Page 89 of Take It Offline

I always wondered how Superman never had to cover his eyes while Cyclops did, but I get it now. Because if I had laser vision, Logan would be a pile of ash.

As soon as I can, I make my way back, but he must sense it, because he’s up and gone before I can get to him, smirking at me and begging to be taken down a peg.

“That looked cozy,” I say when he’s out of earshot, hating that the chair is still warm from him. Hating that Emma is avoiding my eye right now. “What did he want?”

“To be presumptuous,” she says, her expression impossible to read. “He asked me if I was free next weekend.”

Right. I should be happy for her. I wish I could be.

“And?”

She shrugs. “I said I’d think about it.”

The first time I got my nose broken hurt less than hearing that.

“What’s there to think about? I thought that’s what you wanted?”

Emma finally looks at me. In fact, she stares at me for so long, her eyes so conflicted, that I give her the out she so clearly needs. “If you’re worried about me, don’t bother. This was always going to be temporary.”

If anyone’s to blame for stepping on my feelings, it’s me and me alone.

She holds my gaze. “Where does that leave us?”

I shouldn’t push my luck.

We were barely even coworkers before this, and once the procedure is done, Emma will wash her hands of me.

But I’m a selfish man, and when it comes to her, I’ll always want to take the mile.

“Friends,” I say, as if it wasn’t in question. And fuck me, if the smile that lights her face doesn’t damn near squeeze my heart right out of my chest.

“Good,” she says. “I’m glad that’s settled.”

There’s no good reason to stick around, but walking away from her is becoming impossible.

“What now?” I ask.

“I was actually hoping you’d show me the rescue shelter.”

Our arms brush as I lean in closer than I should, but it’s worth it to see her eyes flutter. “If you think you can handle it.”

Emma goes so deliciously pink when I tease her, I never want to stop.

“I’m not worried.” She smiles. “I’ll have you there to help me.”

CHAPTER 29

OH. (IN ITALICS)

EMMA

When I tell Ivy I want to skip Pilates in favor of spending more time with Charlie, she laughs so loudly that I have to pull the phone away from my ear or risk rupturing an eardrum. Even he can’t help but chuckle.

I get my revenge by lightly scraping my nails along the sensitive spot at the back of his neck, turning his laugh into a groan that goes straight between my thighs.

Then I remember myself and pull my hand back.

Because what happens now? What would a friendship with Charlie even look like, especially after last night? I can’t stand the thought of us going back to being nothing to each other.

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