Three Rules I’d Never Break by Remi Carrington

Chapter 17

Ichanged three times before settling on a summery dress and a pair of wedges. Eli hadn’t said where we were going to dinner, but I wanted to be prepared for anything.

After freshening my makeup, I dabbed perfume on my pulse points. The butterflies migrating across my midsection weren’t caused by nerves, just excitement and anticipation.

When Eli knocked, I hurried to the door. “I’m ready.”

“Hi.” He closed his eyes and inhaled. “Have I mentioned that I love that perfume? I think I love it because whenever I get a whiff, I think of you.”

There were so many things that made me think of Eli. I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell him that I thought about him every time I stepped into the shower. Or locked the door. Or picked up my phone.

It was way too early in the relationship to sound clingy and desperate.

I tugged him inside. “Let me grab my keys.”

“You look beautiful.” It was like Eli was trying to make me blush.

After stuffing my keys and phone into my purse, I clasped his hand. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure where we were going. I hope this is okay.”

He kissed my hand. “Hand me the keys, and I’ll lock up. Did you set the alarm?”

I checked the alarm panel and dropped the keys into his hand. “Now it is.”

Once the store was secure, we strolled to his truck.

“You aren’t going to tell me where we’re going, are you?”

That dazzling grin lit up his face. “You like surprises.”

Eli went out of his way to surprise me. While I loved the attention, what I loved most was that he listened and tailored his surprises, knowing exactly what would make me smile. He treated me better than some of my own family.

He pulled into the winery.

“How did you get a reservation?” I’d called the restaurant about getting a reservation to surprise him and had no luck.

“I know Joji. When I mentioned to her that I was hoping to take you to dinner here, she called Jeffrey. We’ll be at his table. And you said that was a good table.”

“Joji is amazing.”

Eli nodded. “Clint would agree with you. She’s pretty great.”

“Having dinner here is a nice surprise. Thank you.”

He squeezed my hand before speaking to the hostess, and she ushered us to Jeffrey’s table. Felipe was the waiter again.

He smiled as he walked up to the table. “Evening, so nice to see you again.” He tipped his head toward Eli. “Is it still too soon to tell?”

“Definitely someone special.” I patted Eli’s hand, knowing he was probably confused by the cryptic conversation.

“Wonderful.” Felipe smiled. “The chef will be out to speak with you soon. What can I get you both to drink?”

We told him what we wanted, and he hurried away.

Eli raised an eyebrow. “You going to explain that little exchange?”

“The last time I was here, Felipe was my waiter. I was texting you here at this table, and he asked if it was someone special. I’d said it was too soon to know.”

“But now you know.”

“You are definitely special.”

I couldn’t read the look on his face, but I didn’t have much time to study his expression before Jeffrey walked up.

The chef made casual conversation, then told us the daily specials. As soon as Jeffrey left, Felipe was back and ready to answer questions.

Once Eli and I were alone and waiting for our food, he pulled in a deep breath. “I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut about you living in the strip mall, but it bugs me.”

“It’s only a few more weeks.” Weeks sounded shorter than months, and I hoped that would end the conversation.

“What if I found you a place to live for those few weeks?”

I pulled my hand away from his. “I don’t need you finding me a place to live.”

He rubbed his jaw. “I don’t like you living there.”

“It’s not your choice, Eli. I’m an adult. I can decide where I want to live.” I folded my arms, angry that this perfectly romantic evening was being soured by this disagreement.

His boot bumped my foot. “I know it’s your choice. And I’m not trying to dictate what you should do. But if money is the reason, I’d be willing to help with that.”

“No. I can’t let you do that. There hasn’t been a hint of trouble at the store.”

He leveled a gaze at me. “When I responded to that alarm, you were in a towel. What if that had been an intruder?”

“I seriously doubt bad guys would want to break in to steal lingerie.”

“Burglars aren’t expecting people to be in those stores after hours. And when they get surprised, the results are sometimes tragic.” He clenched his jaw. “But I’ll drop it.”

“Thank you. I’ll think about what you said.”

He nodded, but it was obvious he wasn’t happy with that. “Tell me about the house.”

“They’ve made a lot of progress. Soon, if you have time, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

He laid an open hand on the table, and I rested my hand on his.

“I’d like that.”

* * *

By the end of dinner,I’d almost forgotten about our little spat. Almost. Eli could be opinionated, and maybe I didn’t agree with him all the time, but I still liked him.

We strolled to his truck hand in hand.

He opened my door like he always did, but instead of helping me in, he pulled me close. “I have a surprise for you. There is someone I want you to meet.”

I couldn’t even guess who he wanted me to meet. “Okay.” I glanced around.

“Not here. Hop in.”

I buckled into my seat. “You know how to build anticipation.”

He drove down the block and turned into Tessa’s complex.

“Are we going to Tessa’s?”

“Yep.” He ran around and opened my door. “She played sitter for me.”

Blood pooled in my toes, and I stopped. A sitter? Eli had a kid? And Tessa hadn’t told me? Eli hadn’t told me! I softened my shocked expression, trying to figure out what to say.

Eli let loose a deep belly laugh, and I snapped out of my tangle of thoughts.

“What’s funny?” I’d clearly missed something.

He worked to catch his breath. When he did, he squeezed my hand. “I didn’t think about how it sounded until I saw your face. Sorry about that. I do not have a child. I’m not keeping those kinds of secrets.” After tugging me into a hug, he kissed the top of my head. “Didn’t mean to shock you.”

“It wouldn’t be a deal breaker.” There was so much about my past I hadn’t told Eli, and because of my past, I would’ve embraced the child without question. “Kids are great. I was just surprised. And I wondered why it hadn’t come up.”

He leaned down to look me in the eye. “There are no children, no greedy ex-wives, and no bitter ex-girlfriends. There are a couple of ex-girlfriends, but as far as I know, they aren’t bitter. They broke up with me.”

“How did you manage to get a girlfriend?” It was easier to hide the effects of the shock by teasing him.

“Ouch, Delaney. That hurts.” The twinkle in his eye said otherwise.

“Because you get so quiet. You know what I mean.”

“Dating someone you aren’t attracted to is a surefire way to end up with an ex-girlfriend.” The look in his eye left no doubt of his attraction now.

“When you first mentioned the surprise, you said you wanted me to meet someone. So when you said sitter, I naturally thought . . .”

“Someone was a poor word choice, but if I say any more, it’ll ruin the surprise.” He pointed to the walkway. “And I really want to see the look on your face. Now more than ever.” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Well, go on then. Surprise me.” I inched up and planted a kiss on his chin.

Those green eyes sparkled as he cupped my face and leaned in closer. His arm tightened around me as his lips touched mine. I slid my hands up his chest and looped them around his neck. Then I pulled myself closer to him.

As his lips moved against mine, he lifted me off my feet and walked, presumably to Tessa’s door. I’d never been carried while being kissed before, but I’d highly recommend it. How could Eli even see his way to the door?

He broke the kiss, then pressed another one to my forehead.

“Wow.”

“And that wasn’t even the surprise.” He knocked twice before turning the knob.

“Thank goodness you’re here.” Tessa sighed as a puppy—the one I’d so desperately wanted—ran circles around her feet.

I dropped to my knees and let the puppy lick my face. “He’s yours?”

Eli squatted beside me. “I picked him up this afternoon, and I was hoping you’d help me choose a name for him.”

Holding the wiggly puppy, I laughed. “What about Cumberbatch?”

“I am not naming my dog Cumberbatch.” Eli shook his head to emphasize his point.

“Sherlock?” I snuggled the cutest puppy in the world.

Eli nodded. “I like that.”

“I’m just going to let y’all cuddle together. Call me if you need something.” Tessa pointed down the hall. “I’ll be in my room.”

“Did you know that I wanted this puppy? Before I went to Joji’s, I went to the pet store that was hosting the adoption. I was so bummed when I found out some guy had already adopted him.”

“I knew you wanted a puppy, but not this particular puppy. Tessa said you weren’t going to get one until your house was finished.” He scratched Sherlock on the tummy. “I didn’t mean to steal him away.”

“I feel better now that I know he has a good home and will be loved.”

Eli nodded. “Probably spoiled a bit.”

“And I can visit him.”

“I hope you do.”

I leaned close to Eli and dropped my voice to a whisper. “Oh, and by the way, the lady at the pet adoption thought you were hot.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“Smart woman.” I went back to nuzzling Sherlock. “Wasn’t she? You are pretty cute yourself. But he kisses better. No offense.”

Sherlock whipped his tail back and forth, and Eli laughed.

Who knew that all of this was what hid underneath Eli’s quiet exterior?

“What do you say we take Sherlock to my place so that Tessa can have her apartment back?” Eli looked down the hall. “If you haven’t figured it out, she’s not really a dog person.”

With Sherlock in my arms, I stood. “Bye, Tessa.”

She walked out and pointed at me. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll be there.”

Eli shook his head. “Are y’all planning to talk about me?”

I bumped his side. “What do you think?”

* * *

Friday morning,I overslept and didn’t have time to talk to Tessa, but I made up for it on Saturday morning by arriving at the doughnut shop before it opened.

“Morning, Tessa.”

“Good morning. Big plans today?” She tied on her apron.

“Eli is working, so I’m pet sitting.”

“Better you than me. That little guy is cute but not conducive to relaxation.” She laughed.

“When did you talk to Eli about me wanting a puppy? I thought y’all didn’t talk about me.” I wiped down the coffee station.

She loaded doughnuts into the display case. “He already knew you wanted a puppy. I didn’t tell him that. On the Friday you went to the adoption event, he messaged that morning asking when you were going to get one.”

My phone buzzed, and I yanked it out of my pocket and read the message from Eli.

Sherlock and I are headed your way. Will you let Tessa know?

“Eli is headed this way.” I grabbed a to-go cup and filled it with coffee. After prepping it to his specifications, I made sure the lid was on properly.

“He’s texting you now?” Tessa laughed. “Tell him not to bring that dog into my shop.”

I tapped out a text, warning Eli. I’ll meet you out front and put Sherlock in my store.

He knocked on her door a few minutes later, and I ran out.

“Good morning.” I hurriedly unlocked the door of my store.

Eli followed me in and set the crate down. “Tessa doesn’t want dogs in her doughnut shop or were you just trying to get me alone?”

“Yes, and even though the second part hadn’t occurred to me, yes.” I stepped closer and slid my hands up his chest. “You’re kinda hot in that uniform.”

“Even with the body armor?” Chuckling, he lifted me off my feet and kissed me, making my morning even better. “Thanks for watching Sherlock today. He’s just too little for me to leave for long, and I can’t exactly tote him around with me.”

“That would be funny. And you know I don’t mind a bit. How did last night go?”

Eli scrubbed his face. “I’m tired. He woke up several times. I think his bladder holds about as much as a baby spoon. It can’t be bigger than a peanut.”

“Aww. I’m sorry. It’s really okay if we go to your place?” I squatted in front of the carrier, greeting Sherlock.

“It’s fine. I’m thinking a dog in a lingerie shop is a bad idea.” He motioned to the racks behind him but didn’t turn around. “The trailer isn’t locked. Joji knows you’ll be there.”

“Great. Anything I need to know?”

“The llamas usually make a humming noise before they spit at you, and they don’t seem to like it when I hum back. So, I recommend not doing that. And stay out of the goat pens. Boingo jumps fences, but he’s mostly harmless. If there is another goat with him, don’t bend over. Bumpo has earned his name.” Eli scratched his head. “That’s all I can think of.”

I squatted in front of the carrier. “Sherlock, I’ll be right back, buddy.”

The puppy looked genuinely sad that we were leaving.

“I made sure to put the lid on your coffee properly.” I clasped Eli’s hand after locking the door.

“Much appreciated.”

As soon as Eli left, I finished the last of my coffee and tossed my napkin in the trash. “Bye, Tessa.”

She waved. “Call me later.”

I stopped in the shop only long enough to grab my purse, a book, and Sherlock. Then I loaded it all in my car and drove to Eli’s.

It would be a little weird being at his house while he wasn’t there. Snooping was not part of my plan. But maybe a few peeks here and there would be okay.

“Hey, Sherlock, what do you want to do today?”

He barked an answer I didn’t understand.

“I guess we’ll just have to play it by ear.”

I parked in front of the trailer just like I used to do when I visited Cami. As I unloaded the dog crate, a goat bounded toward me.

“Hello, you must be Boingo.”

Boingo made a goat sound, and Sherlock barked.

“Have y’all met?” I set the crate down, letting Boingo and Sherlock sniff each other.

Boingo didn’t seem that impressed. After a sniff, he trotted away, probably looking for some other trouble to get into.

I carried the crate inside and opened the door. Sherlock was more than happy to be released from his confinement and ran around the living room in circles.

On the counter was a note.

Delaney-

I left a little something for you in the fridge. I wasn’t sure what your favorite flavor was.

And I might use fingerprint powder on the knobs to know where you snooped. (Joking . . . sort of.)

Call if you need anything.

E

I needed to wipe all the knobs even for the rooms I didn’t enter. I opened the fridge and startled Sherlock with my laugh. Sitting front and center on the shelf were cans of Shasta soda in several different flavors.

Eli knew my first name.

How long had he had that tidbit? Until today, he hadn’t made a single joke. And this teasing was cute. My thoughts jumped to the day he’d pulled me over. Eli had known my real name for a while.

There were lots of layers under that quiet shell. Should I be worried that he could keep a secret that well?

I dropped onto the floor and loved on Sherlock. We had lots of time to play.

* * *

After hoursof playing inside and out, Sherlock finally took a nap. I went through the fridge to see what food there was. Tonight, I’d surprise Eli with dinner.

In between play times with Sherlock, I spent the afternoon cobbling together a meal I hoped Eli would like.

A few minutes after seven, he texted: You still at my place? Want me to pick up dinner?

Still at your place. I have dinner covered.

He sent a thumbs up, and I waited.

When Eli walked in the door after his twelve-hour shift, he sniffed. “Something smells good, and I don’t just mean your perfume.”

“I made dinner.”

He petted Sherlock and grinned. “This is a nice surprise. Let me change really quick.”

“Don’t bother dusting the knobs. I wiped them all down to clear away any prints.”

He laughed.

As I watched him walk down the hall, I thought of what he’d said when we were under the big oak tree. “There are always butterflies.” It was true. My heart fluttered anytime he was near, and I never wanted that feeling to fade.