It's About Time (Blossom Peak #4)(83)

“Henley doesn’t need to know just yet. Until I know that she might be open to something more, I think it’s best this stays between us.”

“And are you sure something more is what you want, Elliot? I know you’ve been struggling with these feelings toward her, but now that you two have…you know,” he says, taking in a breath. “Is a relationship with her really something you can actually see happening?”

I think back to what it felt like being with her last night.

It was so natural, so easy, so fucking mind-blowing that I’m positive sex with Dilynne Clark has rewired my brain.

“Something shifted last night, Rhonan. I can’t explain it yet, but when I find the words—”

“I get it,” he says, interrupting me. “You don’t have to explain it to me, man. Vienna changed everything for me. In fact, I’m not even sure that I could still find words to describe how she made me want to open up again.”

“At this point, I think Dilynne knows me better than I know myself. That alone makes this worth exploring. She has seen parts of me Tori never did. She stayed when things got messy, even when she had no reason to. That has to mean something.” That realization hits m e hard because it sounds so much like the kind of relationship my grandparents had. “And as for whatever’s been shifting between us…that part finally feels clear. She stopped feeling like just a friend a while ago. I just didn’t want to admit it.”

“Then lean into it, man. And let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. I’m here for you. Always.”

“I know you are, Rhonan. I know you are.”





Chapter 23





Elliot



Bathtime Confessions


With a bag from Blossom Brews in one hand and a bag from Bites & Bliss in the other, I head toward the front door of Dilynne’s house. I probably should have warned her that I was stopping by this evening, but knowing her, she would have ignored me like she usually does.

And after last night, the last thing I want to give her is the opportunity to avoid me.

I ring the doorbell, waiting for her to answer the door, but it takes a few minutes before I finally hear movement from inside. When she peeks through the small window in her door, the confused look on her face tells me I was right to pop up unannounced.

“Elliot? Wh—what are you doing here?” she asks as she opens the door.

I hold up the bags. “I brought food.”

“Okay, but that’s not what I asked you,” she says, pulling her robe tighter around her body.

“Can I come in?”

She glances behind her and then lets me inside. “I guess.”

“Do you have another fake fiancé in here or something?”

She rolls her eyes and walks away after locking the door behind me. “No. One is more than enough.”

“Aw, come on. I can’t be that bad.”

Licking her lips, her eyes drop down to my crotch and then she looks away. “The jury is still out on that one.”

“Legal jargon. I appreciate the effort.”

Sighing, she watches me set the bags on her kitchen counter, still uneasy. “Elliot…what are you doing here?”

“I thought it was time I brought you dessert for a change.” Reaching for the bag from Bites & Bliss, I take out the box and reveal the cookies I had Carolina make for her.

Dilynne fights her grin as she picks up one of the penis-shaped confections and reads the words written in frosting. “You’re hard to resist.”

I waggle my eyebrows at her. “Two can play this game.”

A heavy sigh leaves her lips as she puts the cookie back in the box. “Did we have plans that I forgot about or something?”

I blow out a breath but keep my eyes on hers. “Look, I told my dad and Tori that I couldn’t work late tonight because I had plans with you, and knowing him, he could have had me followed just to make sure I’m telling the truth. So, here I am.”

If I didn’t know any better, I’d think a hint of disappointment flickers across her face. “Oh. Okay. Well…”

Before she can say anything else, I close the distance between us and wrap one arm around her waist, pulling her into my chest. I use my other hand t o tip her chin up, directing her eyes to mine. “But…I also really wanted to see you.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.” Leaning down, I softly brush my lips over hers, loving the way she meets me without a fight.

“You—you caught me on my nail and skin care routine night, so…”

“Wait. You have a nail and skin care routine?”

The sarcasm I’ve grown to expect from her reappears on her face in an instant and then she holds up her hands with her signature black painted nails. “Every week. I may love to tear apart cars, but I still take care of my body.”

“You know, I’ve always wondered, why the black?”

The corner of her mouth lifts. “Well, black is one of my favorite colors. But also, it’s the same color as grease, so it hides the evidence of my day job really well.”

“Smart,” I say, toying with her bottom lip.

“My head is way more than just a hat rack, Elliot.”