“Smitten? Really, Mom? No one uses that word anymore.”
“Sure they do. I read a lot of romance novels. I’m especially fond of the steamy ones, and trust me, they still use the word smitten.” She smiled at him as she poured the tea, and he rolled his eyes.
“Okay, I’m smitten. What do I do? Every instinct I have is telling me that Billie is special and to hold on tight. But I never expected to fall in love with a man who didn’t want to love me back.”
“Oh, honey, you’re in love with him?” His mom’s eyes welled up, and she grabbed a napkin to dab at them.
“I… I…” Fuck. Was that really happening? It sure as hell felt like love. All he wanted to do was make Billie happy. His heart knew the truth. He nodded and took another bite of his roll.
“What happened with his last relationship?”
“His boyfriend cheated on him with his assistant. He lost two people in his life.”
“Poor thing. Well, if you’re falling in love with him, you need to prove you’re not going anywhere, even if he tries to push you away. If he needs space, give him space. But remind him, in small ways, that you’re there for him and waiting for him when he’s ready. And you should also bring him here one day.”
Eli groaned and hung his head, and his dramatics were met with a playful smack on his shoulder. “Hey, it’s importantthat Billie knows how wonderful you are. And who better to sell you than me? Trust your mom.”
“I think meeting the parents will freak him out. We just slept together. It’s not like we’ve been dating a while.”
His mom waved her hand. “First off, TMI. Second, bring him here when you’re on your way to someplace else. Tell him you have to drop something off and you just happen to stop in. Casual like. Then he won’t suspect anything.”
“Uh, okay … not. Billie would see right through that.”
“Listen to your mother and do as I say.”
“Okay, okay. I guess it’s worth a shot. Maybe sometime next week?” He swallowed the last bite of cinnamon roll.
“Good. Now, tell me all about your plans to return to school.”
Two hours later, Eli was stuffed full of baked goodness. And even though his stomach was heavy, his heart was light.
Chapter Eight
Billie
The following week…
“Mr. Rourke! A comment please!”
“How long have you been working with Wayward Lane?”
“Are you dating Brodie James?”
The service elevator in his building was out of order today, so Luis escorted Billie out the front entrance. Big mistake. An onslaught of reporters yelling questions bombarded Billie as he walked out the door, the chaotic noise and blinding flashes fueling his panic. Luis shielded him as best he could as they walked quickly to the SUV, reporters in pursuit.
Billie had the sudden urge to call Eli, that deep voice a soothing balm to his anxious mind. They’d talked by phone and texted, but they hadn’t been able to sync up their schedules to see each other in person since the night they’d slept together. He missed his sweet, caring badass. Eli had informed him that when he wasn’t at work, he was busy knitting a baby blanket for Dax and Mason’s future child. Fuck, how could Billie resist falling for such a sensitive man? Eli was slowly melting Billie’s hardened heart. Said heart began to race as he thought about seeing Eli in person again.
Billie pulled out his phone and tapped away.
Billie:Chaos tonight outside my apartment. I wish you’d been with me. Paps are hounding us. On my way to the final meeting with the band.
Eli:Sorry to hear that. Are you okay?
Billie:I’m fine. Another few weeks and this will all be a distant memory. How are you doing?
Eli:Ok. On my way to a job. Bodyguard detail for a movie premiere in Manhattan.
Billie:Sounds exciting. Speaking of excitement, Iwanted to know if you’d like to go with me to the band launch party in two weeks.