Page 19 of Fate In Fiction

“You acted so quiet and weird the night of the dinner party.” His brows pull together, trying to find the answer.

“Yeah, that day was…” I trail off, wanting to bury the news of my personal issues that even my parents couldn’t care less about. “My dad had made the bargain with me before the dinner party.” He nods, seeming satisfied.

“Makes sense why you’d drop the posh lady act and snort.”

“You’re welcome for being the only one to appreciate your humor.”

“You totally love me.” Is he purposely messing with me?

“Tell me about your siblings. I only know what the media says, and I doubt they’re correct most of the time.” His eyes track around the room as his demeanor shifts with uncertainty. “Oh, I struck a personal chord, I see. Give me something to prove I know you, Emmett.”

“My sister, Kelsie, is the oldest and picture-perfect daughter. She went through a messy divorce and is now with our family’s best friend, Max.” He clears his throat as his eyebrows scrunch. “It’s complicated, but she’s not at fault for her ex leaving. I don’t know all the details.”

“Are you two close?”

“Not really. She’s about five years older and was very into school and activities. My brother, Adam, is a year younger than her, and we’d get into mischief together. Adam, Max, and me had a blast partying and living it up until he finished school and took over the San Francisco hotel location.”

“Why did you continue to party instead of help out?” Okay, maybe I’m crossing a line.

“That’s irrelevant for this dinner.” His eyes stare off to the side as he relives a moment he’s yet to share.

After going through the basic favorites, dislikes, birthdays, foods, the main topic leaves my mouth.

“He’s going to ask about what our future holds.”

“I’ve got us covered.” He nods, as if he already knew I’d mention it. “We might be on the fast track to love, and if you keep acting like the sweet little darlin’ you are, you just might get a pretty ring and my last name.” I want to wipe the smirk off his face, but his answer is exactly what my parents would be thrilled to hear.

“Fine. It’s not a formal dinner, so dress casual.” I stand, hearing my knees crack; my signature sound after years of dance. “But not jean casual.” Peering down, I try to be sly as I catch more of his tattoos.

“Why don’t you pick out my outfit and dress me,” he says in all seriousness.

“Dress you?” I grab my book from the couch as my face contorts. “Please don’t tell me you have some weird mommy kink.”

“The fuck? No to the mommy kink!” His head shakes and follows to where my gaze had been on his arm, thinking once again about the tattoos he might have there. I look away, but it’s too late. Emmett pushes up from the couch, standing a little too close to me. “But if you’re looking for a daddy…” He winks with a charming grin, awakening my vaulted thoughts.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I bolt out of the top-floor library and exhale heavily with relief as I take the elevator down alone. It’s going to be a long few months of keeping myself under control.

* * *

The only text I’ve received from Emmett all day is the confirmation he will arrive on time. Nausea floats around my body with how tonight will play out. Unable to focus on my current read, or make new social media content for my fellow reader friends, I remain a statue, leaning against the wall by the dining room. The staff sets the table and bustles about to make sure everything is ready for the approaching dinner. I stare down at my fitted navy dress and pick at a thread on the long sleeve. It’s mid-summer, but Aspen weather can be unpredictable in the evenings. I stay lost in a trance until my phone goes off.

Rookie:

Follow my lead, little darlin’.

Me:

um y?

Rookie:

He expects you to.

Me:

he expects you to also know me…

Me: