“He’s better than good. He’s the best.”
“I need time with him,” I say. “I’m never going to win if we don’t spend time together.”
“Then you have to learn how to flirt. I’m not leaving the future of the country in the hands of someone who thinks shrimp heads are romantic.”
“That’s not fair! You sprang that on me out of nowhere!”
Emmett levels me with a glance. “All right then, give it another go.”
“What?”
“Flirt with me.”
“Yuck.”
“For practice.” He gives me a big grin. “Pretend I’m Bram.”
I look down at my feet, hesitating. I picture Bram, his kind eyes, perfect jawline, that single dimple. It makes me nervous just to think of him. “Um... how was your day?”
Emmett tips my chin up with a flick of his thumb. “Eye contact helps. You sound like you’re talking to your grandmother. Try again.”
“Have you read any good books lately?”
“Are you quizzing him?”
I throw my hands up in frustration. “You show me how to do it, then!”
He bends so we’re eye level, cocks his head slightly. His eyes flit down to my lips, then back to my eyes. “I never noticed your eyes before. They’re so beautiful.”
My stomach gives a sickening swoop. “Thank you. I grew them myself.”
He rolls his eyes and huffs in frustration. “We’re doomed.”
“I know you’re lying,” I say. “No one ever compliments brown eyes.”
“People have no taste. Try again.”
“I want to get to know you better.”
Emmett puts his hands out in a so-so motion. “Touch my arm while you say it.”
I reach out and brush the inside of his wrist. “I want to get to know you better.”
He clutches his heart. “Oh, Ivy, I’m flattered.”
“Shut up.”
“People like honesty,” he says. “It helps them feel closer to someone. There’s no quicker way to bond than with a secret. Tell me something.”
“You want a secret?” It’s just like the maze all over again.
Emmett nods.
“I’m terrified. You said it yourself. The future of the whole country depends on me making him fall in love with me. What if I can’t do it? How will I live with myself if I doom everyone to her cruelty forever because I wasn’t charming or pretty enough?” There’s a part I don’t say, that Emmett scares me too.
Emmett looks at me for a minute, really listens. “I’m not worried.”
“That makes one of us.”
