Page 86 of Stolen Moments

He’s right, though. I have been seeing Emery for the past seven months, and my heart says it’s serious. Very serious. Seven months is a long time, but when you only get to see the person you’re dating a couple of days a month, does it even count as real dating?

This long-distance thing we have going on is getting old. My need to be with her every day grows deeper.

“So?” He shrugs. “You talk every day?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have phone sex?”

“I’m not answering that.”

Eli grins at my non-answer. “That’s a yes. Do you love her?” My brother stands beside me, arms crossed, waiting for my answer.

I look at him, and his usually playful persona is gone. Right now, he’s Eli, the concerned big brother. The big brother that would do anything to make me happy. He only reserves this side of himself for his family.

I drop my shield and nod. He can’t help me, but it feels good to admit it. “Yes, I love her.”

He grins. “Thought so.”

“You going to give me shit for it?”

“Nah, I’m happy for you.”

“What about you? Are you seeing anyone?”

“This isn’t about me, Mase. It’s about you. If you want her, make it happen. If she’s who you want, you’re going to have to do the work. No half-assing it. Tell her how you feel.”

The line moves and we step up to the cashier, putting in our order.

A million questions run through my mind as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to find a text.

Emery:I miss you. I wish you were here.

Like a message from the heavens, I know what I need to do.

After we returned to our seats, I gave my nephew a kiss on the cheek, a new hat, and a promise to see him soon, then booked it out of there. No one questioned my need to leave, probably assuming I had work to do. I do have my work cut out for me, but not in the way they think.

I’m going to find my girl and tell her I love her.

The overhead announcement crackles our descent into the greater New York area. It only took me two hours to book a flight, pack up my hotel room, and hop a plane east. My mind’s sole focus has been getting to Emery as quickly as possible. Something deep inside me tugs at my chest, pulling me to her like a gravitational force.

Our call this morning plays in my head.

Her voice cracks. “I hate being here.”

My heart breaks for her, knowing how cold and detached her parents are. I don’t understand why she visits them if all they do is criticize her. “Just leave. Come here, baby doll.”

I hear her take a deep breath over the line. “I can’t. I have something I need to do.”

“What is it? Can I help?”

“No. I have to do this alone.”

I turn on my dominant voice, the one she can’t resist. “Emery.”

“Oh god, don’t say my name like that right now,” she moans.

“Then tell me what’s wrong. I want to help you.”

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