Three Rules I’d Never Break by Remi Carrington

Chapter 19

Almost two months later, I sat on the garage floor, keeping Sherlock entertained, while Eli rebuilt the carburetor.

Boingo sat next to him, occasionally jumping up to see what was happening on the workbench. Eli and I had seen or talked to each other every day, and there was no doubt we were a couple. Fears that his attraction would fade had waned. No longer was I executing a plan to create a happily ever after. I was just enjoying life.

I held fast to the end of a rope toy while Sherlock wrestled the other end of it. “Eli, why’d you get a dog?”

He glanced back over his shoulder. “Is this a trick question?”

“I’m curious. You never mentioned that you wanted a dog.” I pulled Sherlock into my lap when he flopped down. “I think I’ve worn him out.”

“Maybe he’ll sleep a little longer tonight.” Eli shooed Boingo away from the workbench, then wiped his hands before strolling over to where I was sitting. “I’d wanted a dog for a while. I hadn’t planned on getting a puppy, but you told me you wanted a puppy. That’s when I started looking for one because I figured it would give me something to talk to you about. I didn’t say anything when we talked on the phone because I wanted you to be surprised when I finally found one.” He scrunched up his nose. “And that makes me sound really silly.”

“I think it’s sweet. When did I tell you I wanted a puppy?”

“When I pulled you over.”

“Oh. I’ve sort of blocked the memory of that whole night.”

“I haven’t.” Those green eyes sparkled.

I stood and wiped dirt off the seat of my pants. “Whatever. You stared at the wall the whole time. You probably don’t even know what color my towel—”

“Purple.”

My cheeks burned, and the gleam in his eye left no doubt that my face was as red as the flashing lights on his cruiser. I scanned the room, hoping for a new topic of conversation.

I nodded toward the table where his carburetor was still in pieces. “How much longer?”

“I’m done for tonight. Let me get cleaned up, then I’ll take you to dinner.”

“What if we pick something up and eat here?”

He picked up Sherlock. “I like that even better, and I bet Sherlock loves that idea. Don’t you, boy?”

“I can’t wait until the house is finished. Then I’ll be able to keep him at night when you work. Contractor said three more weeks.”

“My parents don’t seem to mind having him stay over. I think my mom is worried that it’s the closest she’ll get to a grandbaby. And speaking of my parents . . .” He pursed his lips as if he were trying to decide what to say.

I braced myself. If he suggested I live with his parents for three weeks, I might say something I’d end up regretting. Then logic kicked in, and I trailed my hand down his arm then laced my fingers with his. “I’d love to meet them.”

“Good. I was thinking something casual. Burgers by the pool or something like that.” He set Sherlock on the porch and opened the door. “I’d really like for you to meet them.”

“Sounds like fun.”

The wonderful grin spread across his face. “I’ll set it up.”

* * *

Five days later,I sucked in a deep breath as Eli ran around to open my door. His parents’ single-story ranch-style home was surrounded by oak trees. Instead of pristine grass, wildflowers grew on each side of the front walk.

“You grew up here?”

He held out his hand. “I did. And if you’re nice to me, I’ll let you see my old room.”

The next house was halfway down the block. “You had lots of space to roam.”

“Yeah, Tessa and I found our fair share of trouble growing up. The stuff that got us into trouble was mostly my idea, so I felt bad about that.”

I knew they’d been close growing up, but I was getting a better sense of how close. “She’s like a sister to you, isn’t she?”

“She is. Her mom worked, so she stayed here a lot. She liked being here more than being at home, I think.”

The conversation only mildly helped to distract me from my nervousness. There was no reason to be nervous. Eli’s parents were nice people. Tessa spoke highly of them. None of that mattered to my stomach. The butterflies in there were having a rave.

“You really have nothing to worry about.” Eli rubbed circles on the side of my hand.

“I didn’t say anything about being worried.”

He shook his head. “Darling, I can read you like a book.”

I was beginning to both love and hate that about him.

He lifted Sherlock out of the backseat and grasped the leash before setting him on the ground. “You brought your suit, right?”

“All right. I’m nervous.” I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever seen his parents around town but didn’t know who they were. “What if they don’t like me?”

“I don’t care if they like you.” He sounded almost convincing.

I stopped walking and inched up to kiss him. “Nice try.”

He dipped his head to meet my lips again, and the front door opened.

Sherlock took off running, nearly pulling Eli over sideways.

“You made it.” A woman at least four inches shorter than me spread her arms wide. “I can’t tell you how excited I am.”

Sherlock barked and ran in circles near the front door, dragging the leash behind him. Thankfully, Eli had the presence of mind to let go. Sherlock was excited about being at Grandma’s house. Someone spoiled their granddoggy, it seemed.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” I hugged her and was nearly smothered. Maybe I’d been worried for no reason.

“I’m Patsy, Eli’s mom.” She hugged me again. “I’ve been asking Eli when I’d get to meet you. He’s been talking about you for weeks.”

Eli cleared his throat. “Why don’t we head out to the pool?”

He’d been talking about me.

I slid my hand into his, and he squeezed my fingers without looking at me.

“You are lovely. Just beautiful. Eli has said that a hundred times, and he’s right.” She waved me in. “David is on the patio. He has the burgers on. All the fixin’s are ready. We even have tomatoes fresh from the garden. David picked them this morning.”

Eli tugged me close as she walked inside. “I hope you still like me after today.”

“So far, I like you more.”

“Is it because I said you were beautiful or because of the homegrown tomatoes?” He glanced toward the back door. “Hang on.” He ran outside. “Mom, don’t give Sherlock a hamburger. I don’t want him learning to beg.”

“It’s just a tiny piece. Watch this.” She held up the meat, and Sherlock perched on his haunches.

I eased up beside Eli and rubbed his back. “That’s some pretty impressive begging.”

“He’s such a smart dog.” Eli’s mom laughed. “Come on. Let’s eat.”

Eli pulled out a chair at the patio table. “She’ll feed anyone who comes within a hundred feet of her.”

“I like her.”

“She’s pretty great.” He beamed.

I loved that Eli had grown up with lots of space to roam and parents who adored him. He’d turned out pretty great as a result.

Mr. Gallagher strode over and stuck out his hand. “David Gallagher. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Delaney.”

“Thank you. It’s very nice to meet y’all.”

He set a tray of burgers and toasted buns on the table, and Patsy set out platters and bowls with everything I could possibly want on a burger.”

“There’s lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion, grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon strips, guac, and pickles. Am I forgetting anything?” She clapped her hands together. “Condiments. Be right back.”

Eli put a burger and bun on my plate. “Here, you’ll never go hungry.”

“When do I get to see your room?”

He shot me a side glance. “Later.”

“And yes, I have my swimsuit on under my sundress. You did say by the pool.”

“Good.”

We all built our burgers, and Sherlock curled up near Patsy’s feet.

“Eli dear, I put your laundry on your bed. It’s folded, and the shirts are ironed.” She handed Sherlock a chew bone.

Later, I’d be teasing him about the fact that his mother did his laundry.

At the end of the meal, Eli stood and stretched. “I’m going to give Delaney a quick tour.”

“Is there anything I can do to help clean up before we do?” I stacked my plate on top of Eli’s.

“Oh, no. I’ve got it.” Patsy gathered the plates. “And just so you know, Eli usually offers to help. He’s a bit distracted today.”

“As long as you don’t pull out my baby book, I think I’ll be okay.” Eli looped a finger around mine.

His mom laughed. “It’s on the coffee table.”

I dashed toward the door, and Eli played along until we were inside. Then he scooped me up.

“Eli!”

He strode down the hall, turning sideways so that I didn’t bang my head or feet against the wall. “They like you.”

I slipped my arms around his neck. “They’re sweet. And I like that you’ve mentioned me to them.”

His cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. “I’m close to my parents, and you’re important to me. It came up a few times.”

“Now what’s this about your mom doing your laundry?”

He set me down in front of a door. “I am capable of doing my own, but she offered. So, I let her.” He pushed open the door. “This is my old room.”

The walls were mostly bare.

“No posters of swimsuit models?” I poked him in the ribs.

He shook his head. “I used to have a few car posters up. Set your bag in here, and I’ll give you a quick tour. Then we can go out to the pool.”

He gave me the grand tour of the house, then walked me back to the room. “See you in a sec.”

“Hey.”

“Yeah?” He rested his shoulder against the door frame, looking as sexy as ever.

I inched up on my tiptoes and touched my lips to his. “I like you.”

Smiling, he pulled me closer. “I’ve never kissed anyone in my bedroom before.” The door closed behind him as he walked me backward. “But just a quick one.”

He flopped onto the bed, pulling me down on top of him and sending half of his laundry falling to the floor.

The door opened, and I dropped my head to his chest. This was embarrassing.

“Hey, Dad. Need something?” Eli’s tone was strained.

“Mom wanted to know if you wanted ice cream sundaes before or after swimming.” Mr. Gallagher glanced at the clothes on the floor. “I’ll let her know you’re thinking about it.” He walked out, and the door closed with a bang.

I pushed off Eli and found my footing. “I’ll meet you out by the pool.”

“Sorry about that.”

I shrugged. It wasn’t as if we’d been doing anything wrong. Eli was incredible when it came to respecting my boundaries. And he didn’t even know all the reasons I had them.

“I’ll go tell them we want ice cream in the hot tub after we swim.”

“Can’t say I’ve ever done that.”

He blew me a kiss before walking out the door.

I slipped out of my sundress and shoes, then pulled my coverup on over my swimsuit. Maybe his dad wouldn’t say anything about what he saw. What were the chances?

At the back door, I stopped and scanned the patio. Eli stood with his back to me, talking to his dad.

I needed to set up a call so that Eli could talk to my dad. If I waited until he came for a visit, he might never meet Eli.

Reaching for the door handle, I froze when Eli yanked off his shirt.

Dang.

Seconds ticked by as I watched him rub sunscreen onto his neck and arms.

“He’ll probably need help getting it on his back. You should go out there.” Patsy patted my arm.

“Sure. Yeah.” I opened the back door and stepped out. “I can help with that.”

Eli flashed that wonderful grin. “And I’ll return the favor.”

After spending time with Eli’s parents, it was easy to see how Eli had turned out to be such an amazing guy.

For the first time, I could imagine spending my life with someone. With Eli. And my happily ever after didn’t seem like a faraway dream. Now it was a possibility.