He grinned as he walked with both hands in the pockets of his shorts. “Present company included?”
That made me laugh. “Oh, yes. Absolutely.” Both smiling, we walked along for a few steps before I found myself opening up again. “My walls and the poor choices in men are related, as you might have guessed.”
Eli nodded, his expression softening as he stared at me. “What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”
I took a deep breath. “It was during college. I thought we were serious—forever serious. Until he cheated on me. Real cliché, right?”
“Damn,” Eli muttered. “That’s rough. I’m sorry.”
“It was a long time ago.” I shrugged, trying to ignore the old ache. “Close to ten years. But it made it hard to trust people for a while. Still does, if I’m being honest.”
Eli’s gaze held steady on me, a flicker of understanding igniting in his eyes. “I understand. Trust is a funny thing.” He paused, as if weighing his words carefully. “My parents had a… rocky relationship. They fought a lot, but everyone thought they were just one of those couples who dealt with crap like that. I thought that’s what love looked like. Until my dad walked out one day and never looked back. At first, I thought I’d be fine with it, you know? But then it messed with my head.”
I tilted my head slightly, intrigued. “Messed with your head how?”
His shoulders slumped a little, and he raised a hand to the back of his neck and rubbed. “I guess I just started to think that love was always going to end up in disaster. I mean, I obviously have no idea what a healthy relationship looks like.”
“What about Brenna and her husband? They look like a great couple.” Though Eli’s sister had her own life away from Sunset Siesta, she was still a regular visitor, and now Hunter with her.
He lifted one shoulder uncomfortably. “Yeah, andthat’s great for them. But what if they’re the exception? Hell, most couples I know end up tearing each other apart. So I avoid anything serious. I like to keep things light, fun… you know?”
“Like your dive classes.”
Eli laughed, and that made me feel better. I liked the sound of his laugh. “Exactly! It’s all about making sure no one drowns while I show them the perfection of diving. If they get scared, I tell them to focus on their breathing and enjoy the ride.”
“You’re a really good instructor, Eli. I’m sorry if I was harsh about that.”
He shrugged. “I dished it out pretty good myself. So I’m sorry too.”
“Look at us now! Talking like two grown adults.”
“Not an insult to be found! Could be dangerous, Jules.”
I took a deep breath. Dangerous, indeed. Because now I was seeing the man next to me in a completely new light.
We rounded the corner onto my street, the soft glow of streetlights illuminating the palm-lined sidewalk. My townhouse loomed ahead, and a strange mix of disappointment and anticipation swirled in my stomach.
“Well, this is me,” I said, gesturing to the modest two-story building.
Eli’s eyes wandered over the neat facade. “Nice place. Very… Jules.”
I raised a brow. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”
He grinned, and that dimple appeared again. “Definitely a compliment. It’s orderly and welcoming but not stuffy. Kind of like you.”
I burst out laughing and fumbled for my keys. “Thanks. I think.”
We reached my front door, and my stomach fluttered as I turned to face Eli. He stood completely still, both arms athis sides as his eyes met mine. They were inscrutable, not the open book he usually was. The air between us became charged, electric. And for an endless, breathless moment, I wondered if he was going to lean in and kiss me.
My heart hummed in my chest. Did I want him to?
The responsible part of my brain saidno.
But every other fiber of my being was screamingyes, please.
Eli shifted his weight and gave me a slow nod, breaking the spell. “Well, good night, Jules. Thanks for the chat.”
“Right.” I blinked, trying to hide my disappointment. “Thanks for your help tonight. Good night, Eli.”
He flashed that easy smile and turned to go. I watched him stroll down the sidewalk, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the streetlights. And it occurred to me I didn’t even know where he lived. There was so much I didn’t know about him.
And now I wanted to.
