“Em, I just want to talk to you,” said Trent. “Is that so bad?”
“I told you I’m not interested in anything you have to say.”
“We had two years together. Are you seriously telling me you won’t spare me another five minutes?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m telling you.”
“Well, maybe I won’t take no for an answer.”
Enough was bloody well enough. Michael raced down the front steps, his pulse pounding in his ears. He could almost hear Eli’s voice in his head.This isn’t your fight. She isn’t your woman.
Maybe not yet, but by Michael’s calculations, Emily was just one more kiss away from becoming his woman. She was goddamned close enough.
Trent rolled his eyes. “Ah, Zorn. I was wondering when you’d show up. I hope you’re happy knowing you destroyed my relationship.”
“Oh, no.” Emily pulled herself to her full height, not seeming to care the two of them dwarfed her. “Don’t you dare blame Michael for anything. You did this.”
“Fair enough,” Trent backpedaled. “You’re right, but anything I have to say to you is none of his business.”
“When I hear a man say he won’t take no for an answer, I make it my business.”
“I’m fine, Michael.” Emily crossed her arms. “I have nothing to say to Trent. I was just headed back inside.”
“Veronica’s out of the picture.” The words tumbled out of Trent’s mouth.
“Really. And if I talk to Veronica, will she say you called it off or will she say she dumped you?”
“Does it matter?”
Emily laughed. “No, it doesn’t matter anymore and I guess I have my answer.”
Michael put an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go back inside.”
“Please, Em,” begged Trent. “We had it good once. We can have that again. I know I made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them. I’ll do anything. Do you want me to get on my knees? I will. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“Go home, Trent.” The crack in her voice was enough to bring Michael to his knees.
“I meant what I said. I won’t give up. I’ll find a way to get you back.”
“You’re trespassing on private property.” Michael fought to keep the growl out of his voice. “Now leave before I call the cops.”
“Fine. I’ll go for now.” Trent retreated. “But Emily, you won’t have Michael Zorn running interference every moment of every day. We will have this conversation. I’ll make you see I still love you with all my heart. You can’t hide from me forever.”
Michael led Emily up the steps and opened the front door.
As soon as she was inside, Lacey darted toward her. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you all over the place.” She pulled a pale-faced Emily into the house.
Before Michael headed in after her, he called out to Trent. “Just an FYI. I played football. I can run interference with the best of them.”
Trent grinned and walked away toward his car.
If Michael hadn’t just installed a new front door, he would have slammed it.
***
“I need you to make an important decision.” Michael sidled up to Emily with a smile on his face at the end of the day. “It could alter the course of your life.”
She brushed the dust off her jeans with a few slaps. “Sounds serious.”
