“What?” I snap.
“You’re somehow even more adorable hungover as hell, but don’t be embarrassed. I wanted to kiss you last night, but I didn’t want you to regret it this morning. So, if you still have the urge to straddle my lap and rub against my cock, do it when you’re sober so I know it’s what you actually want.”
I swallow down the lump in my throat, my heart hammering relentlessly in my chest, and nod. “Okay,” is the only word I can muster.
The noise returns.
“Are you sure you don’t hear that?” I tilt my head.
Eli retreats slightly, dropping his arms. “Yeah, it’s the smoke detector. The backup battery is going out.”
I step toward him and swat his chest. “You asshole! You heard it all along!”
He chuckles, moving back to avoid my wrath, but I quickly give up. Eli shrugs with a motherfucking grin. “Sober up so I can teach you how to change it.”
Narrowing my eyes, I follow him to the table. He brings me my glass of juice and then busies himself with the waffle maker.
“Why does it sound like it’s in my room and down here at the same time?”
“Because the ceilings are so high, and the sound echoes off the walls.”
“There are a few up there, so how do you know which one it is?”
“You’re supposed to change them all at the same time. But I’m not sure how many batteries you have, so we’ll have to check.”
“I’m part relieved it’s not just in my head, but the other part wishes it were so it’d stop when my headache disappears.”
“Speaking of which, take these.” He hands me a couple of white pills. “Waffles are almost done.”
“Thank you,” I softly say, then swallow them down with my juice. “How are you not hungover this morning?”
He shrugs. “I’m twice your size. I can tolerate more.”
“Next time we play your stupid game, I’m drinking vodka.”
“You’ll be puking for sure. Ryan told me it doesn’t agree with you.”
“Ryan is a fucking tattletale.” I roll my eyes. “And he shouldn’t talk.”
“That’s true. Ryan doesn’t drink enough to be able to handle more than a few beers at a time.”
I slap a hand against the table. “Exactly, thank you!”
Eli brings our plates over along with the butter, syrup, a can of Reddi-wip, and silverware.
“You ready for the best breakfast of your life?” he gloats.
“What’s in these?” I ask, poking at one.
“Chocolate chips.”
“That’s a lot of carbs in the morning.”
“You won’t be worried about that once you take a bite.” I watch as he slathers his toppings on. “Don’t forget the whipped cream.”
“I’m literally going to go into a sugar coma,” I say as I add everything on top of mine.
The timer on the oven goes off, and he returns to the kitchen. Moments later, he returns with a plate full of bacon.
“You made enough for an army, geez.”
“I made extra for BLTs later.”
Good thing I packed leggings and yoga pants because there’s no way my skinny jeans will fit after eating Eli’s delicious meals.
“So? Thoughts?”
“I like it! I can’t remember the last time I had waffles.”
“Seriously?”
I shrug. “I live off smoothies and salads. Paparazzi, remember?”
“Fuck the paps. For real. Who cares?”
“I’m starting to wonder why I did so much,” I state honestly. “But when I’m unable to fit into my clothes, you have to stop cooking this junk.”
Eli snorts, shaking his head and stuffing more food into his mouth. “You have a home gym, so I wouldn’t worry too much. I used it this morning. We could work out together,” he suggests.
“What time were you down there?”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I went around one.”
“Oh damn.” I blink. “Why couldn’t you sleep?”
“Too much on my mind, I guess. Couldn’t turn it off.”
I nod. “I know how that feels. Especially now. My anxiety is the highest it’s ever been, which is crazy, considering my life.”
“I hear pot helps with that.” He smirks. “Just sayin’.”
“You know…” I bite down on my lower lip. “One day, I might take you up on that. Especially if I can’t get it under control.”
“I only do it when I need it.”
“I wasn’t judging you,” I whisper. “I’m always worried about—”
“The media,” he finishes for me. “I know.”
Nodding, I take another forkful and swallow it down. “This really is delicious. Thanks for an amazing breakfast again.”
“My pleasure. It’s nice cooking for more than just me for a change.”
“Maybe I’ll try making something for you, but don’t have high hopes. It’ll be something easy.”
“Like what? Cereal?”
I scoff, shaking my head at him. “Nothing with that attitude.”
He laughs, shoving two pieces of bacon into his mouth.
“I have been craving grilled cheese and soup. Is that weird?”
“That sounds fucking amazing actually.” He pats his bare stomach. “Think you can do that for lunch?” Eli pops a brow.
“No!” I chuckle. “Don’t expect anything from me today.”
“Okay, fair enough.” He snaps his fingers with a wicked grin. “Tomorrow then.”
I groan as he stands and takes his plate to the sink. “I’m gonna see if I can find a ladder and some batteries for that detector.”
“Okay, good luck. I have no idea where either would be.”
Eli smiles. “That’s why I didn’t ask.”
He takes off as I continue eating. Bruno stares at me from the floor, giving me puppy eyes. “What?”
Bruno sits up and edges closer.
“I’m not giving you anything.”
He blinks, licks his chops, then nudges his nose against my hand. Groaning, I pet his adorable head. “Fine, but don’t tell your daddy. He’d probably yell at me. It’ll be our little secret.”
I take a piece of bacon and give it to him. He gobbles it up in one bite, then begs for more.
“No more!” I stand with my plate and bring it into the kitchen. Looking around at the mess, I decide to help the best I can and rinse off all the dirty dishes. I even manage to load everything into the dishwasher and find the detergent under the sink. There are a dozen buttons, so I press a couple and hope it’s right.
At least ten minutes have passed, and I’m growing concerned that Eli hasn’t returned yet. I decide to look for him, and Bruno accompanies me. There’s probably a ladder in the garage, so I head there first. I open the door and glance around, then see Eli on his knees with his hands to his chest. He’s wheezing like he can’t breathe, and his lips are blue.
“Oh my God, Eli.” I panic and rush to him. “What’s happening?”
He pats his chest, then bows down, sucking in air. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s having an anxiety attack, but then he leans back, and mouths, “Inhaler.”