Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Everyone looked at Emma. “You don’t want to do it next year?” Pricilla asked.
Glancing my way briefly, Emma focused back on her boss. “It was fun, and I’m hoping it turns out to be a huge success, but this isn’t for me. I enjoy being among the books and kids.”
My mother took Emma’s hand. “Well, you did an amazing job, regardless of if you decide to help plan next year’s dinner or not.”
“This year’s hasn’t even happened yet, and we’re talking about next year?” I stated as all three women turned to look at me. Pricilla laughed. “Don’t look so scared, Harrision. Next year the duty will fall to another firefighter. Although, once everyone sees how amazing this is, I’m not sure you’ll be off the hook…either of you.”
“We really should be going, we all need to get ready for this evening,” my mother said.
“Right! Right!” Pricilla said as she started to ask the hotel manager a few questions as they made their way toward the exit.
Reaching for Emma’s arm, I pulled her to a stop. “Emma, why won’t you talk to me?”
She looked up at me. “What do you mean? I do talk to you. A lot.”
I exhaled in frustration, then gently pulled her toward a corner and lowered my voice. “Yeah, about this fucking dinner. I want to talk to you about us.”
She swallowed hard. “There is no us, Harrison. You don’t have to feel guilty about regretting that night. I haven’t even thought twice about it.”
Narrowing my eyes at her, I leaned in closer. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Jerking her arm free, she placed her hands on her hips. “What about you? You haven’t even been bringing Noel to story time. Joyce brings her.”
“That’s because you won’t talk to me.”
“So because of that, you’ll give up quality time with your daughter?”
“I take her to story time at the bookstore down the street from me.”
Emma instantly looked hurt.
“I see.”
Sighing, I shook my head. “You hardly even look at me when we have these fucking meetings. I didn’t want Noel to pick up on the awkwardness of things between us.”
“Awkwardness?”
“Yes, Emma. You never gave me a chance to talk to you. To explain why I felt so confused. You bolted, and I know why you took off. You were as scared and confused as I was.”
She opened her mouth, then quickly shut it.
“I didn’t then, and I don’t regret now being with you.”
Her entire body seemed to relax a little. She swallowed and looked away for a moment before turning her attention back to me.
“You’re right. I got scared and reacted the way I did because of how I felt afterward. I’d never experienced those feelings before, and when I saw how conflicted you were, I couldn’t stand the thought of you saying it had been a mistake so I...I ran.”
I nearly sighed in relief. “I feel the same way, felt the same way.”
Her brows rose in question. “Felt?”
Before I had a chance to explain, I heard my name being called.
Glancing over my shoulder, I cursed. What in the hell was she doing here?
“I can’t believe it. I heard there was a big benefit dinner going on tonight and peeked in to see you in here. The rumors are true that you helped plan this. How fun is that!”
Taking a step away from Emma, I turned to face Jessie. “Jessie, it’s good to see you.”
She flashed me a wide grin as she let her eyes roam over my body. She was holding a fur coat and was dressed in a low-cut dress that showed off her breasts, as well as her body. Of course, Jessie couldn’t hold a candle to Emma.
“I was here meeting my father for lunch. Do you have a date for tonight?”
Emma started to walk past, but I reached for her hand. “I do. Jessie, this is Emma Jennings. Emma, this is an old friend of mine, Jessie Night.”
Jessie laughed. “We were more than friends. Dated in high school and grew up together. My father was his father’s best friend.”
Emma nodded and gave Jessie a polite smile.
“You’re going together then?” Jessie asked, looking Emma over with a critical eye.
“We are. We planned the event and we’re dating.”
I could see Emma’s head snap to look at me.
Jessie pouted. “Oh. The good ones always get away. It was good seeing you, though, Harrison. Give all my love to your mother.”
Turning to Emma, she said, “Don’t let him get away. He’s a great catch!”
Forcing a smile, Emma replied, “I’ll try not to.”
Emma and I watched as Jessie strolled back through the room and made her way out.
“Dating?” Emma asked as she turned to face me.
I cupped her face in my hands and did the only thing I could think of doing. I kissed her.
It only took half of a second for Emma to melt against my body while she wrapped her arms around my neck.