Page 57 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Not that I know of.”

She slapped her credit card onto the counter. “Well, I’ve seen Eli without a shirt, and he’d definitely look good on a cover. Don’t take that the wrong way. You know I’m not interested in Eli.”

“I know.” I stuffed the receipt in the bag with her purchase. “It was good talking to you.”

“We need to get together. Maybe a double date.”

“That’d be fun.”

“I’ll have Harper set it up with Eli.” She waved as she strolled out of the shop.

I picked up my phone and smiled at the message from Eli.There is a meteor shower tonight.

I knew how I’d be spending my evening.

Chapter 19

Almost two months later, I sat on the garage floor, keeping Sherlock entertained, while Eli rebuilt the carburetor.

Boingo sat next to him, occasionally jumping up to see what was happening on the workbench. Eli and I had seen or talked to each other every day, and there was no doubt we were a couple. Fears that his attraction would fade had waned. No longer was I executing a plan to create a happily ever after. I was just enjoying life.

I held fast to the end of a rope toy while Sherlock wrestled the other end of it. “Eli, why’d you get a dog?”

He glanced back over his shoulder. “Is this a trick question?”

“I’m curious. You never mentioned that you wanted a dog.” I pulled Sherlock into my lap when he flopped down. “I think I’ve worn him out.”

“Maybe he’ll sleep a little longer tonight.” Eli shooed Boingo away from the workbench, then wiped his hands before strolling over to where I was sitting. “I’d wanted a dog for a while. I hadn’t planned on getting a puppy, but you told me you wanted a puppy. That’s when I started looking for one because I figured it would give me something to talk to you about. I didn’t say anything when we talked on the phone because I wanted you to be surprised when I finally found one.” He scrunched up his nose. “And that makes me sound really silly.”

“I think it’s sweet. When did I tell you I wanted a puppy?”

“When I pulled you over.”

“Oh. I’ve sort of blocked the memory of that whole night.”

“I haven’t.” Those green eyes sparkled.

I stood and wiped dirt off the seat of my pants. “Whatever. You stared at the wall the whole time. You probably don’t even know what color my towel—”

“Purple.”

My cheeks burned, and the gleam in his eye left no doubt that my face was as red as the flashing lights on his cruiser. I scanned the room, hoping for a new topic of conversation.

I nodded toward the table where his carburetor was still in pieces. “How much longer?”

“I’m done for tonight. Let me get cleaned up, then I’ll take you to dinner.”

“What if we pick something up and eat here?”

He picked up Sherlock. “I like that even better, and I bet Sherlock loves that idea. Don’t you, boy?”

“I can’t wait until the house is finished. Then I’ll be able to keep him at night when you work. Contractor said three more weeks.”

“My parents don’t seem to mind having him stay over. I think my mom is worried that it’s the closest she’ll get to a grandbaby. And speaking of my parents...” He pursed his lips as if he were trying to decide what to say.

I braced myself. If he suggested I live with his parents for three weeks, I might say something I’d end up regretting. Then logic kicked in, and I trailed my hand down his arm then laced my fingers with his. “I’d love to meet them.”

“Good. I was thinking something casual. Burgers by the pool or something like that.” He set Sherlock on the porch and opened the door. “I’d really like for you to meet them.”

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