by Angie Wilder
“Mouth amusers,” Kaley said and pointed to the first three samples plated in front of each person. “These are mini delicacies that are simple to construct with my new party-in-a-box kit. An easy system for a busy host or hostess to streamline an impressive menu without the added costs of staff.”
Evan bit into some toast thing with cheese and mushrooms.
As the dinner progressed, Kaley chatted them through each option and demanded yay-or-nay feedback. Joyce served samples. Dexter explained the app’s interface. Evan waited for more opportunities to wink at Emma, but when he finally got one, Ted asked Evan if there was something in his eye.
“Just dry.” Busted by Emma’s dad. Not Evan’s smoothest flirtation. Heat crept around his collar.
Kaley frowned at him and said, “Do me a favor, Evan. We are low on plates. Can you grab the red paper ones?”
“Sure.” He rose and headed toward the mudroom pantry.
“Be sure to get the cute ones.”
Evan froze and swung back to the table, sure he was being set up for failure. “Cute? There’s more than one type of red?”
“I’ll help.” Emma pushed her chair back and followed him through the kitchen to the back room.
They’d have a few minutes alone together. He’d use the opportunity to smooth things out between them. Evan studied the cabinet where his mom stored the paper goods. There were a ridiculous number of different types of plates crammed in like an overstuffed bookshelf. He cleared his throat and said, “Should I even try to get this correct?” He picked out a solid red option.
Emma chuckled, which was an excellent sign that they were okay. “That’s too basic. Let me see.” She shifted next to him and examined one with a gold band. “Classic.” She returned it to the shelf.
He should shift over and provide her space to work. Instead, he leaned in closer, powerless to stay away.
Emma held up a checkered pattern and said, “Sunday barbecue.” Her gaze lingered on his lips, a promising sign that the moment in the entryway wasn’t lost, that she felt the draw of attraction.
“I’m sorry I upset you earlier, Em.” She nodded and turned the plate in her hand before exchanging it for another. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or embarrass you on purpose. Let me make it up to you?”
She granted him a soft smile, then whispered, “There’s no mistletoe in here.”
That was the last thing Evan expected Emma to say. “Isn’t there?” He backed up a step and found a branch resting on the windowsill above the built-in bench seat.
“Oh…” The word floated out with barely a sound. Em set the plates on the counter and stepped toward him.
Before she blew his mind with a kiss, he needed to prioritize one thing. At the table, he’d watched her sip her wine while candlelight danced in her eyes and had wished they were alone. Evan wanted to spend time with her, to see her outside of the office and family gatherings. “Em, I owe you dinner, remember? I was thinking you should bring Harry over Sunday? Tomorrow.”
“You’re inviting me on a pet play date?” She studied him and twisted her fingers.
“On a date,” he corrected and touched her hair, coaxing the long smooth waves over her shoulder. “I’ll cook. As promised.”
She tipped her face into his palm. “I’m dress shopping with Kaley during the day.”
“Afterwards?”
“After…” She gave him a slow smile and said, “I’m having dinner with you.”
“Yeah, you are.” Evan picked up the mistletoe and handed it to Emma.
“You wish to kiss me?” She twirled the branch between her fingers.
“I do, but first…” He pointed to the can fixture in the ceiling over their heads. “We need to do this right. I will lift you up, and you’re going to hook the ribbon under the light’s lip.” He flipped the switch on the wall, and the room went dark aside from the twinkle of colorful bulbs around the window.
“You’re outrageous,” she said and readied herself by taking hold of his shoulders.
“You like it.” He lifted her, and the very feminine contact was an unexpected bonus. It hijacked his senses, and he took a deep luxurious breath, appreciating the swell of her breasts that teased from the V of her blouse. His mouth went dry thinking about kissing more than her pretty lips.
Emma cleared her throat.
Busted, his gaze rose to meet hers. He lowered Em down to her feet, tuned into the way her breath came out shaky. Her hands clung to his shoulders, and their bodies fit against one another. The contact was more than he could have anticipated and curious want turned to needy desire. When her toes reached the floor, she confided, “I’ve been waiting on this moment all my life.”
“Em,” he groaned and then slowly, as if suspending time, he closed the distance. His mouth brushed over hers, a light testing touch. She reciprocated in kind. Emma would surely undo him with this kiss, he thought, and savored the soft, welcoming heat. As his mouth moved against her, Em’s hands slid into his hair, and their bodies molded together. Her lips parted, so sweet and delicious. They advanced beyond a simple mistletoe kiss. When they broke away, she whimpered a quiet, mewing sound. He rested his forehead against hers, savoring the stolen time together.
“So dizzy,” she murmured.
He heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the kitchen. “Someone is coming.” Her fingertips traveled down his neck in a gentle tease that made him ache for more, but he worked to shake off the spell. They were in his childhood home with both their families waiting on them. “Em, we are going to get caught.”
“What?” Emma drew back and blinked.
“I heard a voice asking about the plates.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “My lord, Evan.” She dropped her hands from him to smooth them over her clothing. “What did you do to me?”
“The same thing you did to me,” he drawled.
By the glow of holiday lights, Emma’s gaze searched his, as if looking for the truth. When she found what she’d been looking for, her lips curved. At the sound of heels tapping on the kitchen tile floor, she grabbed the stack of plates Kaley had requested. Emma’s stride swayed as she started away, completing their chore. She opened the door and yelled in a sing-song voice, “Found them!” A second later, she returned to him. “Hide the evidence.” She pointed at the ceiling.
For a second, he worried her aim would be directed at his pants. Before she scampered away, Evan captured her hand and said, “I’m looking forward to dinner tomorrow.”
“I’ll be sure to come hungry.” Emma’s eyebrows jumped up to her forehead, realizing her innuendo. “Good golly. That came out wrong.” Emma fanned herself with the plates. “Stop smirking,” she scolded, then ruined the hard look she shot him by giggling.
“Come here, Em.” He drew her closer. “I want one more.”
She responded by tipping her lips to his.
12
Emma was still pinching herself over Evan’s dizzying kisses. After he’d revealed that he’d discovered the truth about her longstanding crush and that initial surge of embarrassment had passed, she’d decided to own up to her emotions. There was no point in denial. She trusted Evan. He would not have said a word about her old crush and kissed her under the mistletoe if he didn’t share this attraction. My goodness, the man knew how to kiss. The way he’d brushed his lips to hers had made want swirl in her belly and flood her senses. High on Evan. With the warmth of his body against hers—
“Emma? Earth to Emma!” Kaley waved her hand.
Emma blinked and stepped backward before she caught a face full of toile and lace. “Sorry, I zoned out.” She shook off the memory and tried to act normal, like she hadn’t locked lips with Kaley’s brother thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes ago. Good heavens, it was divine, but she couldn’t help but feel a bit betrayed by Kaley. After all these years, her confidant had told Evan the embarrassing truth. Emma wasn’t sure if she should confront Kaley or thank her. The revelation had spurred
him into action after all. Emma kept silent. Until she pulled her head out of the clouds, she’d keep the amazing kiss to herself.
“Bridal overload can zone anyone out.” Kaley nodded. “See all these dresses? I don’t know where to start—just not there.” She pointed to where her mom examined some awful creation that earned a nod from Emma’s momma. “That sucker screams 1970s virgin.” Kaley raised her voice loud enough to project across the bridal boutique, and declared, “No clearance rack! No strange poofy stuff.”
As they shopped, they drifted toward the back of the store. When they were out of earshot of the moms, Kaley stopped and took Emma’s arm, asking, “So, what did you think of Dex the Pecks?” She bounced her eyebrows.
Dexter was the last man on Emma’s mind. What was Kaley thinking with that setup? The last thing Emma needed was a holiday romance. She thought of Evan and heat crept into her cheeks. “Dexter is nice.”
“Nice?” Kaley hugged a dress to her chest.
“He checks all the right boxes, but I’m not interested.” Emma shook her head. “Sorry.”
“Oh…well…” Kaley’s lips twisted, and she muttered, “That’s okay.” She held up a gown and inspected the bodice. “All the right boxes, though?”
“Kaley.” Emma shot her a glance and said, “Please don’t set me up again.”
“I didn’t. Dex wasn’t your date. And you were acting weird, by the way, but I guess that might be because you read the situation wrong.”
“What about Joyce and Evan?” Had Emma’s jealousy caused her to jump to the wrong conclusion?
Kaley rolled her eyes and grimaced. She shoved three smooth, elegant gowns at Emma and led her to the changing room. “Let’s start with these.”
Emma undressed and slipped into a trumpet mermaid-style number that made her butt appear enormous. She frowned at her reflection.
Kaley finished securing the halter strap, stepped back, and wrung her hands together. “What am I going to do?”
“We’ll show the moms this ugly beast, because they’ll have a conniption if we don’t, then try the next one. It has to be more flattering…” Emma peered at Kaley and lowered her voice, “Why do you look like you’re going to cry? There are tons of gowns. We’ll find a winner.”
Kaley placed her lips near Emma’s ear and confided, “I have a situation.” She pointed at her belly.
“What?” Emma’s stomach sunk, and she jumped to hug her friend. “Is the baby okay?”
“It’s the father.”
Emma drew back, confused. “Mark?”
“The baby isn’t his.”
“Oh, God!” Emma sagged against the fitting room wall. “Does he know it’s not?” Poor Kaley, she must be a wreck. Her family would flip the heck out over this bomb. This was huge, and Emma hadn’t been there like she should for her friend.
“That’s not the problem. Well, it is, but—”
“How’s it coming along girls?” Kaley’s mom asked in a sing-song tone, her eagerness bubbling over.
“Go show my mom, Emma, before she breaks in here.”
“Now? But?”
“Go.” Kaley stood behind Emma and steered her out by the shoulders. No wonder Kaley had had that weird expression the other night when dress shopping came up. It wasn’t because she was upset with Emma. Kaley was scared. What a mess. Why hadn’t she told her before?
They went out to face the moms. They met the gown with lots of grumbling before the turn-this-way-and-that instructions faded, and they returned to the dressing room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Emma lowered her voice and said, “What are you planning to do about the baby’s father? Are you still engaged to Mark?” Emma asked and worked at the buttons she could reach.
Kaley undid the others. “No, I was never engaged to Mark. We shouldn’t have gotten back together. Baby or not, we aren’t a good fit.”
“What! But?”
“I really like this guy.”
“Not Mark?”
“The father.” Kaley handed over another dress.
Numb with shock, Emma slid the shoulder straps over her arms. “But you said—”
“I panicked. I still need to break things off with Mark, but he’s stationed on a dangerous mission overseas. I can’t do that to him long-distance or say anything right now.” Kaley rubbed her pregnant belly. “You’ve seen what my family is like. My dad would have his shotgun out and march me to the altar without asking what I want.”
“And what is that?”
“Girls?” Lisa called. “Are you almost ready?”
“Look.” Kaley turned Emma to face the mirror. “This dress is gorgeous on you.” It had a simple sweetheart bodice with thin beaded straps; the skirt’s slim silhouette fit Emma’s body to perfection. “It’s too bad you’re never getting married.”
What?
“Now get out there and show your mom. She will have a cow seeing you in this dress, knowing that you’ve given up on love.” Kaley marched Emma out to stand in front of the three-way mirror while the moms oohed and awed. Emma felt bowled over.
“My beautiful daughter.” Momma moved in for a hug. When she pulled away, she wore the same expression she had at the end of the movie Titanic. “Let me take a picture.”
“Momma, please, this is for Kaley.” Emma peered at her friend and felt a tad guilty that she’d pressured her to go dress shopping. That hadn’t been her intention, and this tearful moment was too much.
“Don’t count on that waistline fitting after mini-me pops out. There’s dieting, and then there’s starving. I’m not good at the latter.”
“I don’t understand why you prefer to be alone.” Emma’s momma dabbed a tissue under her eyes. “Who gives up on men?”
“Anyway… More to try.” Kaley grabbed Emma’s arm and hurried her to the changing room, saying, “I’d better stick with a princess cut, just in case I can’t lose my extra weight in time.”
Once inside the chamber, Emma stared at her reflection and ran a fingertip over the delicate straps. She couldn’t form a complete thought other than… “What are we doing here? Why agree to go shopping? When we leave here empty-handed—”
“I really like this guy. The baby’s dad.”
“Enough to get married?”
Kaley grabbed another gown. “I have high hopes for this one.”
Emma paused, uncertain if Kaley’s hopeful comment was regarding the guy or the dress. “Who is he?”
“I promise I’ll tell you, but—”
“But?” Emma stepped out of her perfect dress and yanked up the new option.
Kaley buttoned the back. When their gaze met in the mirror, she said, “I’m scared to say it out loud.”
“Why?”
“It’s a big deal. You’re the only person who knows I’m not with Mark. The baby’s dad is someone I’ve known for a long while. I love him. If my dreams come true, the dress shopping won’t be a wasted day.
“Is that what you want?”
“Yes. After I tell the baby’s dad, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Okay.” Emma would wait, be supportive.
“I realize you wouldn’t save news like this from me. But if I confess to you, I don’t believe I can keep the truth hidden away. It’ll spill out everywhere. I hope you understand.”
Emma understood all too well. She had a stolen kiss and plans for a secret date with Evan.
Evan noted the time, rolled up the sleeves of his black dress shirt, and hurried to spoon sauce over the noodles and cheese, arranging it in even layers. He’d promised dinner, and his mom’s lasagna recipe was one of Emma’s favorites. He slid the dish in the oven and set the timer. This attraction had him jumping and doing stuff to impress her like flowers and candles on the table, romantic music, stocking up on cat necessities, and working for hours on her favorite lasagna.
The doorbell chimed, and Duffy streaked past, primed to greet their guest. Evan licked tomato sauce from his thumb and picked up his pace as he
followed. The beauty and her hairless cat waited on him.
Emma was stunning, with a soft smile on her lips and light in her eyes, as she said, “I’m sorry I’m a few minutes early. Harry was eager to visit.” She walked inside and slipped open her wool coat, and a regal cat dressed as Yoda poked out.
“Let’s not keep Jedi Harry waiting.” Evan would have preferred to greet Emma with a hug or a kiss. Instead, he got pets who demanded his attention. “May I?” He extended his hand for the cat and prepared to conduct the introductions.
Emma passed over Harry. “Thank you for inviting us.” When her arms were free, she stroked the feline, then continued the motion as she traced her fingertips over Evan’s hand, up his sleeve, and to his bicep. She gave him a light squeeze. With a sweet innocent expression on her face, the action landed somewhere between friendly and hell-yeah hot. Though the heat of that playful touch, the hope she was flirting with him, might be in his head. Their kiss from the night before had altered the dynamics between them. He had that balance problem again, and he wondered if a welcome kiss was too forward. Last night was fantastic, but he didn’t dare make any assumptions. It was a risk moving their friendship toward something more intimate. One he couldn’t stop thinking about.
Duffy scampered in a tight circle around the group, stealing Emma’s focus and his opportunity for an extra-sweet hello.
Em shrugged out of her coat, folded it over the bench, then crouched to coo nonsense at his dog.
Evan knelt, and Duffy watched as he lowered the newcomer to the floor. When neither animal seemed alarmed, he let the cat slip free of his grasp.
“This is progressing nicely.” Emma tipped her head and watched Duffy chaperone while Harry explored, disappearing toward the great room. As Em glanced around, she twisted her fingers. “I like your new house.”
He liked her dress, a knee-length black knit number with a belt that tied in a bow at her waist where the material wrapped together. The style created a deep V at her neckline. When she bowed to pet Duffy, her top shifted, and he caught a scant glimpse of black lace against creamy skin. Evan cleared his throat and said, “Thanks. Let me show you more.” He settled his hand on her back, against the soft fabric, and led her to the kitchen.
