More applause echoed around us.I should have known I wasn’t getting out of this unscathed.
“Who wants to join them?”
I glanced across the grassy space in front of the stage and saw Emmett standing next to Wick.He smirked at me as he brought a glass of lemonade to his lips.Wick’s attention was wholly focused on the stage.
Next thing I knew, I was standing at the starting line, my right leg tied to Emmett’s left leg.Nine other pairs were lined up next to us while we waited to compete in the annual Price Industries Three-Legged Race.
Apparently, it was a big deal.
“Remember,Mr.Price, I don’t like to lose.Don’t mess this up.”
The starting horn sounded, and we lurched forward, our bound legs stumbling awkwardly as we tried to find our rhythm.The other couples surged ahead, laughter and shouts of encouragement echoing across the field.
Emmett wrapped an arm around my waist, steadying me.“Just follow my lead,” he murmured, his breath hot in my ear.
We fell into an easy stride, our bodies moving in sync.Grass and dirt kicked up under our feet as we pushed forward.The finishing line drew closer with each coordinated stride.
“You’re doing great, keep it up!”Wick’s voice rang out among the cheers of the crowd as we gained ground on the leading couples.My competitive side flared, adrenaline surging through me as I locked eyes with Emmett.A crooked grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.Those blue eyes sparkled with a challenge and something deeper that sent a shiver down my spine.
Our bound legs worked in tandem as if we’d been practicing this ridiculous game our whole lives.For a delirious moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.We were within a few yards of the finish line now, rapidly overtaking the pair in front of us.Emmett’s muscular arm flexed against my side as he propelled us forward.I matched his urgency, my heart hammering with exhilaration.
And then it happened.My foot caught on dip in the ground, and I pitched forward with a yelp.Emmett’s arm snapped out, catching me against his chest as we tumbled across the grass and our legs came untied.I landed half on top of him, dizzy but unharmed, as gasps and laughter rippled through the crowd.
Emmett looked down at me with a mixture of concern and amusement.“You okay there, killer?”
I huffed out a breathless laugh.“Yeah, I’m good.Although I think we just lost the race.”
Emmett grinned.In one swift motion, he scooped me up and slung me over his shoulder, my stomach dropping with the dizzying movement.
“Emmett!What are you doing?”I squealed, torn between laughter and disbelief as he started running, carrying me toward the finish line.
“Winning, of course.”
The dumbfounded expressions on the faces of our coworkers and their families raced by in a blur as Emmett ran with me draped over his shoulder.He carried me triumphantly across the finish line, his arm clamped around my thighs to keep me from tumbling off his shoulder.The crowd erupted into a mix of amused cheers and good-natured boos at our blatant cheating.
“Well, that’s one way to do it,” Meghan chuckled into the microphone, shaking her head.“I don’t think that’s quite what I had in mind for the three-legged race, but I’ll allow it.”
Emmett set me down, that evil grin still plastered across his face.“What can I say?I play to win.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I said, giving him a playful shove.Despite his antics, a tiny part of me melted at the way he’d so effortlessly caught me and refused to let me fall.
He leaned in close enough that only I could hear.“I told you, baby.Your dreams are my dreams.Even if your dream is to win a simple race, I will put that—and you—first.”He winked, and a flush crept up my cheeks.Anyone looking at us right now would knowsomethingwas going on.I opened my mouth to respond, but Meghan’s voice boomed out before I could.
“Alright!We’ve got more races to get through.And for the sake of the other competitors, maybe try to play a little more by the rules next time?”
We both laughed, moving to the side as the next group of contestants stepped up to the starting line.Emmett put a hand on my lower back and whispered in my ear.“Be right back.”Everything about the interaction screamedintimateand my eyes darted around as he walked away.Suddenly, I heard a deep voice beside me.
“That was some race.”I turned to see Thomas Price sipping lemonade, eyes on the next race.“He’s lucky to have a brilliant, kind, beautiful woman like you at his side.”He turned toward me, smiling warmly.
My eyes widened at the unexpected compliment from my secret boyfriend’s father and boss.“Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say.”
Does he know?Did Meghan tell him?
“I hope you know how much I value you, Callie.”Thomas rested a hand on my arm in a fatherly way.“You’re exactly the kind of partner Emmett will need when he takes over as CEO one day.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but he continued.“This job...it’s all-consuming.Late nights, high pressure, constant demands.Emmett will need someone who understands that.Someone who can take care of the home front when he’s stuck at the office.Someone to put the kids to bed, make sure he’s eating right, keep him grounded.You’re so capable.I know you’d do wonderfully.”
I pasted on a smile, trying to mask the unease settling in my chest.“You’re too kind, Thomas.But Emmett and I aren’t?—”
