“Yes indeed,” he says, loading up his fork with bacon and egg. “All of us Elliots seek to remain emotionally unavailable while throwing money at the problem.”
“Am I a problem?”
“No. You’re my Alice.”
The easy way he has of saying such devastating things. First last night and now this…he’s making a mess of my heart. I don’t know what to say. I’m too busy just breathing and not being all overemotional at his casual declaration.
“Do you have meetings today?” I ask, voice quieter than before. Less bold.
“Just one,” he says. “At the hotel in Boulder. Was wondering if you’d like to go for a drive into the national park beforehand? Head up to some of the lookouts?”
“I’d love to.”
He gives me a lopsided grin before shoveling another forkful of food into his mouth and chewing. Once he swallows, he says, “This is great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
We have a relaxed start to the day together. It’s nice. I’ve kind of been in a sort of holiday mode since arriving in Denver, but that’s over. Time for me to get busy building a future. If I was hesitant in any way about this relationship before, those days are gone. It’s an odd feeling, being legally bound to someone. We’re documented on paper now, bound by rules and subsections. My signature means I’m serious. Maybe it’s how commitment in a relationship is made, with layers of promises, emotions, and responsibility. By making yourself vulnerable. I don’t know.
Though a text could end things easily enough. That was in the contract too.
After finishing breakfast and washing off the dishes, he checks his cell. “Nothing from Emma or Matías yet.”
“I hope they’re okay.”
“Yeah.” He keeps scrolling through the screen. “Henry is fine and settling in back at school. He says he doesn’t have time to text with us basics.”
“Fair enough.”
“Brian will organize your appointment with the OB/GYN for late this afternoon,” he says. “My doctor’s appointment will also be done nearby at the same time in the interests of keeping all things equal.”
“Is Brian your assistant?”
A nod.
“What if they don’t have an appointment available?”
“They will.” No trace of doubt in his voice. Then he looks up, meeting my eyes. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you, beloved?”
“No.”
He just nods, still watching my face. There’s a question in his gaze. “Okay. Courier will be by to pick up the contracts in five. Last chance to escape my evil clutches.”
“I’ll go have a shower and get dressed.”
“Remember to bring a coat. It’ll get cold up in the mountains.”
What I can only describe as a cross between a futuristic rocket ship and a motor vehicle sits waiting at the curb outside the Heritage. It’s low and sleek and silver. Waving the valet aside, Beck opens the door for me. The interior is black and equally space age in appearance. I shove my hands into my leather jacket, guarding against the wind. I’m back in my casual outfit of black sweater, blue jeans, and my booties. This weather is perfect, brisk and cool. Given how I hate the sun, I make a shit Cali girl. Though experiencing a full-on winter in Colorado is going to be interesting. Beck wears a sweater (swoon), blue jeans, and boots too. Though his sweater is a forest green that brings out the amber flecks in his eyes. How dreamy.
“This is yours?” I ask, hovering near the door.
“Yep.”
“How fast does it go?”
“Very.” He smiles. “Want me to show you?”
“Oh, yeah.”
He smiles and slaps me on the ass. “Well, let’s go.”
We slide through the streets, taking corners tight, and weaving in and out of traffic. It’s a little weird, sitting so low to the road. I’ve never been in something like this before and the thrill is undeniable. My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Without a doubt, this is as close to a vehicular representation of an orgasm as is possible to achieve. Beck handles the wheel with absolute confidence and precision. And watching him is also a mighty turn-on. I’m all but squirming with excitement.
Once we hit the highway, we speed up, the engine purring as we head away from town and toward the mountains. Tall grass, sunflowers, and clear blue sky.
“Ready?” he asks.
“Do it.”
When Beck puts his foot down, we shoot forward, the force pushing me back in my seat. It’s like being on a roller coaster only better. My heart pounds and laughter escapes my mouth. He just grins. This is freedom. Moving so fast through the world that no cares or