Laughing, she kept hold of his hand as they made their way around the stalls. The scents were amazing. Some reminded her of the comforting warmth of stew, while others were filled with heat and were more exotic.
Amber couldn’t believe she was having more fun right now, shopping in a busy city center, than she had last night, with Dale.
He’s the man for me.
Elijah never once let go of her hand throughout the whole morning. She loved his time and attention, and he made her feel utterly complete.
****
The day he’d planned was the spur of the moment kind of day. Elijah hadn’t known the market was on until he saw it advertised on the café shop window. He intended to spend the whole day with Amber, but doing what, he hadn’t known. The market offered him an opportunity to expand their knowledge of each other. It also gave him an excuse not to let go of her hand.
He needed to wipe the memory of Dale from her mind.
They were carrying up their bags from their expedition around the market. Amber was laughing as he made a joke about her new vases. He’d offered to foot the bill for the two new vases, but she’d refused.
He wouldn’t let her pay for dinner. Elijah bought all the ingredients and intended for Amber to be full and satisfied.
“I noticed those vases are a lot bigger than the last two you smashed trying to aim for my head.”
“I know. Are you worried?”
“Not at all. I don’t intend to be the person you throw vases at.”
She chuckled, digging in her purse for her keys.
“I can’t believe how much fun I’ve had. I didn’t think it was possible to be so happy from just shopping.” She pushed the door open, letting him through.
He went straight toward her kitchen. Elijah started unloading bags as Amber did the same from the sitting room. Looking across the space that separated them, he felt calm. There was no arguing or fighting. They were both getting on with the task of unloading their stuff.
Elijah knew he could live like this. She bent over the coffee table and started to arrange her vases. He admired her full rounded ass and grew hard, staring at her. Diving into his bag, Elijah began to unpack everything. He put the chocolate and butter to one side and then started looking for some flour in her cupboards.
He took the time to spread everything out on the counter, separating the ingredients into the main meal and the dessert.
Amber brushed past him to put the wine she’d purchased in the fridge. “I called Ashley to cover for me this weekend.”
“Heather has plans with Julian.” He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth. Her friends knew about them. To her friends it was no big secret. He figured both women would tell Connie when they were ready.
“Yeah. Connie and Ashley usually plan to do something together. It’s fun and always something to do with Wade. Ashley is trying to set Connie up with him. The man is in love with her, but he won’t make a move. He’s driving Ashley crazy.”
“His gaze follows her everywhere.” Elijah had noticed the other guy’s attention toward Connie. He thought it was sweet, but if Wade didn’t get her attention soon, then someone else was going to sweep in and take it.
“I know. He keeps trying to ask her out, but he balks at the last minute. I think Connie’s losing patience with him. She’s eating lunch elsewhere now.” Amber shrugged. He moved out of her way as she put away some jars of coffee.
“It’ll only be a matter of time before she moves on,” Elijah said. He grabbed some measuring cups and bowls to start making dessert.
“I doubt Connie will truly move on. She doesn’t give herself easily.”
He guessed Connie was the most complex member of the group even though Amber had her days in the complex department.
“So, what do you want me to do?” she asked, leaning over the counter to stare at him.
“Nothing. You can sit, chill, relax, and watch as I make you my mean spiced pork casserole and melting chocolate puddings.”
“Wow, that sounds delightful. I’m going to leave you to it.”
He watched her saunter off to the sofa. She sat down with her feet underneath her. Clicking his fingers, he got to work in making a dinner that Amber would remember. He’d never really liked cooking when he was younger. Cooking had taught him patience and how best to handle his anger and aggression. Over the years he’d taken several cookery courses and was adept at everything he did in the kitchen. He hoped all those years would finally be put to good use.
Every now and then he’d look up and see Amber either reading or watching something on the television. He couldn’t believe how quickly she changed her mind of what she was doing. Amber wasn’t a one track mind. Elijah watched her pick up one paperback book off her shelf. She’d start reading, but about ten minutes later she put it back and picked up another one. Her mind was never focused on one thing.
Looking through their time together, Elijah realized the only time she kept track was when she was with him. There was no pushing or rushing her. Amber was only ever ready when she was ready.
He’d only just realized how different Amber actually was from what he thought. For many years he’d figured her as woman with a schedule and control issues. He thought that was why she let him take control in the bedroom. It would be the only place where she’d give up control.
She padded toward him. Her shirt was falling from her shoulder, showing off her bra. It was cute and utterly adorable watching her in her own home.
“I’ve never seen you like this,” he said.
“Like what?”
“Carefree and happy.”
“I’ve got a lot to be happy about.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re giving us a chance, and instead of doubting everything I’m going to live it up. You never know how long it’s going to last,” she said.
He took her kiss and smiled. She hummed as she grabbed a drink out of the fridge. Elijah continued to make their meal while watching her. Amber was a beauty to witness in her element.
Marry her.
The thought took him by surprise as he stared at her. First he wanted to seduce her, and now he wanted to have her by his side for the rest of his life.
“Are you all right?” she asked, shaking some juice in the carton as she looked at him.
“What? Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Looked like you spaced out there for a second.”
“No, I’m not spaced out. I’m seeing something I’ve never seen before,” he said.