“No.” He shakes his head, making a gasping sound. “It’s okay.” Resting the pillow that matches our ’80s floral couch over his lap, we both look up as Carley steps into the apartment. The minute she sees us, she smirks.
“Sorry if I interrupted you, but the library closed so I had to come home.”
“N-No problem.” I’m still really turned on and a little dazed, to be honest. “Glad to see you.”
She snickers. “Sure.” Pointing to the hallway, she adds, “I’m heading to bed. Night.”
The second her door shuts, Eli tosses the pillow on the floor and leans back into me.
“Uh, Eli?”
God, I’m an idiot.
Squeezing his eyes shut, he sighs. “Right.”
“Sorry.”
His eyes open and a sincere smile spreads over his face. “Don’t be sorry, Em.”
“You sure?” I look down at his lap and see it hasn’t gone down at all.
“I’m sure.” Leaning closer, he kisses me softly. “I need to get home anyway. Early practice tomorrow.”
“On Sunday?”
“Every day.”
“Oh. Wow.” I had no idea.
Standing, Eli holds his hand out for me to take. Once I’m in front of him, he asks, “Can I call you tomorrow?”
“Sure.” I nod. “Yeah.”
Handing him his suit jacket, I walk Eli to the door. He kisses me again and waves as he steps out into the hallway. Shutting the door, I lean against it and sigh.
“You look satisfied.” Carley must have heard him leave because she’s standing at her open bedroom door.
“I’m not sure satisfied is the right word.”
“What is the right word?”
“Happy,” I say with a broad smile. “I’m happy.”
After I brush my teeth and get a glass of water, I slide into my bed. As I’m reaching for my bedside lamp, my phone chimes.
Eli:Sweet dreams, beautiful.
Me:You too.
Eli:I’m beautiful? LOL
Me:You are. But I’ll use handsome instead.
Eli:That’s better.
I decide to leave it at that. But add:
Me:Night.
Eli:Night.
