The girls say their goodbyes, and we walk out the door.
“So how is it being back in the office these days? Do you still feel the same as you did in college?” I ask, not ready to say goodbye.
Cici thinks for a minute before answering, “It makes a bigdifference that my parents aren’t hovering, involved in the day-to-day. That part I like, but I’m still just not a fan of property management in general. Luckily, it keeps me busy enough that I don’t dwell on it, and I know it’s only temporary. But I’ll be glad to go back to my job for sure.”
“Do you want to keep talking with a nightcap at my place?”
“I need to get to bed.”
“Well, now that you mention it.” Moving in, I push her hair behind her ear and whisper, “I think that’s a great idea.” She shivers in response with a sharp intake of breath. She wants me as much as I want her. Now if she’d just stop fighting it….
She steps back and pushes the elevator button. “You do this every time, and my answer will always be the same.”
“Come on, Cici, we’re both up for some fun—why not have it together?”
“I’m leaving now…. Goodnight, Eli.”
When I walk into the kitchen, I pull my phone out of my pocket, frustrated with the way things ended yet again.
Eli: How long do you plan to keep avoiding the inevitable?
Cici: What are you talking about?
Eli: You’ve been back for a month now, and you’ve been sidestepping me ever since.
Cici: I am not. I’m maintaining healthy boundaries.
Eli: Right. And do you have these boundaries with all men or just me?
Cici: …
Eli: Never mind, don’t answer that. Do you truly have no intention of seeing me while you’re here?
Cici: I see you almost every night.
Eli: You know damn well what I mean.
Cici: It’s not a good idea. I’ve only got a few more weeks here.
Eli: I’ve got some great ideas to fill that time.
Cici: I’m sure you do, but no. Goodnight.
Eli: Goodnight, cutie. But this conversation isn’t over.
She’s fucking killing me. I’ve spent more time at Sebastian’s place these past few weeks than ever before, pining over a woman who’s refusing to give in. Sebastian’s ready to give me the boot if I don’t make a move soon. He says I’m a pushover, but what am I supposed to do? Carry her to my door like a caveman? That’s more my brother’s style, and although I’ve been known to dominate, I’m trying to tread lightly with Cici rather than scare her away completely. I’m starting to reevaluate that thought process, however, because patience is getting me nowhere.
“Thanks, Eli. Text me what you find out and tell everyone I said hi,” Jackson says over the phone.
“Sounds good. See ya, buddy.”
I’m smiling as I end the call.I’d be happy to check on your sister and find out how she’s doing.This couldn’t have been better timing after the way she shut me down three days ago—no time like the present.
Sebastian’s office is on the way to the elevator, so I pop my head in as I pass. “Hey man, I’m taking off for a bit.”
“If you’re lacking work, I could help out with that since I’ve got plenty.” Sebastian is always giving me shit, but hey, I cut him slack for his inferiority complex from being eighteen minutes younger than me.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
