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He pauses, his gaze sliding from my eyes down to my mouth. And then, too swiftly for me to react, his lips are on the corner of my mouth. He lingers there, unmoving, as my eyelids flutter closed and my pulse hammers through me. Then his lips part, and I feel the tiniest drag of his tongue on my skin.
I almost black out, not sure how such a tiny movement caused such an intensity ofwant. The fork shakes in my hand.
“Sometimes I cheat,” Eli murmurs, still right next to my mouth, his lips brushing the corner of mine.
“Cheat?” I whisper, barely restraining myself from turning my head so our mouths fully meet. It’s only the fear of my morning breath—thanks to Annie for stealing all our toiletries—that holds me in place.
Eli pulls away, a crooked grin on his face. “You had a little chocolate right there.” He points.
I wonder what Eli would do if I dip my finger into the center of the croissant and then drag it all the places I’d like to feel his mouth on me.
Eli’s phone rings. Saved by the bell? Or ruined by the bell? I’m not sure.
“It’s Annie,” he says, picking up. “I hope you aren’t looking for a thanks, Ananias. I’m currently in the honeymoon suite bed wearing a muumuu.”
But then his face goes still, and when his eyes find mine, they’re intense and serious.
“We’ll be back soon,” he says, then hangs up, already moving out of bed.
“Mom’s having a rough morning,” he says. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but do you mind if we?—”
“Let’s go,” I tell him, all thoughts of chocolate and kissing set aside.
“I’m sorry for ruining your honeymoon,” Maggie says, and I reach across to the passenger seat and touch her hand. “I know you only got like twelve hours of wedded bliss.”
“No worries,” I assure her, meaning it. I pull out of the doctor’s office parking lot, heading back toward our side of town.
Eli was able to skip morning practice today, but he had to be at The Summit for training and meetings all afternoon since the team leaves tonight. My stomach clenches at the thought. Our honeymoon—more like atinymoon—always would have been quick. Though our morning might possibly have been a lot more fun if Annie hadn’t called.
After arriving home in our wedding clothes again—which made Annie snort-laugh—I assured Eli we could handle things. Annie practically shoved him out of the house, and she and I drove Maggie to her doctor.
On the one hand, yes—it’s disappointing the way hockey is stealing Eli from me so quickly. But I’m weirdly grateful for the space. I already know I’m going to miss him when he leaves tonight, but I hope this will help me process everything happening between us.
Yesterday was … intense. I need a minute to get a handle on my emotions.
Annie pokes her head between the seats and gives me a wicked grin. “I’m sure they enjoyed a lot of wedded bliss in those twelve hours.”
Maggie only laughs, and I shake my head, groaning.
“And yes,” Annie adds. “In case you were wondering, you can always expect this level of intrusion and violation of your privacy.”
“How long are you staying again?” I ask lightly.
Annie laughs and pats me on the shoulder. “Did you hear that, Ma? This is a whole new side of sweet Bailey. Salty Bailey. I love it.”
“You can always expect this level of giving as good as I get,” I say, echoing her words and making Maggie laugh, which then turns into a grimace as she presses a hand to her chest.
“You okay, Ma?” Annie rubs a hand down Maggie’s arm.
“Don’t mind me,” Maggie says, but Annie and I exchange a look.
The doctor was thankfully able to work Maggie in for a steroid shot. A corticosteroid shot, to be exact. I took notes, wanting to make sure I know as much as possible to help me in the next few weeks. And anytime Eli travels. The shot should help with some of the pain and inflammation, most likely exacerbated by all the activity this week. I’ll try not to feel guilty that our fake-ish—or not at all fake?—wedding exacerbated her issues.
When the doctor gave Maggie a look and told us to make sure she takes it easy, Annie muttered, “If you can give us a straitjacket, that would help.”
But I don’t think it will be hard to make Maggie rest. I’ve never seen her so worn down, limping and wincing with even the smallest movements. Not even the day we looked for dresses and Eli carried her around. It would have been great to have him around for that today, though with Annie and I helping support Maggie, we did okay.
“What are we doing here again?” Annie asks as I pull into a parking space in front of the shelter.
