Page 45 of A New Chapter

He took a step forward, and she inhaled sharply.

“Because I hated the thought of you eating alone?” He quirked his eyebrows at her.

“Try again.”

He took another step toward her. “Because I missed you.”

Oh my God. I’m going to pass out. “How did you get here?”

“I drove.” He took another step.

“You drove for five hours to take me out to dinner?” Emma’s voice had raised, and her heart pounded rapidly. He was only an arm’s length away now.

“That about sums it up. Yes.” Zack stopped right in front of her and let his gaze roam freely over her. “That ok with you?”

Emma swallowed hard and hoped that she wasn’t blushing. She looked into his eyes and nodded.

“Good.” Zack reached out and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.

The gesture was so simple yet so intoxicating that Emma had to suppress a moan. “Where are you taking me for dinner?”

Zack chuckled and took a step back. “I was thinking about Timothy O’Toole’s. It’s an Irish pub that serves excellent fish and chips.”

Emma let out a breath. The spell had been broken, and they were back on friendly ground again. “Sounds great. Should I change?” She glanced down at her kelly green dress and nude-toned wedges and looked back up to meet Zack’s appraising eyes. Uh-oh. He looks hungry, but not for food!

“No. We should probably get going. Besides, I like the dress.”

“Ok. I need to freshen up, and then we’ll go.” Emma hurried off to the bathroom and closed the door firmly behind her. She leaned her back against it and took a few deep breaths. She then used the facilities, gargled with mouthwash, and reapplied her lipstick. When she came back out, Zack was standing by the window once again, with his hands tucked in the front pockets of his khaki pants, seemingly deep in thought. She still couldn’t get over the fact that he was there, standing in her hotel room, looking drool-worthy as ever with his wavy, dark hair curling slightly at the edge of his collar and…

He turned around to catch her staring. “Ready?”

For dinner, yes. For whatever comes after, I’m not sure. “Yes.” Emma grabbed her jean jacket and purse and followed him out the door.