Lucky dog

Seeing how much Scarlet liked the paint job, Eli is both relieved and pleased. As she turns and comes closer, he stares back into her eyes, allowing himself the simple pleasure of studying their depths. As her arms slip around his neck, his hands automatically wrap around her waist.

Her first kiss is soft and warm, her words making him feel good about himself, his artwork and how he'd pleased her. He's about to respond when he's cut off by her second kiss, but he doesn't mind. His eyes fall shut and his arms tighten around her as he returns her kiss with a passion that is slow and gentle, but deep and meaningful.

Eventually their lips part and Eli smiles, leaning a little to rest his forehead against hers. "Got another bike I can paint for you?"

"Whoa...." Brian swaggers in through a side door, skidding to a stop as he sees Eli and Scarlet in their embrace. His eyebrows rise and he blinks, looking to Eli for an explanation as he sets his hands on his hips. "So... am I to assume that this is the customer you've been staying up late for as you've worked on that bike?"

Eli pulls back a little from Scarlet, showing no embarrassment for being caught. One arm stays slung over her shoulders and he looks at Brian with humor in his eyes. "No, this isn't just a customer, Brian. This happens to be my girlfriend."

Brian's eyebrows rise even farther. "Ohhh... I see."

Eli gives him a little smirk and waves his off. "Go clock in and quit gawking."

Back in the corner, no one had noticed that this entire time, Tal had been sitting quietly at the tool bench. A little smile was on his face, his head cocked as he watches the nearby interaction. You lucky dog. She caught you after all.