Page 28 of Marrying Emma

Something flickered in his eyes, but it disappeared before Emma could identify it. Was he disappointed?

“Of course. But I do have one request.” He was still near, and the way he kept gazing into her eyes...

“Oh?” Did her voice have to sound quite so breathy?

“Eat lunch with me as my friend and not my co-worker?”

A smile tugged at the corners of Emma’s lips. “That I can do.”

“Good.” His arm fell away from her as he took a step back. “Let’s get out of this crowd, and then we can talk about what we want to eat.” He continued to hold her hand and lead her out of the gym into the sunshine. Only then did he release it as they walked across the parking lot to his truck.

* * *

It wasright in the middle of the lunch rush when Marty pulled into the Chick-Fil-A parking lot. When he asked Emma to choose something she was hungry for, it was the first place she mentioned, and Marty wasn’t about to argue. They didn’t have one in Clearwater, so he was happy to oblige.

Unfortunately, half the people in town had the same idea. Not only was the parking lot full, but the line for the drive-through went all the way back to the street. He glanced at Emma. “Well, what’s your vote?”

She studied the parking lot and wrinkled her nose in a completely distracting way. “I vote for the drive-through and eating in the truck. Their system is like a well-oiled machine. It won’t take long. I do not feel like sitting inside with a crowd.”

“Agreed.” Marty made a full circle through the parking lot, back to the street, and got in line. At least Emma was right and the cars in front of him moved forward at a relatively steady pace.

While he didn’t relish the idea of sitting in a crowded dining room, he wanted to head back to Clearwater even less. He looked over at Emma as she tapped a finger on the door along with the beat on the radio. It was good to see her more relaxed.

He’d been afraid he’d finally made her angry enough to not having anything to do with him. Looking back, though, he’d say the same thing. He hated the idea she might be giving up on herself or any dreams she might have for her future.

Since she’d hesitated to carry on a conversation at the crowded gym, he’d pulled her aside to clear the air a little. He hadn’t anticipated the crowd and how closely they’d ended up standing, not that he regretted it one bit. She’d been nearly in his arms, a breath away, and it’d taken every ounce of control to not lean in and kiss her. If Marty hadn’t suggested they leave when he did, that’s exactly what would have happened.

No, he wasn’t in a hurry to take her home.

It wasn’t long before they neared the employees who were out taking orders and accepting payment. After placing their orders, Marty handed them his bank card. “Don’t worry,” he told Emma. “You can pay me back. It’s easier this way.” Truthfully, he would prefer to pay for her lunch, but they’d already had that conversation on the way over here. This wasn’t a date, and she was paying for her own meal.

Emma nodded as she withdrew money from her bag and set it in the console.

Minutes later, Marty pulled up to the drive-through window. He handed the drinks to Emma who set them in the cup holders then handed her the bag of food. With a thank you and wave goodbye, he pulled forward to make room for the car behind them.

“Can I make a suggestion?”

“Sure.” Emma got the bag settled on her lap before turning her attention to him.

“There’s a park down the street. Would you mind if we stopped there and ate before heading back to Clearwater?” He half expected her to argue, but her hesitation was minuscule before she agreed.

Marty got directions going on his phone. He’d heard of the park but had never been there himself. He expected a little corner of grass and maybe a picnic table and was pleasantly surprised by the large area surrounded by trees. A covered basketball court sat nestled in one area and a small playground in another. Picnic tables dotted the green grass. There were several families taking advantage of the beautiful Saturday.

After snagging a parking spot near an empty picnic table, Marty retrieved their cups and went around to open the truck door for Emma. Together, they carried their lunch to the shaded table.

It didn’t take long for Marty to polish off his two chicken sandwiches and some waffle fries. Emma ate much slower as she seemed to take in the activity around them. She absently bit into a fry, her gaze on the basketball court where a family of five was laughing. A young child tried to launch a ball at the basket with all of his might, but it barely made it halfway there. His father swung the boy onto his shoulder. From there, he hit the rim of the basket with the ball.

Emma’s brows drew together, the rest of the fry forgotten.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

His words brought her attention to him. She blinked, popped the rest of the fry in her mouth, and shrugged.

Marty gently used his foot to tap her leg under the table and let her know he expected a response.

“I was thinking how lucky they are.” She jutted her chin at the family. “All of them.”

“Because they are all together? Or because they’re at least healthy enough to be playing basketball?”

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