Page 33 of Mine to Hold
“Edwina.” There was no emotion attached to her name. Only apathy with maybe a little pity mixed in.
This town had a long memory and people still talked. As much as his mother had tried to protect her from the backlash, most had learned what had happened. It was in part the reason she left Lighthouse for greener pastures.
She’d tell it was because of some great opportunity and not because she’d been part of a sex scandal. Although, the news reports never quite made it clear what role she’d played in the sex trafficking ring.
“Do you mind me asking who exactly she is and why we’re ignoring her? I mean, I’ve sort of heard who she is, but it’s not only mean to blow her off, but a little childish.”
“She’s the first real girlfriend I ever had. We were in our early twenties. Young and stupid. She moved away after we broke upand just recently moved back to town. She doesn’t understand boundaries or the fact I have no interest in her or any residual feelings left.”
“You did not just say residual.”
He chuckled. “I absolutely did and she’s one big fucking royal pain in my ass.”
“Emmerson? Are you back… there you are.” Edwina pushed open the pool gate and strolled across the pool deck carrying a casserole dish. She wore a sundress with thin straps. The neckline plunged low, showing off her cleavage. Her breasts bounced up and down as her hips swayed back and forth. It was hard not to look. Even Emmerson had to admit she was sexy.
However, her personality and past grievances ruined it.
“Oh, I didn’t know you had company,” Edwina said, setting the dish on the table. She scowled, staring at the pizza box.
“The extra vehicle parked in the carport should have been the first clue,” he mumbled.
“I left you a message telling you that I’d bring you dinner.”
“I wanted pizza.” He guzzled his beer. Thank God he had an outdoor fridge because in about five minutes, he was going to need another. “And I also thought I made myself clear about stopping by when I texted you back.” He held Edwina’s gaze with an arched brow. “While I do appreciate the thought, I’m busy. I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s been a very long two days.”
Edwina pursed her lips and turned her attention to Rumor. “I don’t believe we’ve officially met and since Emmerson is feeling prickly, let me introduce myself. I’m Edwina. Don’t you work at Safe Harbor Café and the trinket shop?”
Rumor nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.” She stretched out her arm. “The name’s Rumor.”
“That’s a unique name. Is there a story behind it?”
“My parents were big Fleetwood Mac fans,” Rumor said.
“Interesting.” Edwina leaned over the table, pressing her hands on the ceramic top, pushing her breasts together. “So, do you live around here?”
“That’s none of your business,” Emmerson said. “Do you mind? We’re on a date.”
“A date? That’s a shocking revelation.” Edwina pursed her lips. “Is this some kind of joke?” Edwina asked.
“No. Thanks for dinner,” Emmerson said. “You shouldn’t have, and I mean that in the sense that I don’t want you to do it again.”
Edwina stiffened her spine, folding her arms and heaving her breasts upward.
If that was supposed to get his attention in a sexual way, it didn’t work. All it did was remind him that while he cared about Edwina at the base level, he had no emotional ties to her at all.
None.
Zero.
Zilch.
“Someone needs to take care of you because you won’t do it for yourself.” Edwina inched closer to Emmerson, placing her hand on his shoulder.
He shrugged it off. “I manage and I have Rumor here now.”
Edwina glared. “Emmerson, walk me to my car. I’d like a moment alone to speak with you. It’s important and I’d prefer to do it in private, if you know what I mean.”
“Actually, I don’t. And you’ve crossed a million lines. Don’t cross another one,” Emmerson said.
