Touch Him (ManTrap Book 3)
Page 21
Emmy took a shaky step forward to stand in front of the microphone as the manager announced that they had a special guest singer tonight who wanted to dedicate a song.
Clearing her throat, she squinted against the lights shining in her eyes. "I'm singing this song for Owen."
Holy fuck. I didn't need Emmy to do this. I already loved her.
"What was she thinking? She can't sing."
Shelby nodded toward the stage. "She wanted to show you that she can take a crazy chance and I suggested this one."
This time I did turn to Shelby, leaning down so she wouldn't miss a word of what I had to say. "Shelby, you're a brilliant psychologist and a good person but this is possibly the worst idea that anyone has ever had anywhere, anyplace, at any time."
I didn't wait for her reaction, shoving my chair back and getting to my feet. Striding up to the stage, I could hear the first notes of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” being played and I could only pray that I reached her before she began to sing.
"Emmy, you don't have to do this."
I stopped inches from where she stood on stage. Surprise, hope, relief, and then tenderness all flitted across her features. I should never have doubted myself. I'd seen her love. It was there even if she didn't shout it to everyone in Arborville. She might be scared of it but that didn't make it any less present.
"You don't have to do this," I repeated. The song was still playing but the crowd had quieted down, sensing that something interesting was going on. "I love you, Emmy."
Her hands flew to her mouth and tears sparkled in her eyes. Sniffling, she took my hand as I stepped up on the stage with her.
"I love you, too."
The microphone was so close that her statement was blared out of the speakers for all to hear. A collective cheer went up from the patrons but I didn't give a shit. I just wanted her.
"I wanted to do something risky, something to show you that I understand."
The crowd could still hear us but all I could see was this amazing woman who was willing to do dumb shit just for me. I was ready to do anything and everything for her. She didn't even need to ask.
"Understand what, honey?"
She smiled at that moment, a little shaky and scared, but it still had the power to jerk the heart in my chest to life. These last two days I'd been only existing.
"The magic of love. I know that it's real now because it's changed me."
I shook my head and ran my hands up her arms, coming to rest on her shoulders. "You never needed to change. I needed to be more patient. Honey, you're wonderful just the way you are."
"I need to be–"
"Exactly what you are," I said, not letting her finish. "Efficient, practical, bossy, beautiful, loving, and the woman of my heart. I got impatient and greedy and I wanted it all on my timetable. I won't make that mistake again."
The patrons in the bar were going wild now, screaming and hollering, stomping their feet. I could hear exhortations to kiss her, ask her to marry me, and a few other suggestions that were definitely on the X-rated side. I'd save those for when we were alone.
"We're both going to make mistakes, Owen. I know I will and you probably will, too. I think we’ll react differently next time. Stay and fight it out instead of walking away."
"No more walking away. We stay and work it out," I vowed, pulling her closer. "I don't suppose you have any ideas as to how we can make a graceful exit off of this stage?"
Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head. "Nope, the girls talked me into getting up here but they never told me how to get down. I think they were depending on you to know what to do."
I only knew one thing to do. I'd seen it in a movie.
Bending down, I placed my arm under Emmy's knees and lifted her into my arms. For a moment, I thought I might be too much of a weakling to carry this plan off but then she was settled against my chest and it wasn't bad at all.
"Emmy, I love you. Let's give this a try."
"I love you too, and I say yes."
She was smiling at me, and even in this light I could see the love shining out of her eyes. It wouldn't be easy. Emmy and I had strong personalities and there were going to be times that we disagreed. We simply had to keep our eye on what was important.
The magic of love.
I hope you enjoyed Owen and Emmy’s story! Shelby’s story will be coming soon.
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About the Author
Olivia Jaymes is a wife, mother, lover of sexy romance, and caffeine addict. She lives with her husband and son in central Florida and spends her days with handsome alpha males and spunky heroines.
She is currently working on a new contemporary romance series – Man Trap in addition to her other ongoing series.
Visit Olivia Jaymes at
www.OliviaJaymes.com
Other Titles by Olivia Jaymes
Danger Incorporated
Damsel In Danger
Hiding From Danger
Indecent Danger
Embracing Danger
Danger In The Night
Reunited With Danger
Window to Danger
Cowboy Justice Association
Cowboy Command
Justice Healed
Cowboy Truth
Cowboy Famous
Cowboy Cool
Imperfect Justice
The Deputies
Justice Inked
Justice Reborn
Vengeful Justice
Military Moguls
Champagne and Bullets
Diamonds and Revolvers
Caviar and Covert Ops
Emeralds, Rubies, and Camouflage
Midnight Blue Beach
Wicked After Midnight
Midnight Of No Return
Kiss Midnight Goodbye
The Hollywood Showmance Chronicles
A Kiss For the Cameras
Swinging From A Star
Wild on the Red Carpet