Page 37 of Tangled Hearts

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? HowwasI 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 notmyfault 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.” Hereaches 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 evenmakecupcakes?”

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.