Page 70 of Check & Chase
“You handled it like a pro. He’s an asshole. I can’t believe him and Carina are onanotherbreak.”
A small, satisfied smile curves her lips. “Karma takes her time, but she always arrives.”
The sight of that smile does something to my chest. Emma Anderson is tougher, brighter, more captivating than I expected.
And I’m increasingly, alarmingly into her.
The rest of the evening passes without incident. Tyler keeps his distance. Emma relaxes significantly, her body gradually softening against mine until she’s practically tucked under my arm, her head occasionally resting against my shoulder when she laughs.
It feels real. Not like we’re putting on a show. Just real—a man and a woman enjoying each other’s company, comfortable in each other’s space.
By the time the celebration winds down, it’s past midnight. Emma stifles a yawn against my shoulder.
“Want me to call you an Uber?”
She considers, then shakes her head. “Actually, would you mind giving me a ride? Surge pricing is probably insane right now.”
“Not at all. I’ve only had club soda all night.”
We say our goodbyes, enduring knowing looks and suggestive comments.
“Nice ride,” Emma comments as we approach my SUV.
“Thanks. I’ve modified the pedals so I can drive with this,” I tap my knee brace.
She gives me a look that’s pure PT disapproval. “You shouldn’t be driving at all with that injury.”
“How else would I get around? Carrier pigeon?”
“There’s this amazing invention called ‘asking for help.’ You should try it sometime.”
“I prefer self-sufficiency.”
“You prefer being stubborn.”
I can’t argue with that. The interior feels suddenly smaller with Emma in it. She gives me her address, and I input it into the GPS even though I already know the way.
We drive in comfortable silence, city lights reflecting on her face as I steal glances whenever traffic allows.
“Thank you,” she says suddenly. “For tonight.”
“For what part?”
“For not making a scene with Tyler. For letting me handle it myself.”
“You seemed to have it under control. Though I was ready to step in if needed.”
“I know. That’s why I’m thanking you. Most guys would have gone all caveman protector.”
“Is that what Tyler did?”
Her expression clouds. “Tyler was complicated. Possessive when it suited him, distant when it didn’t.”
I nod, understanding. “Carina was similar. Hot and cold. Made me constantly question where I stood.”
“Until you caught her with Tyler.”
“Until I caught her with Tyler. Though looking back, it was a blessing in disguise.”
