Smiling, because the meeting had been better and shorter than I’d expected, I headed up the last flight of stairs to my apartment, ready to give Eli the good news. I was so lost in my own world, I almost missed the fact that the voices I was hearing were coming from my apartment.
Stopping, because they both sounded too familiar, I waited at the stairwell so I could hear who it was.
Ken.
Eli was going to eat him alive.
Debating whether or not to step in, I quickly realized it wouldn’t be necessary.
Eli’s words were cool but professional; if I wasn’t familiar with his usual almost-flirty tone, I would have thought nothing was up. “I’m sorry, but Roman isn’t in right now. I’m sure if he wants to speak with you, he’ll call you back.”
I’d clearly missed the introductions, but by the sound of Eli’s voice, he knew exactly who he was talking to. I almost felt bad for Ken…until he opened his mouth.
“Romanwillwant to speak to me. I have somethingpersonalto discuss with him. I think I should just come in and wait. He won’t be happy that you sent me away.” Ken’s whiny voice was like nails on a chalkboard.
“Honey, trying to make me jealous is stupid.” I could hear the drama queen rearing its head, and I knew he was barely restraining himself.
“I’m not trying to make you jealous.” The tone of Ken’s voice gave that lie away immediately. “I’m just being honest; he’s not going to want me to go away. We have a history together and things we need to discuss. I don’t know who you are, but I can guarantee you’re nothing compared to me.”
I wasn’t sure if it was all bravado or if he was stupid enough to believe it, but Eli shot him down right away. “That’s the biggest load of shit I’ve ever heard. He calls you thatflaming moron who couldn’t get a reality TV show gig even when he plastered his naked ass all over the internet. You’re not even worthy of being called his ex. So, honey, why don’t you just march those knockoff boots down the stairs and go find a corner somewhere, because you’re not coming in here.”
Ken sputtered, and I could hear the insanity building. “These are not knockoffs!”
When his anger was over shoes, I knew he’d never really wanted me. Oddly, it sent relief flooding through me. I might have been stupid for believing his shit at one time, but I’d been smart enough to know when to walk away.
I just wished I’d been able to see the truth sooner and that I hadn’t held on to the anger for as long as I had.
“Honey, they’re flea market rip-offs and not very good ones at that. Now scoot, before I call the cops and tell them you’re trying to pick up new johns in the building. It’s a rough part of town, but I know enough guys on the force that they’ll come in a heartbeat.” Eli’s anger was starting to build, but I was more curious than worried.
I could only guess how he knew that many cops, but knowing my brat, he’d nearly gotten arrested for something and then had charmed his way out of it.
“Roman will change his mind as soon as he sees me, and you know it! That’s the reason you won’t let me in!” Ken’s voice was starting to rise, but the desperation was beginning to show.
Eli laughed. “Honey, that man and I are head over heels for each other. He’s taken the most beautiful pictures of me and has shouted how he felt about me from the rooftops. I know he loves me, and you are just grasping at very pathetic little straws. Now shoo. We’ve got plans later, and they don’t involve desperate little skanks.”
Hearing the door slam, I hurried up to the next floor. I wasn’t a coward, but I wasn’t going to deal with his crazy ass.
As I listened to Ken stomp down the stairs, still mumbling about his boots, I had to smile. Eli had been right. I did love him and I had shouted how I’d felt from the rooftops. The fact that I’d been screaming at him about how insane he made me, and how he should go find a corner, didn’t make his statement any less true, but it was pure Eli to use that in an argument.
Heading back to my apartment, I knocked instead of letting myself in. Eli came stomping up to the door, and I could hear the profanity spewing from him. “What did I tell you?”
“That you knew how much I loved you and that you’re head over heels for me.”
Eli gave me a dirty look. “You were eavesdropping.”
“You had it handled far better than I could.” Stepping into the doorway, I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him close. “Say it formethis time.”
Eli’s voice went breathy. “That’s not fair.”
“What? The fact that I heard you before you were ready to tell me, or the fact that I’m turning you on when your dick can’t get hard?”
Eli gave me a pout. “Both.”
Smiling, I kissed him gently. “Tell me.”
“You’re so bossy.” He said it like I was a stubborn child.
“And you’re smart enough to know when I won’t give up.” Turning my head, I started kissing up his neck. “Tell me.”
