Page 5 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

I tapped out a quick reply.Stop messaging me. I do not want to go out with you. Ever. That seemed simple enough for anyone to understand.

The jerk’s truck rumbled to life, and he tore out of that parking lot like a spooked cat. Good riddance.

Before I stepped out of the shadows, my phone buzzed again. What did the guy want now?

Nothing. It was from Tessa.Cami is coming. Harper is working tonight.

I definitely wouldn’t be talking about what happened with the towel incident. Tessa and Eli were cousins, so that made it weird. And Cami was determined to set me up with Eli. Neither of my friends needed to know he’d seen me only in a towel.

Cami’s purple goddess turned into the lot just as I was about to cross the street. I glanced both ways, then ran across.

“Sorry about your date. But yay for barbeque. I was craving it.” She hopped out. “Maybe I’ll take some to Harper when we’re done.”

“That’s just an excuse to go see him.”

“Yep.” She grinned. “He misses me when he has to work.”

“I’m sure he does.” I pulled open the door to the restaurant.

The amazing aroma of smoked meat greeted me. Barbeque always made me feel better.

Tessa waved. “I thought you’d beat me here.”

“I was slow.” Maybe I’d tell them about the jerk in the parking lot; maybe I wouldn’t. Right now, I just wanted food.

I fell in line behind them and pushed my tray along.

“What meat would you like?” The guy behind the counter motioned to the array of smoked meats.

“I’ll take half a pound of smoked brisket and two ribs.” Brisket always made good leftovers, so I didn’t worry about ordering too much.

He handed over my food, and I waited while Tessa and Cami got their sides.

The guy repeated his question to the person behind me, and when Eli answered, I glanced around for a rug to crawl under.

For a small town, the restaurant options were pretty good. There were three places. What were the odds he’d end up here? This was the best barbeque around. Of course he was here.

I glanced back, and Eli was staring at the floor.

My assumption was right. He wasn’t going to look at me. Ever.

I pushed my tray forward, hoping Cami and Tessa wouldn’t notice the man who was well over six feet tall. What were the odds?

Not good.

“Do you want to split a potato salad?” Cami turned, and her face lit up. “Eli Gallagher! What a fun surprise. Do you want to sit with us?”

“No thanks.” He didn’t look up.

Tessa stepped around me and nudged his arm. “You okay? We really don’t mind if you sit with us.”

He flashed that Gallagher grin, but it lacked its normal spark. “I’m good. Y’all have fun. I’m going to eat and run.”

It didn’t seem at all fair that he said lots of words to Tessa but hardly any to me. After tonight, was it any surprise?

Maybe a small nudge—not a full-on assault—would help. Because the man ticked all the boxes maybe it was too soon to give up on my plan of a happily ever after. I just needed to get him on board with my plan.

“He has a town to protect.” I slowly lifted my gaze, hoping he wouldn’t think I was poking fun.

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