Page 73 of Stay With Me

“Nope. I got it. I’ll see you in a while.”

And off she goes. It takes everything in me not to turn around and watch her leave.

About three hours later, we’ve all filled our stomachs with another one of Emily’s delicious meals—stuffed manicotti this time—spent some time on the back deck, and our friends have left for the night.

After clearing the dishes and putting away leftovers, I excuse myself to go jump in the shower.

Once in the shower, I tilt my head back and let the hot water run over it and flow down my back. My sore muscles relax some under the heat. I grab the shampoo and scrub my hair and beard, allowing my mind to wander.

I’m happy Emily’s here. In fact, I love having her in my space. But if today was any indication, it’s going to be tougher to hide how I really feel about her while we’re living together. But I have to find a way, because I can’t act on what I feel—she’s my best friend’s little sister and I’m not the man she needs. And I know if I let myself kiss her again, or more, there will be no coming back for me.

When I’m done in the shower, I towel off, throw on some shorts and a T-shirt, and head back downstairs. I grab a cold beer from the fridge.

Through the French doors in the kitchen, I see Emily sitting on the back deck, a glass of wine on the table next to her and her head resting back on the top of the chair. Her eyes are closed, but she has the most serene smile on her face.

Goddamn, she’s beautiful.

I watch her for a few seconds, enthralled with how peaceful she looks. But I don’t want to be a creep, so I turn the knob and open the door.

Emily opens her eyes and turns her head to look at me, keeping it tipped against the back of the chair. A sleepy smile graces her face.

“You okay if I join you?”

“Of course. It’s your house, after all.”

“Well, while you’re staying here, it’s your house, too.” I sit down next to her.

“Today was a great day, wasn’t it?” She closes her eyes again.

“It was.”

I sip my beer and we rest in the quiet for several minutes.

“I love the sounds out here,” Emily says in a hushed voice. “Are those crickets?”

“Which sound? The chirping or the other?”

“The twinkling one.”

I watch her out of the corner of my eye, confused. “Twinkling?”

“Yeah, listen closer. I hear the chirping, but the other one sounds like what I imagine twinkling would sound like, if it were a sound.” She opens her eyes and looks over at me. “I’m serious. Close your eyes and listen.”

To humor her, I do as she instructs, and at first, I think she’s crazy. But then I hear it. I grin and open my eyes.

“You hear it, don’t you? I can tell.” Emily giggles and it’s such a sweet sound that I can’t help but smile wider.

“I do. It’s the katydids. And the chirping sound are the spring peepers.” I take another swig of my drink and she takes a sip of her wine.

“Are you gonna be okay with staying here alone on nights I’m at work? I do have a security system.” What I don’t tell her is that I had it installed just days after she agreed to stay with me.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine.” A devious grin pops up on her face, “Wait, no. I’m scared. I think we should get a puppy, so I’m not alone.”

“Nice try. Though I’d love to have a puppy. I just got a notification from Annie’s breeder that Bean’s parents are having another litter. They’re due in September.”

“God, can you imagine how much fun a dog would have running around this property? They’d probably run down to the lake every day for a swim and snack on some blackberries, too.”

I throw back my head and laugh. “Yeah, and then they’d smell like a lake, too. Anyway, it doesn’t matter, I can’t get one right now. Can’t leave it alone when I’m at work.”

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