Page 61 of Seduction

“If you say so. I’m gonna go. Mywifeand I are going back to bed.”

“Showoff.” I chuckle.

“Dude, have you seen her? I have reason to.”

“Yeah, you do. Talk to you tomorrow, man. Have fun.”

“Thanks. Later.”

I hang up, and a few seconds later, a text comes in. That will be the flight info. I hate to admit it, but I’m glad he’s coming back. It’s not just about him taking back his responsibilities, but I miss my friend. We’re totally different in so many ways, but we understand each other in a way no one else does. That’s how our friendship has lasted all this time.

Pulling into Ellen’s driveway, I park next to her car. I take a deep breath, preparing myself to face her. She lashes out when she’s hurt, and I’m probably in for an earful. It takes a while for her to open the door, but she does. That’s a start. She avoids my gaze, staring nervously at my chest.

“Ellen.”

“Jon.”

“Can I come in?”

Moving aside, she allows me to enter. I follow her to the living room, finding my cut thrown over the back of the couch.

“I was on my way to the clubhouse to pick up Mikey. I figured I’d drop it off for you,” she explains.

“Because you didn’t want to see me.”

“I just….” She shakes her head, turning her back to me. “I just need some time.”

“How much time? It’s been four years, Ellen, and this is not just about you and me. How much longer are you going to close yourself off from everyone and everything?”

“You don’t understand.”

I grab her shoulders, turning her around to face me. “Look at me.”

Slowly, her eyes meet mine. Tears that I’ve seen too many times in the last few weeks roll down her cheeks.

“What I understand is that I love being with you. We always have a great time together. Whether you want to admit it now or not, last night was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. What Idon’tunderstand is why you’re running away.”

“I’m not.”

“What do you call it?”

Pulling away from me, her expression changes; hurt gives way to anger.Here it comes.

“I told you I wasn’t looking for an old man. It’s not my fault you expect more.”

“And I told you if we were doing this, it was all or nothing. Don’t pretend it was all about sex.”

“It was. I can’t give you what you’re looking for.”

I stomp toward her, curling my fingers around her neck and pushing her against the wall. She gasps, her breathing getting ragged when I press my body to hers.

“Your pulse is racing under my thumb, you can hardly breathe, and you’re shivering. I can bet you’re starting to get wet. Who are you thinking about right now?”

She sobs, closing her eyes as she tries to shake her head.

“When I was inside you last night, it wasmyname you screamed. You fell asleep inmyarms, Ellen. I know you feel it, too, this thing between us.”

Her sobs get louder, her shoulders shaking. I back away slowly, clarity taking hold.