Page 26 of We Own Tonight
For the first time since I can remember, I look around and feel a wave of embarrassment. I live a modest life, I can’t afford the repairs needed on my house, and I haven’t bought new furniture since my engagement to Matt nine years ago. Here’s a man who could buy the entire Pottery Barn catalogue, and I can’t even afford ablanket.
“Eli?” I ask, trying to get him to stop looking around. “You found out where I live,how?”
“Relax.” His smile is easy and warm. “I found something of yours. I figured you probably neededit.”
“What? Something ofmine?”
He pulls out a card, and my jaw falls. “Needthis?”
“Holy shit! I didn’t even know it was missing!” I walk over and take my license from his hand. “Thank you. I would be in deep shit if they did a paperwork check and I didn’t have it beforeshift.”
“I thought being the law-abiding citizen you are, it wasimportant.”
Relief floods me which is quickly followed by confusion. “But wait . . . you saw me earliertoday.”
“Yes, but I was in a rather precarious situation with a police officer who wanted to bust my balls, so I didn’t have a chance to give itback.”
My arms fold across my chest as I stare at him. “You had more than enoughtime.”
He shrugs and plops himself on my couch. “I thought it would be better now. Plus, I wouldn’t want to play all my cards on the firsthand.”
“So, this iswhat?”
“This is us becomingfriends.”
“Friends?” Iask.
His lazy smile grows, and he leans back. “Yup. I decided today we’re going to befriends.”
“Why isthat?”
I’m not sure why I’m asking, but I can’t help but want to know why he feels this is going to happen. Since it’s totally not. I don’t need any more friends, especially not rich sex Gods who out of nowhere want to make my life even more of amess.
“Because that’s what people do after they’ve slept together. Plus, I’m a goodfriend.”
I huff and move closer, “I don’t need any more—” Eli opens the pizza box and pulls a slice out. “Hey! That’s mypizza.”
“I’m starving.” He grins and then takes a bite. “Mmm.” Eli moans as he chews, and I would give anything to be what he’seating.
My eyes widen, and my cheeks burn as I chastise myself for even thinking that. What is wrong with me? Why do I become some addled teenager when I’m around him? I’m definitely not some sex-crazed woman. Since Matt, I’ve had one guy in mybed.
One.
And hesucked.
Now, I’m standing here thinking about Eli and all he did tome.
“Listen, new friend that I didn’t particularly ask for, I appreciate you bringing my license back.” I motion toward the door, but he leans back and throws his leg over his knee. “Really, I do,but—”
Eli cuts me off. “You’re not going toeat?”
“No, I’m definitely going to eat, but you’re definitely notstaying.”
“You can’t share some pizza with me? I mean, isn’t that what friends do and all? They break bread, have some fun, talk, hook up a little?” He wags his eyebrows with agrin.
I shake my head and sigh. “No hooking up, and while I love the idea of our newfound friendship, it’s been a really long day. I was planning to head tobed.”
“We can do that, too.” He takes another bite as if he didn’t offer to sleep with meagain.
