The Neighbor

Chapter 26

Elodie's POV

Lost in my own thoughts. The tranquilness of my own mind. I was floating on a cloud, content. For the first time in months I felt my muscles un tensing, relaxing. I could breathe. He was gone, and would never be able to hurt me. This would be Florence's justice. Part of me wondered if I should write a book, telling both of our stories when this was all over. Then her name would not be forgotten. Her story would be written, for the future generations of people to read. Maybe it will become a bestseller. I could work with someone to get the word out. 

"Elodie," 

I opened my eyes and sat up turning. The bathroom door was opened slightly as another knock sounded. 

"Elodie, can I come in?"

"Uh, I'll be right out, give me a minute." 

"No! It's okay, take your time."

I drained the water and grabbed the removable shower head and rinsed the soap off of my body. I climbed out of the tub and grabbed a towel wrapping myself in it. I walked to my phone and checked the time. It was 10:30pm. I had been in the tub for over an hour? I looked in the mirror and then grabbed my toiletry bag as I brushed my hair quickly and grabbed out a tank top and shorts. I threw it on quickly as I slid my phone into my pocket and opened the door. Malcom was sitting on the bed with a bouquet of flowers. I cleared my throat and Malcom turned his head to me and quickly stood up. 

"I um, I- I got you these" 

Malcom held the flowers out and I smiled while taking them. 

"They're beautiful. Thank you." 

Malcom watched my every move as I set the flowers down on the nightstand. 

"Gary called me, said you wanted to talk?" 

I nodded and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear nervously. 

"I um-" 

Malcom raised his eyebrows. 

"I just-" 

Butterflies were filling my stomach as I nervously looked around the room. I took a breath. You can do this.

"I  just wanna do this-" 

I walked towards Malcom and wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned up pressing my lips to his. His hands ran to my hips as he pulled me in close. He rested his hands softly on my sides as our lips moved back and forth. Fireworks began going off in my head as our lips connected once again. He pulled me towards the bed as he sat down and I stood in between his legs. I began kissing down his neck as his head fell back and to the side. 

"Elodie," 

His voice hummed as his hands ran up my back savoring every inch of my skin. He gently caressed every curve on my body as I reconnected our lips. Everything about him was gentle. This felt right. His hands cupped my cheeks gently as he pulled back out of breath. 

"I- Just a minute," 

I hadn't realized how hard we were both breathing. Malcom kept his hands on my waist as his eyes flickered between my lips and my eyes. I let out a small laugh as he smiled. 

"I meant what I said earlier tonight Elodie. I'll leave this all behind for you." 

I pressed my lips together and let out a small sigh.

"I know. I couldn't ask you to do that though. I'm sorry for earlier. I just, I got-" 

"No no no, don't apologize! I realized I can be over the top sometimes with the gifts, I just. It's how I am. Thank you for telling me. Sometimes it is a lot."