Page 23 of Fate In Fiction

Why is this happening? a little voice screams in my head as my eyes fall shut so Hanson isn’t suspicious. I’m so over winging it and dealing with the repercussions. His lips slowly detach from mine and my eyes open slowly. Glancing ahead at the car, I can’t look Emmett in the eye. My body craves more now. So much more.

This is bad. But, God, even the simplicity of that felt so good. Which is bad. Swinging my eyes to Hanson, relief comes over me as his head is turned, giving us privacy. Thank goodness. Wordlessly, Emmett opens my car door for me, ushering me in and tossing my bag onto the back seat. Getting into the driver’s side, he brings his head forward, looking out my window and waving. My eyes move to the right, and I see my father staring out the window to wave us off. I guess the kiss solidified we weren’t lying to their faces about being a perfect couple. I keep my reaction locked away until Emmett begins to drive.

“What on earth is wrong with you?!” I grit my teeth as he exits the estate gates.

“I meant to pull you closer and place a kiss on your cheek,” Emmett defends. “I didn’t think you’d turn your head up at me like that.”

“You didn’t need to kiss me at all. We were holding hands. You carried my bag like a nice boyfriend. Ta-Daaa. Job complete,” I ramble quickly as my anxiety takes over.

“Hanson and your father had watchful eyes. I needed to focus on the little details.” Though he has a solid point, I wanted the kiss to be terrible. To feel nothing from such a PG moment.

“Let’s pretend it never happened.” That way, I don’t have to wonder about the X-rated possibilities floating through my mind. The ones that will never be put into action.

“Josie, stop acting like it was that terrible.” He chuckles. “I thought it was quite nice.”

“Nice? We agreed NO lips.” He huffs out a frustrated breath from my comment, but stays quiet. “And now I am moving in?” Gah, get me out of this town, please!

“I’m sorry.” His face scrunches as his head hits the headrest. “I panicked, okay?” Emmett’s voices quiets with defeat. “With everything, actually. But I’d say I remained cool and collected through most of it.”

“I’m better at winging it,” I mimic him and sigh in frustration. “I’m better at going over a plan so we don’t end up in these situations.” I hear my voice pitch higher as the aggravation grows.

“You didn’t tell me how crafty your mother was.” His head shakes as he readjusts his grip on the wheel.

“Your responses were not my fault.” Maybe partially my fault, since I didn’t brief him, but this whole thing is still his fault.

“I had to take the bait to make us believable.” The soft plea in his tone gains a few sympathy points.

“Do you want to live with me? This is crazy!”

“I haven’t thought about it much...” He shrugs.

“Clearly.” I huff. “Turn left at the lights ahead.” I cross my arms with an aggravated groan.

“How come?” He eyes me with suspicion, but puts his signal on to turn.

“I have plans this weekend.” My teenage attitude begins to resurface. “We went over this. I’m with Stella.”

“Where have you been going lately, really?” I hear concern in his question, but I am too pissed to care. “Do you just hang out at her house?”

“That doesn’t concern anyone.” The attitude in my voice heightens and a long breath enters my nose to control myself.

“Um, it’s a general rule of safety. At least tell me who you are with. I don’t want you ending up in a pit in someone’s basement, getting sprayed with a hose and tossed a bottle of lotion.” My mouth involuntarily drops as my eyes widen at the specific scenario. “Never mind, it was a movie before your time.”

“I’m not that much younger than you.”

“The redhead temper is a real thing, huh?” he teases as my glare increases. “I’m sorry.” He pulls the car over onto the country road.

“Please drive. We are almost there, and I cannot be late.” My voice softens as I stare ahead at the trees.

“Late? It’s just a sleepover.” He shoots a questioning look my way as curiosity laces his voice. “Right?”

“We’ll talk about this another time, roomie.” He’s been a great cover, and I’ve finally gotten a small taste of freedom the past month, thanks to Stella’s father.

“Josephine.” His business tone kicks in. “I think going over what happened at dinner is more important to talk about than rushing to a sleepover.” I watch the white on his knuckles appear as his grip tightens on the steering wheel.

“Yeah, the situation that you signed us up for.” Way to make me feel like a child. “How about you spend the weekend cleaning your place for me, since I imagine a busy bachelor like you has take-out containers scattered about and beard hair all around the sink.”

“You’re quick with assumptions tonight, little darlin’.” He bites back an amused smirk and stares at me a little too long.