Unexpected

Part XXI: Picture This

I hear Elliot clattering around in the kitchen while I re-dress myself. I braid my hair to the side and it falls down across my chest, lightly brushing against my breast. I stretch and wiggle my toes against the carpet beneath them, regaining my balance before exiting the bedroom. Elliot stands at the kitchen counter cutting up lettuce for a salad, a smile plastered on his face. I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him and resting my head against his back.

"Hi," he hums, continuing to prepare food.

"Hi.," I mutter into the fabric of his shirt. "How was work this week?"

"Busy, worked too many odd hours, that's for sure." He groans.

I pull away from him and lift myself up onto the counter, holding onto the edge of it and lightly kicking my legs back and forth out in front of me.

"Well, thank god it's the weekend. I have no intention of doing anything productive for the next two days."

Elliot laughs. "Do you mind if I join you for these unproductive days?"

"The more the merrier." I smile. Elliot's hazel eyes meet mine for a moment before turning his attention back to the food at hand.

My phone chimes from my purse.

"Do you want me to get that for you?" Elliot asks, motioning toward it.

"It's probably Kate." I shrug.

"Well, in that case, I'm getting your phone. She scares me a little."

I laugh, thinking about their first meeting and how intimidating Kate had seemed. Elliot walks a couple steps to the front door, reaches into my purse, and pulls out my phone. He glances down at the screen, and I see his eyes light up as he quickly scans the message.

"I'm not being nosy, I promise, but Anna asked how you like the pictures?" Elliot says handing me my phone. He resumes preparing the salad and asks, "Pictures from the wedding?"

I nod. "There were a few of us that Anna found while going through some of the sneak peeks from the photographer." I say, opening up her message.

"I'd love to see them." Elliot smiles.

I open up my photos application to the first saved picture. "There's four of us.," I say, handing the phone back to him.

I watch Elliot as he scrolls through the photos, taking time to examine each one. He smiles, his eyes lighting up with each image. I admire the smile, it's different than the ones I've seen of amusement or mischief, this one portrays something else.

"I'm not even able to pick a favorite one. You're stunning in all of them. Mind if I send them to myself?"

I shrug. "If you want them I won't stop you." I laugh.

Elliot finishes texting the pictures to his phone and places mine back in my hands. I glance down at the pictures once more before responding to Anna's message.

Kris: They look great! Elliot likes them too.

Anna: And you're full of shit if you tell me you two aren't dating after all of us seeing you two together like that! Girl, your ex never even looked at you that way.

Kris: Now that's a conversation for another time. Go enjoy your honeymoon with your husband!

I put my phone face down on the counter and turn my attention back to Elliot. He throws the lettuce into a bowl and turns toward me. He spreads my legs apart and stands between them, leaning against the counter. He looks into my eyes and traces his finger down my braid.