“You’re going to open my door?” I ask.
“Yep. I’m gonna do that, hold your hand as we walk to the front door, too.”Oh boy.“You’ll catch up with your girl while Reed and I are going to drive to town, and I’ll drive your car back.” My eyes widen.
“Eli, you don’t have to do that. My car’s tiny and filled with—” Anything I was going to say dies on my tongue when he shoots me a look that screams I should quit trying to argue with him because he’s not going to change his mind. “Okie dokie,” I whisper. His lips twitch in a way I really like. He leans his head in closer.
“You’re freaking adorable, you know that?” His hand comes up and touches my face. I lean in, I can’t help myself.
“I am?” My brows bunch together, and then I tilt my head, unknowingly moving slightly closer, close enough that I can feel his breath on my mouth. “Do you need glasses or something?” I ask honestly and watch in awe as his face transforms into a smile. Damn, he’s seriously gorgeous.
“Babe, I’m seeing shit clearer than I ever have. Now, did you get what we’re gonna do?”
“I…” I pause for a moment and let my heart speak for me, since for the first time when it comes to a man, my heart and gut agree, “I got you.”
“Good.” He moves in closer, and I freeze. Still as a board as his face approaches slowly, closing the very little space between us. My lungs seize.He’s going to kiss me!But before his lips touch mine, he moves and drops a sweet kiss on my cheek. His mouth lingers for a long moment before he kisses it again then pulls himself away. I force myself not to look away. His eyes are dark and full of fire and something that looks a lot like desire.Who is this man?
Without a word, like he didn’t just rock my world with a simple kiss on my cheek, he slides out of the truck. I watch as he moves around the front of it and makes his way toward me. Holy moly, the man is graceful with every step he takes. His reddish brown hair gleams under the sun and my finger tips itch to touch it. To scratch at his ruddy red beard. I want to know what that beard would feel like if he kissed my neck and maybe lower. Thankfully, before my thoughts get too out of hand, he’s at the passenger side door of the truck and opens it, offering his hand like a complete and utter gentleman.
“Thank you,” I say softly, taking it and loving the feel of it around mine.
Strong.
Reliable.
Steady.
Protective.
I shake my head, and we walk to the door of my best friend’s home. Right before we get there, she pulls the door open. I lose hold of Eli’s hand because I’m in her arms, holding her close.
“Stella!” she squeals, and I laugh, hugging her back.God, I’ve missed her.We walk in, and despite not holding Eli’s hand, I still have his attention the entire time. From the moment we walk in and I officially meet Reed and everyone has a glass of lemonade until he leaves with Reed.
He doesn’t take his eyes off me, and I really like it.
3
ELI
“What is up with you?” Reed asks the moment he puts his truck in drive as we head back to town to grab her car.
“I don’t know what—” I start to say. Not because I’m ashamed or worried about what he’ll say about my interest in Stella but because it is none of his fucking business.
“Don’t give me that shit, Eli.”
“Excuse me?” I look in his direction. His hand tightens around the steering wheel.
“You can’t take your eyes off her,” he hisses, and I laugh.
“And?” I ask because where does he get off? He has a woman. A very knocked-up one.
“And Stella is off limits,” he announces. My body goes ram-rod still.
“What did you just say?” I ask quietly, feigning a control I do not have.
“You heard me, Eli. I get it. She’s new to town and she’s cute, but?—"
“But what?” I turn my attention to him. His jaw clenches, not that I can see much of it through the full beard he sports. I get the way my brother is.
If a bear could actually shift into human form, that would be my older brother to a tee. The guy is a grump and a half. Always has been, but more so after he came back from serving his time in the military. Camila softened him some, but obviously not enough.
