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“Long enough to think clearly.” My stomach wavers with the uncertainty of her tone. “I brought groceries with me.” She steps back, and I let my hands slide out of her pockets instead of holding her close like I want to.“I thought we could cook together.” Her smile is as youthful and bright as it was to when I first met her. I guess I shouldn’t worry.
“I’d love that.” I press my lips to hers and take her hand toward the cabin. “How did your afternoon play out?” I sense her tension, and the stiffness in her walk. Looking ahead, she toys with her lips. “What’s on your mind, Daisy Girl?” She picks up the bag sitting by my door.
“I keep replaying yesterday and how different I want my life to be.” My heart grows until I watch her smile not meet her eyes. “I’ve lost a lot of years ignoring the pain.”
“But you’ve finally come around. I’ll be by your side to help you face it and hold you through it all.” I follow her into the kitchen as she sets the bag on the counter.
“I ran into Rhett. He gave me his mother’s fresh goat cheese and some eggs.” The light returns in her gaze. “I thought we could enjoy a frittata.”
“Look at you teachingmesomething in the kitchen.” I chuckle, resting my hand on her hips as I press a gentle kiss to her lips. “What’s a frittata?”
“In basic terms, a quiche without crust.” Emery’s arms wrap around my neck, kissing me once more. I will never get tired of this blissful affection. She pulls back, her hand playing with the back of my hair. “This all feels right.”
“Because it is.” With a kiss on the tip of her nose, I pull back and look at the ingredients. “I’m starving.”
“How about a mushroom and goat cheese omelette instead? Frittata will take about an hour.”
“I’m so damn proud of you, Emery.” I can feel the elation come over me. “Remember where you started when you learned to cook?” Nodding, her smile falters, looking at the food.
“I worked my butt off to get where I am today with cooking. I never gave up on that.” A realization comes over her. “I want to put the same effort into finding myself again.”
“I know anything you put your mind to will work out in your favor.” Emery nods again, turning to the drawers in search of utensils.
“Hold on to that encouragement, okay?” She sets cutting boards and two knives on the counter and shoots me a wink, blinking away this odd feeling hanging in the air. “You cut the mushrooms so I can sear them before adding in the peppers,” Emery instructs with a smile.
“You’re the boss of the kitchen.” Her eyes roll as she begins to slice peppers.
“Tell me about your day.” Emery glances at me with her side-eye and bumps my hip. “How are your projects coming along?”
“I hired a designer who is willing to relocate. She moves here in a few days.” Emery places her hand on my back as she passes me to turn on the stove. “I am looking forward to not having to think about color schemes and furniture and all that. I just hope she’s okay with the small-town life and doesn’t run back to the city.”
“I’m happy for you.” Bringing her hand to the back of my neck, she rises onto her tiptoes for a kiss. “You and Rhett must be so relieved.”
“I just hope he doesn’t sleep with her and make things complicated.” I have high hopes for his professionalism, but he will be living with her, and I know the charm he can front when he wants to nail a chick.
“I’m sure he’s going to take this seriously. He cares about you and the business.” She smiles up at me, and I grip my knife a little tighter to fight the urge to bend her over the counter.
“Thank you for believing in us.” Cooking carries on with ease, and our light banter and laughs continue through dinner. Moments like these are ones I’ll cherish. I cannot wait to make many more with her. Maybe one day, she’ll wear nothing but an apron. Finishing our meals, I bring our plates to the sink and walk back over to her.
“Dance with me.” I hold out my hand. My father’s old radio plays quietly as Emery takes my hand and I pull her close.
“You’re quite charming, you know.” I dip her and hold her in position.
“I love you, Emery Davis.” It rolls off my tongue so freely.
“Don’t let me forget.” Her voice shakes, and I stand her upright. “I need to hold on to our moments like these.”
“I’m here for you.” My heart picks up its pace with the unease I sense coming from her again. “What’s going on in your pretty little mind?”
“My news might be better to share when I’m naked.” She’s deflecting, and my chest aches at her need to resort to sexualizing herself.
“You don’t need to bear skin to tell your truths to me. I see you and I’m here for you.” I give her hands a small squeeze.
“I need to go back to Aspen.” Her voice is hushed and pained. “This decision wasn’t easy and, believe me, I don’t want to go.” She swallows as her eyes glaze over and my heart pinches. This isn’t how it’s supposed to play out.
“Don’t do this to me, Daisy girl.” I take both her hands in mine as my stomach drops. “We both crossed the street.”
“I’m halfway there. I want to cross it.”
