“Right,” I say when I break out of my memories to find her standing there staring at me with her hands on her hips.
“What are you afraid of?” Her voice is softer this time.
“He’s going to break my heart.”
“First of all, you don’t know that. Second of all, when this”—she waves her hands wildly in the air—“whatever this is, is over, your heart is going to be broken.”
I nod. “But if I let myself fall, it’s going to be so much worse.”
“Oh, Em.” She comes to me and puts her arms around my shoulder, giving me a side hug. “You’ve already fallen. You just won’t admit it. Look at me and my cocky bastard. He’s famous, and I’m just me, running an animal shelter, and we make it work. He loves me. I love him. It’s that simple. It’s not about money or fame or anything else. It’s about the heart.”
I give up on any pretenses to hide it and nod. “I know.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard. Just let it happen. If it works out, great. If not, you won’t have the what-ifs. Trust me. I had two years of what-ifs and that’s not something you want to do. I had what-ifs and a broken heart. I would have much rather just had one of those. Take the chance. Go out there and show that bastard how lucky he is to have your attention and see where it leads you.”
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know if I’ll do it tonight, or here for that matter, but yeah. I’m going to do it. Thanks, Aubs.” I give her a hug. “Oh, Landon said he would give me a ride home.”
“Perfect. You don’t have to do it here. Do it in the car, or at your place. Invite him in for a drink, or you know, invite him to stay.” She wags her eyebrows.
“Too soon.” I laugh.
“Is it?” She grabs my hand and tugs me toward the door. “Come on, before they think we ran away.” She leads us back to the table, dropping my hand just as we’re back in eye sight. I take my seat and try to catch up on the conversation between the men.
Not a minute later, Harvey is delivering our food and I concentrate on that. These burgers are so damn good. I polish off my food in no time, just eating and listening to the conversations around me. I chime in where I see fit, all the while my mind is running through tonight. Do I ask him in? How do I tell him I’m ready for a real date? One I say yes to for no other reason than to just spend time with him.
The next hour passes in a blur for me. In my head, I’m deciphering every look, every touch, every moment we’ve shared. I take part as I can, trying to act as though my head isn’t spinning and my heart isn’t racing. To be honest, day one, I wanted him. I just wouldn’t allow myself to voice it. I was so afraid of being just another notch that I held him at arm’s length, and my arms are tired. I can’t hold him back anymore, and I don’t want to. Aubrey is right. I would rather have a broken heart than what-ifs. Who knows, maybe some of his luck will rub off on me and the broken heart will never happen. Either way, I’m tired of pretending.
“Emma,” Corey says, getting my attention.
“Sorry,” I say sheepishly.
“What do you think? You in?”
“Uh, sure,” I say, realizing that everyone’s attention is on me. I’m sure it’s whatever plans they have after we leave here. Corey grins and nods like I just gave him a million dollars.
“Right, well, we’re headed out, we have to pick up CJ.” Aubrey stands from the table. “Em, you need a ride home?” She looks from me to Corey and then over to Landon.
“No, thanks. Landon said he would give me a ride.” We just talked about this so I don’t know why she’s asking.
“I can take you home,” Corey pipes up from beside me.
“That’s sweet, but Landon can take me.” I turn to look at Landon and his jaw is clenched. “Unless you have something else going on?” I ask him.
“No. You’re coming with me.”
Well, all right then. “Thanks anyway,” I tell Corey. He looks disappointed but doesn’t comment otherwise. Corey and Case decide to stay for another round, so we say our goodbyes and head out. Landon is quiet, giving all new meaning to the strong silent type. His body is still as he walks beside me with his hand on the small of my back. He opens the passenger door of his SUV for me, and waits until I’m strapped in to shut the door. I watch him as he jogs around the front of the SUV and slides in behind the wheel. His hands grip the wheel but he makes no move to start the car.
“Landon?”
He turns to look at me, his cerulean blue eyes dark with an emotion I can’t name. “Don’t go.”
“Don’t go where?” I ask, confused.
His jaw clenches. “Don’t go out with Corey.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Corey,” he says through gritted teeth. “You agreed to have dinner with him tomorrow night. You’re not going.”
My hackles rise. “The hell I’m not.” I don’t know why I say it. I have no interest in going anywhere with Corey. But I’ll be damned if he thinks he can boss me around.
“I mean it, Emma. You’re not going. Call him and tell him no.”
“You’re being crazy. You can’t tell me what to do.” I’m seething now, and for no reason really. I’m overreacting, but so is he. I also know
