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“Because it’s going to hurt.” My voice wavers, and I set the glass on the counter. “I’m not ready to face that yet.” I look into his understanding eyes, and he takes my hands in his. His large hands hold mine tightly as he nods in understanding. The rush of need he causes through me is so wrong, but it’s everything I long to find in someone.
Why is Hallie still with this man? They barely hang out anymore.
“We all heal at different times.” He clears his throat, dropping my hands, and I feel my lungs breathe again. “We are all here for you when you’re ready for the next step.”
“I’m hungry.” Maybe eating my feelings is a better option.
“Then cook.” I head toward the kitchen and grab a cup of noodles. My aunt and I don’t eat the healthiest. “No, create a recipe or something. Focus and be in the moment. You can’t live off packaged food.”
“Well, my parents never cooked and were always at work.” I swallow my tears with another sip of tequila.
“I’ll teach you.”
“Emery.” I’m ripped from the memory of us to reality. My heart stops at hearing Ian’s happy voice from my left speak again. “You’re back.” I continue to stand there like an idiot as my jaw opens and closes, searching for what to say.
“Youdidn’t get an invite from me to come over.” I keep my voice quiet, because if my aunt hears us, I’ll be cornered into explaining a moment Ian doesn’t even know I witnessed. One that has confused me enough to not make the best decisions for years now. Fully facing him, I take in his matured face and how his body has become even more muscular. “You can leave.”
“Thought that wasyourspecialty.” He matches my quiet tone as if mocking me, and I hate how I want to smile. “I’m here for work. Rhett and I are on this project.” I exhale, feeling lightheaded from holding it. Ian’s the contractor? He did it. He actually started the company he always talked about.
“Fine,” I clip, taking a deep breath in an attempt to mask my emotions. I watch as his confused expression takes over. Not the side of me he was expecting, but it’s all I have to give right now. “I’ll leave.” I walk toward him, hoping if I move quick enough, I can brush past him and out of the kitchen.
“Emery, wait a minute.” His arm blocks the doorway, and I nearly collide with his chest. Damn him for smelling so good. “I’m looking forward to Hallie and Justin’s wedding.” Ian’s breath hits my neck, awakening shivers down my spine. "And seeing you more.”
I should have gotten ready or had a shower before coming downstairs. This oversized sports shirt makes me feel too naked. My stomach flips to my throat, then settles.
“I thought you’d show up a night or two before the wedding, to be honest.” My feet remain stuck in place as I glare up at him. His proximity still has a hold on me. “Did you come here alone?” He scans down to my hands and back up.
“Move. Please.” Ignoring him, I point a finger into his chest and step forward. He remains a strong barricade, staring into my eyes as if he’ll find the answers. His lack of personal space intensifies the nerves stirring through my body.
“Not so fast, Daisy Girl.” My jaw tightens with annoyance from my body’s reaction.
“You’ll see me again at the wedding,” I mutter, ducking under his arm, but he turns to follow me. I knew this time around wouldn’t be an easy getaway.
Chapter3
Ian
“Did I do something?”I can’t help myself and reach to place my hand on her shoulder.
“Nothing at all, Ian.” She shrugs me off, slipping on her shoes and avoiding eye contact.Is she planning to leave wearing that?“I figured you’d run away when you saw me in the kitchen.” Her tone is almost accusing.
“Me? What’s that supposed to mean?” Time away from here should have only made her happier.Isn’t that what she wanted?“Emery, you left because you needed a fresh start.” I shake my head as her hand rests on the door handle. “You were the one who didn’t say goodbye tome.” I have a good idea as to why, but she could have owned up to it.
“Goodbye.” She can’t shut me out this entire time.
“Did Aspen’s mountain air heighten your attitude?” Emery opens the front door, and I glance at her naked fingers. Huh, no ring... “Let’s not do this again, Daisy Girl. Once was enough.” It hurt to let her go the first time, but now she’s back with a new attitude, and I don’t know what the fuck happened.
“Once?” The warmth in her smile and eyes is gone. “I don’t want to be around you.” Her voice raises just before she shuts the front door with aggression. I notice she doesn’t have keys in hand. I head into the kitchen to pick up my clipboard and go to chase after her, when I hear Quinn come downstairs. She glances out the door window and opens it.
“Emery?” Quinn calls out, but shuts the door, defeated, as Emery continues. “How hungover is she to walk the streets wearing that?” Quinn mutters to herself, running a hand through her hair. She turns toward the kitchen before I can speak, and her hand shoots over her heart.
“Sorry, you told me to let myself in like last time.” I grip the clipboard tighter, and she eyes me with suspicion, then looks back to the front door.
“Do I even want to know what happened a moment ago?”
“I’d love to have answers as well.” I run my hand over my jaw and try to process the last few minutes.
The front door opens as Emery enters with a huff. Beautiful auburn hair falling out of her messy bun frames her tired blue eyes. “You guys were really going to let me leave wearing this?” Her hands wave over her oversized T-shirt.
