Page 65 of Becoming Selfish

“You look...beautiful,” he tells me, his tone quickly changing from playful to serious.

My cheeks warm once again. They’ve got to be beet red at this point.

“Thank you,” I shyly respond.

I’m really not looking all that great, but I’ll take the compliment. Honestly, I had no idea what to wear because Eli didn’t give me any indication as to where we are going. Plus, Ali went to the game with Marc, so I didn’t have her here to help me pick out an outfit. But I’m happy to see that my decision to dress on the casual side was the right move. My jeans, hoodie, and Vans seem to match Eli’s intentions for tonight perfectly.

Though, I do hope I dressed warm enough. Marc told me that there was a massive party at the hockey house tonight, so I know we won’t be out too late because Eli will need to get back. Thinking of the temperature suddenly causes me to remember Eli’s jacket that he lent me on Monday after class. As much as I don’t want to return it to him because it’s filled my room with his masculine scent, I grab it off my chair to give to him.

“Almost forgot about your jacket.” I hold it out for him.

“Keep it. You might need it tonight. I don’t know how cold that California blood gets.”

“I’m from northern California. It gets cold there. I’ll be fine,” I inform him, playfully rolling my eyes at his concern.

“Mmm-hmm,” he hums, unconvinced. “Do you drink coffee?” We exit my room and I lock the door behind us.

“I’m a grad student. Of course, I drink coffee.”

“Okay, good. I’m taking you to my favorite coffee shop,” Eli tells me as we get in the elevator.

I look at him, confused. “That’s the place you’re taking me that will help me understand you better?”

“No. That’s just a pit stop, but I need some caffeine. I didn’t really sleep last night,” he tells me before realizing what he’s saying.

“That makes two of us,” I respond shortly without looking in his direction. When the elevator opens on the main floor, I step out before him.

“Shit. That was stupid of me to say.”

“No, it’s fine.” I shake my head. “I’m trying to forget about last night. I shouldn’t keep bringing it up.”

Eli opens the lobby door for me as the chilly September air hits me. I instantly cross my arms in front of my chest, needing to keep my body warmth in. If this is how cold I am at the end of September, I can’t imagine how I’ll handle the weather come the middle of January.

Eli notices me shivering and wraps his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his body as we walk towards his car.

“Told you that you were going to get cold,” he reminds me as I laugh to myself, leaning my body into him even more.

He surprises me by placing a simple swift kiss on the top of my head, and suddenly my entire body is ignited. Every inch of my skin tingles with warmth. I’m definitely not cold anymore, but there’s no way I’m leaving his embrace until we reach his car.

When we do, he opens the passenger side door of his truck for me to get in. The step-up is high, but I’m tall, and my legs are long, so I jump in with ease. He closes the door behind me before getting in on the driver’s side.

His sleek black truck is so nice, and it has all the bells and whistles. It’s masculine and sexy without trying too hard, just like Eli.

“So, are you going to tell me where we are going?” I ask as the engine purrs.

“Not a chance.” He gives me a sly smirk before looking into the rearview mirror to pull out of his parking space.

His devilish grin is going to be the death of me. And that backward hat—so hot. Unfortunately, his sweatshirt sleeve covers his tattoos, but regardless, he’s still so freaking attractive. One hand holds onto his truck’s steering wheel while the other arm casually drapes on the center console between us, and he looks more at ease and relaxed than I’ve ever seen him.

His brown eyes never leave the road, but somehow he catches me admiring.

“What are you staring at?” He keeps his eyes forward, holding back his cocky grin.

“Nothing.” Quickly pulling my eyes from him, I look out my passenger side window, slightly embarrassed he caught me red-handed.

He lets out a knowing chuckle and continues to drive.

“Are we getting close?” I ask as I look at the clock, realizing we’ve been on the road for almost an hour.

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