Page 51 of Release You

“I thought we’d have answers today.” The disappointment in his eyes was like a stake through the heart.

Then, as if this day couldn’t get any worse, Emma Kate Michaels turned the corner and headed toward us, or the bathroom. Emma Kate, the girl with three first names, the one who back in elementary school had decided she was going to marry Henry. Of course, the town agreed. There wasn’t a better match. She had money, and everyone adored her.

Her face lit up, and her cheeks flushed when she saw Henry. Yeah, she still had a thing for him. She wore a pantsuit, her chin up in a way that said she was someone in this place. Did she really work at the bank? Maybe she had access to the vault. We could still go home with answers today.

“Henry, you’re up.” I placed my hand on his ass and pushed him in front of me.

“What?” He turned to me.

“Stop her.”

“Why?”

“Second Rule of Con.”

Henry glared at me, deep furrows across his forehead.

“Improvise to save the con,” I said under my breath, standing next to him but not too close.

“As I live and breathe.” Emma Kate rushed the rest of theway to meet us, or to meet Henry. The red from her cheeks had spread down to her chest. “It’s really you, Henry.” She hugged him, rubbing his shoulder and bicep. “It’s Emma Kate.” She pointed at herself as her palms slightly pushed up her breasts.

I ignored the slow burn in my belly and turned my attention to Henry.

He pursed his lips. “Of course. How are you? Wow, it’s been?—”

“Ten years,” she said. “I heard you were back in town. I was wondering when I’d get to see you. I can’t believe I missed you the last time you were here.”

My gaze lingered on the shiny badge clipped to the pocket of her blazer. Come on, Henry. Had it really not clicked for him yet? Emma Kate was our way in.

“You work here?” He flashed her a grin.

“Yes.” Emma Kate jumped up a little, giving him a one-shoulder shrug. “I’m the assistant manager.”

“That’s impressive,” Henry said, but he didn’t move. He met my gaze for a beat, and it finally clicked for him. “Congratulations.” He extended his arms out and hugged her.

I stepped out of the way and let Emma Kate have her moment. She melted into his embrace, squeezing her legs together. Girl, you couldn’t know the half of it. An image of Henry nestled between my legs flashed in my mind. I bit the inside of my lip to stay focused on the task at hand.

“Thank you, Henry.” Her hands went up and down his abs before she snaked them around his waist.

Was she smelling him?

A little tighter,I mouthed.

Henry looked up, but he did as I asked.

I lifted her badge and stuffed it in the back of Henry’spants.

“I’m Nikki Swift, by the way.” I gave Henry a meaningful look, and he let her go.

Emma Kate stumbled back a couple steps, adjusting her jacket before offering me her hand. “Oh. Nice to meet you.”

“Believe me. The pleasure is all mine,” I said.

Next to me, Henry shook his head once. We had what we needed. Emma Kate could go fantasize about Henry somewhere else.

“Please. Don’t let us keep you. I’m sure you’re busy. You know, with the big job and all.”

“Yes. I have back-to-back meetings.” She turned to Henry, maybe hoping he’d be impressed and hug her again. “It was really good seeing you, Henry. We should do coffee soon.”

---