Chapter 14
“But, I’m ready to go back to work,” Anne complained. “I’m going crazy here. And if you say you don’t need me, I promise I’ll get my feelings hurt.”
“But the doctor hasn’t cleared you yet,” insisted Steven.
“She said I could do whatever I feel up to doing. That should certainly include work.” When Steven opened his mouth to argue, Anne jumped in, “Look, I haven’t thrown up since a week ago. I can eat more now. And I’ve gained five pounds.” Anne pooched her stomach out attempting to impress him with her weight.
“You’re still seven pounds below normal. You’re at thirteen weeks and you don’t even look pregnant.”
“He’s three inches long and weighs an ounce. I don’t need to look pregnant yet.”
“She needs her mother to be careful. What if the symptoms come back?”
Anne smiled. They had this argument all the time. She wanted to have a boy, and he wanted a girl. They had decided not to find out the sex before the birth, so the argument was going to last a long time. If she didn’t miscarry.
“We’ve got the nausea under control. If the oral meds quit working, I’ll go back on an IV. I promise. I’ll take good care of him.”
“You won’t try to hide the symptoms like you did at first?”
“I promise. And I’m second trimester now. We’ve got a lot better chance of making it.”
“She’s a fighter. I knew she’d make it.”
“He’s a fighter—just like his dad.”
Steven chuckled. “Temporary truce. I need to talk to you about something.”
Anne’s mouth went dry. His face was serious, and she could tell he was attempting to hide his worry. “What? What is it?”
“So, the DA had to drop the charges on Becca. They ran a search warrant based on the information I gave them, but they came up with nothing. I’m convinced she’s the one who drugged Emily’s wine. But she probably got rid of the evidence after I accused her of attempted murder out there at Harriman.” He started pacing. “I should have kept my mouth shut so they could have surprised her, but I was so angry. And I was trying to intimidate her so we could find out what lie she told Emily.”
“It’s not your fault. Emily’s life is all that mattered. Even if you can’t make her pay for what she did, you saved Emily.”
“Yes, but... We still thought we might have a chance at proving our case. There was one person at the bar who claimed to have seen her at Emily’s table. And Denning admitted he left the table for a minute when his friends were leaving the bar. The DA thought he might get her to cave in and confess, but she lawyered up and isn’t talking.”
“That’s okay. Surely this will scare her enough to keep her from ever doing anything like this again.”
“That’s the thing. The DA said this girl is pretty vindictive. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t try to retaliate somehow.”
“But she seemed like a nice enough girl.”
“You and your daughters are way too trusting. You always believe the best about people. Usually it’s a wonderful thing, but sometimes it can be dangerous. This is one of those times. I think we need to warn Emily. Actually, I should probably warn Spencer instead. Emily’s probably already forgiven Becca and invited her over for tea.”
“Oh, I don’t think she’d invite her for tea—”
“I’m being sarcastic.” He pushed both hands through his hair. “I’m only saying she’s too trusting and too forgiving.”
Anne smiled and wrapped him in her arms. “But she has a great dad to take care of her now.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do, but I need cooperation.”
“Uhmm, hmmm,” said Anne, unbuttoning his shirt.
“What are you doing?” he asked with a grin, watching her determined efforts.
She looked up with a sultry smile as she undid the last button. “I’m cooperating.”
* * *
Spencer felt sorry for himself.It was Friday night, and he was out on a date... with Josh. And Josh didn’t look any happier about the situation than Spencer. What a pair they made. But Josh was as good an option as any, since Emily had some pressing engagement with her laundry tonight. Three weeks—three weeks since he’d had a single moment alone with her. She’d always managed to arrange their dates so there were friends along or they were in a crowded public place. And when he took her home, she would insist she needed to go check on her mom. They hadn’t been alone together since the night in her apartment after the climbing date. And never alone meant never kissing. Frustrated didn’t begin to describe him.
So when Grace had begged him to take Josh somewhere to give her a chance to be alone with Brad, he’d reluctantly agreed. Why not? Josh had evidently sworn off other women since his encounter with Charlie. Consequently, he was moping around with Brad and Grace. Brad complained his once fun-loving friend had turned into a moping grump.
“Can you believe it?” Josh griped. “Brad told me I needed to get laid. Here I am, trying to change, trying to be the sort of man Charlie deserves, and he’s fighting against me.”
“Does she know you’re trying to change? I mean... Is she encouraging you?”
Josh squeezed his eyes shut with a grimace. “She won’t talk to me. I call her every day, and I always get her voice mail. Then she texts back about being really busy.”
“Sounds like a brush-off to me. Sorry man.”
“She’ll give in eventually, won’t she? I mean, you said it took a while with Emily. Right?”
“Maybe the two of them are plotting together. Emily hasn’t ditched me, but she’s avoided being alone with me for three weeks.”
“That sucks, man.”
“Yeah,” Spencer agreed glumly. “Want another drink?”
“Good idea. Waitress,” called Josh. “Bring me a double.”
“Uhmm... A double?” asked the teenaged blond girl.
“Yes. A strawberry-banana-yogurt slush, with a double vitamin shot.”
Spencer chuckled. “Are you sure you don’t want to go somewhere and get something a little stronger to drown your sorrows?”
“No. I’m on call tonight. Thanks for hanging out, by the way. I guess Brad and Grace are getting tired of me. I never realized how much time I spent chasing women before. I guess I’m going to need a new hobby.”
“Emily says Charlie’s still convinced you’ll forget about her soon.”
“She’s wrong.” His scowl disappeared as his eyes widened. “You could help me—you could call Emily to tell her I’ve changed. You could tell her I’m not a player anymore.”
“I’ll do better. I’ll call Charlie and tell her. I’ve been wanting to get her advice anyway.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Charlie’s number.
“She won’t answer,” said Josh. “She texted me she was going to a movie with friends tonight.”
“Hey Spencer,” Charlie’s voice rang out. “What’s up?”
“Uhmm...” Spencer cringed at Josh’s angry expression. “I was calling to ask some advice about your sister. She, uhmm, she’s making sure we’re never alone together.”
Her laugh was so loud he pulled the phone back from his ear. “Oh, right. She’s enforcing that no kissing thing.”
“She told you about that?”
“Yeah, she told me. Sorry. Are you having a tough time?” He was irritated at the lack of sympathy in her voice.
“How do I fix it? I can’t go without kissing her. I’m dying here.”
Her laughter was musical. “You’re not going to die, Spencer. But… she’s protecting herself. She’s still convinced you’re going to drop her for some other girl.”
“I’m not.” He couldn’t hide the hurt in his voice. “I was thinking about... getting a ring.”
“Really? That’s awesome! I bet she’d quit worrying if y’all were engaged. Oh, and if you want to surprise her, I know what she likes. I mean we’ve talked about what type of diamonds and settings we like for years.”
“But I’ll have to save the money. I can’t get one that soon. You really think she won’t kiss me again until we’re engaged.” Spencer felt as if he’d been given a death sentence.
“Hopefully, you’ll find a way to convince her you’re not going to leave her for another girl. But let me warn you. We made a pact—no second chances.”
“Meaning what?” Spencer could tell Josh was straining to hear Charlie’s words.
“If we catch a guy cheating one time, that’s it. No second chances.”
Josh waved at Spencer and silently mouthed, “Tell her about me.”
“Uhmm, speaking of chances, are you giving Josh a chance? Because I think he’s trying really hard.”
Charlie groaned. “He thinks he wants me, but he doesn’t. For goodness sake, he chased my sister before he went after me. He’ll forget about me soon, and he’ll be with some other girl. Or maybe he’ll be with two or three girls. Who knows?”
Josh was shaking his head angrily and gesturing. Spencer said, “But he... He’s changed. He’s really trying hard. He’s not going out with any other girls. Ask Grace—she knows.”
“I just think it’s futile.”
“No it’s not,” muttered Josh.
“Ohmygosh! Is he there? Is that Josh? Spencer! How could you?” The phone clicked, and Charlie was gone.
“My life sucks.” Josh let his head fall onto the table with a thud.
“Mine, too. Emily’s going to hear about that phone call and give me a dressing down. Why do women make everything so complicated?”
“It’s our punishment as men. We have to suffer because Adam took that apple from Eve.”
“I hate that guy,” muttered Spencer, and Josh nodded in agreement.
* * *
Emily loved watchingher mom and Steven together. He was so devoted and sweet. She was truly happy her mom had found love again after being alone for so long after she was widowed. They never acted jealous or mistrustful. They had absolutely no doubts about each other’s fidelity. She was actually a little envious.
She and Spencer were having lunch with her parents in the back room at Papa’s Place in celebration of Anne’s first day back at work. Her mom looked happier and healthier than she had since the last fateful lunch at Papa’s.
“So, I’m not a hundred percent back to normal, but I can take oral antiemetics and vitamins and antihistamines now. And we’ve finally found a combination that works pretty well.” She munched happily on a stuffed baked potato, having not been brave enough to attempt eating the spicy special of the day. “And, I can start exercising again.”
Steven frowned at this. “But you’re not supposed to overdo it.”
Anne waved him off. “I’m dying to get outside and do something. I thought we could go do some little easy hike next weekend.”
“Hmmm… I think you’re speaking at that HER fundraiser Saturday night. Are you sure you’re going to want to hike Saturday morning?”
“That’s next Saturday? I forgot. What am I supposed to say? How long do I have to speak?” Her face was as white as her napkin.
“Just twenty minutes.”
“Ughh! I’m nervous already.”
“Perhaps I could pretend to have appendicitis,” Steven suggested playfully, referencing a ploy he used to help distract her from her nervousness during a presentation.
“I guess I’ll give Henri a call, so he’ll be there to comfort me afterwards,” she teased.
“I still don’t like that guy.” Steven scowled.
“Who’s Henri?” asked Spencer.
“He’s this French jerk that went after Anne and tried to steal her from me. I was insanely jealous.”
“Not any more jealous than I was of Michelle or Ellen,” declared Anne.
“Which is ridiculous, since you were the one who wanted me to date Ellen. But that’s another story.”
“This is crazy,” said Spencer. “I’ve never heard this stuff.”
Emily twirled her spaghetti on her fork. “How did you decide you could trust Steven, Mom? After all, he had quite the reputation in the social columns and tabloids.”
“Let me answer that.” Steven took a drink of water. “You know, I never minded those rumors, and they were mostly true in the early days. But even though I’d pretty much given up that lifestyle ten years before, my reputation made it hard for Anne to really trust me.”
“It was really hard for me to believe he loved me,” her mom admitted. “I didn’t feel special enough for him to choose me. I was nobody.”
“No. You were amazing. You’re still amazing.” Steven raised her hand to kiss her knuckles. He turned back to Emily. “But it took a lot for me to convince her she was the only one for me.”
“You guys are so sappy,” said Emily.
“I need to talk to both of you about something serious,” said Steven. “It’s about Becca. There’s evidence she may’ve been the person who drugged your wine, but not enough evidence to get a conviction. And the District Attorney who handled the case warned me he thought she might try to retaliate.”
“What else could she do?” asked Spencer. “I mean, do they think she’s violent? Would she try to kill Emily or something?”
“I don’t think so. But I really think you should be on guard. I don’t trust her.”
“I can’t believe she did it,” said Emily. “She doesn’t seem that mean. Kind of ditsy maybe, but not cruel. Are you sure she was even at the bar that night? I didn’t see her.”
“You didn’t see her?” Spencer asked incredulously. “She’s the one who invited me to go. She’s the one who took the picture of you cozied up to Denning.”
“What picture?” asked Emily. “Nobody told me about a picture, and I never cozied up to Asher Denning.”
Spencer pulled out his phone and showed her a photograph where she was indeed leaning against Asher. She felt a surge of nausea and blinked at sudden tears.
“I don’t even remember doing this. I’m so embarrassed. I wish you’d get rid of this picture.”
“He can’t,” said Steven. “We might need it as evidence some day.”
“Okay,” Emily sniffed. “I guess she really isn’t a nice person. I don’t see why you ever liked her.”
“I didn’t ever like her,” Spencer insisted.
“But you dated, didn’t you?” She pinned him with narrowed eyes. “According to Best Family Dating Rules?”
“Definitely not. I never kissed her. I never bought her anything. I told you that before. That hike we all went on together was the closest we’ve ever been.”
“Really? But she told me—”
“She lies. Why would you believe her over me?”
Anne put her hand on Emily’s arm. “From experience, I’ll tell you it was easier to believe Steven was in love with someone else than it was to believe he was in love with me.”
Emily’s face was scalding hot. Spencer had never used the word love. Grace had said she thought her brother was in love with Emily. But he hadn’t said it. Would he ever say it? Would she believe him if he did? She dared a sideways glance at Spencer. His face was equally red. What did that mean? Did he really love her? Or maybe he didn’t, and he was embarrassed her mom had mentioned it.
Anne broke the awkward silence. “Uhmm... Are y’all planning to go to Sam and Tanner’s wedding? They’re planning a big bash. They’re going to have dinner and a live band and dancing.”
“That sounds so fun. I got my invitation today. We’re going together, right Spencer? I mean... If we’re still dating in six weeks.”
“Of course we’ll still be dating in six weeks,” he pouted. “We can go, although I don’t really dance.”
“Oh,” she tried to hide her disappointment. She loved dancing—all kinds of dancing, not just ballet. She’d hate to sit around while everyone else was dancing. But she didn’t want to hurt Spencer’s feelings, so she didn’t say anything.
Her mind wandered as her mom continued to chat excitedly about the wedding, bragging about her part in playing matchmaker between the two. Her eyes rested for a moment on Spencer. He raised his arms to stretch, and she watched his muscles flexing through his shirt. She felt a familiar stirring as she admired his form, realizing she’d never seen him with his shirt off, although she’d seen him in a tank top. She wondered how his back would look if she could actually see the muscles. What would his chest look like? What would it feel like? Why hadn’t they ever gone swimming before? She should suggest it.
“Emily? Are you in there?” asked Anne.
“I’m sorry. I was thinking... about uhmm... Charlie. What did you ask me?”
“I asked if you’d heard from Charlie this weekend?”
“Well, she called me Friday night. She was a little upset about something that happened with Josh.” She gave Spencer a stern look, and he had the grace to look away.
“Is she still giving Josh the stiff-arm?” asked Anne.
“Yes, but he’s been pretty persistent. She still thinks he’s too much of a player to ever change.” Emily looked at Spencer, raising one eyebrow to get her point across.
“He’s pretty depressed about it,” said Spencer. “He mopes around all the time, and he quit going out to bars altogether. And he evidently follows Grace and Brad around like a lost puppy.”
Emily couldn’t help feeling sorry for Josh, but he wasn’t the first guy to pine for her sister. Maybe she’d put in a good word for him with Charlie, although it probably wouldn’t make a difference.
“But she starts class in a couple of weeks, and she’s pretty excited.”
“I still don’t see why she won’t let me pay her tuition. It’s ridiculous.” Steven muttered as he stabbed at his stuffed chicken breast.
“It’s her pride,” explained Anne.
“Pride. If you ask me, you Best girls have way too much of it.”
“We should go swimming,” Emily blurted without preamble. Then her face flamed. She couldn’t stop thinking about seeing Spencer without a shirt on, and the idea burst out of her mouth before she could stop it.
Anne and Steven stared at her in confusion, but Spencer smiled, flashing his dimples. “Great idea. I was thinking the exact same thing.” His eyes wandered briefly down from her eyes before he forced them back up again, and she felt a little shock. Maybe he had been thinking the exact same thing.
* * *
Spencer was having a great day.Lunch had a few uncomfortable moments, but making plans to swim with Emily made everything else worthwhile. Although he wasn’t allowed to kiss her, at least he’d be able to feast his eyes on her body. Of course, this meant other guys could also see her, but hopefully there wouldn’t be any other single guys around. Steven had offered to let them swim at a hotel owned by Gherring Inc.
He’d also decided he had to learn how to dance before the wedding in six weeks. He saw the disappointment in her eyes when he admitted he couldn’t dance. He might be able to fake it if it was only going to be fast dancing. He could sway a bit and watch Emily dance. But Sam and Tanner told him to expect all kinds of dancing, including waltzes and tangos. So he was planning to ask around and secretly take dance lessons. He must really be in love, if he was willing to take dance lessons simply to make her happy.
Who could he ask to find a good dance teacher? Josh and Brad hadn’t lived in town long enough. He couldn’t bear the thought of the teasing that would come from his sisters, so that option was definitely out. He thought of his other buddies. Landon might be a good source—he had a couple of sisters that might know of a dance teacher.
“Yo, Bro.” Landon answered the phone call. “What’s up? You going on the hike this weekend?”
“I’m not sure—I’ll know later in the week. But I was hoping for a favor.”
“Anything... Well, as long as it isn’t illegal. Or if you promise we won’t get caught.”
“Nothing illegal. I just need to learn how to dance so I can dance with Emily at a wedding in six weeks.”
“Sorry, buddy. I’d love to teach you, but my dance card is full.”
“I’m heartbroken. But I’d really like for you to ask around, maybe ask your sisters, and see if they can recommend a good dance teacher. I need to learn everything—even ballroom stuff like waltzes, tangos, whatever.”
“Will do. Can I get back to you this weekend? I’m having dinner with the family Saturday night.”
“Outstanding.”
“YackAtchaLater.”
With those plans in the works he turned his mind to more important matters. He needed to buy an engagement ring. He’d determined it was the only way to convince Emily he wasn’t going to move on to another relationship. His plan to earn money parking cars at one of the local hotels would take up most of his spare time, but he wasn’t getting any alone time with Emily anyway. He should be able to save enough for a good down payment on a ring in four weeks.
His other option was to admit the truth—that she was the first and only girl he’d ever dated. But he’d waited so long to tell her, she might not believe him. Besides, it was embarrassing. And he couldn’t help being pleased at her acceptance he was well versed in physical matters. His greatest fear had been she would suspect his inexperience—that she would judge him as inept. So his ego somehow wouldn’t allow him to insist he was unsophisticated and unskilled. No, his best choice was buying a ring.
* * *
“I invitedGrace and Brad to come swimming with us. That’s okay, right?” Emily had decided she’d be less uncomfortable parading around in a swimsuit if there was another girl along.
Spencer frowned. “I guess. Is Josh coming, too?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. I mean, I feel sorry for the guy, but I don’t really want him ogling you in a swimsuit. I don’t really want Brad ogling you either, but I guess he’ll be busy ogling my sister.” Spencer looked a bit ill at this thought. “I may need to beat him up, either way.”
“It won’t be a problem,” said Emily. “I’m only planning to watch; I’m wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.”
Emily couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Ohmygosh! You look like I just killed a kitten. I’m kidding. I’m going to swim.”
He grinned. “Awesome. Let’s go.”
* * *
The pool was practically desertedon a Monday night. “This is beautiful!” said Grace. The area surrounding the pool had planter boxes with lush greenery and the pool itself was made to simulate a lagoon, complete with a waterfall. They claimed four lounge chairs and the guys immediately stripped off their shirts and made for the water. Emily had always been a bit modest, but Grace had no such qualms. She pulled off her outer dress to reveal a cute red bikini and raised her eyebrows at Emily as she stood awkwardly by her chair.
“Come on, you can do it. You’re worse than Hannah.”
Emily turned her back to the pool as she shed her shorts and shirt, tugging and pulling to make sure everything was in place. She wasn’t as amply endowed as Grace, and she hoped Spencer wouldn’t be disappointed. She had on a two-piece suit, but had added a pair of short black board shorts over her swimsuit bottom. Convinced she was as secure as she could be while swimming, she turned around and headed to join the others in the pool.
* * *
Brad was talking to him,but Spencer couldn’t concentrate on his words. He had watched Emily slowly divesting herself of her garments with her back to him, and it might as well have been a striptease. And now, he was waiting for her to turn around. He must have been holding his breath, because when she turned around, he released it and almost passed out. She looked like she belonged in a James Bond movie. Her legs were long and slim, yet she was firm and muscular from years of dancing. She’d unbound her long brown curly hair, and it fell across her shoulders and down her chest. Doubtless, she was attempting to use her hair to obscure his view of her slim torso, but the hair and the flimsy material was an ineffective shield. She glided, as she always moved, smooth and floating, mesmerizing, to the side of the pool and dipped a single toe into the water.
He felt a slap on the back of his head. “Put your tongue back in your mouth.” Grace laughed.
His face heated at having been so thoroughly exposed in his frank admiration. But the hotness in his face was nothing compared to the fire that burned in the rest of his body. Why had he thought this would be a good idea? Now, he wanted to kiss her more than ever. And not only kiss her lips, but kiss every part of her. He swallowed convulsively. This was like torture, pure agony, to see her and not to be able to touch her. He tried to think of a way they could elope. Perhaps next week...
* * *
Emily’s faceflamed as she moved toward the pool. Spencer was staring at her, and not in a casual way. He was gaping. She made an awkward attempt to move her hair to cover her chest. She gingerly tested the water, relieved the temperature was comfortable. She hurried to slide into the water and moved to join the other three, relieved at the protective covering of the pool water.
Grace suggested a game of chicken fight. The girls would sit on the shoulders of the boys, trying to push or pull one another off their shoulders. Emily was really glad she’d shaved again right before coming, since Spencer had to hold onto her legs to help keep her secure. She soon became engrossed in the competition and forgot to admire the strong broad shoulders she perched on. She and Spencer had a height advantage, and the first few attacks, she managed to easily leverage Grace from Brad’s shoulders. There was a lot of laughing and screaming and splashing involved.
* * *
Spencer thoughtthe guy who invented chicken fight was a genius. He loved this game. Even when he was relegated to the deeper end of the pool to even out the height advantage, he didn’t mind a bit. He had Emily on his shoulders. Her enticing thighs were clutching against his cheeks. He had his hands on her legs, caressing her smooth skin. And it was perfectly acceptable. It was merely part of the game. He wanted to play this game forever. Every day. He swallowed some water as Grace pushed Emily over, her tightly clamped thighs pulling his head under the surface. He didn’t care—it was worth it.
* * *
Emily was becoming weary,but Spencer seemed indefatigable. Even when Grace called out she was ready to give up, he slipped underneath her and lifted her out of the water with ease. He must be amazingly strong. He carried her on his shoulders to stand next to Grace who was treading water next to Brad, arguing about the score of the game. She suddenly became acutely aware of Spencer’s fingers on her calves. His fingers shifted slightly as if adjusting his grip, and then slid along the length of her shin sending shivers up her entire spine. She realized her thigh pressed so intimately against his cheek she could feel the roughness from the beard that had but a few hours of growth.
“Let me down,” she said, unable to control the quiver in her voice.
* * *
Spencer obeyed Emily’s command,albeit with a great deal of regret. They stood in four and a half feet of water, so most of her body was under the surface, but she could still stand easily. His sister, being shorter, was hanging onto Brad’s neck and he was holding her in his arms. He suddenly wished Emily weren’t quite so tall.
“Why don’t we move to the shallow end, so Grace can stand up?” said Spencer.
Brad raised an irritated eyebrow, and Spencer grinned at him. In the shallows, much more of Emily was exposed, although she still attempted to wrap her arms to conceal herself. He decided he could be bold enough to drape an arm around her. He didn’t think she’d object, since they were in such a public place kissing wouldn’t be a danger.
* * *
Spencer’s body was amazing.He had muscles everywhere, and no fat whatsoever. Every time he moved, his muscles flexed and rippled under his skin. His chest was well formed, with a bit of hair that seemed to make him that much more masculine. When he put his arm around her, she was conscious of his strength and power. She felt warm and protected, but that’s not all she felt. She also felt a different sort of heat. A sizzle that trickled from the place where his fingers toyed with the skin on her arm, spreading through her body, and settling to burn in her core. She found herself closing her eyes and losing awareness of the thread of conversation as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Brad said something while looking right at her. She tried to focus her eyes on him and listen to his voice, but she couldn’t quite understand him. Then he laughed and pulled Grace toward him and kissed her full on the lips. Emily was thinking she ought to be shocked at that public display, but she couldn’t quite remember what her objections were.
* * *
Spencer enjoyedthe way Emily relaxed and molded her swimsuit-clad body against him. He felt the scalding contact of her bare skin against his. He let his fingers play lightly against the smooth skin on her arm, while they discussed what they wanted to do after swimming. Grace suggested renting a movie and watching it at Brad’s apartment. Then Brad asked Emily what she wanted to do. When she didn’t answer him, he chuckled. “I think I know what you’d like to do,” he said, “and it doesn’t involve watching a movie.”
Brad drew Grace into a hearty kiss. Spencer felt a surge of brotherly protest, but he tamped it down. With a glance at Emily’s drunken expression, he decided to follow suit instead. He bent his head down and lightly touched his mouth against hers. When she immediately moaned softly and parted her lips, his mouth sought hers with unrestrained hunger, and she responded with equal fervor.
“Eh-hem,” said Grace. “You guys ready to go?”
Spencer released her lips slowly, reluctantly, and turned to his sister with a contented smile. “Yes, I believe we are.”
* * *
Emily’s lipsprotested his departure. She felt bereft of the warm caress of his mouth. She opened her eyes and forced them into focus, blinking rapidly. She reddened at Grace’s laughing perusal. But before she could decide what to do, Grace locked arms with her and urged her out of the pool, talking and chatting.
“I’m so glad you and Spencer are dating. This is great fun. What movie do you wanna watch?”
The full realization of her very passionate kiss with Spencer slammed into her head. She’d kissed him. She’d kissed him hard. Right in front of Grace and Brad. She stammered, “I... I can’t believe we... we...”
Grace gave her a firm elbow in the ribs. “Shut up, Emily. You think too much.” She whispered in her ear. “It was just a kiss. Okay? And Spencer’s a really great guy. He deserves a girl like you.”
The boys were following behind them as they gathered their things and went to change in the dressing rooms. When they were alone in the girls’ room, Emily said, “That’s why I don’t let him kiss me anymore.”
“You don’t let him kiss you? It sure looked like you let him kiss you,” she chuckled.
“Yes, but I didn’t mean to.”
“Why not? I really don’t get it. I’m not teasing you.”
“I’m losing my heart to him,” said Emily. “And he’s going to break it someday.” She looked at Grace through a film of unshed tears.
Grace gave her a hug. “Why are you so sure he’ll break your heart? I told you he loves you. Hasn’t he told you yet?”
“N-no. He... He hasn’t.”
“Well, he will. But he’s afraid to say it unless he knows you love him back.”
Emily pondered her statement. It was possible. Maybe he really did.
“So, do you?” Grace asked.
“Huh?”
“Do you love him back? Or are you going to break his heart?”