Page 11 of The Talk Around Town

Ryan lifted his glass to Gabe. Emma couldn’t help but follow the motion with her eyes. His eyes gleamed with mischief in the dim lights at the bar. “Quite the little show you two put on there. I’m impressed.”

Emma’s face burned. Her whole body flooded with heat. She wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment, or from being kissed so thoroughly that she’d never be able to sleep again.

“Enough, buddy. I think I proved my point.” Gabe glanced at Max and Simon, both behind the bar. Max’s grin threatened to split his facein half. “I’ll just go get those cases from the storeroom for you.”

Gabe threw her an apologetic grimace, then bolted.

A disbelieving squeak erupted from her mouth. He was leaving her there like that? After creating a spectacle that the whole damned town had witnessed?

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to run away, or punch him. Maybe both.

Great, just great!Emma looked from one set of questioning eyes to another. What the hell did she do now?

Her feet felt rooted to the spot. She had no idea what to say to these people. They all grinned at her like she’d given them the best night out ever. Rising panic shortened her breath.

An arm slid around her waist and whisked her around. Emma found herself moved and stashed into the far corner of the high-backed booth she’d eaten dinner at, her back to the room. Amy and Darby slid in beside and in front of her, blocking her from sight.

“You looked like you could use a little rescuing,” Amy teased. She pushed her drink of scotch and cola toward Emma, the bottle of wine having long disappeared. “Here, have it. You look like you need it more than I do.”

Hell yeah.Emma picked up the glass and took a deep drink, promptly coughing and spluttering.

“Ergh! That’s horrible.”

Darby couldn’t keep the grin off her face. “Well? What’s your conclusion?”

Emma squinted at Darby through the raw taste of the strong spirits she’d just chewed through. She just wasn’t a hard drinker.

“About what?” Emma asked.

Darby stared at her, incredulous. “‘About what’ she says, Amy. Dammit, girl! About Gabe. What’d you think ’bout that kiss?”

Emma cringed. She shook her head.

I’m trying not to.

“I can’t believe I let that happen. You all must think I’m such a tease. And those ones over there—” she jerked a thumb over her shoulder toward Millie’s table “—that just reinforced their wonderful impression of me. I’m so sorry to do this to you.”

Shock widened Amy’s eyes. “No. Why would we think you’re atease?”

“Why would it be a problem if you were? Gabe obviously enjoyed it as much as you did. Who cares what those twits think? If anyone should apologise it should be my pathetic twin. He almost swallowed you whole! You’d think he’d at least just have a small taste the first time, then go for it in private. No manners whatsoever,” Darby joked.

Emma flinched at the inference. Chills doused her in ice. That would never happen. She refused to let it happen.

“No, Darby. There won’t be anygoing for it, in private or otherwise. I don’t do one-night stands, and I certainly don’t want a boyfriend.” She slapped her hand to her forehead. “He must think I’m the biggest idiot. How did I get that so wrong?”

Emma peeped out at grinning faces. She wasn’t going to get any help from this quarter.

Amy laughed. “That must be the funniest thing I’ve heard in months, no wait, years. I’m sorry, Emma. Here you are all embarrassed and we’re laughing about it. We don’t get much chance to have so much fun around here.”

Darby giggled and turned her amused gaze to Emma. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so shocked. You totally blindsided him. You don’t want a boyfriend? That’s cool. But I can think of a few things a man is useful for.”

“Darby, leave her alone. Can’t you see she’s self-conscious enough?” Amy stared over at the bar. “Come on, let’s take this party home. I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night, don’t you, Emma?”

Emma nodded. She wished she could sink through a hole in the floor, but since ACME Instant Holes seemed to be scarce, she would appreciate leaving.

“It’s decided. My place, ladies?” Darby asked.

Amy nodded. “Wonderful idea. Let’s leave the boys to their own games.”

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