Page 5
“Probably because they aren’t… in any stores.” Eli coughed lightly and reached for his water. He placed the glass back on the table, skillfully maneuvering the conversation away from himself and back to me. “So, Delaney, what do you do for a living?”
“I tell people how their business can improve and when they refuse to listen, tell them why their business failed.”
“Consultant.”
“It’s rather boring, honestly,” I softly exhaled. “But I’m good at finding the small details that often get overlooked that then turn into large, monumental issues down the line. What about you, Eli?”
He hummed softly as he ran his finger along the base of his wine glass. “A little bit of everything. Whatever moves me, I guess.”
“That’s not suspicious at all,” I stated with a small roll of my eyes.
Eli lifted his glass, finishing the last of his wine. Without prompting, as if they were perched and waiting in the shadows, a waiter moved forward to fill our glasses and disappeared back into the darkness. “What if I told you my life is one big tragedy?”
I shrugged. “I’d call bullshit again.”
“What if I told you that being a world-renowned chef was my passion, my dream, but my parents and my eldest brother felt the need to dictate my life and because of my refusal, I’m virtually cut off from a family that is extremely disappointed in me?”
“I would say it sounds like you watch too many dramas.”
Eli huffed a small laugh through his nostrils, smiling softly. “Maybe.”
I checked the time and captured the yawn spilling over my lips behind my hand before announcing, “I have several consultations tomorrow. Unfortunately, I need to call it a night.” In a flash, Eli was behind my chair, helping to pull it out as I rose.
“Let me walk you to your car.”
“They insisted I park valet.”
“Then allow me to walk you to the valet stand?”
I couldn’t help but to smile up at Eli as I teased him. “Hoping for a goodnight kiss?”
He held the door and waited until we were both outside to respond. “I wasn’t aware that was on the table but if it is, I will say, yes. I am definitely hopeful.”
Heat stained my cheeks. “I—we just met…” I fell silent as Eli stepped in, moving in close enough for me to feel the warmth of his body. He cupped my face, his thumb lightly tracing over my cheekbone before circling around to the back of my neck. He pulled me forward just as he moved in, closing the minuscule distance between us.
The kiss was unlike anything I’d ever felt. His mouth was timid, as if he were uncertain. However, once I swept the tip of my tongue along his bottom lip, Eli moved with a sense of quiet urgency—as if he didn’t know if he’d ever get to do this again. He slowly drank me in, his other hand settling on my waist, and fingers flexing as he briefly deepened the kiss. My skin tingled under his attention, my body relaxing into his.
It ended all too soon, with him pulling back and placing a chaste kiss on my lips before pressing one to my forehead. “Let me know when you get in.” Eli looked at the valet, and nodding his head in my direction, guided me forward by the small of my back. Once my car arrived, he reached around me to open my door, softly expressing his thanks as I slid into the driver’s seat. “I appreciate you agreeing to come out tonight. I look forward to seeing you again.” He closed the door and waved goodbye before disappearing into the restaurant.
Still kiss drunk, I grazed the tips of my trembling fingers along my mouth. “What the hell just happened?” I pressed a hand to my lower abdomen, willing the fire to die out and leave not a single smoldering ember behind. On the way home, I forced myself to think about anything other than the way Eli kissed me and thankfully, I was successful.
Chapter Three
I pulled up to my parent’s estate, tension flooding my body as I passed through the huge wrought iron gates. The morning after my date with Delaney, my mother contacted me, insisting that I “come visit for the weekend”.
The invitation wasn’t optional.
I barely had the car in park when one of the employees was rushing forward, greeting me with a low bow. I returned the pleasantry, not bothering to grab my bag from the backseat.
Although I wanted to spend the entire weekend with my family, history showed me that what I wanted and what would come to pass were two different things. Still, I packed enough clothing for the weekend, hopeful that I would be proven wrong, but doubtful that would be the case.
I felt sick to my stomach as I slowly climbed the front steps. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d been home for the weekend. The double doors were swept open before I touched them. The flaunting of wealth was something I never enjoyed. I despised it even more so once I presented.
Jackson, my older brother, strolled through the foyer as I entered, a sneer curling his upper lip. “Well, look who actually decided to show up for once.”
Inhaling a slow breath, I swallowed down my contempt before answering. “It’s nice to see you too, Jackson.”
He arched an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth turning down. I learned, long ago, that he was the type of person that lived to get a rise out of others. Thankfully, with the scent blockers I was currently wearing, he couldn’t pick up on the deep loathing I held for him. Or the sadness that accompanied my intense dislike.
