Page 28 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Cream, no sugar.

Eli texted again.I’m about to turn into a pumpkin, so I’m crawling into bed, but I’ll message later if that’s okay.

I’m enjoying your questions. I watched for a second, waiting for his response. But it never came.

He was probably one of those guys who fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Later that evening, he texted as promised.What’s your favorite color?

I might as well give him the full answer.Blue. I prefer the shades on the green side of the spectrum more than those on the red side.

A laughing emoji popped up before his reply.Very specific. I like blue too. And I like the color of your hair. It’s especially beautiful when the light hits it.

How could he send such charming messages and be so limited with words when he was around me?

I sent a heart, then followed up with another text.I like the way your stubble feels against my lips.

I’ll keep that in mind. Have a good night. Had he wrapped up our text conversation early because of what I’d sent or was this just part of the little dance?

* * *

For the next few days,Eli messaged me every day. The texts were short, usually just one question. But this ongoing communication made me happy.

Chapter 11

As soon as the store closed, I drove out to the house, hoping to catch the contractor before he left.

I parked near the road and hurried up to the house as he walked out the front door. “Hi. I was hoping for a quick update.”

“Electricians have been running wires. Sheetrock is going up. I’m thinking another two months. Maybe a little longer.”

“That’s great news!”

He checked the time. “I have an appointment. Otherwise, I’d walk through with you and answer questions.”

“Another time.” I said goodbye to the contractor and climbed into my car. With such good news about the house, I felt a little like celebrating, so I drove to the winery down the road and hoped that the restaurant would have a table for one available.

The parking area wasn’t too packed, so maybe the place wasn’t all that crowded. Or maybe the crowds were on their way. It was Thursday. Lots of people went out on Thursdays, but it didn’t hurt to check.

Smiling, I walked up to the hostess’ desk. “Hi. I don’t have a reservation, but I was hoping you had a table for one available.”

The hostess trailed her finger down a sheet in front of her before holding up one finger. “Let me check on something.”

As soon as I nodded, she hurried away to an area blocked by a large stone fireplace. There wasn’t a fire in it tonight because the weather was too warm, but it still added to the warm atmosphere.

Cami had gushed about this place, and now I understood why.

When the hostess came into view, she motioned for me to follow her. “The chef has a table in a tucked away corner, and no one is booked here for tonight, so enjoy.”

“Are you sure?” It was almost too romantic a spot for me to be sitting by myself.

“Totally. He’ll come out and chat with you soon. And Felipe will be your server.”

My phone buzzed, and Eli’s name on my screen made me smile.

You’re building a house?

I loved how he cut straight to his question. I also wondered how he knew. Maybe Tessa had mentioned it.

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