Chapter 21

Ella.

Ella couldn't believe it had only been a couple of weeks. It felt like she had known Cassius for so much longer. Since she couldn't always get out of the house to see him alone, they had begun video chatting at night after the kids had gone to bed.

Ella had found that the insistent pull toward Adam had lessened since seeing Cassius. Her soul sighed in relief from the distraction. It had been so hard to control herself around Adam. But now that she and Cassius were seeing each other more regularly, it was more like a buzz at the back of her mind.

Cassius was handsome, charming, and made her laugh. Ella thought he was a really amazing guy and really enjoyed spending time with him. He made it so easy to open up and talk about anything she needed or wanted to. She had forgotten how good it felt to have someone to confide in - someone who wouldn’t judge her, but just listen.

That night, they were talking about their favorite musical artists. Turns out they both enjoyed many of the same songs. While Ella was more into pop than rock, there were many songs that she and Cassius both enjoyed. As long as it had an upbeat tempo and good lyrics, Ella was a fan. So when Cassius suggested she try out a new rock band she hadn’t heard before, she didn’t even hesitate.

Ella pulled up her browser and typed in the band name as they talked, then pulled up the album Cassius suggested and pushed play on the first song. They sat in silence together as the song played. Her head bobbed to the beat, enjoying the song.

When it was over, Ella smiled. “That was awesome! How have I never heard them before?”

“If you liked that, you should try some others. I’ll put together a playlist for you,” Cassius replied with a smirk.

Forgetting she had autoplay on, the next song came on just as Ella was about to say something. She stifled a giggle and moved to push pause. But Cassius called out for her to stop.

“This is my favorite of theirs,” he said. “You can pause the music after this.”

Ella smiled and nodded. She then subconsciously closed her eyes to take in the music without outside distractions. The beat was amazing and it seemed as if she could feel it reverberating within her own body.

A sharp rap at the front door brought Ella back to herself. Her brows furrowed in confusion. She wasn’t expecting anybody.

“Hold on, Cassius,” she said as she got up from her bed and walked over to the door with her phone still in her hand.

Ella opened the door and her jaw dropped at the sight before her. Adam was dressed in a slimming black suit and pants. The white button-up shirt underneath had been freshly pressed and the top two buttons were undone. In his hands, he held a bouquet of daisies, Ella’s favorite flower. His eyes held hers in a smoldering gaze.

Ella’s heart fluttered at the sight of him and she stood there, speechless.

“Ella?” Cassius called from her phone. “What’s going on? Who is it?”

His voice snapped her out of her trance and she blinked slowly.

“Adam? What are you doing here?” she asked, ignoring Cassius’s question.

“I’m here to sweep you off your feet, obviously,” he answered, his voice rich and deep.

Adam seemed unbothered by the fact that Cassius was on the line.

“Would you allow me the honor of taking you out? I made sure to come when Aaron and Emme were in bed. And I already asked your father if it was alright.”

He handed her the daisies, her hands clasping them automatically. She brought them to her face and closed her eyes, sniffing deeply. They smelled amazing.

Ella suddenly remembered Cassius was still on her phone in her other hand.

“Uh.. Hold on…” she told Adam, lifting her index finger.

She stepped back into the house, leaving the door partially open and Adam standing on her doorstep. Ella quickly grabbed a vase and placed the flowers within. Then, she brought the phone up in front of her face.

“I’m sorry, Cassius. I need to go,” she told him, placing her tongue into her cheek, hoping she didn’t offend him.

“You’re going out with him, then?” Cassius asked, hurt.

“I-I’m not sure. But I do need to talk to him. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

“Alright. Talk to you tomorrow.”

Ella ended the call, filled the vase with water, then walked back to the door. She opened it wide. Adam greeted her again with a smile.

“Adam…” She let a slow breath out. “Adam, right now is not the best time.”

“I call bull, Ella,” Adam replied.

Ella was surprised at his boldness and blinked rapidly.

“Your father told me you had nothing planned tonight, and now that lone wolf boy is off the phone, you’re completely free.”

Ella sputtered, not knowing how to respond.

“Please, Ella,” Adam pleaded. “Let me take you out. Give you the date you truly deserve. Let me show you that I’ve changed. I’m a better man. And I am your mate.”

Ella gulped nervously. She looked at Adam all dressed up and back to herself, realizing she was only in her pajamas. Her face flooded with blood, blushing bright red. “I-I’m certainly not dressed for the occasion,” she stuttered, trying to excuse herself.

Adam placed a steady hand on the door, keeping it open. “Then go change. You have ten minutes.”

His green eyes sent her heart fluttering again. His stubbornness and their tenderness forced Ella to agree. She let Adam in and scurried back to her room to change outfits. Adam grinned as she agreed to his date and he sat down on the couch to wait.