Page 103 of Midnight Ink

He scowls. “Go get the door.”

I laugh, sliding off the bed and pulling on a pair of sweats. I glance back at him, sprawled across my bed, red sheets draped over his hips, and my chest warms. “My man is gorgeous.”

He grins brightly. Another knock pulls me from him.

I walk to the door, just ready to get rid of whoever the hell is there. I have plans for Ian today and they don’t involve a third. I’m surprised when I open my door and swing it open to find Elijah. “Oh, hey.”

“Hey. I just saw Anna. She said you guys just got back.”

“Oh yeah, hey, I’m sorry about your appointment. We will reschedule. I’ll get you in before we open back up.”

“No worries. Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Yeah. I’m uh, I’m great—” Arms slide around me, and I look down at Ian’s tattooed hands locked around my stomach. Protective and possessive.

“He’s taken,” Ian says over my shoulder.

Elijah’s smirk widens. “Well, it’s about time.”

“And we’re busy,” Ian adds.

I roll my eyes. “Ignore my boyfriend. He’s very jealous of you.” Ian pinches my nipple.

“Take you and your gorgeous beard and fuck off,” Ian mutters.

Elijah’s thick brows climb to his hairline. “My . . . beard?”

“He’s got beard envy. I don’t know why.” I glance back at Ian. “You’re smothering me.”

“Get used to it.” He squeezes me tighter, and warmth spreads through my chest.

“I’ll call you to reschedule, alright? Soon. We just needed a break. Nothing serious, but I should have told you.”

“Just glad everything’s okay. I’m happy for you. Congratulations.” He smiles at me. “Bye, Ian.”

The door clicks shut and Ian presses against it, scowling at me.

“You’re so jealous.”

“Ugh,” he growls, pulling my hips against his. “So jealous!”

I laugh softly, kissing him quickly. “Good thing you’re cute.”

He softens, voice serious. “I’m still working on myself, but I know I want this. I’ve wanted it for a while. I’ve just been so afraid to go for it.”

“This is real, right? You won’t run out on me? I can be patient, but you need to work with me. Talk to me. No running. No getting lost in that mind of yours.”

“I promise. I can’t run from you, Jules.” He leans in, lips brushing mine. “I love you.”

I cup his face, searching his eyes and smoothing my thumbs along his cheekbones. “Are you hungry?” He nods. I take his hand and lead him to the kitchen. “I can make you an omelet.”

“Okay.” He hops onto the counter, casual, just like he’s done a hundred times before.

“Can I ask what made you run down here yesterday?”

“Anna came to my house and threatened me. She said if you leave, she’s leaving. That you’re the best thing that’s happened to us since Maddy died.” His eyes widen. “Which I wasn’t supposed to tell you.”

I sigh. “I told her she was my best friend yesterday. I thought she was going to crawl out of her skin.”