Page 52 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

He leaned down to look me in the eye. “There are no children, no greedy ex-wives, and no bitter ex-girlfriends. There are a couple of ex-girlfriends, but as far as I know, they aren’t bitter. They broke up with me.”

“How did you manage to get a girlfriend?” It was easier to hide the effects of the shock by teasing him.

“Ouch, Delaney. That hurts.” The twinkle in his eye said otherwise.

“Because you get so quiet. You know what I mean.”

“Dating someone you aren’t attracted to is a surefire way to end up with an ex-girlfriend.” The look in his eye left no doubt of his attraction now.

“When you first mentioned the surprise, you said you wanted me to meetsomeone. So when you said sitter, I naturally thought...”

“Someonewas a poor word choice, but if I say any more, it’ll ruin the surprise.” He pointed to the walkway. “And I really want to see the look on your face. Now more than ever.” He lifted an eyebrow.

“Well, go on then. Surprise me.” I inched up and planted a kiss on his chin.

Those green eyes sparkled as he cupped my face and leaned in closer. His arm tightened around me as his lips touched mine. I slid my hands up his chest and looped them around his neck. Then I pulled myself closer to him.

As his lips moved against mine, he lifted me off my feet and walked, presumably to Tessa’s door. I’d never been carried while being kissed before, but I’d highly recommend it. How could Eli even see his way to the door?

He broke the kiss, then pressed another one to my forehead.

“Wow.”

“And that wasn’t even the surprise.” He knocked twice before turning the knob.

“Thank goodness you’re here.” Tessa sighed as a puppy—the one I’d so desperately wanted—ran circles around her feet.

I dropped to my knees and let the puppy lick my face. “He’s yours?”

Eli squatted beside me. “I picked him up this afternoon, and I was hoping you’d help me choose a name for him.”

Holding the wiggly puppy, I laughed. “What about Cumberbatch?”

“I amnotnaming my dog Cumberbatch.” Eli shook his head to emphasize his point.

“Sherlock?” I snuggled the cutest puppy in the world.

Eli nodded. “I like that.”

“I’m just going to let y’all cuddle together. Call me if you need something.” Tessa pointed down the hall. “I’ll be in my room.”

“Did you know that I wanted this puppy? Before I went to Joji’s, I went to the pet store that was hosting the adoption. I was so bummed when I found out some guy had already adopted him.”

“I knew you wantedapuppy, but not this particular puppy. Tessa said you weren’t going to get one until your house was finished.” He scratched Sherlock on the tummy. “I didn’t mean to steal him away.”

“I feel better now that I know he has a good home and will be loved.”

Eli nodded. “Probably spoiled a bit.”

“And I can visit him.”

“I hope you do.”

I leaned close to Eli and dropped my voice to a whisper. “Oh, and by the way, the lady at the pet adoption thought you were hot.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“Smart woman.” I went back to nuzzling Sherlock. “Wasn’t she? You are pretty cute yourself. But he kisses better. No offense.”

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