Page 11 of A New Chapter

Chapter 7

It was Monday evening, and Emma still hadn’t called Zack. She had started to type in his phone number several times, but stopped before pushing the green call button. Yes, she was being stubborn, but part of her felt like it was his responsibility to call her. Emma was replaying the ugly scene at the bookstore for the umpteenth time when her doorbell rang.

She peered through the peephole, and there was Zack clutching a bag from the Clarkston bakery, his head bowed down as if in prayer. She debated about whether or not to answer the door, but her curiosity over the contents of that bag won out.

“Oh, hi,” Zack said when she swung the door open. “I wasn’t sure if you were home.”

“C’mon in,” Emma said and stepped aside to accommodate him.

“I was on my way home from work, and I wanted to stop by and give you this,” he said, handing her the bag.

Emma peered inside, and her mouth instantly watered at the sight of not one, but two of her very favorite double chocolate donuts from the bakery.

“How did you know?” she asked, looking back up to meet his eyes.

“Kelly might have tipped me off,” he admitted with a grin.

“Did Kelly also tell you where I lived?” Emma had him on the hot seat, but she was enjoying her mini power trip.

“Yes.”

“That traitor,” Emma said, but she felt her anger slipping away. The look on Zack’s handsome face was impossible to resist. His expression was a cross between sheepish and hopeful, and she decided to let him off the hook.

“These are my favorite. Thank you for bringing them.” She gave him a wide smile and was rewarded with his in return.

“Does this mean that I’m forgiven?”

“Well, in all fairness, it wasn’t entirely your fault. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like I did. Besides, it’s none of my business who you flirt with anyway.”

Zack’s smile disappeared. “I did not flirt with that woman, Emma. She introduced herself to me and then handed me her phone number under the guise of setting up a play date for Gracie and David. For the record, I don’t find her attractive in the least.”

“Is it me, or did you just sound a little bit like Bill Clinton right now?”

Zack’s deep laughter echoed in her foyer. “You’re impossible. Do you know that?”

“But only in the best way, right?”

“I have no choice but to agree.”

“Quick study.”

“I’m trying.”

“I know you are, and I’m sorry for giving you a hard time.”

His million-dollar smile was back again. “Can I continue to make it up to you over dinner on Wednesday night?”

“Wow, donuts and dinner? I’m a lucky lady.”

“You said it, not me.”

“Yes, dinner sounds good, but does this mean I have to help you unpack some more boxes?”

“Nope. I’m not asking for anything in return. Just dinner.”

“I take it Gracie will be with her mom again.”

“Yes. She’s with Alicia on Wednesday nights and part of each weekend.”