I Loved You First

Chapter 15: William

SEPTEMBER

"Hi!" I hear Elle's sweet voice echo through the kitchen entry.

I quickly dry off from my shower, wrap the towel around my waist and open the bathroom door, stepping out into the living room. "Hey! I'll be right out."

I run a hand over my wet hair and shoot her a rakish grin from across the room.

Do I linger, taking her in a few seconds longer than I probably should when I see my parents aren't around?

You know I do.

My eyes roam over her usual shorts and polo with those cute little strappy flats she always wears.

Big fan.

And this girl, I love throwing her off. There's nothing more adorable than a flustered Elle James.

"Oh, okay. Um, yeah. Yes, sir. Take your time. Thank you." I stifle a laugh as she blinks rapidly, shaking her head. "I mean... I don't know what I mean. I don't know why I said thank you," she stammers, looking from the towel up my body before landing on my eyes.

"Elle..." I chuckle. "Did you just call me sir?"

She tries to hide behind her hand, but there's a bashful smile and deep flush crossing her face, plain as day.

See? Adorable.

"William Porter! Go put some clothes on," Mom says, walking in the room behind Elle who jumps like a dang rabbit.

I laugh and head down the hall to my room.

"Eloise, I'm sorry my son is an absolute heathen. Can I get you something to drink?" I hear Mom say, clearly wanting me to know that I'm a heathen.

"Um, no. I mean, yes. Sorry. Water would be great. Thank you." I smile, still hearing the fluster in Elle's voice from my room.

I throw on a t-shirt and shorts and walk back out to the living room with my hands up. "Alright. I'm clothed, Mother. Cool if we work on the computer in my room?" I ask as she hands Elle a glass of water.

She points a finger at me, with a look that says no funny business. "Yes, but door open. I'll be right here watching Real Housewives."

"Got it. Thanks." I fail to hide a smile, motioning for Elle to follow me back to my room.

She takes a long sip of water before setting the glass and her bag on the breakfast nook table. "Thank you, Mrs. Rhodes."

As soon as Elle sets foot in my room, I've got her by the waist, pulling her away from the door. Startled, she braces her hands on my chest and tries not to laugh. "Shhh." I smile, the lingerings of soap and steam still radiating from my skin. I pull her into my closet and kiss her in what may be the only truly private place in this house.

I run my hands through her silky hair to the back of her head, deepening the kiss as she grabs my sides, pulling me even closer. She stumbles over a pair of shoes and falls back onto the wall, trying not to laugh while I slide the shoes out of the way with my foot.

"You okay?" I whisper, anchoring both of my hands on the wall, surrounding her.

Her eyes sparkle in the darkness of my closet as she nods her head, urging me back in toward her. "Our first real kiss was in this closet," she whispers between kisses.

I admire her pretty face in the shadows of light before moving down to kiss my favorite spot on her neck, right below her ear. I swear, she must spray her perfume right here. It always smells so good. So her. "I remember," I whisper against her skin.