Three Rules I’d Never Break by Remi Carrington

Chapter 11

As soon as the store closed, I drove out to the house, hoping to catch the contractor before he left.

I parked near the road and hurried up to the house as he walked out the front door. “Hi. I was hoping for a quick update.”

“Electricians have been running wires. Sheetrock is going up. I’m thinking another two months. Maybe a little longer.”

“That’s great news!”

He checked the time. “I have an appointment. Otherwise, I’d walk through with you and answer questions.”

“Another time.” I said goodbye to the contractor and climbed into my car. With such good news about the house, I felt a little like celebrating, so I drove to the winery down the road and hoped that the restaurant would have a table for one available.

The parking area wasn’t too packed, so maybe the place wasn’t all that crowded. Or maybe the crowds were on their way. It was Thursday. Lots of people went out on Thursdays, but it didn’t hurt to check.

Smiling, I walked up to the hostess’ desk. “Hi. I don’t have a reservation, but I was hoping you had a table for one available.”

The hostess trailed her finger down a sheet in front of her before holding up one finger. “Let me check on something.”

As soon as I nodded, she hurried away to an area blocked by a large stone fireplace. There wasn’t a fire in it tonight because the weather was too warm, but it still added to the warm atmosphere.

Cami had gushed about this place, and now I understood why.

When the hostess came into view, she motioned for me to follow her. “The chef has a table in a tucked away corner, and no one is booked here for tonight, so enjoy.”

“Are you sure?” It was almost too romantic a spot for me to be sitting by myself.

“Totally. He’ll come out and chat with you soon. And Felipe will be your server.”

My phone buzzed, and Eli’s name on my screen made me smile.

You’re building a house?

I loved how he cut straight to his question. I also wondered how he knew. Maybe Tessa had mentioned it.

Not with my own two hands, but yes. Two more months. I can’t wait to be out of that little apartment. I know you’ll be happy about it too.

Yep.

I imagined him sitting in his truck with that heart-melting Gallagher grin on his face.

I hope you have an easy shift tonight. That was not only being nice, but it also let him know I paid attention to when he worked.

He wasn’t the only one who noticed things.

Hope so too. There’s been some flagrant jaywalking lately. But I’m investigating.

Here I was at this deliciously romantic table, and I was texting. His messages were the highlight of my evening.

Do I need to turn myself in?I probably looked like a dork grinning at my phone, but since I was back here at the chef’s table, no one could see me except the waiter who had stepped around the corner, then hurried away like he’d forgotten something.

Eli replied: I’ll let you know.

It was as if Eli had one goal in life . . . to make me wait. Wasn’t there a saying . . . good things come to those who wait?

Hopefully, it was true. And I’d wait.

You know where to find me. I followed the text with a happy face.

He sent a thumbs up.

I snapped a picture of the centerpiece. Trying a new place tonight. The place at the winery. I’ve heard it’s good.

Sorry for interrupting your date.

No date. Just me. I wasn’t going to play hard to get.

This time he sent a smiley. Let me know how it is. I might have to try it.

I will. As soon as I hit send, I kicked myself for missing the opportunity to send a thumbs up.

I set my phone on the table, not expecting any more messages from him. He was at work. Or at least he would be in four minutes.

The waiter smiled as he sauntered up to the table. “I didn’t want to disturb you. Someone special?” He nodded toward the phone.

“Too early to know.” I had high hopes, but we’d only just started having full conversations. Via text. “But his messages were a nice surprise.”

“Wonderful. What can I get you to drink?” After getting my drink order, he disappeared around the corner.

“Evening. I’m Jeffrey.” A man who looked more like he should be out on a ranch than in a kitchen strolled up to my table. “Welcome to my restaurant.”

“I feel a little like I’ve crashed a party. Thank you for letting me sit at your table.”

“We’re glad to have you. There’s no point in your going hungry when no one was using this table.”

“I can’t wait to taste the food. My friend Cami raves about this place.” I hadn’t even glanced at the menu, and I was already salivating. Because of the way the restaurant smelled. Not because of the older but completely hot chef standing next to my chair.

“Any friend of Cami’s is a friend of mine.” He glanced back toward the kitchen. “Felipe should be back in a moment. Enjoy your evening.” After a quick wink, he strode away.

The atmosphere here was nice. Very nice.

* * *

I sprawledout on my bed, stuffed from the incredible meal. Since I’d told Eli I’d give him a report on the place, I picked up my phone. Now was as good a time as any to text him. He was on duty, so I didn’t expect a response right away.

Dinner was amazing. I ended up at the chef’s table. Highly recommend. I dropped my phone next to my pillow and opened Tandy’s book to where I’d left off.

Not even a minute later, my phone buzzed when he responded: Jeffrey?

I think maybe that was the chef’s name. But I meant that I recommend the restaurant. Best steak I’ve ever had and the lavender crème brûlée was divine. I waited two minutes before sending another message. Do you know everyone in this town?

Nope.

His one-word texts didn’t make for great conversation.

I’ll stop bothering you so that you can work.

Staring at the phone wasn’t going to make him respond any faster. So, I read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

A buzzing sound woke me which was my own fault because I slept with the phone beside my pillow.

As soon as I read the reason for the buzz, I swallowed back any hint of a complaint.

You aren’t a bother, Delaney.

I could almost hear the low rumble of his voice saying it, and it made my knees weak. Before rolling over and going back to sleep, I sent him a smiley face. That didn’t do justice to the way his message made me feel, but it would have to do.

Sorry I woke you.

Worth it. At this time of night, honesty was the only option.

Sweet Dreams.

My fingers tapped out a message before my brain could filter it. You’ll probably be in them.

He sent a winking emoji.

All the teasing he’d endured was completely undeserved. Eli was a master flirter when it came to texting. Sometimes even in person he pulled off a surprise. Like on the porch. My spine still tingled when I remembered him whispering about carrying my tiny pepper spray into the shower.

I definitely wanted to get to know him better.