Page 42 of All Tied Down

“Of course,” she says, moving around the kitchen to wrap her arms around me.

“Garrett, I’ll see you tomorrow. Emerson, pleasure doing business with you,” Theo yells before exiting through the back door, leaving me and Emerson alone.

“Bye!” she calls, pressing her body flush against mine the second the door clicks shut.

“You barely told him anything.”

“I confirmed that Des is interested. That’s enough for Theo to do whatever he wants with it.”

“I guess I’ll have to stick to bets in Vegas for finding a wife.”

“Well, this wife has possession of you for the next few months, so you can cool it on finding the next one.”

“Possession, huh?” My lips twitch as my palms slide over her curves to cup her ass, my dick already hard from the hint of contact.

“Mm-hmm, and as such it’s time to go to the bedroom so you can properly welcome me home.”

“Bossy.”

“You decided to keep this marriage going and I am merely capitalizing on the perks.”

“I love it when you talk boardroom to me.”

“Well, get moving, Rockstar—there’s plenty more where that came from.”

17

EMERSON

My heart is heavy as Garrett drives us from Ironwood to Chicago. If we were going anywhere else, we would have brought a security detail.

And a driver.

But tonight isn’t about any of that and until my hand is forced, tonight will be solely for my mom.

I’m reminded of her every time I look in the mirror, my dark eyes and high cheekbones a tribute to someone who was taken from this world too soon.

I tried to keep busy today, knowing that I’d be taking Garrett with me to dinner—but I couldn’t bring myself to talk about the why for my solemn mood. Instead, Garrett and I had coffee at the cute little shop in Ironwood, It’s the Grind, with the most delicious vanilla latte and every wood element artistically burned and charred to fit the vibe. This same kind of coffee shop could be on any corner in Chicago, the difference here being that everyone walking inside is a neighbor.

Not a stranger.

And there were warm, heartfelt greetings for everyone who came in and small talk with those around us while we waited.

But my favorite part was that no one gawked at us. We just got to be normal because even though I’m not a celebrity by media standards, I’m under more scrutiny than most.

My phone buzzes in my purse as we navigate our way through the outskirts of Chicago to the restaurant that has been reserved just for us.

Like it has been every year on this date since I was a kid.

ISLA: Sending you so much love today and always.

EMERSON: I love you

ISLA: I hate that we couldn’t get out there today

EMERSON: It’s okay—it just gives us an excuse to get cherry tarts again when you do

ISLA: Hank has been trying to perfect his recipe