Page 35 of Without a Doubt

She laughs. “Sorry?”

I glare at her before answering, “Hello.”

Emerson clears his throat. “Um, Eva, want to explain why I nearly spit my beer all over Glen?” Then he adds, “Are you serious? I mean, I thought—”

“I know. Sorry. Catherine sent it because she wants to make sure I'm not here tomorrow night. I didn't know you were with Glen.”

“It's all right. I work, but I get off at seven if you want to come over.”

“I work too, so I'll be there around nine. Thanks.”

“Thanks, Emerson!” Catherine shouts.

He laughs. “You're both welcome.”

We hang up and I playfully shove Catherine. “I still can't believe you!”

“I can't believe you haven't had sex with him yet. I mean, if you aren't ready, then I get that. I just thought after how you've raved about him, then you would be ready.”

I steal the popcorn bag from her and eat a handful before I reply. “I wasn't ready, and the whole ex-girlfriend thing made me hesitate even more. But now?” I shrug. “Maybe I'll do those things you texted Emerson about.”

Catherine laughs, and thankfully, we go back to watching the show.

“Glen! What are you doing here?” I walk down the counter to where I can lean over to hug him.

“I came to see you and get something to eat before you close.” We go to the other end, so I can start making his favorite sub. “I haven't seen much of you lately. Think you'll want to hang out Monday?”

“Yeah, sure. Want to do dinner? Chinese, maybe?” Glen nods. “Sorry I haven't been around much. Between school and work and—”

“Emerson,” he finishes. “Yeah, I know you're busy, Eva.”

There's something about the way he says it that rubs me the wrong way. “Is everything okay, Glen? Did something happen with you and Emerson last night?” I've been watching him as I speak, but he hasn't given me any clues. He opens his mouth to answer when I throw another question at him. “Has something new happened with Kelly?”

He closes his mouth, and then opens it as he sighs. “No, nothing new that I know of.” He gives me the grin he uses when he flirts or tries to get his way. “I just miss my favorite cousin. Let me know what time for Monday and I'll meet you there, okay?”

I nod and finish his sub. “You don't have a hot date tonight?”

Glen grins. “Not until later.” He hands me the cash for his sub and says his goodbye.

A glance at the clock on the wall shows that I have one minute until I can close. I get busy cleaning up and making sure everything is in order for whoever opens tomorrow. Soon, Glen is forgotten as my mind turns to Emerson.

Somehow, I'm energized after work. I think part of it may be because I'm about to see Emerson. I haven't been able to stop thinking about what Catherine texted Emerson last night. The idea of doing those things with him has been on my mind all day long. I'm buzzing with temptation by the time I knock on his door.

At first, no one answers.

I try the doorknob, but it's locked, so I knock again.

After a moment or two, the door swings open to a smiling Emerson, who is wearing only a towel. His black hair seems impossibly darker from being wet, which is making those soft blue eyes stand out even more. He must have just stepped out of the shower because he's still dripping wet.

“Seriously?” I mutter, allowing my eyes to absorb his body. “You shouldn't answer the door like this.”

He laughs. “I almost forgot the towel because I was rushing to open the door.” My eyes widen, picturing what a sight that would be. Emerson chuckles. “Come on in, Eva.” Emerson steps aside and I walk past him. “How was work?”

“The usual. You?”

“The same. I'm going to dry off and change.”

“I was hoping for a shower too. Are you done in the bathroom?” I ask.

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