Page 41 of Love's Cure

Emmett’s back stiffened. “I don’t know why you’re saying that. I’ll decide for myself.”

Crystal laid a hand on his arm. “That’s sweet of you, Emmett. But I don’t want either of us to get hurt.”

“I want to see you again. Can I give you a call? Spend another free day with you?”

Crystal sighed. “I want to do the right thing ...”

“Then say yes. You owe it to both of us to see where our friendship may take us.” Before she could protest, he swept her in his arms and kissed her.

With his warm lips on hers, Crystal’s pulse raced so hard she collapsed against him.

His hand caressed her back in loving circles as he kept kissing her.

Crystal felt her whole body go weak. She’d never been kissed like that before.

When they finally pulled apart, she gazed at him, speechless.

“That’s the right thing,” he said with satisfaction. “Shall I call you tomorrow and order lunch?”

“Okay,” she said, still reeling from the sensations going through her like a freight train out of control.

###

When Crystal enteredher apartment, Misty gave her an impish grin. “How’s the doctor? Did he give your heart a checkup? The two of you were staring at one another each time I looked. It was very hot.”

“I’m attracted to Emmett. More than I’d like, because there are many problems with our even dating. His family is just the start. You know as well as I that our backgrounds sometimes work against us. This is one of those times with a capital T.”

“Okay, big sister, listen to me. You have no reason to be ashamed of yourself. You’re an outstanding person who proves her success each day. You’re beautiful and well-mannered. No fancy family can rightfully attack that. Maybe Emmett’s family isn’t up to our standards. Right?”

At the image of Emmett’s mother being told she wasn’t good enough, Crystal burst out laughing. Maybe Misty was right.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Crystal lay in bedstaring at the ceiling both sad and happy. She couldn’t deny her attraction to Emmett and loved that he was taking a stand and forcing her to face it. But what if they both ended up getting hurt? They had commitments to remain in this small town together. She recalled when she and Nick decided to divorce, they did so amicably and were comfortable staying in Lilac Lake regardless of their history. But still ...

By morning, Crystal decided to see where a friendship with Emmett would go. They were two independent people who had the right to choose their own destinies.

---