Chapter 6 A You Problem #2
“When I was Sebastian’s assistant, Eli’s desk was down the hall, and every time he walked by, I swear, I’d cream my panties.
Sorry, TMI. But that man seriously got my juices flowing.
He was sooo off-limits, though. I basically made a fool of myself whenever he was around.
But, like I said, that was eons ago. Back to you, when did you two hook up? ”
“Which time?” Lily asks sarcastically while laughing. “They go way back. As far back as when Sebastian and I first met.”
“Seriously? You and Eli have been seeing each other for that long?” Lucy asks incredulously.
“No. We hooked up back then, and that’s it. We are not, nor were we ever, seeing each other.” I give Lily a pointed look. “Nothing is happening between us.”
“Right. So you haven’t done anything since you’ve been back? And you said it’s been four months? How is that possible when your best friend is engaged to his brother?” Lucy isn’t letting up.
“I’m not saying it’s been easy. I mean, he’s sex on a stick. But other than a couple of encounters, we—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Spill, sister. What encounters, and why have you not tapped that since you’ve been back? Especially when you’ve already tasted the Kool-Aid?” All right, so Lucy has no idea what happened recently. Love you, Lily.
“We’ve kissed, and he’s given me an orgasm.
That’s it. I was this”—my thumb and forefinger go up an inch apart—“close to letting him come to my place and finish the job, but before I made a bad decision, I called it a night.” Lucy opens her mouth to speak, but I put a hand up to stop her.
“Listen, we have a history, and I’m allergic to commitment.
Eli’s a relationship kind of guy. It’s just not feasible.
Not only am I leaving, but he’s Sebastian’s brother.
That would be awkward at future family functions.
” Okay, that’s the lamest excuse I could come up with, but it’s worth a shot.
Lucy laughs. “You mean their family of two? And I’m not sure what planet you’ve been living on, but Eli is not a long-term type of guy. He’s a playboy. You might as well have some fun while you’re here, especially if he’s game,” Lucy says.
“Holy shit, you sound like the man himself.” I laugh and down my drink, tipping my head back to catch the last drop.
“I agree with Lucy. It hasn’t been awkward so far. I don’t see why it would be if you both go into it knowingly. What’s the problem?” Lily asks.
“The problem is, you guys are familiar with that player side of him, but I’ve experienced the more serious side, and he’ll end up wanting a commitment. I’m not interested.” Or possibly incapable—one of the two.
“That sounds like a you problem. Eli’s a big boy.
If he knows you’re not the settling type and still wants a little action, then that’s his decision, and you should go along for the ride.
” Man, Lucy’s a ballbuster. And since I have no sound argument for that annoyingly rational observation, it’s time to change the subject.
“Well, you know what I think? I think we should probably go sleep these drinks off before we doll ourselves up for the big night ahead of us. Who’ll be the hottest chicks on the dance floor tonight?” I hold my fist out.
“Us,” Lucy says while Lily simultaneously responds, “We will.” They bring their fists up to bump with mine.
“Let’s do it,” I finish off, more than ready to go face-plant into my pillow. Lily and I tend to overindulge in day drinking whenever we do it, which, thank God, isn’t very often.
Several hours later, after a nap and one of the best dinners I’ve ever had, we’re in the VIP section at one of the hottest clubs in Vegas thanks to the Dubree brothers’ connections. It just so happens to be in our hotel, which is super convenient.
We girls are on the dance floor while Justin is off to the side, keeping a close eye on us.
I think he’s the unofficial bodyguard for the evening.
The rest of the guys are within eyesight, and Sebastian has had his head in Lily’s direction most of the night.
I’ve also noticed that Eli’s been keeping his eye on me, scowling whenever I’m approached.
Not that I’ve been paying too close attention or anything.
The ladies have been sticking together and only dancing with one another, turning away the men who’ve tried to make their way in.
It’s Lily’s night, and no one’s here for a hookup.
Well, I’d certainly be up for it, but not with Eli here.
I’m destined for celibacy until I go back home to Bozeman.
However, after my talk with Lily and Lucy earlier, I’m reconsidering the Eli situation.
Speaking of, out of the corner of my eye, I see Eli and Jackson walking toward the exit of the club. After telling the girls I’m taking off, I rush to catch up.
“Hey, where are you guys going?” They pause and turn to face me.
“Jackson had a bit much, so I’m helping him to his room,” Eli answers with his hand on my brother’s arm to steady him.
“S’all good. I can make it,” Jackson adds in, clearly drunk as he staggers on his feet.
“Geez, Jackson, drink much?” I go to Jackson’s free side and take his other arm. “I can take him up so you can stay with the guys,” I say to Eli.
“I’m not leaving you alone to wrangle a 180-pound man of steel to his room. What if he passes out on the way?” Eli asks.
“Then I’ll have the staff help. It’s fine, I’ve got him.”
“Hey, guyz, I’m right heeere,” Jackson splutters.
We both ignore him.
“Cici, quit being stubborn. You can go with me or stay and dance—the choice is yours,” Eli states firmly and starts walking again, dragging my brother along, which causes me to follow since I’m holding on to Jackson.
“Argh. You’re so infuriating,” I say as I trudge along, trying to be helpful and realizing that Eli was right—no way could I have handled Jackson alone.
“Surrry, sis. Didn’t mean t’ruin yer night. I haven’t drunk in a while.” Jackson laughs. “Get it? Drunk in a while, and I’m drunk.”
“How are you such a lightweight with all this muscle on you?” I ask as we make our way through the casino toward the elevators.
“He had a lot at dinner and then pounded a couple more here. I think it’s been some time since he’s let his guard down,” Eli answers for him.
“Can’t let my guard down. Too important,” Jackson mumbles.
“Jackson, I’m sorry. This must suck for you,” I say sympathetically. He’s really upset. He doesn’t typically overindulge.
The minute we enter the elevator, Jackson slumps against the wall and hangs his head. With his eyes closed, he looks like he’s passed out standing up.
“You still think you could’ve handled him yourself?” Eli asks smugly.
“No. You win. Happy now?”
“Not yet, but the night’s still young.” The sexual tension just engulfed the small space.
“Well, you can go back out and find someone to make you happy after he’s settled. We are in Vegas, so I’m sure there’re plenty to choose from.”
“The only woman I want is right here.” His look is smoldering, causing my panties to go up in flames.
Oh God. I really hope Jackson’s not listening. “Oh,” I whisper right as the elevator opens.
“All right, big guy, time to move,” Eli says as he hoists Jackson’s arm up and over his shoulder, helping him out of the elevator while Jackson lumbers along. Eli hands me the key he’s holding. “Room 3817.”
We trudge toward his room, where I swipe the card and hold the door open for them.
Eli supports Jackson, going straight to the bed and pulling the covers back before Jackson flops down, mumbling what I think is a thank-you.
Seconds later, he’s passed out. I go to work on one shoe while Eli gets the other.
“Thanks, and thanks for helping him. Why didn’t Braden do it?” I ask without thinking, and I instantly regret it.
Eli quirks a brow. “Would you rather have Braden up here with you?”
“No,” I protest adamantly. “It’s just that he’s Jackson’s best friend, and you’re here for your brother. He’s the more logical choice.”
“Well, out of the two of us, I’m the logical one since it was my idea for Jackson to call it a night.
Thus, I’m the one who wrangled him out. Plus, Braden’s busy trolling, and I figured I’d let him have some fun.
You’ve been away from San Diego a long time, Cici.
Our circle has tightened in the last year. ”
Jackson snores loud enough to wake the neighbors, and we both laugh.
“Come on. Let’s let him be,” Eli says as he puts his hand on my back and ushers me toward the door.
“Do you think he’ll be okay? He won’t puke and not wake up or anything, will he?”
“No. He’s not that bad. If he pukes, it’ll be in the morning when the hangover sets in. He’ll be fine.”
We step into the hallway and stare at each other in silence.
I’m debating what my next move should be.
I’m still on the fence about keeping my distance, so I’m not sure whether to walk away and call it a night or seductively ask what his plans are for the rest of the evening.
The silence is killing me, so I need to decide.
But when I open my mouth to speak, I don’t get the chance.
“Fuck this.” Eli’s hand appears like lightning, gripping my head to hold me in place while his mouth crashes into mine.
It’s not sweet, it’s not subtle, and it’s certainly not slow.
He palms my ass and pulls me into his groin, causing both of us to groan in unison from the sensation while devouring each other.
Screw the consequences; this is what I want. “Your room or mine?” I ask between kisses.
Eli jerks his head back in shock, making me smile in response.
“If we go to a room, I’m not letting you leave until I’m done with you. Once the door closes, there’s no going back, Cici. You’ve made me wait too damn long not to have my way with you, and I’ll go all night if that’s what it takes. Are you ready for that?”
“I’m more than ready. I want it…. I want you.”
“Damn, beautiful, it’s about fucking time.”