Page 141 of Sin With Me

“It’s all right,” Eric said. “What do you think it is, Jack?”

“I think it’s chocolate. Chocolates always works on Mamma when she’s upset, and Daddy says he’ll melt the chocolate andlick…”

“Jack!” This time Kendra covered her son’s mouth as he tried to mumble the final words from underneathit.

Everyone at the table burst out in laughter. This certainly felt like the good old days. At one point, Eric’s arm rested over the back of my chair. This subtly possessive way in which he made me feel like we were a couple (which of course we weren’t) was certainly something that I hadn’t expected. Did I want more from him than I could take? Yes, of course I did! This man spiked my hormone levels to new heights just by looking at me. His body, his demeanor, old-fashioned yet understandable ways, and his scent. I found the proximity of him excruciatingly painful because I couldn’t actually touch him. He had my head spinning and heart hammering out of control. Why was he affecting me this way? What was it about him that made me feel all fuzzy and warm inside? I mean, I’d dated hot men before, but none of them seemed as down-to-earth and as comfortable with me as Ericwas.

“So, Eric. Emma seems not to want to share anything about your case. Why is there a need to fly out west?” Tristan asked.

Here comes the interrogation I was waiting for,I thought.

“If Emma thinks there is, I trust her. And I appreciate her confidentiality and discretion.”

“You two seem to be clicking the right way,” my brother continued. I knew exactly what he was referring to. He’d seen the chemistry between the two of us. I couldn’t hide it, and neither couldEric.

“We do. I think this partnership will work out quite well. And I already know we’ll have a great friendship even after this case is done. Emma’s a very confident woman with intelligence that’s difficult to find. Thank you for assigning her tome.”

Julian’s jaw tensed by a fraction. I was sure it was because of the way Eric had said I’d been assigned tohim.

“Emma’s one of the best we’ve got. She’ll do a great job,” Mrs. Cross said. “And you seem like a man who will keep her safety inmind.”

“I wouldn’t let anything happen to her. You have my word on that, ma’am.”

“I’m quite capable to take care of myself,” I said, but no one seemed to have heardme.

“Emma’s confidence likes to get the better of her lately, and she’s been quite adventurous.”

“Hello, I’m in the room, you guys,” Isaid.

“Her free spirit is what makes her perfect for the job,” Eric defended.

“All right, if you guys are done with the inquisition, I’d like to go home and pack up. Mom, Dad, thank you for a wonderful dinner.”

As soon as I pulled my chair back, Eric stood up, and my brothers’ jaws dropped to the floor at the gesture. I picked up a few empty plates and headed to the kitchen. Of course Allie and Kendra followed me with more dishes. I knew they wanted the scoop.

“He’s hot, Emma,” Kendrasaid.

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” I chuckled.

“Don’t pay any attention to your brothers. I think they’re more concerned about Eric getting in your pants than the dangers of the case. And he seems like the kind of guy you should be into. So polite and courteous.”

“Well, I hope they keep out of my private business and let me do the job they entrusted mewith.”

“Then you’ll be hoping all your life. Stop caring about what they think and use your gut,” Allie said. “And did you see those arms? Jesus!”

“Julian hit the boxing ring for the first time in weeks as soon as I asked him about your case,” Kendra added.

“Emma, you need to make him take his shirt off in front of the guys.” Allie turned on the water, somewhat camouflaging our whispers.

“You’re both married. And stop gawking at him likethat.”

“Like what?” They both kept peeking back toward the diningroom.

“Like you want him to mount you from behind.”

“Oh, Emma. We have your brothers to do that for us. But looking at that fine specimen is definitely good for the sex drive.”

“Eeww. I don’t want to know more.” I raised my hands, not bothering to dry them, and headed out, “I hope you don’t mind, but we have a busy day tomorrow, and it’s time to pack. Do you need a ride to your hotel?” I askedEric.

“Thank you, but I brought my rental.”

“Good, then you can leave it here. I’ll have someone drive it for you the way I promised, and I can drop you off at your hotel on my wayhome.”

A hint of nerves covered Eric’s face, but he turned to me saying, “Well, I can already see that Cross Enterprises delivers more than it promises. Thank you, Emma.”

I kissed my parents good night and dismissed the questioning looks from my brothers. At this point, I couldn’t care less what they were thinking about me or Eric, because I had a case to solve. And no one was going to stopme.

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