Page 71 of Resisting the Temptation
We shared a dorm in college for the first two years, then shared an apartment with his brother during our junior and senior years. When Janessa and I moved in together after graduation, we rarely saw each other because she took up my free time.
He was there for our engagement party with a smile on his face, and then he was there with beers when Janessa and I ended things. I don’t deserve him as a friend, but I’m glad he’s here anyway.
We make small talk about our respective businesses and families while we wait for our table, then we’re led to our table by the hostess.
Josh and I sit in silence as we peruse the menus, then our waitress comes and takes our drink and food orders.
As soon as she walks away, Josh turns to me with an expectant smile on his face.
“So, how’s Emma doing?”
“Why the fuck would I know that?” Did she tell him something? How does he know about us?
Josh’s brow furrows. “Because you work with her?”
Right.
I try my best to be nonchalant with my answer. “I thought you meant in general. You know I don’t get personal with my coworkers. She’s doing good. She picked up on things pretty quickly and even landed a job with Derek Allridge.”
“Daaaaaaamn. Way to go Emma. I knew she’d be a good fit for Rossi. I’m glad your dad took a chance on her.”
“Yeah, I guess,” I grumble.
“You two don’t get along, do you, Mr. Grumpy?” Josh teases.
“We’re fine. We’re coworkers. Nothing more.” The words taste bitter on my tongue, and I take a sip of my drink to try and wash it away.
Josh gives me an unamused look. “Really? That’s it? You’re telling me Emma—with her bubbly personality and ability to connect with everyone—hasn’t charmed youat all?”
She’s charmed the pants right off me.
I can’t stop thinking about her.
I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her.
I shrug. “What can I say? She knows I’m a lost cause.”
Josh snorts. “I doubt she thinks that. She’s determined to make everyone feel comfortable with her—like they can trust her. She’s probably just waiting for the right time to strike. She’s very observant. I wouldn’t be surprised if she started showing up with your favorite coffee in tow just so she can break down your defenses and make you her friend.”
“Why would she want to break down my defenses?”
“Emma’s gone through a lot of shit in her life. I don’t know if you know anything about her family, but they made her feel like she’s only worth what she can do for other people. She wants everyone to like her because she thinks it’s the only way she’s valuable to someone. Don’t get me wrong, she’s one of the most genuine peopleyou’ll ever meet, but she also doesn’t always know when to rest.”
I don’t tell him I know some of what her family is like. I know all about how she has nine fucking siblings, and not one of them seems to care about her. I don’t tell him her mother won’t let her say goodbye to her own grandpa.
Instead, I tell him, “Well, she’s already on Ralph’s good side, so it’s only a matter of time before she worms her way onto mine.”
Josh laughs in return and shakes his head. “Ah, good ol’ Ralph. When is he retiring?”
We spend the rest of our dinner talking about work related things, family, and Josh’s dating life while I stealthily avoid talking about mine. I know Josh views Emma as a little sister, and I don’t need him giving me a speech about breaking her heart.
Later that night, when I’m laying in bed, I think about Emma and how I’m even more determined to crumble whatever walls she’s built so I can make her mine.
Chapter 33
Emma
Iknew falling asleep in Ben’s bed was an omen or some shit that something bad was going to happen.
