“Confidence is sexy. So is your blush,” he said, smiling arrogantly.
“Oh, god. I hate that. Do I look like a tomato?” I asked, my hand going straight to my cheek, as if my touch could calm down my sheer embarrassment. He reached for my hand, gently moving it from my face.
“If tomatoes were as cute as you, I would probably eat more of them.”
“Again with the innuendo. You tryin’ to tell me something, Elliot?”
He laughed, his head tilting back. I couldn’t help thinking how much softer his face looked when he laughed. Normally he walked around with a scowl on his face.
“So, can I ask you something?”
“I get really nervous when people ask that question, but shoot.”
“Do you own anything other than black?” I gestured to his black sweater and black-denim clad thighs.
“My uniform.”
“Other than that?”
“I like looking like an adult.” He said calmly.
“I look like an adult.” I said defensively, while my gaze dropped to look at the blue sweater with a bright yellow banana print on it. I turned my face up and saw him staring at me with a condescending look on his face.
“I like simple things. All black limits choice. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for you to get dressed in the morning with your toddler wardrobe.”
“What do you have against choice? Options make life fun.”
“Choice is a complication. I like simplicity.” He shrugged. Rita came over at that moment, refilling his coffee.
“It’s so nice to see you two getting on so well. I just knew you would.” She gushed, her face beaming with a giant toothy grin. I really liked Rita. She was warm, friendly and kind. The first person I met in town other than Dolly. I glanced over at Elliot, and he was smiling politely at her. It was absolutely impossible to be unkind to this woman.
“I’m moving into one of Elliot’s cabins,” I said, to make sure the interaction couldn’t veer into uncomfortable territory. Rita placed the coffee pot on the table and began clapping her hands in excitement.
“Oh, good. I’m so glad.” She glanced over at Elliot. “I just knew you would do the right thing. You may be a terrible grump, but you’re a good man, Elliot Shephard.”
“Alright, alright, enough of that. If you don’t stop this nonsense, I’m bound to change my mind and drop her over at Dolly’s forever.” He said sternly, but he couldn’t hide the humor of the situation from his vibrant blue eyes.
“Do y’all need anything else?” Rita asked.
“Just the bill.” Elliot chimed in. “I want to get her stuff moved out of Dolly’s tonight. So we should be heading out soon. If that’s okay with you?”
My eyes grew big with surprise. I really didn’t think I’d be moving into the cabin tonight, but I also wasn’t about to protest. Dolly was a nice enough lady, but she was so intrusive and a complete gossip. If I had to hear any more stories about the people of Thickwood, I’d lose my ever loving mind.
“Yes. That’d be great. I don’t have much to move out. It shouldn’t take us long.”
Rita grabbed our plates, clearing them off the table. “I’ll be back in two shakes,” she said with a cheerful grin before walking away.
“Thank you,” I whispered, averting my eyes from his. Suddenly, I felt his fingers on my chin as he gently tilted my head back, not letting me avoid his stare.
“Don’t do that. You don’t need to hide yourself from me,” he said, his lips forming
a kind smile. “Those eyes are way too pretty to ever be cast down.” His touch ignited a fire deep inside of me. I set my gaze on him and at that moment felt lost in an abyss where nothing and no one existed but Elliot and I. Thankfully, Rita picked that moment to return, ending my daydreams.
Elliot took the bill. I tried to take it from him, but he raised it over his head and away from my reach.
“What are you doing?” He growled.
“You bought my meal last time. I thought I could return the favor.”
“No way in hell are you paying for me. I’m the man.”
“What kind of sexist, barbaric thinking is that? I don’t really want to deal with that kind of toxic masculinity. I’m more than capable of paying my way in life,” I said, completely disgusted with his words and his audacity. He sighed, moving his arm back to the table.
“Just because I want to pay the bill doesn’t mean I think you’re incapable. I’m not a sexist. I’m just old-fashioned. I think a man’s job is to take care of a lady, not because she is incapable, but because he wants to take care of her. So please let me take care of you.”
Take care of me? Elliot Shephard wanted to take care of me?