Breaking Elle by Antoinette Candela Page B

against my cheek. “Elle, you saved us. I slipped, and you caught me when I should have been catching you. So I’ll be catching you from now on, and keeping you.” He smiles and leans into me, placing his lips tenderly over mine.
    I won’t jeopardize what I have with Cane, not for anyone. I won’t let it happen. I shake the thoughts away and look into my boyfriend’s warm eyes, his handsome face, the constant in my life for the past two years who helped me open my heart up to love. “You’re worth it, babe. I love you.”
    “I love you, too,” He says, a smile touching the corner of his lips. “So, how are you feeling?”
    “I’m fine.” I smile, clutching his hands.
    “Really?” He pouts. “I was thinking of taking the rest of the day off and going back to my place so I can nurse you back to health.” He winks, smiling enticingly.
    “Is that all you think about?” I grin, looking at him through my lashes.
    “No, first you, and then that. The two kinda overlap.” He stares at me wickedly and my breath catches when his hand slides up my thigh.
    “Cane.” I whimper, placing my hand over his. “Tempting babe, totally. But I need to work. Need the money. But I promise to make it up to you.”
    “Promise?” He croons, leaning over the table.
    “Yes.” I sigh as I lean in to kiss him.

 
     
    I wait outside the center after work, pacing back and forth on the grass, and anxiously twirling my hair. Cane is locking up so that we can get out of here and spend some time together. Away from work, away from other people, and especially away from Reed and what happened in the lounge. I need to get over it and not worry about one encounter with a guy who means nothing to me. Things couldn’t be any better between Cane and me right now, and I don’t want anyone or anything to ruin it.
    I hear my phone go off, pulling me from my thoughts. I smile when I see a text from Tyler come across.
     
    Tyler: U guys heading out tonight?
     
    Elle: Not sure.
     
    Tyler: Let me know.
     
    Elle: U like being a third wheel?
     
    Tyler: If you’re the second. ;)
     
    Elle: I can’t get rid of u, can I?
     
    Tyler: U know u can’t live without me.;)
     
    Elle: Pfffttt...
     
    I shove my phone in my backpack and laugh. Tyler has that uncanny ability to make me smile, pull me out of any funk, and piss me off, sometimes even at the same time.
    “Hey there.”
    I turn at the sound of Cane’s familiar voice as he swings through the double glass doors. He just showered, and his blonde hair is damp and slicked back. His blue jeans and a gray t-shirt enhance his muscular frame. My heart swells at the mere sight of him. All I can think about is putting my lips on his and having his arms wrapped around me. Walking toward me with his backpack slung over his shoulder, he smiles and immediately slips my backpack off my shoulder, transfers it to his, and gives me that kiss I was just thinking about.
    “Hey, handsome.” I smile, nudging him with my hip. “What do you wanna do tonight?”
    “I’m wanna spend time with my girlfriend,” he says, kissing my cheek. “You look amazing even after working all day, and your ass in those jeans...” He shakes his head in awe, his sexy brown eyes caressing my body. “Love,” he says adoringly and playfully as he smacks the object of his attention.
    “Thanks, babe,” I reply, feeling euphoric from his touch.
    “So, have you thought about what I asked you last night?” he asks, gazing down at me with hopeful eyes, his hand tightening around mine.
    “Moving out?” I smile, meeting his eyes. “I have. I know that it would be a good thing,” I reply. I’m feeling nervous and excited about the idea.
    “I can get my own place now, and you can stay anytime you want,” he says as we climb the stairs to the apartment he shares with his roommates.
    “You’d like that,” I say, giggling. I think I would too.
    “No, I’d love it. I’d have a drawer waiting for you.” He kisses my hand