Page 7 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Some guys will do anything to get a date.” Cami laughed. “The real question is, what areyougoing to do to get a date?” She hooked a thumb over her shoulder and winked. “Since he won’t talk to you, maybe you should talk to him.”

“Or maybe I should let the man eat in peace.” I didn’t want Cami’s help to get a date, especially not when Eli was involved. That sort of interference just made everything feel awkward.

The number of singles in our friend group was shrinking rapidly, and all the added pressure of people trying to shove us together had Eli quieter than normal even before tonight. Basically, since Cami’s wedding reception, and more precisely since he’d been whapped in the eye with a tail.

I’d tried to warn him about the tail flying directly at his face, but he’d mistaken my waving as flirting... right up until the tail hit him.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about her question. What could I do to get a date with Eli?

My last few dates had all been varying degrees of utter disappointment. I kept ending up with guys who had one thing on their mind, and that thought didn’t involve a happily ever after. Maybe I needed a different strategy.

Eli was a good guy. More than just the uniform told me that. My gut told me he was interested. Shy, but interested. Maybe a few more nudges would untangle his tongue.

It was worth a shot.

“How long until the house is ready?” Tessa grinned. “You drove by today, didn’t you?”

“I go by there almost every day. Contractor said four months.” I was eager for my house to be finished, and not just because I was staying in such a tiny space.

I’d scrimped and saved to buy the land, and now, thanks to a few successful years at the store, my dream home was becoming a reality.

The only gaping hole in my perfect plan for a happy forever was a prince.

Chapter 4

Every morning, I ran through the same routine. After getting dressed, I grabbed coffee and often a doughnut from Tessa’s bakery, which happened to be right next door. Too convenient.

When I moved into my house, I planned to eat a healthier breakfast. But for now, the arrangement couldn’t have been more perfect. Not only did she serve great coffee and amazing doughnuts, but I liked seeing her every morning.

Glancing around as I pushed open the door to the doughnut shop, I hoped Eli had stopped in for something sweet at the end of his all-night shift. Sadly, he wasn’t here.

“Morning.” I waved and perched on a barstool at the end of the counter.

Tessa grinned as she raced around. The place was hopping this morning. Not surprising for a Friday.

Fireman just off their shift gathered near the counter, waiting to order. A few cowboys sat at the corner table, talking about the recent cattle auction. And a young woman sat alone at a table, tapping away on her phone.

I loved how this little shop was the gathering place for new and old in this town.

Tessa set a mug in front of me. “Help yourself to coffee. I’ll be back in a bit.”

After filling my mug and adding a splash of cream, I returned to my spot at the counter.

Tessa dropped a bag onto the counter and set a to-go cup next to it. “This is for Eli. Will you let him know when he comes in?”

“Sure. Need me to fill the cup?”

“One packet of sugar. No cream.” She raced back to take another order. She didn’t know about my plan, but she’d given me a great opportunity.

I prepped his coffee, then waited at the counter.

When the door opened, I forced myself not to turn around. I’d let him walk up to the counter, and then I’d make casual conversation.

His arm brushed mine as he grabbed the bag. “Oh, hi.” He picked up the cup, and coffee splashed everywhere. On the front of his uniform. All over my pink shirt. On his bag of breakfast. Either the man didn’t know his own strength, or I hadn’t put the lid on correctly.

“I’m so sorry.” I ran to the coffee station and gathered a handful of napkins. I tossed a few onto the floor and started wiping his shirt with the others.

He stood as still as a concrete post. “It’s usually empty.”

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