Joycelyn was still focused on the tie, trying to loosen the knot with more effort, but Ellison’s question caught her off guard. She glanced up at him, her face flushed with the closeness and the awkward situation.
“Leave later?” she repeated, still trying to work at the tie, her fingers fumbling slightly.
Ellison’s deep voice came again, low and a bit more playful than usual, “I think we could take our time today. There’s no rush, and I’m enjoying… the moment.”
Joycelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t sure if he was being serious or just teasing, but she didn’t want to misinterpret his words. Finally, with one last tug, the knot loosened.
“Done!” she said, stepping back, relieved. She gave him a sheepish smile, still feeling the intensity of the moment.
Ellison straightened his collar, his gaze softening. “Thank you,” he said quietly, his eyes meeting hers. The air between them felt thick with unspoken understanding.
Joycelyn quickly glanced away, suddenly feeling the weight of their closeness. “I should let you get ready,” she mumbled, avoiding his gaze as she backed toward the door.
Before she could leave, Ellison spoke again, his voice a little more serious now. “Joycelyn, if you ever feel like you need something—anything—don’t hesitate to ask. This place, this… arrangement, I want it to be something that works for you too.”
Her heart warmed at his words, but she wasn’t sure how to respond. For so long, she’d been taught to keep her emotions in check, to not expect anything from anyone, especially not from someone like Ellison. But his kindness, his patience, and now this softness—it was so different from what she’d known before.
“I… I will. Thank you, Mr. Grant,” she said, though she could feel her voice faltering slightly. Her instincts screamed at her to guard her heart, to not let herself get too attached, but it was harder than she had imagined.
Ellison gave her a small smile, his usual intensity softened by something she couldn’t quite name. “You can call me Ellison. We’re married, after all,” he said with a faint chuckle, the words lingering between them.
Joycelyn’s face flushed again. “Right… Ellison.” She nodded quickly and left the room before she could say anything more. Her thoughts were a swirl of emotions—confusion, excitement, and perhaps a little fear—about the new life she was now stepping into.
As she went about the rest of her morning, preparing for the day ahead, the feeling of Ellison’s words echoed in her mind. There was no denying that something was changing between them, something that neither of them had expected, but that might be the beginning of something more.
