Falling For Her

(4)

Ella lets out a yawn and she walks down the stairs in the morning and in to the kitchen where Mike is enjoying a morning cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Mike; do you know happen to know where Tatumn is?"

"She was up early and in one of her moods, Jen mentioned something about her not sleeping well last night, anyway, I think I heard her say she was going for a run and then picking up a few things from the store once was it opened."

Ella nods, "Okay. Yeah, she was tossing and turning quite a bit last night, kept waking me up."

Mike passes Ella over a cup of coffee, "You look like you could use one these."

Ella smiles and nods, "Definitely. Thanks."

A short time later, as Ella is sitting down with some breakfast, the front door opens and Tatumn returns with bags in hand.

"I didn't think you'd be gone so long. Do you need any help bringing stuff in?"

Tatumn shakes her head, " All good. Store was extra busy, customers grumpy and fighting over the last turkey. Also, I popped home to check on Princess, made sure she was good and went on my usual run before hitting up the store. Is there a fresh pot? I need caffeine." Tatumn takes off her jacket and tosses it down on the chair before unpacking the bags and putting away the contents before pouring herself a cup of coffee, taking a big sip and smiling.

Ella smiles and crinkles her nose, "You need a shower."

Tatumn smiles and winks, "You're more than welcome to join me." She chuckles as she jogs up the stairs, heads into her bedroom to strip out of sweaty clothes and wraps herself in a towel on the way towards the bathroom, crashing into Ella as the player reaches the top of the stairs.

"Shit!" Tatumn reaches for her towel as it comes loose and Ella eyeballs the skin it reveals.

Ella passes Tatumn her phone, "You left your phone downstairs, it was umm ringing, an international number; thought it might be important."

"Thanks. Most likely just a client calling to wish me a Merry Christmas or something. Are you going to let me pass or?"

"I don't know; I'm quite liking the scenery." Ella notices a change in Tatumn's body language and steps back to allow her through before changing into some running clothes of her own and after letting Jennifer know, making her way out into the cold suburban morning.

Tatumn takes her time in the shower allowing the hot then warm water run through her hair and down her body and as she watches the shampoo go down the drain, she wishes it was so easy to turn off the feelings she is developing for Ella. It's not so easy when her lips and body are crying out for the soccer player's touch.

Stepping out and turning off the now cold water, she stands on the mat and towel dries her hair, before wrapping the towel around her body. Reaching for the hairbrush, she brushes out her long, wavy hair before hitting it with the hair dryer. Walking back towards her bedroom, she can't help notice that Ella's suitcase and belongings are all lined up and look ready to be packed at a moment's notice.

Tossing on some comfies, Tatumn begins her search of the house for Ella and grows concerned when she can't find her.

"Mom, have you seen Ella?"

"She went for a run."

"Of course, she did. Do you need any help?"

"I'd love some help; do you remember how to roll the dough?"

"I pretty sure I can handle rolling dough and cutting out candy canes."

While the two Milazzo women, mix and roll and cut their way through cookie dough, Ella finds herself on the phone walking the streets aimlessly and talking to one of her former Blue Devils' teammates and current member of the San Diego Wave, Mia Gyau.