Page 74 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

I swatted his chest, not hard because that would only hurt my hand. “I liked you better when you were quiet.”

He clasped my hand and held it against his chest. “That can be arranged.”

Sherlock ran up to the couch and barked.

“I should probably go back to bed.” The only problem with that was it meant pulling my hand away from his chest. And my hand looked so comfortable pressed against his pecs.

Eli nodded.

“Just for the record, I love you when you’re quietandwhen you’re being a patootie.” I kissed him before retreating to the bedroom.

If we spent any more nights in the same place, I’d need new rules. But then I’d just be tempted to break them. And that wasn’t good.

* * *

The smellof bacon woke me, and I was no longer competing with Sherlock for space. I tugged my hair into a ponytail as I walked down the hall. “You made breakfast.”

Eli smiled. “I did. How do you like your eggs?”

He still didn’t have a shirt on, and I liked waking up to this view.

“Just however.” I spotted fresh coffee and filled a mug. “Coffee! Thank goodness. Most mornings you get it from Tessa’s.”

“I’m usually either racing out the door or getting off my shift. It’s easier to stop and pick it up.” He stepped away from the stove. “Sleep okay?”

“I did, and I needed it. It’ll be a long day.” I thought of all the calls I’d have to make regarding the house.

He handed me a plate. “Sunny side up with a side of bacon. If you need help at the store while you deal with the house stuff, I’m there. I can’t promise I’ll be good at it, but I’ll do my best.”

I set my food on the table and looped my arms around his neck. “You are volunteering to help women shop for lingerie?”

He laughed. “If you need me, yes. But I reserve the right to hide in the back if Tandy comes waltzing in.”

“How will you help customers find the right size?”

He lifted me off my feet and set me on the counter. “I’d probably need to know the rules about exchanges and returns. In general, being aware of the rules is helpful in avoiding problems.”

“I’ll remember that.”

“So do you need me?”

“I do.” I needed him; of that I was completely sure. “And as for my rules, I’ve settled on having just one. To trust my gut.”

“And what does your gut tell you?”

“That I’m hungry, and breakfast is getting cold.” I kissed him before sliding off the counter. “Now we’ll see if you cook as good as you kiss.”

Chapter 26

After spending most of the morning on the phone, I stepped into the front of the store. “Has it been busy?” I rubbed Eli’s back as I eased up beside him.

“Lots of people, but I think most of them had heard about your house and wanted to check on you. A few people bought stuff.”

“Thank you for doing this. Issa should be here soon. She hasn’t started teaching yet, so she can cover the rest of this week.” I rested my head on his chest. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Hmm?” He kissed the top of my head.

“I didn’t grow up seeing people work through problems. Thank you for showing me what a healthy relationship looks like.”

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