"Look at them." I gesture to Pierre and Issy on the dance floor. They're swaying together, foreheads pressed close, completely oblivious to everyone else. "They're in their own world tonight. No one's going to notice I'm gone.”
Collette studies me, then her eyes soften. "You're going to him.”
"Yeah."
“Go. I’ll cover you,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I slip out before anyone else can stop me, the cold New York air hitting me as I step outside. I hail a cab, and luckily, it’s only a couple of blocks home. The city is alive with New Year's Eve energy. People everywhere. Heading to parties. Counting down to midnight. Singing as they walk. But all I want is him.
The cab drops me off, and I take the elevator up to our floor and use the keycard he gave me. The apartment is dark except for the TV, the countdown show is on, fireworks from around the world lighting up the screen. Emmett is on the couch, arm in a sling, ice pack stuck in it, guess he does listen.
He looks up when he hears the door. His eyes widen. "Jo?"
"Hi," I say as I shed my coat and shoes.
"What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at the party until after midnight.”
"I left.”
"Why?"
I cross to him and drop to my knees in front of the couch so we're eye level. "Because I want to spend New Year’s with you. With the man I love."
His breath catches. "Jo, it’s your brother’s engagement.”
“He is too wrapped in Issy to notice me.”
He stares at me, then he smiles, that soft, vulnerable smile that's just for me. "Come here.” I climb onto the couch beside him, careful of his shoulder. He shifts so I'm tucked against his good side, his arm around my shoulders. "I can't believe you're here," he murmurs.
"I'm exactly where I want to be."
On the TV, the countdown starts. Times Square. The ball is dropping. Ten. Nine. Eight.
"Happy almost New Year, Trouble," he whispers.
"Happy almost New Year, Captain."
Seven. Six. Five.
Four. Three. Two. One.
The screen explodes with fireworks. Cheers. Confetti.
Emmett turns his head and kisses me, softly. It’s the perfect New Year’s kiss.
"Happy New Year," he whispers against my lips.
"Happy New Year."
We stay like that, wrapped around each other. This isn't how I expected to spend New Year's Eve. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.
41
JOELLE
Iwake up to pounding on the door.
Emmett stirs beside me. "What the hell?" he mutters, trying to sit up. Pain flashes across his face.
