Page 29 of A New Chapter

Zack went to get dressed while Emma stayed at the kitchen table sipping her water. Physically she felt much better, but she couldn’t say the same for her emotional state. Having Zack in her house, taking care of her, made her wish for things that she might never have. She worried that she was getting too attached to him for her own good. They talked and laughed together like friends would; however, there was no mistaking the electric charge between them. If Zack had been a different kind of guy, he might have taken advantage of her last night, yet he hadn’t. Other than a few flirty comments and some long glances—oh, and their sultry slow dance—he had been a perfect gentleman. Everything was fine and well as long as everybody kept their clothes on, but the Greek version of Superman moseying around in his boxers almost tipped her over the edge!

When Zack rejoined her in the kitchen, he was dressed except for his jacket and tie, which were draped casually over his arm. It looked like he had finger-combed his hair, and he still wore that sexy grin.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Emma said, and she stood, immediately crossing her arms over her chest again.

Zack had his hand on the door knob when he turned to look her directly in the eyes. “Emma, I’ve been thinking…”

Uh-oh, this could be bad… very bad.

“And I wondered if you would like to have dinner with me and Gracie one night this week?”

Or it could be good… very good. “Yes, I would love that,” Emma replied, sincerely touched by his change of heart.

“Great. I’ll give you a call during the week, and we’ll set something up.”

Emma nodded, afraid that her voice would catch if she spoke. She knew how much Zack loved his little girl and wanted to protect her. It felt like a pretty big deal for him to invite Emma over.

Zack was just about out of sight when Emma called out to him, “Oh, and Zack?”

“Yes?” He turned around.

“About that question you asked me last night—the answer is yes.” Emma shut and locked her front door before he could respond. Her heart pounded rapidly in her chest as she stepped away from the door. She had just admitted that she had been attracted to Zack on the night of Phil’s wedding. What will he do with that nugget of information? she wondered.

Emma couldn’t stop herself from peeking out her living room window and watching him drive away. Zack glanced up at the house, and although he couldn’t see her, she saw him perfectly clearly. He was still grinning—the rascal!