Page 87 of Outcast
“You look tired,” Emory said quietly, extending the bag to me. “I can just leave this and go.”
I caught hold of his wrist instead of taking the bag from him. “No, stay. Eat dinner with me. This was really nice of you.”
His lips quirked. “Even if I’m a rich brat?”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean that how it sounded.” I took the bag from him. “Come on. We can eat in Holden’s office. Just don’t tell him we were in there, or he might have a coronary.”
“If he doesn’t want us there?—”
“Nah, it’s fine.” I opened the door and set the food in the center of the desk. “We eat lunch here pretty regularly.”
Emory unpacked two boxes that contained full entrees. “I got chicken marsala or steak frites in a garlic butter. I like both, so you can choose.”
“Well, if you’re going to let me choose…” I snagged the carton with the steak, sliced into thin medallions, mouth already watering. On the side was fresh roasted summer squash, along with buttery mashed potatoes sprinkled with chives.
Emory handed me a set of silverware. It was real, not plastic.
“I brought my own, just in case. Eating steak with a plastic fork doesn’t always work out.”
“Thanks,” I murmured. “You thought of everything.”
“Well, not everything.” He scooted a chair closer to the desk and sat down. “I didn’t really consider what you might think of me bringing you dinner from the Silver Spoon.” He blushed a little. “It doesn’t mean I think this is a date or anything. I just thought you’d like something that wasn’t fast food.”
I snorted. “Is that what you think my little comment was about?”
I took the chair beside him, so close our knees brushed. I could have taken Holden’s chair, but I didn’t want a metal desk between us.
“Wasn’t it?”
“No, golden boy.” I cupped his jaw, brushing my thumb over his lower lip. “I was afraid you were tired of waiting around on me this week. Thought maybe you really had a hot date over there.”
He rolled his eyes. Actually freaking rolled his eyes at me.
“Do you really think I’mthatneedy?” He sounded offended. “Or unreasonable? I know you have a big job, and it’s important to keeping this place in the black. Maybe I shouldn’t have barged in tonight, but I just wanted to surprise you. I know how hard you’ve been working, and I just?—”
I pressed my mouth against his, silencing his tirade—justified as it was. Emory was stiff and unyielding for a moment, and I wondered if I’d really fucked up. Then his lips parted, a sigh gusting over my lips, and he leaned into the kiss.
I kissed him long and sensuously, tasting his tongue, basking in the small whimper of pleasure that escaped his throat and the way his fingers drove into my hair, holding tight.
I was tempted to skip dinner and dine on Emory’s flesh instead, but he’d been thoughtful enough to bring me a meal. I didn’t want to dismiss it.
We broke the kiss, our mingling breaths hot and humid between us.
“I’m so sorry,” Emory said, raising a hand to cover his mouth. “I shouldn’t have gone off like that.”
“No, Em. You’re right. It was stupid of me. I’m not thinking straight. I just… I’ve been working too much, and my brain is fried. That’s my only excuse.”
He looked dubious. “Did you really think I’d go on a date with someone else?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about expectations, have we? This is casual.”
“Yeah, I guess not.” He looked suddenly stricken. “Have you been sleeping with other people?”
“No! God no. When would I have the time?” I chuckled.
He didn’t look reassured.
“No, golden boy. I really don’t want anyone else right now.” My eyes locked on his. “I haven’t gotten my fill of you.”
