Page 41 of Does He Know?

“Meh, we both have a lot to lose potentially. I think we’re both going to be doing some reassuring.”

She’s right, there are relationships on the line that can’t be replaced. “You still think it’s worth the risk?”

“I think you are worth it. Monroe just pulled in. I’ll see you soon.” She ends the call before I have a chance to tell her to be safe, so I type out a text because not telling her seems wrong. What has this woman done to me?

Me: Be safe, baby girl.

Emerson: Always.

I glance around my small house. This won’t be the first time she’s been here, but this will be the first time that she’s here as mine. That’s a big fucking deal. I don’t have women here.

Not ever.

Emerson is different. We’re barely started, and I know she’s more.

I’m sitting on the front porch with my phone clasped tightly in my hand when Monroe’s car pulls into the driveway. I told myself I would stay sitting, but I can’t. I step off the porch, make my way to the passenger side door, and tug it open before Emerson gets the chance. She steps out of the car, and I pull her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. For the first time since I watched her drive away from the shop earlier, I feel my shoulders relax.

Bending, I peer into the car. “Thank you.”

Monroe nods. “Take care of our girl.”

Monroe is one of those people who loves life. She’s carefree and easygoing and never takes herself too seriously. For her to be stone-faced as she issues that demand speaks volumes of how close they are.

“No other option,” I tell her. Because there isn’t.

I’d never let anything happen to her, and Monroe’s unspoken words hit me hard. I’ll never pressure her for more than she’s willing to give me. I know that I’m a decade older than she is, but when I’m kissing her, when she’s in my arms, it doesn’t even feel like days separate us. We are one, and that’s some heavy shit that I’m not going to let myself think about right now.

With a nod and a wave, Monroe backs out of the driveway. “Let’s get you inside.” With my arm around her waist, I lead her into the house. “Can I get you anything? Food? Something to drink?”

“We had dinner at the shop,” she reminds me.

“Right. Thirsty?”

“Not right now. Thank you, though.”

I nod. I’m nervous. I’m never fucking nervous.

“Uh… want to watch a movie?” When did I become the guy with no game? It’s as if I’ve never talked to a woman before. Never talked to Emerson before.

“Sure.”

“Good. Movie. Right.” I nod toward the couch, and she kicks off her flip-flops and takes a seat. I turn off the lights, bathing the room in darkness with nothing but the muted TV for light. “What do you want to watch?”

“Anything. Whatever you were watching is fine.”

“I wasn’t actually watching it. It was on, then I muted it because it was annoying me, then all I could think about was seeing you, and the thought of watching TV slipped my mind.”

“I’m glad you texted me.” Her soft smile calms something inside of me.

“I’m glad you’re here.” I take a seat next to her and lift my arm. She snuggles up next to me. This is what I needed. What I was missing. Time with her where I don’t have to think about being caught. I can just be me. The man that knows what he’s doing is wrong, but is moving full steam ahead, anyway.

I pull up my streaming app and scroll through our options. “Tell me if something catches your eye.”

“Honestly, Roman, I don’t care what we watch. I’m just happy to be here, sitting on your couch next to you.”

There’s that squeezing sensation in my chest again. “Baby girl, you can’t say things like that.”

“Why not?” She turns so that she can look me in the eye.

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