Page 34 of Mine to Hold
“We need to talk.”
He laughed. “We have nothing to say to one another.”
“It will only take a few minutes,” Edwina said.
“We’re not doing this. I’ve asked you nicely to stop this. Don’t push me to make this a police matter. No one wants that. Not even me.”
Rumor rested her hand on his thigh. Immediately, a warm sensation flowed through his body.
She was an anger whisperer.
And a good one at that.
“It’s time for me to call it a night. Thanks for the beer and pizza,” Rumor said.
He grabbed her hand. “Edwina is the one who is leaving and we’re finishing our conversation.”
“It won’t hurt you to escort her to?—”
“She made it back here by herself. She can return to her vehicle the same way,” he said calmly. Emmerson threaded his fingers through Rumor’s, lifting her hand and kissing the back side. He shouldn’t have. It was a dangerous game he was playing with his emotions. But he’d do anything to get Edwina off his back and out of his life. He could handle running into her. He could even be nice. However, not when she behaved like a stalker.
Edwina jerked out her hip, planting her hand on it. “Well, I can take a hint. Enjoy the dinner I made you. The heating instructions are taped on the top, as you can see.” She, and her fancy heels, marched off toward the side path.
Rumor glanced over her shoulder. “You weren’t very kind,” she whispered. “And we’re not on a date.”
“She’s facing harassment charges as it is.”
“Are you kidding me?” Rumor snapped her gaze back to Emmerson’s. “For being neighborly and bringing you food. Talk about throwing the weight of your badge around. I’m shocked you’d be like that.” She ripped her hand away.
“You don’t know the whole story.” He stood and made a beeline for the outdoor fridge, snagging two beers. “That’s not the first time she’s shown up unannounced. And she’s been texting me. Relentlessly. I won’t even get into the things she says to me because if I did, I’d need to go take a shower with bleach.”
“Don’t shoot me, but could you have done something to give her the wrong impression?”
“Absolutely not.” He handed her a second beer. “In an attempt to ensure we could pass each other on the street and not cause a scene, I met her out for coffee when she first came back to town. It was a half hour conversation where I told her all was forgiven. It was then she started making advances and I put her off. What happened between us was a long time ago and she’s not a person I want to be involved with. Ever. I have made that crystal clear. She won’t stop.” Fuck. This was the last thing he wanted to talk about.
Fucking Edwina.
He couldn’t wait for Rumor to meet Tessa. Not.
At least Tessa didn’t want him back. No. She hated him and she had a good reason.
His cell buzzed.
He glanced at the screen.
Edwina:I didn’t deserve that in front of a stranger, especially when we had plans. I know it’s because you’re tired. Please call me tomorrow.
“For fuck’s sake,” he mumbled. “I’m sorry. I’m exhausted and I’m not firing on all cylinders.” He was going to have to file that restraining order first thing in the morning. This couldn’t continue. He didn’t want to use his position, but she left him with no choice. “I’d like to show you around town. Or maybe take you for a boat ride. I’ve got some work I need to do tomorrow morning with the case, but then my mom has given me a little time off. Unless something comes up. Do you have plans tomorrow evening?”
“I work in the gift shop in the morning, and then I’m covering lunch at the diner. I’m off at four.”
“How about we meet back here and I’ll take you for a boat ride.”
She glanced over her shoulder as if to consider the proposition.
“We might see a dolphin.”
“Now that’s something I’d love to experience.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “All right. I’ll see you then. Can I help you clean this up?”
