"I do, too."
"Are you hungry yet?"
"Not yet.But there's wine.I thought you might like a glass.In fact, you have two bottles to choose from; there's what Shelley brought and another that Libby brought."
"You know I love a glass of wine.Will you join me?"
He glanced at the small bottle of painkillers on the end table beside him."I shouldn't; I took a couple of those."
She came farther into the room and sat down in the armchair."Did you overdo it today?"
"No.Honestly, I didn't.I might have if Blane weren't with me, but..."
"He's a good friend."
"The best."
"What would you like to drink then?I might skip the wine."
"Don't.I'd like you to enjoy it.I can drink soda."
She chuckled."I think I get too talkative when I drink wine.You'll have an unfair advantage if you're sober."
"No."He held her gaze."If you're concerned about me taking advantage, you have nothing to worry about.That's not who I am.But even if it were, I'm in no kind of shape to..."
She burst out laughing at the serious, slightly wounded expression he was wearing."Oh, come on, Emmett.I'm not saying that you'd try to take advantage of me if I get tipsy.All I meant was that you'll be stone cold sober, and I might get to rambling after a glass of wine or two."
"Would that be so terrible?We already established that there are a lot of things you might get around to telling me someday.Maybe today could be the day."
She wrinkled her nose."I don't know about that.We have an evening — a decent meal ahead of us.I wouldn't want to spoil it by boring you with stories about my sad and sorry past."
"Harper."
"Yes, Emmett."
"Do you always make light of it, or are you brushing me off?"
She closed her eyes for a moment and let out a breath."I'm not brushing you off.It's just...it's my way."
"Are you telling me you don't want to let me in?"
She shook her head slowly."No.I'll share.I'm not going to say I'll tell you whatever you want to know.But I'll share some.Is that fair?"
"Only if you want to.I'm not pushing.I just...I want to know you better."
"That's fair."She gave him a wry smile."But I think if you don't mind, I'll get that glass of wine now."
As she got to her feet, he sat up straighter on the couch.
"Do you need to go to...?"she asked.
"No.Thanks.I was thinking maybe we could sit out back.It's still warm enough out there.It's a nice night."
"It is.Do you want my help?"
"I don't want to need it.But I can honestly say I don't mind accepting it."
She chuckled."Well, that's progress."
