Page 18 of Fate In Fiction

“That’s so cheesy, Emmett.” The softness in her voice whenever she says my name warms my chest in a weird way. “But we do need to lay it on thick.” A smirk fights against my poker face as I try like hell to keep the obvious comeback hidden. “My goodness, grow up. Are you fourteen?”

“Mentally? Yeah.” My shoulders lift in a shrug and my smile pushes forward.

“We’re helpless.” Josie rolls her eyes, then makes her way toward the leather couch. Taking a seat next at the other end, my body faces hers. Only, she stays standing, almost in a power position. “We haven’t gotten personal since the market. Where you pried that guy off me because your dancing skills miraculously took over.” Her arms fold across her chest, closing me off. “I won’t let you get attached, if that’s what your fear is.”

“Me?” I hear my voice raise. “Josie, commitment and I have never gone hand in hand. I can play this game better than you. I don’t want your precious little heart to shatter.”

“Why would I try to settle for you when I have endless life opportunities abroad? Endless guys with sexy accents.” Her hand smooths over the back of the couch, seemingly lost in her thoughts as I imagine her touching me like that. Then her eyes meet mine again with purpose. “Don’t underestimate me, Emmett. And get over yourself.”

“I know you, little darlin’.” The annoyed glare in her eyes amuses me as I take on the challenge thrown my way. “I know you a lot better than you think.”

JOSIE

What does a newly reformed playboy hotel heir gather from the quiet bookworm, who teaches yoga, and occasionally dishes out a witty remark? Not much, that’s for sure.

“Typical cocky answer from you.” I force out a laugh, but find myself finally taking a seat on the sofa with him.

“I know you prefer books over people.” When he leans closer, his ritzy cologne lures forward to catch another whiff.

“Duh, that’s a given, Rookie.” I tuck my legs under me and turn myself to face him directly.

“I’m not a Rookie.” He takes offence to the nickname as his hand jolts over his heart.

“Mmhmm.” I smirk, but his challenged grin seizes the oxygen from my lungs with uncertainty for how well he might pinpoint me.

“I know you purse your lips and glance to the side whenever I dish out my cocky comments. While you want to hate them, they actually make you want to laugh. You secretly enjoy how I own who I am with such confidence.” He runs his finger over his bottom lip, magnetizing my eyes to it. “I know when you are nervous, this phenomenal burst of confidence erupts through your voice, so people focus on the formal tone instead of everything your eyes try to mask.” Emmett’s leg lifts onto the cushion. As he leans in closer once more, I swallow, feeling my body light up in a forbidden way. His eyes hold mine, but I know he won’t act on whatever I try to decipher about this moment. Even though part of me, one I’m pushing down deep, wishes he would.

“Oh, is that so?” I sit up straighter and silently curse as my formal tone cuts through.

His hand reaches up to loosen his tie, and my stomach clenches at what his grip would feel like around my neck.

No. Bad Josie.

Emmett’s tongue pushes into his cheek with ‘I told you so’ eyes. Hopefully, for just the formality and not the racy thought. When I expect my stomach to swirl with annoyance, it turns into need. God, he’s arrogant. How am I attracted to this? Probably because you’ve read about it on the daily, Josie. My chin tilts up as my elbow props my head up on the couch. His eyes track my fingers as they tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The fact that he hasn’t responded yet and is watching me with a blank face sends my pulse skyrocketing. Can he actually pick up on how he’s affecting me?

“Okay, Emmett,” I say with a clearing of my throat. “What do you not know?”

“Any piercings besides your ears? Tattoos in places Daddy would never approve of?” His tone holds humor, as if he’s expecting me to admit to everything.

“Oh, none of which you or him will ever see.” I smirk as his Adam’s apple bobs.

His shoulders straighten, broadening his chest as he draws in a breath and fiddles with the buttons on his cuff. Taking his time, he rolls the sleeves halfway up. Each second irks me while waiting for his response, but he continues his task, unaffected. Emmett keeps his eyes low as his hands flex, exposing the muscles and veins on his forearms. For someone who does office work, he sure has a body for sports. Reaching up, he undoes a few buttons at the top of his shirt before relaxing into the couch. My eyes battle to pull away from his chest, but the glimpse of ink peeking through his shirt spikes my interest. Tattoos are definitely something a girlfriend would know about.

“The chest tattoos are newer, and not on social media.” He grins as he catches my stare. “But the one on my side is––which I’m sure you’ve seen given your stalking abilities.” His amusement angers me, yet I can’t fight my I blush. “What’s your username, Josie? I’ve tried to look you up.”

I raise my eyebrows and playfully clasp my bottom lip between my teeth. “It’s a book account, and you don’t seem like the type to read.” Why am I trying to flirt?

“Look at you being right with some assumptions.”

“We need to prove how far we’ve progressed as a couple.” My finger traces the knit pattern on my sweater, avoiding his dark brown eyes. “My parents are going to want all the details of how we met and what we’ve discovered about each other.” There’s so much to learn in one night and my stomach knots with the doubt of pulling this off. We should’ve done this sooner.

“A briefing should be fine,” he says, calm and collected.

“I thought you were done living up to society’s projection of you.” I sigh with aggravation. “Be serious.”

“Look, Josie, I’m better at winging stuff. I find it comes off more believable than if I’m trying to remember an entire script.”

“I’ll let you wing the day we met.” I clear my throat, too distracted by his actions. “Do not let me down, Rookie.” Why am I putting so much faith in him? He makes no effort to hide his offence.