Page 10 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Right. Well, I need to get back to it. Don’t forget to lock up.”

He stayed put as I closed the door.

I knew he was standing out there waiting for the bolt to flip, and I might’ve counted to three before turning the lock. “Night, Eli.”

Even if my new plan ended up unsuccessful, engaging with Eli would be fun.

* * *

Saturday night,I stayed in leggings and a t-shirt long after I would normally have changed into my night shirt. Just in case.

I scrolled through DIY videos about making wreaths. As soon as the house was finished, I was heading to the craft store and buying oodles of stuff to create the perfect wreath for welcoming guests.

Then I saw posts for the perfect craft room, and another two hours disappeared as I gathered ideas. Perhaps I should add cabinets to one wall in that room. I’d have to talk to the contractor.

Eli’s knock echoed in the hall, and I ran to the back door.

“Hi.”

He tipped his hat. “Evening, Miss Carter. Everything okay here?”

“Better now.”

His brow furrowed. “What happened?”

“I was beginning to think you weren’t going to stop by.”

“Oh.” He rubbed his jaw. “I thought maybe something was wrong.”

“I’m good. Thanks for checking on me.” As much as I didn’t like being told I shouldn’t live here, I did like seeing him every night.

He gave a quick nod and tipped his hat again. “Stay safe.”

I closed the door, flipped the bolt, and pressed my back to the door. Even when Eli was all business, he was swoon worthy.

* * *

Sunday night,I was already in my flannel nightgown when Eli tapped on my back door with his special knock. He didn’t make his rounds at the same time every night.

Was he just trying to keep me on my toes?

I opened the door. “Hi.”

“Hey.”

Stepping back, I pulled the door open a little more. “Quiet night?”

He pulled his hat off his head as he stepped inside. “So far.”

If we were going to have a conversation, I’d need to think of topics. “Have you written any tickets tonight?” I spewed the first thing that popped into my head.

“A couple.”

“How long have you been a deputy?”

“Two years.”

This conversation was as difficult as ripping open a package of batteries.

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