Page 40 of Fate In Fiction

“Julianne, do you have a crush?” I smirk, feeling my heart beat with giddiness. “You’re a little young for a boyfriend.”

“I know he will notice me by the end of camp.” She solidifies her words. “I want him to smile at me the way he smiles at Alexandra.”

“Is Alexandra your friend?”

“No, she is the other camp counselor.” Oh, now I get it.

“Julianne, you’re too young for him.” Her eyes roll in the mirror as she critiques her braids.

“I am not. He is only six years older. Emmett’s seven years older than you.” Her debate has a valid point, but she’s missing one thing.

“We are not ten and sixteen,” I begin. “Emmett and I are both adults.”

“Whatever. Not like I’ll have much of choice anyway.” She sighs, and I know my father is already talking to her about potential suitors. “Maybe I will get lucky like you did. If not, I’ll threaten to stay single and just live at home forever.”

Damn, why didn’t I think of that threat before I made up this whole spiel?

“Your hair looks cute. Now let’s go because I cannot be late for work.” I kiss her cheek, and we head out to my car.

“Enjoy your day, ladies.” Hanson smiles and waves us off.

Once Julianne is dropped off, and I’m driving to meet clients, I fight a yawn. I stayed awake too late last night, trying to calm my heart from what Emmett almost saw in the bathroom. Sure, he has seen a sex toy before, but he doesn’t need to know that is how I spent my time yesterday evening. I hadn’t expected to see him home before nine. I park and walk over to the monument downtown while I wait for my private group of tourists to arrive. The sun peeks over the mountains with promising warmth for this morning, making me smile to myself.

Their tour extends an extra hour, and I remind myself I need the money just in case Emmett and I don’t make it long enough to convince my father that it was Emmett’s choice to call it off. Walking back into the hotel, the clouds close in, and the downpour begins. Thankfully, we had a good morning on the mountain, but I send out a mass text to cancel yoga–though everyone knows we aren’t going up the mountain with this weather.

I walk through the suite and remove my windbreaker. It’s just after eight, but the gloomy sky makes it feel later in the day. My soul craves a hot chocolate, a book, and to curl up with a blanket to pass the morning. I make my way down the hall toward my room, as my oversized sweatshirt begs to engulf me. The bathroom door opens just as I reach it, and my heart jolts.

“Shit!” Emmett places his hand over his chest. “You scared me.”

Everything slows, and I am in very dangerous territory. The lighting from behind him accenting his muscles. The steam emerging from the shower. It’s like a scene from one of my fantasies. Emmett runs a hand through his damp hair as water droplets glisten on his shoulders. His bare chest magnetizes me. My eyes take in the Latin writing and patterns from his shoulder to his chest as his large hand reaches up to grip the doorframe, leaning against it. Yep, this sight is engraved for later use. I think I just swallowed?

My peripheral tells me he is wearing a white cotton towel, but dare I take in more of him? Another tattoo paints down his side. This one, I’ve seen in photos, but it’s even more mouth-watering in person. I don’t know when this man has time to work out, but his abs are tight valleys of muscle, and lead right down to the hem of the towel. He’s more than a hot body, I remind myself. Which is true, and totally not helping this situation. When my head tilts up, I’m met with his amused eyes.

“Such a shame, for you." His face lights up with pride as his charming grin spreads wide. “The one morning I decide to put on a towel. Like what you see, little darlin’?” As if my hypnotic ogling wasn’t enough of an ego stroke.

“You’re fit.” I shrug, miraculously pulling myself back together and throwing him the same compliment he gave me the other night. “It’s admirable.” It’s difficult to keep my tone and eyes level when there is more of his body to appreciate.

“You haven’t even seen the most admirable part, little darlin’.” The seductive side comes out as he takes a step forward. Fortunately for me, I’m not easily baited by lame dick jokes.

“Your heart?” Catching him off guard, he steps back, and his hand grips the hem of his towel. “You keep it closed off, Rookie.”

“Women have never complained before.” There it is. I’ve hit nerve. His playboy self resurfaces, but the vulnerability in his eyes is textbook. “Getting their heart to race tends to be enough.”

“If you ever want to be appreciated beyond the surface, open your heart and know your self-worth. A good woman would be stupid not to admire the absolute hell out of that.” Taking a step back, I lean on my doorframe, and create a few more inches between us.

“You’re falling hard, Josie.” His lips twitches as if it’s some prize to be won.

“Arrogance isn’t my aphrodisiac.” My arms cross. “If you meet the real Emmett underneath the charm by the time this arrangement is over, it would make our gameplan a tad less superficial.” He chuckles at my comment, but I watch his wheels turning. “That way, if you ever do settle down, you’ll know how admirable you really are. There’s no pressure of judgment if you practice your vulnerability with me, because you know I’m taking off.”

“I need to get dressed for work.” He pushes off the wall and heads into his room.

Once Emmett is suited up and looking like his net worth, he walks into the kitchen as I nod to a bagel with cream cheese. “Did you make that for me?”

“I’ve got the toaster down.” I laugh, swiveling on the barstool as I sip my hot chocolate.

“Thank you. I was running late and planned to skip breakfast.” I glance at the stove clock and see he’s got just enough time to finish it before heading to the office floor. “Why are you back early?”

“Yoga was canceled due to the storm.” I look out the large window and watch as the clouds wring themselves out. “I’m not a fan of being wet.”