“You know what, I think you’re right. When Eli hugged me during the interview, I seemed to focus on how it felt pressed up against his strong and muscled body. He’s spent lots of time making his body a work of art, and it shows. I’ve been thinking about it—I’m not sure I’ll have the strength to say no if he tried anything. ”
“Always a plus that you know that beforehand. It seems like you’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.”
“Oh, sure. Having Eli in my life after all these years has been very unexpected. Now that he’s back, all bets are off. My body and mind both need him like the flower needs the rain.” I sigh.
“Some men are like that. I have no idea how, but they have the power over us innocent souls.” Haisley offers before her expression lightens up. ”Talking about the men in our lives, did you see that my boy Leo is filming another movie later this year? I’m happy to see my future husband on the screen again!”
If you couldn’t tell, Haisley loves Leonardo DiCaprio who came to stardom with his role as a young lad who drowned at the end of an epic love story. Before that, he had a leading role as a star-crossed lover who died after drinking poison voluntarily.Happy times.
I couldn’t even watch his famous Oscar-winning performance—way too much violence for my liking. I only watch romcoms and other films with no violence or other challenging topics. Even some classic children’s movies are sometimes too much for me.
You can’t blame me for wanting to watch lighter, as my own life has been heavy enough.
* * *
An hour later, there’s a loud knock on our front door. Haisley spritzes my favorite summertime body spray and pushes me out of the room. Walking down the steps, I take even breaths to calm my nerves before opening the door.
I’m not prepared to see Eli, but the sight of him outside my home wakes something in me. His simple yet sexy outfit makes me swoon—he’s wearing a well-fitted dark green sports jacket over a white shirt and dark jeans. Those look tailor-made for his lean, toned legs.
Oh, how I wish I were that fabric clinging to him like a second skin.
A blush creeps up my neck as we stare at each other. Sporting a smug expression, Eli winks just like when I left his place after the interview. I have a feeling that he knows how he’s affecting me.
Eli hands me a bouquet of dark red roses with a smile and it’s good to see that I’m not the only one affected by our connection.
“Thank you, this is the first time a guy has bought me flowers,” I admit, my cheeks feeling hot.
“I’m glad to be the first.” Eli wiggles his eyebrows, hands in his pockets.
“Oh, come in! I need to put these into water before we leave,” I mumble as I start moving back inside.
In the kitchen, I try to get a vase from the top shelf. I tiptoe and lean against our kitchen counter, but it’s still too far. I can feel Eli getting closer to me. His scent wraps around me before I feel his hand on my lower back.
”Let me help you with that,” Eli whispers near my right ear. His words send shivers down my spine. I hardly get out my thanks before goosebumps pop up all over my sensitive skin.
He hands me the clear vase, and I start filling it with water before unwrapping the flowers from the bouquet and putting them in. Setting the flowers on our dining table next, I admire them for a moment and turn to Eli. He pulls out a bag of candy from his jacket pocket. Not just any candy.Myall-time favorite candy.
Looking at him in awe, I take the bag of Sour Skittles he just handed to me. “Thanks, Eli. I don’t know what to say.”
I’m beyond surprised that he remembered.
“I found them at this shop near my office. You loved sour candy growing up, so—” Eli starts explaining before clearing his throat. I just stare at him with a disbelieving look.
“Quite lame, the more I think about it. Who would want candy when I could have gotten you anything else? I’m terrible at this.” He admits and looks down at his shoes.
“What, you don’t always get your lady friends sour candy?” I tease, even though I know what he means. It still feels different to see the confident tech multimillion CEO flustered. He’s not this awkward in texts, so it’s refreshing to see he’s more nervous in real life.
“Dating in general. I’ve only really dated two people before tonight. My last relationship ended up disastrously. But let’s not think of that right now.” Eli shudders and glances at me. “Because I have to get this out before I chicken out; you’re as stunning as ever, Rose. I love to see that you don’t hide your freckles with makeup anymore.”
Blushing more at his compliment, I give him a quick peck on his cheek and start walking to the front door. I see something blurry and white in front of me.
Pickles.
Behind me, I hear Eli mutter, “What the fuck was that?”
Turning around after hearing Eli jumping backwards, I look at his surprised, confused face. Then I notice him looking at Pickles running under the sofa.
“That was Timmy’s cat Pickles.” I tell him.
