September rolled in with autumn vibes, and Chicago's morning air had a crisp bite. Golden rays spilled through the huge window, blanketing Anirudh in a warm glow as he came to. Groggy eyes cracked open—he was sprawled on a bed that smelled like heaven.
Wait… Eleanor's bed? Bam—hot, sweaty flashbacks from last night slammed him. He…
She'd gone there…
A quick peek showed the giant bed empty except him. Anirudh exhaled—thank God she wasn't here, or he'd be screwed figuring out how to play it!
Clocking a crisp new outfit—underwear and all—stacked by the bed, he bolted up, threw it on, then hustled to his room to scrub up before tearing downstairs.
He hit the landing just as Eleanor strolled out of the kitchen, apron tied, juggling a plate of fried eggs.
"Hey, you're alive! Was gonna drag you down. Chow down—got company crap today, so no ride-along to sign up. Amy's swinging by soon…" Spotting him, Eleanor flashed a cozy smile, not a whiff of weirdness, which threw him. Dream or not? Did she really not… go there?
He snagged the eggs, plunking down to wolf them back. Been way too long since he'd had her grub…
"Eleanor, last night…" Eggs gone, he had to dig—those plump lips kicking up a restless buzz inside!
"Whoa, Amy's rolling up—get to registering! First day, don't flake…" She shut him down mid-sentence.
Whipping around, he clocked a cherry-red Audi A5 convertible parked out front.
Eleanor jammed a wallet in his grip.
"Card's inside—PIN's your birthday. Short on cash, hit a machine. Lost at school, bug Amy—or Laila if you can crack her frost. I'll scoop you after…" she rattled off, shoving him out.
Anirudh gave up, tossed a "later" her way, and jogged to Amy's whip.
Amy flicked a wave at Eleanor, then peeled out. Once the car faded, Eleanor let out a monster sigh.
Last night's spicy rerun hit—Anirudh's huge gear, that white blast she'd swallowed—her cheeks fired up. She'd gone down, a move she'd never dream sober.
Eleanor, what the hell? That was over the line. No encores—hook him up with a chick, stat.
Cursing herself out, she hauled upstairs to tame the mess…
Riding shotgun, Anirudh's brain looped last night and Eleanor's chill act today. Dreamland? How else was she so unfazed?
"Anirudh, what's cooking in that head?" Amy's voice yanked him back.
"Heh, pondering why Eleanor tapped you to scoop me. She shipping us or what?" He shot her a cheeky grin…
Amy was killing it in a light purple halter dress—straps baring creamy shoulders, chest covered but curves popping, hair pulled back, all fresh and fly.
"Pfft, slow your roll—we're just nearby…" Amy eye-rolled—guy's a trip!
"Oh yeah? So, Amy, you locked down?" Anirudh scooted closer.
"What's that to you?" She tossed a flirty glare, then locked eyes on the road!
"Come on, dish…" Anirudh whined, all puppy-dog!
"Nada…" Amy shook her head.
"Hell yeah—how about I slide in as your man?" Anirudh lit up, cracking a big laugh.