Page 48 of A New Chapter

“Do you have siblings?”

“I have a younger brother, Damian, who lives in California. He’s a bit of a free spirit and the complete opposite of me. We were close as kids, but I don’t see much of him anymore.”

“Because he lives so far away?”

“That and the fact that we have such different lifestyles. He’s a confirmed bachelor who has no intention of ever being ‘tied down’ with a wife and kids. Some might say that he has a fear of commitment.”

Emma gave Zack a curious sideways glance.

“What?”

Why does he always have to catch me looking? “Nothing,” Emma said dismissively.

“That look was not nothing. Spill it.” Zack set down the doll clothes he had been looking at and gave her his full attention.

Emma sighed. “I was just thinking that maybe you and your brother aren’t so different anymore. Didn’t you tell me recently that you couldn’t imagine having another relationship?”

“I guess I did say that, didn’t I?”

“Yes, or something along those lines.” Emma did her best to act like she didn’t care one way or another what Zack’s thoughts on relationships were. In fact, they shouldn’t even be having this conversation.

“What about this outfit for Gracie’s dolls?” Emma asked, trying desperately to change the subject.

For once, Zack went along with her. “I think that she would love that,” he said.

A few minutes later, they were back on the sidewalk, with Zack clutching an American Girl doll bag instead of Emma’s hand. The lightness that she had experienced at the pub had been replaced by a different feeling that Emma couldn’t quite identify. Whatever it was, Emma was determined to ignore it. The night was still young, and she didn’t want the fun to be over yet.

“Let’s go to Crate and Barrel,” Emma suggested enthusiastically. “You could still use a few more things for your house.”

“Like what?” Zack asked, but he followed her as she led them down the street.

“I’ll know it when I see it,” Emma answered.

Zack rolled his eyes, but his mood seemed to have lifted, and that spurred Emma on.

He trailed her throughout the store while she browsed a variety of home goods and kitchen gadgets.

“Here it is!” Emma stopped and pointed.

“A heart-shaped waffle maker? And why do I need this in life?”

“Does Gracie like waffles?”

“Yes.”

“Well, think about how excited she’ll be when she sees heart-shaped waffles on her plate!”

“Emma, is this really about Gracie?”

Emma pretended to be offended. “Of course it’s about Gracie. Don’t be ridiculous.”

Zack stared at her for a few beats. “You know what? You’re right. I think I need to have the waffle maker.”

Emma gave him a toothy smile and picked up the box. “Stick with me,” she called over her shoulder.

“Oh, I plan on it,” Zack said.

When they left the store, Zack suggested they go somewhere for dessert, and Emma readily agreed. They ended up at the Ghirardelli store, where they bought one hot fudge sundae to share.

The minute she tasted the delicious combination of cold vanilla ice cream and rich hot fudge, Emma let out a long, happy sigh.

Zack smirked at her across the table before sampling it himself. Emma watched the spoon disappear between his full, moist lips and envied it. With her focus on his mouth, it was easy to recall their steamy kiss on his bed, and Emma had the sudden urge to repeat it. With each bite they took, the room seemed to grow warmer and warmer until Emma hastily discarded her jean jacket.

After the last bite, when Zack lazily licked his lips, Emma thought she would throw herself across the table at him. He might have felt the same way because he suddenly asked, “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“So ready,” Emma replied, and they rushed out the door to hail a cab.