Page 135 of Break the Ice
“Elevator is taking forever,” he mutters, jabbing at the call button.
“It’s always like this in the morning. Especially Fridays. It’s like everyone’s rushing out as early as possible to get their week over with.”
Eli sighs, stuffing his hands back in his pockets. He’s quiet for a moment before he says, “Fin was still asleep when I left.”
He glances up at me, and I don’t know why I blurt, “I kissed her.”
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it’s not the smile that tugs at his lips. The one he’s trying to fight when he asks, “Did you like it?”
The words ball in my throat, making it impossible to reply with anything other than a nod.
“That much… huh?”
Fuck me, he’s smirking like the cat that got the cream. I know that should put me at ease.
It doesn’t.
Because all I can think about when he shifts, and his arm brushes mine is how close he was when he told me to kiss his girl. How hot his breath was in my ear while she looked at me, begging me for it.
“Are you going to Hillier’s party after the game?”
Clearing my throat, I tell him, “He wouldn’t forgive me if I missed his birthday.”
I’ve known Matheo since we were kids. We played for the same team in junior league. He was one of the few kids that didn’t give me shit because of my family dynamics. His mom was cool too.
“Maybe Fin will want to go, too,” Eli muses. “She can celebrate her first day of work.”
“Are you sure? Puck drop is at seven, so game won’t be done till about ten and then?—”
“It’s one night,” Eli says, a large, warm hand grasping my wrist. The surprise cuts off any argument I have. “I already figured it out. I don’t have to be at the facility until mid-morning tomorrow, so I can catch up on sleep.”
“What about Lex?”
“Well, he wanted me to make public appearances with Fin, so this is a good time. It’s not put on or out of the ordinary… I’ve figured it all out with him and I even consulted my neurologist. A few hours aren’t going hurt me.”
“As long as you’re sure.”
Another light squeeze and he tells me, “I am, and anyway, I think Fin will enjoy going to the game and?—”
“The game?”
“I got a couple of tickets for her and Christina. That way she’s not on her own.”
“So, you have thought of everything.”
“Yes, I have.”
The grin on his face stretches wider when I narrow my eyes on him and ask, “Who are you and what have you done with my Eli?”
His face sobers a tad as my words sink in.
My Eli.
Shit.
Too much, dickhead.Too fucking much.
I’m about to take a step back, to fix the weirdness that my foot in mouth compulsion is causing when his hand moves from my wrist to my elbow, holding me in place.
