Page 28 of Miles Apart
Chapter 12
Emma
That asshole stole my fruit tray. Miles’s audacity and the whiplash he gave me kept me up half the night analyzing a man who’s both an issue and an equation I can’t solve. I’m not in the habit of dwelling on people or situations that lack significance in my life, but a woman has her limits, and fucking with my snacks is high on the list.
Miles surprised me with the compassion he showed last night after Carter’s unexpected drop-in. I can take care of myself, but I didn’t mind someone having my back for once, someone other than Justice. He was a quiet anchor opposite me in the booth, holding space for me to handle Carter while also having zero tolerance for his disrespect.
The “my man” declaration left us both confused. It was a slip that escaped my lips without effort, and I didn’t register it until it stood proud for all to see. I don’t claim men, but dare I say the words felt right in the moment? Miles wouldn’t call me out for seeking a lifeline. He’s a dick at times, but he’s not an asshole like Carter, who’d relish in my downfall before dangling it overmy head and pretending to care. Miles doesn’t owe me anything, but he had my back. He’s...a surprise I didn’t expect.
The same sensation that kneaded between my ribs at Justice and Terrence’s reconciliation squeezed and tugged last night at the seductive scent beyond the door that separated me and Miles’s rooms. I swallowed back drool at the Adonis before me, in a white towel hugging his waist and the water droplets clinging to his chest.
Until he took one look at me and barked at me to go to bed.
“Em, did you hear me?”
“Sorry, what?”
Justice tilts her head, her worry lines on high alert. “I’m staying in.”
“You’ll do no such thing.”
“I should. We haven’t spent much time together on this trip since—”
“Since you and your man started coating the hotel sheets in bodily fluids?” I smirk at her blush. “No apologies necessary, Jay. Are you happy?”
Tears well at the smile pursing her mouth. My friend is in love and will never not cry about it. “Yeah.”
“Then by all means, reclaim your time and that dick.”
Our cackling bounces across the chandelier and down the four-poster bed in her room. I wouldn’t resurface for most of the trip if someone laid good pipe for me to put up an “Under Construction” sign, either. Justice has never once judged me for my vacation escapades, and I refuse to give her shit for hers.
She deserves to live her fairy tale out loud.
“Are you sure, Em?” Trepid eyes search my reaction with a selflessness I’ve admired for years.
“Yes, but—”
“And were there times I did my own disappearing act without apology?”
Her answer is a small nod.
“I’m okay, Jay. I’ll always be good.”
“Okay,” she says softly and reaches for a hug. Her and her Hallmark ways. “You know I—got it, sorry!” She pretends to lock her lips to hold in the apology she’s itching to give. “Where are you off to tonight?”
I turn away to fiddle with the knot in my silk robe. “Dinner. Nothing fancy.”
Minus the private jet.
A squeal too enthusiastic for this conversation rings in my ear. “That’s right! How was last night’s date? Did you match with the person you wanted?”
Did I.
“It was a surprise,” I say with caution.
“Uh, what was that?”
“What was what?” The tips of my finger graze the side of my face, careful not to disturb the curly updo that took an hour to pin.
