Page 30 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Dinner was amazing. I ended up at the chef’s table. Highly recommend. I dropped my phone next to my pillow and opened Tandy’s book to where I’d left off.

Not even a minute later, my phone buzzed when he responded:Jeffrey?

I think maybe that was the chef’s name. But I meant that I recommend the restaurant. Best steak I’ve ever had and the lavender crème brûlée was divine. I waited two minutes before sending another message.Do you know everyone in this town?

Nope.

His one-word texts didn’t make for great conversation.

I’ll stop bothering you so that you can work.

Staring at the phone wasn’t going to make him respond any faster. So, I read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

A buzzing sound woke me which was my own fault because I slept with the phone beside my pillow.

As soon as I read the reason for the buzz, I swallowed back any hint of a complaint.

You aren’t a bother, Delaney.

I could almost hear the low rumble of his voice saying it, and it made my knees weak. Before rolling over and going back to sleep, I sent him a smiley face. That didn’t do justice to the way his message made me feel, but it would have to do.

Sorry I woke you.

Worth it. At this time of night, honesty was the only option.

Sweet Dreams.

My fingers tapped out a message before my brain could filter it.You’ll probably be in them.

He sent a winking emoji.

All the teasing he’d endured was completely undeserved. Eli was a master flirter when it came to texting. Sometimes even in person he pulled off a surprise. Like on the porch. My spine still tingled when I remembered him whispering about carrying my tiny pepper spray into the shower.

I definitely wanted to get to know him better.

Chapter 12

The next morning, I showed up at the bakery bright and early. “Good morning.”

Tessa wiped her hands on her apron. “Someone is in a good mood.”

“Eli and Italked”—I gestured air quotes—“last night. Twice. He’s been texting all week. He asked about my house. Did you tell him I was building?”

“I did not. Eli doesn’t mention you when we hang out. If I bring up the topic, he goes silent. So no, I haven’t told him you’re building a house.”

“He drove by when I was out there one day. Maybe he saw me.” I couldn’t wait to chat with him again.

Tessa filled a coffee mug. “He called you?”

“Texted. He’s much more talkative with his fingers than he is with his tongue.” I could feel my cheeks heating. “I’m glad no one else is here yet. That sounds horrible without context.”

“Even with context, it’s odd.” She laughed. “Big plans this evening?”

“I’m going to a puppy adoption. Since the house isn’t quite ready, I can’t get one yet. But...” I shrugged.

She knew I was eager to move into my new place. “But it doesn’t stop you from looking.”

“Exactly. I am so ready for a fuzzy friend. And I think having a dog will be good. For safety.”

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