As I climb the stairs, my heart races thinking about him. Honestly, he could probably write the second paper I have based on his real-world experience.
When I walk inside my room, I find Chanel lying on my chair. I pick her up and move her to the bed. She bitches with an annoyed meow, then resettles in a different spot. Her attitude makes me chuckle.
For the rest of the afternoon, I sluggishly work through my assignments, and after a while, I need a pick-me-up. I decide to hop in the shower because the hot water typically relaxes me enough to refocus.
After I dry off, I slip on a matching bra and panties set and a slinky sundress that’s cute, but comfortable enough to lounge around in. When I go back to my laptop, I write the last five pages and feel so damn accomplished when it’s finally done. I suck in a deep breath and glance over the screen. The sunset hangs lazily on the horizon behind the trees and mountains. Soon it will disappear, and darkness will fall. I take a moment to admire and memorize how beautiful it is. It’s so different from the city views I’m used to seeing. The only thing that breaks my thoughts is my stomach growling. I check the time and see it’s nearly seven. I can’t believe I completely lost track of time.
After quickly brushing my fingers through my hair, I leave my room, but when I do, I see a note taped to the outside of my door. Confused, I tear it off and open it.
Cami—it’s time to play a game. Follow the clues until you find me. I have a surprise.
I grin so wide my face hurts. Farther down on the paper is the first clue.
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Preparing gourmet meals will have you bitching.
Open me up and have a look,
Don’t worry, baby. You don’t have to cook.
A chuckle escapes me, and I feel giddy. This is so unexpected and sweet. I walk downstairs, then go to the fridge and look around. Nothing. Opening the microwave, I find it’s empty too. I stop and think a little harder. That’s when I see the oven and notice the light is on. Inside is a tray with another slip of paper, and I hurry and unfold it.
There are only three more clues left.
So you must do your very best.
Open me up and climb inside.
I can’t wait for you to take me for a ride.
I reread the clue, confused, so I repeat it out loud. The only thing I can think of is my Range Rover. Curious to see if I’m right, I head to the garage. Once I’m there, images of Eli having his asthma attack fill my mind, but I push them away as I open the passenger door. On the seat is a letter, and I snatch it, then go back inside.
Very good. You’re so damn smart.
If you allow it, I’ll give you my heart.
Screw me in tight, so again you don’t fall.
This should be the easiest clue of them all.
“Bastard,” I huff with a chuckle and walk upstairs. Somehow, he ran up to the third story while I was in the garage because I took a shower earlier and didn’t see anything then. Sneaky and witty all at the same time. The note is on the back of the toilet. I laugh, remembering my ass being on the floor when the seat broke and how he came to my rescue.
I want to hold you in my arms all night.
Even after we argue and fight.
Don’t worry. This hunt is almost over.
Sit down, bring some popcorn, and get your closure.
I know exactly where he is. Smoothing down my hair, I take a quick glimpse at myself in the mirror and stack all the clues on my vanity. With a permanent smile on my face, I go to the lower level, walk down a hallway, then open the door to the theater room. He’s moved the seats against the walls and set up a small table with chairs to create a romantic dining area. The gigantic screen has a night sky scene playing, and the sounds of summer surround me in the low-lit room. My mouth falls open, and I see him standing with his hands tucked in his suit pockets, grinning.
“You found me,” he says as I walk over to him. He hands me some paper flowers with a ribbon tied around them. Taking them, I look around the room and am overcome with emotions and shock.
“Of course I found you,” I say, beaming. “How did you get…” I can’t even finish my words or thoughts. I’m stunned, wondering how he got all of this together in a few hours, considering he had so much work to complete. Glancing down, I see how much care he put into each stem and petal. It’s the most beautiful bouquet anyone has ever given me, and best of all, it’ll last forever.
Eli places his fingers under my chin and forces me to look into his emerald green eyes. “It took some planning.”
A few tears stream down my cheeks because no man has ever done anything so special for me before. Eli leans in and kisses my tears away. “What’s wrong? Everything okay?”
I wrap my arms around his waist. “I’m just overwhelmed with happiness. This is all so perfect and thoughtful. Incredibly sweet. I’m just…I don’t deserve all this.”
“You do and more. But wait until you see what I cooked.” He chuckles, and I notice how good he looks, and damn, I’m ready to undress him with my teeth.
Grabbing my hand, he walks me over to the table and uncovers two large bowls. A plate in the middle is stacked full of homemade-looking crackers, and my stomach is screaming out in protest because it smells so good, and I’m starving.
“Lobster bisque with bread crisps,” he says.
“Eli,” I whisper. “It smells so good.”
Pulling the chair from under the table, he motions for me to sit. We might still be in the cabin but sitting under the fake stars and listening to the sounds of crickets lightly chirp is one of the most romantic dates I’ve ever had. This is everything I ever dreamed of, more than I expected, and I’m not worthy of this.
He fills two glasses full of wine, and I take a sip, grinning over the rim. I pick up the spoon and taste the bisque. “Yep, pretty sure I just died. This is so good.” When did he make this, and how did I not smell it? The man is a pro at being stealthy.
Eli licks his lips. “I’ll teach you how to make it one day.”
I nearly spew out my wine. “With my current record, we better start with ramen.”
“I was worried my clues might be too hard,” he says with a chuckle. “I forgot how much shit I remembered over the years.”
“The kitchen one got me for a second until I saw the oven light, but honestly it was the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me,” I admit, my temperature rising at the intensity that streams between us as he studies me. I’m nervous and unworthy of the man sitting in front of me.
“Well, there’s a lot more where that came from, baby.”
I chuckle at his playful wink. “I swear I’m living in a Hallmark movie right now.” I bite my bottom lip, and he smirks.
“Well, there’ll be no fade to black tonight.” His voice is velvety smooth, and his confidence is sexy as hell. Is tonight finally the night? Butterflies flutter in my stomach, and my heart pounds at his words.
I down my wine. I’m already feeling it swarm through my body, or maybe it’s Eli who’s making me feel that way.
Our dinner is delicious. We talk and laugh, and everything between us feels natural and perfect. We finish eating, and I pour the rest of the wine that’s left into my glass. He opens another bottle and fills his too.