~Elliott~
"Are you sure Marie? Because I can get Noah-"
"What is it with you young ones thinking I need around the clock care?" Marie scowled at me. "I am fine. 2 doctors have cleared me. I know Autumn worries about me but April works too damn hard to be spending her few hours off looking after little old me when you've finally pulled that stick out of your arse and told her you're in love with her." Wow. All I said is she's had a long week and needed a break. Not once did I mention me and her being a thing.
This was all still so fucking new and every time we were around anyone April would drop my hand and take a few steps away. It wasn't a surprise to me that there was going to be this anxiety about us. Given how long it had taken me to pin this down and how much doubt she had in her chest about it all. But we had all the time in the world for her to get comfortable with it. I knew she would get there eventually and in the meantime, I could love her in secret. I could spend every night with her in my arms and I could help her in the bakery until I had to go to work myself.
But this weekend, Autumn and Maya were out of town, Noah and Wes were working on some work projects and as long as I could get April out of working at the B&B for Autumn, I could have an entire weekend of her and I without a single distraction.
"I-"
"Don't you try to deny it either. I've seen the way to look at that girl since you were 12. Everyone else might be either blind or stupid but I'm not. Now, have you made a move on her yet?" I scratched the back of my neck, not even sure what to answer to that. "Because, if not, I could give you a few tips. Back in my day, I was known for being able to hook anyone u-"
"Ohkay..." Yep. No, couldn't do it. I really didn't need Marie telling me about her sex life before she met the love of her life. That's like hearing it from my own Gran and I would really rather not.
"Where are you taking her then? If you're keeping you're thing a secret." I sighed, looking up to the clock, still a little too early to set off.
"I'm just going to take her camping on south beach."
"Ooo. Snuggled together for warmth. You know they say it's easier to keep each other warm when you're both nak-"
"OKAY! I'm gonna go now. I'm gonna leave my number incase you need me for anything. I can come-"
"Oh I won't be disturbing. Don't you worry. Go get your girl. A little tip from the pros though Elliott. There's this position-"
"THANKS MARIE." I cringed, walking out the door and back to my car before I could hear details I really didn't want to hear. I'd spent ages prepping today. Checking the tent over, packing everything we could need. Her stuff included. Her parents were in when I went around this afternoon and being the only people who knew about us, I told them my plan and her mum helped me to pack some clean clothes and whatever else so she didn't even need to think about it. I still wasn't a fan of either of them but having spent the week around them, I can see the huge differences in them. April's dad was very open and honest about his recovery process and the intense regret he has for not seeking help sooner. As much as April's mum tells him it's okay, anytime the abuse or him drinking comes up, I can feel the tension come back to April like a freight train.
I parked a little bit up the road from the bakery, heading down there quietly since she still had a customer in. I pushed the door open without triggering the bell, not wanting to alert either of the women I was here. I loved watching April work. Something about her customer service smile and the way she so evidently loved her job just made me want to stop and stare and admire her.
YOU ARE READING
My Autumn with April
Romance~Book 2 of The Seasons of Coleisle Series~ When April finally returns back to Coleisle 5 years after she left for college, she half expects everything to have changed. After her surprisingly silent return, April manages to catch her friends off guar...