The fact that Dex had thought enough to bring her a warm cup tookthe edge off Emma’s irritation. The softness in Dex’s deep-green eyes calmedher even more. The jolt Emma couldn’t deny zapped all her senses to life. Sheslipped her arm around Dex’s waist and let the feeling wash through her. Gracewatched them, her eyes dark through slitted openings, but Emma didn’t care.Nothing could temper the electricity flowing between them. She wanted to be outof this place, away from all other distractions. She gave Dex a smolderingkiss, hoping she got the message. When she opened her eyes, Grace was stillstaring, shooting live grenades directly at her.
Brent appeared holding the huge nutcracker propped up against him.“Look what I bought you, baby.” He puffed his chest out as he held it proudly.“It’ll go great by the fireplace.”
“Or in the fireplace,” Emma said under her breath. Dex caught thecomment and grinned.
Grace hesitated at first. It was clear she wasn’t thrilled. Thenshe smiled widely, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Brent sweetly. What aridiculous show.
Emma leaned in and whispered in Dex’s ear. “You want to getsomething to eat? I know this quaint little Italian restaurant nearby. I thinkwe have enough time before the tree lighting.”
Dex nodded. “I’d love to.”
“Love to what?” Grace asked, and Emma rolled her eyes.
“We’re going to go check out some of the other booths,” Dex said,covering nicely. It seemed she wanted to be alone with her as well.
“Great. I’ll come along.”
“Okay. The art booths are this way.” She waved Grace on.
She stopped. “On second thought, how about we meet up at theGerman Grill?” Grace asked.
Dex took Emma by the hand and pulled her out of Grace’s earshot.“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I just didn’t expect to have to share you with Graceall afternoon.” Brent had made the day a little more bearable. She would’vefelt like the ultimate third wheel if he hadn’t been there.
“I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have answered the phone this morningwhen she called.” She pulled her farther into the crowd.
Emma glanced back to see Grace watching them walk away. “Gracehates art.”
“I know. I thought it might give us some alone time.” The grin onDex’s face was charmingly devious. “I hope you don’t mind looking at it.”
“No. Not at all. I love art. And I would love some alonetime with you.”
“Yeah?” Dex stopped and gazed into Emma’s eyes.
“Yeah.” Emma kissed her softly. She was sure Dex had no idea howmuch alone time she was looking forward to having with her tonight. Theafternoon with Grace had been a sacrifice, but one kiss from Dex was well worthit.
“We’ll cut out after we get to the end of the art,” Dex said, andthat’s exactly what they did.
* * *
Grace and Brent had been waiting in front of the German Grill forover thirty minutes before the text came through from Dex.
Hey,we decided to do Italian for dinner instead.
Grace’s stomach knotted when she read the text and realized Dexhad left and had purposely not told her until after she was already gone.
She immediately typed back. Whatthe hell, Dex?
Iknow how much you love German food, so I figured you’d want to stay.
Thanksfor not giving me an option.
Grace didn’t wait for a response. She turned her phone on silentand tossed it into her purse. Theyfucking left. “They’re not coming. Emma wanted to leave.” She wassure that was the reason.
Brent shrugged. “Then let’s eat.” He stared at the wooden menuboard above the counter. “What do you want?”
“I want Italian.”
“I don’t think they have any Italian here, babe.”
“They don’t. That’s where Dex and Emma went.”
He turned around to face her. “Oh. Are we supposed to meet them?”
“Nope. Apparently, Emma doesn’t like having us around.”
“Huh? She said that?”
“Might as well have. Fucking rude to just leave like that.” Sheshook her head and glanced back to see if she could spot an empty table.
“We’ve done it before.” He glanced back at the menu.
She spun around. “I have never left Dex anywhere alone.”
“You’re not alone.” His forehead creased. “Am I missing somethinghere?”
“You’re right, baby.” She smiled up at him. “I’m not alone.” Just fucking hurt.She leaned into him. “Let’s get some food.”
They ordered a couple of bratwurst, and Grace took the food to theclosest open table in the Grand Timber Haus while Brent got them a couple ofbeers.
While the music played, singing and dancing continued on thestage. But Grace was deep in thought about her conversation with Dex earlierwhen they’d gone to get the mulled wine. It had been strained at best. First,Dex hadn’t asked her if she wanted any wine, and then she’d acted like shedidn’t want anything to do with her on the way to get some.
When Dex had pulled her hand from Grace’s she’d immediately takenit back and tugged her to a stop and said, “Where is your heart, Dex? I’m notfeeling the love anymore.”
Dex had seemed surprised at first when she’d called her on herbehavior. “You got married, Grace.” Her voice had risen as she’d stared intoGrace’s eyes. She’d acted absolutely ridiculous.
“What difference does that make?” Grace honestly had no idea whyit mattered.
Dex had taken in a deep breath and then shook her head. “Nodifference. I’m just not having the best day, that’s all.”
She’d glanced at Emma and saw her watching them intently. “I cansee why, if Emma acts like that all the time.” Her possessiveness wassuffocating.
“We’re on a date. She didn’t expect it to be a foursome.”
“The more the merrier, right?” Grace had said, and Dex had agreed.
She didn’t know what Emma’s problem was. Grace was Dex’s bestfriend, and that wasn’t going to change as far as Grace was concerned.
When they’d come back with the wine and Emma had cozied up to Dexand kissed her, Grace had practically thrown up. Her stomach knotted again. Shewasn’t about to be pushed out of Dex’s life so easily.
Brent sat next to her and set the beers in front of them beforeswiping one of the bratwursts and taking a huge bite.
“Did you
