Nicholas
I exited my bedroom after my shower, still disappointed that Emerson had not joined me only to pause as I take in the sight before me. She is curled up on the couch, the blanket that had been draped over the back now securely wrapped around her body, and Jax lay at her side. The little asshole just lifted his head and purred at me as if he was bowing in triumph.
Is it possible for a cat to mock you? I mean, the guy used to be my bud but the moment he met Emerson, he quickly became my enemy, one that does all he can to butt right in between us and take her attention away from me.
I need a crate, one of those cat cages that he’d be forced to sleep in whenever she is here to ensure our time together is uninterrupted.
She sighs and stretches her arm above her head, taking away my focus from the purring traitor. Something invisible feels like it tugs at my heart and I even take the time to lift my hand to press against it. It feels right having her here, sharing my space with her. She is nothing like I thought she was, surprising me with each moment that passes. I know that what I am feeling for her won’t pass; it will only grow with time.
My phone rings from where it sits on the kitchen counter and I move across the room quickly before it wakes Em. Shannon’s number is lighting up the screen. I think of sending it to voicemail, but I know better. She is persistent and will keep calling, or worse yet—she will show up here to ensure I’m not ignoring her.
“Hey,” I say in a hushed whisper as I look up to ensure Emerson is still sleeping.
“Why are you whispering? I know you’re not in bed before eight at night.” I back up, stepping further into the small kitchen.
“I have company,” I reply, unable to keep the smile from taking over.
“A girl?” Shannon asks eagerly. “Wait, is it the girl? The one from the auction, the one that bought you?”
“Bought me?”
“You know what I mean.” I could almost picture her waving her hand outward as if to shush me. “Anyway, I thought you said things were complicated. Her being there doesn’t sound complicated at all. It sounds more like definite.”
Shannon doesn’t even wait for me to confirm that it is Emerson who is here. She just starts off with one question after another, making it hard to distinguish the difference between her and our overly aggressive mother. A mother who had not yet gotten wind of a woman being with me. I am sure she will know of Em’s existence the moment my sister hangs up with me then calls Mom to fill her in on the details.
“Nic?”
“Shannon?” I respond, still not giving her any details.
“You can tell me, or I can get in my car and drive over there. You can fill me in and save me from asking her myself.” I know she will do just that so there is no need to call her bluff.
“Yes, it's Emerson.”
“Pretty name.”
I ignore her and continue, hoping to make this quick so I can get back into the living room and join my girl on the couch. Mine. Still feels strange considering her that way.
“We’ve been spending more time together, this weekend to be exact, and I think things are becoming a little more clear.” She replies with an “mmhm,” expressing her need for more. “We’re getting to know each other.”
“Well, if the way she battled it out for you at the auction is any indication, I’d say she knows what she wants.” I smile, remembering the way she took on that determined look in her eyes, not even flinching when another woman placed a bid. Hell no, Emerson just shouted out some astronomical proposal and the room just stopped.
“Do me a favor.” A thought hit me. “If you ever meet her, can you not bring that up?”
“What do you mean if I ever meet her? I’ll meet her.”
“Soon,” I assured her, hoping that she will hold off a little longer to allow me to get to know Em better first. Shannon can be a little over the top, so the last thing I want is for her to terrify Emerson before I secure my place in her heart.
“You seem happy, Nic,” she tells me. “It sounds good on you.”
We say our goodbyes and end the call. I silence my ringer and replace the phone on the counter before moving back toward the couch. I expected to find Emerson still sleeping but instead see her sitting, her legs tucked beneath her, and still covered up. Jax sits perched on her lap, taking in her attention as she pets his head and back soothingly.
“Hi.” She offers a smile as she watches me move toward her. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“It’s okay,” I assure her as I lift the blanket at her side and slide beneath it too. “Though I’ll admit I did miss you in the shower.” I reached up and twisted a curl that had fallen at the side of her face, the silkiness of it gliding over my finger. Her eyes never once leave mine.
When I lean in to kiss her, Jax makes a displeased sound and swats at my chin. This action alone makes Emerson laugh. The little bastard has it out for me.
“I think he’s claimed me,” she states behind her laughter. “I don’t think he wants you close to me.”
“Tough shit,” I say, still staring at my cat that was once my friend. “Cranky ass needs to remember who feeds him.”
Jax is staring back at me, challenging me maybe to make another move. This shit is fucked up. I mean, come on, he is a fucking cat.
“I should get going anyway.” Long forgotten is Jax and his territorial actions. My chest feels tight as I think of Emerson leaving. “It’s late, and I have to work in the morning.”
“I think you should stay.” If she tries to leave, I’ll tie her to my bed. That thought creates a visual and my dick twitches. “You should stay.”
“I have to get back to my life at some point.” I didn’t like the sound of that.
“So are you trying to say that your life after you leave here won’t consist of this?” I motion between us. “Like the minute you walk out that door, you and me and the last couple days are forgotten?”
“No.” She didn’t sound convincing. “I’m just saying that we both have responsibilities that we need to handle outside of this happy little bubble we’ve been living in this weekend.”
“I’ve quite enjoyed this so-called bubble.” Enjoyed wasn’t a strong enough description.
“Me too.”
“Just stay tonight.” I push past the empty ache this conversation is beginning to give me. “I’ll take you home early enough for you to get ready for work in the morning.” I trace the contour of her jaw with the tip of my finger and watch as she leans into my touch. Her eyes flutter shut as she continues to pet Jax, then pauses on his back.
Take that little fucker. Would you believe that made me smile? I am pathetic.
“I’m not quite ready to let you slip back to reality yet.” Her lips curve upward to a sweet smile. “Never thought I’d love sharing my bed or my covers so much.”
I watch as her eyes slowly open and as she stares back at me, she is still wearing the same grin. “Okay,” she whispers and my heart races, “but you have to promise that you’ll let me get a few hours of sleep at least. I have a long day tomorrow and you carry a gun during yours, so you need to be alert.”
“Promise.” Suddenly the idea of keeping her awake all night long panting and moaning wasn’t the first thing on my mind. Holding her close, feeling her body pressed to mine, and hearing her soft breathing is all I needed.
I remember what the woman who led the auction said just before the evening came to an end. “Enjoy your evening and who knows, maybe there was a little magic created here tonight.”
I’m not a dreamer or a romantic, or so I thought. I just know that whatever is taking place between Emerson and me—it sure feels a little magical.