Page 25 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Eli’s gaze danced around. After looking at my face, he focused on the bodysuit in my hand. Then his gaze dropped to the ground. “Everything okay here? I noticed activity as I went by.”

“Ten four, good buddy. Everything is a-okay here at the store.” My retort had more of an edge than I’d intended.

His shoulders sagged. “I don’t talk like that.”

“I know you don’t. I’m sorry.” I tucked the bodysuit behind my back. “Will you come in for a minute? Please.” I didn’t want him leaving upset with me.

In the most shocking surprise of the week, he nodded. “I can make sure nothing is amiss.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

He took off his cowboy hat as he walked inside, and I followed him down the hall, watching as his gun belt shifted with each step.

“As you can see, I’ve been unboxing a shipment. I should be done in about an hour.” I stood beside the rolling rack.

The man made a visible effort not to look at all the pretty things. It was completely adorable and made me wonder what thoughts were bouncing around in his head. Unlike Tessa, I didn’t have the ability to read his face.

“Good. Well, I’ll let you get back to work.” He patted his hat against his leg as he turned to go back down the hall.

I stepped in front of him. “Eli, when something at the store doesn’t look right, text me. I don’t want you to worry.”

He rubbed his chin, which only reminded me of how rough his stubble felt against my lips. Were there rules about kissing on duty? I shouldn’t try to find out. This all-business conversation was a step in the right direction. Kissing him again might send him running. However, there was no coffee here, nothing to spill.

He didn’t move, and I stayed quiet, hoping he’d respond.

Eli played with silence like it was a fidget toy. I tempered my impatience. If he needed time to think about what he wanted to say, I didn’t mind waiting.

When his gaze lifted to meet mine, I held my breath.

“I don’t have your number.” His voice came out in a low rumble.

My heartrate kicked into overdrive, and I grabbed my phone. “Give me yours, and I’ll text you.”

Only giving him my number meant that I might never hear from him. Having his number could prove helpful. I was following rule one—always be prepared.

If there was an award for the smoothest way to get a woman’s number, he deserved it.

He rattled off his digits without hesitation, and I typed the number into my contacts. Then I tapped out a quick text.Thanks for checking on me.

Those green eyes sparkled as a smile spread across his face. “If you ever need anything, you can... you know.”

That was an invitation to call him. I’d remember that.

“I will. Thanks.”

He strode down the short hall and stopped at the door. “Night, Delaney.”

“Good night.” I closed the door behind him and immediately flipped the bolt.

My phone buzzed in my hand.

He’d sent a thumbs up.

Eli could say more with fewer than fifty words than any guy I’d ever dated. He kissed better too.

Chapter 10

On Friday evening after locking the door and closing the blinds, I walked around the racks and made sure items were where they were supposed to be. Doing this at the end of the day made opening easier in the morning.

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