Page 20 of Tangled Hearts
I don’t even know what to say to that, so I say nothing. Eli studies me for a second, and finally he turns and looks back at Mia. “My usual, please.”
She grins. “You Harts and your damn predictable orders.”
Eli shrugs. “I know what I like.”
“I’ll have whatever he’s having,” I say, since I don’t know a thing about boba. I hope it’s not disgusting.
“I bet you’ve never had an original thought in your life,” Eli says, glancing at me over his shoulder.
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “I’ve never had boba. I don’t even know what it is. How am I supposed to know what to order?”
Mia chuckles as she starts getting our order together. Eli shrugs, dropping a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. “You’re in luck with this one. He’s been drinking the same thing since he was fifteen, but before that he tried literally every flavor combination.”
Eli turns to me with earnest eyes. “Chocolate boba is a crime against humanity, and I’ll die on that hill.”
Mia sets the drinks down on the counter, so I reach past Eli, my chest brushing his upper arm, and grab the two cups. He inhales a quick breath, but before I can linger on it, I’m stepping back and leading him to a corner table.
When we sit down, I glance at the drink. “What the hell is this?”
Eli lets out a giggle. “Just try it.”
My first sip almost chokes me, the little balls in the bottom rushing up my straw and straight to the back of my throat. I cough hard, and Eli snickers. “You’re supposed to chew it, not inhale it.”
“Chew it? Do you hear yourself right now? You don’tchewdrinks.”
On my second sip, I get a mouthful of little balls and pop them between my teeth. Juice rushes out, surprising me. Eli’s watching me like he’s entirely too invested in my boba experience. It’s good. Even if it is a little strange. I’m not sure I’m going to be a boba fanatic anytime soon, but it’s alright. “It’s not bad,” I say when I’ve swallowed.
“Not bad,” he grumbles. “My favorite drink in the world is ‘not bad.’ I’ve changed my mind. You’re not welcome to the family.”
The words are a joke. I know they are, but they still slam right into my chest and take my breath away. I clear my throat and then clear it again, trying to dislodge the lump stuck there. I take another sip of my drink, but my throat is so tight I can hardly swallow.
“Oh,” Eli says softly, and I force my gaze to his. Force myself to take a breath and look normal. “I didn’t mean that. It was a joke. A really tasteless joke, actually. I’m so sorry. I think I’d probably break down in hysterics if someone said that to me.”
Really? I don’t think I’m far off from that. I laugh, trying to lighten the mood. My issues are not his problem, and it’s not his job to tiptoe around them. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it badly.”
He chews on his bottom lip, his gaze on the table in front of him. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop looking at him. He’s not wearingany makeup today, but he doesn’t look any less stunning. His lashes are long and dark, and his skin is dewy and perfect. His bottom lip looks slightly chapped, and the way he’s nibbling on it probably isn’t helping anything. I can’t actually be attracted to him. My stomach sinks. I just found my brother. He’d never forgive me if he found out. Not that he ever would. No. Those thoughts are staying locked in the vault, never to see the light of day.
“Eli.” He glances at me. “It’s really okay.” I try for a smile, but the way he’s looking at me tells me I’m not hitting the mark.
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Promise?” The question is quiet and loaded with some emotion I can’t even begin to unravel.
“I promise.”
“Okay.” He nods slightly, not looking convinced. “I just… I know how important this is to Holden. I—I don’t want you to think I don’t like you.” He pauses, blowing out a sharp breath before meeting my eyes. “I think it would be nice if we could be friends?”
I can’t help but smile at the way he words it like a question. “Of course. I’d love to be your friend. Especially if we’re going to be family.”
I shoot him a wink, and he turns his nose up at me. “Friends.”
Ouch. Okay, then. “Friends,” I echo. I’m starting to get the feeling Eli is going to be a tough nut to crack. I get the tiniest bit forward with him, and he shoves me forcibly back. I’m not opposed to that. I’ve fought for worse things. Things that didn’t serve me. Things that brought me nothing but heartache and pain. Things that made me question myself and my worth. This feels like somethingworthfighting for. And I’ll fight. I won’t give up. “That’s fine with me.” I try for a smile, hoping it hits the mark.
Eli studies me for a second. “Well, I better get home. Thank you for the boba.”
I nod. He’s so hot and cold. I know I shouldn’t expect anything else. Hell, he barely knows me, but I just… was hoping for something different, I guess. Was hoping that maybe we could find some common ground. “Thankyoufor the boba. You paid.”
He smiles, breathtaking and raw, and it makes my heart beat faster. Maybe I shouldn’t be trying to get closer to him. Maybe this hasbad fucking newswritten all over it.
“You can get it next time, yeah?” Eli asks as he stands, clutching his cup in his hand.
