The Billionaire’s Burden(30)

Eli suddenly breezed past us, sweet scent of his masculine musk floating over the table as I inhaled sharply. He’d been so close, I could almost feel the soft cotton of his shirt brush against my elbow.

Lucy didn't even appear to notice, ripping at another piece of broccoli as she began another tirade. This time, the source of her wrath was the smoothie shop, and how she was positive their 16 ounce smoothies were closer to 14.

This girl had to work in the government someday.

"Alright." Lucy sighed once she wore herself out, "I've got to get back to class."

She got to her feet, collecting her things and delicately tucking her ebony hair behind her ears before waving to me.

Soon, I was alone at the table, with nothing left to do but stare forward towards the table Eli had occupied some minutes ago. Under his chair, a textbook rested, seemingly forgotten. I gathered my own things, rushing over to his table as I bent down, picking up the book.

I looked around, frowning, searching the room for a familiar blond head, though I could not see him. I looked down at the text again. It was the very same book he'd purchased from me earlier that morning.

After a moment’s brief hesitation, I tucked it under my arm as I headed after Lucy out of the dining hall. I’d have to return it to him.

I walked towards the parking lot, brushing flyaway strands of hair out of my eyes. Eli's book weighed heavy on my arms.

Staring down at the cover, I ran my fingers over the face of a frog on the cover, basking under sunlight in green grass.

Biology, hm.

I'd never have guessed that was what Eli was into. I would have figured something more like automotive studies, the way he obsessed over his motorbike. He was constantly out there cleaning it, fine tuning it, getting oil splattered all over himself.

Or perhaps he just did it because he knew all the ladies in the neighborhood swooned over watching him toil away in the evening light.

By the time I'd driven all the way home, Eli's jeep was nowhere to be seen. I leaned his textbook up against his door and started to walk away before pausing. Our neighbors could be a little shady though, and probably would have taken it to try to sell or something.

In the end, I picked it up once more, taking it safely into my apartment and setting it on the coffee table. I would return it next time I noticed Eli was home. He'd probably be super creeped out that I’d managed to get my paws on something of his, but at least he would be able to do his homework.

It’d probably be the last time I was allowed within five hundred feet of the man, so I would have to savor the transaction.

I settled down on the couch, opening my laptop as I flicked through the school website. I'd only just begun to start my own homework when I heard the familiar rumble of a red jeep pull into the parking lot in front of our apartment.





Chapter Three





Fumbling to my feet, I smoothed my hands over my shirt, knocking off any stray crumbs that may have been clinging to me.

After grabbing the biology textbook, I carefully peeked through the peephole in search of my gorgeous, blond neighbor. Only seconds later, he bustled past, digging his keys from his pockets.

Taking a breath, I opened the door, poking my head out to look at him.

"Err, Eli?" I said cautiously.

He paused, slowly turning to look at me, his keys still extended towards his door as though he were trying to escape from me. I didn't blame him, he'd seen me way too much in one day.

"...yes?" He said slowly, caramel flaked eyes glancing up and down the hall as though he were hoping someone would walk by and insure his safety.

"I noticed you left this in the cafeteria this afternoon." I shrugged, stepping just far out enough from the door to outstretch the huge book to him.

Eli stared at it for a moment, blinking in surprise before taking it from me.

"Oh." He said simply.

"You're welcome." I added hastily before realizing he hadn't thanked me yet.

Inwardly, I cringed, trying not to groan too loudly.

"Ah, thanks." He said, uncomfortably shifting his feet. His eyes darted back towards his apartment.

"You live by yourself?" I asked, tilting my head. I’d already forgotten that I’d made myself promise not to bother the poor guy any longer than I needed to.

Curiosity however, got the best of me. I'd never noticed anyone else coming or going from his apartment, not even girls, of which there could be plenty.

Eli nodded, slinging the book over his shoulder, "I like my privacy." He said pointedly, eyes narrowing just for a second.

With a clear of my throat, I nodded sheepishly, "Okay, then." I murmured, "See ya."

I ducked back inside my apartment, slamming the door and leaning hard against it.

That conversation could not have been more awkward.