“You’re worse than Agata,” I said.
She stood with her arms crossed and her chin nudged toward the door. “It’s her, isn’t it? Your American.”
“Shh,” I said and tugged her farther down the hall.
“Charlie. What the hell is going on?”
“Nothing. Nothing happened. I was just tucking her in.”
“That’s not what I mean. Is that her?” she repeated.
When we were a safe distance away in the den, I scratched my eyebrow and nodded.
She sighed out a curse. “I put it together just now. I don’t know how I didn’t figure it out sooner. You showed us her social media. I knew she looked familiar when we met her. And god, the way you look at her. It’s so obvious.” She tapped a foot, shaking her head at herself. “Did you set this up? Did you get her invited here?”
“No! God.” I glanced back to the hallway. “She earned her place.”
Her eyes flicked back and forth as her mind filtered thoughts. “That’s what changed. When I was over at your place?” She scoffed with a shake of disbelief. “I wondered what caused the sudden change of heart.”
I didn’t need to answer. She knew now. She was putting all the pieces together.
“You didn’t set any of this up?” she repeated.
“No.” I cleared my throat. “Well, I got that wanker of a boyfriend a ticket so that she would actually come.”
Emma’s eyes widened.
“And I suggested the meet and greet. So she wouldn’t be so nervous. But that was good for everyone.”
“Jesus. Charlie. I’ve never seen you like this,” she said.
“I’ve never felt like this,” I said softly.
Her arms relaxed out to her side. “Oh. Christ. That’s sweet.” Then she seemed to remember herself and her scowl was back. “But still. This isn’t okay. You have to tell her.”
“I did tell her,” I said defensively.
“Did you?”
“Technically.”
“How did she react?” Emma’s gaze grew concerned.
“She snored.”
Her eyes rolled so hard her head went back. “This will blow up in your face.”
“You don’t think I know that? I’m a bloody mess.” I slumped into one of the chairs.
“If she cares about you, it will be okay. I don’t understand what you’re so afraid of.”
“I just don’t want anything to change. I just need to get through the next few days and then get home,” I repeated the same plan I’d told myself a thousand times.
But this time the lie tasted bitter.
29
Kate
