Not in Love Chapter 21: Would you like to do that with me? Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Notice

This summary reveals key plot points and character developments from Chapter 21 of Not in Love. If you haven’t read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary (Complete and Chronological)

After their night together, Rue falls asleep and Eli watches her, feeling euphoric yet aware of how dangerous she could be to his guarded heart. While she rests, a summer thunderstorm begins. Rue wakes and walks downstairs in yesterday’s clothes, ignoring the T-shirt Eli left out for her.

Eli fulfills his promise to cook for her, making French toast with berries and cream. At the table, Rue reveals she is “weird about food” and struggles with non-sit-down meals and time constraints—Eli notes this connects to earlier hints about her past but does not pry. Over breakfast, Rue asks about Eli’s ex-fiancée McKenzie. Eli explains that McKenzie broke off the engagement because he didn’t love her the way she wanted to be loved. Rue wonders if she too is incapable of loving people properly. They then discuss Rue’s aversion to penetrative sex: she finds it difficult to orgasm that way and has had negative experiences with partners who either skipped foreplay or pressured her. Eli asks to try penetrative sex with her, emphasizing that their growing knowledge of each other could make it better. Rue agrees to try, with the caveat that she won’t fake an orgasm. The conversation shifts to kink. Eli shares that he enjoys being in charge during sex—control, not pain—and describes orgasm denial, bondage, and blindfolds. Rue asks directly, “Would you like to do that with me?” Eli enthusiastically agrees, proposing they experiment that day. Rue hesitates about her plants, but Eli convinces her to stay, noting that Maya won’t be back until evening. Rue softly laughs, and Eli knows he has her.

Key Events

Eli cooks French toast for Rue, addressing her food preferences with care.
Rue discloses her difficulty with eating under time pressure or standing.
Eli reveals that McKenzie ended their engagement because he couldn’t love her the way she needed.
Rue confesses she fears being “too broken” for love, referencing past damage.
Rue explains her reasons for avoiding penetrative sex, including lack of pleasure and pressure to fake orgasms.
Eli proposes trying penetrative sex with her, and Rue agrees to try.
Rue asks Eli about his kink interests; he describes a desire for control.
Rue directly asks Eli if he would like to do that with her; he says yes and suggests experimenting that day.
Rue initially says she should go home but lets Eli persuade her to stay.

Character Development

Eli: Opens up about his past engagement and his fear that he is incapable of the kind of love McKenzie wanted. His protective side emerges when he learns about Rue’s food issues. He also reveals his kink preferences with vulnerability, trusting Rue not to judge.
Rue: Shows increasing trust by sharing her food‑related struggles and her reasons for avoiding penetrative sex. She is direct about her boundaries and refuses to fake pleasure. Her question about BDSM indicates a willingness to explore new intimacy with Eli.
McKenzie (off‑page): Though not present, her critique of Eli’s emotional capacity haunts him and shapes his fear of inadequacy.
Florence (mentioned): Rue questions whether she loves Florence enough, hinting at guilt over her involvement with Eli.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Communication and Consent: The entire chapter centers on open dialogue about sexual preferences, boundaries, and history. Eli and Rue negotiate terms for penetrative sex and BDSM with explicit consent.
Food as Care: Eli’s act of cooking is a form of nurturing and a way to address Rue’s food insecurity, both literal and emotional. The French toast symbolises his effort to provide comfort.
Emotional Capacity: Rue and Eli both fear they are “too broken” to love properly. McKenzie’s accusation that Eli chooses revenge over love echoes through their conversation.
Trust and Vulnerability: Sharing personal histories—Rue’s trauma around food, Eli’s failed engagement—deepens their trust, making the BDSM negotiation possible.
Reclaiming Pleasure: Rue refuses to fake orgasms and insists on her own pleasure, challenging the dynamics of her past experiences.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 21 marks a turning point in Eli and Rue’s relationship. For the first time they move beyond physical attraction to discuss emotional wounds and sexual compatibility. Eli’s confession about McKenzie reveals his deepest insecurity, while Rue’s honesty about penetrative sex and food solidifies her agency. Their agreement to explore BDSM signifies a level of trust that neither has experienced before. The chapter deepens the central conflict: can two people who believe themselves incapable of loving fully create something real together?

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Rue initially hesitate to stay for the day after agreeing to experiment with BDSM?
Rue says she needs to go home to water her plants. Eli points out that her cactus from the grocery store will survive, and he also mentions that Maya won’t be back until evening, removing Rue’s excuse. Her real hesitation likely stems from vulnerability and fear of getting too close, but Eli’s reassurance helps her decide to stay.

2. What does Eli learn about himself from his conversation with Rue about McKenzie?
Eli reflects on McKenzie’s words that he put more effort into his revenge plan than into being happy. Rue’s question “Couldn’t you [give her what she needed]? Or did you just not want to?” forces Eli to confront whether he is incapable of loving or merely unwilling. He admits he hopes it’s the latter, showing his desire to change.

3. How does Rue’s description of her negative experiences with penetrative sex influence their negotiation?
Rue explains that penetrative sex often leads to partners either skipping foreplay or dragging out intercourse until it’s painful, requiring her to fake orgasms. This honesty sets a clear boundary: she will not fake for Eli. He responds by emphasizing that knowing a partner improves sex and that he will enjoy himself regardless, creating a safe space for her to try without pressure.