FIFTEEN
Hartley
Eli picksme up the next night around the same time. He had messaged me earlier letting me know that his mom had invited Patrick, Brennan, and me over and that she wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Part of me had been excited. I actually liked Susan and Frank and I’m excited to spend more time with both of them. Plus, Brennan will be here and I love hanging out with that little boy. Mostly though, I’m just looking forward to spending some more time with Eli.
That thought is also what has me worried.
I know that when we started this, we both agreed that we weren’t looking for a relationship, but my feelings are starting to change. Or maybe they already have changed. How do I broach that subject with him though? What happens if his feelings haven’t changed? How awkward would that make the rest of the week?
“What’s in the bag?” Eli asks as he helps me up into his truck.
“Some groceries for tonight. We’re making lasagna. I thought that was a good idea since Brennan seems to like pasta so much. I thought little kids were supposed to be picky eaters and I wanted to make sure that we had something that he would eat.”
“I think Brennan eats pretty much anything. Patrick told me that he’s been really excited about cooking now. Patrick said that he ordered some kids cookbooks so they can cook dinner and stuff together now.”
“That’s so cool! I love that he enjoys it. I feel like I brought someone over to the dark side. Soon he’ll be making soufflés and asking for a KitchenAid Mixer for Christmas.”
Eli laughs at that, grinning as he pulls into his driveway. There’s a fancy looking SUV already parked there which I assume is Patrick’s car.
“Before we go in there,” I say, stopping Eli before he can get out of the truck. “What does Patrick know? About us?” I clarify.
“He knows this is fake,” Eli says and even though I know that it shouldn’t, those words still cause an ache to for in my chest.
“He won’t say anything,” Eli assures me.
“Good, good,” I say, turning forward.
I’m about to get out of the truck when my eyes snag on Susan. She’s spying on us from the front window and I giggle when I see her try to duck back behind the curtain. I can still see her peering out though.
I nudge Eli, nodding toward the window and he rolls his eyes.
“She’s acting like I’m a teenager sneaking home with my date,” he groans.
“I think it’s cute,” I say, trying to hide my giggles.
Eli glares at me, turning in his seat to face me.
“Yeah, I’m sure that it’s really funny when it’s not happening to you.”
“It is! It really is,” I say, letting the giggles slip out.
“What do we do now? We’ve been sitting out here for too long with her watching,” Eli says, trying not to look to where Susan is still watching us.
“I think your dad just joined her,” I point out.
“Oh my god,” Eli groans, resting his head on the steering wheel.
“Don’t do that! They’re going to think that I’m breaking up with you or something!” I say, grabbing his arm and pulling him upright. “Come here,” I order, tugging him toward me.
“Why?” he asks, his voice low and husky as he inches closer to me.
“For this,” I whisper, closing the distance between our lips and slipping my tongue past his lips.
Eli groans low in his throat, his hands tangling in my hair. He knocks my hat off, but neither of us care. His tongue tangles with mine and I want to climb over the center console and into his lap. I want to feel him pressed against me.
Eli shifts, facing me more and his elbow bangs off the steering wheel. The horn blares shortly and Eli and I both jerk apart at the sound. The windows are fogged up and we’re both breathing heavily as we watch each other.