Page 16 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
He dried his hands and went to check on the roast in the crockpot.It wasn't as though he needed anyone to talk to.Far from it.Now that all his chores were done, he could kick back and enjoy a rare afternoon to himself.Although, staring out the window at the mountains, he couldn't help but wish there was someone around to share it with.
He spun around at the sound of tires crunching on the gravel outside.His pulse quickened, and he straightened, already moving toward the window before he'd even thought about it.He stopped himself before he reached it, hanging back to make sure that he remained out of sight.Then he laughed at himself when he realized what he was doing—even if it were Harper, there was no need for him to hide.
When he recognized the SUV, and Cash climbed out, Emmett wasn't surprised in the least that he raised his hand in greeting.Hanging back like this might have been enough to keep him out of sight from most people.But it'd take more than this to fool Cash into thinking he wasn't home.
Not that he wanted to do that.He hurried to open the door to greet his friend.
"Hey Cash, what brings you out this way?What can I do for you?"
Cash gave him a puzzled smile."Damn, I know I've asked you for a few favors recently, but are we to the point where you think I'd only come over to see you when I need something?"
"Nah, I didn't mean it that way.I guess I'm just surprised to see you.It's Sunday afternoon after all—I thought you'd be hanging out with the family, at your regular lunch."
"I was over there for a while earlier, but I'm headed up to town, flying out tonight on some business, and I wanted to stop and see you on the way.If you have time for me, that is."
Emmett made a face at him and turned to go inside.Cash closed the door after them and looked around.
"I see you've been making the most of the girls being over at Brooke's, then.This place even smells clean."
"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do," said Emmett.
Cash grasped his shoulder."I know, and you do it damn well, but I still say that you deserve some time for yourself when you can, you know."
"I know, and I get that time, when I can.Like this weekend—the girls are at Brooke's."
Cash chuckled."Exactly, and here you are cleaning."He gave Emmett a knowing smile."Although I noticed you were out visiting yesterday."
Emmett stared at him, not knowing what to say.
"Well shit, is it a secret?"Cash asked.
"Is what a secret?"
"Don't act dumb, Emmett.Your truck was outside the cottage at Jim Sheridan's place yesterday.Don't try telling me it wasn't."
"It wasn't there for long; I brought her back from the airport, that's all."
"Well damn, I was hoping it was more than that.I knew you'd gone to the airport for her, but I figured you guys might have hung out when you got back."He looked around the empty house."You know, since the girls aren't around."
Emmett shrugged and turned away."Do you want a drink?Have you eaten?"
Cash followed him into the kitchen."I have eaten, but whatever's in that crockpot smells good."
"If you can behave yourself and not give me grief about Harper, you can come and have dinner with me and the girls one night, like you used to.I know you love that crockpot roast, and the girls would love to have you over."
"You've got yourself a deal."Emmett was surprised at that, until Cash laughed and added, "And you can't back out now.The deal was only that I'd behave myself.You forgot to put any conditions on what kind of behavior; you didn't say anything about me needing to be good."
Emmett shook his head with a laugh."Fair enough, I'll feed you anyway, even if you do give me shit."
"I don't intend to give you any shit, bud.I'm hopeful."
"About what?"
"Jesus, Emmett, you know damn well what.Or are you really that far removed from..."Cash pursed his lips and met Emmett's gaze."I know you'll never be over Em, but you have to remember I know the promise you made her, and I think it's probably time for me to tell you that I made her a promise of my own."
Emmett just stared at him, not trusting his voice to ask the obvious question.
"If it's too soon to talk about it, if this is the wrong time and the wrong situation, then we can drop it again for now.But I think you know damn well what I mean, don't you?"
