Page 62 of Unexpected You

“So now I know your birthday and your original last name. You’re giving me all kinds of secrets here, El,” I said.

She leaned close and crowded me, scrambling my thoughts.

“Maybe you could give me some of your secrets in return,” she said.

I snorted. “Honestly, I’m not good at secrets. I’ll tell people anything.” It was true. Sometimes when I got going, words would just fall out of my mouth and I’d end up telling a complete stranger I’d just met about something they definitely didn’t need to know.

“You must have some secrets,” she said, her fingers dipping to stroke the collar of my shirt.

“Mmmmm, maybe. What are you going to do to get me to tell?” I asked. Fuck, I loved being able to talk to her like this. To not hold back on all the dirty and horny things I wanted to say to her.

Eloise groaned and rested her head on my shoulder. “It’s getting late. You should go. Don’t want to keep my assistant up too late.”

She was right, but I hated it.

“I’ll bring your clothes back after I’ve washed them,” I lied. She was never getting these back. I was keeping them.

I had to get my bag from the office and slung it over my shoulder as she followed me to the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, playing with the strap on my bag and my keys.

“Until tomorrow, Cade,” she said, leaning down and giving me the softest kiss that was more like a brush of her lips against mine. A quick flutter before she pulled back. “Drive safe. Let me know when you get home.”

“I will,” I said, licking my lips so I could have one last taste of her. “See you tomorrow.”

* * *

Made it home in one piece, but I’m not happy about it. Your house is nicer I sent when I made it back to my place. Saying that Eloise’s house was nicer was like saying a five-star resort was nicer than a shady motel off the highway that may or may not be a front for something illegal.

But my apartment did have more haunted items than her house did, so that was something.

I’m glad you’re safe, but not glad you’re not here. The house is too quiet without you. I hate it. She sent. The fact that someone missed my noise was almost hilarious, but she’d told me that plenty of times before. That she liked the way I was.

But does your house have this? I asked, sending her a picture of an unsettling pottery vase that I’d bought and was definitely haunted.

I certainly hope not! That’s the ugliest vase I’ve ever seen. No offense. She responded.

I could always bring it with me tomorrow I replied. I wouldn’t, but I liked riling her up. It was too much fun.

Eloise and I continued to argue and flirt back and forth until I had to take a shower and get ready for bed.

Her last message to me was a voice note and I played it over and over so I could hear her voice.

“I know it’s silly to say this, but I miss you and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, Cade. Sleep well.”

* * *

Getting ready the next morning made me giddy, and going to pick up our breakfast made me giddy, and by the time I pulled into her driveway I was practically vibrating with the need to see her.

Sickening behavior.

The minute her door opened, I almost flung the coffee and bag to the floor so I could grab her, but then I remembered that would make a mess and ruin our breakfast.

“Hi,” I said, smiling so hard that it made my cheeks hurt.

“Hi,” she said, holding the door open. “I was, um, waiting for you.”

Usually I let myself in, but today she’d met me at the door, and it was nice I wasn’t the only one who was a complete disaster about someone.

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