Page 22 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Nope. Just trying to figure out his schedule.” I parked in front of the store.

“Well, if you aren’t busy, you should come over.”

“Sounds good. What can I bring?”

“Nothing. Just come whenever.” She ended the call.

Spending time at Tessa’s was a welcome distraction. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and changed into leggings and a t-shirt. I dressed for comfort because Tessa wouldn’t care what I wore.

I grabbed my keys, set the alarm, and drove to her apartment. I didn’t feel like walking.

At her door, I knocked as I pushed it open. “It’s me.”

“Make yourself at home. I’ll be out in a minute.”

I wandered into the kitchen. “Whatever you have in the oven smells incredible.”

“Something I threw together.”

Someone knocked at the door, and I peeked down the hall. “Want me to get that?”

“Please.”

I pulled open the door.

Eli.

His fitted t-shirt showed off what his uniform didn’t. I’d seen him in t-shirts before but never in shorts. It was a treat.

When I finished my not-so-quick survey, I met his gaze. He stared and didn’t even give one of his little nod greetings. Or maybe he’d done that when I was looking at other parts of him.

“Hi.” I stepped aside and gave him room to walk in. “Want to come in?”

He scrubbed his face. This post-kiss interaction was more awkward than I’d imagined.

“Did you walk here?” He held my gaze.

That question came out of nowhere.

“I drove.”

“Good.” Without another word, he walked away from the door.

Tessa ran up and leaned out. “Eli!”

He waved without looking back.

This was going to be more difficult than I thought. My gut said Eli was worth it.

Tessa shook her head. “I’m so sorry. That didn’t work out like I planned.”

“I should’ve walked over here.”

“Then he would have parked out front until you decided to go home.” She nodded toward the kitchen. “Let’s eat.”

“He didn’t even come in.” I needed a better plan.

“I called him as soon as I got off the phone with you and invited him for dinner. I failed to mention that you were coming too.”

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