CHAPTER FORTY
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EMMA
James’s hand touched mine. “You’ve been quiet most of the journey. Is everything okay?”
“Aye, just thinking,” I said, looking at him. I tried to smile, but failed.
“What are you thinking about?” James asked, sliding closer to me.
I waved it off. “Oh, nothing important.”
“Come on, tell me what you were thinking.”
I couldn’t help but smile; his grin was contagious. “You promise not to laugh?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.” He drew a cross over his chest with his finger, then held my hand tightly, caressing the top with his thumb.
“What’s the stupidest thing you’ve bought?” I blurted. Not exactly what I was thinking, but I couldn’t really admit that I was worried about the relationship he was having with Jane. Where did that leave me?
“Are you serious?” His lips tightened, containing the laugh he’d promised wouldn’t happen. I nodded, encouraging him, feeling guilty for my lie.
He stayed quiet for a moment, looking into the distance.
“This time you have to promise you won’t laugh,” he said, looking at me.
I held my hands up. “I can’t promise such a thing.” I was already giggling because I expected something very ridiculous.
“Then I’m not telling you.”
In surrender, I agreed. “Okay, okay. I promise.”
“You’re lying, but I’ll tell you anyway.” Even though he was smiling, he took a big breath. “I bought a knife.”
I waited for him to continue, but he kept silent. “That doesn’t seem like such a daft thing.”
“Oh, it isn’t just an ordinary knife. It’s a Nesmuk knife. It’s the type of knife that famous chefs use. The best of the best. Mine in particular was a bit expensive.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble there, mate, but that doesn’t mean anything to me.”
“It’s a diamond-studded knife,” he admitted.
“Honestly? A kitchen knife made with diamonds?” I wasn’t sure if I could hold back my burst of laughter. I couldn’t help it. I’d imagined a boat or something, but a diamond-encrusted knife would never have occurred to me.
After laughing like Cruella de Vil for what seemed like an eternity, I ran out of air and started barking.
“All right, all right. It’s very funny. Stop laughing or you’ll cough up a lung.” James’s eyebrow arched.
Holding back the giggles, I asked, “Why did you buy a knife?”
“Because I just got my first big pay and decided to start cooking lessons. In my head, I was convinced I needed that exact knife.”
“How did the cooking lessons go?”
“I went to the first two and realised I would never cook again. It’s just easier to get a takeaway.” Another wave of laughter took over me, making my sides hurt.
“How much did that sting you?”
His golden eyebrows knitted together as he eyed me, confused. “Pardon?”
I rubbed my index finger with my thumb, indicating money.
“Oohh, that I’m not telling you. You wouldn’t talk to me again.”
I cringed. I didn’t want to press him on it, but it must have been a lot if he wouldn’t tell me. “Fair enough, where’s the knife now?”
“I gave it to my mum,” he said, smiling.
“Does she know how much it cost?”
“Nope, she doesn’t even know they’re real diamonds. Now you, what’s the worst thing you’ve ever bought?”
“Considering I don’t have the same budget as you?”
“That doesn’t matter. You can still buy something stupid with a dollar.”
Before I could control my mouth, I blurted, “I paid for a holiday I never went to. I saved for months to get the tickets.”
“Did anyone else enjoy this holiday?” he asked, somehow knowing there was more.
I nodded, feeling guilty for bringing this up. “My ex did.” I had to look away. I didn’t have the strength to see pity in his eyes. It wasn’t the right time to be feeling sorry for myself, but it did release a heavy load off my shoulders.
“What’s his name?” he asked, holding my chin and turning it so I would have to look at his eyes.
“Daniel—” I started to answer, my eyes watering, not because of the pain that Daniel caused, but because of the gentleness in James’s eyes.
“I’ll kill him.” He was smiling, and it was so contagious that I couldn’t help but smile back. I tried to wipe my eyes without ruining my makeup.
“Shut up,” I told him, and punched him in the arm.
He rubbed it and laughed. “I have contacts. God, for a girl, you sure can punch.” He was still rubbing his arm and pouting like a little boy.
“Wuss.”
“You know, a few years ago, I would have given you a noogie.” I looked at him in pretend horror. “I won’t do it this time, if you give me your lunch money,” he joked.
“Mr McNair, we have arrived,” Anthony’s voice boomed in the car.
James groaned. He then rubbed his face and smiled. “The show must go on.”
My hands itched to touch him, to feel his stubble prickle my skin, when his eyes shot open. His lips twitched at the corners and he smiled.
“I forgot to say, you’re meeting two other people today. My publicist, Jack, and my agent, Michael.”
It took me by surprise, the way he could quickly drop the subject and think of something else entirely. I just nodded and swallowed the lump in my throat. The thought of meeting more people made me nervous.
“Anthony, could you drive through the back to drop Emma off? Ralph will see her there,” James said as Anthony opened the door, his winning smile ready to melt thousands of women.
The pride I felt for him made my chest hurt. Even though I wanted more than friendship, if that was all he could give me, I’d take it.