Leaving on a Jet Plane

I felt the bed shift and a small wash of cool air cross my bare back. Rolling over, I stretched my arms above my head and groaned. I felt good.

“Keep looking like that and I’m going to miss my plane.”

Opening my eyes, I smiled sleepily at Henry. “That doesn’t seem like a bad idea,” I murmured. I watched as he pulled on a pair of jeans.

“I mean it, Ellie. Stop looking at me like that.”

Sitting up, I tucked the sheet around under my arms, holding it in place with one hand. Pushing hair out of my face, I caught a glimpse of myself in the vanity mirror. My hair was a mass of tangles, my cheeks were flushed, my lips felt bruised. I smiled.

“Ellie,” Henry warned.

“What?” I asked innocently, trying not to laugh. I looked at him, the early morning light gilding his bare chest. The muscles flexed as he grabbed his shirt. I sighed in disappointment as he covered the taunt belly I’d spent hours kissing the night before. “Do you really have to go?”

Henry sighed as he buttoned his shirt. “I don’t want to, sweetheart. You know I don’t.”

“I’m not sure I like this long distance thing.”

“I know for sure I don’t.” He finished buttoning his shirt and ran his fingers through his hair. My hands itched to do the same. “Have you given any more thought to coming up for the summer?” he asked casually.

“Yeah.” My fingers twisted in the sheets.

“We can’t keep doing this, me flying down here when I can, phone calls, texting.” Henry grabbed his socks and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I hate it too,” I said.

“Then move in with me,” he held up his hand. “Just for the summer. School will be out in three weeks. I’ll fly down here and then drive up with you.”

“You’re forgetting something.”

Henry’s jaw tightened as he tugged his socks on.

“Henry,” I reached out a hand and rubbed his shoulder. “I didn’t know you when I applied. It’s an amazing opportunity. I’ve always wanted to visit Spain.”

“I’ll take you to Spain,” he muttered.

“This is important to me,” I whispered.

“You’re going to teach English to a bunch of good looking Spanish men and you don’t think I’d have a problem with that?” Henry jerked away from me. Standing, he paced to the window.

“Don’t be silly,” I teased, trying to break the tension, “I don’t know that they’re all good looking.”

“That’s not the point, Ellie.” He turned to look at me, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms. “I want you in my house,” he gritted out, “within easy reach.”

“You’re acting like a spoiled boy with a new toy,” I shot back, frustrated. “I’m not going to back out of my contract.”

He stared at me, his eyes narrowing. Pushing himself away from the wall, he stalked across the room, unbuttoning his shirt.

“Henry,” I held up my hand. “I’m not going to change my mind.” He shrugged his shirt off his shoulders. Reaching the foot of the bed, he crawled up. “Henry,” I warned.

Looping his hands under my knees, he pulled hard, sending me tumbling onto my back. Gripping the sheet with one hand, I used the other to press against his shoulder. “You’re not going to change my mind,” I repeated between clenched teeth.

He looked at me, his eyes unreadable. “I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered fiercely.

“Oh, Henry.“ I melted against him as he covered my mouth in a searing kiss, easing the sheet from my lifeless fingers. I lifted my arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him tighter. Twisting my legs around his, I leaned back, forcing him to look into my eyes. “You’re not going to lose me.”

This piece was inspired by the Write on Edge prompt to write about a season. I played a little fast and lose with the prompt, but, in this case, summer is bringing something for Henry and Ellie.

If you’d like to read more about these two, visit Fictional Mandyland for more bits and pieces of Hidden Hollow.