Page 53 of Make It Without You

Emily’s smile gets bigger when I get closer. And I swear she takes my breath away.

Thankfully, the band finishes the first half of their set, so we don’t have to shout to greet each other. We stand in front of each other in the low light bar, taking each other in like it’s the first time we’re seeing each other.

“Hi, beautiful,” are the first words out of my mouth.

The blush that covers her cheeks at my greeting has my smile not stopping.

Emily returns my greeting with a simple, “Hi.”

“Do you want a drink?”

“Just water. That’d be great.”

My hand goes to the small of her back as I lead us to the bar. I get Matt’s attention and ask him for two waters with lemon. Emily’s body leans into mine and my hand slides further around her waist. My thumb instinctively rubs small circles right above the top of her jeans and I feel, rather than hear, the hitch in her breath.

I lean down to where my mouth is right at her ear and inhale the soft vanilla scent that seems to hit me right where it’s intended. “So no more line?”

“None,” Emily confirms for me.

Our waters are set down in front of us and I don’t miss the look Matt sends me. I’ve done well in evading everyone’s questions regarding my love life. But I know when our next staff meeting happens that will be the topic of choice.

With our waters in hand, I led Emily back to the table I was sitting at when she walked in. It’s a circular two-seater meant for intimate conversations. We’re close enough but not in each other's lap.

When we’re seated, I watch Emily survey the space. And it gives me more time to take her in as well. Her hair falls in loose waves down her back and she doesn’t have a stitch of makeup on. If I remember the other times I’ve seen her she wasn't wearing any makeup then either.

Emily is a natural beauty with her soft features and maybe that’s what caught my eye in the first place. But it was when she opened her mouth and spoke. The melodic sound of her voice, falling from her bee-stung lips, washed over me and sent my thoughts to less than innocent.

“You’re staring.” She notes, having caught me.

My gaze slams up to her eyes to see her still perusing the space, but I see the lift in her cheeks.

“You’re the best view in this place,” I admit with zero shame.

Her gaze falls to me and I wait for her to break our staredown, but she holds strong.

She leans forward on the table and I match her position leaving very little space between us. “So the line I drew is gone and you up your flirt?”

“I have to make sure you don’t regret wiping the line away. I’ll also pull out all of my best dad jokes to remind you I’m funny.”

A soft snort leaves her. “Good to know the charm will never end.”

“Never.” I declare.

Her eyes fall to my neck where I’m sure some of my tattoos are peeking out. But I can’t help but tease her. “Are you checking me out?”

Emily’s eyes slam up to mine. “Your ego is insane. I’m looking at your tattoos.”

Bingo. “I can always take my shirt off so you can get a closer look.”

“Adam!” She looks around as if anyone else is around us. There isn’t. My staff knows not to seat anyone around my table. They know I like the solitude when I’m out on the floor.

“That’s a yes to taking my shirt off or a no to taking my shirt off? The choice is up to you.” My megawatt smile has Emily’s matching mine.

“If I wanted to see a Chippendale show I would’ve just skipped coming here,” Emily says with the straightest face.

I’m momentarily taken aback and speechless that she can dish it back out.

“You should see your face.” She says through a small laugh.

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