Chapter 7
Michael beat Emily to the work site the next morning. Early on in their acquaintance, Emily had confessed her love of strong coffee. It was one of the things he liked about her. On his way to the renovation site, he picked up an especially strong brew, one the barista promised would make him see visions of Juan Valdez.
Seeing as gentle persuasion was the order of the day, he wasn’t above trying to woo her with coffee.
Within minutes, she pulled up in her Volvo. He almost expected to see Trent’s Mazda veer up behind her, but of course it didn’t happen. Still, he had no illusions. The man would try again and he intended to be there to greet him.
Michael approached her car and smiled. When she got out, he held out the coffee. “I thought some caffeine might be appreciated.”
“Thanks. You have no idea how much I appreciate caffeine right now.” Had Trent been bothering her? Or was it possible she’d been up all night, thinking about Michael’s declarations? He didn’t want her to lose sleep, but the perverse side of him liked knowing she obsessed over him as much as he obsessed over her. She took the proffered cup, sipped, and sighed. “Two creams, two sugars. You remembered.”
“Do I look like the sort of man who’d forget a woman’s coffee preferences?” He sipped his own, unable to look away from her lips as she drank some more. “Rough night?”
She touched the skin under her eyes. “It’s that obvious, huh? It wasn’t the greatest sleep I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, yeah? Something keep you up?”
She narrowed her eyes and treated him to a hint of a smile. “You know damn well what kept me up, Michael Zorn.”
“I’m sure I have no idea what you mean. I’m just drinking my coffee, an innocent bystander.”
“There’s nothing innocent about you. “ She gripped her cup with two hands and sighed. “Thank you again for installing my new lock. That was very sweet of you.”
“Just taking precautions.”
“I’m sure I’ve heard the last of Trent.”
“Yeah, probably.”No way. He didn’t believe it for a second. “Still, nothing wrong with being safe. If you ever have issues with Trent or anyone else, I want you to call me, Em. I mean it.”
“My brother lives close by as well.”
“I know, but I want to be there for you. I can come over whenever you want, even just to keep you company.”
“Michael, you have a life. I can’t expect…”
“Yes, you can expect it. I meant what I said last night. I care for you, Em. I don’t ever want you to feel alone. Do you promise you’ll call me if you have any problems?”
“I promise.”
“Good.”
A couple of other cars began to drive up. Members of the crew.
Emily glanced at them, her brow furrowed. “People have been asking about Trent. Everyone must be wondering what happened to him.”
“Don’t give them a thought.” None of them liked Trent anyway, but Michael refrained from adding this comment. “I’m proud of you. You’re standing your ground.”
“I’ve had moments of weakness, believe me.”
Which was why he’d stay close to her, to make sure she didn’t succumb. She didn’t need a man like Trent Andrews in her life. Michael would get her through the heartache and show her there were men out there who were worth her time and energy. He’d show her she could take a chance on him and not regret it.
If Michael had his way, he’d be Emily’s rock and her greatest weakness.
She held her head high. “Thanks for the coffee, by the way. I’m determined to get through this. There’s a lesson to be learned here. I’m trying hard to figure out what it might be.”
“You’re a force of nature, you know that? I have a feeling Nonna Olivia approves.”
“She never liked Trent either. I should have listened to her.” As a couple of the crew members walked past, she walked into the house with them. “See you inside, Michael.”
