Chapter 19
Emily’s cheeks were an adorable shade of pink when she climbed into my SUV, and it wasn’t from the sun. She was embarrassed because Ashley and Meg had been none too subtle when they arranged for us to ride back to Weatherford alone. If it hadn’t been for the fact that they’d only met each other today, I might have thought they’d planned it all along. While they’d gotten along all day, I wouldn’t have thought they knew each other well enough to start scheming together. But I’ve been wrong before.
Emily apologized while I started the engine. “Sorry about Ashley. She’s always been a bit crazy.” At least the color in her cheek was fading
“No need to apologize, she’s been shamelessly flirting with AJ all day, and I would’ve been more surprised if she hadn’t asked to ride back with them.” I knew that wasn’t what she meant, but it was part of the reason Ashley rode back with them, and I wanted Emily to feel more comfortable, not less.
Several times throughout the day, I’d caught myself watching Emily, I couldn’t help it, she was relaxed, laughing, and playful. Relaxed looks good on her. And I loved the way her pale blue eyes sparkled when she smiled. And she’d smiled a lot today. I was glad it had worked out for us to go together, and since Jack, AJ, and I shared Emily duty, we got to have fun too. I had to admit, it felt good knowing I was one of the reasons she was smiling so much.
I might have crossed the professional line by offering to pay for everything, but her smile had been so rewarding the first time that I kept doing it. Besides, she wasn’t just a client, she was also a friend. And I’d let her pay for a few thing, when she’d argued and stood her ground. So, it wasn’t like I was treating this like a date. Because I wasn’t. And I’d definitely crossed the line when I’d placed my hand on her lower back, an escorting technique we use during protective detail which in itself it wasn’t crossing the line, but doing it when there was no immediate threat, and then letting my hand linger, enjoying the feel of her warm back against the palm of my hand. Well, that crossed the line. A lot.
Unfortunately my actions hadn’t gone unnoticed, but no one said anything. Well, no one except Meg and Ashley, who’d put their heads together and giggled.
I shouldn’t have underestimated them.Thinking back, they’d been scheming most of the day. I wanted to be mad, but couldn’t—I’d clearly brought it on myself by using the universal male signal for “she’s mine” any chance I got. I could probably explain my actions by saying I was concerned in a crowded area, especially since she thought she saw Craig earlier this week, but I didn’t think they’d buy it, not for one second.
There were a few times Emily and I had locked eyes and each time I’d felt butterflies dance in my stomach and my breath catch in my throat. I’d also found myself tongue tied on more than one occasion while I watched her playing games or laughing at an inside joke with Ashley.
Before long I was wishing this had been a date. But it wasn’t. It can’t be. Not today, not ever.
I shouldn’t, couldn’t, think about Emily like that. Not only would Chris kill me if he found out I was attracted to her, but I couldn’t afford to get distracted. I couldn’t risk Craig getting the drop on me because I was too busy thinking about how beautiful Emily was or how much I liked the sound of her laugh. Or how every touch of her skin sent shivers down my spine.
I’d found reasons to put my hand on her back, or touch her shoulder, or graze her hand with mine. Repeatedly throughout the day. I couldn’t help myself. A quick touch on the arm, disguised as getting her attention. My palm on her lower back, disguised guiding her. I might have been able to stop myself if she hadn’t been doing the same kinds of things. Holding onto my arm when she laughed, leaning closer to me when we talked.
Her touch felt personal, intimate and I hadn’t wanted her to stop.
But I can’t get distracted.Knowing I couldn’t live through failing someone again, I vowed I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. Even if it meant keeping my distance.
I”d have to explain my unprofessional behavior to Chris, if he”d noticed. It wouldn”t be easy, because my head was a fucking mess right now. And even if he’d be okay with Emily and I dating under normal circumstances, this was anything but normal and he’d be worried about me being distracted and placing Emily in danger.
Which was a valid concern, and one I shared. I won’t let it happen again. I can’t.
As if that wasn’t reason enough, Emily was still recovering from emotional trauma, and Chris wouldn’t want her jumping into another relationship so quickly. He might trust me with her life, but he’d struggle to trust me with her heart. Plus I was still dealing with my own loss. What a fucking mess.
I vowed not to touch Emily again, unless absolutely necessary.
When we got to the restaurant, I told AJ he was officially off duty for the night. He promptly ordered a beer and focused all his attention on charming Ashley.
“Why the sudden change of heart?” Ashley teased. “I’ve been flirting all day and you’ve barely noticed.” She tried to pout, but smiled instead.
“I was working so I had to behave.” He cocked his head towards me and Jack, as if blaming us. “But you have my full attention now.” He winked, turning Ashley to putty in his hands. She didn’t stand a chance; AJ was quite charming when he wanted to be.
At first Emily seemed embarrassed by Ashley’s open flirtations, but it didn’t last long. She was soon laughing and shaking her head at Ashley’s brazenness, even going so far as to tease her about being a lost cause. I sat back and watched the shenanigans unfold but didn’t get involved.
The girls all ordered white wine while AJ and Jack ordered a beer. I abstained since I was still on duty until Emily was home safe and sound. Then Sammie, one of our part-time security guys, technically our only security gal, would take over for the overnight shift.
After the initial high of flirting with AJ wore off, Ashley joined the conversation Emily and Meg were having about a book series they were reading. They were on different books in the series so Meg was being extra careful not to spoil anything.
Ashley chimed in, “I love that show,” and practically drooled as she said, “Jamie is so fucking hot.” She turned towards me, laughing. “The Scottish Highlander male lead in the show not you.” She pointed her beer bottle at me. “Not that you’re not hot.”
I shook my head in mock exasperation, she really was incorrigible. I glanced at Emily, and noticed a hint of pink in her cheeks.
I chuckled. “Believe me, I know I’m no James Fraser”
Ashley’s eyes rounded. “Wait, you watch Outlander?”
It was Meg’s turn to laugh.
“No, but Meg does so I’ve seen bits and pieces.” Unlike Jack, I had yet to watch an entire episode. He’d initially started watching it to spend time with Meg, but said it was good so now watches it because he likes it. They’d tried talking me into watching it with them, but I hadn’t given in, yet.
“He refuses to watch it with us.” Meg added, almost like she’d read my mind. “I bet he’d watch it with you if you asked him.” She directed her comment to Emily, a huge grin on her face.
I shot her a look, hoping she’d pick up on my pleading expression. Please don’t.
She smiled back at me, all sweetness and innocence. Fuck. I knew that look; she wasn’t letting it go. I’d have to grin and bear it as she spent the night trying to hook me and Emily up. Ashley started to say something but luckily our server came and delivered our food; stopping her, or anyone else, from pushing the subject.
I was secretly thrilled when Meg invited Emily and Ashley to the BBQ we were having the following day. Something I’d thought about doing a hundred times today but kept telling myself I shouldn’t. After crossing the line too many times, I hadn’t wanted to look like I was hitting on her.
We were hosting a BBQ for the SSI staff and their families. It was totally casual, just hanging out in our backyard and stuffing ourselves with barbequed meats. Ma had invited Beth and Chase too, so Ashley and Emily wouldn’t be the only non-SSI people coming.
Thank you, Meg. She could invite them without anyone questioning her motives. Well except me, I was most definitely questioning her motives. As an added bonus, if Emily was at our place, dad wouldn’t have to work. He’d volunteered to cover the afternoon shift so everyone else could attend the BBQ.
“Doug’s bringing a second grill, he says he needs it for his “world famous” smoked ribs, apparently they need to be slow cooked— just so.” Meg rolled her eyes. She was still getting used to how seriously we men were about grilled meat.
Our grill would be used for the burgers and chicken.
“Sounds fun.” Ashley wasted no time answering. “We don’t have any plans, right Em?”
“No. It’ll be fun.” Then she asked, “What can we bring?”
“Just yourselves, we’ve got everything covered.” Meg answered with a flourish of her hands.
Jack added, “We’ll have a fuck ton of beer, but you’re on your own if you want something else.”
After dinner, Emily went to the lady’s room. I turned in my chair so I had a clear line of sight to the doorway, and most of the hall, on the side of the bar. I heard Ashley mumble something about overkill just as I noticed two guys, who’d been loud and obnoxious the entire time we’d been there, get up and block Emily as she exited the hall. She put her head down, rounding her shoulders to make herself small as she tried to walk past them. They didn’t let her.
I got out of my chair, and stalked over. I could hear them taunting her. They were drunk, but that was no excuse for rude, aggressive behavior.
One of them said, “You should come home-”
I stepped between him and Emily and cut him off.
“Is there a problem?” I asked through gritted teeth as I held up my left hand, in a defensive position. My primal brain wanted nothing more than to bust this guys nose, but my logic brain knew ‘he’s being an asshole to the woman who’s mine to protect’ wasn’t a good enough reason to start swinging.
Come on dude, take a swing at me. Give me a reason.
I kept my left hand up, in the universal position of defensive posturing, and left my right hand relaxed near my side. Technically, it was “relaxing” near my gun, but I wouldn’t draw it unless I absolutely had to. And while I really wanted to punch this guy, I didn’t want to have to shoot him.
“Who the fuck are you?” He sneered as he batted my hand away and stepped closer, pulling his right fist back to throw a punch.
Thank you.
I shifted my stance and watched his hand come forward. Then, before he made contact, I grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm behind his back.
“You owe the lady an apology.” I growled through gritted teeth. It’d taken every ounce of effort I could muster to not break the fucker’s nose. I wasn’t normally a violent guy, but this guy deserved it for threatening Emily.
I saw his friend moving to interfere in my peripheral vision a half second before AJ, using nothing except his six-foot-one frame and an intimidating posture, made him think better of it. He put his hands up and backed away muttering ‘sorry man just having some fun’. Smart choice, AJ wasn’t just big, he was a black belt in Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and an all around badass. That dude wouldn’t have lasted two seconds. Hell, I rarely ever last more than a few seconds in the ring with AJ.
“What the fuck man! Let me go before I call the cops.”
I almost laughed; he had no idea. Too bad I’m not still on the force. I wasn’t going to lie, but the fear I”d seen on Emily’s face was enough for me to decide a little white lie wouldn’t hurt anyone. I got close to his ear and said, “I am the cops. Now apologize.”
“Oh shit.” I felt him stiffen, then he turned towards me. “Sorry, man.”
I applied a little more pressure to his arm. “Not to me, to her.” I gave the order in my deepest, meanest cop voice.
He mumbled. “I’m sorry.”
I wasn’t convinced but I didn’t want to create an even bigger scene so I asked AJ, who was making sure no one else tried to interfere, “Can you take Snow back to the table?”
Snow White was the code name we’d given Emily. Meg had suggested we use princess names for female clients after she started working for SSI. We’d given her the code name Cinderella, and she thought it’d be a positive, fun way to ID our other female clients during tough times in their lives. She claimed every girl dreamed of being a princess. Unfortunately, most of them were damsels in distress when they came to us.
“On it.” He walked around me and guided Emily back towards the table.
For the first time since they’d cornered her, I could see her face. Her expression was a mix of fear and surprise. I got the fear. But surprise? Did she think I wouldn’t protect her just because these guys weren’t Craig?
I counted to ten, then pushed him towards the bar. “Sit down and stare at the bar. Don’t even think about looking up. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yeah man. I got it.” Luckily for him, he did exactly what I’d told him to do.
When I looked over at the table, Jack tilted his head toward the door which I took to mean he’d settled the bill and we were free to leave. I nodded, then counted to ten after they walked out, never taking my eyes off the two assholes staring at the bar.
“Count to fifty before you even think of lifting your eyes off that bar top. Both of you.” I waited for them to start counting before backing my way to the door. I stopped to smooth things over with the manager before leaving, but he said Jack had explained everything, and we were good. He asked if he should kick the two guys out, but not wanting to risk another confrontation in the parking lot I asked him not to. He agreed, then said he’d be cutting them off so they’d probably leave on their own.
Everyone was waiting at my SUV. Ashley and Meg were comforting Emily, who was putting on a brave face, while Jack and AJ stood watch.
“Ashley, you should probably ride back with us.”
“I’m not a total idiot, James.” Ashley sounded offended that I felt the need to say it. “Later big guy.” She blew AJ a kiss, opened the back door to my SUV. “Come on Em, let’s drink some beer while we watch the fireworks with your hero.”
Once they were in, I closed the door behind them and walked around to the driver’s side. Hearing the sound of Emily laughing through the open door surprised me. I didn’t know what I’d expected to hear, maybe crying or Ashley comforting Emily, but it wasn’t riotous laughter. I’d clearly underestimated her. She’s a hell of a lot stronger than she realizes.
I turned in my seat, smiled and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“I was just saying, I bet that guy pissed himself when you shoved his arm behind his back.” Ashley choked out.
“He kind of looked like maybe he did.” Emily added. She turned to look at me, her eyes glossy with tears from laughter. Something she saw made her stop laughing.
Does she think I’m upset with her?
Ashley kept going. “And you made him sit at the bar in his pee pants!”
Emily probably misinterpreted my surprise as anger. I had to think quick, so she wouldn’t think I was mad, or that it wasn’t okay to be laughing after such a crazy situation. Fuck, I can’t think of anything. What the fuck, Sheppard! Say something. Anything.
“It probably puddled in his shoes.” I shivered for added comedic effect. I didn’t think it was particularly funny, but Emily and Ashley did. They both stared at me for the space of a heartbeat then fell into each others arms as they burst out laughing. Ashley was cackling and Emily laughed so hard she snorted. It was the cutest sound ever.
I smiled as I turned in my seat and started the car, relief washing over me. She”ll be okay. I’d talk to her before I left for the night and make sure she was good, but I had no reason to think those guys would cost her any sleep. Unless she and Ashley stayed up all night laughing at them.
On the drive home, Ashley told us AJ had stopped the manager from interfering. She practically swooned when she told Emily how much she appreciated his hot alpha male body. I could see her fanning her face with her hand in the rear view mirror.
I heard Emily ask Ashley if she thought they’d hook up.
“Maybe, if he’s lucky. But maybe not tonight, thanks to Mr. I-peed-myself-after-being-called-out-for-being-a-total-douche-canoe.”
I almost choked on my spit as I tried to hold back my laugh. Ashley had a colorful, entertaining way of nicknaming men she didn’t like.
“There’s still time, he’s coming with us to the fireworks.” Emily urged her friend on, then asked me, “Jamie, we can still go see the fireworks, can’t we?”
“Of course.” It hadn’t occurred to me to cancel our plans.
Emily looked at Ashley, raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips, and made kissing noises.
“Maybe. If he’s lucky.” Ashley grinned like a kid who just got away with stealing a cookie. AJ was in for one hell of a night.
“If he’s lucky?” Emily turned around in her seat and stared at her best friend. “Like you wouldn’t be just as lucky.”
I watched Ashley’s reaction in the rearview mirror, as she shrugged with a devilish grin and a gleam in her eyes, “Any man would consider himself lucky just to have the chance to be with me.” She used both hands and circled around, indicating her whole body.
I almost choked on my spit, again. Fucking Ashley, I was wrong to think she hadn’t changed. She had. She was more confident, and gave even fewer fucks, than when we were in high school. And it worked for her. And truth be told, she wasn’t wrong, any man who didn’t consider himself lucky to have her, even if only for one night, needed to have his head examined. She was beautiful, intelligent, passionate, and a bit of a wild child.
“God I’ve missed you.” Emily reached over and grabbed her friends hand. “I’m sorry I’ve been MIA for so long.”
“I missed you too. Luckily, we’ve got all weekend to make up for lost time and a sexy chauffeur so we can start our party early. So, let’s have him take us to a liquor store so we can grab some beer for the fireworks.”
“Chauffeur, huh?” I asked.
Emily looked at me, with her hands in prayer position and her head tilted slightly to the right. “Please Jamie?”
How could I say no to those big, beautiful, blue eyes? Neither of them would be driving, thanks to me, their chauffeur, so I agreed.
“Under one condition. No drunken shenanigans.” It was a silly condition, one I knew they’d agree to then not follow through with, but I had to at least attempt to sound like I wasn’t giving in just because I couldn’t say no to Emily.
They both agreed enthusiastically. Too enthusiastically. I saw them put their heads together and whisper giggle. It’s going to be a long night. And there was no where else I’d rather be.
I called Jack and told him we were taking a small detour to the liquor store. He didn’t even bother trying to hold back his laughter when he overheard the girls, who were whispering at the top of their lungs, “We solemnly swear we will commit no drunken shenanigans,” before bursting into a fit of giggles.
Following them around the beer aisles of the local liquor store was more than any man should ever have to suffer. Ashley wanted something crafty and fun. Emily wanted something light and refreshing. After twenty minutes of listening to them arguing over which beer was the best I wanted a shot of whiskey.
“Just get both.” I finally told them.
“Brilliant idea, James.” Ashley gave me two thumbs up and took off to grab her craft beer while Emily grabbed a six pack of something light.
I winked at Emily and said, “If I was truly brilliant I would have suggested it fifteen minutes ago,” earning a blush and a smile.
Which made the twenty minutes of torture worth every second.