Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 18

Chase

The rain followed me home, sticking to my clothes and hair when I walked into Elijah's living room. He turned the fireplace on to help warm us up. As I watched him, I could feel my heart race from the kiss, the way Elijah's lips had tasted warm and sweet.

"You should shower," he said. "And put something warm on, I don't want you to get sick."

"What about you?"

"You're more soaked than me. Don't worry about me. I'll go after." He ruffled my hair. "See, your hair is soaked. Shower, then we can talk, okay? I'll go get your water ready," he said as he placed a kiss on my forehead before going to the bathroom.

When he came out, I went into the bathroom surrounded by steam as I stripped off my wet clothes. The mirror showed how much of a mess I looked. My hair stuck to my forehead, and my eyes were wide with shock.

Everything felt so different. I couldn't believe that my lips touched Elijah's. I couldn't believe that I had a kiss I genuinely was happy to have. I wished he were my first kiss. I wish I met Elijah before I met Joel.

For once, I could say that I was happy.

As I stepped into the shower, the hot water washed away the rain, doubts, and aches. I stood under the stream, feeling it all melt down the drain. Once I finished, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel.

"You forgot to grab a change of clothes," Elijah said. He was waiting in the hallway, holding a change of clothes and wearing a smile on his lips.

It was cute that he noticed. "Thanks," I said, taking the neatly folded clothes from his hand.

Elijah's fingers brushed against my wet hair. "No problem. I thought it would be nice for us to watch my favorite movie this time once I shower."

I smiled. "I would like that."

"Good."

I went into my room to get changed, allowing Elijah to get into the bathroom. I wanted to call Fae and tell her all the good news, but I still had a lot to process and didn't want to jinx anything. Instead, I just waited in the living room for Elijah to get done in the bathroom.

"You could've turned the TV on at least," Elijah said as he plopped down next to me with a big fluffy blanket.

"I'm sorry. Just a lot on my mind," I said.

"Mine too," he said with a smile.

We got settled onto the couch as Elijah wrapped me in his blanket. He turned the TV on and was searching for the movie, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It was the way the firelight danced across his features, showing the vulnerability in his eyes. I had never thought I would have seen him in that state.

Elijah leaned closer, our shoulders touching. "I hope you like it," he said.

I smiled. "I will because you're with me."

He chuckled. "Shut the fuck up. Your cheesiness is making me sick."

I nudged him. "You like it."

"Unfortunately."

We shared a laugh.

I rested my head against the back of the couch. "I've waited so long for this," I admitted.

Elijah's hand found mine under the blankets, our fingers entwining. "Me too," he murmured.

I nestled into his side, the warmth of his body coming through his clothes. As the opening credits rolled, Elijah pressed a kiss to my temple. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment, the sound of rain against the window, the flicker of the fire, and the steady rhythm of Elijah's heartbeat.