Eli
The lookon Emma’s face when I took off my underwear is one I hope I never forget. It was a mix of horror and anticipation. I wanted to tell her it was going to be fine, that’d we fit together like two puzzle pieces, but I figured it was best to show her when the time comes, because she’s not ready for that just yet. But she does know how to touch me now. And let me tell you, my girl is a quick study. Even though her hands are tiny, they worked magic. It could be because the thought of Emma Perkins doinganythingto me makes me hard as stone, but it could also be she’s a natural. I’d go so far as to say she’s a sensual person. If you asked her, and I did, she’d probably tell you she enjoyed me touching her—my hands and my body touching hers. I call that sensual and I could really get into that.
“Yo. Dude. When will you be cleared to play again?” Cody asks as he brings me a sandwich and milk.
Cody’s been hovering like a fucking mother hen. I’m pretty sure my mom put him up to it. She probably told him he needed to make sure I ate, that sort of thing. If she had Emma’s number, she’d probably say the same shit to her. Hell, maybe she did when I left them alone when I went to pee at the restaurant. I should ask Emma about that.
Thinking of my girl, I frown, remembering I haven’t seen her for four days. We’ve texted a lot and even spoke on the phone late at night, but it’s not the same. After we messed around in my bedroom on Sunday, she had Carley pick her up. I told her to take my car, but she wouldn’t do it. She’s stubborn. Maybe I can talk her into taking it today since she’s going to take me to my doctor appointment later.
“Eat up, young man,” Cody says, standing over me. He’s become quite domestic since my concussion. He cleaned the bathroom, something he’s never done and now, he’s got his hands on his hips staring down at me. Hell, he’s even wearing an apron. It’s got flowers on it.
Where did he get an apron?
“Don’t hover,” I say, and wait for him to, well, stop hovering, but it doesn’t work. So, with a sigh, I take a huge bite of the sandwich he made me. “Peanut butter and jelly?” I ask, still chewing. Yeah, it’s impolite but… it’s Cody. “On a hot dog bun?”
“We ran out of deli meat.” He pauses. “And cheese and bread and chips and mayo.” He looks back toward the kitchen. “And—”
“I get it. We need groceries.” The fact that my sandwich was made on a stale hot dog bun is proof enough. Setting down the plate that holds the remainder of my sandwich, I add, “Emma’s taking me to the doc in a bit. We’ll get groceries on the way back.”
“Oh, thank fuck.” He chuckles, reaching into his apron pocket. “Here’s a list.”
Reaching for the wadded-up piece of paper, I uncrumple it and read. He’s got everything on here but the kitchen sink. “I’m not getting all this.” Not today. “I’ll get the basics. We can get the rest this weekend.”
“Fine. At least get the steaks, baked potatoes, and salad. I want to make that for dinner.”
Wow, he is really getting domestic. “Yeah. Okay.”
“Oh, and the cereal. We need cereal and milk.”
“Uh-huh.”
“And—”
Just then, the doorbell rings and I literally think,Saved by the bell.
“I’ll get it,” Cody says, taking off in a jog.
Standing, I take the plate that holds the rest of my PB&J and watch as Emma Perkins steps into my foyer. My smile is instantaneous. She looks adorable with her hair up in a ball on top of her head and her dark-rimmed glasses a little steamed over, which tells me it must be cold outside. Her winter coat is another sign that our beautiful fall weather will be gone soon.
The next moment, the door opens wider and a tall redhead steps in behind Emma. My first thought is, damn, Emma brought a friend. I was hoping for some alone time today. Placing the plate on the kitchen counter, I make my way over to Em. “Hey,” I say, trying to sound cool.
“Oh, um, hi.” Emma looks at me, then back at the redhead. I can’t help noticing Emma looks both nervous and, well, annoyed.
“Eli.” She sighs. “This is my little sister, Amber.”
I look at the woman behind Emma again. Actually, I’m staring, which is a bit rude, I know. As quickly as possible, I attempt to see if her sister and Emma have any similar characteristics. So far, all I notice are differences. Emma has dark hair, her sister is a redhead. Emma is short, Amber isn’t. I can see similarities in the face now that I’ve taken a moment to look. Same nose, same shaped eyes, although Amber’s are brown while Emma’s are grayish blue. They’ve both got freckles. Emma’s mouth is fuller and poutier than her sister’s, whose mouth, well, her mouth is smiling. A big, wide smile.
“Well,hello,” she says, holding her hand out to me. Am I supposed to kiss it or shake it? I opt for the latter. “It’ssonice to meet you, Eli.” The way she’s emphasizing some words is a little weird.
“Same.” I guess.
I attempt to pull my hand away, but Amber’s still gripping mine. Looking down at her hand, I watch as Amber steps closer. “I had no idea Emma had such…” She looks me up and down. “…gorgeous friends.”
Friends?I use my strength to pull my hand away as I look over at Emma. She’s frowning so I turn and give her all my attention. “How are you, Emma?”
“Fine,” she mutters, but I’ve heard that “fine” before and know she’s full of it.
“Wow, this place isah-mazing.” That comes from Amber again. “I had no idea Emma’s friends were so…” I can’t wait to hear the next words. “…rich.” Then, she titters. “Heck. I’m surprised shehasany friends other than Carley.” Like we’re close, she, Amber, reaches out and touches my arm. “Between you and me, let’s just say that our Emma here”—she nods back at her sister—“wasnotpopular. On the contrary, she was what one might refer to as a social leper.”
