“Would you care to see the pool?”
I can’t keep my eyes off her body as I follow her outside into a backyard that’s just as fantastic as the home itself. There are three areas paved with pretty stones, flowering bushes separating them. In each is a patio set that beckons one to rest a while over lunch with good conversation.
I pause at the door and take it all in, as Emma’s five-inch-stunners carry her to the middle of the grounds. She turns and holds out her arms. “What do you think?”
Sliding my hands in my pockets I raise my voice loud enough to travel the distance. “I think you should cancel your date.”
Emma’s arms drop. “Why?”
“Because I’d like to take you to dinner.”
She’s smiles like she’s about to say yes and I feel my chest expand with a deep intake of relief. “I’m sorry, Tanner but I can’t do that.”
The air goes stale in my lungs. “Whoever this guy is, Emma, he isn’t me.”
She gently laughs. Not a mocking laugh, but one of friendliness and patience. “No, he isn’t you. Because if he were then you would know why I was wearing this. So, let’s not state the obvious.”
“I meant he does not have the experience I have.”
“And how do you know that?”
Trying to contain my jealousy I say, “Few men do.”
Rolling her eyes she walks back to me. “So cocky, just like my dad.”
Fists curl. “I’m not like Jake.”
Not hiding how much she’s dying to know, she asks, “What happened between you two?”
“Who are you dining with that you should wear that dress?”
She regards me for a moment and then passes me into the mansion.
I follow her and sneer as she says, “It’s really none of your business.”
Spinning around she approaches me with all of the cold confidence of a runway model. Lifting the edge of my tie with two red fingernails, Emma holds my eyes. “Mr. Hamilton, you called me a child.” Touching my cheek, her eyes become hooded like she might kiss me. I am struck, frozen where I stand, blood throbbing with need for her. “I hope you understand that our relationship is purely professional from here on out. Do not lose your temper with me again or I will stop working with you altogether.” Her lips come dangerously close to mine and just as I move in to kiss her, she walks away, not looking back. “It’s seven o’clock. I don’t want to keep him waiting.”
CHAPTER 21
EMMA
Dan called me three times last night, sounding more agitated each call. Unlike Tanner who is like a caged animal when he’s upset, Dan stutters and says the word, ‘uh’ too much. He booked time with me today, Thursday, and then he confirmed twice.
The funny thing is, while his boss thought I was on a date I was really watching my favorite romantic comedy movies with a box of tissues and a box of cookies. Before my night was over both were emptied.
And now on my way into work at eleven minutes before eight o’clock in the morning, it’s ringing again, only this time with a number I don’t recognize, yet still bearing the San Francisco location stamp. My confusion is replaced by a knowing smile.
“Emma Cocker speaking.”
“I’m checking to see if we’re on for noon.”
Goosebumps race down my skin. “I’m sorry, who is this?”
He clears his throat. “Tanner.”
“Oh, good morning. Yes, noon is perfect.” As traffic gets thick I slow down and wait for his response.
“Why not now?”
Trying not to bounce in my seat I smoothly remind him, “Cora doesn’t know I’m working with you. I have to make it my lunch hour.”
“Ah,” he says, as though trying to find a way around it. “Dammit.”
Stifling a happy laugh I offer a casual, “Noon is only four hours from now. Or did you have an engagement come up that you can’t miss?”
“What?” he grumbles, “No. I’m not doing anything in this city except this.” Covering quickly he adds, “Today. I have plenty of appointments in Atlanta otherwise.”
Toying with him I ask, “Oh? Like what?”
Some grunts come through the phone as he searches for something. His voice lights up to announce, “The Atlanta Woman’s Group has some event they want me to attend as a possible donor.”
Ears perk up on that one. “My mom, Grandma and my aunts are in it, and they take those events very seriously.”
“That so? I’m not surprised,” he mumbles. “I also saw the Atlanta Ballet last night.”
My triumphant smile vanishes. “That sounds lovely.”
“It was. I’m sure you know they’re the longest continuously performing ballet company in the United States. I did not know, and I found that interesting. They were, of course, outstanding.”
Do they even have shows on Wednesdays? Is he making that up, like I made up my date, sexy dress and all? My spirits sink. I would have rather seen the ballet over faking a date, any day.
“Do you enjoy the ballet, Emma?”
The last time I saw a live performance I was mesmerized, which bored Hannah to tears hearing me talking about it for a week afterward. There’s no game in my voice as I share with Tanner, “So much! And opera. But I don’t have a chance to see them very often.”
Tanner is quieter, thoughtful. “Maybe I’ll take you someday.”
A pang twists my chest. Was he alone or did he take someone? I’m sure if he’d asked any woman walking down the street to accompany him, they would have jumped at the chance and called all their girlfriends.
We sit in silence a moment and I turn into the parking lot, Cora in view through the glass windows, working at her desk bright and early for once.
I wonder what inspired her to show up?
For over a year I’ve waited for her to announce she’s retiring because she hates her job. Hasn’t happened but the clock is definitely ticking.
“I have to go.”
“Noon
