Page 89 of We Own Tonight
“There will be photos tomorrow.” Eli growsserious.
“I figured as much, people have been staring all night while holding theirphones.”
Eli’s eyes turn playful. “How about we give them a good one topost?”
I’m not sure what exactly that means, but the look in his eyes is enough to make me go along with him. He gets to his feet, makes his way around the table, and places one hand on the arm of my chair, the other on thetable.
“I’m going to kiss you,” he warns. “I’m going to tell the world that you’re mine, right here andnow.”
Warmth spreads through me as his hand moves to my cheek. He leans down, presses his lips to mine, and publicly declares ourrelationship.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Heather
“Heather, where are the streamers?”Nicole yells from the livingroom.
“Check the bags where all the decorationswere!”
Today is the surprise party for Eli. I’m shocked I’ve been able to keep him completely in the dark. His mother left for New York the other day and can’t make it, but Randy and Savannah will be here. Nicole came over about an hour ago and started getting thingsready.
I told Eli that Nicole needed some best friend time since he’s been monopolizing me and asked him to come pick me up ateight.
“Found them!” She bounces into the room with a grin. “We only have about five more minutes till everyone gets here. What else do youneed?”
“I think we’re all set. The cake is done, the food is out, and we’redecorated.”
“Good. Now you can tell me about your big public date with Mr. Sexy Pants last night,” she says as she flops on mybed.
Eli wasn’t kidding when he said it was going to get crazy. Within thirty minutes of the call from his publicist, we had about fifteen paparazzi outside the restaurant. Before we left, he told me exactly what to do and promised he’d shield me as much as hecould.
It wasn’t all that fun, but we survived. Once we got back to Eli’s house, he encouraged me to call my friends and the police department to let them know. I couldn’t believe he thought they’d care that much, but he’s the expert on dealing with it. No one seemed to care, except for Matt. That was a funconversation.
“I’m sure you read all about it,” I say with my browraised.
Nicole is a gossip column freak, so I’m sure she knew before I did that the story was going to break. “Not the same. But you’re right. Tell me about what happened with Barney Fifeinstead.”
Her and her names for Matt. “He was very short with me. Just one wordanswers.”
“I’m glad he knows. I hope he hates himself for walking out onyou.”
Eli was not happy about that conversation. He knew he couldn’t say much, but I could see how angry he was that I had to tell Matt. It’s the part about my job that sucks. I wish I didn’t have to deal with my ex-husband, yet I can’t say I didn’t enjoy having to tellhim.
“Matt made his choice, and he has to live with it,” I say as I put the last of my clothes away. Not being here much in the last few weeks has made me a little lazy regarding my home. “All right, let’s finish up. They’ll be heresoon.”
“Is that what you’re wearing?” Nicoleasks.
“Yes.”
“Oh no,” she admonishes me as she looks at my outfit. “You need tochange.”
I glance at the shorts and top I’m wearing, confused as to what the hell her issue is. “There’s nothing wrong with myclothes.”
“Put a freaking skirton.”
“What I’m wearing isfine.”
“No.” She laughs. “What you’re wearing islame.”
