“It does delicious things for your derriere, and that top… Mmm.” He slid his finger over her bare collarbone and down between the open neckline and the inner halter top. “It’s very pretty on you.” He caressed the upper swell of her breast with his fingertips. His touch left a warm tingle behind as he stroked her. Leaning into him, she kissed him and squeezed his hand. After a scintillating minute of that, he released her and closed her door and went around to the driver’s side door. He grinned at her as he climbed in on his side of the truck. “I wonder what people will think when they see you sit with us at our table by the door.”
“I’m proud to be seen with you, Eli.”
“Same here, baby.”
They got to the club at ten till seven to find that Ethan had brought another chair over for her to sit on, right next to Eli’s usual spot. Excusing herself, she sought Ethan out to thank him for doing that and for understanding her concerns.
“Sweetie, remember what it was like when Patricia was after me?”
Ethan asked. “The first time Grace saw Patricia put her hand on my arm I was worried she’d get mad at me. When she confronted Patricia, she handled herself like a lady but essentially told Patricia to fuck off at the same time. I know it may not be easy creating boundaries for some of the more friendly women, but Eli is probably worth whatever trouble you go through. He only sees you, honey. I’m glad to see you came to your senses.”
He chuckled when she feigned outrage at his last comment.
“Yeah, I know,” she agreed. “I was a little slow on the uptake. Is Grace coming in tonight?”
“Once she heard you were going to be here, she said she would. I’m saving a seat for her next to Bill, just in case.”
68
Heather Rainier
“Why Bill?”
“He watches out for her like an old spinster aunt. Sometimes guys that don’t know any better still hit on her. He provides a buffer when I’m not in close proximity, and of course the guys watch over her, too.”
“I need to thank her for all the things she brought over for me today.”
“I was about to say how pretty you look in that outfit. Is that something she picked out for you?”
“Yes, your wife has great taste.”
“She does, doesn’t she? Listen, you stick close to Eli tonight and see how things go. I think that will send a pretty clear message all by itself. All I ask is that if you have to set anyone straight, you do it without drawing a lot of attention to them or yourself.”
“I’ll remember that, Ethan. Thanks again.” Rachel turned to go back to Eli’s table and let out a heavy sigh.
Two women chatted with him very flirtatiously. This was how it always started, then one of them would reach out to his hair— there she went.
Rachel watched as Eli stood and put up a forearm to block her reach, a very subtle but very clear communication that he didn’t want to be touched. He glanced at her over their heads and winked at her when she smiled at him.
The women were on either side of the chair he leaned against, well within the boundaries of his personal space. It would be rude to verbally tell them to go away, but she could remove their reason for being there in such close proximity without saying anything. As she walked up, Eli slipped into the tall bar chair and spread his knees, an open invitation. She stepped right into that opening and reached for his hair, taking two generous handfuls of it at his shoulders. He slid his hands up her ribcage and laid a big, happy, wet kiss on her as the two women looked on in surprise.
Word would spread quickly now, and the grapevine would no doubt be put to the test. Releasing her from the kiss, he nuzzled her cheekbone and the sensitive flesh under her ear. “You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, Rachel. I love you.”
The words were truly meant only for her, but she felt sure that at least one of the two women had overheard him. She hugged him. “I love you, too, babe. Thank you.” She rested her hands gently on his thighs and looked at the woman on his left and said, “Hi, would you excuse me? I’d like to sit in my chair.” She indicated the tall chair the woman was currently blocking.
Her Gentle Giant, Part 1: No Regrets
69
The women made their excuses and reluctantly walked off to the bar, their heads together, chattering to each other. Eli took her right hand in his left, clasping their fingers together. They sat there chatting quietly when Mike and Rogelio rolled in and stopped short, gaping at the two of them.
Mike turned to Rogelio with an I-told-you-so look and pointed at them.
“What did I say, Rogelio? I thought something was up when I talked to them earlier.” The very large man looked at Mike, grunted and nodded without saying anything else, so Mike continued, “I had a feeling this might bring the two of you together.”