“Not a problem,” he says. He looks over at Eli then back to me clearly uncomfortable with what he wants to say, but he squares his shoulders and asks, “So, do you think you feel up for a movie tonight? And maybe some dinner?” Knew that was coming. Uggg.
I try to glance at Eli to gauge his reaction without making it obvious. “Umm.. I’m not sure. Eli did you have any plans for tonight?” I think that’s mostly clear on both sides without being obvious about it.
“I was thinking about continuing the COD tournament with some friends, but after this morning I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing.” He says this with a look as if challenging me to say something. Wisely I keep my mouth shut. “Although I’m surprised you’d think Remi was up to going out so soon after getting drugged last night Adam.” Eli says this with a dark look aimed at Adam. Aww, and there he is! Knew it couldn’t’ last that long.
“Well, actually I kind of picked a few movies and thought we could order something in. Here or my place, up to you wherever you’d be more comfortable. If you’d like to that is.” He finishes on a fast exhale. I can tell he’s nervous. He had a good answer too. Can’t really see where Eli could fault him for that. Staying on Eli’s turf and be conscientious that I might not be up for much. Anndd…the point goes to Adam. Not that I’m keeping track. Wait, I totally am.
Adam is still waiting on me to say something. Speak already Remi! Eli looks like he’s about to breathe fire on him and scoop you behind him like a dragon with his treasure. I laugh a little at the visual. Both guys look at me like I might be a little screwy. Oh well, I probably am. I finally come out with an answer.
“Eli, if it’s okay with you I wouldn’t mind staying here and vegging out over a movie and some pizza. You wanna stay in too or are you going out?”
Adam shoots me a surprised look, I’m not sure if it’s for the invite or the fact that I took him up on his movie night, but he can’t really say anything as it’s not his place to regulate my friends or his actual place, Eli can stay if he wants too. I can tell he’s hoping Eli will say no, but of course Eli says he’d be happy to stay in and goes to grab some pizza menus calling back to us, “where do you want to order from?”
Adam runs back downstairs and brings a bag back up with him. He says he didn’t know what to get so there are several new releases, horror, action, sci fi, and romantic comedy. Holy cow he’s really going all out with the sweetheart routine. Can’t go wrong with all those choices.
“Blood and guts it is,” I proclaim as I snag the horror flick from the pile. “We can do the romantic comedy when we get sleepy,” I say with a laugh.
Eli grabs some throw blankets out of a closet and pushes the coffee table off to the side, but still close enough to the giant jewel-toned pillows that we’ll be able to reach everything. I put the movie in as Adam gets the door and pays for the pizza. Eli comes in with paper plates, napkins, and drinks for us all. We all get settled on the floor with our food as the movie starts. Part way through I’m glued to the screen as victim number four or maybe five gets eaten by the alien, when I feel an arm go behind my shoulders. Well crap this isn’t awkward at all. I choose just to ignore it and enjoy the movie. Thankfully Eli doesn’t notice or if he does he doesn’t make a fuss about it. After the movie ends I tell the boys to pick the next one and jump up to go make some popcorn. I put it in two large bowls and put one on either side of me so no one has to stretch to get some. As I sit down I adjust my pillow and blanket to hopefully dissuade Adam from putting his arm back. The popcorn bowl in the middle should help as well. Before long Eli stretches out near my feet and starts to play with my socks.
“By the way Remi I found one of your fuzzy socks in my room, you must have left it in there or maybe in the dryer and it ended up in my basket.” I freeze. Well, now the points are even and nice one Eli, like that wasn’t meant to make it seem like I took them off in there in the first place, even with your little disclaimer. With that he starts to gently rub my feet. I let out an involuntary moan and freeze. Oh shit, I’m sure they both heard that, and I was enjoying that food rub dammit. I’m getting more and more uncomfortable between the two boys. Eli, yes I can admit I am interested in. Adam? Not so much in that way. I really like him, but as friend material only. Now I have to figure out how to tell him without hurting his feelings, and before Eli pees on my leg to mark his territory. I scrunch up my face at that thought. Just, eww. The possessive thought really doesn’t scare me like I thought it would though, which is quite the surprise to me.
In the middle of the third movie I begin to nod off. The boys must think I’m asleep because I hear them shut it off and move into the kitchen. They quietly begin to talk.
“So”, I hear Adam begin, “was I reading her wrong last night? Are you two together?”
Shoot, I did say something along the lines of just friends didn’t I?
“Not so much as together, as seeing where it goes. She says she’s not ready for anything serious and I’m okay with waiting until she is. Is tonight an indication I need to be worried about you?” Well that was straight and to the point.
“I like her. She didn’t know I existed until I introduced myself last night. Was dumb luck some idiot frat boy decided to get handsy and I got the chance to step in. She’s been in several of my classes for almost two months, but never even noticed me.” He’s makes a sad kind of huffing sound, like he’s calling himself and idiot. I sort of feel bad. “I only brought up the one class, but she did at least say I looked familiar. I can’t say I don’t want to try for more. I won’t push her though, not my style. I would like to be her friend and I intend on doing that so that you’re aware.” He says it almost as a challenge. “She has a sad look about her when she thinks no one is paying attention. I just want to rub it off her face and make it better.”
Three classes? Now I really do feel bad. And make me feel better? If Alex wasn’t already my BFF I think Adam might be in the running.
“It’s not my place to say who or who isn’t her friend, but I’ll warn you now, don’t play with her.”
Really people? I should have expected they would do this the first chance they got. Maybe I should paint myself yellow and stand at the curb.
I hear them say their goodnights and the door closes. I’m vaguely aware of Eli moving around putting food away, cleaning up, and turning out lights. I hear him come close and sit down. By now I’m barely awake and content just to stay here in the giant pillow nest.
“Hey baby doll. You want help getting to bed?” All he gets for his effort is a grunt. Super ladylike I know, but I’m just too tired to care. “I can carry you if you’d prefer. These pillows are comfortable now, but won’t be if you roll off onto the floor. I’ve done it a time or two.” I can hear the smile in his voice. He sounds happy. I put an arm up on his shoulder. “I take that as I’m your chariot then.” He picks me up like I weigh as much as one of those pillows and heads down the hallway.
SMACK!! “Son of a—what the hell Eli!”, I grumble rubbing my head. Did he really just bounce my head off the wall? Such a dork.
“Crap Remi, are you okay? I’m so sorry. Let’s get you in your room and then I’ll check it.” He says as he continues carrying me down the hall. When we get to my room he sets me down on the bed and instantly looks at my eyes then starts to gently rub through my hair looking for a bump. As he finds it I hiss. “Go in the bathroom and get ready for bed. I’ll get you some more Tylenol.” Now he sounds dejected. I’m sure he feels bad about the attempted concussion.
I ignore him. I’m awake now, but I go get my pj’s out. Some comfy cotton short shorts with polka dots and a soft tank top. I toss my bra in the closet, adjust my fuzzy socks and head into the bathroom. I pull a wide hair wrap band around my head to keep my hair back and coat my face and neck in minty face cream. I rinse my hands and get my toothbrush and paste out and start brushing my teeth. As I do I see a movement in my peripheral, turning to look I see Eli standing there standing with his hands suspended wit
h pills in one and a glass of water in the other taking me in from head to toe. At least the face cream is hiding my blush, unless the red creeping across my chest gives me away.
“Never see a girl wash her face and brush her teeth before?”, I mumble around a mouthful of foam. Oh, good, now it’s dripping down your chin. Teach me to talk with my mouth full. That thought nearly causes me to choke as I think of other things a mouth could be full of. Where the heck did that come from?
From the look on Eli’s face I think he may be thinking along the same lines as I was. “I like the shorts…and the top.” I look down and see my nipples are hard from the cool air in the room and showing through the thin material of my tank.
“It’s cold in here, or is that only a guy excuse?” I snigger. Eli laughs and the tension breaks. He brings the painkillers and the water in and places them on the counter. I spit and bend down to rinse my face. I hear a quick inhale of air behind me and a soft groan, with a muttering of “You’ve got to be freaking kidding me.” I raise my eyes to the mirror and see Eli’s are situated decidedly lower than face height. Yep short shorts. Bending over equals booty flashing. At least I have a nice one if I do say so myself. Apparently, Eli agrees with that.
I finish rinsing my face and neck and dry off. I thank Eli for the assistance and tell him goodnight. I climb into bed with a smile on my face and drift off. Well it probably could have gone that way. Instead Eli scoops me up and tosses me on the bed. I giggle as I land and he follows me.
“So, do I get a snuggle buddy again? You did take off on me this morning.” I arch an eyebrow as I wait for his reply.
He rubs his neck. “I wasn’t sure how much you would remember and I didn’t want you to think I was a perv that takes advantage when you’re not coherent.” I look at Eli aghast.
“I would never think that, even if I didn’t remember! Well, kind of remember. It’s mostly hazy. I do vaguely remember you carrying me and helping me change, then being snuggled and warm. That’s about it. If I did anything else, say of the embarrassing nature, I haven’t a clue,” I say with a smirk.
“Actually, that’s mostly accurate. Not too bad for the la la land you were in. Other than having no modesty.” He pauses like he slipped something he didn’t mean to. He quickly covers it up with, “Does that mean I get to snuggle again?” He gives me the puppy dog eyes. Who can resist that?
“Go brush your teeth and come back, I’ll keep it warm.” I tuck in under the blankets getting comfortable while Eli grabs his toothbrush from his bathroom. Kind of cute he came back in here to brush his teeth instead of doing it in his own bathroom.
I hear the water start then he asks, “I saw the Alice book on your desk, mind if I ask where you got it?” My brain stutters to a halt. I see it every day and it’s a bittersweet reminder of a beautiful boy. I keep it short and to the point.
“It was a gift from an old friend.” I think that’s the end of it when I don’t hear a reply at first.
“Huh, my roommate has the same one. So random that you have one too. He’s read it more than once, strange stories for a grown man.” Eli laughs a bit about it. I find it adorable. It’s one of my favorite collections by that author.
“I have more by Lewis Carroll, but they’re in storage. That one’s my favorite.” I’ve become super drowsy and the last thing I hear is Eli using the mouth rinse in my bathroom. I fall asleep before he gets back, I must have been more tired than I thought. I snuggle into him when he climbs in, breathing in his woodsy warm scent. I love that smell. I sigh and slide back into sleep as he kisses the top of my head.
Chapter 7
Monday school is dragging on. I get so many assignments I’m going to be busy every night this week just to keep up. It makes for an all around crappy day. I woke up by myself. Again. What is up with him sneaking out before I’m awake? Is it morning breath? I stop by the market on the way back to the house. I see Adam in line as I’m coming in. I only need a few things for dinner and some personal hygiene things. The cause that I need those for could be part of my problem. I’ll have to make sure to keep the trash under the sink for the next few days. Not that I’m ashamed, but it can be a little awkward with a guy that you’re sorta/not quite dating to see if he happens to go into your bathroom. I wave to Adam as I pass. He looks like he wants to come over, but he’s in the middle of checking out. I hurry and grab what I need and head for the express lane. I don’t see Adam so he must have taken off. I feel bad for being relieved about that. I didn’t really feel like dealing with him today. I get out to the parking lot and see him waiting outside my car. He starts talking before I quite reach him.
“How’d the rest of your weekend go? I would have called but I didn’t want you to think I was stalking you.” Adam looks nervous and unsure of his welcome with his hands in his jeans pockets. I must still have the grumpy look on.
“It was good. Just caught up on schoolwork. Not that you can tell now. Every class just gave me twice as much as last week. I’m going to be working on it non-stop.” I move around him and put the groceries in the back seat. “I’ve got to get going, still have dinner to make. See you in class tomorrow?”
He smiles now. Not so nervous anymore. “Yeah, I’ll save a seat. See you tomorrow Remi.” He takes off to a later model blue truck. I get in my car and head for the house.
At home I make baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and heat up some beans out of a can in between reading assignments. With the college prep courses I took and the community college I have about three semesters left to finish my degree in business management. It’s a shorter degree, but I wasn’t positive what I wanted a career in and this degree can really be applied in a multitude of ways. If there’s something else I decide I want to do a lot of the classes are stepping stones for other majors. Thinking of high school and what happened my senior year and directly after puts me in an even worse mood.
Eli comes in shortly after dinner is done and heads straight for it. “This is fantastic. What am I going to do when you leave me?”
“Fend for yourself maybe?” I snap out.
“Everything okay?”, he asks cautiously. I see him looking around trying to figure out if he did something or not.
“Peachy. I have work to do.” With that I go back to my assignment and do my best to absorb what I’m reading so I can write a paper on it. I hear Eli get a plate, eat and clean up. A little while later I feel him come up behind me and begin rubbing my shoulders and neck. Oh, that feels good. I drop my chin down to my chest as the tension leaves me. Eli leans in and whispers in my ear, “Let’s go do something, get out of this apartment.”
I debate on continuing with my homework then decide to go with him. I’m not going to get much else done right now. I throw on some tennis shoes and pull my favorite soft, maroon leather jacket on over my t-shirt. I double check my appearance in the closet mirror. Well broken in jeans that are comfortable and hug all the right places and a bit of a dressy tee with a v neck and some gathers to make it fitted. It’ll do as long as we don’t go anywhere too fancy. I grab my wallet and keys and tuck them in my jacket pockets.
Eli is coming out of his room dressed similarly in jeans and a t-shirt with his own leather on, his is black, at least we’re in different colors. I do have to say his jeans are looking mighty nice and I can see all the definition under his shirt. I stare for a moment and when I look up I realize I got caught checking him out. Again. He has a self-satisfied grin on his face. I make a scowl at him and turn to go out, together we go down the stairs. Instead of heading outside he turns and I follow him to a door I haven’t been through. As we walk in I see the garage. There’s his Jeep, but he heads around that goes to a sleek, monster of a motorcycle. “This is yours?”
“No, it’s my roommates. He won’t mind if we take it out.” He puts on a full helmet and holds another out to me. It’s déjà vu. I feel the back of my eyes burn and must have looked as stricken as I felt. Eli notices and flips his visor up setting aside the other helmet he t
akes my hand, “Remi what’s wrong?”
I try to compose myself. Stupid hormones. “I’m fine. It just brought back memories. I used to know someone that had a bike just like this.” I shake off the feelings and reach for the helmet, mustering up a smile. There’s no reason to dwell on it, I need to enjoy this. I came here to get on with my plans and I need to forget all that crap. I’m into Eli and I need to concentrate on that.
“If you want to talk we can skip this and stay in.” I give the look. The one that says drop it. “Or we could just talk later. Get up here I’ll show you how to sit.” He looks like he wants to say more, but doesn’t. I give a small smile, grateful for it.
Shaking off my melancholy I smirk and throw my leg over behind him and slide on the seat fitting my feet into the holds and hang onto his hips.
“Well I guess I don’t need to tell you where to put your feet.” Eli says with some surprise. I laugh a little and nudge him to get going. He pulls his visor back down and starts the bike. It fires up with a roar. I slide my arms snugly around his waist as he calls back, “hang on!” and pulls out of the garage.
We ride into town, go through it and out the other side. We continue down the highway until we’re on the outskirts of the next town over. I can smell fall in the air, the crisp wind and loamy leaves as we get out into the country. It’s just beautiful. I could stay like this forever, the turning leaves on the trees look like they’re on fire as they’re illuminated by the sun on its descent. Eventually Eli slows and turns down a paved road. As we come around the curve in the road I see it opens up onto a farm. Pumpkins! There’s a corn maze lit up with flood lights, and a tractor with haybales driving people around. I see a stall with both food and crafts for sale. I’m so excited I can barely wait for Eli to find a place to park and get his helmet off. I already have mine off finger combing my hair. He stores our helmets and pushes my hands out of the way smoothing my hair for me. I feel my stomach flip on the spot. He really is such a great guy. I feel insanely lucky to have this man so into me. I turn to the lane leading to the pumpkins.
Convergence: Remington Carter Series Book One Page 5