My Partner Against Crime

Chapter 37

"Tonight, Rossi's, don't forget." Emily leans against my desk with her arms crossed and a smirk contently resting on her face.

"I haven't forgotten, I just, I don't think it's a good idea for me to go." Another famous Rossi dinner party, except this is also invite the significant other, party.

"Hey, Spencer's not coming." A sudden relief washes over me. If Spencer isn't coming, I have nothing to worry about.

I nod.

"I'll talk to Eli, see if he's in."

"See if he's in?" She raises her right eyebrow. "Please, the guy is a lost puppy without you. See you two tonight." She winks, and swings her bag over her shoulder, then heads out of the building.

I can't hide my smile at the thought of him. The past few months have been amazing, Eli and I clicked, fast. He's everything I need right now, he's patient, considerate, and he isn't playing a role or trying to hold back, I know what he wants. He's an easy going guy who wants someone to want him just as much.

I log off my computer, collect my things and head home.

I quickly shower, then change into dark jeans, a black long sleeve blouse, and white sneakers. I touch up my makeup while I wait for Eli to pick me up.

I anxiously wait on the couch, thoughts of backing out of the event screaming in my head. How will everyone handle seeing me with someone else? They know Eli, well, they know he exists. I hope they'll treat him well, and not find it awkward I'm bringing someone else.

I take two shots of vodka hoping to ease my stress. As the doorbell rings, I put the glass in the sink and quickly grab my purse before answering the door.

Eli stands smirking, looking down on me. He leans against the doorway with one arm behind his back. I quickly admire his outfit, black pants, and light blue button up, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a few buttons undone at the top, showing off his tattoos.

"Hey." He leans down and kisses the top of my head.

"Hey." I stand on my toes and kiss him, gently resting my hand on his chest.

"I got you something." Before I have time to ask, he pulls a small, square suede box from behind his back. My eyes widen as I take the box in my hands.

"What?" I look up at him, I bite my bottom lip attempting to hide my smile.

"Open it." I do as told and gently open the box, exposing the thin band of diamonds.

"Shit, Eli." I cover my hand with my mouth and admire the gift.

"Is that good or bad?" I look up at his concerned face and lean up to kiss him again.

"Thank you, it's perfect." I put my focus back on the ring and finally take it out of the box, sliding it onto my ring finger on my right hand.

"I know we don't really have an anniversary or anything but, I thought it would look really good on you." I laugh at his explanation and smile up at him.

"Have you been drinking?" His hand wraps around my waist pulling me to him. I softly groan, trying to mask the pain I've been having. He leans down and gently kisses me, he pulls back but continues to hold me.

"I'll take that as a yes... What do you think of the ring?" I hold my hand against his chest showing it off to him.

"I love it, thank you." I pull away from him to put the box inside before following him out to his car.

By the time we arrive at Rossi's home, we're the last to show. Everyone gathers in the backyard with wine glasses in hand. I hold Eli's hand as I pull him through the house and out to the yard, trying to be sneaky and not noticeably late.