Page 32 of Say I'm Yours, Firecracker

I watched Eli’s smirk increase to a full-blown smile.

“Honestly, I think I’m holding up my side of the bargain nicely.” He chuckled and I couldn’t help but laugh too. My hair brushed the small of my back as I tipped my head back, the longest it’s been in a while.

“Crushing the fake dating game.” I exclaimed.

The waiter returned and took our order, placing a bread basket beside the vase candle, and I slathered a big hunk of butter on a piece and stuffed my face. It was soft and buttery goodness. Carbs were my favorite. Which I think is what made Bellamy and I fall in love with each other.

Thinking of her made my chest ache. I shouldn’t have been so upset. I didn’t even know what they had conspired about without me, but I was sick of it all the same.

“Graham said Stacey is loving the way everything is going for the wedding so far.” Eli began. This was how our conversations normally went. Neutral zone topics, but to anyone inspecting from the outside we looked like a comfortable couple.

I guess in a way, we were. Eli was safe. I knew where I stood with him, and I knew I could stand without him if I needed to. I didn’t love him, nor did I think we were anything but friends who would part once his brother married.

Outlining the terms made me feel less attached, peaceful in our mutual decision. We could be friends without me having to worry that he was leaving and that he wasn’t going to change his mind.

Losing people was one thing I didn’t do well. So knowing our ‘relationship’ had an expiration date helped me. There would be no spiral when he left, just fond memories of our time together.

We ate, laughed, all while Finn stayed parked across the street. I could hear the loud rumble of his truck pulling off and circling the block to come back, obnoxious boys and their toys. Eli confirmed when he had to cover his laugh with a hand.

The food was good, nowhere near as good as Billy’s, but it would suffice. I really wanted a milkshake, and when Eli asked, the waiter looked at him funny and came back with the news that they did in fact use syrup in vanilla ice cream to make their chocolate milkshake.

No strawberries in sight…..that should be a crime.

Eli paid the bill and we walked out to where he parked the car. As we did, Eli made sure to slip his hand into mine, twisting our fingers together. I could almost envision Finn’s teeth mashing together.

Could practically hear it.

I had to stifle a laugh when Eli brushed a kiss over my cheek before closing my door. No doubt he was smirking at Finn, who had started his truck and slowly drove by.

“I almost feel bad for the guy,” Eli shared with me on the way back to my apartment.

I laughed then. “Don’t. This is harmless, I could do worse.”

“You devious little creature!” Eli said, his voice like a scandalized socialite. We laughed and chatted until he dropped me off and I spotted Finn leaned up against the brick beside the door to my apartment.

Well, this was going to be fun.

His feet were crossed at the ankles, his long sleeve shirt bunched around his impressive muscles. It wasn’t fair how attractive he was. The worst part of it all was he didn’t flaunt it. He knew he looked good, but he remained humble about his figure.

“Are we adding stalker to our resume tonight?” I asked, keeping my face neutral.

“I wouldn’t have to stalk you if you’d just talk to me.” His deep voice carried over the cold air between us, and I shivered. He nodded his head toward the door. I sighed but allowed him to follow me up to my apartment.

It was messy, as per usual, I didn’t have enough storage for clothes. My kitchen had approximately three usable cabinets, and next to no counter space. Billy installed some shelves for me on one wall for linens, not that I had use for much of them, being alone and all.

“You’re the one who ran away.” I stated. It was a low comment, since he only ran because I was losing my shit on Bellamy.

“What would you have done in my shoes, Ronnie?” He plopped down on my sofa and ran his hand over his face. “I’m trying.”

I nodded and turned on my chunky heel, heading for the small bathroom tucked beside my closet. Unbuttoning my pants I let out a little sigh of relief. Okay, a huge sigh of relief.

Wiggling the material over my butt and thighs I stepped out of the bright yellow pants, and pulled off my blouse. Standing here looking at my reflection wearing nothing but a bra, panties, and my chunky heels I felt powerful.

My belly had rounded out a lot in the past weeks, like my bean finally said, “I’m here, mommy!”

Tears stung the back of my eyes as I took the time to twist and observe my body from all angles. My boobs were already a nice size, but they had gotten bigger, filling out my bras a little more.

I felt…beautiful and strong.

---