Page 86 of Engulfing Emma

“People rent planes for parties?”

“It’s kind of like renting a limo, only a lot more luxurious.”

I shake my head. “That sounds expensive. I’m going to need every bit of my savings for our trip to Germany.”

“Like I said, let me make a call. He owes me a favor or two.”

“As in you think he’ll take us up in a private plane for free? Must be one hell of a favor he owes you.”

“It is. But Emma, these are small planes. If you can’t be in an elevator …”

“Just how small are we talking?”

“I don’t know. Maybe as long as your townhouse from front to back, but narrow.”

“So, bigger than an elevator?”

He laughs. “Yes, bigger than an elevator.”

“Sold,” I say. “Make the call.”

“When I get home,” he says. “Ready to go?”

I nod.

“Oh, shit,” he says, looking toward the elevator. “What goes up must go down. How do you feel about walking down eighty-six flights of stairs?”

“Uh, no.”

“Well, there’s always kissing or whispering naughty things in your ear. That worked before.”

My insides quiver at the thought of him whispering naughty things. But we both know where that will lead us—right to bed. And that’s not what I want. Well, I do, but I don’t. But I can’t. So I won’t.

“How about you sing to me instead?” I say, half joking.

“That was a one-time performance.” He pulls earbuds out of his pocket as we step on the elevator. He studies them in his hand and then he laughs. “This would have made the ride up much less humiliating.” He hands one earbud to me and puts the other in his ear.

He plays my happy-place song all the way down. He doesn’t sing out loud this time, but he does mouth the words. The whole ride I watch him “serenade” me. And damn if he’s not just serenading me with his silent words. He’s serenading me with his eyes. With his body.

During our cab ride home, I make a mental list of all the reasons he’s perfect for me.

Then we pass by my Dad’s old firehouse and I remember the one reason heisn’t.

“Enjoy your day with Leo,” I say when we exit the cab and go our separate ways.

At my door I turn and watch him go into his townhouse.Because you never know what can happen.

Chapter Twenty-five

Brett

“Hand me that ratchet and socket,” I say from under the Mustang. Jay puts them in my hands, and I finish attaching the oil pan. “I’m ready. Pull me out.”

He yanks me out from under the car. It’s kind of become our thing, pulling each other out from under it.

Bonnie appears, carrying the pizza that just got delivered. “Mind if I steal a slice for Leo? He’s worked up a good appetite, running around the car while you boys tinker with it.”

“Peeza, Daddy! Peeza!” he screams, wielding his toy screwdriver as if it was a sword.

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