“Other than Paxton, you’re not wrong. How are you feeling, Judy?”
She yawned. “Stiff. Hungry. Did the power go off?”
“An hour ago,” I replied. “And a good thing you're hungry because we’re about to make dinner.”
My mom looked at me curiously, “Are you going to tell me why Eli Cooper is visiting?”
“Oh," I said. “He was worried we didn’t have any way to keep the house warm, which is just as well because we ran out of firewood.”
She beamed at him. “Thank you, Eli. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I couldn’t leave you out on a limb, and I knew it had been a while since Paxton had been around with firewood, so …”
“Speaking of, is there any reason you came around this time? It is normally Paxton who looks in on the seniors.”
“He came to see me,” I said without thinking, glancing at Eli out of the corner of my eye. His nod confirmed my statement.
My mother looked more ecstatic than I had seen her look in a long time. “I hope you’ve invited him to stay for dinner, Emily.”
“Naturally. He’s going to help me make it.”
“Even better.”
“I’ll make you some tea while we’re in the kitchen,” I called over my shoulder as I gently tugged Eli’s sleeve, pulling him into the kitchen.
“Thank you, honey. Cream and—”
“Two sugars. I know, Ma.”
When we entered the kitchen, Eli seemed surprised to discover I’d already made the bulk of the sauce.
With a dip of a nearby spoon, he tasted it. “It’s bland.”
I rolled my eyes. “The way my mom likes it. If I had it my way, it would be spicy and garlicky as hell.”
He set the spoon in the sink. “Sounds wonderful. How about I divide it up? A portion for your mom, and I can spice up the rest for us?”
“That would be great. Can you do that while I cut up the vegetables and put the spaghetti on to boil?”
Eli moved over to take charge of the sauce as I maneuvered around him to complete everything else. It was such a common thing—people cooking together—but I found myself thoroughly enjoying the activity.
“Here, try this,” Eli said after a while, dipping a spoon into the sauce and holding it out for me to taste. I blew on it before licking it, and all but moaned in delight.
“That’s delicious. Do you cook much for yourself?”
He didn’t seem to be listening. His eyes were on my mouth, staring intently at my lips. It made me blush furiously.
“Eli.”
“Yes?”
On impulse, I leaned in and kissed him, relishing the look of surprise on his face.
“Do you cook much?” I asked again when I pulled away.
“Um … yes. I do. When I can, anyway,” His breath hitched, coming faster than before. He reached forward and pushed the hair that had fallen in my eyes away. “Why did you do that?”
I licked the taste of him from my lips. “Are you telling me I can’t?”
“Absolutely not. Are you telling me I can?” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine, so briefly, I wasn’t sure if it actually happened.
“It’s not like you asked for permission the first time.”
“You didn’t complain.”
The memory of their first kiss sent shivers racing down her spine to settle in her core. “Don’t embarrass me in front of my mom, and I’ll consider more kisses.”
He grinned foolishly. “Deal.”
That evening, I had the best meal I’d had since arriving in Frazier Falls, and Eli was a perfect gentleman. He declined my mom’s offer to stay over, claiming he needed to go in order to get back home before it got too late.
When I showed him to the door, I more than expected him to kiss me.
He leaned in as I was getting ready to pucker my lips and whispered, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Are you trying to play the long game with a woman who’s only around because of a bit of snow?”
He laughed. “Maybe. I’m probably being stupid.”
“Probably.” My insides warmed at the thought of Eli wanting more.
He grazed the pad of his thumb over my lower lip. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Emily.”
A strong, heavy heartbeat thumped inside my chest.
“I look forward to it.” I was shocked to discover that I meant it.
Chapter Eleven
Eli
I woke up to sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. Given that I didn’t have work today, I chose to sleep in, which made waking up midmorning even better. But the sunshine meant more than simply the promise of a good day.
It meant Emily would likely be heading back to California soon.
I was past the point of pretending I didn’t like her. There were no two ways about it. I was crazy attracted to her, barbed tongue and all. That was the most fun part of her besides her kisses. She gave as good as she got.
If today was going to be the last day I could spend time with her, then I’d be crazy not to get up and seize the moment.
I dialed her phone before I had the chance to rethink what I was doing.
After the phone rang five times, I wondered if she might still be asleep. Maybe I wasn’t the only one sleeping in.
But then she picked up.
“Hello? Eli?” Her tone was chipper and friendly.
“Morning, Emily,” I let out too quickly. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“No, I was working. It’s fine.”
“Working? I thought you couldn’t while you were stuck here?”
“Nah, I got some stuff sent over that I could work on remotely,” she replied. “Anyway, did you need something?”
There was a lift on the last word, was that hope I heard in her voice?
“Um …” I trailed off. If she was working, then I didn’t want to disturb her. “I wanted to ask if you wanted to head out for coffee somewhere, but if you’re busy, I don’t want—”
“Oh, that sounds great,” she cut in, her voice as bright as the sun piercing my blinds. “I could use a coffee. Ma’s all out. Though, I can’t stay out for long because of this project I’m working on. I do love a paycheck, and no work means no check.”
“We could make it a working coffee break if you want,” I suggested, thinking that this way I could spend more time with her. “Sit in companionable silence while we do our own thing…”
“Seriously? You’d be okay with that?”
“God knows I could get out of my house, and I’m sure you feel the same way about your mom’s. Besides, the coffee at Alice’s is actually great.”
“It’s a date then,” she replied.
I could practically see her smiling down the phone.
“Is it?” My insides swirled with excitement.
“You know what I mean. Do you feel like picking me up?”
“Sure, I always pick up my dates.”
Twenty minutes later, I waited outside Judy Flanagan’s house. After a single knock on the door, Emily joined me. We were back in my truck in seconds flat.