Page 34 of Elijah’s Whim

“Maybe in theory,” he answered slowly, seeming to be thinking about what I just proposed.

“But…” I supplied because I could feel there was more to his stance on this.

A deep wrinkled vee formed between Elijah’s eyes while he contemplated his next comment. “Withholding information about something is lying by omission, is it not? And you already know my opinion on lying.”

“Yes, but only if you withhold information for nefarious reasons. I’ll give you an actual example from my life. My dad has had several heart attacks. His doctors have said his heart condition is directly related to stress and that he should avoid it as much as possible. There have been instances when I don’t tell him the whole story because I know it will stress him out.”

Elijah stared at me for a minute or two, and I started to squirm under his attention.

Did I just change his opinion of me for the worse? The better? I was really out of my league with this man to begin with, without adding in the fact that I rarely dated. Between my career and family, I’d never really carved out time to get to know someone on the level being in a relationship required.

Somehow, within two weeks, Elijah was extracting information I’d never shared with a boyfriend—or any friend, for that matter. His style of just digging in and not shying away from the hard stuff was an approach I could appreciate.

Finally, he spoke. “I’ve really been enjoying getting to know you, Hannah. You’re smart, beautiful, and interesting.” He ran his fingers through my hair from the crown down to the ends, and it was hypnotizing.

“Oh my God, that feels so good. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating.” I sighed and sank deeper into the pillow, with a sated smile on my lips. “You’re a lethal combination of a man.”

Elijah quietly chuckled and then added, “And I told you, you don’t know the half of it, beautiful.”

After my eyes drifted closed, I said, “I’m not touching that with a ten-foot pole.”

“I think you’re ready for bed, young lady. Do you want me to stay or go back to my room?” my gorgeous sandman asked.

“Mmm, can you stay until I fall asleep?” I hoped I wasn’t asking too much, but he was the one who’d made the offer. At that point it would’ve been rude to turn him down. Right?

“Of course I can. Are you okay if I keep touching you while you fall asleep? I promise to stay on the outside of your clothes. But lying with you like this is torture if I can’t touch you.”

“I would like that, Elijah.”

“In that case, sleep well, my beautiful girl. I hope you have the best dreams,” he offered and leaned in closer to me.

My heart stuttered before it began to gallop wildly in my chest. This was finally it. The kiss I’d been waiting for.

But he kissed my forehead in some unsatisfying paternal gesture instead. My entire body sagged with the disappointment.

“What do you need, baby? Are you cold?” the bastard asked. He knew exactly what I needed, and for some reason, he wasn’t giving it to me. Earlier, he was the one who brought it up! I never would have thought about kissing him had he not mentioned it.

Well, maybe never is a strong word here.

“No. It’s nothing. I was just relaxing. Good night. Thank you for everything today.”

“It was my pleasure.”