"Mmmm" She rolled over and buried her head deeper into the warmth.
"Gr-ace" Eli whispered, in a singsong tone.
"Hmmm?" She murmured groggily.
Eli moved his head close to hers, breathing in her scent- a warm lavender aroma, he smiled.
"Grace?" he whispered again, this time, tickling her neck with his breath, as his face was so close to hers.
"Mmmm……..Eli………." she mumbled in a sultry breath.
He smiled and let out a small laugh, staring at her soft face pressed against the pillow. Her long eyelashes closed so firmly, refusing to open, her lips a subtle pink.
He brought his head closer, and lingered around those lips, breathing in her scent again before brushing his yearning lips against hers.
Slowly, her eyes opened, and closed just as quickly when she felt his warmth.
He pulled away, the kiss was so soft and so short, and he stared into her eyes, smiling.
"Morning!" he whispered.
Grace smiled in return, and closed her eyes as she allowed her legs to stretch beneath the covers. She hadn't felt Eli's lips against hers in such a long time………..it felt so good………..so right………….but……………
Grace sat up abruptly, pushing the blankets down, she stared accusingly at Eli- "where were you?" she exclaimed.
Eli stood from his crouched position by her bed, and creased his brow; "what do you mean?" he asked.
Grace huffed, "Eli! I had a terrible day………nothing went as you said it would……….and I really needed you when I got home!"
He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair; "Oh Grace……….I'm so sorry…………..Jake asked me to work late and I………." He'd thought of a million excuses in his mind whilst driving home, but now, Grace didn't want to hear any of them.
"It's ok" she sighed, tucking her hair behind her ears; she looked up at him and gave a warm smile. She guessed his kiss had put her in a good mood
"So, what was so bad today?" he asked, and her smile faded with the reminder.
She looked down at her hands, "Ayden told everyone………." She whispered, the words stinging.
Eli stared at her, hard, "He what?" Eli's voice was deep and poisonous, filled with anger.
Grace looked up, and shook her head slightly, "Don't get all worked up………..I cant blame him………." She sighed, the truth of those words hurting her.
"I sure as hell can!" Eli replied.
Grace sighed, and got out of bed, walking to her dresser where she stared at herself in the mirror.
"I hurt him…………..and he wanted to hurt me…………." She said, gathering her hair, and piling it into a ponytail.
"So he hurt you?" Eli asked, through gritted teeth.
Grace sighed heavily, and turned to Eli, shaking her head slightly.
"But if he needs to think that he did so he can heal……….then let it be………….."
Eli looked away; "Grace………..if he ever hurts you……….." he started, in a stern husky voice.
Grace quickly walked to him, holding out her hand, she took hold of his, forcing his eyes to meet hers.
"Nothing can hurt me…………."
GRACE now that I have you.
She stopped herself from saying more, and Eli's brow creased; he saw in her eyes that there was something else……….but would she……….
"Now that I have you" she sighed, and a scared smile crossed her face.
GRACE (covers her face with her hands) ohhhh…………
Eli stared into her face for the longest time- and the more silence he echoed, the redder she felt her cheeks turn.
"Oh god………" she sighed heavily, releasing his hand, and turning to the ground.
"No, Grace………." Eli said quickly, a small smile spreading evenly across his lips; he reached out and took her hand.
GRACE (moves her hand over a small bit, to reveal her eye)
She turned back to him, her face now scarlet red, but her lips curving into a relaxed smile as she saw his sincere face.
"What does that mean?" he asked, raising an eyebrow mischievously.
"I……….I don't know……….." she huffed, averting her eyes.
Eli cupped both her hands in his, and squeezed them slightly; she looked into his green eyes, and felt the words ease out; without a second thought, everything was in the open.
"That………. I have you……….and we are…………."
"Together?" He asked, maybe a little too quickly.
GRACE (slowly lowers her hands, and gives a small laugh)
Grace and Eli, both with stupid grins across their lips, looked playfully into each other's eyes; both waiting for the other to confirm what they both knew was true.
"You know………this is what I've always wanted……….." Eli finally breathed.
Grace gave a small nod. And looked to the ground for a moment.
GRACE once I do this I cant go back.
ELI I don't want to go back.
She looked up, and searched his face; but words wouldn't come to her, so, instead, she took a step forward; so close to him now, she moved her head to his, their lips a second away and whispered; "I think I want this too"; and she pressed her soft lips hard against his.
GRACE (starts laughing a little bit louder)
ELI (trying to force a smile) Philadelphia
AUTHORS NOTE
ok, I have an ending thought up in my mind. It's a good one, atleast I think so anyway- you might, almost certainly, disagree!
But that's chapters away, live in the now- and please review!
Thanks a ton for all the lovely comments so far.
