Page 29 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Not with my own two hands, but yes. Two more months. I can’t wait to be out of that little apartment. I know you’ll be happy about it too.

Yep.

I imagined him sitting in his truck with that heart-melting Gallagher grin on his face.

I hope you have an easy shift tonight. That was not only being nice, but it also let him know I paid attention to when he worked.

He wasn’t the only one who noticed things.

Hope so too. There’s been some flagrant jaywalking lately. But I’m investigating.

Here I was at this deliciously romantic table, and I was texting. His messages were the highlight of my evening.

Do I need to turn myself in?I probably looked like a dork grinning at my phone, but since I was back here at the chef’s table, no one could see me except the waiter who had stepped around the corner, then hurried away like he’d forgotten something.

Eli replied:I’ll let you know.

It was as if Eli had one goal in life... to make me wait. Wasn’t there a saying... good things come to those who wait?

Hopefully, it was true. And I’d wait.

You know where to find me. I followed the text with a happy face.

He sent a thumbs up.

I snapped a picture of the centerpiece.Trying a new place tonight. The place at the winery. I’ve heard it’s good.

Sorry for interrupting your date.

No date. Just me. I wasn’t going to play hard to get.

This time he sent a smiley.Let me know how it is. I might have to try it.

I will. As soon as I hit send, I kicked myself for missing the opportunity to send a thumbs up.

I set my phone on the table, not expecting any more messages from him. He was at work. Or at least he would be in four minutes.

The waiter smiled as he sauntered up to the table. “I didn’t want to disturb you. Someone special?” He nodded toward the phone.

“Too early to know.” I had high hopes, but we’d only just started having full conversations. Via text. “But his messages were a nice surprise.”

“Wonderful. What can I get you to drink?” After getting my drink order, he disappeared around the corner.

“Evening. I’m Jeffrey.” A man who looked more like he should be out on a ranch than in a kitchen strolled up to my table. “Welcome to my restaurant.”

“I feel a little like I’ve crashed a party. Thank you for letting me sit at your table.”

“We’re glad to have you. There’s no point in your going hungry when no one was using this table.”

“I can’t wait to taste the food. My friend Cami raves about this place.” I hadn’t even glanced at the menu, and I was already salivating. Because of the way the restaurant smelled. Not because of the older but completely hot chef standing next to my chair.

“Any friend of Cami’s is a friend of mine.” He glanced back toward the kitchen. “Felipe should be back in a moment. Enjoy your evening.” After a quick wink, he strode away.

The atmosphere here was nice. Very nice.

* * *

I sprawledout on my bed, stuffed from the incredible meal. Since I’d told Eli I’d give him a report on the place, I picked up my phone. Now was as good a time as any to text him. He was on duty, so I didn’t expect a response right away.

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