Page 14 of Valentine's Day Daddy

“She’s only the first female president of a major media outlet,” Emma says.

“Oh. Good for her,” I say.

“She and Ezra have been best friends just about their entire lives and besides, she’s already got a smokin’ hot boyfriend.”

I laugh. “And how is it you know so much about this woman?”

“I think she’s inspiring. I watched a documentary profile about her.”

"Uh-huh."

“What? She’s smart. She’s got a lot to say. You might benefit from listening to some of her thoughts and philosophies. You might learn a lot from her about success in a male-dominated business, Emma tells me. “And last I checked, advertising was a pretty male-dominated field. If you’re still thinking about opening your own agency, it might be instructive.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“We’re getting off track here,” she says with a wave of her hand. “Let’s get back to talking about you calling Ezra.”

“There’s no need. I’m not going to call him.”

‘You wrote down his number so there must be something in your that’s interested in him."

“Like I said, I don’t remember doing it.”

“Your subconscious did what your active mind wouldn’t—even though it would probably be amazing for you,” Emma presses.

“If you say so.”

“I do. And come on, what can it hurt really?” she replies. “You go out, have a nice dinner, and worst case scenario, it ends there. What’s the big deal?”

“Why would I go out with somebody I find repugnant.”

“And why is it you feel so strongly opposed to him?” she asks with a chuckle. “I mean, you were with him for four minutes. Surely, it couldn’t have been that bad.”

In truth, it wasn’t that bad. He was a little cocky, but he wasn’t as horrible as I’d expected him to be. He was smooth and if I’m being honest with myself, I’d admit he was actually kind of… charming. He seemed to have a great sense of humor and honestly, seemed a little more down to earth than I expected. I’m not going to tell Emma any of that though. That’ll only encourage her to keep pressing. Though Ezra didn’t quite live up to the monster I’d created in my mind, I’m still not looking to jump into a relationship—with anybody.

“Honestly, Ash, I think it would do you some good to get out and socialize a little. It’s like you’re forgetting how and you’re in danger of becoming feral,” Emma says.

“Yeah, maybe somebody like Ezra isn’t the best—”

Without warning, she jumps to her feet and snatches up my phone. When I move toward her, she dances around the table, managing to keep it between us.

“What are you doing? Give me my phone,” I demand.

“I will. Just a sec,” she replies.

She starts dialing and my heart leaps into my throat. My pulse is racing and my stomach churns as I reach for her. But Emma dances out of my reach.

“Stop it. Don’t. Hang up, Emma!”

“You obviously need a friendly nudge.”

“I’ll call him. I promise I’ll call him,” I say, my voice tinged with panic.

“Just like you promised to show me the email? Uh-uh. Not this time, girl,” she says. “You have made it my responsibility to socialize you.”

She presses the phone to her ear and grins at me. My face is burning with the heat of embarrassment, and I reach for her again—and again come up empty.

“Oh, it’s ringing,” she teases then smiles as she puts it on speaker as the connection is made. “Hi, yes. Hello. Is this Ezra Mullen?”

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