Page 113 of Engulfing Emma

“What is it?”

She blows out a long breath. “Well, I’m not scared of tall buildings anymore. And I’m not scared of airplanes. I’m not even sure I’m scared of elevators after going up in that cable car. So, maybe if I’m not scared of all those things …” She pauses and bites her lip. “Then maybe I’m not scared of—”

“Firefighters?” I say.

She shrugs. “I think I might be ready.”

My heart thunders. But she’s said those words several times before. “Ready for what, Emma?”

“Ready for us.”

My smile is tremendous. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

“Then maybe you should.”

I give her the kiss that I’ve wanted to give her for two months. The kiss a man gives his girlfriend.

I hear a noise from Evie and open my eyes, still kissing her mom. Evie looks at me with a huge grin and puts up her hand for a high-five.

~ ~ ~

“What now?” Emma says during the cab ride home.

“Well, I’d like to take you to dinner.”

“How about you take me to Becca’s wedding next Saturday?” she says. “You did save her, after all. I know she’d be honored to have you there.”

“I’ll be happy to be your plus-one. But I’m not waiting a week to see you. I have to work tomorrow, so how about Monday?”

“That works for me. I bet you’re excited to see Leo.”

My face splits in two just thinking about it. “I am. This is the longest we’ve ever been apart.”

Her face falls. “Is your ex-wife still there?”

I damn near forgot all about Amanda. “She’s returning to California tomorrow.”

“So she’ll be there with you tonight,” she says, looking out the window.

I put my finger under her chin and make her look at me again. “She’ll be at my house. But she most definitely won’t bewithme.”

It looks like she’s pouting. It’s immature of me, but I love that she’s jealous. “It’ll be okay.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just not used to this.”

“Used to what?”

“You know, having a … a …”

“Boyfriend?” I say, laughing.

“Yeah, that. It’s been a long time.”

I lean in and whisper, “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a girlfriend. And I’m really looking forward to it. Oh, the things I plan to do with you.”

“We’re home!” Evie announces. I’m sure she’s eager to tell her grandmother everything.

I help them get their bags up to the house. But before I leave, I tell Emma, “If you’re still awake, meet me in the window at eight o’clock.”

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