Because of Haven Beach

17 | hygge

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Looking through my SD card on the way home, I noticed that a disproportionate amount of the photos were of Eli. I had countless closeups of his intimidating glare while throwing the ball and his toned backside running down the field. Worst of all, I noticed an embarrassing amount of photos of his snug pants and tight jersey that showed off his muscles.

While I regretted not taking more pictures of his teammates, I would never regret all the ones of Eli. I was definitely biased, but they turned out amazing. It didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes, too.

We briefly stopped in the house to get dressed in nicer clothing then piled in the car. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at Delaney's doorstep.

A petite woman with short red hair opened the door and welcomed us inside. "The Hansons are here! Glad you could make it. Come on in."

We walked inside and kicked off our shoes.

"And you must be Charlotte and Michelle? I'm Delaney's mother, but you can call me Jacqueline."

"Yes. It's nice to meet you." My mom shook Mrs. Harrington's outstretched hand.

"Likewise. Delaney has told me so much about you."

That's funny. Delaney told me yesterday that she hadn't talked to her mom in weeks.

"Where's D?" Ethan asked.

She shrugged. "I don't know. Probably hiding in her room." Turning to my mom, she asked, "Would you like some wine? We have an extensive selection."

Ethan and Ella walked upstairs after shucking their coats off. I followed closely behind, bringing my camera and laptop.

As soon as I walked into Delaney's room, Eli's eyes snapped in my direction. I tried to ignore his burning gaze, but it was fruitless.

I discreetly assessed his outfit, as he did the same to me. He was wearing a polo shirt and khakis. His usually messy brown hair was carefully combed back. I preferred him in grey joggers and sweatshirts, but he still looked good—really good—when dressed-up.

It shouldn't have been allowed for him to be that hot. It wasn't fair for us ugly people.

We made eye contact once more before we both abruptly looked away. It didn't even phase me this time; Eli looking away seemed to be the modus operandi with us.

I sat down at Delaney's desk and took out my laptop as they chatted. I absentmindedly hummed a tune as I connected my camera and launched the files app. Eli's gaze unmistakably burned holes into my back, but I did my best to ignore it as I quickly sorted the best photos.

"I have the photos from today if you guys wanna see them," I announced, interrupting whatever they were talking about. Everyone excitedly crowded behind me to get a glimpse at the photos.

"D, get your tits out of my face," Ben whined.

"Get your face out of my tits."

"Can we go to the basement?" Ella asked. "Don't you have an Apple TV and projector?"

"Sure. Everyone be quiet, though. My mom hasn't acknowledged me yet, and I wanna keep it that way."