I Have Lived and I Have Loved - Willow Winters Page 0,190

it’s the complete opposite.

I straighten my back and follow his lead. I can do this. People look at me when I’m in uniform, so this is no different.

The waitress takes our drink order, spending extra time attending to Eli’s request for water. I swear.

“You look beautiful,” he says, taking my hand.

I glance at my navy one-shoulder cocktail dress and then back to him. I spent extra time getting ready, making sure I looked like someone who belonged with him. My hair is curled and pulled over to the side, exposing my neck. The nude pumps I stole from Nicole six months ago are killing me, but I wore them. And even with the extra makeup, making me feel less like myself, I’m totally freaking out.

“I feel like I’m naked in front of a crowd.” Once again, I look around at all the people, some of whom are whispering and staring.

Eli’s mouth turns into a sly grin. “I would be perfectly fine with that as well.”

I glare at him. “Funny.”

“Relax, Heather.” Eli gives my hand a squeeze. “People look, and people talk, but we’re the only thing that matters right now.”

He’s right. I’m on a date with Eli, and we both love each other. This is a part of who he is, and that means, it’ll be a part of my life. I might as well get used to it.

“Okay, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, it’s an adjustment, I’m sure. You get used to it.”

Something to look forward to.

The waitress returns, giving me a sour look. “Wine,” she places it in front of me while looking at Eli. I go to open my mouth to let her know she’s brought the wrong wine, but she turns her back to me. “And for you, Mr. Walsh, we’ve selected our top-of-the-line bottle of cabernet, on the house.”

“Thank you,” he says politely and then his eyes meet mine. “However, my girlfriend ordered the Pinot Grigio, but you brought her red wine. Why don’t you fix her drink first since I only asked for water?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She grabs the glass and walks away quickly.

“I think she might cry.” I fight back laughing. Her face was priceless. It’s clear she’s a fan, or at least thinks he’s hot, and he just dismissed her.

Eli raises and drops his shoulder. “Maybe if she didn’t ignore you, then I wouldn’t have to be a dick.”

I’ve never had someone love me like this. Thinking back, I’m not sure Matt ever defended me. I always felt like I was on my own. With Eli, he looks at me as if I’m special and treasured. He wants to protect and care for me.

“Is it like this in New York . . . when you go out?” I question.

He chuckles. “No, it’s like I’m a normal guy.”

“Yeah right.” I don’t think Eli could ever be normal. He’s sexier than any man I’ve ever seen, and he’s impossible to ignore.

“I swear. Celebrities there aren’t treated as if they’re special. It’s why so many of them live there full time. Plus, there’s always a movie or show being filmed. It’s a part of life there.”

The waitress returns with the right wine and a plate of appetizers. We place our orders, and I smile when he rubs his foot against my calf as she stands there. I can’t remember the last time I played footsie.

Our food comes, and we enjoy the meal. I understand now what he means by no longer noticing the people around us. I’m sure they’re watching, but I don’t pay attention. I’m here with him, and that’s all I care about.

Eli and I chat about his time in New York as I sit enthralled. It all sounds so exciting. We finish the meal and are enjoying our bottle of wine. He tells me about his co-workers, and I can’t help but fangirl a little over Noah Frazier. After Eli, he’s my favorite character, and hearing about how they hang out makes me a little giddy.

“Is Noah as cute in person as he is on television?” I blurt out.

Eli nearly chokes on his drink. “What?”

“I’m a fan,” I reply with innocence. “Of the show, of course.”

“Oh, of course.” The sarcasm in his voice tells me he clearly doesn’t believe me.

“Jealous?” I taunt.

Eli leans back, crossing his arms across his broad chest. I use all my restraint to hold back my laugh because he looks adorable when he’s being stupid. “Not at all.”

“Good.”

“It’s not like you’re asking me about another guy on our