Three Rules I’d Never Break by Remi Carrington
Chapter 5
Wednesday night, I’d sat out on my property until late, staring at the stars and dreaming about decorating my finished house. There wouldn’t be too many more nights where it would be cool enough to sit outside without sweating.
The house was set back off the road a bit, but the lot was deep. The three acres gave ample space for a large garden, maybe even chickens if I wanted to tackle something new. But those were on my later list.
I would need a fenced area behind the house for a puppy.
Sitting under the stars, I’d lost track of time. Eli had probably already made his rounds at the store, and I’d missed him.
After shoving my camp chair back in the bag and returning it to my trunk, I drove back to the store. The lot was empty and dark. Dark enough that I didn’t want to walk around to the back door.
I unlocked the glass doors, then slipped inside, locking the store up tight. I made sure the blinds were completely closed, then went back to my room. Once my jammies were on, I washed my face and tied my hair up in a messy bun.
The disappointment at missing Eli’s evening check-in surprised me. It wasn’t exactly a routine yet, but I liked our mini chats. He never said much, but seeing him was nice.
I’d even prepared myself with a list of questions to spark at least a bit of conversation. Those questions would keep until tomorrow night.
Nestled under the covers, I picked up my book, and Eli’s knock sounded at the back door.
Tossing the covers back, I rolled out of bed. If I answered too quickly, he’d think . . . he’d think the truth. I was eager to see him.
“Eli, hi. I thought maybe I’d missed your check-in.” I made sure to open the door wide enough for him to come in.
“I was by earlier, but your car wasn’t here. Did you have a nice evening?” He rubbed at his forehead like he was nervous, then stepped inside.
“It was a nice night. I was out enjoying one of the last cool evenings and the blanket of stars. I didn’t mean to be out so late.” I wanted to make sure he knew I hadn’t been out with anyone else. “You are probably going to tell me that being out at night alone isn’t safe.”
He slowly bobbed his head. “You’d be right. This area is pretty safe, but you should still be careful.”
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
His radio beeped, and the dispatcher asked for people to respond to something going on.
“I’ll be responding from the strip mall.” He backed out the door. “I don’t have any siblings. Sorry I can’t stay to chat.”
I watched as he jumped into his cruiser and left. But I made sure to lock the door.
* * *
On Thursday night,I read for a while, but then a craving for sweets grabbed me. I didn’t want to venture too far because I wanted to be here when Eli knocked. And if I didn’t hurry, nothing in town would be open.
I pulled through the drive thru at the place near the highway and ordered their largest sundae with all the toppings. If I was lucky, I’d get an extra cherry.
When the gal handed it to me and I saw three cherries on top, I knew it would be a good night.
I rushed back, so I could eat my ice cream before it melted.
Eli knocked as I was indulging in my oversized sundae.
“Hiya. It’s quiet here tonight. Just me and my ice cream.”
“Looks good.” His gaze never dropped to my ice cream. It almost sounded like flirting.
I stopped short of offering him a bite. That would be a little too much for Eli.
“I hope your night isn’t exciting. Quiet seems safer than exciting.”
“Definitely safer. And thanks.” He pinched his lips together, then nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“It’s a date.”
He hesitated before continuing out the door. “Lock up.”
“Yes, sir.”
He rolled his eyes, then nodded toward the handle.
“You aren’t leaving until I lock it, are you?”
“That’s right. As someone once said, ‘I have a town to protect’ and you are part of that town.”
Slowly, he was talking more. And I liked our conversations. A lot.
* * *
Friday night,I slipped out the front door to make a late-night barbeque run.
Eli pulled up in front as I locked the door. “Where are you headed so late?”
I pointed across the street. “I’m hungry. Is it time for your dinner break?”
He glanced at the restaurant. “I wasn’t planning to eat until later, but—”
The dispatcher squawked on the radio about something. I didn’t understand what the numbers meant, but Eli clearly did.
“Sounds like you have to go.”
“Yeah, but maybe another time.” Eli shifted into gear.
“I’d like that.”
He waved and then headed off to save the world.