Eli sighed but pulled back enough to give me sad puppy eyes. “Wilder and Roman said I should have watched over you better.”
“I’m a grown man.” Just a shy one. “I should have realized how strong the drinks were, and even though some parts of the evening are a bit fuzzy, I remember you telling me not to share things while I was drunk.”
Of course, I also remembered finding that funny for some reason, but that was beside the point.
“So you’re really not mad?” Eli’s eyes began to brighten, and he shifted as though the excitement inside him was building again, like a volcano starting to become active. “And you really want to go out again? Like, have dinner with me and Lane? I won’t let anyone get you drunk again.”
He said it with such fervor I had a feeling it would be years before Eli would be comfortable watching me consume so much as a beer.
“Thanks.” I tried to sound convincing, but Preston chuckled.
“He’s not a child.”
Eli nodded, but I could see Preston’s words hadn’t made a bit of difference. “We need to go out this weekend. I know a great Mexican place and they serve really good…well, no margaritas for you, but the tacos are fabulous too.”
Lord.
“I’m not sure about this weekend, but—” Eli’s face fell so dramatically, I felt like I’d kicked his puppy. “Sure. It will be fun.”
Preston and I hadn’t completely sorted out our plans yet, and I had a ton of work to do, but there would be time for everything. At least, that was what I told myself.
Preston’s low chuckle said he didn’t quite believe me, but that was okay because the smile was back on Eli’s face as he gave me a fierce hug. “Okay, got to go before Roman loses his marbles or I wrinkle the panties. I’ll talk to you later about the plans.”
He gave me a quick peck on the lips and then bounced off to Roman with a huge smile on his face. I turned to Preston. “He kissed me.”
He snickered but shook his head like he was disappointed in me. “Only my boyfriend for a few days and already cheating on me—kissing other men and even feeling them up—shocking.”
I felt my eyes widen even though I knew he was teasing. I shook my head and swallowed several times. The best response I could come up with was to shrug. “It’s Eli. He doesn’t count.”
Preston laughed and pulled me into his arms, kissing me thoroughly as everyone watched. Giggles and catcalls rang out as he took my lips and his tongue teased at mine until I was panting and breathless. Pulling back, he pressed a kiss to my nose and smiled. “That’s a kiss.”
Blushing, I pressed my face into his neck and groaned. “They’re all still looking, aren’t they?”
“Yes.” Preston kissed my head. “Because you’re family and they want you happy.”
It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to me.
So lunch was…awkward? Maybe? I don’t know. He smiled at me, but it felt a little like he was being too careful. Maybe I’m overthinking it—wouldn’t be the first time. He didn’t ask too many straightforward questions about the company I work for, but it’s clear he knows something’s up.
I hope I gave him enough clues that he’s careful with orders from now on. I’d hate for them to have problems. I hope he won’t be mad at me that I wasn’t more help, but I’m not ready to jump ship yet and go completely on my own so I had to be careful. He seemed fine with everything I had to say, though.
He seemed “fine” with everything.
Do you think he thought I was boring? We’ve talked enough that I don’t come across as stupidly shy anymore, but maybe I was too quiet. Do you remember that realtor who thought I was boring? I’m pretty sure I’m not…but there’s no way to tell people all the odd things that are in my head without looking nuts. So I stay quiet and keep the submission stuff to myself and that just makes me look…boring.
Yeah. He thought I was boring. Shit. How do I show him I’m not boring?
Three months, one week until first date
