Page 63 of Unbalanced

Silence. He looks up at me in the rearview mirror, his icy blue eyes full of dark humor and…lust. My body flushes hot.

“I’m not sure what I can say to top that, but I like to indulge in nightclubs and people-watching from time to time. It’s a fascinating experience.”

“That sounds fun, maybe I’ll try it,” I say, making sure not to ask him to include me or invite him along. “Oh, one of my employees is calling. I’d better go. See you soon, Alden.”

There is no other call.

But…that’s not the point.

CHAPTER TWENTY

ALDEN

After speaking to Emily for an hour, I’m not sure if I thought my obsession would lessen but instead it’s more intense. My interest in her has only grown with each meeting and conversation.

We pull up to the estate, and she is all business. Emily jumps out of the truck and starts unloading flowers, barely sparing me a glance other than what she needs to. I call the house staff to help us with the arrangements, but when Emily realizes I don’t know where anything goes, she seamlessly takes over.

There is no fluttering of her eyes, blushing, or flirting. I may as well not even be here. I stand off to the side of the room, sipping a scotch, and staying out of her way. I try not to look too interested, but every time she bends over, I want to order everyone out of the room.

My mother won’t arrive until tomorrow morning, and other than pointing out where the casket will be, Emily has taken care of everything.

It’s almost five-thirty when Emily wipes her brow with the back of her hand and walks toward me. Strands of her long, wavy hair have come out from the elegant twist she put it in. It looks incredibly sexy.

She smiles, and it’s the first time that she’s truly looked me in the eyes since we arrived. It takes far more control than I anticipate not to grab her and push her up against a wall while preparing for my brother’s funeral.

“Everything looks lovely. I hope your mother likes it,” she says, holding the clipboard to her chest as she glances back at the transformed room.

“You did an incredible job, far better than I would’ve done.”

“Your staff did all the heavy lifting. I simply pointed out the best placements.”

Pulling out her phone, she checks the time. I notice she has several missed messages.

“I guess I should get going,” she says with a shrug.

“Going? Aren’t you staying for the funeral tomorrow?”

Emily chews her bottom lip and slowly shakes her head.

“I don’t think I should. Rob and I weren’t together for very long, and this is a family affair.”

“Nonsense, you should be here.”

She looks around and then back up to me before lowering her voice.

“I just don’t feel right after what happened when you dropped me off.”

“I’m asking you to stay…for me.”

I want her here. I need her here.

She sucks in a deep breath and looks down.

“I have nothing to wear tomorrow, or to sleep in tonight. I don’t even have a toothbrush.”

My lips curve up.

“You’re in luck. I have you covered. We keep supplies for when people stay the night, and what you’re wearing is fine for tomorrow.”