Page 18 of Tangled Hearts (Mended Hearts #4)

Nic

I watch Eli until he disappears from my view, then I take the plates to the sink. Between the emotional admissions last night, him asking if he could rest his head on me, and then falling asleep with him on the couch—not on purpose—I woke up spiraling.

He looked so damn cozy all curled up in my lap, so I didn’t want to disturb him, even though I probably should have.

And when he woke up, all adorably grumpy and defensive?

It had my entire heart thrumming. There’s something about Eli that makes me feel oddly protective.

Like I want to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him safe from things that might harm him.

Which brings me to the dishes. It’s clear I need to be more aware of messes I may leave behind. I’ve never considered myself messy and have always kept a tidy home, but like I told Eli, if washing dishes immediately after use is what he needs to feel at peace in his own home, then easy. Done.

After I finish with the dishes, I straighten up the already clean kitchen. I’m sweeping when Eli clears his throat. When I turn around, my breath leaves me in a quick rush. I know I told him to get all dolled up, but I wasn’t expecting… this.

Against my will, my eyes peruse him from head to toe.

His makeup is soft and understated, his hair swept back and artfully messy.

He’s wearing the same shirt he was the night I met him.

I try hard to bring my eyes back to an appropriate place, but the black skirt exposing miles of pale, hairless legs makes it practically impossible to look anywhere else.

I swallow hard against the dryness in my throat, and when he takes a step forward, I dart my eyes back to his face.

His gaze is locked on the floor in front of him, his cheeks a little pink. “If it’s too much, I can change.” The tremor in his voice has my heart clenching. “I know it’s a lot. I don’t want to embarrass you.”

The words tell me all I need to know. Someone, somewhere, made Eli feel bad about himself and his choice of clothing.

Not me. Not today. I step in front of him and tilt his chin up again.

So much for not touching him. Hesitant green eyes settle on mine.

“There’s nothing wrong with what you’re wearing, alright?

” I say firmly. He nods, his eyes going soft.

My heart thuds. Not good. Not good at all.

“God, you really do look like a little doll.”

He looks a bit like a deer in the headlights, and, honestly?

Who can blame him because what is happening with my brain-to-mouth filter?

And I’m still holding his chin. Jesus. I drop my hand and step back, surprised when he sways toward me.

He catches himself, swallowing hard. “Do you want to go change your clothes?” Eli asks.

“Yeah, I probably should, huh?” I look down at what I’m wearing. No way in hell I’m going out in public looking like this while he looks like that.

Eli shrugs, cheeks still pink. “I think you look fine.”

I can’t help but smile. “Not compared to you. I’ll be quick, okay?”

After getting our boba—and I’ll die before I admit it, but it’s growing on me—Eli and I step into the parking lot. I’m not sure why he didn’t want to stay inside to drink it and hang out with Mia, but hey, I’m down for whatever he wants to do.

“So, uh—” he starts, before cutting off abruptly.

“Yeah?” I prompt, slowing down a little.

Eli takes a breath, like he’s trying to calm himself down, and then he squares his shoulders. “Do you want to come to The Hart Foundation with me today? I know you’ve already met my dad, but I thought it might be cool to just hang out.”

My stomach flips in nervous anticipation, and my words get caught in my throat.

Eli doesn’t seem to notice my internal struggle, or maybe he does and he thinks it’s somehow about him because his defenses kick in before I’ve managed to get my shit together.

“You don’t have to,” he snaps, staring daggers at me with his stunning eyes.

I must be losing my absolute fucking mind—there’s no other reason I’d step toward him, curl my fingers under his chin, and force his gaze to mine otherwise. This is becoming a pattern. Not a good one. I can’t seem to stop, though.

The scent of strawberries fills my nose, and for a few tense seconds, we just stare at each other. His breathing is ragged, his eyes wide. And then something… shifts. He softens, his body going lax, his eyelashes fluttering as all the fight leaves his gaze, and he blinks up at me expectantly.

Let go of him.

Let him go right now.

My hand doesn’t listen to my brain at all.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask, my voice a croaky, fucked-up whisper that doesn’t sound like my own at all.

Eli blinks slowly, almost like he’s in a daze. His tongue wets his lower lip. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he counters.

My stomach tightens, heat swirling through me as my cock thickens behind my zipper. Oh fuck. Oh fuck oh fuck.

I drop Eli’s chin like he burned me and step back.

It breaks the moment and Eli’s daze. I should tell him no.

I can’t do this. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me right now.

But I just fucking promised him companionship, and I will not be a person who lies to him. “I’d be happy to go with you.”

Eli nods slowly, his expression a little confused. “Okay. I’ll just—I need to let Dad know?” It comes out like a question, and I’m not really sure why.

I have no idea what I’m doing, but it’s bad. The whole thing is bad.

All I know for sure is I have a twenty-minute drive to get my shit together before I have to be around Roman. And this? Whatever this is? I have to get it under control.

When we walk in the front door of The Hart Foundation, I force a deep breath into my lungs.

Eli and I made casual small talk on the way over here, but he was a little more quiet than usual.

I have no idea what I need to do to get my equilibrium back around him, but I need to do it quickly before this blows up in my face.

I can’t be attracted to him. I just fucking can’t. So I need to do whatever I can to keep my distance while also not keeping my distance because I literally just told him not even two hours ago that I’d offer him companionship.

I can do that without involving my dick. And I can definitely do it without involving my heart.

As if the universe is out to prove me wrong, a smiling Lexi rounds the corner and slams right into Eli, wrapping her arms around his waist. He squeezes her back, dropping a kiss to her head, and the stupid organ in my chest thumps hard.

Someone clears their throat, and I drag my eyes from Eli just in time to catch Roman looking between the two of us with curiosity flashing in his eyes. I need to shut this down right fucking now. “Roman, nice to see you again,” I manage, stepping forward to hold my hand out.

He glances at my hand, then shakes his head.

Holy fuck, did he see the way I was looking at Eli?

How was I looking at him? This is bad. So very bad.

Roman steps forward and wraps me in a huge hug.

I stand stunned for a second, my brain trying to catch up.

Holy hell. “Nice to see you again. Thanks for joining Eli today.”

He steps back and gives me a small smile that I hope like hell I’m returning. “I’m sorry it took me so long to make it here. Eli kept leaving me behind.”

Eli scoffs, stepping up beside me. I glance over, and he’s holding Lexi’s hand. She’s smiling at him like he’s the sun. “I did not. It’s not my fault you never come out of your room.”

He’s got an eyebrow raised, as if he’s daring me to argue. I don’t, of course. I shrug. “Well, at any rate. I’m happy to help.”

Roman smiles, gesturing for us to follow him.

“Well,” he says, leading us into an office.

“I’m just working on organizing our next fundraiser.

I’m hopeful we’re going to have our best turnout yet, so I’m finalizing details.

Otherwise, there’s not a lot going on.” He reaches over and ruffles Lexi’s hair, making her giggle.

“This little cutie wanted to hang out with me today.”

Eli laughs. “And who could say no to such a sweet little face?”

“Not me,” Roman says, sitting down and pulling out a notebook. He slides it across the table and Eli takes it. “This is the sign-up for the silent auction. A lot has already been dropped off and is just kind of… everywhere in the conference room. The two of you can sort through it if you’d like.”

Eli and I lean in at the same time to look at the list, and when the scent of strawberries hits me in the face, I almost have to take a step back.

“Oh God,” Eli gasps. “Mia is donating a one-on-one cupcake-baking class? Does she even make cupcakes?”

Roman laughs. “I have no idea. I know Emily never could master them. I love the woman, but sometimes her creations are… questionable at best.”

Eli giggles. It’s such a happy and bright sound that I find myself looking at him without thought, wanting to see his joy and not just hear it. “Oh, man. This is amazing. Someone donated a spa day. Who was it?”

“It clearly says anonymous, kid.”

Eli looks up at Roman and sticks his tongue out. “But I’m special, so that means you have to tell me.”

I force my gaze to Roman’s in time to see him raise an unimpressed eyebrow. “Sure, we’ll go with that. I’m still not telling you who the donor is.”

“Fine. But I’m bidding on it,” Eli says, then grabs the list off the desk and turns to me. “Are you ready?” As ready as I’m ever going to be. I nod. “You should donate something. ”

Literally anything you want, doll. I hum. Those are not outside thoughts. “Yeah? Like what?”

Eli shrugs. “I don’t know. Are you good at anything?” His green eyes are boring into mine, and it feels a bit like I was just issued a challenge.

“Hmm. I could do, like, dog training or something, maybe?”

Eli tilts his head, like he’s considering it. “Sure. That could work. The spa session is mine, though. So don’t even think about trying to outbid me. I’m ruthless when I’m going after something I want.”

I’ve seen him bratty and snarky, I’ve seen him sleepy and vulnerable, smiling about perfectly cooked bacon, and curled up and sleeping peacefully.

I’m not sure I could survive a ruthless Eli going after what he wants.

My cock thickens against my thigh at the look in his eyes. All fire and determination.

Roman clears his throat, and I jump, tearing my gaze away from Eli and finding his eyes. Fuck. He nods at me. “Dog training would be great. I don’t think there’s anyone around here who offers that.”

I nod, thankful for the distraction. “I’ll write it down,” Eli says, leaning past me to grab a pen off the table. “Lexi, do you want to come with us?”

“Nope. I’m gonna help Ro fold the blankets.”

Eli gasps, dropping both the notebook and the pen on the table in mock outrage. “And you wouldn’t help me fold sheets?”

Lexi giggles, covering her mouth with her hands. She’s too freaking cute. “Folding sheets is no fun. Blankets are funner.” She shrugs like this makes all the sense in the world, and hey, as long as it makes sense to her.

Eli shakes his head, laughing to himself. “Fine. Abandon me in my time of need to hang out with Roman. I see how it is. ”

Lexi grins then gives Eli a one-shoulder shrug. “It be that way sometimes.”

“You’ve been hanging out with Holden too much,” Eli says, groaning.

Movement catches my attention as Roman makes his way around the table to us. “Thank you again for helping. It’s always a little hectic during times like this. And thanks for volunteering your services.”

“I’m happy to help. It’s really awesome what you guys do here.”

Roman smiles, the most real smile I’ve ever seen on his face.

“Thank you for that. It’s really important to all of us.

It’s definitely become a family pet project.

I’m still trying to talk Beck’s mom into retiring early and coming on with me full-time.

So far, no dice. Maybe I’ll be able to get you converted. ”

I laugh. “I’m happy to volunteer. I have money saved up, so I don’t need to look for a job just yet. I’m good with helping out. At least through the fundraiser.”

Eli nudges me. “Well, come on then. Make yourself useful, and let’s go sort through this stuff.”

When I look at him, he seems grumpy. Is he… he’s not mad that I’m talking to his dad, is he? What the hell would that even mean? I give him a little salute. “Yes, sir. Let’s go.”