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  “You didn’t tell me you had dinner with Chris last night? I thought you were going with your mom,” I barked. I wasn't going to do this again.

  “I was supposed to have dinner with my mom, and she didn't show. She sent Chris in her place, and I didn't want to be rude.” She stood there, hands on her hips.

  “You had dinner with another man...” I walked away and into my house. She followed me.

  “Luke, are you being serious right now?”

  “Yeah, I guess I am. What if it was me? What if I went to dinner with some chick?”

  “Chris and I have known each other forever. It isn't like that and never has been. He's a nice guy, and we work together.”

  “If you want to believe he's a nice guy then you’re a better person than I am.”

  “What do you mean if I believe? He's never been anything but nice to me. He's worked for my grandfather for years and does a good job, so I don't understand what you mean. You want me to just not to talk to him? Do you want me to be rude to him because you have some competition grudge? I don't understand what you want me to do.”

  “I just want you to think about my feelings.”

  “Luke, seriously. I like you. Only you. I don't know why you would think otherwise.”

  I could see where this was heading. He made a ton more money than me, he was close to where she would live one day, and this was turning into a competition I didn't want. I wasn't going to be cheated on again, and I wasn't going to stand there and let her downplay what had happened.

  “I don't think this is a good idea.” I turned toward her. “I think you need to leave.”

  I watched her expression fall. And as much as I wanted to go to her, kiss her, make it all go away... I knew I couldn't. I knew I was being an ass, but this was about self-preservation. I was already more invested than I should have been, and there were so many reasons why this never should have started and so many reasons why it would never work. I had no intentions of ever moving to Portland, and she was going to be there sooner or later. Hell, she was there more than half the time now. I missed seeing her every day. I missed having lunch and dinner with her at random times. That would only get worse if I didn’t stop it.

  “Luke, please.” A tear trickled down her cheek, but I just looked at the floor and then she walked away. I heard the sound of my screen door slam and then hers echoed. I punched my wall and yelled in frustration, leaving a hole I’d have to repair later. I knew she probably heard me, but I didn't care. I was so angry that she didn't think dinner with him was a bad idea. As far as I knew, she’d been with Chris all week. I understood that he worked there, but when she started meeting him for dinner and lunch, that was getting a little too much for me.

  ***

  I watched her through my front window as she had left that morning after being home for two days, but when we saw each other, I would ignore her smile and grunt and walk away. The last thing I was going to do was put myself through another heartache when I could clearly see it coming. And when Ryan asked me what the deal was, I told him just that.

  “You are an idiot,” Ryan said as he sprawled out on my couch.

  “Why? Because I don't like the fact that my girlfriend was having dinner with another man and just forgot to tell me about it?”

  “He works with her. Besides, I doubt seriously she is interested in that Neanderthal. She has better sense than that.” Ryan was always so sure of himself. “She isn't Bimbo Barbie, and she isn't cheating. Grow a set and apologize,” he demanded.

  I wanted to, but I was mad and hurt more than anything. She felt she couldn't be honest with me, and even after we spoke that night, she hadn't said anything about having dinner with him.

  “She lied,” I stated.

  “She didn't feel the need to elaborate,” Ryan said.

  “She omitted, same difference.”

  “I don't think she did it on purpose.”

  “Well, good for you. You date her then.”

  “Don’t tempt me,” he gave me the look. “Seriously, dude. Don’t lose the best thing that could happen to you because you’re being stupid and stubborn.”

  I was still angry, but deep down, I knew Ryan had a point. I wanted to talk to her, but she was gone to Portland. It wasn’t really a conversation I wanted to have over the phone. This was an apology I needed to make in person.

  I was an adult, not a twenty-year-old kid, and even though everything pointed in one direction, I knew that Chris just trying his damndest to get under my skin. Chris had made promises and threats to me personally, and while Emmy was an amazing woman, I didn’t doubt he would do whatever to whomever—including Emmy—just to piss me off. I knew I should have acted accordingly, but even the idea of his hands on her broke something deep inside of me, and I wasn't sure that could be fixed.

  “So, you done being a dick?” Ryan asked.

  “No, are you?”

  “I am not the dick in this relationship.” He motioned between us.

  “Thank you, Captain Obvious, for the information.” I rolled my eyes, walked into the kitchen, and poured me a glass of water.

  “Have you even talked to Emmy?” Ryan asked.

  “Nope, have you?”

  “I think maybe her phone is off. She texted me last night, but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her today.”

  I sat the glass down, put my hands on the counter, and dropped my head between my arms.

  “Did you talk to her while she was home?” he questioned.

  “What was I supposed to say? How’s Chris?”

  “You know it is all a show on his end. You cannot be that stupid.”

  “It isn't about me being stupid. It’s about the fact that she wasn’t upfront with me.”

  “You are seriously mad because her mom flaked on her? The same mom that made it a point to ask how Chris was so you would hear it over the phone? The same one who kind of did the same thing to your face at dinner that night?”

  “It's just happening all over again,” I muttered.

  “Emmy is not the same person who screwed you over, and you have got to stop acting like a chick over this.” Ryan walked over and slammed his hands down on the counter. “You need to get your head out of your ass. I'm just telling you how I see it. I see you living in the past and jumping to conclusions because of it. Emmy has been through some pretty shitty relationships, and I seriously doubt she would actively try to hurt you.”

  “And how the fuck do you know that?”

  “I talked to her for months before she moved here. And we’ve talked since she arrived. We’ve talked about a lot of things.”

  “I just don't know what to do.”

  “Then I guess you had better figure it out.” He looked down at his watch and grinned. “The day is young. You can make it there before she leaves the office if you get your ass in the truck now.”

  Chapter 26

  Emerson

  I was sick of crying over some guy who was just going to act like a dumbass for no reason. I had already laid in bed the night before having a pity party. The last thing I needed was to waste my energy on this crap; I needed to focus on driving in Portland traffic. I needed a pep talk. Hell, what I really needed was some girl time. I grabbed my phone and called the one person I knew who could give me just that.

  “Hello Jello,” Rachel’s bright voice came across the phone.

  “Hey.”

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” I could hear the concern in her voice.

  “Luke and I had a fight, and he thinks I am cheating on him.”

  “Who the hell would you cheat on him with? It's not like you are in a place where there are tons of men. Oh my God, did you sleep with Ryan?”

  “What? No!” I almost laughed.

  “Too bad. I would have wanted all the details on that. That man is eye candy.”

  “He thinks I'm cheating on him with Chris.”

  “Seriously, what? Although, that dude has been crushing on you since
high school. Does he still work for your grandfather?”

  “He isn't crushing on me. And yes, he still works with us.”

  “Girl, you must be blind not to see what I've seen. I've only been around him twice, and I know he wants you.”

  “It isn't like that. I could care less what Chris wants.”

  “I get that, but does he?”

  “Rach, I know it's last minute, but I really need to get out of here for a few days.”

  “Yes. Don't even finish that sentence. You can help me dress shop.”

  “Okay. I'll catch a flight out this evening. I’ll text you later with details.”

  “Sweet! You know these doors are always open to you. Call me before you leave.”

  I hung up the phone, did a quick search online, and booked my flight. I packed a quick bag and walked out the door, locking it behind me. I wanted to at least see him before I left, but I also knew that seeing him would make no difference. He’d been ignoring me for the past two days, and nothing had changed since I’d gone to bed the night before.

  I backed out of the driveway and took off toward Portland.

  ***

  After a long day at the office, I walked up to the ticket counter and checked in for my flight to LAX. I would fly from there to Maine. I needed a break from my reality. I needed to get away from everything that was going wrong in my life, and this was the only way I knew to do it.

  My friendship with Chris had been around a whole lot longer than Luke and even though I was willing to give up everything for him, I wasn't going to start a relationship with him telling me who I could and couldn't talk to.

  I looked at my phone and thought about sending Ryan a message but decided against it as it would probably end up in Luke’s ear.

  I sat in LAX looking around and people watching, wondering if the people who passed were happy. The last couple of weeks had been easy and fun. I hadn't known life could be so simple. And then it was gone. I was angry at Luke. No, I was livid.

  If he had only talked to me about it, it may have been different. I called my grandfather to ask what he thought about me moving to Portland now and finishing my grant there while I continued to work for him.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Granddad.”

  “Hey sugar, how are you?”

  “I'm good. I decided to fly up to Maine and see Rachel.”

  “So you won't be in this week?”

  “No. But everything is taken care of. Once the last panel is in at Salston, we can finish the last job of the month.”

  “Good. I assume Chris is handling everything while you’re gone?”

  “I haven't talked to him and would prefer not to right now. I left instructions with John. He’s going to assist Chris with what needs to be done.”

  “Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “I just need a few days to clear my head. I have some personal stuff going on, and I just...” I sighed loudly.

  “Did Chris do something?”

  “I don't think he did directly, but Luke isn't too fond of him for some reason.”

  “Luke is special to you, and you are to him. So, of course he isn't going to be fond of any other man who spends time with you.”

  “But Chris is only a coworker.”

  “That you have lunch with on a regular basis and from what your mother has said also dinner.”

  “It isn't like that.”

  “How would you feel if the tables were turned?”

  “I wouldn't hold it against him. Chris and I have known each other forever, and he has worked for you for years. I just don't see what the problem is.”

  “Maybe you should talk to Luke.”

  “He won't talk to me.”

  “Give him some time, dear. I am sure he is just hurt, and you know how we men can be. Hurt can come across as anger. You two are so much like your Mimi and me.”

  “I wish we were. You guys have a perfect love.”

  “I wish it was perfect. It is far from it. We just made a promise to each other that we wouldn't give up. Maybe that's why we’re still married. Your grandmother has threatened to murder me on more than one occasion. The problem starts when you are oblivious to what’s going on around you. When innocence is questioned, it makes you defensive. Maybe your intentions were pure, but maybe Chris’ weren’t, and Luke picked up on that. Do you remember Shirley?”

  “Yeah, she used to work for you.”

  “Yes, Shirley and I worked together a lot. One day, Mimi told me she had to go. I didn't understand why. She insisted Shirley wasn't the person I thought she was and that I needed to protect myself and my family. I started paying closer attention and seeing little things that made me understand. While I would never do anything to hurt my wife, things were happening that made it look like I was doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. Once I figured out what was going on, I put a stop to it. Shirley wasn't happy and tried to convince me that my life should be with her.”

  “Wow.” It was all I could say. I remembered Shirley, and I couldn't see her doing something like that.

  “When you flush the devil out, he’s usually pretty obvious.”

  “I can see that.”

  “I like Chris. Always have. And he’s a good worker, but if he is dabbling in your personal life, then he can be replaced.”

  “I don't think he is. I just think maybe Luke overreacted.”

  “Well, time will tell. Take your time and enjoy it. You are only young once. Love you, see you when you get back.”

  “Thanks, love you too.” I hit the end button stared at my phone. I lifted it and finally reached out to Luke.

  Can we talk when I get home?

  Emerson

  I watched the screen and waited for him to answer. After a few minutes, I dropped my phone in my lap and laid my head against the wall, waiting for my flight.

  ***

  When I landed, Rachel was waiting on me with a huge smile on her face, and when her arms wrapped around me, I lost it.

  “Oh, honey. It's going to be okay,” she cooed.

  “I just don't know what I did.”

  “He's being a stupid boy. He will come around.”

  “I don't know.”

  “He will realize his mistake soon enough,” she assured me. “Come on. I fixed your old room up for you. We’ll drink wine and watch something funny to get your mind off how stupid boys are.”

  Chapter 27

  Luke

  After Ryan’s “pep talk,” I changed clothes and then went to get in the truck to drive to Portland.

  “See you on the flip side,” Ryan called out as I pulled out of the driveway.

  I arrived at her office and was greeted by an older lady with glasses perched on the end of her nose.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “I’m here to see Emerson.”

  “Miss Myers isn't in the office, but I can get Chris Ames to help you, if you'd like.”

  “No, that's okay. When do you expect her back?”

  “Not until next week.”

  “Oh okay.” I put my hands in my pockets and walked back down the hall toward the elevator. As I was waiting, Chris’ voice came from behind me.

  “She’s at my house. She needed some alone time. I can give her a message if you want.”

  I wanted to come out of my skin. I really wanted to hit him, but I contained my fury and pulled the door open, deciding to take the stairs instead of being near him another second.

  “Too bad you never got to hit that from behind, watching her round ass ripple every time I sink into her is quite a sight.”

  I couldn't stop myself. I turned and grabbed him by the neck and walked him backward into a wall.

  “If she is at your house, and if you guys are together, that’s one thing... but don't you ever speak like that about her again.” I squeezed a little harder.

  “I will talk about her anyway I please. You’re just jealous she chose me over you.” He croaked out.
r />   “I feel sorry for her if she chose you. You are a poor excuse for a man. I know how you are and how often you can actually keep your dick in your pants.” I pushed against his chest with my forearm.

  “As long as she’s in my bed, that sweet ass of hers will be all I need.”

  I punched him. Blood trickled from his nose. I hit him twice more until there was a man pulling at me.

  “Son.” I heard from behind me and turned to see an older man standing there looking at Chris in a way my father used to look at me when I was about to reprimanded. Then, he looked at me.

  “I am not sure who you are or what exactly is going on here, but you should probably leave.” Chris looked over at the man as he spoke, then dropped his face in his hands. Blood was pouring from his nose now.

  “Don't ever talk about her like that again,” I threatened Chris again, then turned and walked away.

  ***

  Ryan burst through the door to the workshop wondering what was going on. “I’ve been texting you for hours.” Ryan threw his hands in the air, looking over at me as I stood over the piece of furniture I was currently working on.

  “I’ve been here all day.” I watched as he paced around the room shaking his head. I reached into my pocket and looked at the phone and seeing multiple text messages. Fourteen from Ryan, to be precise. “Really? Fourteen messages, are you a girl?”

  “I didn’t want drive all the way out here if you were here. And you haven’t been the most responsive the past couple of days.” Ryan walked out of the door, returning with his favorite blue cooler. “So, we gonna talk or what?” he made himself comfortable in one of my chairs, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other at his ankle.

  “I’ve been here all day. Sorry I didn’t realize you needed to talk to me so bad.” I look down at my phone screen again realizing there was a message from Emmy. I touched the screen to open it. All it said was she wanted to talk when she got home. I seriously thought about texting her back, but chose to stick my phone back in my pocket and deal with Ryan.