by Nana Malone
He reached out and planted his hands on her shoulders. ”And, I didn’t. I kept that promise. I didn’t tell them a thing.”
She stared at him. “Are you insane? Like actually certifiable? I want to know.”
“No, not last I checked. But I do care about you, and I want you to be safe. You can’t possibly suggest that I don’t want you to be safe.”
She opened her mouth and then shut it firmly.
“I would prefer that you check with me before you interfere in my life. I liked my apartment.”
He shook his head and laughed. “No, you didn’t. Nobody would like that apartment. It was a dump.”
“But it was my dump. You can’t just take over my life. You can’t just waltz in and decide you know better. I’m not going to allow it.”
He didn’t know what happened then because he’d had something perfectly rational to say, something that would have calmed her down and gotten her to see his way of thinking, except he didn’t pull that out. He couldn’t remember it, because like an idiot, he’d forgotten his golden rule: don’t stare at Emma’s lips.
And the whole time she had been talking and ranting at him, he’d been staring. And once you stare at something you can’t have, you forget that you shouldn’t be having it in the first place. So he kissed her. The moment his lips hit hers, he knew there was no going back.
Her lips were soft, so damned soft. When she gasped, he couldn’t help it; he had to have a taste. Just a small one. When he delved his tongue into her mouth and slid his tongue against hers, a shiver racked his body.
Zach wanted more, so much more. He wanted to pull her into him and devour her, but that little whimper she made at the back of her throat stopped him. If he kept kissing her, he’d lift her onto his desk and sink into her. Fuck the consequences.
She gasped and he took full advantage, sliding his tongue deep into her mouth. Tentatively, she met his tongue with hers and he groaned low. With a sigh, Emma melted into him and looped her arms around his neck, pouring herself into the kiss.
Zach pulled back slightly, nipping at her bottom lip as he did. She swayed into him and he had to wrestle with the savage part of him that wanted to claim her on his desk.
Emma ran her tongue over her bottom lip and he groaned. When he pressed his lips to hers again, his lips were soft, tentative, and explorative at first as he tried to go slow. But he wanted to devour her. To make her his. To make her feel alive and wanted.
You’re not good enough for her. For once, he listened to the voice loud and clear.
He dragged his lips from hers, harsh pants tearing out of his chest as he staggered back, pushing her away from him. “Shit, Emma. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to—”
Her lashes fluttered as she blinked her eyes open. “Zach, I—I’m going to go.”
All he could do was watch as she ran from his office.
Well, that went well.
7
Emma
Zach had kissed her.
Actually kissed her. Every time she thought of his tongue sliding over hers, heat spread through her, the hairs on her arms stood at attention and she reflexively licked her lips, wanting more.
But you heard him. He didn’t mean for that to happen. Shit, what the hell was that?
No, she couldn’t think about that. If he meant it, then what the hell did this mean? If he hadn’t meant it, then that shit was going to hurt. Either way, she had bigger fish to fry, like her new flat.
Emma wanted to hate it. She really did. She wanted it to be the worst place she had ever seen, but it wasn’t. She loved it. It was bright, airy, open, and exquisitely decorated. She still had no idea how she was supposed to afford to live here. Zach said that a friend of his needed a house sitter. So as long as she watered the plants, she could pay a fraction of the rent. To her, that sounded a little too good to be true. But he knew how to play her. She’d fallen in love with the place as soon as she walked in. It was hardly fair. How was she expected to stay strong when the flat of her dreams had bay windows? Bay freaking windows! She was only so strong. As she twirled in the middle of her new bedroom, she heard her phone ring. Of course, just as she was starting to have fun, her mother called, which probably meant that she’d somehow telepathically realized that Emma was having a grand old time. She jogged into the living room and answered. “Hi Mum. How are you?”
“You mean besides the fact that my youngest child has skipped off, left home, and won’t tell me where she is? I’m fine.”
“Mum, listen, do you remember how to do the video? I’ll show you.”
“No, I do not remember. What does it matter anyway?”
“So I can show you my apartment. I figure if you can see it, you’ll feel better, right?”
This was a gamble. If her mother hated it, she would just list it as one more reason why Emma didn’t belong in London. But it was a risk she had to take. She turned her video on and proceeded to show her mother around the apartment. “You see the bay windows here. Look at the view. That’s actually a little part of the Thames I can see from my window. Over there, that’s the bathroom. Plenty of room. Plenty of light.”
Her mother sat stoically. She didn’t say a word. Finally, when Emma was done, she asked, “What do you think? Maybe you and Dad could come up and have a visit?”
The first words out of her mother’s mouth were, “Emma Marie, just what are you doing in London to be able to afford a place like that?”
Her heart sank. “Mum, why can’t you just be happy? I’m in a good program. I’m excited. Just be happy for me. It doesn’t cost you a thing.”
“What that costs young lady is your self-respect. I’m not sure who you’ve gone and shacked up with, or exactly what you’re doing, but I don’t approve of any of it.”
Emma sighed. “Mum, can’t you just be happy? I mean, I asked that question as if I don’t already know the answer. But I’m happy and I’m doing well. My classes are actually going really well.” It wasn’t until she sat on the window seat that she noticed a card on one of the cushions. When she opened it, there was note on the card from Zach that said, “Check the coffee table drawer in the living room. I hope I got it right.”
She frowned even as her mother went on and on about the choices she was making in her life. When Emma reached the coffee table, she opened the drawer and found the two lenses. A perfect replacement for the ones that had been stolen. What in the world? Why in the world? He’d replaced them for her because he knew how important they were for her.
How was it that her own mother couldn’t grasp how important this whole experience was, but the man she hadn’t seen in years understood exactly where she was coming from in less than a night? It seemed that she owed Zach an apology, and a thank you, because so far he was one of the main reasons she was enjoying the city.
Emma
Emma knew she shouldn’t be here.
But she couldn’t help herself. It was Zach’s birthday. He should have cake. He should have her present.
She clutched the box she’d wrapped herself containing a compass and she was going to take it to him.
She knew what had probably happened.
Zach’s father, had likely found out about the birthday celebration at her house and wasn’t letting him come. But his father was also a coward, so instead of talking to their family and telling them that Zach couldn’t make it, he was just keeping him home letting them worry. Zach’s father’s need for her family’s approval was probably the only reason he ever allowed Zach to come to their house in the first place.
His father worked for hers at the brewery. She’d never thought it was a particularly good idea that he worked there, considering his own troubles with alcohol. But her father always said he was a good employee when he was on the clock. It was just how he acted afterward that was the problem.
It didn’t matter, though. Emma was going to make sure that Zach got his present. These things were important. Presents were important. She’d learned th
at. It was important to celebrate the good things in life. At least that’s what her mom always told her. Ben and Steven were doing a whole obstacle course thing in the back garden for him. They’d been disappointed when he hadn’t come over but also understood. They planned on celebrating with him later. But she wanted Zach to have his present from her on his actual birthday.
The caravan park a mile from their house was tucked away further inland. There were no sea views from here. And as soon as she crossed across Ilford Place, it was as if a shadow fell over this part of the village. As if anyone who lived here had been sucked into some kind of vortex and was never getting out.
No. Zach would get out. He was that kind of guy. Well, at least she thought he was. He was athletic and determined and good looking. Not that it mattered. Not that her crush on her brother’s friend mattered at all. This wasn’t about that. This was about his birthday.
She crossed Ilford Place and wound her way to the several caravans parked until she found one to be his. She could hear the yelling from inside already.
On the stairs she hesitated, not sure she should knock or not. But she glanced down at the present she held in her hand. The wrapping was a bit crumpled from the walk over. But as she came all the way over here, she was going to give it to him.
Just as she raised her hand to knock, she heard a crash inside. “You’re never going to amount to anything. You’re worthless. Even your mum ran away so she wouldn’t have to deal with you.”
The shame washed through Emma. Was this how his father talked to him? How awful. No wonder she often caught him staring, confused by her parents. He was always watchful of their interactions with her and her brothers. He had no idea what that was like. Maybe he would be embarrassed that she was here. Maybe he would be embarrassed that she’d heard. She frowned and considered turning away. But no, it was his birthday. No one should have to deal with something like this on their birthday.
With another deep breath, she knocked loudly on the door. The yelling inside continued. But she wasn’t giving up. She might be the annoying little sister of his best mates, but she was still his friend and friends didn’t give up on their friends. When no one came to the door, she knocked even louder, making a small fist and using it well, pounding on the door until finally she heard the heavy foot fall approaching.
When Zach’s father opened the door, he scowled at her and then stumbled back. She could tell it was an effort to morph his face from angry to neutral and he didn’t even manage it well. “Emma? What are you doing here?”
Oh hell, what was she going to say? ‘I heard you yelling at Zach and I want you to stop it?’ She sniffed. “My – my father, my parents, we were expecting Zach an hour ago for a celebration.” Oh boy, this lie might come back to bite her in the butt. But she was going with it. If ever it was time to learn to blab her way to things, this would be it. “It’s his birthday, and as you know every year Steven, Ben, we all do something extra. You know, in addition to what you do.”
She knew his father hadn’t planned to do anything. But she wasn’t going to let on. All she needed to do was get Zach out of the house. That was her job here and she wasn’t leaving until it was done.
Zach appeared at his father’s elbow and his eyes went wide. “Emma?”
“Oh, hi Zach, I was sent to fetch you for, you know, your birthday do at my house. Steven and Ben have some big surprise plans so, you know, I got the duty.” She shifted her gaze to his father hoping he was buying this.
The old man glowered at her. “It’s Zach’s birthday? But that’s not for –“ and then he frowned. She could see it, a hint of shame.
He’d forgotten. He’d forgotten his own son’s birthday, but the scowl was back in a second. “I can handle my son’s birthday.”
She blinked rapidly. “Of course, sir. We assumed that you had a celebration going, but we didn’t know when. So, we hope we’re not intruding on anything you’ve got planned today.”
She could bite her tongue. She’d given him an opening to say that they were celebrating today. Gosh, she’s going to have to get better at this whenever she got older. But Zach apparently saw through what she was trying to do and he helped her out. “No, nothing is planned today. Dad’s busy, so we’re going to do it this weekend.” He shifted his gaze to his father and then stepped out of range for a moment, as if expecting a whack.
Trapped, the old man had no option but to acquiesce. “Your father put this together?”
She nodded. “Yeah, we do something every year for my friends too. Something at the house, so everyone knows that they’re welcome always.” That last line was for Zach, to let him know that no matter what was going on he always had somewhere to go.
Zach’s father shifted on his feet as if unsure of what to make of all these. Then finally, he turned his attention to Zach who already had shoes on and a jumper. Zach squeezed out of the tiny doorway, careful not to brush up against his father and then joined her on the top step. “I won’t be too late.” And then he took her hand and tugged her down the stairs in his wake. Emma barely managed to even mumble a goodbye to his father and she had to sprint to keep up with him.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Ems.”
“I don’t care. It’s your birthday. You should celebrate. Also, I have a present for you.” She thrust the present at him, and a hot flush of embarrassment crept up her neck.
He stopped when they were several hundred meters away from his house and he stared at the present. “You got me something?”
“Of course, silly, it’s your birthday. Everyone deserves presents on their birthday.”
He frowned for a moment and then blinked rapidly. When he nodded, he spoke softly. “Thank you for this.” He inclined his head back toward the house. “And for that, it means more than you’ll know.”
She wanted to wipe the sadness out of his eyes, and so she grinned up at him. “Come on. Move along. Mom made a pudding and you have to pretend to be surprised about Ben and Steven’s surprise obstacle course in the backyard, okay?” She started walking briskly so that he wouldn’t see the well of emotion brimming in her eyes. She’d always had a little crush on Zach, but today, today she was sure that she loved him. Never mind that she was only eleven. She knew what love was. And that’s what she felt right now.
8
Zach
Zach looked down at the final tally numbers from Club Trend’s opening weekend, doing his best to focus on the numbers and not think about Emma. Of all his clubs, it had definitely earned him more money than he had anticipated, blowing his projections through the roof. By now, he should have pulled out of the clubs entirely. But he still liked knowing every aspect of every one of his businesses. He had monthly meetings with Jason, his tech team and his real estate team.
“Mate, these are some sick numbers,” Jason was saying as they looked at the spreadsheet together. “I can’t believe that we made that in a weekend.”
“We shouldn’t have to worry about supplier issues any longer,” Zach remarked, leaning back in his chair. Those numbers were a reason to celebrate, but all he wanted to do was talk to Emma again. Emma. Damn, he couldn’t get her out of his head. A few cheeky smiles and she’d invaded his dreams, doing things that he should be shot for thinking about.
His phone rang and he clamored to get it, his heart hammering in his chest. It was her. She was ringing him. Ignoring Jason’s look of surprise, he looked at the screen, swearing as he got a closer look at the number. No, it wasn’t that Welsh, it was the other one. Holding the phone up to his ear, he swallowed hard and sucked in a deep breath. “Hey mate, what’s up?”
“Congratulations,” Steven said in his ear, his voice jovial. “I saw in the paper that your club killed it this weekend. I know you must be fucking ecstatic.”
“I am,” Zach said slowly. “Thanks for calling. I hope you get to see the place soon.”
“Me too,” Steven replied. “I’m hoping to be London-bound in a few weeks. We will throw it down
then.”
“Sounds good,” Zach said. It had been a long time since they got to hang out together. “What’s happening?”
“Have you seen Emma yet?” Steven asked.
Zach rubbed a hand over his face. Hell yeah, he had seen Emma and she had turned his world upside down in a matter of hours. “Why?” he asked. Had Emma said anything to her brother?
“I was just wondering,” Steven replied with a heavy sigh. “I couldn’t get anything out of her earlier other than how well school was going. I hope she’s not being bothered by any fuckers.”
Zach let out a breath, thinking that the only fucker Steven needed to be worried about, unfortunately, was him. Shit, this put him in an awkward situation. “I already told you; I’ll watch out for her,” he finally said. “I’m planning on seeing her this weekend,” he lied. He’d have to figure out a way to apologize first.
Yeah, he was a real tosser. He knew it. “It’s good to have friends like you I can count on,” Steven said. “I don’t know what I would do without you, mate.”
“I know,” Zach said faintly. They said their goodbyes and Zach threw the phone on the table, running his hand through his hair roughly.
Jason chuckled. “Please don’t tell me this has anything to do with the bird from the other night,” Jason said, crossing his arms over his chest. “You look like you are about to vomit.”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” Zach said, picking up the papers they were poring over just a few minutes ago. He didn’t want anyone to know what he was thinking about Emma. It made him feel disloyal to his best friend, while denying himself something he had wanted for a while. He couldn’t do it. There was no way he could do anything with Emma. But there was also no avoiding her. He had to talk to her.
Zach
Later that night, Zach still hadn’t called Emma. He wiped both hands on his jeans as his mind recalled the last time he’d seen her. He’d fucked that up. He knew it. She’d been angry, and he kissed her. And since he kissed her, that shit had been playing in his head for two solid days which wasn’t good for him.
