Page 34 of Fate In Fiction

“It’s one I’m keeping in mind from here on out.” We enter the elevator and ride up to the suite in silence.

“You sure you’re okay on that couch chair?” She pauses before entering her room. “We can do a pillow wall,” I suggest. “Or I’ll sleep on the chair thing tonight.”

“You won’t fit, you giant.” Her sleepy eyes are heavy as another yawn leaves her lips. “Get some good sleep. You’re mine this weekend.”

“Invite your friends,” I suggest, but quickly wish I hadn’t. “It will be good for them to see us in action.”

“Stella is a bit much.” Josie grabs the hem of her knit sweater and lifts it over her head. “I’ve been trying to keep her at a distance so she doesn’t bombard you with questions.” I barely register what she’s saying because my eyes glance at her toned midriff peeking between her lacy sports bra garment.

“I know exactly the type of woman Stella is, and how to handle her.” I laugh, removing my sweatshirt and feeling my t-shirt rise with it. I make sure to hold the hem, not letting her see my chest tattoos on purpose. I enjoy her curious little face when she gets a peek. “I turned her down for a reason.”

“Make sure she hears the reason from your mouth to solidify us.” Her finger points to my chest. “Don’t forget that part. You’ve been holding out to date the right girl. We are secretly, not secretly, dating.” I watch as her eyebrows scrunch together as she wonders if that made sense.

“Relax, Josie. I won’t let you down.” My eyes have a hard time focusing on anything but her smooth porcelain skin.

“Think before you speak so we don’t get into trouble like you did during my parents’ dinner, roomie.” Her skin looks so soft. “I know,” she whispers, instinctively bringing the sweater in front of her. “I practically glow.”

“Actually, your toned stomach is quite impressive. That’s not made from starving yourself like most models.” I compliment as best as I can. “Are there any bikini book pictures I’ll come across?” I could dig the sexy librarian vibes.

“My body isn’t what I use to get a following on social media.” Her smile forms as we stall the goodnight.

“I’ve yet to find you.” I wink, though I haven’t tried that hard to track her down. In all honesty, I couldn’t care less about the books she takes photos of.

“Thanks for the burger and milkshake. Goodnight, Emmett.” She terminates the conversation and steps back into her little nook.

“Sweet dreams, little darlin’.” I walk backwards into my room, keeping my eyes on hers. With a shy smile, she closes the door. A pull in my chests keeps me at my doorframe waiting her to open the door back up. Fuck, I want to taste her lips as they move with mine. Our soft, accidental peck has had my cock spring to life every time I replay that moment. But as much curiosity as my body has about what she’s like in bed, we need to focus on the main prizes.

JOSIE

“Please remember what we discussed this morning.” Stella and I wait outside the front of the hotel for Emmett while he changes out of his work suit.

“I know.” Stella waves her hand in front of her. “I’m not going to get super personal. We are hiking anyway. I’d never do this if the view wasn’t worth it.” She adjusts her sunglasses and looks up at the clear sky. “I hate talking while exercising.”

“Which is why this is the perfect time for you two to officially meet.”

“So, how was your first week living with your newfound lover?” Stella teases and adjusts her barely-there workout attire.

“I haven’t seen too much of him this week. We work different schedules.” The warmth in my heart brings a smile to my face as I replay our adventure the other night. “He taught me how to make a quesadilla. I burned the first two.”

“Just stick to the staff cooking.” Stella rolls her eyes. “Perks of having money.” Emmett’s patience and attentiveness were sexy as hell after I felt defeated in the kitchen. Add in his unbuttoned shirt with the tattoos poking through? Yeah, that man missed the opportunity to bend me over the counter and slap my ass with a spatula. But I respect him for fighting the urge.

“What are you blushing so hard about?” I’m snapped out of thought and at a loss for words. “That good, huh?” She winks with a sly grin. “Please share the details. My sex life has been so underwhelming.”

“And then we went for a night drive and ended up at this little old diner outside of town.” I giggle to myself in appreciation of how he shamelessly sang along to his song. I’m glad to see a side of him that he hides from the world. When this is all said and done, he better be comfortable enough to loosen up and enjoy life a little more.

“Oh, Josie Posie.” Stella trails off as my eyes find hers. “You’re falling fast for this playboy.”

“I am not.” But fake girlfriend Josie should be. I clear my throat and tilt my head. “Okay, maybe. But there is nothing wrong with enjoying the way he treats me. How could I not fall for who he really is?”

Though there isn’t much to hide besides the obvious, my heart picks up and the nerves settle into my gut. Emmett has worked late all week and the silence of the night isn’t as inviting as I imagined. Even if I’m in my room at my parents’, I still see staff, or my sister when I leave my room. I take a sip of water as Stella absorbs herself into her phone, and my body language goes unnoticed.

“Hey, little darlin’.” Emmett’s voice startles me from behind. I turn around as he’s lifting his sunglasses onto his head and meets my eyes. He smiles so authentically, hitting me in the chest, and I almost believe it’s for real. The way he looks at me like I’m the best part of his day.

“Hey, hot stuff,” I say, a little too over the top with excitement. His eyebrows raise, and I fight the cringe of losing my control. His arm muscles are on full display in his fitness tank and part of his tattoo goes over his shoulder as a teaser to everyone, including me.

“You look beautiful.” His thumb and index finger give my nose his signature playful pinch, reserved just for me, as he grins down at my basic leggings and workout shirt. “I missed you this morning.”

“Oh, I bet you did after last night.” I wink as Stella’s head whips back and forth with my bold comment. Emmett grabs the back of his neck as tilts his head, for once speechless. Look who’s the one blushing now. It’s quite cute and I now get why he constantly teases me.