Page 140 of It's About Time
“You’re a natural,” he says before pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. I decided to wear it down for the interviews today, but also maybe I wanted to show my appreciation for him in that small way.
God, I’m wearing my hair down for a man. My, how the tides have turned.
“Yeah, well once you’ve done a few of these, they become pretty routine.”
“Are you hungry?” Elliot asks as his own stomach growls.
I dip my eyes down his torso and back up. “Not as hungry as you, apparently.”
He laughs, takes my hand in his, and leads me to the exit of the exhibit hall room where all the press conference interviews were conducted today. “My stomach has been talking to me for about the last hour.”
“Sorry the interviews ran behind. They always do.”
He glances back at me while holding the door open for me to step through. “It’s not your fault. Don’t apologize. This entire week is about you anyway, not my stomach.”
“Good to know I take precedence over your appetite.”
He smirks at me over his shoulder before opening the passenger door of our rental SUV and helping me inside.
We arrived in Monterey, California late last night since I wanted to get some rest before the event kicked off today. Elliot let me sleep as late as we could before he fucked me this morning to ease my nerves, and then we drove over to the Monterey Jet Center where the entire Motorlux event will take place this week.
My nerves were on high alert this morning, but once I got through my first interview, I slid right into my role as the expert, eager to show off my car and all of the work I poured into Betty over the past year.
Elliot pulls up to a sports bar and leads me inside. “This was the only place nearby that has onion rings.”
“And how do you know that?” I ask, peering up at him.
“I did some research while you were doing your interviews.”
“You—you found a place that serves onion rings just in case I wanted some?”
Cupping the side of my face, he leans down and softly kisses my lips. “Yes. Now, let’s eat.”
Still stunned by his gesture, I trail after him as he speaks to the hostess and then follow them through the restaurant to a round booth. Once we’re settled and our waitress drops off our beers, Elliot lifts his to me, offering a toast.
“To you and the culmination of your hard work.”
“Thank you.”
We clink glasses, take a drink, and then look back at each other. “So, how are you feeling after today?”
“Pretty good. There was definitely interest in the Porsche, but I knew there would be. The car is rare. However, there are a few other vehicles that I think are going to give me some competition.” My eyes find the table as I debate the other entries I saw today.
“Which ones?”
“Well, there’s…” I pause and look over at him. “Are you sure you want to hear about this?”
He blinks at me. “Yes. I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t interested.”
“I know, it’s just…well, you’re not going to know half of what I’m talking about.”
“I don’t give a shit. It matters to you, it’s what we’re here for, and the only way I’m going to be better equipped for the next one is by learning more about it.”
“Th—the next one?”
“If you think this is the only car show I’m ever going to with you, you’re sadly mistaken, Dilynne.”
My eyes remain locked on his as my heart beats wildly in my chest. Elliot is telling me in many ways that he’s invested, and I still feel like I need to keep my guard up.
