Page 17

“You could always stay and eat with us,” I offered.

I don’t know why I said it.

Maybe it was the way Reese was looking at her like she hung the moon, or maybe it was the way even Sam seemed invested in her snowman-making skills. Or maybe it was the fact that I didn’t like the idea of her walking out that door before I had a chance to spend any real time with her.

Whatever it was, I’d just taken a step closer to that damn line.

Emery shook her head. “No, no. I couldn’t. This is your night, and…”

“We’d like for you to stay.” I looked over to Reese and Sam. “Wouldn’t we?”

“Yes!” Reese gasped.

“Yeah, that’d be cool,” Sam answered. “But the wings are mine.”

“Understood.”

“Yay,” Reese cheered before turning her attention back to her art project.

Emery turned her attention to Sam as she asked, “So, how’s school going?”

“Good.”

“He’s failing math,” Reese interjected.

“I’m not failing, stupid!” Sam barked. “I made one bad grade.”

“Hey,” I warned.

He lowered his head as he muttered, “Sorry.”

“You’re right. One bad grade doesn’t mean you’re failing, but it could lead that way if you don’t fix it.”

“I know.”

“I’ve always liked math, and I was pretty good at it, too,” Emery told him. “I could help you a little if you want.”

“Really?”

“I’d be glad to.”

“That would be great because I don’t have a clue how to help him,” I admitted.

“Consider it done.”

“I’ll owe you.”

Her eyes locked on mine for just a moment, and then she looked away as a mischievous smirk crossed her face. I had no clue what that was about. I considered asking her, but she’d already started talking to Sam about what they were covering in his math class.

I picked up my beer and tried not to stare, but I failed miserably.

I found myself watching her lips as she talked, and I couldn’t stop wondering what they’d feel like against mine. The thought nearly made me choke on my fucking beer. I didn’t know what the hell was wrong with me.

Jesus.

I didn’t think this way about her. Hell, lately, I didn’t think that way about any woman. I took another drink and turned my attention to the television mounted at the back of the restaurant. I had no idea what was playing, but it didn’t matter.

Anything was better than sitting there gawking at her.