Page 13 of Strength

Emmett shook his head. “No, you didn’t. I’ve enjoyed your company immensely. You can’t ever know when an anxiety attack is going to hit. I’m only glad I was able to help you.”

“Thank you for your help.” How many times was I going to say that?

Emmett chuckled. “Again, you’re welcome.”

“So, with your counselling, do you work with parents, too?”

Emmett shrugged. “Occasionally, sure, if they want to reconcile with their kids. But that’s not often since the parents aren’t usually around, in one way or another.”

“You don’t go after them?”

“No, that’s social services’ area of expertise. I’m not involved in all of that. My main concern is peoples’ mental health. Why do you ask?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never heard ofCorporate Cares. I wasn’t sure how they worked. From what you’ve told me and shown me tonight, it sounds like you do wonderful work.”

“Thank you.” Emmett was incredibly sincere, but he also seemed a little embarrassed by my praise. He scratched his lip with his thumb. “You know, if you’d like to see more of whatCorporate Caresdoes, would you like to come to its charity auction with me?”

I stopped walking and turned to face him. “Are you asking me on a second date?”

“Yeah.” He leaned toward me and his voice dropped an octave. “Maybe then I’ll get to know a little more about you.”

“Maybe,” I answered. I was surprised my voice worked. Emmett had me in knots.

Rea’s voice ran through my brain, telling me I should have a one-night stand with him, but my rationality told me that I probably shouldn’t. “What if you don’t like what you find out?”

Emmett cupped my face in his large hands. “I like what I’ve seen so far.”

“Me, too,” I whispered.

He smiled as he moved one hand into my hair and angled my lips toward his. “Is this okay?”

I could only nod mutely because this time my voice was truly lost to me.

When his lips met mine, my anxiety was forgotten. What began as a tender kiss quickly heated up and when I dared to open my mouth to him, I was a goner. He commanded my mouth, overcame all my senses. He was highly skilled with his tongue. His hands roamed over my back and through my hair and I found myself responding. I pressed myself into him and even wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

We slowly broke off the kiss and I noticed his eyes were a shade darker.

“Wow,” I muttered.

“I agree,” he huffed.

We were both out of breath. I wanted more of him, but I knew I didn’t want to rush into anything. I didnotwant a one-night stand.

What did I want?

I took a step back. “So, a charity auction, huh? Will that be fancy as well? I may not have anything to wear.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something.” Emmett glanced down at the dress I was wearing.

“Is there something we could do beforehand? Something more casual so I don’t wear out my one and only party dress?”

Emmett pulled back. “Areyouasking me on a second date?”

I blushed. I lowered my gaze as I fought to hide the dumb smile on my face. “Maybe,” I mumbled.

Emmett stroked his thumb down my cheek. “Come back to my place.”

I wanted to. My body was begging for a man’s touch again. But the last time I participated in a whirlwind romance, it hadn’t ended well, so I wouldn’t do that again.

I gently pushed his hand away. “I’d better not.”

“Okay. Are you free tomorrow? I don’t want to come across as too eager, but I have a great idea for a casual date.”

He looked so adorably hopeful that I relented a little. “I’ll have to let you know in the morning.”

“Alright.”

“I should be getting home,” I said with a sigh.

Emmett waved me forward. “I’ll walk you back to your car.”

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