Page 13 of Fate In Fiction

“Or what?” He takes it as a challenge, stepping into me.

“Or...” My eyes drift down his body, searching for words as my brain short circuits to picturing the abs I know he’s hiding under his grey fitted suit. “Or, I won’t be your girlfriend,” I say to his chest, as it’s at my eye level.

“Lies.” He tilts my chin up and winks. “The other day, you were all please, I need you.” My eyes narrow as he mimics my tone.

My breathing remains level as I pry my eyes away from his and the shake of my head drops his hand. “We need a back story whenever you have time.” Like my body has the solution, my stomach grumbles.

“Let’s talk over lunch.” He leads me to the lounge bar, taking a seat in the booth we sat in previously.

“I told my parents about us,” I blurt out a little louder than expected.

“Good girl,” he says under his breath with a smirk. My body freezes, except my jaw–– which drops. He did not just go there. “Sorry.” His smug grin says he’s not.

“You promised to take this seriously.” I have zero idea how to respond when my partner in crime throws a phrase like that at me.

“I am. But damn, remove the stick from your ass.”

“What I put up my ass is none of your business.” I feel my face heat with aggravation as his smirk solidifies his success to piss me off again. “Back story. Focus.” I snap my fingers.

“I told my parents about you too. No detail about how we met, though.” He clears his throat as his eyes drift around the room. “I explained how life has put one of the best people in my path at the most unexpected time.” Emmett’s eyes meet mine before he points to me like it isn’t obvious. “You.”

“And did they buy it?”

“We’re going to need to work on them.” Taking a deep breath, he speaks slowly. “I’ve given them many reasons to doubt me, but dammit, I’m trying to change and get my life in order.” He fights to keep the frustration out of his voice. “I have been doing it.”

“This will work, Emmett.” My tone remains sweet. Almost understanding, if he wants to open up about an issue I won’t press for.

“What did you tell your parents?” His finger lifts, pausing me as the waiter approaches. He orders his disgusting choice in whiskey, and kindly doesn’t oblige as I order a vodka soda.

“I explained how we bumped into each other at a café.” Which actually isn’t a lie. “That’s all. We are still learning things about each other.”

“Let’s keep it at that.” His eyes rest on my fingers I’m fiddling with. “Anything else I should know?”

“I should be registering for fall online classes, but I’m hoping to run off to Europe, you know?”

“University might come in handy to help with your grammar,” he teases. “Maybe we should stick to voice memos.”

I giggle, rolling my eyes as they land on my best friend and some guy as they enter the lounge. Oh, crap. Stella has no idea. My pulse kicks into overdrive as my stomach turns.

“Hey.” Emmett reaches for my hand as his thumb rubs back and forth. Adrenaline should not be transferring into my lower region at his simple touch. “We’re still new, remember?” He glances toward her, helping my heart settle. “You haven’t had time to tell her yet.” I nod as Stella and her new arm candy take a seat at the bar, missing us completely.

“I’ll let her know before this weekend.” She and I were supposed to spend the weekend together and sneak me out of state, but now my parents want me attending the downtown farmer’s market. “Are you busy Saturday morning?”

“I planned to work.”

“We need to be seen in public for this to be believable. Aspen is a small town. We need people talking.” As much as I hate the attention on me, it’s necessary.

“Are you asking me on a first date?” His palm rests on his heart as a fake endearing tone swims from his mouth.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

EMMETT

Downtown Aspen is nearing full capacity as white tent booths line the street. Tourists and locals swarm the vendors as I keep my eyes peeled for red hair. A meetup spot would have been the smartest option over meeting at a certain time. My phone vibrates in my pocket and Josie’s name flashes on the screen. Swiping the message, I see a photo of myself, standing in place. My head whips around until it lands on soft red curls and a heart-stopping smile. Her light blue sundress matches the sky and flows to her knees. She looks straight out of one of those romantic movies or probably a character from one of the books she always has in her nose in.

“Stalker.” I step forward, unsure of how to greet her in this moment. “Are you ready to put on a show?” Her smile is forced as she nods. “Deep breaths.” I keep my voice low and prepare her, hoping she doesn’t flinch like the last time. “Are you okay if I put my arm around you?”

“I’m not going to flinch again, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Her eyes soften. “Thank you for warning me, though.” Josie steps toward me as I lift my arm.