Page 35 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

After I filled my plate, he piled his with food. When I sat down, he sat next to me.

Joji joined us. “How’s business?”

One conversation led to another, and we talked for over an hour. By we, I mean Joji talked, and I talked. Eli only added a word here and there.

* * *

After sayinga gushing thank you and goodbye to Joji, I walked out the door with Eli right behind me.

As I walked up to my car, he stuck his hands in his pockets. “I’m glad you stopped by.”

“This was fun. I enjoyed hearing about your car.”

He nodded and glanced at the garage.

“Well, you have my number.” That was obvious.

“I do.” He grinned, then opened my door. “Drive safe.”

That wasn’t exactly how I hoped the evening would end.

With stars twinkling, I drove home, determined to be patient. Eli wasn’t exactly demonstrative, but the small things he did spoke volumes. I’d focus on those things and wait for him to contact me.

My phone buzzed as I walked into the store.

The door locked?Eli was thinking about me.

I bolted the door, snapped a pic, and sent it to him.Safe and secure.

How long would I have to wait until I heard from him again?

Chapter 13

When I woke up, there was a text message waiting for me, a message longer than typical for Eli. He’d been up late if the timestamp was any indication.

You asked how I knew. I assume you meant how I knew it was you standing in the garage. A few reasons. When you’re near me, my nerve endings tingle as if lightning might strike at any moment. Your perfume wraps around me and reminds me of that morning in Tessa’s shop. Also, I saw you getting out of your car and staring at my trailer.

How was I supposed to respond to that? I couldn’t just leave him on read. This text required a prompt response.

I typed out the first thing that popped into my head.I’ll be smiling all day because of this text.

He sent a thumbs up, so he was awake. Was that his only reply? I wanted to toss my phone against the wall. Then little dots showed up as he typed out another message.

I waited as the dots danced. Then they stopped, but I still waited. And waited. Finally, the dots popped up again and soon after a message.

I had fun. Talk to you soon.

As soon as my feet hit the floor, I threw on clothes, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and hightailed it to Tessa’s. Moving helped my brain kick into gear, and the pieces started to fit together. When I’d told Tessa I was going to Joji’s, she’d known I’d likely see Eli there, but had she known Joji’s plan? Hopefully, I’d get a chance to ask, but Saturday mornings were often busy.

When I took a seat at my favorite spot along the counter, Tessa waved. “I set a mug and doughnut there for you.”

“How’d you know I’d be coming in?” The crowded room made me curious about how she’d answer.

She winked. “Just a guess.”

“Guess, my foot.” I filled my mug then devoured the cream-filled doughnut, hoping my patience outlasted the crowd.

While customers kept Tessa busy, I put in my earbuds and watched videos about people rebuilding Datsuns. After two minutes of the first video, I was even more impressed with Eli.

---