Page 5 of A New Chapter

Emma didn’t let him finish. “I don’t drink coffee,” she said abruptly.

“Tea?”

“Nope.”

“Anything caffeinated?”

“Diet Coke occasionally, although I know it’s not good for me.” Geez, can’t this guy take a hint? I do not want to go out with him. I would not, could not! Oh God, now I’m channeling Green Eggs and Ham.

“How about lemonade?”

Zack was obviously not giving up, and the pressure was mounting. She never was very good at saying no…

“Ok, fine, I’ll meet you for lemonade.” That didn’t even sound right.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across Zack’s face. “Great! Lemonade it is.”

Emma shot him a weak smile. “Great.”

“Daddy, is it time to go yet?” Gracie asked.

“Yes, sweetie, right after you tell Miss Emma thank you.”

“Thank you,” Gracie said.

“You’re very welcome, Gracie. I hope that you’ll come back to story time again.” Emma was being sincere, even though she knew that it meant having continued interaction with Zack. If his daughter weren’t so darn adorable… The two of them together were hard to resist.

“I’ll call you about the lemonade,” Zack said and swiped one of her business cards from the front counter.

Kelly and Emma watched as he and Gracie walked out the door. “Lemonade?” Kelly said.

“Don’t ask,” Emma said and huffed off to the back of the store.