Chapter 11

Heading down the elevator of her apartment building Helen dreaded the long night ahead of her. Eli had interrupted her plans to eat cookies and cream ice cream and watch a movie till she fell asleep. Because of this date, she had to do her hair, light makeup plus choose an outfit, and Helen did not care what anyone said, this stuff was tiring. At least there's that sweet tingling feeling at the end when she would finally return home, take off her clothes, shower, and collapse in bed. The date hadn't started yet but she was already making her plans for when she would return home.

She started to wonder about what he would have planned for the first night. Maybe a limousine would pick her up and he'd step put with a dramatic amount of flowers? Or maybe he flew in a private chef just to cook food no one else could easily get? Maybe they'll fly to Paris? Those were fine and all but it was so expected since he had money or most likely all the movies Isabelle made her watch had corrupted her mind to think like this.

She didn't want any of those over-the-top things tonight especially if he had done it before for someone else. Was it wrong to want someone to put a lot of effort when they were taking you out for a date? If she had to suffer through three dates then at least entertain her. She would do her best to entertain him if she asked him on a date.

When the elevator reached the main floor, she waited for the doors to open then stepped out to go to the entrance where Eli or his driver should be.

"Going out tonight Ms.Reed?" Someone questioned when they saw her walk by.

"Mind your business John," She stated to one of the guards who she was cool with but he was too nosey. She didn't need him telling everyone her business. "Have a good night!"

She could hear John snickering behind her about something. Must be nice to look at other people's lives like a tv show where you could go home and gossip about what occurs in their lives.

When she exited the building she saw a black Maserati with Eli leaning against the car hood looking around the area. He was wearing a brand name black long sleeve shirt and jeans. The man just screamed look at me, I have money! He seemed to notice her coming and sat up off the car.

"Are you planning to buy this land too since it already has buildings on it? It honestly wouldn't phase me," She greeted closing in to inspect his nice-looking car.

"Don't worry, this land doesn't fancy me," He said, taking in her appearance. Simplicity worked really well for some people and she was one of those. A lot of people who added too much to what they wore only did it to show off the money they spent or tried to portray a certain lifestyle.

Inspecting the car Helen commented, "No Noah tonight? No driver? It's surprising that you drove here."

"How? You don't even know me or is it that you have this made-up character of who you think I am and rather than really getting to know me you're sticking with that?" Eli questioned knowing it was the latter. He was curious to know if she would admit to it.

"You're absolutely right and I apologize. All I know about you so far is that you're rich and you piss me off. I shouldn't assume otherwise but you know, we can't help it. It is natural to judge what you don't know," Helen admitted without the thought of denying it. "Excuse me if I do it one or two more times. Allow me to get it out of my head."

"Sure," Eli said, opening the passenger seat door for her.

"A gentlemen," She smiled getting into the car. "I'll add this to your character. I hope it's not an act though."

Eli chuckled, closing back the door once she was seated. He quickly jogged to the other side to get into the car. "You just have to find out tonight whether it's an act or not."

"Hmm.." Helen voiced with a side-eye. He might know it yet but she was quick to call bullshit when she saw it. If this behavior was an act the moment he slipped up she'll call him out and she'll take joy in doing it. "Where are we going tonight?"

"To my home," He answered, then brought the car to life.

Helen felt excited when she heard the car's engine. She could tell he had some things altered to his liking. If you have the money you should have good taste when you buy things like this and he had great taste.

"Good car but didn't your mother ever tell you to don't let strangers into your house? I could be a murderer."

Driving out of the parking area Eli said, "No. She only said don't let anyone enter my home and disrespect me. I don't let too many into my home but when I do I'm not concerned about what they might have planned in regards to my home and my belongings."

"Because you're a good fighter?" She questioned.

"Well I've never lost a fight," He stated while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Don't let random people in your home. One of these days you're going to lose a fight you thought you could win," She warned looking at the man who was focused on the road. When he was silent it somehow made him even more attractive. "While you drive us how about I ask some questions about what I saw about you online. I searched you today before getting ready for this. I'm sure you also did the same?"

"No, that's more of Noah's thing than mine," Eli said drifting over to another lane when it was clear. He didn't see the reason why he would need to do a dramatic background on her. It wasn't like she did something shady to him or he met her in handcuffs. "You get to know people you're interested in on the date. An investigation would only take away the fun."

"Really?" She exclaimed in disbelief.

"Really. Those things are expensive. Why should I waste my money?" Eli asked. He had the money to throw around but that didn't mean he needed to. "If I want to know more about you, you're in my car right now. I could just ask what food you like or where you grew up."

"What if I lie to you and you know I'm lying?"

Eli shrugged, not caring if she were to lie about her background. "You're the one who would have to keep up with those lies. It would just be fun for me to see you panic to try and piece together the web of lies you created. If you wish to do that, by all means, go ahead."

"I like your honesty, Eli King. You know what? Since I'm in a good mood I'll forget when you two hit my car and start over with you again. You have a white clean sheet in my book right now. Try not to mess this up."

"Thanks, I guess. Though I think you also have a temper which increases the more someone talks so it wasn't that I annoyed you but-"

"You just had to ruin it. Now there's a black spot on the clean sheet," Helen interrupted him before he could finish. "Plus, I do not have a temper. I feel like I'm really a chill person but if you continue to piss me off I can't help how annoyed I might become. That wasn't a temper. You have not seen my temper yet."