I can't keep the giant smile off of my face even if I tried. Racing down an empty street in the middle of nowhere with a car that has more than 300 horsepowers just gives you the ultimate sense of freedom. Like nothing in this world can stop you.

"Wooohooooo!" I scream and dare to steal a quick glance at Eli. He is already watching me, a smile on his face, as well.

"Eyes on the road," he warns me and points his fingers to the street.

"Yes, sir!" I comply with his demand and slow down a little. The road leads through a foresty area and the sun starts to show herself again, but only for a few minutes. Then, she is gone again and grey clouds take her place like they own the sky. Which technically, at the moment, they do.

"Do you want to drive back or should I?"

"You do it," I tell Eli, wanting to see him behind the wheel of such a sexy car.

After we switched seats and my phone is connected to the car's Bluetooth, I turn the volume all the way up and blast Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Fitting, I know. It is one of my favorite songs which is why I can't stop myself from singing along even though I'm not a great singer. I'm decent but nowhere near good. Generally, I'm rather shy but at this moment I just couldn't care. I just close my eyes and belt out the lyrics, dancing along to the melody. As well as it is possible in a car. We didn't drive that far and we're already pulling into the repair shop again when the song ends. I can hear Eli cutting off the engine and pull the key out of the ignition but I don't open my eyes.

"Romy?"

"Yes."

"Are you okay?" Hesitation is clear in his voice.

"Perfect," is all I say before opening my eyes and looking directly at the man who just made my day, maybe even my week. His worry dissipates as soon as he spots the grin on my face that I still can't get rid of. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me feel free."

"Did you feel trapped?"

"Yes, I mean no... sometimes. I used to a lot, it's better now."

He clears his throat and nods once. "Well, you're welcome." With that, he opens the car door and steps out.

The air smells like rain and like the forest. It has a chill to it and my body instantly covers itself in goosebumps as soon as the air hits my face. My hair is wildly flying around my head, which is propped up on my arms resting on the open window of Eli's truck. He was done at the garage and we're on our way back to the house. I lean back into my seat and look over at Eli. His expression switches back and forth, from relaxed to grim back to relaxed. My eyes travel down his strong neck over his broad chest and shoulders further down his trained arms to his big hands and long fingers. The circle of light skin around his ring finger catches my attention again. I bite my lip in thought, trying to figure out what kind of ring it could have been. Marriage? Friendship? A valuable ring? Emotionally or monetary? Just an accessory?

"If I tell you about the ring will you stop abusing your poor lip?" Eli suddenly speaks up, effectively pulling me out of my thoughts. I just nod, not caring about the fact that I just got caught staring nor noticing the way Eli's hands clench around the steering wheel and his eyes darken.

"I guess it's not that hard to figure out. I was married. Well, I am married but in the process of divorcing."

I notice that Instead of biting my lip I was now nibbling on the nail of my thumb. I quickly bring my hand down in my lap and of course, me being me, I can't just take in what he said but I have to ask more questions.

"Why are you getting a divorce?"

He huffs out an annoyed sigh. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Why not?" I hear myself saying and instantly slap a hand over my mouth. What the hell, Romy? Just shut up, will you?

"Please forget I asked that. I'm sorry, I know it's none of my business. My mouth was faster than my brain." By now it was pretty clear to me that he will talk when he wants to. In his own time on his own terms. And frankly, he has every right to.

I avert my gaze and look onto the road ahead. Heat creeps up my spine and I can feel myself blushing. Great, this again. As soon as I feel his eyes on me, the blush intensifies. Instead of making fun of me or pointing out my obvious embarrassment, he lays his hand on my thigh, just above my knee, and gently squeezes my leg. I guess it's his way of saying 'it's okay'. I stiffen in surprise but quickly relax and enjoy the feeling of his warm hand on my skin. I'm really glad that I wore shorts today.

"I'm gonna cook dinner. What do you fancy?" I ask Eli who is lazily sprawled on the couch watching the news.

"I'm fine with whatever you're making." He says, throwing a small smile my way. I turn to walk back into the kitchen but before I can even make one step I swing back around. Maybe I can figure something out about this mystery man after all.

"What's your favorite dish?" I walk over to the couch and stand behind it, looking down at him.

He just shrugs his shoulders, not taking his eyes off the TV screen. Is he serious? Having a bold moment, I gently slap the back of his head to get his attention. At lightning speed, his head whips around to look at me with an angry stare, his mouth slightly open in surprise.

"Did you just...?"

"Uh...y-yes I-I did... but just b-because you were being rude," I stammer, instantly regretting my decision.

"How was I being rude?"

"I was talking to you and you were ignoring my question." I shrug.

"Were you looking at me when you asked me that question?" I nod at his inquiry. "Then I am sure you saw me acknowledging your question."

I take my lip between my teeth and start to worry it in thought, not being sure what to say next. I mean he does have a point. Ugh, why does he have to be so frustrating?!

Being so deep in thought I didn't notice Eli getting up from the couch and walking towards me until he is only a few centimeters away from me. I flinch in surprise and take a step back. He follows which leads me to take a few more steps back until my body hits the livingroom wall. Eli stops right in front of me, his intimidating height and stature towering over me. He slowly lifts his right hand and grabs the side of my face making my skin tingle in anticipation and anxiousness. I don't dare to look up, too afraid of what I will see in his eyes. Eli's thumb brushes across my upper lip before he tugs my lower lip from between my teeth. A shaky exhale escapes me and, all on its own, my hand moves up and encloses around Eli's right wrist.

"Look at me, Romy."

Slowly, I move my eyes up towards his face. His chest heaves up and down in heavy breathing but it still has a calm and controlled quality to it. The muscles and veins in his neck are strained and I just hope that it's not from anger. The moment my eyes meet his, his pupils dilate and he locks me in. From the corner of my eye, I can see his other hand moving towards my face as well. My breath quickens and I have no idea how to handle the situation. My body goes into panic mode, my mind shuts down and I start to sweat.

Oh no no no, Romy. This is what you wanted. You just didn't realize it. You want this, please just stay in control!

My gaze still didn't waver from his and I don't think it could even if I wanted to.

"Hey," I softly hear him say. "Are you okay? You look scared."

I nod.

"Was that the answer to 'are you okay' or did you just confirm that you are scared?" He questions me.

"Both," I whisper.

"Okay, take a deep breath," are his instructions and I obey. I feel his thumb affectionately stroking my cheek, helping me calm down.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what happened. I'm just being an idio-"

"Don't. It's all good, don't worry about it." He lifts his hand from my face to move a strand of hair, that has fallen in front of my face, behind my ear. His actions make shivers run through my whole being and I have to admit that it's unlike anything I have ever felt before.

"You are so beautiful." He tells me and, me being me, I blush.

"Thank you."

He smiles and says, "Tacos," before leaning down and kissing my forehead. My mouth hangs open in shock and a warm feeling spreads all throughout my body. Eli just walks back and descends back onto the couch as if nothing has happened. After taking a while to gather myself and be a functioning human being again I turn to go into the kitchen and mutter to myself, "Tacos it is."