Elevator Pitch

by Evelyn Leigh

“Listen, ma’am. I don’t have anywhere to be, but if you’re going to keep eye fucking me…I’d appreciate it if you’d ask me my name.”

“I would say that you look beautiful tonight, but you probably get that a lot.” I tilt my head and respond, “So you won’t pay me a compliment because I’m used to them?” “Did I say that? For someone who reads, I’d expect you to wait for the words before you reacted to them.” I scoff.

“I was saying, before you rudely interrupted me, that you’re enchanting.” His eyes meet mine. “I’ll admit I was trying to distract you. You grabbed my attention and held onto it, all while you were focused on that novel. I wanted to earn your gaze.”

“You wanted to captivate me?” I say curiously. “Absolutely,” he responds confidently.

“How do you feel now that you got to see me?” He stares adoringly. “Very fucking fortunate.”

She’s my neighbor and that’s it. My beautiful neighbor that I think about often. My beautiful neighbor that I think about often seems to have a boyfriend. My beautiful neighbor that I think about often seems to have a boyfriend, and is off limits now. That’s it.

“I know you’re a nasty girl, but your secret is safe with me,” I tease.

We couldn’t afford a photographer when we eloped, so she found a vintage camera at the thrift store for us to take turns snapping pictures throughout the day. I fell in love with the fact that a memory lives forever if you photograph it. Whether there’s a good or bad memory behind it, someone can capture the moment with a photo and pass it on for generations. I started collecting cameras and photography eventually became a hobby.

I’ve read a few romances she’s recommended, and I think this is what they call a slow burn. I can wait. The fire will be rewarding.

“If you must know,” I say in a hushed voice. “We play in pinochle tournaments, and they can get pretty heated.”

“Well, that was pretty underwhelming, but neighborly.” She leans in close like she’s got a secret. “That man wants you, and not just on Tuesdays.” “Mom, stop. He’s just a good neighbor.” “Oh, I’m sure he’s really good,” she teases.

“I’m going to strip you bare and grant your body the attention it deserves. I’m going to worship you, because it’s what you deserve, Princess.”

“Will you think of me the next time you brush your teeth?” He asks and I snort. “I’m strongly considering it.”

“And people keep telling me to stop playing God. This,” she says, pointing between us. “This is why I won’t stop. I put the bug in your ear, and you managed to find her.”

What the hell are you doing in my house? How did you get Audrey to let you in? I got her. My sunflower. I then decide to change her name in my phone to ‘Sunflower.’ Me I needed to borrow a toothbrush.

Cat got your tongue now? Now I know how to respond to this. Let’s play, Princess. Me I know a cat that has my tongue. ;) Sunflower SIR. Me Good girl.

I’m a pleasure dom. I focus on my partner’s pleasure, often to the point of exhaustion. That gets me off.”

This kiss feels like the northern lights breathing life into me I never knew. I feel reborn. I’ve kissed before, but it’s never been like this. I’m hungry for her, and I’ve been starving for weeks, desperate for her taste and attention, willing to take anything she’ll offer.

I settle in, warm up the car, and pull my phone out of my pocket. I open the Kiwi Music app and hand my phone to her. She doesn’t take it and looks at me incredulously. “Tell me how you’re feeling right now with a song.” “Just one?”

She took her panties off in my car and put them in my lap. Fuck. This woman drives me wild.

I’ve never cared much for kissing before, and I’m convinced that’s because it wasn’t with her.

Everything is going to be fine. I’ve asked a woman to flat out marry me once, surely, I can ask Selah to be my date to a wedding. I have asked women out before, and I don’t know what it is about Selah that makes me second-guess myself, but shit. I psych myself up until I hear her footsteps approaching.

Would you accept my tongue as a proper apology? Yes, or no? Circle one

“Breaking and entering with a side of breakfast? You’re so good to me.”

Followed by a picture of her laying in bed wearing my shirt with toothbrush emojis. She drives me fucking wild.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Selah.” “Happy Wednesday, Grey.” “Hmm, it’s about to be a very happy hump day for the both of us.”

“So, in America, neighbors do borrow sugar,” she says with a raised brow. “Eomma, please,” I plead.

“How do I look at her?” “Like if you blink, she’ll disappear. You look at her like you’ve found the peace you’ve been looking for all this time.”

“Make a wish, Grey.” I close my eyes and blow out the candles. I wish she was mine.

“No panties in public? Bad girl.” “I’m not apologizing.” she retorts.

“Baby, when you fall in love, you have no control over it. You can lay down a thousand ground rules, but if your heart wants that man, those rules won’t stop shit. You hear me, Selah?”

Like I said, she sleeps better in my bed. She doesn’t have to admit it when it’s a proven fact. The most beautiful woman in the world is sleeping in my bed, on my chest, safe and sound. She’s exactly where she needs to be.

Her heart is safer if we keep things the way they are, but mine isn’t. I can’t be the only one feeling a greater pull between us, but I will be the first to acknowledge it. I plan to tell her sooner than later. She doesn’t have to say it back, I’ll gladly love her until she catches up. Near or far.

I must say it’s nice to be able to look up and see her face. While she can be distracting, I don’t mind. However, she can stay focused on work while I stare at her, but she argues it’s because of her ADHD medication.

I really like taking care of Selah and I’d love to do it for the rest of my life if she’d let me.

“Fuck. I really wish you didn’t say that,” she chokes. “I really like you, but I’m not capable of this shit. I’m not. You are. You’ve been a husband before. You’re meant to love and be loved. I’m not. I’ve never been handled with care. I’m not meant to be a girlfriend. I’m nobody’s wife. I’m nobody’s fiancé. I’m nothing but a fucking flight risk. I stayed so fucking long that I’ll bolt before I get stuck somewhere again. Running makes me feel free,” she cries.

She says, “I love you, Clifford. Tell your daddy I’m sorry.”

I’m surely not worth all that trouble. I’m not healed enough, and I don’t want to damage anyone’s heart while mending my own.

I am chaos and Greyson is peace.

Greyson cherishes me. Simply knowing him has sent me to unknown heights. He loves me in ways I never thought possible. This love isn’t constricting or stifling. Nor have I had to alter myself to appease him.

Before you slam that door in my face, I want you to know that I do love you, Greyson. I wasn’t prepared for you. I didn’t even get a warning. You actually didn’t knock on my door at all. You used a battering ram and brought donuts,” I

“But you didn’t burn me. Loving you isn’t fatal, Selah. It’s worthwhile. You are worthwhile. Contrary to what you believe.”

“Well, you know I can’t resist fun facts.” “Your presence calms me down when I’m anxious. Every single time.”

“I have a fun fact for you.” “Lay it on me.” “Did you know that you’re the love of my life?” “I do now,” he says with a smile.