Undeniably His

by Emery Jacobs

  “You played so well today, Rhys,” Hannah brags, pulling him in for a hug.

  “Thanks.” His smile is so big it covers his whole face.

  “Congratulations, man. You played a great game,” I tell him, rubbing my hand over his head. The three of us head down the sidewalk and out the gate.

  “Hey, Dad, can I go eat pizza with Levi?” Rhys asks as we move toward my truck.

  Before I have a chance to answer him, I notice Emmie’s Jeep parked across the street next to a white Infiniti.

  The football field is located across the street from Crown Meadows, a city park that’s a popular place for weddings, but it doesn’t look like there’s a wedding today, because there are only a few cars in the parking lot and barely any people around.

  “Can I? His parents are waiting on me,” Rhys begs. I look at Hannah.

  She shrugs. “You’re the dad.”

  “I thought you and Aunt Hannah had plans to see a movie this afternoon,” I remind Rhys.

  “Aunt Hannah and I can see a movie any time. I’d rather have pizza with Levi and his sister,” he tells me, and then looks over his shoulder toward Levi’s family, who are standing next to a large white SUV.

  “His sister?” I ask.

  “Dad, not so loud. She’s kinda my girlfriend,” he whispers.

  “Girlfriend? Isn’t she twelve?” I look over at my sister, who just laughs. “You’re only ten. Don’t you think she’s a little old for you?” I stretch my neck to try to get a good look at the young girl standing next to Levi.

  “So I like older women,” Rhys says with a shrug.

  What the hell?

  “What about Levi? Does he know you and his sister… well, you know?” I ask. This conversation seems awkward. He’s ten, for fuck’s sake.

  “Yeah, he knows she’s got a thing for me.”

  “Wait a minute, she has a thing for you? And you?”

  “Dad, please. I like her, and she thinks she’s my girlfriend. Well, I guess she is my girlfriend, but it’s not a big deal. Levi doesn’t care. Why’re you asking so many questions?” Rhys asks.

  Movement across the street catches my attention and I shift my gaze just in time to see Emmie walking toward her Jeep with another blonde-haired woman.

  Damn, she’s beautiful. It’s hard to believe it’s been less than twenty-four hours since I was inside her. I can still smell her on my skin and see those blue eyes staring into mine as she came. She was bold, beautiful, and took what she wanted. I shake my head at the memory.

  “Come on, it’s just pizza,” Rhys pleads.

  I dig my wallet from my pocket as I notice Emmie and her friend walking across the street in my direction.

  Shit! I planned on calling her next week after her car was securely on Dave’s lot, mostly to give her an update, but also to hear her voice. I just don’t know how I’m going to tell her that what happened last night can’t happen again. I’d rather walk away from her now than risk her finding out who I really am. If Miles ever found out about Emmie and me, he would make sure I lived to regret it.

  “Hi, Beau.” Emmie’s soft voice pulls my attention away from my thoughts.

  I smile and nod at her as she and her friend stop in front of me and my family.

  She looks beautiful; she always does. Today, she’s wearing a white V-neck T-shirt, faded jeans with rips in the knees, white Chucks, and dark sunglasses. Her purse is slung over her shoulder and her hands are shoved into the front pockets of her jeans. She looks relaxed, happy, and sexy as hell.

  Emmie smiles as she pushes her sunglasses up onto the top of her head. Her eyes travel from me to Rhys and then over to Hannah. The smile she was wearing quivers, and her blue eyes widen.

  “I saw your truck and just thought I’d walk over and say hi,” she says with a shaky voice.

  Her eyes linger on Hannah a few seconds longer and then she looks back at me.

  “You were working?” I ask, motioning toward the park across the street.

  “Oh, yeah. Well, not really. Ava’s getting married next spring and we’re scouting out locations.” Emmie laughs and looks over at her friend.

  “Dad, the money. I’m gonna get left if I don’t hurry.” Rhys’s impatient voice grabs my attention.

  “Here.” I hold out my hand and he takes the twenty before stepping away. I lean forward and grab his arm to gently stop him in his tracks. “Not so fast. I want you home right after pizza. No hanging out at Levi’s house today.”

  “Is this because of the girlfriend thing?” my son asks, looking at me from over his shoulder.

  “No, it has nothing to do with your new girlfriend. I need you home to help me with a few things around the house.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell Levi’s parents to drop me off at home after we eat,” Rhys says. He takes a couple steps away from me before looking over at Emmie. Her gaze meets his and she flashes him a genuine smile. He smiles back at her then quickly looks over at me for a beat, almost like he suspects something. He’s ten, I tell myself. He’s just a kid. He probably thinks Emmie’s pretty and is wondering why she’s wasting her time talking to me. Damn, all the lies I’ve told over the past few weeks are making me paranoid.

  “Sorry about that,” I say as my eyes find Emmie’s again.

  She sucks in a deep breath and cocks her head to the right.

  “Like I said earlier, I saw your truck and thought I’d say hi. I’ll let you two head home, or whatever….” Emmie’s voice fades as she turns to walk away.

  She’s leaving? No goodbye or anything? Maybe I should let her go then text her in a bit to find out what’s wrong, because this is a side of Emmie I’m not used to. She obviously wants to get away from me.

  I let out a breath and rub the back of my neck.

  “I’m Ava, by the way,” her friend says before she turns away.

  Emmie stops and turns back to face me. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ve just got a lot on my mind today.” She shakes her head and looks toward her friend.

  Hannah clears her throat and nudges me in the ribs with her elbow, reminding me that I forgot to introduce her, too.

  “I’m Beau,” I mumble as Ava extends her right hand. I grip and release it quickly before taking a couple of steps back.

  “Ava is engaged to my brother, Miles,” Emmie adds.

  The mention of that asshole’s name has me frantic to get out of here. My eyes scan the entrance to the park and then the immediate surrounding area. I’m sure if Miles were here, he would have already shown his arrogant ass by now.

  “Your brother?” I laugh. Yeah, I laugh, because I don’t know what else to do. I feel oddly paranoid for the second time this afternoon, and now knowing that Miles and Ava are engaged makes me wonder if he’s said anything to her about me. That would have to be a no, because then Ava would tell Emmie… or maybe not.

  “Yeah. I know it seems weird, but Ava has been my friend for as long as I can remember, and then somewhere along the way, she and my brother fell in love.” She looks at Ava and smiles. “Since my two favorite people are getting married, I’m working on planning the best wedding this little community has ever seen,” she boasts with a gleam in her eyes.

  Miles is one of her favorite people. Of course he is—he’s her brother. I wouldn’t stand a chance with him. Emmie would always believe what he says over any explanation I may have. Watching her talk about her brother only gives me more proof that I have to stop this infatuation I have with her, even if it hurts both of us.

  “We’re gonna get out of here.” Emmie glances at Hannah, holding her gaze for a beat before looking at me. “Just text me about my car, or have Dave call me.” She turns to walk away.

  “You’re such a dumbass,” Hannah mumbles quietly.

  “What?” I ask.

  “Emmie,” my sister calls out, stopping her and Ava before they cross the street.

  Emmie looks over her shoulder as my sister makes her way down the sidewalk.

  “I’
m sorry my brother is so rude and forgot to introduce us.” Hannah’s voice is loud and perfectly clear.

  “Brother?” I’m barely able to hear Emmie’s voice from where I’m standing, but at least I can read her lips.

  Hannah continues, “Yes, he is my brother, and I’m really embarrassed of that fact right now. But, I’m Hannah, his sister, and the kid who left to go eat with friends, that’s his son, Rhys.” Hannah looks over at me and smiles. “Rhys had a football game this morning, so that’s why we’re here. He plays almost every Saturday during the fall,” Hannah tells them.

  A strange look of recognition flashes across Emmie’s face before she smiles and looks my way. Hannah continues talking for a few moments before the girls say their goodbyes.

  Emmie looks back at me one last time, and this time she’s smiling and waving. I give her a tight smile and nod as she heads across the street toward her Jeep.

  “You’re an idiot, Beau,” Hannah says as she starts walking toward the truck.

  “What? First you called me a dumbass, and now an idiot. What the hell did I do?” I ask as I load the lawn chairs in the back of the truck.

  “You really don’t know, do you?”

  I stop what I’m doing and stare at my sister. Before I can answer her, she continues.

  “That woman—Emmie.” She motions toward the Jeep pulling out of the parking lot across the street.

  “Keep your voice down, Hannah,” I mutter as I walk around to the driver’s side door.

  “Keep my voice down,” she repeats with more force. We both climb into the truck and look at each other. Her eyebrows are raised and her eyes are wild.

  “What is wrong with you? You’re acting crazy. Kind of reminds me of Leo.” I laugh.

  “Stop it, Beau. Please tell me you aren’t this stupid.”

  “I give up. Tell me all the reasons I’m an idiot, stupid, and… oh, yeah, a dumbass.” I slam my hands onto the steering wheel.

  Hannah blows out a breath and rolls her eyes.

  “What?” I ask, gripping the wheel tighter. I’m completely clueless as to what she’s talking about, unless she figured out that I fucked Emmie on her couch last night. Hannah’s good, but not that good—at least I don’t think she is.

  “Emmie,” she says her name again before shoving my arm gently. “She’s got a thing for you. I mean, it’s so obvious she likes you. Tell me about her and you. There has to be more than you helping her with her car.”

  “Wait a minute.” I hold my hands up in front of me. “First, how did you know she’s the woman I helped with her car?”

  “Just take me home. I can’t deal with you playing the stupid brother anymore. You know that’s Leo’s job,” Hannah huffs out.

  I let out a chuckle, because she’s right. Nobody plays dumb better than my little brother.

  “Look, Beau, she mentioned her car and Dave, so I put two and two together, and I knew from watching her watch you, Rhys, and me that she had no idea who I was. I really think she thought I was your wife.”

  Hannah’s right. Emmie has no idea about my life outside of Jim Matson’s Automotive, but I find it hard to believe someone like her would’ve had sex with me if she suspected I was married. She doesn’t seem like that type of girl.

  “There’s nothing going on between me and Emmie. I fixed her Jeep and then she asked me to help her sell her car. I talked to Dave, and he agreed to put it on his lot. That’s it.”

  “I don’t believe you. That girl went from complete disbelief after seeing you with me and Rhys to sheer happiness that included a smile and a wave after I introduced myself as your sister. If the two of you had a strictly business relationship, I doubt she would have even taken the time to walk over and speak to us. So, you can lie to yourself all you want, but I know what I saw.”

  “You want me to find somebody so badly you’ve resorted to seeing things that aren’t really there, Hannah. Don’t you think if there were something going on between us, she would know I have a son? And most importantly, don’t you think she would know I don’t have a wife? She’s a pretty girl and has a lot to offer, but Emmie isn’t my type and never will be.” I crank the truck and look over at my sister. “I told you I don’t have any intention of dating, at least not any time soon, but if I change my mind, you’ll be the first to know.” I don’t look over at her, because I know she doesn’t believe me even though I felt like I sounded pretty damn convincing. I’m going to talk to Emmie next week and make sure we’re both on the same page. The sex was fucking great, but I think we both silently agreed it was just that—great sex.

  As I pull out of the parking lot, I notice Ava leaning against her car talking to some guy. He’s tall, thin, and blond, but it’s not Miles. The guy leans down and kisses her on the lips, and then Ava wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into a hug without missing a beat. Well, shit. Watching the two of them is wrong. As much as I don’t like Miles Carmichael, it’s still wrong for his girl to be making out with some other guy. Not my business… but if it were, I’d tell him to get off Emmie’s ass and start watching his own. He needs to pay more attention to what his fiancée is doing in broad daylight.

  16

  Emmie

  “Where’s the boy’s mom?” I ask as I push Ava’s iced coffee across the wooden surface toward her.

  I take a sip of my flat white and lean against her desk, facing my best friend. It’s Monday morning, three days since I slept with Beau and two days since I saw him and his family at the football field. I haven’t spoken to him since then, and I’m okay with that. The night we hooked up, he told me he couldn’t give me a relationship, and I slept with him anyway. So, if I’m feeling any regret, that’s on me, not him.

  “Good morning to you, too, Emmie.” Ava grabs her beverage and takes an obviously much-needed drink. “Oh my God, this is my favorite,” she says, pulling the straw from her lips. “I swear The Java House has better coffee than any of those chain places.” She takes another quick sip before her eyes meet mine. “Now, what was your question again? I kind of got caught up in that cup of deliciousness.” Ava laughs, resting her elbows on the desk.

  “Beau’s son—where do you think his mom is?”

  She raises an eyebrow and purses her red lips. “I have no idea. You didn’t ask him about his ex before you let him fuck you on your living room couch?”

  “Ava, not so loud. The door’s open, and I really don’t want anyone else in my business. That includes my brother, too, so anything we discuss about Beau cannot leave this room.” I walk across the office and close the door to give us a little more privacy.

  “I’m not in the habit of discussing your sex life with Miles, so you don’t have to worry about him finding out anything from me,” Ava adds before she slurps down another gulp of her coffee.

  “I was worried Hannah was his wife after seeing her texting him the other night, but now that I know she’s his sister, I feel better about things. I mean, surely he’s not married… right?”

  “Come here, Emmie. Sit,” Ava instructs softly.

  I pull a chair up next to her, and she takes my hands in hers.

  “I want you to be happy,” she says, smiling at me.

  “I want to be happy, too. Actually, you have no idea how bad I want to be happy.”

  “Does Beau make you happy?” she asks, her blue eyes searching my face for the truth.

  I nod and pull in a soft breath.

  “He does make me happy, but I don’t know anything about him. He’s very secretive, and he told me he can’t give me a relationship. Honestly, I was using him as a stepping stone to get me back out into the dating world, and I hadn’t had sex in so long… I needed someone to hold me and make me feel wanted, beautiful, and sexy.”

  “Well, did he give you those things?”

  I nod, feeling a bit ashamed for having these feelings. I never thought a man could make me feel anything but worry and regret; because toward the end of my marriage those are the only feelings I
had with Max.

  “Maybe just give him some time and he’ll come around. He may be afraid of commitment,” Ava explains as she releases my hands. “You worry too much and you overthink everything. Just relax and go with it. Whatever happens will happen.” She smiles then pulls a folder from the stack of files piled on her desk. She taps her red fingernail on the table and hums for a beat.

  “What?” I ask.

  “Oh, it’s nothing, just thinking about the Jones-Simon wedding. I still have a few things left to do on it before my final meeting with the couple, so I may be out of the office for a while today.”

  “Okay, I’ll let you get to work. I have a lot of paperwork to go through myself.” I stand and turn to walk away.

  “Hey,” Ava calls out to me softly before I make it out the door.

  “Yeah?” I turn around to face her.

  “Don’t worry about the boy’s mom. I doubt she’s in the picture, and if she is, it’s probably only for shared custody. I see no indication that he’s married, so—”

  “Who’s not married?” Miles’s voice echoes from the doorway.

  I crease my forehead and mouth the word no to Ava. I do not want my brother to know anything about Beau—nothing. Luckily, he can’t see me, because I’m facing my friend with my back toward him.

  Ava watches Miles as he makes his way across the room to her desk. “It’s work stuff. Nobody you know or care to know about.” She smiles at my brother. Miles gently rubs his hand along her back before leaning over and kissing her lips softly. Ugh! I hate this—them. Okay, not really, but they’re always so happy, like a normal couple. Unlike me, living in a world of what-ifs and does-he-like-me’s.

  I blow out a breath then continue my trek toward the door. I’ve got enough paperwork on my desk to keep me busy all week.

  “Did you tell her?” Miles asks Ava before I can make it through the door.