Page 156 of Hate You Up Close

He looks like my Elliot…but better. He looks like he’s happy to be alive.

“Hi,” he rasps.

“Hi,” I reply, completely breathless.

“You look beautiful,” he swallows thickly as his eyes roam down my black, chiffondress.

His husky voice sends shivers down my spine. I had no idea I could mourn a voice so much. I could listen to him recite the alphabet on repeat.

“Thank you,” I smile. “You look…amazing.”

“Thanks,” he breathes, his lips curving up in a breathtaking smile.

“So, I’m guessing Evie won’t be joining us?” I ask.

“No,” he shakes his head. “It’s just me and you. I hope that’s okay.”

A beat of silence passes as our eyes try to communicate what we aren't saying.

I miss you.

I need you.

I love you.

Finally, I address the elephant in the room.

“What are you doing here, Elliot?”

His face immediately falls in disappointment at my question. His brows pinch together as he tries to gather his thoughts.

“It’s just…” I stammer before he can answer. “I’m just shocked to see you. I haven’t seen you in over a month, Elliot. This was the last thing I expected tonight.”

Elliot’s Adam's apple bobs as he swallows.

“I…I’m sorry,” Elliot exhales, running his fingers through his hair. “I should have texted you first. I shouldn’t have just shown up like this. I know it’s a lot, especially after–”

“No,” I shake my head, cutting him off. “It’s not that. I’m just…I’m happy to see you. All I’ve thought about is seeing you again. And…” I trail off as my chest tightens.

“And what?” he asks, staring at me intently.

“And I was starting to worry that maybe…you had forgotten about me.”

His face falls as his brows pinch together in remorse.

“Roxanne,” he exhales, shaking his head and striding towards me. He cups my face between his palms before continuing. “I couldneverforget about you.”

He backs us up until my back is pressed against the wall and his body is sealed against mine.

I close my eyes, almost moaning at how good his rough skin feels against mine. It’s euphoric to feel the heavy weight of his body leaning against me. The faint smell of leather fills the air, taking over all of my senses.

I love this man so much.

“I thought about you every second of every day,” he continues. “But I couldn't give you the half-ass version of me any longer. You deserve all of me, Roxanne. You deserve the fucking world, and I want to be the man worthy enough to give that to you.”

My eyes flicker between his as he brushes his thumbs along my cheeks.

“But you’ve always been enough for me, Elliot,” I whisper.