Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

E llie stood on the sidewalk outside her building, the cool New York morning air nipping at her cheeks. Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness as she waited for Zy to arrive. The memory of their kisses lingered, sending a warm tingle through her body. She'd promised him a chance, a shot at exploring whatever this connection between them was, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Her fingers absently played with the strap of her purse as her mind wandered to their planned day trip. A drive out of the city, away from the pressures of work and the gaming industry. Just her and Zy, getting to know each other beyond their professional facades. The prospect made her stomach do little flips.

"You can do this, Ellie," she murmured to herself. "It's just a date. With an incredibly handsome, successful, tiger shifter who makes your knees weak. No pressure."

A familiar voice cut through her thoughts, instantly turning her blood to ice. "Well, well. If it isn't the golden girl of gaming herself."

Ellie turned, her jaw clenching at the sight of Grant, her ex-husband, swaggering towards her with a sneer on his face.

"What do you want, Grant?" she asked, her voice tight with barely contained anger.

He stopped uncomfortably close, his eyes glittering with malice. "What do I want? How about a slice of that sweet success pie you're enjoying? Your little game is making waves, Ellie. Waves that should be mine."

Ellie took a step back, disgust curling in her stomach. "You've got to be kidding me. You already stole one game from me. You're not getting a cent from Infinite Odyssey."

Grant's face darkened. "Listen here, you ungrateful bitch. You owe me. I made you who you are. And if you don't want your pretty face splashed all over the tabloids with some very unflattering stories, you'll cut me in."

"Are you threatening me?" Ellie's voice rose, anger overriding her fear. "You're lucky you're not in jail for what you did. I don't owe you anything."

He laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Jail? Please. I was your husband, Ellie. Everything you had was mine. Including your pathetic little game ideas."

Ellie tried to push past him, fury propelling her forward. "Get out of my way, Grant. We're done here."

His hand shot out, gripping her arm painfully. "We're done when I say we're done."

Suddenly, a blur of motion caught Ellie's eye. Before she could process what was happening, Grant was on the ground, Zy standing over him with a look of pure rage on his face.

"If you ever put your hands on her again, I'll kill you," Zy growled, his voice low and dangerous.

What happened next was a blur of sirens, police officers, and concerned onlookers. Ellie found herself giving a statement, her hand clasped tightly in Zy's as Grant was led away in handcuffs, shouting threats and obscenities.

"Are you okay, Ms. Madden?" One of the officers asked, his tone surprisingly gentle. "We'll need you to come down to the station later to file a formal report, but for now, you're free to go."

Ellie nodded numbly, still processing the whirlwind of events. As the police cleared out, she turned to Zy, noticing the easy way he interacted with the officers.

"They seem to know you well," she observed.

Zy gave a small, almost embarrassed smile. "I contribute to the NYC Police Foundation. Attend their charity ball every year. It's... a way to give back."

The casual mention of his philanthropy warmed Ellie's heart. Just when she thought she couldn't be more impressed by him, Zy revealed another layer of depth.

As they settled into Zy's car, the tension of the morning slowly began to ebb. Ellie let out a long breath, feeling the stress melt away as they left the city behind.

"So," she said, turning to Zy with a tentative smile. "I believe you promised me a day of art and exploration?"

Zy's answering grin made her heart skip. "Indeed I did. How does Cornwall sound? There's an art park I think you'll love, and the little shops in town are charming. Plus, I know a great Italian place for dinner."

"Sounds perfect."

"I didn't get a chance to tell you before, but you look absolutely stunning. I'm going to have to fight off half of Cornwall to keep you to myself."

Ellie felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Flatterer. I'm pretty sure the cows outnumber the people in Cornwall, so unless you're worried about bovine competition..."

Zy laughed, a rich, warm sound that made Ellie's heart do a little flip. "Never underestimate the allure of a good-looking heifer. Shall we?" He opened the passenger door with a flourish.

As they settled into the car, Ellie caught a whiff of Zy's cologne – a subtle, woodsy scent that made her want to lean in closer. She resisted the urge, instead focusing on buckling her seat belt.

"So," she said, aiming for a casual tone, "an art park, huh? I didn't peg you for the artsy type. Let me guess, you're more into the ‘my kid could paint that' school of modern art?"

Zy gasped in mock offense, placing a hand over his heart. "You wound me, Ellie. I'll have you know I have a very sophisticated palate when it comes to art. I once spent an entire afternoon staring at a blank canvas, contemplating the existential void."

Ellie snorted, unable to contain her laughter. "Oh, very deep. And here I thought you just fell asleep standing up."

Their banter continued as they left the city behind, the tension of the confrontation with Grant melting away with each mile. Ellie found herself relaxing, genuinely enjoying Zy's company outside of their usual professional setting.

As they approached Cornwall, Zy suddenly veered off the main road onto a dirt path.

"Uh, Zy?" Ellie asked, eyeing the dense woods around them. "I know I joked about the cows, but if this is where you tell me you're actually a serial killer..."

Zy chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Relax, I promise I'm not planning to murder you. I just want to show you something special."

They emerged into a clearing, and Ellie gasped. A small, crystal-clear lake stretched out before them, its surface like glass reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.

"It's beautiful," she breathed, stepping out of the car.

Zy came around to join her, standing close enough that she could feel his body heat. "I found this place years ago. It's become a sort of sanctuary for me. I've never brought anyone here."

The weight of his admission hung in the air between them. Ellie turned to face him, her heart pounding. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, Ellie thought he might kiss her again. Instead, Zy smiled softly and said, "Come on, there's a great spot for skipping stones over there."

As they stood by the crystal-clear lake, Zy's expression grew serious. "Ellie, there's something I need to tell you. Something important about me."

Ellie's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. "Oh god, you're not married, are you? Or have a secret family stashed away somewhere?"

Zy blinked, taken aback. "What? No, nothing like that. I'm... well, there's no easy way to say this. So I'm going to spit it out…I'm a shifter. A tiger shifter, to be exact."

Ellie stared at him for a long moment, then burst out laughing. "Oh, thank god. I thought you were going to tell me you had a girlfriend or something."

It was Zy's turn to look confused. "You're... not freaked out?"

Ellie shrugged. "Honestly, after everything I've been through, finding out you can turn into a giant cat is practically a relief. Although..." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "This better not be your way of telling me you cough up hairballs on my carpet."

Zy chuckled, visibly relaxing. "I promise, no hairballs. Though I can't guarantee I won't purr if you scratch behind my ears."

"Noted," Ellie grinned. "So, do you like, shed everywhere? Should I invest in a really big lint roller?"

Zy rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Very funny. I'll have you know I'm very well-groomed in both forms."

"Ooh, both forms," Ellie wiggled her eyebrows. "So that's how you were so good with the shifter characters in my game. Insider knowledge, huh?"

"Guilty as charged," Zy admitted. "Though I have to say, your interpretation of shifter psychology is impressively accurate. You sure you're not hiding some fur and whiskers yourself?"

Ellie struck a dramatic pose. "Alas, I'm boringly human. Though I did go through a cat-girl phase in high school. Does that count?"

Zy laughed, pulling her close. "Close enough. So, you're really okay with this? With me being... different?"

Ellie looked up at him, her expression softening. "Zy, you're smart, funny, kind, and apparently can turn into a majestic jungle cat. If anything, I'm starting to think I'm getting the better end of this deal."

"Oh really?" Zy's eyes twinkled. "Even if I tell you I sometimes like to chase laser pointers?"

Ellie gasped in mock horror. "Deal breaker! Next thing you'll tell me is you prefer dogs."

"Never," Zy declared solemnly. "Cats rule, dogs drool. It's a scientific fact."

As they bantered back and forth, Ellie marveled at how easy this felt. How natural it was to accept this extraordinary revelation about Zy. It should have been earth-shattering, but instead, it just felt like one more fascinating layer to the man she was quickly falling for.

"So," she said, a wicked grin spreading across her face, "does this mean I get to make cat puns now? Because I have to say, that sounds purr-fect to me."

Zy groaned, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm starting to regret this already. But I suppose I'll just have to grin and bear it. Or should I say... grin and tiger it?"

Their laughter echoed across the lake, a joyful sound full of promise and newfound understanding. As they made their way back to the car, hand in hand, Ellie couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, she'd found someone truly special. Someone who could match her wit, challenge her mind, and apparently turn into a giant cat.

Life had a way of messing with her. She still couldn't wrap her mind around being out there, spending the day with Zy and his obvious desire to want to get to know her.

"You look like you're thinking too hard," he said, his gaze locked on hers.

"I'm just still surprised that you want me. I'm not really the kind of woman guys like you go for."

"Guys like me?"

"You know, tall, muscular, and super hunky."

He chuckled. "Thanks for the compliment, but you're absolutely everything I want."

"It's just that…I'm boring…you know? So I'm just wondering if you're really sure about this before we go further."

"I'm sure. I want you, Ellie. I want to see where we take this and I want you there with me every step of the way. And I can guarantee …" He leaned into her ear as he cupped her neck, "that I won't get bored of you."

Ellie's body trembled in response. "Don't make promises you can't keep," she teased breathlessly.

His soft lips caressed her ear and moved down to her neck, teasing her body. She craved more.

"That's a promise I know I can keep," he rumbled low against her skin. His hand was still on the back of her neck as he leaned in to kiss her.

She felt as if she had just been struck with electricity. Her body surged to life as his lips locked with hers. Was it the fact that he was a shifter that made this all feel so intense? She had never been with a shifter before.

His lips owned hers, taking and making her body light up like a Christmas tree, heat emanating from inside her very core. As their mouths mated, the only thing she could think of was how much she hoped he wouldn't get bored with her.

They spent the next hour by the lake, competing to see who could get the most skips (Ellie won, much to Zy's chagrin), and talking about everything and nothing. Ellie learned that Zy had a secret love for cheesy 80's power ballads, and in return, she admitted to her addiction to trashy reality TV shows.

"Judge Judy is a national treasure," she declared as they finally got back on the road to Cornwall. "I won't hear a word against her."

Zy held up his hands in surrender. "Far be it from me to question the wisdom of the honorable Judge Judy. Although I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed. I thought you'd be more of a People's Court girl."

Ellie gasped dramatically. "How dare you. Judge Judy would eat Judge Milian for breakfast."

Their laughter filled the car, and Ellie marveled at how easy this was. How natural it felt to just be with Zy, away from the pressures of work and the gaming industry.

As they pulled into Cornwall, Ellie's eyes widened at the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. "Oh, wow. It's like stepping into a postcard."

Zy grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. "Wait until you see the art park. But first, I think we've earned some ice cream. There's a place around the corner that makes the best lavender-honey flavor you've ever tasted."

"Lavender-honey?" Ellie wrinkled her nose. "That sounds like something my grandmother would use to scent her drawers."

"Trust me," Zy said. "I'll make you a deal. If you don't like it, I'll let you program my ringtone to the Judge Judy theme song for a month."

Ellie's competitive spirit flared. "Oh, you're on, tiger boy."

As they strolled down the street, Ellie's hand found its way into Zy's, their fingers intertwining naturally. She marveled at how well they fit together, how right it felt.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever complications their professional lives might bring, Ellie was grateful for this moment. This chance to see where their connection might lead. And as Zy pulled her close to point out a particularly charming shop window, Ellie allowed herself to hope. To believe that maybe, just maybe, she'd found someone worth taking a risk on.

Even if he did have questionable taste in ice cream flavors.