Page 25 of The Emma Special

“Sorry about what? And what is this?” She pointed to the bag.

“Your lunch. I took a guess and went with tacos.”

Emma grabbed the bag and looked inside. “Tacos?” She drew in a slow breath and her eyes went princess sparkle on him. “For me?”

“My mom can be intimidating. And a little pushy. She means well.”

It was true. His mom had a heart of gold, but she’d made it her life’s mission to marry off her sons to sweet Southern belles. James had tried strategic avoidance but didn’t have the heart to tell her to lay off. Surely she’d give up eventually. Although, watching her set-ups crash and burn in real time had not yet deterred her.

Liza Beth? Really? The girl was nice enough, but he needed a partner he could carry on a conversation with. Liza Beth was not that person.

Emma looked at him and chuckled. “Your mom is a breath of fresh air. Never apologize for her.” She wrapped her hands around his offering and slid it in front of her. “However, I will be accepting the tacos.”

James rubbed the back of his neck, trying to wipe away the tingling unease that had settled there. “Actually, this is a two-fold gift. Is there any chance you could stay late tonight? I have a trial on Monday, and I don’t have the exhibits ready.”

Emma rolled down the top of the bag, crinkling it in her fists. “I’ll have to check with my immediate supervisor. I’m a very busy woman, you know.”

She was also a teasing woman. James tightened his jaw to hide a grin. “Of course.”

“This is only one of my jobs. I engage in plenty of side quests,” Emma explained.

“Ruling kingdoms and distributing magical dust. All important endeavors.”

She stood, bag of food in hand. “I’m so glad you understand. I’ll let you know if I’m available right after I finish my lunch break.”

James bowed his head. “Thank you, m’lady.”

“No, thank you.” She held up the bag of food. “In the future, please know you don’t have to bribe me.”

“Noted.”

She swept past him, leaving him with the sweet coconut scent he’d come to love.

His mother was right. Emma was fun and beautiful, and he hung around, hoping to catch some of her joy. He was a fool for torturing himself.

He couldn’t think about it too much. The truth was that the more time he spent around her, the more he wanted to be around her… which would only lead to him missing her when she inevitably moved on.

James walked slowly back to his office. He wasn’t stupid enough to believe Emma would keep working here after her Prince Charming found her. This office would snuff her out if she stayed long-term. Emma wasn’t meant to be trapped inside four walls. Someday, she was going to be the most amazing mother. Wow, her kids would have the coolest mom.

Aaand now he had officially lost his mind.

Daniel was right. He had to get out more and meet people. He couldn’t continue with the eat, sleep, and work trend. At the bare minimum, he needed to get out of this suit.

He pulled out his phone and texted Daniel.

James: Boat. You. Me. Fish. Saturday?

Daniel: Will Tarzan bring Jane?

James: He would if he knew where she was.

Daniel: Your dad’s boat or mine?

James: Stop calling your contraption a boat.

Daniel: Such a hater. Meet you at the dock at daylight.

James: Eight.