“Emerson…”Well, shit.“If by ‘is that real’you mean are we heading into Chicago early so you can get ready before the signing? Then yes.”
“Hair. Makeup.And nails.”
“Yes.”
“Because of a offhand comment I made that you overheard.”
“Yes…” I admit even though that feels too raw.
“You did that for me? You set that up?On Monday?”
Monday feels like a lifetime ago and I’m not looking forward to the conversation I’ll undoubtedly have to have with Emerson after this.
Pressing my lips together, I take a moment to get my words just right. I’d done it without thinking before the rest of this week even happened.
Before I really wanted to see her smile.
And happy.
“I reached out to Emerson on Monday, yes.”
I should have seen it coming, but nothing could have prepared me for the way Kat lunges at me, her arms wrapping around my waist as she presses her face against my chest.
“Thank you.”
“Kat…” We shouldn’t be doing this. The contact’s already short-circuiting my brain as she grips me tighter.
“Shut up and hug me.”
The demand is unexpected, and I snort out a laugh, ignoring the way her body fits so well against mine with all those feminine curves andGod, she smells good.It’s light but expensive like wildflowers and summer rain bottled especially for her.
Giving in to the moment, I let my arms wind around her back. “I wanted you to have some normalcy tomorrow.”
“And you think going to a high-end salon before having to interact with kids and parents is just a normal day?” she teases, holding me for a second longer before releasing her grasp and stepping back.
Not far, but far enough that I notice her absence.
Miss her warmth.
I cannot get attached to this woman.
“I was focused on the facts.”
“Which were…”
“You were sad about not having time to do something for yourself, you’ve had your whole world turned upside down but are trying to act like everything is fine, and I know that Emerson and her cousin used to go regularly to a place not far from whereyou need to be.” Still keeping my expression neutral, I add, “It seemed like something I could facilitate.”
“Well, you, Thomas Oakden…”
“Tom.”
“Youare top-tier book boyfriend material.” The line is delivered with a sexy smile as she backs out of the kitchen. “And on that note, I have to shower and shave my legs since I planned to do that in the morning.”
Lord have mercy.
“Sleep well, Kat.”
“I plan to.” She winks and throws a little wave over her shoulder.“Night, Tom!”
