Whether intentional or not, Mathew had hidden something huge from her. Trust wasn’t something she could rebuild overnight.
A knock at the door startled her, and only then did she realize Rose had still been talking.
Rose leaned to peek out the window. “It’s Emerson.”
River released a breath she hadn’t known she was holding, earning an amused glance from Rose, who opened the door and announced, “She’s freaking out.”
Emerson stepped inside and frowned at River. “You know, you don’t actually have to go if you don’t want to.”
Rose gave him a shove. “She’s the one who asked him, remember? Don’t start sabotaging this.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked him over. “You’re dressed nice. Going somewhere?”
River’s gaze flicked between them. Was there an edge of jealousy hinted in her tone? Or was it more curiosity?
Emerson shifted. “I… asked Penny if she’d go to Jason’s wedding with me.”
Rose gasped.
River’s eyes widened. “Penny, as in Mathew’s sister?”
Emerson dragged a hand through his hair, and the look on his face told River all she needed to know.
Rose and River both spoke at once.
“What did she say?”
Rose turned to River, then back to him. “She said no?”
He shook his head yes. The disappointment in his eyes tugged hard at River’s heart. She hadn’t seen him show any real interest in a woman since she’d been there. It stung to know the first time he tried, it hadn’t gone well.
“Were you two getting close?” River asked more quietly.
Rose let out a short laugh. “Close? They’ve had coffee a few times.”
Emerson coughed, cheeks going red. “A few times, yes. I thought maybe it was heading somewhere. Turns out she just sees me as a friend.” He glanced away. “Apparently, there’s someone else.”
Another gasp flew out of Rose. “Who?”
He shrugged. “She didn’t say, and I didn’t ask. I got out of there before I embarrassed myself any further.”
Rose stepped forward and hugged him. Over her shoulder, she shared a look with River. For all his attempts at playing it off, this had clearly bruised his pride.
When Rose pulled back, Emerson let out a short, self-deprecating laugh. “It’s fine. Really. More of a hit to the ego than anything else.” Then he smirked at Rose. “Your cousinishot, though.”
Rose’s eyes widened. She smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. “Please don’t let Mathew hear you say that.”
He laughed, and this time Rose and River both joined in.
Then Emerson turned to River and looked her up and down in exaggerated appraisal. “I suppose I should keep my mouthshut about how hot you look too, seeing as you’re going out with Mathew.”
River rolled her eyes at him. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And so are you if you’re this nervous.” He met her gaze. “You’re going to be fine. The guy is clearly crazy about you. All you have to do is stop fighting what you already know.”
Rose arched a brow. “Didn’t realize you were such a romantic.”
Emerson gave her an exaggerated wink. “If the right woman comes along, I might surprise you.”
A knock sounded at the door.
