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The Kingsnakes were now up three games to San Jose’s one, and needed just one more win to clinch the series. And they'd finally broken the "curse" of not winning in San Jose's arena, beating them solidly the past two games.
Tonight, Eli had blistered a shot from the blue line, giving the Kingsnakes the lead. It had ended up being the game winning goal.
Watching the guys celebrating and tackling Eli with hugs had been incredible.
She did a victory dance as she made her way down the hallway and into Eli's bathroom. Hopefully, he wouldn't mind her using it, but she wanted a nice hot shower, and the water pressure in her bathroom could be fussy sometimes.
Holly skimmed out of her clothes and hopped under the hot spray, letting the pulsing water ease her stiff muscles.
When she was through, she toweled off and combed out her hair, then pulled on her black sleep shorts and matching tank top. It was still too early to go to bed, and she felt restless.
After feeding Miss, she made herself a bowl of popcorn before settling down in Eli's living room to watch a movie.
The next thing she knew, the sound of a key turning in the door startled her awake. Her stomach let out a loud rumble at the delicious scent of food wafting through the air.
Eli walked into the living room dressed in a sharp, black designer suit with a dark purple tie. He held three bags of food and a bottle of wine. "Hungry, Wilkes?"
"Eli?" Holly sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What's all this?"
"Dinner. I know it's kind of late, but I was hoping that this time, I could celebrate the win with you and only you." He paused. "Wait, you did see us win, right?"
"Yes, of course." She stared up at him, completely stunned. "But you didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to." He grinned, and the flash of dimples did her in right then and there. He looked majorly sexy in his sharp suit, and the faint scent of his light cologne made her weak-kneed. "Come on. Let's eat."
Oh, hell. Why did he have to look so good?
Holly followed him into the dining room as he set down the bags on the black marble table.
"Congratulations on winning in their arena again. Your goal was incredible."
He pulled the food out of the bags. "Thanks. I'm still flying high from it."
She glanced down at the containers and shook her head. "You really didn't have to do this, Eli. It wasn't necessary."
"Look, this isn't some pity dinner, Wilkes. I want to celebrate the win with you. So I called ahead to this awesome steakhouse not far from here and had them pack up my go-to meal. Trust me, the steak is amazing. And they have these chunky, seasoned potatoes that are out of this world. I got their raspberry spinach and feta salad, and a big piece of chocolate fudge explosion cake for dessert. I can only have a few bites, but you need to try it."
Something inside of her warmed at his words. "And you got the wine I like." She pulled out plates, cutlery, and glasses from the kitchen cupboards. "The one from the other night."
"No, but it's very similar. A little sweeter, maybe." He winked. "Sweet, like you."
Holly let out a snort of laughter. "Please. I am anything but sweet. That definition doesn't fit me."
"Ah, bullshit," he said, waving a hand. "I see you. The soft underbelly you hide away. Tough coating with a sugary sweet center. Don't deny it."
She took a seat across from him at the table and held up a wine glass. "I won't challenge your delusions of me when there's delicious food on the table. Wine me, dine me, Donnelley."
Her stomach rumbled again, and Eli snickered. "I guess I came along with food at just the right time."
"You did," she said, smiling.
After doling out food from the containers onto their individual plates, they dug into the meal.
He filled her in on all the behind the scenes stuff about the game while they dined. He was so excited and happy while he talked, she couldn't help but be happy, too.
"So one more win to wrap it up," she mused.
"Fucking right. To one more game," he said, holding up his glass.
