Page 111 of Reputation (Tempt)

I nodded. “They’re Burmese rubies and diamonds. My mother loved how unique they were. They seem as if they’re made for you.” I held them out to her.

“I-I—” She shook her head and backed away. “They’re beautiful, but I wouldn’t feel right about accepting her jewelry.”

I could tell Emerson loved the earrings, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else wearing them. “You wear her ring.”

“Yeah, but it’s one thing to borrow a piece. It’s another entirely to keep it.”

“I want you to have them.” I held them out to her, all but begging her to accept my present.

“Are you…” She tilted her head, evaluating me. “You’re sure?”

“Yes,” I said with confidence.

“It’s just…” She shook her head. “I know how much your mother’s collection means to you.”

I was touched by her hesitation and her words. Trinity would’ve never done such a thing.

“I was hoping my gift would show you how much you mean to me,” I said, dipping my head to meet her eyes.

She nodded, finally accepting the earrings from me. She put them on with shaky hands, pinning her hair back to showcase the gift.

I slid my arms around her waist, loving the sight of us together. She was my match in every way that mattered. Committed to family, especially my daughter. Able to withstand the pressure of public life, while preferring privacy. Polished, refined, and sexy as hell. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She met my gaze, and she looked as if she was going to say something but stopped herself.

“Jackson and Brooklyn are ready whenever you are,” I said.

“Great.” She smiled at herself in the mirror as she applied her lipstick, but it seemed forced.

“Come on, Em.” I dropped a kiss to her shoulder, then her neck. “I know your dad’s not my biggest fan.” I rested my chin on her shoulder. “But I promise I’ll do my best to charm him. And having Brooklyn there will help.”

She nodded, though she didn’t seem convinced.

I wasn’t going to admit it, but I was surprisingly nervous about meeting Emerson’s family. Maybe because I felt bad for lying about our engagement. Maybe because I knew it weighed on Emerson.

Or maybe because I was afraid it might blow up.Imight blow up.

Her dad’s attitude pissed me off. Not just the way he’d handled her hospital visit but everything about her career and her training. What kind of father pushed his daughter when she’d just gotten out of the hospital? I clenched my fists.

“Hey,” she said. “What’s that look for?”

I inhaled and released my fists along with an exhale. “Nothing.”Not a damn thing.I slid my hand over her stomach. “Let’s get this over with. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can come home.”

During the drive, Emerson fiddled with her engagement ring and cast nervous glances out the window. Fortunately, Brooklyn didn’t seem to notice, filling us in on everything she’d missed at school while we’d been in Abu Dhabi.

A few paparazzi tried to follow us but couldn’t get past the front gate to Emerson’s dads’ community. Some of my security team had gone ahead to provide additional support. When we arrived, I followed Emerson and Brooklyn up the stairs to their front door, wiping my hands on my slacks. Emerson rang the bell, and the door swung open a moment later.

“Hi, Papa J.” She gave him a hug and then turned to us. “Nate.” His smile was warm as he shook my hand. “And Brooklyn. This is my dad James.”

He smiled down at Brooklyn. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

Brooklyn preened. “I’ve never had a grandpa before.” And then she threw her arms around him.

He looked stunned at first but quickly hugged her back. “I’ve never had a granddaughter before. And I’m so glad it’s you.”

Emerson glanced at me over her shoulder—panicked. I placed my hand on the small of her back, trying to reassure her. I had to have faith that this would all work out somehow.

I didn’t know how. But I had to hope that it would.

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