Page 60 of A New Chapter

Chapter 29

Zack called Emma the very next day, just after she had opened the store at ten o’clock.

“I’m sorry for hanging up on you,” he began. “Gracie had a really tough time settling down last night.”

That makes two of us, Emma thought. “I understand. Do you think she was upset because you were gone all weekend?”

“No. I think she was worried about going to school this morning. I might have to make an appointment with her teacher to discuss that boy who’s been teasing her on the playground.”

“Ah, man troubles. Been there, done that,” Emma said lightly.

“What man troubles are you having?” he asked suspiciously.

“None really, except that I haven’t seen a certain man in twenty-four excruciatingly long hours.”

Zack erupted in warm laughter. “I’d like to remedy that. In fact, that’s why I called. How about meeting me for lunch today?”

“I would love to. However, I’m the only one here. I gave Kelly the next couple of days off since she worked all weekend.”

“Ok. What if I brought lunch to you?”

“That sounds wonderful as long as you don’t mind if we’re interrupted.”

“How could I mind when I’m the king of interruptions?”

Emma’s smile stretched so wide that her cheeks hurt. “It’s a date then… or something like that,” she amended, feeling a little flustered.

“Are you blushing right now?” he teased.

“No,” she replied emphatically.

Zack seemed barely able to contain his laughter as he said, “See you at noon.”

Emma busied herself by paying bills, checking on inventory, and assisting the few customers who ventured in. Before she knew it, the bell chimed, and Zack walked in holding a McDonald’s bag and a drink tray.

“How did you know?” Emma asked, placing a hand over her heart adoringly.

Zack set the food and drinks down, took a quick glance around the store, and leaned over the counter to kiss her. It was a brief meeting of lips, but it sent a tingle down her spine all the same. Emma breathed in the spicy scent of his cologne and suppressed the urge to climb over the counter to get closer. He looked and smelled delicious, almost overriding the tantalizing aroma of the McDonald’s french fries!

“I’m an observant guy. When I spent the night, I saw an empty Mickey-D’s bag in your garbage can.”

“I should chastise you for snooping around, but I’m too hungry. Let’s eat!” Emma motioned for him to come behind the counter and into the tiny office. She shoved a pile of papers aside and wheeled her chair around to sit beside him. “We’ll have to keep the door open in case any customers come in,” she explained while Zack pulled hamburgers and french fries out of the bag.

They dug into the food for a few minutes and simply enjoyed the pleasure of each other’s company. When they had finished eating, Zack reached over and twirled a lock of Emma’s hair around his index finger. It was a simple gesture, but it felt meltingly intimate.

“Are you free on Wednesday night?” Zack asked as he continued to play with her hair.

“Um-hmm. What do you have in mind?”

“Well, let’s see.” He leaned in and gazed into her eyes, which she was sure were glazed over with desire.

“We should probably eat something to boost our energy, and then…”

Just then, the door dinged, announcing a visitor. “Hold that thought,” Emma said and stood up to greet… Mike.

This isn’t his usual time to make a delivery, and he’s not carrying any packages. I’m screwed. Emma forced a smile and said, “Hi, Mike. What can I do for you?” The minute she said Mike’s name, she heard Zack’s chair scrape across the floor. She knew without turning around that he stood just a few steps behind her. She could practically see him puff out his chest and swore she felt waves of jealousy roll off of him.

Mike stopped in his tracks. His frustration was obvious as he replied, “I don’t have any deliveries for you today, but I thought I’d stop by and see if you had any outgoing packages for me to pick up.”