Page 36 of The One Timer
Gran chortles and swats my knee like I’m a naughty kid. “Don’t worry, Chase. You’re still my wonder boy.” When that telltale twinkle shows in her eyes, I brace myself because there’s no one naughtier with mischief than Gran. She says, “I’ve been telling Em all about you.”
“I’ll bet.” I enjoy the guilty pink that blooms on Emery’s face like someone ignited her from the inside, and I remember doing that to her—hell, never mind that.
Emery stands. “Well, I’ll let you two catch up and get to work on lunch.”
“We’ll be right behind you,” I say, watching her world-class rear as she hurries off.
“You find her attractive,” Gran says.
“I’m male, and I’m over the age of ten. Though I might’ve appreciated Emery at any age.”
“She has a glow about her, doesn’t she?” Gran says, and that’s a perfect description. But I’m not supposed to know that much about her.
“I’m glad I came home today. You outdid yourself on the tree this year.”
She laughs. “Don’t pretend with me. You’re glad you came home and met Emery.”
“That, too. I look forward to getting to know her.” No fucking fibbery in that statement. I grin and help Gran from the couch, and we go back to the kitchen.
We walk in on a discussion between Uvi and Emery about where to set the table.
“I think we should eat in the dining room,” Uvi says.
Emery nods and shoots a glance at me.
“How about if we stay in the kitchen?” I say. “The table will easily fit the four of us.” I hold her gaze and watch them widen when she realizes I’m including her.
Gran says, “Excellent idea. We’ll save the dining room for dinner when Uncle Walt and Katherine join us.”
I help Gran into her seat and take the plates from Emery’s hands. “You’re in charge of the food. It smells great.”
“Caesar salad with grilled salmon. Simple but delicious and healthy,” she says, then moves her attention to Gran. “Mrs. W, do you mind if I leave early?”
Gran waves a hand. “Of course, but you’ll stay for lunch as always—unless you have plans with your family…?”
“I’m not sure… Chase’s surprise visit has thrown the schedule off. I’ll stay and finish preparing the food, as planned. It’s meant to be a Christmas Eve feast for your family really. I know you were expecting your brother-in-law, his family, and your granddaughter later, so I made extra.”
I pin Emery with my eyes, daring her to lie. “You can stay for a lunch. I’m sure your family will understand if you spend extra time at your boss’s house.”
“Don’t say it like that, Chase,” Grandma admonishes.
“No, he’s right.” Emery darts her eyes away from me. “I should get back to the food then and get it plated.”
“Great. I’ll be your assistant.” I follow her as she gives me an accusatory look over her shoulder. I’m getting all kinds of stay away from me vibes from her, and normally, I’d respect that and turn around, but in this case, she owes me. She lied to me—and then walked out on me, and we haven’t even discussed that yet.
That fact should bother me, should fucking piss me off. But her pretense about not knowing me that night only intrigues me. Her lie by omission about working for Grandma is understandable. Maybe. But she knew exactly who I was and everything about me if I know how Grandma talks about me. That means she wanted to meet me, that she was hot for me, and I bet my trust fund she still is.
So, where’s my outrage about how she sold me hook, line, and sinker on her honesty and authenticity?
Maybe the explosion of anger will happen later when I’m not under the influence of her hot body and drop-dead gorgeous face. Because right now, my hormones rule, overwhelming every bit of good sense I might otherwise have.
Seems to be my norm in her presence, though, doesn’t it?
Uvi puts on Christmas music and sets the table while I crowd Emery as she ducks into the butler’s pantry. She turns, and I pin her against the cupboard.
“Why did you leave in the middle of the night?” I stare into the golden pools of her eyes.
She bites the corner of her lip and tries to look away, but I stop her, gently caressing her cheek and directing her head to face me.
