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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

OVERTHINKING AND CLOUDS

ELLE

Now

Throughout the day, I bounce around from a short practice to the chiropractor's office and back home to get ready for Calista's event at Twinkle Tales as if I’ve had twelve hours of sleep instead of two. All day long, people have been complimenting me or asking me why I'm so happy, and I can't even turn the joy down a little bit.

I am on cloud nine.

My night with Rhodes was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I know I should be panicking because it's him and it's what I’ve wanted for so long, but also what has terrified me more than anything…but it's hard to deny a night like we had.

I stopped Rhodes from saying anything more, because all the things he's said so far have made me hope for too much, things I'm terrified to hope for, but that I want so badly. I just want to live in this moment and not let any fears get in the way.

Part of me feels guilty for so blatantly ignoring the Mustangs cheerleaders’ rules, but I can't even stop myself.

I put on a cute outfit and head over to Twinkle Tales. Jupiter Lane is in the dreamiest part of their holiday spirit, with so many lights everywhere that it’s dazzling. It takes a while to find a parking spot, but I manage. When I walk in, Sadie and Tru are already there. Stephanie, Tru’s mom, walks in as I do, and she puts her arm around my shoulders.

“Elle, you are glowing. You've got to tell me about your skincare regimen. I need to know your secrets.”

I laugh and it causes Calista and the others to turn and look at us. When they see me, they do a double take.

“Damn, you’re looking fine tonight,” Calista says. She studies me more intently. “Girl, what have you done?”

I just laugh.

I texted them about the Brock stuff and the move into Rhodes’ place, which elicited a gif rainstorm. But I did not say a word about our night.

“Okay, talk,” she says.

She pours me a glass of wine and motions for me to come over to the table covered with food. Customers are milling around the store, and it's fuller than it's been in a while. It's always like this at Christmastime, and this Shop by Candlelight event is always one of her best of the year.

“Calista's right,” Tru says. “Did something happen?”

Sadie leans in with her glass of wine, eyes wide.

“Tell us everything,” she says.

“Well…” I lean in and they all do too. “I slept with Rhodes last night,” I whisper.

There's an audible gasp from all of them. I look around to see if anyone else heard, but everyone is busy looking at books and taking bites of their hors d'oeuvres.

Tru and Calista high-five and Tru whispers, “I owe you five dollars,” to Calista.

My eyes narrow on them and they look slightly guilty.

“From the look on your face, it went so well,” Sadie giggles. “I had no doubt it would,” she adds.

Tru squeals. “I am beside myself.”

Calista comes over and throws her arms around me. “I want to weep, I'm so excited. Tell us everything. I mean, I know you're not going to tell us everything because you're not like that…” Her voice lowers, “But tell us everything.”

I crack up. My phone buzzes and I shoot an apologetic look as I grab it out of my purse.

Rhodes

Where are you? I’m home and I’ve looked forward to kissing you all day long. Not that you’re supposed to be waiting for me when I get home every day, but…

Rhodes

I can’t believe I sent that needy ass message. Don’t mind me. But I do miss you. And your lips. And every other part of you.

I smile and the girls laugh at me.

“Look at her face. She's lovesick,” Calista says.

I hold up a hand. “Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We slept together. We're fake dating,” I whisper. “And trying not to let anyone but my parents and Bernard know it.”

“Well, good luck with that,” Calista says. “Anyone who sees your face will know what's going on in like, ten seconds.”

I put my head in my hands, laughing. “People have been asking what’s up with me all day. They're complimenting my glowing skin…”

Stephanie nods. “It’s true. I did. As soon as I saw her, I had to know. Guess I just need to have earth-shattering sex to have good skin,” she says, as we all burst out laughing.

“Also, it sounds like you skipped right over the faking and went straight to the dating.” Calista looks very pleased with her deduction.

I groan. “I know. I don't even want to think about it too hard. Just let me have this one night to bask in the incredible way I feel.”

“Baby girl, you don't even have to say it.” Calista puts her hands on my shoulders and squeezes. “I can see it all over your face that you have never felt like this a day in your life. I know I sure as hell didn’t see you even close to this with Bernard.”

I shoot her a look. I don't even want to think about him right now. All the years I wasted, trying to make something work that I knew wasn't my idea of happiness, but my parents’ vision for my life.

“Yeah, this feels completely different,” I say. “I’m terrified.” I lift my hand again. “Not going there.”

I shoot Rhodes a text.

I like your needy ass messages. I miss you too. I’m at Twinkle Tales. It's Shop by Candlelight on Jupiter Lane.

A little bit later, Rhodes walks into Twinkle Tales with Levi on his shoulders.

“Elle!” Levi yells.

My eyes widen and Rhodes shoots me a guilty look. He sets Levi down and Levi runs over to hug me.

“Hi, little man.”

I lean down so we’re at eye level, and Levi puts both hands on my face. “We look for you and find you,” he says happily.

“What a great surprise,” I say.

“Sorry, I thought we could pretend like this was a chance meeting, but my son kind of blew our cover,” Rhodes says under his breath.

“Couldn’t wait even a second to see our girl, could you, lover boy?” Calista says, smirking.

He grins, the dimples out in perfect display, and I don’t miss the elation that crosses his face when he realizes that I’ve talked to the girls.

“Guilty.” He looks at me. “But we will be going…just in case anyone from the team happens to see us together.” He looks ar ound and holds up a finger. “After I’ve done a little shopping.” He winks and makes a show of going over to the table that has an assortment of books and blindly grabbing a stack.

He sets them on the counter and then sees a few kids’ books and grabs them too. Calista goes over to help him and smiles when she starts ringing up his books. She waves a book and my heart races when I see it.

“Excellent choice. This one was a crowd-pleaser, right, ladies?” She sets It Was Always You in his bag and keeps ringing up the rest.

“Oh my God, I have never loved a book more,” Sadie says. She smirks at Rhodes. “I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”

Rhodes grins good-naturedly. I don’t think he has any idea that he just picked up smut.

My smut.

Our smut.

Book Rhodes is pretty damn great, but real-life Rhodes puts him to shame.

But oh, the sex scenes I could write now that I’ve experienced the real thing. I laugh and fan my face when everyone looks at me.

“It’s toasty in here,” I say.

“Mm-hmm,” Calista says, seeing right through me.

“You look exceptionally beautiful tonight,” Rhodes says, staring at me.

We're probably four feet away from each other, but he says it like we're in a room alone.

“We've been telling her that all night,” Sadie says.

Tru runs her hand down my arm, smiling. “My mom even said it looks like she's got a whole new skincare regimen. ”

“And that I might have to take up sex,” Stephanie says under her breath.

The girls and I laugh way harder than we should, while Rhodes’ brow crinkles up.

“What did I miss?” he asks.

I try to wipe the goofy grin off my face, but it’s impossible. Calista hands Rhodes the bag and he thanks her.

“Ready to go?” he asks Levi.

Levi looks up at me and I lean down and whisper, “I’ll come read one of your new books to you, okay? Help your dad get home and I’ll be there soon.”

He nods excitedly and runs over to Rhodes, taking his hand.

“Well, that was easy. Whatever you said worked miracles,” Rhodes says to me.

Several customers walk to the counter and recognize Rhodes. He signs a few autographs and sends me a look that sends a fire blazing through me before he walks out the door.

“Elle, if you don’t get home to that man immediately, you have way more willpower than me,” Sadie says. “Just seeing the way he looked at you makes me want to go jump Weston.” She looks at Calista. “After hanging out here, of course.”

Calista waves her off.

Tru fans her face. “Same. Henley is so getting some tonight.” She covers her face. “Sorry, Mom. I forgot myself for a minute there.”

“Honey, no one could be happier than I am that you’ve got a man like Henley,” Stephanie tells her daughter. “And this feels like a good time to add that I wouldn’t mind having a grandbaby around.”

Tru chokes on her wine .

Calista motions for the next customer to come forward. “Hey there! Welcome to Twinkle Tales.”

“Thank you! I love it here!” She’s a cute blonde, and when she sees us all standing there, she does a double take. “Oh wow, hi.” She lifts her hand in a wave. “Sorry, I’m totally fangirling. Big Mustangs fan.” She points at me. “So envious of your dance moves.” And then she smiles at Sadie. “Team Baggy Clothes, all the way. The press was so wrong and so rude to you.” She lifts her eyebrows. “You’ve shown them. And I love the way you dress, whether it’s for comfort or this cute outfit you’ve got going on.”

“Well, you have made my night,” Sadie says. “What’s your name? I’m Sadie.”

“I’m Poppy,” she says, grinning. “Fairly new to Silver Hills, and I’ve been dying to come into this shop.”

We all introduce ourselves and chat for a few minutes. Poppy is adorable.

“You should come to one of our girl nights,” Sadie says.

“Totally!” Tru adds. “They’re a little crazy right now because of the holidays and football season, but yes, please come out with us!”

“I would love to,” she says.

We exchange numbers before she leaves.

When Calista is done with the next customer, she points at me. “I can’t believe you’re still here. Go.” She holds out her arms and I go hug her. “Don’t be afraid of this. I have never seen any two people more perfect for each other than you and Rhodes.”

“Same,” Sadie says.

“We’re all in agreement here, and I know the guys feel the same way too. We’ve all discussed it,” Tru says.

“Really?” I look at each one of them.

“Even when I’ve been around,” Stephanie says .

“Wow. Well, I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up because I have no idea what’s going to happen next?—”

“What’s happening next is that you’re gonna get home and do sexy, sexy things with that man,” Tru whispers. “Don’t overthink this, okay?”

“What she said,” Sadie points at Tru.

“Okay.” I nod. “ Okay ,” I repeat more emphatically.

I drive to Rhodes’ and crank “Now I’m In It” by HAIM the whole way. When I pull into his driveway and get out of the car, Rhodes opens the door before I even reach his steps and walks toward me. His hands twist through my hair and he pulls me in for a toe-curling kiss.

“Welcome home,” he says when we break apart.

Oh, I could so get used to this.