For a woman who remained calm under fire, her body responded like the building was ablaze and she couldn’t do a damn thing to stop the inferno from consuming her.
But her fiery thoughts were trumped by the myriad of emotions swirling through her. The event was something she hadn’t wanted to face and, now, she had to put aside her grief in order to ensure Stryker had a lovely evening.The irony of life.
“Congratulations on your award.” She extended her hand and Stryker slipped his into hers. But this time, after shaking it, she did not let go. “I’ve been tasked with babysitting you…er…I mean, hosting you.”
“That’s what I hear. Ready to play nice?”
“Like you, I’m still faking it.”
“Yup,” he replied.
Heather Sharpe joined them. After hugging Emerson, she introduced her husband, Gordon.
“My mom mentioned you’d be honoring someone tonight,” Emerson began. “I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t realize—”
“We’re here to support Stryker.” Heather beamed. “We’re so proud of him.”
Emerson shifted her gaze from one family member to another.
“Heather and Gordon are my aunt and uncle,” Stryker explained.
“Stryker’s been with us since he was a teen,” Gordon said. “He’s like a son to us.”
“How do you two know each other?” Stryker asked Emerson.
“Your aunt is my therapist,” Emerson replied. “She’s been helping my family through a tragedy.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Stryker replied.
After hotel staff propped open the doors, attendees began moving into the ballroom. Emerson suggested they find their seats.
“After you guys,” Stryker said to his aunt and uncle.
As they made their way into the ballroom, Stryker’s fingers grazed Emerson’s, sending adrenaline zipping through her. His skin on hers made her fingers tingle and her insides warm. He glanced over at her. When she met his gaze, the air became electrified.
“Where are you sitting?” he asked.
“Right beside you,” she deadpanned.
“Table three.”
Heather and Gordon were also assigned to table three. Emerson offered the chair beside Heather to Stryker.
“You can sit there,” he said, sandwiching her between him and his aunt. Four seats remained empty at their table.
As Emerson glanced around the ballroom, Claire-Marie’s challenge floated into her thoughts.I dare you to spite fuck him. She snagged a quick glance at Stryker.No way. I can’t do that.
But Emerson did want to do that with him…so badly.
As he read through the evening’s program, she checked him out again. He stopped reading and peered into her eyes. An untamed intensity that she found addictive rolled off him like a thunderous avalanche.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
He’s my reward for making it through this evening.“I’m here…with you. What could be better than that?”
Stryker bit back a smile as Gordon pushed out of his chair. “I’m grabbing cocktails.”
“I’ll join you.” Stryker stood. “What’s your poison, Detective?”
