Page 135 of Knot That Serious

“Okay,” he answered, and she heard his footsteps disappear toward the living area.

A distant buzz sounded, and she dug her phone from the blankets. Raj’s name and subsequent emojis were listed in her notifications, and with a grimace, she opened it.

Feeling a bit like a winner if I say so myself. Have a good night my sweet.

Eli fought her grin, and lost with a chuckle and a shake of her head. Then she finally responded with a trophy emoji, a facepalm emoji, and Enjoy your prior commitments. Jack’s home.

The three dots appeared as soon as she’d sent the text, and she imagined Raj waiting for her to reply. Her smile widened.

Maybe you two can have a night in together. Don’t get in too much trouble.

Me? Never. she sent back.

You can’t see my face right now, but I’m… let’s go with doubtful.

Ye of little faith.

Eli could do this all night, flirting with Raj, but another part of her was eager to see Jack. Did he have plans with Beckett, or did she get him all to herself?

Raj sent back three bucket emojis. I have so much faith. Buckets of faith.

Eli tapped the screen and reacted with a HaHa before responding. You might need them. Goodnight Raj and a kissy face.

Goodnight my sweet

Eli plugged her phone in to save it from its dangerously low battery and rolled from bed. She stretched and padded into her bathroom, readying herself for a comfy evening at home.

When she trailed down the hallway, she spied Jack sitting on the couch, staring at the TV.

His face lit up when he caught sight of her, and Eli’s heart did a little flip in her chest.

“No plans tonight?” she asked, leaning against the door frame.

“Nope, Beckett’s busy.”

“So is Raj,” she said with a sigh. “Scooch.”

Jack moved over so she could squeeze onto the couch with him, and she dropped down with a dramatic sigh. The television was playing some sitcom, one they’d watched a hundred times over. They sat in silence for a moment before her attention trailed away from the TV, sliding over the drawer.

She glanced over at Jack and found him already staring at her. As she watched, his gaze darted to the table and back.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” he asked.

“It depends. Do you wanna get high and then… maybe bake something?”

“Yes!” Jack hissed, and leaned forward to pull open the drawer.

Inside was their airtight container, and Jack retrieved it, sitting back and pulling his legs up onto the couch. He did the honors of rolling them a joint, and Eli dug out the lighter from the back of the coffee table drawer.

Eli dragged one of the blankets to the trunk placed beneath the window to the right of the television. The sitcom played in the background as she cracked the window, letting their cool air escape into the warmer evening. She watched the pedestrians out on the street, listened to the distant honks of traffic.

“M’lady,” Jack said, and she turned her attention inside the apartment. The joint was placed in his hands like an offering.

With a little happy dance she scooted over and made room for Jack on the trunk, and took the joint from him. “I get the honors?” she asked.

“As always.”

Eli smiled, slid the paper between her lips, and flicked the lighter to life.

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