Page 65 of Miles Apart
I almost pull out my phone to snap a photo as Carter’s eyes widen once the words settle. He stares, speechless, searching forsigns I’m lying. When he can’t find any, the shock settles into irritation. In his mind, he’s entitled to Emma, like she’s some birthright and not a woman to earn.
“See you tonight, Crispin.”
Emma is playing with fire. She never called or texted about this business-council fundraiser, giving me zero details about what I’m walking into. Luckily, Zo did, when he arrived an hour ago. I changed into a suit I had at the office in case a polo and slacks weren’t the move. Turns out I was right. At least a hundred people are here, all dressed like they’re going to the opera.
Emma’s father glides through a crowd of suits and cocktail dresses, wearing a classic tux and the practiced smile of a career politician. I don’t know much about him, but I don’t like the way Emma begs for his attention. She doesn’t realize it, and I won’t point it out.
He and I share a smile on the way to meet Lorenzo. “Miles.” Senator Douglass pats my shoulders.
“Senator Douglass.” I shake his hand.
“Please, call me John,” he says with another politician smile. I know better than to call him by his first name in mixed company, and I’ll dodge the bullet his wife will send into my chest without hesitation if I do. She’s off in the corner with Blair, and they’re turning up their noses at a woman. Is this not a fundraiser?
I scan the room for Emma while John and Zo start a conversation around me. I’m not trying to be rude, but work ended an hour ago for me, and they’re not my priority.
“Carrillo tells me you’ve made wonderful additions to his bill,” John says.
“We’ve passed benchmarks months in advance because of him.”
I roll my eyes at Zo’s smile. He knows I hate this shit.
“How’s Emma?”
“Excuse me?” I glance at John for clarity and frown at his smile.
His eyes crinkle at the edges. “Emma. How is she? You’re staying with her, yes?”
“I am, but I’m wondering why you’re asking me about your daughter. Haven’t you spoken to her?” His smile slips, teasing glimpses of sadness pass over his features before a corner of his mouth lifts.
“Unfortunately, not as much as I’d like,” John confesses through a humorless laugh, one I don’t find funny. “I’ve been here since Wednesday but haven’t had the time.”
“Wednesday?” My head snaps to John, who’s looking at the wrong one for understanding. Zo’s subtle headshake warns me not to cause a scene.
I spot Emma in a yellow off-the-shoulder dress and lick my lips at the fabric touching her curves. Her exposed thigh lengthens her toned legs strapped to black stilettos. By fashion standards, she’s perfect—the most breathtaking woman in the room. But light is missing from her eyes. I search for the source of her hurt—outside of her father ignoring his only daughter for two fucking days—and take in Carter next to her. His penguin suit blends in with the others, making him easy to miss. She squirms at something he whispers, and I’m off.
To my surprise, she meets me halfway.
“Phone?”
Emma’s frown is abrupt. Her glittery eyes narrow at my question. “Yes, I have it.”
I pull mine out, scroll to her number, and put it to my ear. Hers rings seconds later. I smile once she answers. “It works,” I say with a straight face, on my bullshit.
She rolls her red lips. “The line goes both ways,” Emma says in defense. It’s good to see her smile. I’ll make it my mission to see another. Don’t ask me why.
“Why you ignoring me all day?” If we have to have this conversation over the phone while standing next to each other, so be it.
Emma opens her mouth but closes it again. Her guard goes up to the moon right before she pulls back her energy. I hate this but can’t say shit about it. We’re not together. We fuck, text, and went on one date, but a relationship isn’t part of the deal.
Still, one thing I won’t do is pretend I don’t care.
I tell myself Em’s place as Justice’s best friend is why I’m entertaining shit I wouldn’t normally, but that’s a lie. Maybe it’s the fact she’s been off-limits to me for so long that keeps my focus on her. I thought it would wear off after Italy, but I can’t shake not wanting more with her.
She still won’t play with me.
“You didn’t think to reach out about tonight?” I shake my head and end the call but keep my eyes on her. “I’m not some random, Em. I came here as a courtesy, but never forget my presence is a choice.”
Zo calls me back over to him and John. I meant what I said: I’m here by choice. Sex doesn’t require pretending to be together, but I want to be here.
