Eli
That was close.And surprising. I can’t believe how I felt as I watched Emma storm out of the hockey party. Like I’d fucked up big time. So I did what any pathetic fool would do, I handed Cody my full glass of beer and I jumped into my car to go after her.
I had to.
When I saw the pair of them walking, arms wrapped around themselves looking cold, my heart flip-flopped in my chest. A protective instinct I didn’t realize I had took over. Emma was cold and I had to do something about it.
“Em.” That’s what I say as soon as I get close enough to speak to her. It’s also the only thing I’m able to get out.
After I convince her to get in the car, I know I’ve got to confess a thing or two. It was time she understood a few things. Not everything. Not yet.
Luckily, she listened to me, to my reasons for behaving like a complete jackass at the party.
God, I feel so lucky she’s giving me another shot.
So, now, we’re at Gilly’s, the three of us, Carley, Emma, and myself. I’d love to tell you that her friend has warmed up to me, but I can’t. Not yet. She seems to be holding back. No doubt because Emma is smiling and happy. Me too. I mean, I just bought my girlfriend some ice cream and if that isn’t the most cliché date thing in the entire world, I don’t know what is. When she stepped up to the counter and placed her order, I half expected her to order a tiny cup of something because that’s how my dates have behaved in the past. They barely ate when we went out to eat. But I’m happy to report, Emma didn’t. She ordered a hot fudge sundae with nuts. It looked so good, I got one for myself.
“Mm,” I say as I take my first bite and nod at my cup of vanilla ice cream covered in warm chocolate fudge. “Delicious.”
“You act like you’ve never had ice cream before,” Carley snaps.
“I’ve never had this before.” Using my spoon, I point at the cup in my hand.
“You’ve never had a hot fudge sundae?” Emma sounds incredulous. “They’re the best.”
“They are.” I nod, then smile.
When she starts to laugh, I know it’s at me. “What?”
“You’ve got hot fudge on your front tooth.”
I make a big point to lick it off dramatically, and I make thatmmmsound again. Because, damn, it’s good.
“Ugh. You guys are making me sick.” Carley groans. “Take me home, will ya?” She’s looking at me. “Then you two can go off and do that romantic stuff alone.”
“Romantic stuff?” I wink at Emma. “I like the sound of that.”
“She hates winking, by the way,” Carley deadpans.
“Right. I forgot.” I look over at Emma, who just shrugs.
“You’re cute when you do it. As long as you’re just winking at me, that is.”
“I’d never wink at anyone but you.”
Carley makes a disgusted, snorting sound as Emma smiles and that’s where my focus lies. On Emma.
“Let’s go.” Carley is now standing.
I guess we’re going.
* * *
“Thanks for coming over.”As soon as I pulled into their apartment complex, and Carley exited my vehicle, I asked Emma if she’d like to hang out at my place for a while. Of course, I offered to bring her home at any point. I need her to know I’m not just trying to get laid here. I want her to feel comfortable with me.
So, now we’re at my place. Cody’s still gone and hopefully that means he’ll be gone all night. “Can I get you something to drink?” I look over at Emma, who’s looking around my living room. I’ve got a sectional sofa that sits in front of a huge television mounted above a gas fireplace.
“Water?” Emma asks tentatively.
