking tree to the roof. Once we have it securely tied down we fold into the car. Elle rubs her hands in front of the heat vent while shivering.
“Do you have decorations?” She asks.
“Ah, nope. I don’t usually get a tree.”
“What do you do for Christmas?” She questions.
“I usually fly to Arizona to see my parents.”
“Won’t they expect you this year? Won’t they be sad you aren’t coming?” I can see the panic and worry in her eyes.
“Elle. Relax. I’ve talked to them. In fact, they’d like us to visit after our trip if you’re up for it.”
“You’ve told them about me? They want to meet me?” She asks hesitantly.
“Yes and yes. Why is that so hard to believe?” She turns her head and stares out the window briefly.
“I don’t know. I just, I feel bad, I didn't even think of them with the holidays coming up of course you should go home to visit. I’m sure they miss you.” I reach over and rest my hand on her thigh.
“Hey. They’re fine, they completely understand and they’re happy I’m so happy. They can’t wait to meet you. Now, do we need to stop at Wal-Mart for decorations?” Turning her face back to mine she nods once. This year is first she’s spent with no family to share it with. There’s no way I’m leaving her alone. My parents were surprised to hear about Elle and the subsequent hardship we endured but beyond asking if I was really sure I knew what I was doing and that she was truly worth it, they were happy for me and excited to meet Elle in the near future. My mom said that any woman who made my smile visible through the phone needed to be met in person. “Wal-Mart it is then.”
She walks ahead of me up and down the aisles of ornaments. Every once in a while something catches her eye and she picks up a box, inspects it and if it meets her approval sets it in the cart. She hums along to the music playing in the store while she shops and it’s about the most delectable thing I’ve ever seen. How is it possible for someone to be so captivating while shopping in Wal-Mart?
“What about these?” She holds up a clear box with some various glitter crusted bulbs in it.
“Sure.” I answer absentmindedly.
“Colin, are you even paying attention?” She scolds.
“I was watching you. I’m a dude, decorations are your thing.”
“Oh, I see. What is dude territory?” She tosses a hand on her hip and waits for my answer.
“You know... like fixing things and cars... your stuff is decorating trees and the house and telling me what needs to be fixed.”
“How exactly does this work?” She laughs.
“I will set up the tree stand and put the tree in it. I will also, of course, string the lights so they are appropriately done. You get to pick out decorations and then tell me where they’re supposed to go. Then, we have hot sex while you tell me how awesome my tree stand and lighting abilities are.” The laugh that escapes her luscious mouth is boisterous and full of amusement.
“Fine, that sounds fair enough....
for now
.” She tosses one more box of ornaments into the cart before announcing we’re done and heading to the registers.

ELLE
Colin refuses to let me help him carry the tree up the flight of stairs to his apartment and I can’t help but giggle watching him curse under his breath as he struggles to get the tree through the door. I hadn’t even thought about him potentially spending the holidays with his family and I felt terrible knowing that he was skipping out on Christmas at home because of me. It had floored me that his parents know about me and left me wondering how much he told them and what their thoughts were on our relationship.
I set the tree stand down in the corner of the living room and let Colin continue on with his tree determination until he finally breaks down and asks me for help. Chuckling I
acquiesce and hold the tree for him as he tries to tighten the screws into the base. Stepping back from the tree together we both bust out laughing when we realize it leans haphazardly to the left. It takes us a few tries but eventually we get it standing as straight as it’s going to get. As promised Colin strings the lights on the tree while I make some peppermint mocha hot chocolate for us. The muscles in his arms ripple with movement as he lights the tree. He bites his bottom lip and gets a determined look on his face as he concentrates on his actions. It’s so hot. He’s so hot. A wave of awe rushes through me as I watch his movements. The poor tree has gaps in the branches near the bottom no matter which way you turn it but it’s perfect in its imperfection and I love it.
“There.” He states. I turn, our mugs in hand, and meet him in the living room.
“So pretty. I love Christmas trees all lit up.” Colin grins at me, takes his mug from my hand and kisses my temple.
“Glad you like it babe.” Taking a break to enjoy the hot chocolate we chit chat about Christmas traditions in our households growing up and what each other’s expectations are for the perfect Christmas morning. Eventually we settle on opening no present Christmas Eve instead, hosting a dinner for friends and saving all presents for Christmas morning. We sit on the floor together opening all the ornament boxes while listening to Christmas music and finally start decorating the tree. By the time we’re finished I have two brilliant present ideas for Colin.
“What’s with the shit eating grin?” He pokes my side and chuckles when I jump.
“Oh, nothing.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” He teases.
“True story.”
“You really aren't going to share why you’re all smiles?” He asks incredulously.
“Nope. Top secret for two more weeks.”
“Well at least now I know it’s about presents.” He flirts.
“How do you figure?”
“What else would be exactly two weeks away and top secret.”
“Busted.” I sing playfully. Colin scoops me into his arms and plops us down on the couch to admire our handy work. “The tree really does look amazing. Last year my Christmas was pretty awful.”
“Well this year will be good enough for two then.” He says absentmindedly toying with my hair. I let the back of my head meet his chest and silently count my blessings. This year is already leaps and bounds better than the last. I hop up off the couch, giving Colin a chaste kiss before heading to the bedroom, tugging on some yoga pants, one of his sweatshirts and making my way back to the living room turning off lights as I go.
“How about we watch A Christmas Story?”
“Excellent idea babe.” He tugs me to the couch. Tucking my legs up under me I snuggle into the crook of his arm and let out a soft sigh. “Love you.” He kisses the top of my head and tags the remote, flipping through channels until we find one playing the movie and settling in. “Love you too.” All is right in the world, right now, in this moment.