Page 58 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Sounds like fun.”

The wonderful grin spread across his face. “I’ll set it up.”

* * *

Five days later,I sucked in a deep breath as Eli ran around to open my door. His parents’ single-story ranch-style home was surrounded by oak trees. Instead of pristine grass, wildflowers grew on each side of the front walk.

“You grew up here?”

He held out his hand. “I did. And if you’re nice to me, I’ll let you see my old room.”

The next house was halfway down the block. “You had lots of space to roam.”

“Yeah, Tessa and I found our fair share of trouble growing up. The stuff that got us into trouble was mostly my idea, so I felt bad about that.”

I knew they’d been close growing up, but I was getting a better sense of how close. “She’s like a sister to you, isn’t she?”

“She is. Her mom worked, so she stayed here a lot. She liked being here more than being at home, I think.”

The conversation only mildly helped to distract me from my nervousness. There was no reason to be nervous. Eli’s parents were nice people. Tessa spoke highly of them. None of that mattered to my stomach. The butterflies in there were having a rave.

“You really have nothing to worry about.” Eli rubbed circles on the side of my hand.

“I didn’t say anything about being worried.”

He shook his head. “Darling, I can read you like a book.”

I was beginning to both love and hate that about him.

He lifted Sherlock out of the backseat and grasped the leash before setting him on the ground. “You brought your suit, right?”

“All right. I’m nervous.” I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever seen his parents around town but didn’t know who they were. “What if they don’t like me?”

“I don’t care if they like you.” He sounded almost convincing.

I stopped walking and inched up to kiss him. “Nice try.”

He dipped his head to meet my lips again, and the front door opened.

Sherlock took off running, nearly pulling Eli over sideways.

“You made it.” A woman at least four inches shorter than me spread her arms wide. “I can’t tell you how excited I am.”

Sherlock barked and ran in circles near the front door, dragging the leash behind him. Thankfully, Eli had the presence of mind to let go. Sherlock was excited about being at Grandma’s house. Someone spoiled their granddoggy, it seemed.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” I hugged her and was nearly smothered. Maybe I’d been worried for no reason.

“I’m Patsy, Eli’s mom.” She hugged me again. “I’ve been asking Eli when I’d get to meet you. He’s been talking about you for weeks.”

Eli cleared his throat. “Why don’t we head out to the pool?”

He’d been talking about me.

I slid my hand into his, and he squeezed my fingers without looking at me.

“You are lovely. Just beautiful. Eli has said that a hundred times, and he’s right.” She waved me in. “David is on the patio. He has the burgers on. All the fixin’s are ready. We even have tomatoes fresh from the garden. David picked them this morning.”

Eli tugged me close as she walked inside. “I hope you still like me after today.”

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