Page 88 of We Own Tonight
I’ve never had someone love me like this. Thinking back, I’m not sure Matt ever defended me. I always felt like I was on my own. With Eli, he looks at me as if I’m special and treasured. He wants to protect and care forme.
“Is it like this in New York . . . when you go out?” Iquestion.
He chuckles. “No, it’s like I’m a normalguy.”
“Yeah right.” I don’t think Eli could ever be normal. He’s sexier than any man I’ve ever seen, and he’s impossible toignore.
“I swear. Celebrities there aren’t treated as if they’re special. It’s why so many of them live there full time. Plus, there’s always a movie or show being filmed. It’s a part of lifethere.”
The waitress returns with the right wine and a plate of appetizers. We place our orders, and I smile when he rubs his foot against my calf as she stands there. I can’t remember the last time I playedfootsie.
Our food comes, and we enjoy the meal. I understand now what he means by no longer noticing the people around us. I’m sure they’re watching, but I don’t pay attention. I’m here with him, and that’s all I careabout.
Eli and I chat about his time in New York as I sit enthralled. It all sounds so exciting. We finish the meal and are enjoying our bottle of wine. He tells me about his co-workers, and I can’t help but fangirl a little over Noah Frazier. After Eli, he’s my favorite character, and hearing about how they hang out makes me a littlegiddy.
“Is Noah as cute in person as he is on television?” I blurtout.
Eli nearly chokes on his drink. “What?”
“I’m a fan,” I reply with innocence. “Of the show, ofcourse.”
“Oh, of course.” The sarcasm in his voice tells me he clearly doesn’t believeme.
“Jealous?” Itaunt.
Eli leans back, crossing his arms across his broad chest. I use all my restraint to hold back my laugh because he looks adorable when he’s being stupid. “Not atall.”
“Good.”
“It’s not like you’re asking me about another guy onourdate.”
I giggle a little and recover quickly. “Eli Walsh, do you not know that I think you’re the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyeson?”
He leans forward, resting his hands on the table. “Do younow?”
I move closer and reach toward him. “Yes.”
“Tell me just how sexy you think Iam.”
I extend my hand, and he mirrors my movement. When we connect, Eli laces his fingers with mine. My mouth opens to tell him all the ways I find him sexy when his phone rings. He grumbles as he looks at thescreen.
“Hello, Sharon. Yes. No.” His eyes meet mine, and I see the worry there. “We’re on a date . . .” Eli huffs. “I don’t have to tell you beforehand.” A pause. “Well, then do your job and handle it and make it clear what it means.” He disconnects the call and then runs his hand down hisface.
It doesn’t take a detective to figure out what’s happened. She knew we were out, which means someone has leaked that Eli Walsh is no longer on themarket.
Living in our bubble was great, but we knew it wouldn’t last. I’m grateful for the time we had. It allowed us the time to get to know each other and fall in love. If we had people following us around, we may have never gotten past the firstdate.
“Well, I guess we’re official now, huh?” I smile, hoping to reassurehim.
He studies me, and when he finds whatever he was looking for, he smiles. “Yeah, baby. We’reofficial.”
I nod. “Maybe this means women will stop touchingyou?”
Eli laughs without reservation. “I doubt it, but I promise not to likeit.”
“And I promise not to shoot them when theydo.”
I think that’s fair. He doesn’t like it, and I don’t lose my badge or go to jail . . . win,win.
