Page 37 of Mine to Hold
So, she went back to the TV, trying a new show. However, it didn’t hold her attention.
She decided some fresh air might help.
Not bothering to change from her pajamas, which were a tank top and boy shorts, she stepped out onto the pool deck with her book in hand, making a beeline for the big comfy sofa.
“Hey, you,” Emmerson said.
“Jesus.” She skidded to a stop. “You scared the fuck out of me.”
“Sorry.” He chuckled. He’d been sprawled out on the sofa with a glass of something in his hand. He shifted, making room. “Can’t sleep?”
“Nope.” She eased onto the couch and lifted the bottle from the coffee table. “I see you and some really good tequila are having a party.” She smiled. “And you shaved.”
“I got tired of all the women in my life making rude comments about it.” He laughed, waving the glass. “I thought this might help me take the edge off since I’ve been rolling around in my big bed, unable to get that shut-eye I need so desperately.”
“Mind if I take a shot?”
“Help yourself.” He handed her the glass.
“Thinking about the case?” She polished off the drink, giving it back to him.
“That’s one thing that’s on my mind, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s what’s keeping me up tonight.” He poured more into the small tumbler and took a sip. “You see, there’s this woman living in my pool house and she’s wormed her way into all my thoughts.”
“I’m not sure what to say to that.”
“Me neither.” He reached out and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “I’ve been sitting here for the last forty minutes contemplating texting you. Or knocking on the door. Every time your lights go on, I stand up and make it halfway there. But then the lights go off and I take that as a sign.”
“Now who’s being a stalker.”
“That’s not even remotely funny.” He cocked his head, but his lips formed a slight smile.
“Come on. It is a little.”
He chuckled. “What’s your reason for not being able to sleep?”
She took a big old shot of courage. “It might be something similar to you.”
“Might be? That doesn’t stroke this old man’s ego much.”
“You’re not old and I doubt your ego needs much stroking.”
He set the glass on the table. “You’d be surprised.”
She met his gaze, feeling a rush of emotions she’d spent a lifetime trying to avoid. She never wanted a man in her life. Not one that she cared this much about, and how did that happen in just a few short days? It made no sense. "Maybe we both just need someone to keep us company tonight," she said softly.
Emmerson's eyes softened as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. “I don’t want just anyone’s company,” he murmured, his hand reaching for hers. “I want yours.”
Her heart raced as their fingers intertwined, a silent understanding passing between them. Without another word, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a gentle yet urgent kiss.
Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in a thunder of passion, the world fading away until all that existed was the electricity crackling between them. And in that moment, all her worries and doubts melted away, leaving only the undeniable pull she felt toward Emmerson.
She should run. She should leave Lighthouse Cove behind, making it a distant memory. Staying would only delay the inevitable. Emmerson was the kind of man who loved with all his heart and she wasn’t the kind of woman who stayed in one place.
“Let’s take this inside,” he whispered.
In a moment of weakness, she stood up and followed him into the house, her heart pounding in her chest. He’d been open with her about his past loves. His past heartbreaks. And she had no right to join him in his bed when she knew damn well she’d leave.
Emmerson led her to his bedroom, the air so thick with anticipation and desire she was drowning in it.
