Page 40 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Ichatted during most of dinner. Eli stayed quiet. But this was a different kind of quiet. He didn’t talk about whatever had happened that made it a rough day, and I didn’t ask. Nothing I could say would make it better, but I could be a bubbly distraction. And I gave it my all.

After telling him all about the progress on the house, Eli got to hear about my string of bad dates, which I realized was probably a mistake when he asked for the guys’ names. Thankfully, when I rolled my eyes, he smiled, not a full Gallagher grin but even a small smile was a treat.

Then he walked me to my door.

After unlocking it, I turned to face him instead of opening it. “I’m sorry about whatever happened today.”

He nodded and stepped closer. “Thank you for not asking me to talk about it.”

I gave into impulse and wrapped my arms around his waist.

He pressed a hand to my back, and the other threaded in my hair. Pulled tight against him, I closed my eyes, wanting this moment to last a long time.

When he pulled away, he rubbed my arm. “I needed that.”

“Night, Eli.” I went through the routine of locking the door and sending him a picture.

This time his reply surprised me.If you need me, call. No matter what time.

I sent a heart because I was so choked up, I couldn’t even text words.

* * *

The next morning,I woke up smiling. I wasn’t even sure how to label how things were with Eli, but one thing was unquestionable. I liked being with him.

I rolled out of bed, eager to tell Tessa about last night. If I arrived early enough, the crowds wouldn’t be too bad since it was a Sunday morning. If I waited, then it would be chaos.

After changing out of my jammies, I checked my phone, then fell back across the bed as I read the message from Eli.

I’m rebuilding the carburetor Saturday if you want to watch... or help.Being quiet isn’t required.

Yes, please. I for sure wanted to watch, and helping might be fun too.What time? I can come over after the shop closes at 4.

4:30.

Perfect. I harbored a hope that we might end up at a restaurant together after we were done working on the car. And I’d be sure to dab a little perfume on my pulse points to keep that kiss in his thoughts.

I ran next door, grateful for the empty shop. “Hey. No customers yet?”

Tessa grabbed a mug off the shelf behind the counter. “Had a few people when I opened. How are you? You seem very chipper for this time of the morning.”

“Eli showed up last night. He’d had a rough day at work and stopped by to see if I wanted to grab dinner.”

Her eyebrows lifted, but she stayed silent.

“He didn’t talk much. Mostly I talked to him about the progress on the house. I think he didn’t want to be alone.”

Tessa shook her head. “He knows he can call me whenever. His parents live ten minutes from here. And his granddad is only twenty minutes away. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be alone. He wanted to be withyou.”

“I think he does. He sent me this.” I showed her the most recent message. “He invited me to help him rebuild his carburetor.” My cheeks would likely ache from smiling, but I couldn’t help it. Every time I read the text, a new wave of happiness washed over me. “I’m not sure that qualifies as anything like a date, but I’m excited.”

She blinked. “He asked you to work on his car?”

“It’s unconventional, I know. He said I could watch or help.”

She grabbed a rag and wiped down the counter.

“What? Don’t give me that look and not say anything.” I glanced toward the door, hoping she could spill the beans before someone walked to the counter.

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