Page 52 of Fate In Fiction

“I’ll only half apologize for that. You kissed me back.” I feel a blush rise to my cheeks, and he takes another step forward. “What the hell was that about?”

“Instinct?” My voice raises in question. “We were in front of people. I couldn’t shove you away.” If he leans in again, I won’t be able to say no for another taste. Would one more really make things too messy?

“My ego might have taken over to prove to those degenerates that you were mine.” His hand runs over his jaw as his eyes soften.

“They weren’t the ones watching us outside.” I may as well state the obvious. “You wanted to kiss me.”

“You could have gotten yourself into a bad situation yesterday.” Why now is he backing away from talking about the kiss. He desperately wanted more from me when we entered the elevator.

“Back to that kiss.” I feel myself start to fume instead of wanting to press my lips to the side of his neck.

“What were you thinking? You’re smarter than that, Josephine.” Maybe he’s deflecting in an attempt to do the same.

“I brought Emery with me. I didn’t think those guys would make a move.” The persona he’s projected to the world on social media has been similar to the jerks in the lounge. But I’ve gotten to know the real Emmett, and he’s been more than a gentleman.

“I wish this was a perfect world and they wouldn’t.” He begins to take another step toward me, but halts himself. “I don’t know if I want you parading around Europe alone, Josie.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t have a say.” I step closer, knowing my annoyance is enough to prevent another kiss.

“Oh, really?” His tongue pokes into his cheek as his arms cross. Dammit, he’s got me. Sighing, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear because I don’t know what else to say. “And bringing all five foot of Emery was your safety backup?”

“She’s five-one.” Speaking that out loud solidifies the hole I keep digging for myself.

“Well, that makes her extra ferocious.” He wants to laugh, but still holds a disappointed tone as his lips purse. Those damn lips. He’s meaning well, but I’m still too stubborn to let him win.

“You kissed me! Again!” Crossing my arms, my eyes roam around the living room frantically. "And it wasn’t even for a justifiable statement for Stella or family.”

“I’m sorry, Josie, but it’s not like I stole your first make-out session.” He holds back a tight smile remaining silent, I glare at him.

“Goodness, of course, I’ve made out with guys before.” Just never like that. His face grab and dominating lips are why I need to go change my panties. I want to walk over and shove him, but if he grabs my wrists, I’ll be waiting for the kiss. Basically begging for it. We were doing so well before I had another sample. Now I need a whole damn snack board.

“Josie.” Emmett smirks, reading my face. “I didn’t know my lips had that much of a spell on you.” His smirk is all knowing.

“Microscopic effect.” Rolling my eyes, I realize there is no reason to lie. “When you kiss that many girls, it would be a shame if it was repulsing.”

“Then I’m gonna need the number from your backlist because, damn, you’ve got one hell of a rhythm.” He clears his throat. “Your subtle tongue action was––”

“Losing focus here.” I walk past him down the hall, needing space. My hand rests on my door handle, and I hope he stays put.

“I got caught up in the moment. Of everything, Josie. Those guys needed to know I didn’t put up with shit. And the staff had more confirmation.”

“And?” I ask, not sure I want to hear it out loud.

“And part of me might have had the curiosity to see how your sassy lips would feel against mine.” The ease in his voice with his confession makes me wonder if he’ll act on anything else. And I should be more concerned than I am.

“I guess now you know and can move on.” I shrug.

“To make things fair, I’ll let you act on the next curious thought you have about us.” He smirks, biting his bottom lip, and I know I’ll be putting my fingers to good use tonight.

“How generous of you.” He walks down the hall toward me, and my heart races. “I think you satisfied us both with that moment.” Another lie. “I’m having a shower and going to bed.”

“Josie.” Emmett stands a few feet away as I cross over to the bathroom. “You’ve got the innocent act nailed down, but I know there’s more to it.”

“Oh, the things you’ll never know.” Shooting him a grin, and a wink for good measure, he watches me closely as an explicit scenario flashes through his eyes.

“Oh, the things you’ll miss experiencing with me.” He smirks, trying to one-up me as I shut the bathroom door in his face. My head spins with the drumming of my heart. This is torture.

EMMETT