The pair of us continue walking past his shiny vehicle.
“Emma?”
Turning, I finally speak. “What?”
“Why’d you leave the party?”
Seriously? He’s asking that question? Maybe this pretending to be mad isn’t going to be that difficult. “I––”
“You left her standing by the door. You said you were going to get her a drink. Thirty minutes later, we find you hobnobbing with three co-eds holding one fucking glass.”
Wow, she noticed the glass thing too? I’m glad. It means I’m not crazy. Well, yes, okay, I’m crazy but in a good way.
“I––” Eli stops there. “You’re right.”
“I know.” Carley’s doing all the talking, but I need to step in.
Ignoring her, Eli takes a step closer to me. “I’m sorry, Em. I ran into some old friends.”
“Uh-huh.” I look over at his SUV, then back up at him. “Can I get my coat out of your car?” If I can get it, then Gilly’s here we come.
“That’s it? You’re just going to walk away?”
I think I’m doing a good job here, you know, pretending to be mad. Heck, I even shrug as Carley jogs over to his fancy car.
“Why?” Eli’s voice sounds downright whiney.
Why is that endearing?
“Because I left you for like ten minutes, you’re ditching me?”
Moving a little closer, I lower my voice so Carley can’t hear. I’ve only got a minute or so. “That was my firstrealcollege party.” I swallow hard. “You left me at the door.” What else do I need to say? I guess I’m still a little miffed by the whole thing.
“Em.”
Carley’s back. “Got the coats. Let’s go.”
“Goodbye, Eli.”
I take several steps toward Gilly’s when he asks in a very soft, sort of sad voice, “That’s it? You’re just ending things? Because of a stupid party?”
Halting, I turn. “Ending things?” This guy is killing me. Drawing this out is killing me. “Had we started something?” That wasn’t meant to be witchy. It’s a real question because this thing with Eli is still confusing to me.
“Jesus.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. Okay? I’mreallysorry.” He looks over at a scowling Carley, then back at me. “Will you get in the car so we can talk?” He blinks. “Please?”
I don’t even need to look at Carley because she answers for me. “Just get in and talk. I’ll meet you at Gilly’s when you’re done.”
“Sure. Yeah.” I nod at her. “Good idea.” I know the minute I slide into the passenger seat in Eli’s truck, I’m going to give in. Heck, just the smell of him makes me weak.
“I turned the seat warmer on for you.”
“Thanks.” I mean that too. It feels amazing. I’ve never experienced heated seats before. I’m not surprised his car has them. This thing is f-a-n-c-y. I take a moment to gather myself and to really look around inside his vehicle. I see the logo on the steering wheel and recognize it. BMW. I know, for a fact, those are pricey. No matter… why would I be surprised about the kind of car he drives?
I finally look to my left at Eli. And wow, he looks distraught. I don’t like his expression. Since this whole talk in the car was his idea, I remain quiet. He must get that because he finally speaks. “Look.” He pauses. “I’m sorry, Emma.”
“It’s fine.” It’s not but—
“I screwed up.”
