Page 21 of The Lonely Hearts Guide (Bountiful Beaus #2)

When Elliot woke, something felt different. Warmer, perhaps? Calmer? It felt that way. The air around him didn’t feel thick like molasses, locking him in place. It felt light. He opened his left eye, then his right, taking in his surroundings. He was in a bedroom that looked like it belonged in a quaint cottage. There was a large window looking out on a small beach, the sea just in the distance. There was a summery sweet fragrance of saltwater and—for some reason—freshly baked bread.

At his side, Alexander Davenport was sleeping peacefully, looking younger under the spell of sleep. Gone were the worried wrinkles that often creased his forehead. There was no inherent look of panic on his face, like the look he often wore when worrying about Elliot’s future. Elliot hated the stress his reappearance had caused Alexander thus far, but worse, he hated himself for holding onto Alexander anyway. He knew by latching himself onto Alexander he would bring him unnecessary trouble, but Elliot was too selfish to let go. He wanted to cling to Alexander, allowing him to take Elliot’s problems onto himself so Elliot wouldn’t have to face them alone.

He stared at Alexander for over half an hour before Alexander’s eyes fluttered open. A smile stretched across his face when he caught sight of Elliot, and he lifted his arm, inviting Elliot to cuddle close. It was an offer Elliot couldn’t refuse, so he nestled in next to him, wrapping an arm around his waist and resting his head against Alexander’s chest.

“Where are we?” Elliot asked.

Alexander kissed his forehead. “This is our bedroom.” The grip he had on Elliot was relentless, as if he was afraid to let go. “I’m sorry about last night. I should have been keeping track of your power supply.” His finger tugged at Elliot’s chin, lifting his gaze until they were staring eye to eye. “Watching you power down was the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m so sorry, Elliot.”

Elliot inched closer, kissing Alexander softly on the lips. “I’m okay. I’ve powered down enough times that I’m used to it.”

“Well, I’m not,” Alexander said bitterly, though Elliot didn’t think the bitterness was aimed at him. Alexander’s expression was solemn, and Elliot worried that now that Alexander had seen behind the curtain—witnessing Elliot in a powered down state—he would no longer want him. While powered down, Elliot was a shell of a man. No signs of life. No signs of death. Just an unmoving heap of manufactured skin and steel. Then there was his child. Each time Elliot powered down, she did, too, extending his pregnancy by however long he was out.

“I’m sorry you had to see me that way. I know it must have been alarming. If you’ve changed your mind, I—”

Alexander quickly shook his head. “I haven’t. I just need to make sure I pay more attention to your power supply. The other day, I promised I’d never make you power down again, and then the first night on our own, I failed you.” Alexander broke their eye contact, staring down at Elliot’s chest. “I’m sorry I let you down.”

“You haven’t let me down.” There was the sensation of popping bubbles beneath his skin again, and Elliot smiled, taking Alexander’s hand and guiding to the baby bump. “She’s kicking again.”

Alexander smiled down at Elliot’s tummy. “I can’t believe this is real. I never thought I’d have the chance to be a father.”

“You’ll make a wonderful father.”

“You think so?”

Elliot nodded. “You’ve looked out for me all this time. I have no doubt you’ll do the same for her.”

“I will.” They laid there a while, hands flush against Elliot’s tummy, feeling for movement. Elliot discovered if he lightly poked at the small, foot-shaped bump and dragged his finger away, it would follow his path like it was trying to keep up.

He couldn’t wait to meet her. Before making his way back to Alexander, Elliot contemplated finding a way to terminate the pregnancy. He wasn’t sure how it would work, considering automaton pregnancy was new and something Mother herself barely understood. But he feared so many things. How was he meant to be the first of his kind, leading them into a golden age, when he could barely look strangers in the eye? How was he meant to raise a child when he had no idea what he was doing? And then there was guilt. Guilt for contemplating ending the pregnancy. Had she known? Could she tell the relief he felt each time the thought crossed his mind? Did she hate him for it? It wasn’t that he necessarily regretted weighing his options, because he knew it ought to be his right to choose his own destiny, but the thought of her knowing felt like one of Jared Price’s punches to the gut.

“I was thinking we could spend the morning in the village. There’s a general store by the bakery, and they have a whole section for babies. We could pick out a crib. We’ll need to stock up on diapers and wipes while we’re at it.” Alexander paused, chewing his cheek. “Actually, we could probably have a custom crib made for her. We’ll stop at the hardware store while we’re out and about. We can make a day of it.”

“I would like that very much,” Elliot agreed. “Could we stop by Twylah’s Sugarplum Treats? I’ve smelled baked bread since I first woke, and I believe I would like a cookie.” He nibbled his bottom lip, because it wasn’t just a cookie he was craving. There was a strong overwhelming need for something savory to go with the sweet treat. “And something salty, if it isn’t too much trouble. I can’t explain it—it’s as if my tummy is demanding it. I’ve never craved food before, aside from the plum jam cookie I brought to Georgia, so I’m not sure why the urge is so strong.”

Alexander smiled knowingly. Good. If Alexander knew what was causing the craving, perhaps he could help Elliot overcome them. “Well, the smell of baked bread is from Mom’s bakery. Most of the island smells like sugary treats when she bakes in the morning. As for your demanding tummy, that’s probably just your pregnancy cravings. Mom said when she was pregnant with me, she couldn’t get enough ice cream and pickles. She would dip the pickles in the bowl and everything. After a while, she learned to make pickle-flavored ice cream She said she would mix in relish for texture.” Elliot thought he was going to be sick. “She also had a recipe for onion pudding.”

Elliot gagged, quickly placing his hand over Alexander’s mouth. “I hate to silence you, because the sound of your voice is my favorite thing, but I’m going to have to insist you never mention onion pudding to me again.”

Alexander snorted, gently removing Elliot’s hand from his mouth and kissing his knuckles. “I promise. What do you say we get dressed and go out for breakfast? Mom makes a mean quiche.”

“Why is it mean?”

“Huh?”

“The quiche. Why is it mean?”

“Oh,” Alexander said with a chuckle. “It’s just an expression, sweetheart. I didn’t mean they’re literally mean.”

“Ah,” Elliot said, nodding. “I was worried it’s because she’s too rough on them with her whisk. I’m not the best cook, I’m afraid. Perhaps she can teach me some of her fabulous recipes, so I can make sure you’re properly fed.”

“I usually just get takeout.”

Elliot gaped at him. “As in fast food? No. I’m sorry, Alexander, but I cannot allow you to consume heavily processed foods. It’s not good for you. I’ll learn to cook, and then I’ll make you three meals a day. Possibly a snack or two as well.” He furrowed his brow. “Mother taught all her beaus to cook, but Master Price told her it wasn’t necessary with me. I believe he was worried I would cook meals for myself while he was away.” A smile quirked in the corner of Elliot’s mouth. “I would like to learn, though. I wish to cook for you. To clean for you. I want to make your life easier in whatever way I can.”

“I promise you don’t have to fuss over me. I don’t expect you to cook and clean for me all the time. Besides, I won’t need lunch most days. I usually just send my assistant out for something.”

Elliot swallowed. He knew Alexander had a very demanding career, but they hadn’t really approached how Elliot would fit into Alexander’s busy schedule. “How long are you gone each day?”

“Usually, back home in Dallas, I leave around eight in the morning and get home at eight or nine each night.”

Elliot tried to keep a brave face, but the idea of being apart from Alexander for twelve-plus hours a day sounded like torture. Even when Alexander was sleeping, Elliot felt an urge to wake the man so he wouldn’t have to be alone. He knew he would have their baby to tend to, but Elliot didn’t care for the idea of being at home alone most of the day. Couldn’t they just stay on Sugarplum Island and spend their mornings, afternoons, and nights attached at the hip? He didn’t want Alexander out of his sight.

“What’s wrong?” Alexander asked.

“Nothing,” he lied. Elliot didn’t enjoy lying to him, but he didn’t want Alexander feeling guilty, or like he needed to choose between his career and the man he loved. “I’m just trying to think of how things will work when you’re at work.”

Alexander stared into Elliot’s eyes like he was searching for answers to an unasked question. “Are you worried about being alone?” Elliot bit his lip as he shook his head, but Alexander must have seen past Elliot’s show of bravado. “It’s okay if you are.”

“Maybe just a little,” Elliot admitted, quickly adding, “But I’ll be fine. I’ll have the baby to look after, and I can tidy your lovely home until you return each day.”

“Our home,” Alexander corrected. “It’s your home, too.”

Elliot didn’t know how to tell him Dallas would never feel like home. Not after everything Elliot experienced living there with Jared. Elliot was brave, though. He could push past that uncomfortable feeling if it meant keeping Alexander happy.

“I still can’t believe we lived so close. I didn’t get out of the house often, but if I knew you were down the street, I would have snuck out at every chance, just to find you.”

“Oh Elliot, I should have spent longer looking for you. I should have tried harder to find you. I’m sorry for letting you down.”

Elliot sat up and whirled to the side of the bed, placing his feet on the floor. “I’m not. If you found me, we wouldn’t have her.” He gently rubbed his baby bump. “While we’re shopping, we should think of a name. I think it might help our bond with her.”

“We can do that.”

Elliot smiled and stood. “Good. Now, I’d like the grand tour of this little cottage.” He held out his hand expectantly. “Come on. I want you to show me everything.”

Alexander blushed. “I . . . I need a second, Elliot.”

Elliot arched an eyebrow. “Why?”

Alexander slowly lifted the blanket from his lap, revealing the outline of his erection straining against his pajama bottoms. “It’ll go down in a second.”

Mischievous yellow light flickered in the corner of Elliot’s eyes. “I don’t mind. In fact, I believe I’d quite like to see you wandering around the house at full mast.” Elliot walked around the bed until he was at Alexander’s side, leaning over to inspect the erection. “You have a very lovely penis, Alexander. Do you think . . . I mean, would you mind if I played with it tonight?”

Heat flooded Alexander’s cheeks. “You can play with it whenever you like.”

“Yeah?” Elliot watched as Alexander swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.

“Yeah. I like when you touch it.”

“Good,” Elliot agreed, standing up straight. “So show me around the cottage and then we can start our day. The sooner we’re done, the sooner I can make you feel good.”

Alexander lifted his hand, softly caressing Elliot’s bulge. “I’d like to play with yours, too, if you’ll let me.”

“I would like that. We can do everything, now that . . .”

“Now that you love me?” Alexander pressed, his grin spreading wider.

Elliot blushed. “A little bit.”

“Just a little bit?” Alexander’s fingers curled around Elliot through his pajamas.

Good Lord. “A lotta bit.”

Alexander snorted, pulling him in for a tight hug. “I love you a lotta bit, too.”

A few minutes later, they were in the living room, Alexander showing Elliot the lay of the land, his erection proudly guiding the way like a ship’s bow. “It’s a lot smaller than our place in Dallas, but we don’t have to stay here often, if you think it’s too cramped.”

“Too cramped?” Elliot asked, staring at Alexander as if it was the silliest statement he’d ever heard. The cottage wasn’t cramped, it was cozy. Cozier than any other home he’d ever lived in. It wasn’t a mansion like the ones Jared and Mother called home, and it wasn’t miniscule like Arthur and Periwinkle’s library loft. It felt right. Just right.

The living room was one of four rooms in the house, and it took up the most space. A pale shade of blue covered the walls, and there was white trim around the walls. The sofa was white, as was the loveseat. Framed photographs of Alexander in his childhood lined the walls, each in a gray frame. The place had a coastal aesthetic, a love letter to life by the sea. It brought Elliot a sense of tranquility he’d rarely experienced. Maybe one day, after Alexander eventually retired, they could grow old there together. Well, Alexander could grow old. Elliot’s body would never age. He would be a picture of youth for the rest of his life; then when Alexander passed, Elliot would power himself down, leaving this world with the man he loved.

Alexander showed Elliot their small kitchen, complete with a dining nook in the corner, and windows that stretched from floor to ceiling on the other side, giving them an unobstructed view of the ocean. Elliot would get to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the nook until Alexander moved them back to Dallas. The view was exquisite, and Elliot decided he would enjoy it for however long he could.

After the tour, the men dressed in shorts and shirts, looking casual for their day in town. Alexander didn’t lock the front door when they left, and Elliot assumed it was because the place was so small, crime was probably non-existent.

“Are you ready?” he asked Elliot.

Elliot rubbed his baby bump and smiled warmly at Alexander. “I feel like I’ve been waiting for this all my life.”