Your Guardian Angel (The Guardian Angel Series Book 1) by Skyla Madi

school is nothing. You can do it; you can do anything.”
    I dropped my eyes and fiddled with my fingers nervously. “I don’t think I can.”
    Eli took a step toward me. He ran his index finger along my jaw line and under my chin, tilting my face towards him. I tried not to gasp at the electricity that tickled my skin.
    “Trust me, you can.”
    Tay and Mila emerged behind Eli as he brought his hand back to his side.
    “Ruby, I'm sorry I didn't know—”
    “That's okay; it’s not your fault,” I interrupted.
    “So… no picnic?” Judging by her tone, she already knew the answer.
    “I just want to rest.”
     
    On the way home I ate an apple — I was enjoying it way too much. The apple was delicious; it was so fruity and fresh. I loved the way it crunched between my teeth and oozed a tasty liquid. It was strange having to eat actual food. I kept forgetting that I actually needed to chew it.
    When we arrived home, I climbed into bed. Being outside in the sun and all the other drama that went on was physically draining. When I awoke, I was feeling refreshed and happy. It was the first time in a long time that I had fallen to sleep voluntarily, if at all. I suppose that’s another thing I have to get used to, sleeping.
    “Where is everyone?” I asked Eli, who was sitting on the couch reading.
    I noticed the sun was disappearing behind the trees. For a year I have watched the sunrise and the sunset but it seemed so much more beautiful this time.
    “Tay took Mila back to her home. Then he has a few errands to run,” he explained, not looking up from his book.
    I got a bit excited that it was going to be Eli and I alone tonight. It would have been ideal if he wasn't six years older than me or my guardian angel. It would have been ideal if he wasn't an angel at all, considering it’s 'forbidden.' Not that I was going to do anything anyway, but Eli was hands down the most attractive man I had ever seen. I couldn’t help but to crush on him slightly after everything he’d done for me. I see him as my hero and I hate myself for sounding so cheesy.
    “What are you thinking about?” His eyes were resting on my face and I realized I was staring at him; how awkward.
    “Who? Me?” I stammered.
    The corner of his lip twitched as I wracked my brain, trying to come up with something quickly.
    “I was just wondering if you could show me some defense moves,” I lied.
    Oops. There goes my hormones talking for themselves and thinking up an activity that involved a lot of contact.
    “I don't think that’s a good idea.”
    “Why? Should I ask Tay? Mila said he was a better fighter than you,” I lied.
    Eli lifted his eyes from his book. He didn't even look the slightest bit offended. In fact, his eyes were alight with something wicked.
    “Mila doesn't know what she’s talking about.”
    I shrugged.
    “I'll teach you a basic move, but that's all.”
    I knew his male competitive side couldn’t give that challenge up. I raced to the bathroom and threw on tracksuit pants and a tank top.
    “Okay, I'm ready.”
    “It’s one move; you didn't have to get changed.”
    “I was in a dress.”
    “Oh, right.”
    I walked over to Eli, standing about a meter away. He took off his black jumper and was now in a black tank top. I adjusted my shirt, feeling a little flustered at his physique. I observed his upper body; it was so strong and muscular. Eli began explaining and demonstrating various pinning and throwing moves to me. Of course, this involved a lot of touching, but I really didn't mind.
    “Okay, run at me,” Eli announced.
    “What?”
    “Run at me. I’m going to pin you and you’re going to stop it.”
    “I can't do that. I have only been doing this for minutes you have been doing this your whole life,” I explained.
    “No harm in trying.” He smiled.
    I ran at him front on. He grabbed me by the wrist, twirled me, and pinned my back to his chest. We paused at the feel of each other’s skin. At least I wasn’t