The Engagement Embargo: A Meet Me at the Altar Novel Read online

  “Are you sure? Because…”

  Lifting her head, Skye met his gaze. “Elliott, we both said we wanted casual–no strings, no commitments, no…future. I don’t think we need to overanalyze it. We’re sleeping together and we’re exclusive. End of story.” Then she collapsed back down beside him and resumed her previous position pressed up against him.

  It took him a minute to decide whether he should add anything and knew there were a few details they should probably address. He gently cleared his throat and held her a little closer. “We’re not telling anyone about this–about us–that’s a given, but do we make some kind of schedule or just call when one of us wants…”

  “A booty call?” she asked with a snicker.

  “For lack of a better word, sure. A booty call.” He hated that phrase, but…whatever. “How do you want to handle this?”

  “Hmm…” She paused, and he knew she was trying to think it all through. “I’d say it would be safer to text each other if we want to…you know…”

  He nodded.

  “I know I always have my phone with me and sometimes it’s easier for me to deal with a text than an actual call…”

  “Same.” It was all making sense and falling into place and he couldn’t believe it was this easy. “Would you prefer we met here or my place?”

  She shrugged. “I guess it would depend on what was going on, so if you’re okay going with the flow on that one, then I think we’re good there.”

  Nodding again, he said, “Yeah. I guess we are.” Then another thought hit him. “I’m assuming we’re both okay with spending the night?”

  “What?”

  “You know, we’re not kicking each other out of bed in the middle of the night because we don’t want this to start feeling too intimate or anything. I know that first night you were going to leave, but…I think we can handle doing the sleepover thing, don’t you?”

  “Sure.”

  “Okay, then,” he said, smiling. “We’re good.”

  “Good,” she said.

  “Good.”

  They both seemed lost in their own thoughts for several minutes and it all seemed oddly anticlimactic. For all his worrying about them needing to talk, there really wasn’t much to discuss. And for the first time since this whole thing started, he felt good–like he could finally relax and truly enjoy what they were doing.

  Well…he’d been totally enjoying it the entire time, but now there was nothing hanging over their heads. They were free to get together and have sex as much as they wanted and then go on their merry way. It was completely ideal.

  Why haven’t I done more of this? He wondered. Why was I always pushing to settle down?

  Refusing to let that thought take hold, Elliott slowly rolled them over until Skylar was underneath him again. Her eyes went a little wide at the change in positions and he smiled down at her. “I think we should celebrate.”

  One perfectly arched brow rose. “Oh, really? And what are we celebrating?”

  “Finally having the talk so we can…you know…go right to the good stuff from now on.” He waggled his eyebrows at her lecherously before they both laughed. “Come on, you’ve got to admit that wasn’t nearly as scary as we thought it was going to be.”

  She made a noncommittal sound before reaching up and raking her hand through his hair. “Since the talk is done, how about you stop talking and show me how we’re supposed to celebrate,” she said saucily and damn if she wasn’t the cutest thing.

  “My pleasure.”

  For a little more than a month, things were perfect.

  Beyond perfect.

  And not just between him and Skye.

  He’d gotten a promotion at work, he sold his SUV and was now the proud owner of a brand-new Ford Mustang, and for the first time in months, he had his confidence back. Yeah, that one was the biggest achievement of them all because he felt like he had finally put the whole Tracy thing behind him. No one was talking about it anymore and he hadn’t gotten any pitying looks in the longest time so he’d clearly turned a corner there and it was great.

  He’d shared that last bit with Skye and she said she was happy for him–had actually congratulated him on it–and they celebrated by spending an entire Sunday in bed.

  Perfect.

  The next big thing was putting his house up for sale. It was just one more reminder of the life he was trying to put behind him, but he had no idea where he wanted to move so…he hadn’t pulled the trigger there yet. Skye was off next weekend and he considered taking her with him to look at houses, but wasn’t sure if that would be weird or not. It wasn’t like he wanted her input because they were moving in together or anything, but he genuinely wanted her input because she was an intelligent woman with good taste. Maybe he’d bring it up with her the next time they got together.

  Which reminded him…

  Pulling out his phone, he decided to send her a quick text and see if she had plans for tonight.

  * * *

  Elliott: Hey, any plans tonight?

  * * *

  The little “sent” message was there and he hoped she was somewhere that she could respond right away. After a minute, he figured she was busy and put his phone down on his desk. It took an hour for her to respond.

  * * *

  Skye: Hey, sorry. I was on the phone with a client. My head is pounding.

  * * *

  Elliott: Sorry to hear that. I have a great cure for headaches…wink, wink…

  * * *

  Skye: As tempting as that sounds, I think I’m just going to go home and soak in the tub and rest. I’ve had back-to-back appointments all day and I am mentally and physically exhausted. Sorry.

  * * *

  Well, damn. This was the first time she turned him down and it was more than a little disappointing.

  They’d been the epitome of casual–their time together was all about sex.

  Okay, maybe not just sex. They had some great conversations mixed in but there wasn’t the pressure of having to plan any dates or decide where to go to eat or what movie to see and…for the first time since this all began, he kind of wished he could just go over and hang out with her.

  * * *

  Elliott: What time are you out of there?

  * * *

  Skye: Another hour. Why?

  * * *

  Elliott: I’m going to pick up some Chinese food while you take a hot bath. Then I’m going to feed you, rub your feet–or your head, your choice–and then tuck you into bed.

  * * *

  Skye: Elliott…that’s really not necessary

  * * *

  Elliott: Are you kidding? What are friends for?

  * * *

  She went silent for almost five solid minutes and he was afraid she was going to turn him down. But then…

  * * *

  Skye: Thank you. I appreciate it

  * * *

  Skye: And I’d really love some egg drop soup with wontons and a pint of beef with broccoli please