She smiled. “I hope it’s something good.”
Amber left him alone. They were behaving like a couple. No fear came to him at the thought of settling down. It was time for him to be with Amber. She’d been his for so long, and he’d taken her for granted.
No more.
Chapter Nine
Amber pulled her hair up into a ponytail. It had been three weeks since Elijah declared his seduction, and they’d been three weeks of bliss to her. He was attentive toward her, and not a moment went by when she didn’t feel cherished. Ashley was still keeping her secret, and it had been three weeks since she’d seen her friends properly. She knew it was only a matter of time before they all found out the truth.
When she thought about telling Heather the truth she was filled with doubts. She forced herself to push them aside. Elijah hadn’t given her any cause to complain. He’d not even touched her. Their kisses were passionate, but he never took them further than a kiss. His hands would always caress her back or cup her face. Sometimes he’d grab her ass, which was the extent of his passion.
If Elijah stayed over he would sleep on her sofa or wear clothes to bed. He never once strayed.
Dale had been true to his word, and there was no conflict at work. In fact, he asked about her friend, Connie. He’d gone to Wade’s the other night, and Connie had been there waiting for Wade. The two had gotten talking, and Dale and Connie had hit it off.
Elijah was right. If Wade didn’t act soon then Connie was going to be with someone else. She wished her friend all the best and Dale, but she couldn’t help feeling sorry for Wade.
Her cell phone chimed letting her know a text had come through.
Grabbing her cell out of the back pocket of her jeans she pressed the accept button.
Elijah: I can’t believe you cancelled me. I’ve got the latest horror movie!
She’d turned him down. Amber missed her friends and really wanted to spend some time with them.
Smiling, she quickly typed a response.
Amber: Keep your panties on. Oh, that’s right, they haven’t come off. Do you have blue balls yet?
Elijah: You’re a vixen. I’m doing the best I can. Come to me tonight and I’ll give you a release.
She’d fallen for that line once before. He’d brought her to cl**ax with his fingers. Amber didn’t want his fingers. She wanted everything from him.
Amber: I’ve fallen for that line before. You’ll have to wait. I’m going to be with my girlfriends. They all need me.
Elijah: I need you!
Amber: Stop with the !!!!! They’re frustrating. Deal with it.
In his next text he blew a raspberry at her, which made her laugh.
“Are you all right in here?” Dale asked. His head peered around the door. It was the female changing room. She’d already changed into her going out clothes.
“Yeah, everything is perfect.” She pocketed her cell and grabbed her purse. “How are you?”
“I’m great. I’m heading over to Wade’s. I convinced Connie to sing for me. She’s got stage fright and all that, but I’ve asked her to let me listen. Is she good? I mean, I hope she’s good, otherwise I’m in for it.”
Laughing, Amber pushed her arm through his. “Connie could have a record deal she’s that good. You’ll love her singing. I know I do.”
“There’s no hard feelings, right?” Dale asked.
“No, none at all. I’m pleased you’re moving on. Can I warn you that Wade has been crushing on her for some time? Please be careful with her and with Wade.”
“Of course. I’m not that kind of man, honey. How are you and your man?”
She smiled. “We’re doing good. Better, actually.”
“Good.”
They drove together to Wade’s. She left him at the door. The guard letting people in stopped Dale from entering. “I’ve been told to keep you behind,” the man said.
“I’ll leave you to it, Dale. You may have pissed off the owner.” She gave Dale a wink before heading inside.
Ashley, Connie, and Heather were seated in their booth. She looked over to the bar to see Wade heading toward her.
“I take it you’re the one responsible for Dale being left behind?”
“I need to know what his intentions are.” Wade glanced toward Connie. “I’m not letting her get hurt.”
“I believe you.” She watched him leave, and she saw Elijah sat at the bar. He raised a glass to her, and she rolled her eyes.
“Hey, what’s going on with Wade?” Connie asked.
Taking her seat Amber looked at her friend. “He’s taking care of some business out front. He’ll be back in a moment. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. He knows what he’s doing.”
“Where have you been?” Heather asked. “I really needed to talk to you, and you’ve always been busy.”
“I’ve been dating, and work has been really crazy. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to abandon you guys,” Amber said.
They all grumbled for several minutes. It was her friends’ way of showing her that they cared.
“Okay, leave her alone. She feels like crap, and now we’ve got to give her the good news,” Ashley said.
Amber smiled gratefully at her friend.
“What’s the good news?”
“I’m having a baby,” Heather said, screaming and covering her mouth.
Amber gasped. “What? Julian got you pregnant?”
“Yes. I can’t believe it. I took the test a couple of weeks, and then I went to the doctor to confirm it. I’m not far along, but it’s official. I’m going to be a mommy.”
They all cheered. “That better not be alcohol,” Amber said, pointing to the drink in front of her.
“No, it’s not. Julian didn’t want me coming today. I promised him I’d be good. I’d never risk this baby. I can’t believe I’m going to be a mommy.”
Heather looked so happy. Laughing, Amber found herself looking for Elijah. He was sat at the bar watching her. A gentle hum settled over her. She kept her gaze on Elijah, knowing she wanted a future with him. She’d do everything in her power to make him happy. In the last few weeks he’d really showed her what their life could be together.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room with Connie to prepare her,” Heather said.
Amber watched her friends go. Ashley slid closer to her.
“Are you going to give me any juicy details?” she asked.