The blanket covering his body was a dark color that she couldn't identify, but it was pulled up over his chest. Elena's heart was heavy, her mind still swirling with the image of Chandler kissing that woman at the hotel bar. It didn't matter how many times she told herself that they weren't a couple. It didn't matter how many times she told herself that she had no reason to care or any right to be upset. The pang of hurt lingered, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal.Desperate to avoid facing Chandler, she slipped out of bed quietly, her movements cautious to avoid waking him. Rushing into the bathroom, she closed the door softly, seeking solace in the confines of the tiled space.The hot water cascaded over her, offering a brief respite from the emotional turmoil. As she dressed hurriedly, her thoughts raced, tangled in a web of hurt and confusion. She wished she could erase the sight of Chandler's kiss from her mind, but it lingered, haunting her every thought.Finall
Sighing theatrically, Elena relented, her expression turning serious. "Alright. At first, it started off fine, you know? We had a good time, the party was great, sparks were flying and the conversation flowed smoothly. I met a lot of nice people too."Beth leaned in, hanging onto Elena's every word."But then," Elena continued, her voice tinged with frustration, "I ran into this guy, Matt. Chandler introduced me to him weeks ago. We started talking and then he told me he wanted to ask me out when we met, but Chandler had apparently told him to back off."Beth's eyes widened in surprise, anticipating the twist in the story.Elena's face clouded with conflicting emotions. "I got really upset with Chandler because I didn't like the fact that he was already trying to control who I went out with. We argued about it, and then he stormed out of the hotel room. After a while I felt guilty because I thought maybe I overreacted. Do you think I overreacted?"Beth's expression mirrored the roller
Elijah grinned mischievously. "Emily told me you asked her sister out on a date. How did that go?" he asked. Chandler tossed the now empty bottle into the bin before he faced his brother again, "What the hell do you think? And I'm not talking to you about it."Elijah hooted. "Oh man, she already did a number on you, didn't she?"Chandler snarled and pointed a finger at him. "Didn't I just say that I didn't want to talk about it?""Tough shit, Bro." Elijah replied and held up his hands. "I don't see anyone else lining up to help you with your problems.". "I don't have any problems, except for my busy body brother not knowing when the hell to shut the fuck up," he dabbed his face with a towel, then tossed it on his shoulder. Facing Elijah again, he said, "What else did Emily tell you?" Elijah burst into laughter, "I thought you didn't want to talk about it. I knew it! You're indeed smitten with Emily's twin. Well, good luck to you…. Emily is going to fry your ass," Chandler rolled h
Beth nodded in agreement, "The dating pool is such a mess right now," she said. "Emily laughed, "Well at least someone went on a date recently… With the other Kendrick brother," she looked at Elena, "And hasn't said anything about it."Elena shut her eyes, and in that moment she hoped the floor would open up and swallow her up, but her wish wasn't granted. Instead, she opened her eyes to find four pairs of eyes staring back at her, waiting for her reply. "You went out with Chandler Kendrick?" Charlotte asked with a raised brow, "Didn't know you liked him… Didn't know he was dating either because he said he wasn't," "I don't…like him" Elena cut in. No one looked like they believed her, so she added, "But it doesn't matter, okay? It didn't work out and I won't be going out with him again," "What happened?" asked Emily. Elena frowned, "I don't want to talk about it," "Yeah, I've noticed that you don't want to talk about anything lately. If you are upset with me just say it," "I'm
Lexi nodded and Elena's smile grew wider, "Lexi, of course! I'd be honored to make your wedding cake. Thank you so much for choosing me."Emily, too, beamed with delight, feeling the warmth of the moment. "That's wonderful, Lexi! Elena's cakes are absolutely incredible. Trust me when I say this, your wedding cake will be stunning!"—--------The date for Elijah and Lexi's wedding drew closer, and although Chandler was genuinely happy for his brother, he dreaded that day. Elijah and Lexi had somehow agreed to listen to his step mother, who claimed that she had the perfect church for them to get married in and they'd agreed. That meant not only would he be going back to the home he hated visiting, but he'd also be seeing his father and step mother again. Elijah's wedding was going to be one more thing they'd use to compare the both of them, and even if he and Elijah had fixed their issues and were very close now, he wasn't looking forward to seeing their family. He wasn't going to enjoy
Elena shook her head. There was no way she was going to let herself be stuck with him in his car for two hours. Not again. While she was mad at him and desperately wanted to punch him, her body still reacted to his presence like a fucking magnet. She still noticed him and the way he kept staring at her…. Oh God. "I don't think that's going to be possible, Lexi," she said, "Yeah, no way," Emily added, "I'm sure that Chandler and I will be able to act civil for your wedding. We are adults and we can handle ourselves without having to make up or ride together in his car," Lexi shook her head, "My wedding, my rules," she said, "You guys are riding together and I want you to be friends again by the time we arrive, got it? Even if you don't want to be friends, find a common ground," "I'm fine with that," said Chandler, much to Elena's discomfort and Emily's irritation. Emily poked a finger in his direction, "I don’t care if she forgives you, Chandler," she said, "You do not deserve her
Needing to put some distance between them, Elena took a step backwards, "Everyone is waiting for us," she told him, "Let's go," Then she left him standing there and walked towards his car. Chandler noticed she'd also left her luggage for him and he grabbed it, gladly in fact, because just watching her walk away was worth it in his books. She might not have forgiven him, but they were a step closer to that if he played his cards right. And God bless Lexi for her decision to make her ride in his car. One more point for his future sister in law. —----------The silence in the car was deafening….so quiet you could hear a pin drop if not for the soft purring from the car. It wasn't an awkward silence either, more like they didn't know how to begin to say what needed to be said. Elena sat facing the window with her arms wrapped around her body. Her legs remained stiff against each other, and she looked like she'd rather be anywhere else but there with him. Her short sundress looked even
"You have no idea what hearing you say that means to me," he said huskily and Elena almost grinned at the emotion in his voice, "Do you think we should give the date another try? I promise I won't screw it up this time," Elena smiled, "Maybe, but not yet. I'm not letting you off easy. Besides, It's Elijah and Lexi's wedding… I don't want us to take the attention away from them," Chandler nodded, but the desire in his eyes as he stared at her told a different story. It seemed to burn away her clothes and Elena shifted in her seat, unable to deny the fact that she wanted the same thing and felt the same way. "Fine," said Chandler finally, "We'll let them have their wedding, and then I'm all yours."—-----------Grayson Kendrick was a handsome man, Elena observed when they finally arrived at their destination. His head was filled with mostly white hair and so was his beard, but he was still strong and good looking. He was tall with broad shoulders, a strong nose, and a wide smile. App