Page 57 of Fate In Fiction

The rest of the afternoon is filled with book talk and a conversation has never felt so natural. She hasn’t pushed for personal details about Emmett and me, which helps keep my anxiety down as well. I’ve learned that Lauren is twenty-five and six years younger than her fiancé. She loves her job as a trauma nurse practitioner. Though, I believe she could easily have a promising career as a runway model. Even when Emmett and I do go our separate ways, Lauren will be the one person I keep in contact with.

When the guys finish up their food at the bar and head over to the hot tub, Adam gets in and reaches for Lauren to pull onto his lap.

“Bro, can you keep your hands off her for at least another hour?” Emmett shakes his head as I giggle, but I hope he doesn’t try the same with me.

“You’re right.” Lauren sits beside Adam. “The last thing I want to do is make my friend uncomfortable.”

“Oh, are we on that good of terms?” Emmett raises the tension as the two of them share a look.

“I meant Josie, dumbass.” She smiles my way. “Josie is my new book buddy.”

“Nice, man!” Adam nods with a knowing smile of implication, and Emmett pretends to mimic the enthusiasm.

“What’s the story between you and Emmett?” I pry in a casual tone. “I know he said he is the reason that you and Adam are happily together.”

“The audacity!” Lauren throws her hands up as Adam laughs. “Typical Emmett response. But yes, he did aid in Adam moving back to San Francisco.”

“Fine,” Emmett begins. “I was off freeloading in Europe, which everyone is aware of. I get a call one day from my father’s number, but it was a very angry woman on the other end.”

“Me,” Lauren says with pride.

“She then turned the call into FaceTime, and I got the entire rundown of their epic backstory and how I needed to man the hell up and stop taking Daddy’s money for granted.” Emmett reaches his arms forward and flexes his hands. “She was completely correct.

“I love hearing you repeat Lauren’s words verbatim.” Adam slides his sunglasses down and turns to wink at Lauren. “She’s so sexy when she’s sassy.”

“I was finally in a good mental place to go after what I wanted.” Lauren shrugs.

“You’re welcome for stepping up and saving you both from your heartbreak episode,” Emmett gloats as Lauren splashes water at him. “Come for dinner tonight. Mom and Josie are cooking.”

“I can’t, I have to work.” Lauren checks her watch.

“Marrying into a billion-dollar family and still works.” Adam leans over and kisses her cheek.

“You know I love my job.” My heart warms watching the kind of love I wish to one day have. To be so comfortable with one another and feel encouraged to do what you love. I won’t settle for a man who doesn’t make me feel alive and seen the way I do when I’m around Emmett. Even out of the eye of our audience, the way he looks at me makes me feel like I’m worth something. The next couple of months better be one for the books. I just hope it doesn’t end with a broken heart.

* * *

Staring at my pale, untannable skin in the ensuite mirror of Emmett’s childhood room, I engulf myself in the oversized long-sleeved shirt with my online university logo. I’ve been expecting this moment since I gathered the guts to mention this entire ploy to Emmett in the lounge a couple of months ago. And as sore as my neck has been from the bed chair, I’ve managed to hold out on sharing a bed with him for this long. Visiting his parents would obviously mean sharing a room with one bed in it. Opening the bathroom door, Emmett lays shirtless on the floor with one arm behind his head. A makeshift bed has been made on the floor out of pillows, and a blanket covers his bottom half. Though I’m fully clothed, his gaze makes me feel exposed.

“Emmett, you don’t have to sleep on the floor.” Walking over, I reach out my hand to help him up.

“I’m fine for a night. This bed doesn’t leave room for a pillow wall.” He takes my hand, but his strength pulls him up on his own. “My family may have money, but my parents tried to keep our bedrooms relatively humble. Plus, if our rooms were a fun playground, we’d enjoy being sent there for punishment.”

“You’re not sleeping on the floor.” Glancing at the snug bed, my eyes move to the door. “You never know if your mom does a peek in or checks to make sure we have everything we need.”

“I’d love to say she wouldn’t, but I wouldn’t put it past her.” He picks up the pillow and sets it on one side. “Take your pick.” Smiling, I walk to the left of the bed. “Thank goodness you’re a left-side sleeper. I can’t stand that side.”

“You’re in a king bed in Aspen. Are you saying you don’t sleep in the middle?”

“No, who would do such a thing?”

“I’d be completely sprawled out on that mattress.” Instantly, I realize he’s picturing me in another way as he shamelessly looks my body over. At least the baggy clothing hides my frame. My heart beats in my throat as I move to my side of the bed, wondering if this feeling will dissipate once we are situated under the covers.

I can’t help but look him directly in the eyes and snort. Leave it to me to make things awkward just in case he makes a move.

“Real cute.” He winks, turning back the covers and presenting his hand for me to get in first. My eyes zone in on his bare chest and down the V of his abs holding his grey sweatpants. If he could make an absurd comment or something, now would be a great time.

Our shoulders rest against each other in bed as a yawn escapes my mouth. The city lights through the window are gorgeous, but I won’t lie on my side to face them and Emmett. “Goodnight,” I whisper, turning to the door as his phone screen lights up the room.