Page 50 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Hi.” He closed his eyes and inhaled. “Have I mentioned that I love that perfume? I think I love it because whenever I get a whiff, I think of you.”

There were so many things that made me think of Eli. I wasn’t sure I wanted to tell him that I thought about him every time I stepped into the shower. Or locked the door. Or picked up my phone.

It was way too early in the relationship to sound clingy and desperate.

I tugged him inside. “Let me grab my keys.”

“You look beautiful.” It was like Eli was trying to make me blush.

After stuffing my keys and phone into my purse, I clasped his hand. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure where we were going. I hope this is okay.”

He kissed my hand. “Hand me the keys, and I’ll lock up. Did you set the alarm?”

I checked the alarm panel and dropped the keys into his hand. “Now it is.”

Once the store was secure, we strolled to his truck.

“You aren’t going to tell me where we’re going, are you?”

That dazzling grin lit up his face. “You like surprises.”

Eli went out of his way to surprise me. While I loved the attention, what I loved most was that he listened and tailored his surprises, knowing exactly what would make me smile. He treated me better than some of my own family.

He pulled into the winery.

“How did you get a reservation?” I’d called the restaurant about getting a reservation to surprise him and had no luck.

“I know Joji. When I mentioned to her that I was hoping to take you to dinner here, she called Jeffrey. We’ll be at his table. And you said that was a good table.”

“Joji is amazing.”

Eli nodded. “Clint would agree with you. She’s pretty great.”

“Having dinner here is a nice surprise. Thank you.”

He squeezed my hand before speaking to the hostess, and she ushered us to Jeffrey’s table. Felipe was the waiter again.

He smiled as he walked up to the table. “Evening, so nice to see you again.” He tipped his head toward Eli. “Is it still too soon to tell?”

“Definitely someone special.” I patted Eli’s hand, knowing he was probably confused by the cryptic conversation.

“Wonderful.” Felipe smiled. “The chef will be out to speak with you soon. What can I get you both to drink?”

We told him what we wanted, and he hurried away.

Eli raised an eyebrow. “You going to explain that little exchange?”

“The last time I was here, Felipe was my waiter. I was texting you here at this table, and he asked if it was someone special. I’d said it was too soon to know.”

“But now you know.”

“You are definitely special.”

I couldn’t read the look on his face, but I didn’t have much time to study his expression before Jeffrey walked up.

The chef made casual conversation, then told us the daily specials. As soon as Jeffrey left, Felipe was back and ready to answer questions.

Once Eli and I were alone and waiting for our food, he pulled in a deep breath. “I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut about you living in the strip mall, but it bugs me.”

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