Page 89 of Fall For Me
I settle back into my seat. And frown at the worry lines between her brows, the way she’s chewing the inside of her cheek. She told me her ex didn’t want her to spend time with her friends, isolating her, and criticizing Emma for being too much. I rage inwardly at how that prick has conditioned Peyton. My new mission is to make sure she’ll feel at ease having her friend around this weekend. No matter how Emma’s sudden visit torpedoed my romantic plans. Peyton needs to know her friends are always welcome in our house.
“It’s fine.” I smile.
“Are you sure? My parents just left. I get it if you’re done being social. She can go to a hotel.”
“Nonsense, she’s staying with us.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Positive. Is she okay, though? Does your best friend often show up unannounced?”
“No.” Peyton glances toward the porch, then back at me. “But she probably didn’t want us to have time to prepare.”
“Prepare for what?”
“Your serial killer assessment.” Peyton winces. “She knows our relationship is fake.”
Hopefully not for long. I pray the thought doesn’t show on my face.
“But,” Peyton adds, her cheeks flushing pink, “I also told her about the kisses.”
A smirk tugs at my mouth. “Yeah? What did you say about these kisses that’s making you blush?”
The pink deepens to crimson. But before Peyton can reply, Emma yells at us.
“I can see you two confabulating!” Her voice carries across the driveway, scolding but amused. “You’re being very rude!”
Peyton flinches. I take her hand, the one still gripping my forearm, and lift it to my lips, brushing a kiss over her knuckles.
“Don’t worry,” I murmur against her skin. “I grew up with Lila. I can handle your best friend.”
I release her hand and climb out of the car before she can argue.
Emma watches my approach with her arms crossed and a tilted head, still amused but also assessing.
“Emma.” I extend my hand. “I’m Liam. It’s great to meet the best friend I’ve heard so much about.”
Her handshake is firm, testing. “Likewise. Even if she’s been frustratingly sparse with details about you.”
“That’s because I’m very mysterious.” I reach down and grab her duffel bag. “Let me show you inside.”
As I turn to slide the key into the lock, I catch a blur of movement in my peripheral vision. Peyton has gotten out ofthe car and rushed up the steps, intercepting Emma. The two women collide in a fierce hug right behind me, their voices dropping into urgent whispers. I pretend not to notice. Give them space. I leave the door open and carry Emma’s bag upstairs to one of the guest rooms.
When I return to the main floor, I find them in the kitchen. They’re sitting on stools with their heads bent close together as they talk in hushed tones.
They look up and go silent when I clear my throat.
“So.” I lean against the doorframe. “What’s the plan? Emma, you want to jump straight into the Blue Crescent Harbor experience and come to the football game? Or we could grab dinner in town. Or—” I shrug. “I can make myself scarce. Head to the game alone while you two catch up, and we meet up later.”
Peyton answers first. “Yeah, we’ll catch you after the game.”
Emma’s smile turns a little feral. “I appreciate you giving us space to gossip about you freely.”
“Happy to oblige.” I mock-bow. “I’ll go get changed so you can start ripping me apart.”
I’m not three steps down the hallway when Emma’s voice floats after me, pitched loud enough to carry.
“Okay, I knew he was annoyingly hot. But you didn’t mention he was also this charming.” A pause. “How have you kept your panties on after a month of living with him?”
