“Mmhm. You just smell really damn delicious.”
Oh.
Shit.
His eyes cracked open, slightly narrowed. “You know I’m attracted to you, right?”
“I’ve seen a bulge on a few occasions, yes.” I wished I had pockets to hide my hands in, and settled with awkwardly playing with a strand of my hair.
Elliot stepped toward me, his body practically towering over mine. Despite the massive height and size difference, I didn’t feel intimidated by him; he had never given me a reason to feel that way.
His hands landed on either side of my body, framing me in as he leaned down so our lips were nearly brushing.
My stomach clenched as my body prepared itself to be kissed, and in that moment, I realized that I wanted to kiss him.
But his lips didn’t brush mine as he said, firmly, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Liz. The way your hair and hips sway when you move captivates me. The way you smile makes me want to grin. The way you dress, laugh, look, and just plain old live turns me on. I’ll die happy if all we ever are is friends, but I’ll be in fucking heaven if you decide you’re willing to try to be something more.”
One of his hands lifted off the countertop, and he dragged his thumb slowly along my bottom lip. My mouth opened slightly for him, but he didn’t take advantage of it. “So if you ever change your mind,” he murmured, “Just say the words. Or just grab me and kiss me; that works too.”
The urge to do what he’d said—to grab him, and kiss him—hit me hard.
Before I could, though, he stepped back, his lips quirking upward a bit. “Take your shower; I’ve got to pay a few bills. It shouldn’t take too long, if you wanted to watch a movie or something afterward.”
He was asking me out.
On a date in our house.
At least, I thought so?
An at-home movie date? That counted, right?
“I, uh, think I need to call Sab,” I said, my voice growing apologetic. Honestly, I was too horny and off-balance after my parents’ visit to think clearly. “Can we do the movie tomorrow night? Might need it after a pack dinner with my parents.” I grimaced, regretting inviting them already.
“Sure. You can go talk to her in person, if you want. I can always listen for Evan.” He gave me a quick smile that made my heart pound a bit faster. “I’m a chocolate milk professional at this point.”
I teased, “With him, it only takes a few days to get there.”
“I’m still counting it,” he told me with a grin.
“You should. You’re an incredible dad,” I admitted. “I know he doesn’t call you that, and it’s probably still a bit too soon for you to feel that way, but I’m glad he has you. You’re really, really good with him.”
Elliot’s amusement morphed to gratitude, and he closed the distance between us, pulling me into his arms. My feet left the ground, the hug feeling all-consuming yet anchoring too.
“Thank you,” he murmured into my neck.
My throat was too swollen to respond.
He released me, and my feet landed back on the ground before he stepped out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind himself.