“No, ma’am!” Breigh said, bringing me back to reality in a snap.
Breigh looked over to me, and then Emma and grabbed Olivia’s hand. “Let’s go find Daddy, baby girl.”
They walked out of the room as children started to show for the princess party.
My eyes followed Emma to the fridge as she retrieved a sparkling water.
“I think I am going to try to start spending more time here in Hilltop. What do you think?” I wasn’t going to tell her why that would be happening either. Another discussion for another time. I would be shocked though if she hadn’t already been made aware of it though.
“I’ve heard that before Cash. Besides, I’m pretty busy with work right now.”
I moved closer to her and she moved away from me until her back was flush with the stainless steel fridge. The sexual tension between us could have caused us both to be electrocuted.
I put my arm up above her head and felt as her body shifted, releasing some tension. She still had her guard up though.
“That’s a shame.” I leaned in to smell her brunette hair. The exact same smell I remembered, lilies and a hint of coconut. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
She looked away but stayed where she was. “Honestly, I don't know how that is of importance to me.”
“You aren’t that good of an actress, Emma. I can tell you are still attracted to me. I could tell over the phone when I called you after the concert that you were still attracted to me…I could tell in the restaurant, we both didn’t want the night to end…”
“I’m not denying I’m attracted to you. But that is the tip of the iceberg, Cash. You have already done a job on my heart. You won’t get another chance to hurt me.”
She ducked under my arm and walked around to the table that was set up with Olivia’s presents, peeking at the cupcakes that were shaped like a horse. Emma was attempting to brush me off, ignoring my presence.
“Emma!” I heard Wyatt’s voice and saw him walking in with a guy following behind.
“Right here,” she said, just as she had walked round the dining room table.
I looked around the corner in the kitchen to see what this was all about.
“Emma, I want you to meet my friend from work, Caleb. He just started with the State Patrol and is riding with me, observing.”
He put his hand out to shake hers and she smiled. A little too big if you ask me.
“It’s nice to meet you, Caleb.”
“Nice to meet you.” Their hands pulled apart. “So you’re Breigh’s best friend? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I watched as she smiled but didn't really respond. She looked awkward and I would be lying if I didn’t like it.
Breigh came around the corner, saving the day. “Emma, could you come help real quick?”
“Yes.” She turned and sped away.
I walked toward Wyatt and Caleb.
“Cash, this is Caleb, Caleb…Cash.” I put out my hand to shake his and didn’t let go until he did. I looked him in the eyes and didn't have much to say.
“Let’s get you a drink before all the kids get here.”
I couldn't wait to get a moment alone with my brother. Was he seriously trying to set them up? Was he blind and didn't see how I was around Emma? Or did he just not care? I swore if I got him alone I would strangle him. Literally.
And no, the chase of Emma wasn't what I was after. I wanted her, long before Caleb walked into the door. This wasn't a jealous fit; this was God’s honest anger.
I had never walked away from a challenge and this wasn't a time I would either. I just wasn't quite sure I was going to prove I was worthy of Emma in this lifetime.
8
EMMA
It seemed as if I had run a marathon without a break in the last two days. I had stood on my feet for a total of twelve hours straight in heels at meetings, a marketing campaign shoot that seemed as if it was never going to end, and lastly I had survived Olivia’s third birthday party.
Believe it or not, the party was the hardest, mentally and physically. Far too many young girls for my liking. Holy Moly. Note to self if I ever have kids, never have them all over at once. The songs they were singing were still being heard in my head. Go away!
Not long after my conversation with Cash in the kitchen, Wyatt had a coworker arrive, Caleb, who apparently had been set up as a blind date.
Breigh, the sneaky gal, had said she was going to set it up but I hadn't been prepared for that today. And certainly not with Cash standing in the same vicinity. I was irritated it was at Olivia’s birthday, although I knew she had good intentions. She wanted me to be just as happy as she was.
Hell, I did too.
He was every bit charming and good-looking. Caleb seemed to be full of himself but not anything I wasn't used to.
He was a little taller than men I normally dated, lean, with dark brown hair with light brown eyes. His broad shoulders framed his body, attracting my eye.
That was the thing about me, I loved the cocky full of himself guy. Always had. Most likely always would.
Caleb had tried to keep my attention, but instead
