Chapter 12 Fun. #2
I sighed, already knowing where this was going. “Look, like I said before, I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
He nodded. “And I respect that. But how about a friendship?”
I studied him. “Are you even capable of just being friends?”
His smirk deepened as he took a slow sip of his drink. The look in his eyes said, “Absolutely not. I’ve already pictured you naked at least ten times.”
“How about this,” he suggested. “Let’s get coffee every morning for a full week. I guarantee you’ll be comfortable with us being friends by the end of it.”
I narrowed my eyes. “One week?”
He held up a hand. “That’s all I’ll need to convince you. If I don’t, kick my ass to the curb.”
I thought about it. Free coffee for a week?
“Hm. I can work with that,” I said.
His smile widened. “Good.”
I glanced back at my table. “Well, I should get back to my team. Thanks again for the drinks.”
I stood and turned to address the group. “Goodnight, everyone.”
“Night, Elliot!” they chorused.
I was already walking away when his voice stopped me.
“Ellie?”
I turned back. “Yes?”
El hesitated for half a second before saying, “Let me take you home.”
Well, that was a short friendship.
“Come again?”
He shifted, clearing his throat. “That came out so wrong. I meant, let me drive you home.”
I folded my arms. “I don’t need a ride.”
“Okay,” he said, his eyes steady on mine. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
?
After the club, I found myself holding Esther up as she slumped over my shoulder, drunk.
“I love you so much, Ellie,” she mumbled against my ear, her breath heavy with champagne. I barely had a chance to get drunk tonight.
“I love you too, Es,” I said, shifting her weight. “Now, stand up straight. I can’t hold you up and call the ride.”
She nuzzled into my shoulder, completely ignoring me. “I love you so much.”
I rolled my eyes, holding her tighter, as I tried—and failed—to book an Uber. My fingers kept fumbling on the screen, and the app refused to load fast enough.
“You need that ride now?” a voice cut in.
I glanced up. Elliot stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, watching me struggle.
“We’re good,” I said automatically, still tapping at my phone.
“Ellie, come on,” he insisted. “I really don’t mind. I’d rather drive you home than leave you out here this late.”
I checked the time on my phone. 2:36 a.m.
“Please? My car is right there.” He pointed to the sleek, black Benz parked just across the street. Of course, he’d have a Benz. “I’ll take you straight home, I swear.”
I sighed. I was tired, annoyed, and ready for this night to be over. “Fine.”
Esther suddenly sprang to life, pointing a shaky finger at him. “And don’t try any funny shit! Or else I’ll reach in my purse, and you don’t want me to do that.”
Elliot looked her up and down, completely amused. “Can you even aim right now?”
She squinted at him. “Wanna test it? Try me and see, motherfucker.”
He held up his hands, backing up. “Alright, alright. Let’s just get in the car.”
After all that talk, Esther crashed in the back seat almost instantly, her head lolling against the window as we drove off.
The ride was mostly quiet, except for Elliot, who asked me a few questions I was too tired to answer enthusiastically.
By the time we pulled up to the front of our place, it was just past 3 a.m.
I unbuckled my seatbelt as soon as he stopped. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Of course,” he said, voice low and easy—a complete contrast to Esther’s loud snores behind us.
I hesitated before I exited. He had driven us all this way, and I had no idea how far out of his way we’d taken him. The least I could do was offer him a coffee before he got back on the road.
“…You wanna come up?”
His brows lifted slightly. “Yeah.”
I was taken aback by how quickly he answered. “Yeah?”
Before I could second-guess myself, he was already out of the car, circling around to open my door.
How smooth.
As I stepped out, I turned to drag Esther from the back seat, but before I could, Elliot was already there.
“I got her,” he said.
I eyed him skeptically. “You sure?”
In response, he scooped her up effortlessly, adjusting her against his chest like she weighed nothing. He started toward my front door, but I held out a hand to stop him.
“Look,” I said carefully, “don’t expect anything to happen between us. This is just a pick-me-up so you don’t fall asleep at the wheel.”
Elliot didn’t stop. Instead, he leaned into my outstretched hand, pressing his chest against my palm. His heartbeat thudded beneath my fingers, slow and steady.
“I wasn’t expecting anything from you, Ellie,” he murmured, dipping his head closer to mine as Esther dangled at his side. “And I would love a cup of your coffee.”
I stuttered, completely thrown by how smoothly he spoke.
Thank God my period started.
“Just—come in,” I muttered, unlocking the door.
Inside, I led him to Esther’s room upstairs, where he gently placed her on the bed. I removed her shoes, tucked her in, and turned off the light before quietly shutting the door behind us.
“Thanks,” I said.
“No problem.”
Then he followed me back downstairs, where I moved to the kitchen, setting up the coffee pot while he settled onto a barstool at the counter. I felt his eyes on me the whole time.
“I can feel you staring at my ass,” I said, not bothering to turn around.
“I was mostly looking at your hair,” he admitted. “But I won’t say I don’t enjoy the complete view.”
I turned, setting a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. “Is this what I can expect from our friendship?”
He smirked. “Among other things.”
I rolled my eyes. “Just drink your coffee.”
“Can I get some sugar, at least?”
I read between the lines and crossed my arms. “Good boys get sugar.”
His lips twitched. “I’ve been good.”
I arched a brow. “Staring at my ass isn’t good.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You know what? You’re right. I’m sorry, Ellie.”
I tilted my head. “You’re not forgiven.”
“When will I be?” he smirked.
“I don’t know yet.”
Elliot leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “Well, you gotta decide between now and tomorrow.” His gaze flicked to the clock. “Or else it’s gonna be an awkward morning.”