Page 41 of You Found Me
Emmaline nods, accepting my words. “I should be done around seven tonight.”
“My day doesn’t look too crazy so if you need anything, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you tonight.”
“Thank you again. It means a lot that you’re willing to help me out.”
“Don’t worry about it. This is what boyfriends do, right?”
“I think so? I mean my track record isn’t the best.” Her brows unconsciously furrow. “But I need to head in. See you later.”
***
I’m outside the hospital at seven on the dot.
Rather than wait inside my truck, I stand in front of it, so she’ll be able to see me as soon as she steps out. Hopefully she’s not too tired to answer more questions. Sure, it’ll be good to know this stuff in case anyone decides to ask, but I also just like getting to know her.
Eight minutes later, she steps out with her phone in her hand, and shortly after I see her typing, I get a text.
Emmaline
Hi. I’m off now.
I know. Look up.
When she looks up, I give a small wave. “Your chariot awaits, m’lady.”
Emmaline throws her head back laughing and yells out, “You’re a dork. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
I wait until she’s closer to respond, not wanting to continue to shout. “I’d wait for as long as you needed. But no, I haven’t been waiting long.”
In the glow of the floodlights, I see her cheeks flush. “Are you sure? I know I said seven, but the night shift nurse was a little late which means report ran later. I promise I’ll be out on time from now on.”
Slightly confused, I shake my head. “Emmaline. Seriously, I’m not worried about it.”
She blows out a small breath. “Okay, sorry. Chance never liked when I was later than he was expecting. You’re not him—I know—it’ll just take me some time to adjust.”
I open the passenger door and nod. “Now, why don’t you climb on in so I can learn more facts about my new girlfriend.”
Emmaline rolls her eyes, while trying to hide her smile. “I’ve been thinking about what to ask you throughout the day. I hope you’re ready.”
Before I shut the door, I lean in. “I’m ready for whatever you’re going to throw at me, Shortstack.”
After I walk around and get situated, I look at her with a raised brow. “Alright! What’ve you got for me?”
She grins. “If you were to be any inanimate object, what would you be?”
“I gave you easy questions this morning, and this is the thanks I get?” I chuckle. “Right off the top of my head? A grandfather clock.”
Emmaline snorts, proving once again that snorting is actually very cute. “I’m sorry? Agrandfather clock?”
Shrugging I say, “My grandparents had one and I thought it was cool. I mean, everyone would know I was there even if they didn’tknowit was me. What about you?”
“I’m not judging. I just wasn’t expecting that.” She tilts her head. “I don’t know why, but I can see you as a big clock. As for me, I’d want to be a wardrobe full of clothes.”
We’ve just pulled up to a stop sign so I slowly turn to her. “You’re going to laugh at my grandfather clock and then come back with a wardrobe? Is there a witch or a lion nearby?”
She laughs, shaking her head. “No. Although that’d be a cool wardrobe to be. I was actually thinking of a different movie—one containing a beastly character and a well-read woman.”
I smirk, knowing exactly what movie she’s talking about now, and continue down the street of our apartment complex. “That’s my mom’s favorite animated movie. I’ve seen it more times than I can count.”
