With a grin, I asked, “Do youwantto volunteer at the school, Emma?”
“Yes.”
The word was out of her mouth before I think evensherealized it.
“I mean, it would give me something else to do during the day. I was thinking of also asking your parents if they might need any help. Volunteering my time, of course.”
Laughing, I rolled my eyes. “You might want to really think about that. My mother will put you on every community and church committee known to man if she thinks she can.”
“Well, she did already invite me to her ladies church group.”
I groaned. “I forgot to warn you about that.”
Emma grinned and looked around before focusing back on me. “It’s fine. She was just wanting me to feel welcome. So…umm, we’re good, Aiden?”
I followed her lead. “Yeah, we’re good.”
“No more worrying about me trying to be a mom, and no more of me freaking out on you.”
With my voice soft, I replied, “You didn’t freak out, Emma.”
Every part of me wanted to ask her about her ex, but I stopped myself. I made a note to go and talk to Rose. She might have a bit more information.
When I reached a hand out to Emma, she took it, and I tried like hell to ignore the zap of energy that raced from her body to mine. Clearly, she didn’t feel it, because she didn’t falter one bit.
“I’ll see you later tonight,” I said.
“See you later, Aiden.”
She turned and headed out of my office. Before shutting the door all the way, our eyes met once more, and we both smiled before Emma pulled the door shut and it made a soft click.
And it was only then that I could finally breathe.
CHAPTER TEN
EMMA
VOLUNTEER WORK
“Emma, what a surprise seeingyouhere,” Nancy said with a smirk on her face.
It had been two weeks since I’d run into Nancy at the grocery store, and I wasn’t the least bit happy to see her again. The coast was clear all morning, but now she stood in front of me with a large basket in her hands.
“Hello, Nancy. Tammy asked me if I would help with the fall carnival.”
With narrowed eyes that looked almost black, Nancy gave me a once-over and sighed. “You don’t think it’s sort of sad that you’re still playing this part?”
“What part is that?” I asked, forcing myself not to react.
Snarling her lip, she leaned in closer and hissed, “You’re not his type.”
“Emma! Emma, over here, I need your help!” someone called out.
I ignored Nancy’s words and forced a smile. “See you around, Nancy.” Quickly, I made my way over to the area where I’d heard my name being called.
Tammy and another woman—Kasey, I thought her name was—were attempting to hang a banner.
“Is it straight?” Tammy called out.
