****
“Eli, I don’t want to hear it anymore.” He was bouncing back and forth between apologies and I’m-rights, and I just wanted the night to be over. But considering the fact that I hadn’t even gotten home yet, I was a long way from getting to hide.
My sister was always posting on Facebook about building a blanket fort and hiding from the world; I was starting to think she had a good idea.
The ride back to the condo was mainly quiet, with Eli’s occasional comments the only thing to break the silence. But as we got closer to my place, he got more talkative, probably realizing it was his last chance to make sure I understood he was right. “I’m telling you, the way he looked at you made it clear. He’s into you and wants to tie you up and do all kinds of kinky shit to you.”
That idea should not be a turn-on.
“Eli, that makes him sound more like a stalker or serial killer than a date.”
Hannah snorted but seemed to be staying out of it. Eli, on the other hand, took it as a challenge. “It’s only stalking and serial killer shit if you don’t want it, but you do, so I’m not worried.”
If I was ever arrested, it would be because I did something terrible to Eli. Probably right after he said “Trust me” or “I’m right.” No one would ever convict me. “That’s not the point.”
It probably was, but I was just tired and confused.
The drive home was supposed to help me figure out what to do, but I was still lost. I’d never had any of my previous relationships start like this. Were all guys this insane?
Eli – nuts
Roman – angry nuts
Andrew – stupid nuts
Jake – stupid for dealing with Andrew
The list could go on, but even to myself, I’d made my point. I was the crazy one for surrounding myself with insane men. When everyone around you was nuts, it was probably your fault.
Hannah finally spoke up. “Um, I’m going to have to side with the idiot up here. It kind of is the point.”
She laughed when I sighed and leaned back to close my eyes. “I know you don’t like it, but you’re going to have to take the initiative and let Houston know you’re really interested in him. If he’s thinking that you might not be into guys and that you aren’t submissive, then he’s got a lot of obstacles in his way, even if you ignore the whole clothing thing.”
She sighed. “Which is super hot, by the way. I’m kind of jealous.”
Barking out a laugh, I had to agree with her. “Super hot. You have no idea.” I saw his incredible body in those panties every time I closed my eyes. Soft, feminine lingerie that was wrapped around muscles and a sexy Dom; the combination was indescribably erotic.
“Meanie.” She giggled as she pulled up in the parking lot. I couldn’t help but look over at the other end of the lot where Houston’s car should be. His spot was empty.
As I unbuckled and got ready to climb out of the car, Eli reached out and put a hand on my arm, stopping me. “I’ll come up and apologize if you want me to. I shouldn’t have invaded his privacy.”
“No, I have a feeling he’s not ready to see you yet. And he’s not even home, anyway. Who knows when he’ll get back.” Or what mood he was going to be in. “Leave your phone on because I might need your couch.”
“You got it.” He nodded earnestly. “Anything you need. But man, I’m not moving your bed in the middle of the night, so see if you can at least get him to keep your stuff here until we can make everyone come pack it up.”
“So they can come help clean up your mess?” No one would question it, unfortunately.
He shrugged. “Of course, that’s what friends are for.”
Shaking my head, I got out. “Thanks for the ride, Hannah. I’ll see you guys later.”
Her smile was more worried than Eli’s. “Be safe and call me if you need me.”
Eli just grinned. “Be outrageous and do something to get his attention.”
Going to bed to hide sounded like a better idea. “Bye.”
As I made my way up to the apartment, I still wasn’t sure what to do. There were just too many options. Ignoring it all and hoping that he’d do the same seemed wrong—like I’d be missing out on something important, special. “You’ve been watching too many movies. Real life is not like the fuckin’ Hallmark channel.”
