Page 76 of A New Chapter

“Just be careful, ok?”

“I’ll be fine, Em. I promise.”

Emma tried to call Zack on her way home from the bookstore, but he didn’t answer. “I guess you’re still out shopping,” she said aloud when she set the phone down. A few minutes later, she pulled up to find his Range Rover parked in her driveway. The lights from her car illuminated his outline where he leaned casually against his vehicle, and her body tightened with anticipation.

“Hey,” Emma said once she got out of her car. “I tried calling you.”

“I know. I was sitting right here.”

“Why didn’t you answer?”

“Because I wanted to surprise you.”

Emma couldn’t read his expression in the dark, but the desire in his voice was impossible to miss.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she stated. Stay strong, Emma. Resist, resist, resist.

“I was hoping that you’d say that.”

“So we can talk,” she said firmly.

“Oh.”

Emma couldn’t help but giggle when he visibly deflated before her eyes. “Come on in,” she said.

She grabbed a bottle of water for her and a beer for him and led them into the living room.

Zack didn’t waste any time with small talk. “Did I screw up again? Because I didn’t bring any food,” he added, attempting to distract her with humor.

Emma refused to give in to his charm. “I wanted to talk about Gracie. Don’t you think she’s smart enough to understand that we like each other—a lot?”

“Well, yeah, probably…”

“And don’t you think she’s getting used to seeing us together and touching on occasion?”

“Yes…”

“So why did you pull away when I tried to kiss you earlier? It’s not like I planned on making out with you. I just wanted to give you a simple goodbye kiss.”

Zack shrugged. “I don’t have a good answer, Em. I guess I was just being overprotective. I don’t want to cause Gracie any unhappiness. Any more unhappiness that is.”

“And you think that I do?”

“No, I didn’t say that.”

“I love that little girl, and I think that she can handle a lot more than you give her credit for. I don’t think that seeing us kiss is going to send her into a tailspin.”

“You’re probably right, but I should have a talk with her first.”

“That sounds like a great idea. What will you say?”

“I’ll start by reassuring her about how much I love her. Correction, how much we all love her: me, you, and Alicia. Then I’ll explain how I feel about you.”

How do you feel about me? Tell me, Zack. Their eyes locked, and he held out a hand to her, which she immediately clasped.

“Am I forgiven?” Zack asked, adopting a hopeful expression.

Baby steps, Emma reminded herself, and she pulled him toward her. Zack’s arms wrapped around her, and she breathed him in. “Where’s Gracie tonight?” It was better to ask before they got too carried away.