Park Avenue Player(83)

“Oh yeah. I forgot about that. How is she?”

“Unfortunately, she’s not doing that great. But I’m glad I got to spend the time with her there. Then Hollis came to visit me when I came home from the lake.”

“And now you’re coming home with us. Are you moving in soon?”

Elodie shook her head and laughed. “No.”

“Elodie and I are taking things slowly,” I said. “But she’s going to be spending a lot more time at the house.”

If I had my way, that would mean every night. So not technically moving in, but…

Hailey seemed happy about that revelation. “Cool.”

Elodie turned to face her. “You’re okay with that?”

“Of course, I am. I love you.”

I knew they were close, but I’d never heard Hailey say that to Elodie before.

“I love you, too,” Elodie said without hesitation.

“Do you love Elodie, Uncle Hollis?”

Leave it to my niece to put me on the spot. I was definitely falling hard for Elodie, but I wasn’t sure how to answer the question.

I finally responded, “I think it would be very easy to fall in love with Elodie.”

I realized that wasn’t exactly an answer. Thankfully, Elodie seemed to like it, as she reached over for my hand.

“I’m sorry I was weird when I first found out about you guys,” Hailey said.

“I think that was a normal reaction,” Elodie said. “I totally understood.”

After a short time of driving in silence, I decided to announce, “So, I was thinking of taking the day off tomorrow and hanging out with you guys. How does that sound?”

“Oh my God. What?” Hailey squealed.

“Is it that shocking?” I chuckled.

“Yes!” they both said at the same time.

Elodie laughed. “You’ve never taken a day off since I’ve known you. And now you’re taking two in a row.”

“I know. I think it’s time I started putting other aspects of my life ahead of my job. So I’ve decided I’m calling in again.” I rolled my eyes. “Believe me, Addison’s going to have a field day. She’ll be thrilled to fill in for me.”

***

Elodie had gone straight to the guest room after the three of us stayed up late watching a movie. So much for the girl earlier who’d promised to thank me on her knees. Elodie had also been a girl scout about not showing affection toward me around Hailey all night.

But now that my niece was asleep, my focus switched to tainting Elodie’s good intentions. I knew we shouldn’t risk getting caught in the act, but I wasn’t sure I had any self-control. My ability to stay away from Elodie was much weaker now that I’d gotten a taste of being with her. Addicted couldn’t even begin to describe it.

I was determined to get Elodie into my room, come hell or high water. As I lay here alone, I took out my phone and sent her a text.



Hollis: I’m pondering changing the color scheme in my bedroom. Can you come in here for a sec and give me your opinion?



Elodie: I would, but I’m afraid if I step foot into your room, I’ll never leave.



Hollis: That’s the idea. ;-)



Elodie: I sort of figured it was. Which is why I am staying put.



Hollis: Actually, what I’m really pondering is the thought of you on your knees at the foot of my bed giving me head.



Elodie: That rhymes.



Hollis: Do you like that?



Elodie: Rhyming? Sure.



Hollis: I’m also pondering you on my cock grinding your hips while I suck on your lips.



Elodie: LOL



Hollis: Also…this might sound crass, but I’d REALLY like to slap your ass.



Elodie: Well, aren’t you the creative one when you’re horny…



Hollis: My version of nursery rhymes. ;-) Remind me why you’re down the hall and not in my bed again?



Elodie: Because now that we’re actually here and she’s in the next room, I’ve chickened out.



Hollis: How is it possible that I miss you already? I just saw you…what… twenty minutes ago? I’m already twitching.



Elodie: And you’re taking the day off tomorrow again! I can’t believe that. Have I mentioned how much I love sweet, romantic Hollis?



She’d used the word love.



Hollis: Not sure my intentions right now are purely romantic. By the way, did you just say you LOVED me?



There was a long pause before she retracted her statement.



Elodie: Don’t worry, I didn’t mean LOVE love. Don’t want to freak you out. LOL I just meant I really like this sweet side of you.



I decided to tease her.



Hollis: Is there another meaning for love? Because I’m pretty sure you said you loved me.



Elodie: I just meant I love the man you are lately.



Hollis: That sounds an awful lot like you love me.



The three little circles danced for a while. I assumed she didn’t know what to say, or that I’d made her uncomfortable by calling her out.