Chapter 9
NINE
ELI
Today would be a great fucking day. Wren was back in my life, and I would let nothing and no one come between us again. I hummed as I stood at the stove, cooking protein pancakes with sausage for the guys. Everyone would need something substantial after partying last night.
Malik ambled into the main room from the bedroom hallway, rubbing his eyes, his pajama bottoms hanging low on his hips, his dark hair sticking up at odd angles.
“Good morning, sunshine.” I sniggered as I flipped a pancake. “Did you hook up with the guy you were dancing with?” I’d left with Wren before the other guys were ready to go.
“Uh, yeah?” Lumbering into the kitchen, he asked, “Coffee?” He peered into the griddle. “Damn, looks good. I’m starved.”
“Did you and Tex close the place down?” I rolled a sausage in the pan, then scooped the pancakes, placing them atop a plate of others. We rarely stayed out that late, but we deserved heartier celebrations after a few wins.
“I think so.” He poured coffee into a mug from a carafe I’d made earlier and then added creamer, already set on the counter. “I started doing shots, so it’s sort of a blur.”
With my brows flicking up, I asked, “Did Tex do them too?” A wide smile spread across my lips. These two would hurt today.
He sipped his coffee. “I…fuck, I think so.”
“Do you remember getting home?” I’d been dead asleep after one of the best jerk-off sessions ever.
“Nope.” With a soft snort, he shook his head. “I think Tex took care of me.”
“Yes, I did.” Tex strolled in from the hallway. “You were a fucking mess.” He slicked his blond hair to his head as he approached us. “I almost thought that dude you were with gave you drugs or something.”
“No, we made a game out of doing those fucking shots. I’ll never have one again.” He sipped his coffee and leaned his ass against the counter.
“That’s what you say now.” Tex made himself a coffee. “Smells delicious, Eli.” He patted my shoulder. “Did you get lucky with Wren last night?” He waggled his brows.
After turning off the stove, I pushed the sausage links from the pan onto a plate.
“Define what you mean by lucky.” With a smirk, I grabbed my coffee and brought the plated pancakes to our dinette.
“And bring the sausage over here.” I’d already set the table with plates, silverware, napkins and glasses for orange juice.
“Yes, sir.” With a mock salute, Tex did as I asked while Malik rummaged in the refrigerator for the juice.
Sitting next to me at the table, Tex threw two pancakes onto his plate and a few sausages. “Lucky, as in did you get some?”
“No, but I made good headway. He’s letting me kiss him and date him. I’m good with that.” It was all I’d been hoping for. I added pancakes and sausage to my plate and then added syrup.
“Cool.” Nodding, Malik dropped into a chair across from Tex and piled food onto his plate. “When will you see him next?” He bit into a sausage.
“I’m hoping I can see him today. I suppose it depends on how much homework he has.” I cut into my pancakes and took a bite. Maybe he’d have lunch with me?
“The games are on today. You should invite him over, and we’ll all watch them.” Tex stuffed a pancake dripping with syrup into his mouth.
“I think I’d rather be alone with him.” I ate more food. “Not that I don’t enjoy watching the games with you guys, but…you know.” I shrugged and sent a cheeky grin around the table. Now, if they’d go out for the games, I’d invite Wren over. Fat chance of that with the hangovers they must have.
“Yeah, I’m sure I’ll be napping by halftime of the first game, anyway.” Malik drank some juice. “Thanks for breakfast, Eli. I needed this.”
“I know.” I sipped my coffee and then hopped from my chair to snatch my phone off the kitchen island counter. Wren should be awake by now. After opening my text app, I tapped a message.
Eli
Good morning. How about lunch today at a sports bar?
We could visit a sports bar and watch some of the game. As I ate, I watched the three dots twinkle at me.
Wren
Sounds good. How much homework do you have? Would you like to see a movie?
Oh, now that was a proper date. As a grin teased my lips, I said, “Wren wants to have lunch and see a movie.”
“Then I guess you’re going to Tempe Marketplace?” Malik drank his coffee.
“Yeah, guess so.” I tapped my fingers on my lips. Which restaurant was the best for dates? We’d already been to the sushi place.
“Dude, I know what you’re thinking. Take him to the Thirsty Lion. They have big screens all around the bar, so you can see the games.” Malik tsked.
“I don’t want him thinking I’m watching the games and not focusing on him.” Plus, I knew myself. I could get caught up in football and not give him my full attention if I weren’t careful. “I’ll see if he wants to go to Barrio Queen.”
“That’s a cool spot. I went there once on a date. It’s a lot quieter than Thirsty Lion and the food is good.” Tex ate a bite of pancakes.
“Okay, that’s where I’ll take him.” Setting my fork on my plate, I texted.
Eli
How about Barrio Queen around noon? We can pick a movie while we eat. I’ll come and get you.
Wren
Sure. You know where I live.
“Guys, I have a proper date with Wren.” I held up my orange juice glass. “To second chances.”
Tapping their glasses on mine, Malik and Tex said, “Second chances.”
I left the dishes for Tex and Malik to wash while I showered and readied for my date.
I wanted a clean-shaven face and body, just on the off chance we ended up in someone’s bedroom.
After dressing in my best snug shirt and a pair of board shorts, I finished some reading for class and then drove to Wren’s apartment.
I wanted everything to be perfect today.
I parked and strolled along the pathway to his place, the heat from the day coming on strong. When would it cool off? It felt like fall was barely here. Knocking on his door, I tapped my finger on my thigh.
The door opened, and Grace stood in the entry, her smile reaching her blue eyes and her blonde hair tied in a high ponytail.
“Eli, come in. Wren is still getting ready.” She rolled her eyes.
“I think he’s shaving his junk judging by the amount of swearing going on in his bathroom. ” She stepped aside.
“Grace, don’t tell him that.” Wren smoothed his white linen shirt as he padded into the main room. “Don’t listen to her.”
“Okay.” I chuckled. I’d done the same thing, hadn’t I? I’d given myself some nasty nicks in the past, but I’d been extra careful today.
As he stepped toward me, I leaned in for a quick kiss and squeezed his arm. “You look nice.”
Raking his gaze over me, his tongue swiped his lips. “So do you.”
“You two be good now and be home at a reasonable hour. You both have school tomorrow.” With a smirk, Grace plucked a book from their dinette.
“Yes, Mom.” Wren threw her a look and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go before she embarrasses me further.”
I followed him into the courtyard. “She’s sweet, Wren, and seems like a great friend.”
“Yeah, she is. I’ll miss her after graduation.” He sighed as we strolled to my car.
“What is she in school for?” I opened the door of my truck for him, and he stopped, giving me a once-over.
“She’s in school for business, and you don’t have to open the door for me.” Pursing his lips, he climbed inside. “Unless you really want to.”
Stepping to him, I said, “I want to. I’m trying to be romantic here. You deserve to be pampered.” I was still making up for what happened in high school. We both had to get over it.
“Okay, thanks.” He looked straight ahead as I shut the door.
After arriving at Tempe Marketplace and parking, we strolled into the cool air of the restaurant.
The place had a neat vibe with huge, colorful Day of the Dead artwork hung on the white walls.
The section of wall behind the bar was brick, and wood tables scattered across the black floor with modern black leather chairs.
I met with the hostess, who seated us along the windows, overlooking a patio with misters running along the rafters. Outdoor fountains bubbled between the shopping plaza’s buildings.
After taking a chair, I scanned the place. Only a few couples occupied the tables, while people watched the football games at the bar at the far end. “I’ve never been here. Have you?”
“Yeah, I’ve come here with Grace before.” Picking up his menu, he held it over his face. “The grilled shrimp is good. I’ve had it before.”
“They make guacamole at the table. We need to order that.” It was a favorite thing of mine and would ensure I’d eat enough. It took a lot to fill me up. “Are we having margaritas?” I gave him my best smile.
“Sure.” He returned my smile.
The server stopped by the table, and we each ordered margaritas and the guacamole.
I set my menu down. I’d be getting a chicken burrito, my standard for a Mexican restaurant. “So, how are you feeling about things?” I needed to know where his head was after last night.
“Good.” He unwrapped his silverware from the cloth napkin and placed it in his lap.
“Just good? You’re not following that up with anything else?” I leaned in, studying him. I’d knocked down some of his walls, hadn’t I?
“Very good. How’s that?” His gaze followed our server as she set our margaritas on the table, made our guacamole and took our orders.
“Better, I guess.” I ran my fingers down the stem of my margarita glass. “Last night felt like a breakthrough for me.” How much should I admit? “I feel excited about us today.” Truthfully, I was falling for him all over again, but it was too soon for talk like that.
He sipped his drink. “I agree that last night was special. I hadn’t wanted things to escalate the way they had, but I’m glad they did.” His gaze met mine, and he curled the corner of his mouth. “There’s just something about you, Eli. No matter how hard I try, I can’t keep my distance from you.”