~E~

"What made you want to become a shrink, Emma?" Curt asks, his emphasis on shrink making my skin crawl. It's exactly the way my mother would say it. Why did I ever decide to do this?

I shrug. What made you become such a pompous ass? "I enjoy helping people, exploring their minds."

Curt scoffs under his breath, failing to hide it beneath his napkin. My eyes narrow and I clench my fingers together in my lap. "What?" I demand. I'd love to know what he's scoffing at.

"Oh nothing," he says, as he waves his hand in front of his face. "I don't understand the profession much."

I choke on my wine. A small dribble leaks from the corner of my mouth and I wipe it without him noticing. What a fucking rude jerk.

"What's not to understand?" I snap. I need to rein in my attitude. Cockiness ticks me off, and even worse is snobbishness. Both traits Curt is currently excelling in. "I help people deal with their problems and illnesses. Depression and anxiety are serious matters. I don't think there's anything to joke about."

Curt's eyes flash with disdain. Don't like a woman who speaks her mind? Too bad.

"Don't you think some people are crazy and not sick?"

I grit my teeth. My eyes roam his face; his blond hair is cut short and clean on the sides, with it longer on the top, styled to the side. He's handsome in that preppy-I-own-a-yacht-and-country-club way. Even his outfit screams wealth. The Ralph Lauren khaki slacks with navy socks and brown boater shoes. His shirt is also Ralph Lauren, a navy blue polo, crisp and ironed.

All he needs is the sweater over his shirt, which I'm sure he has with him. I watch as he's not even looking at me, his meal more interesting. I pretend to pick at my own meal, except I can't stop glaring at him. Not only is he a snobby jerk, he's also an ignorant ass.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out and glance at the screen, my belly clenching. I stand and grab my purse. "I'll be right back; I need to get this." Curt shrugs and nods, going back to his fish and vegetables. I roll my eyes as I head outside. My body craves fresh air, and besides, I have a feeling this conversation might get heated.

I push the door open, the cool night air crisp compared to the hot, stuffy restaurant. Why wasn't the air conditioning on in there? I finally stop and lean back against the wall, the call now missed. Shit. I was ready to tell him off for good.

Max has been calling me for the past couple of weeks and it's beginning to get out of hand. I'll admit, I let him take me out on a date. I'd hoped it would diffuse the situation but it only backfired in my face. His calls and texts are more frequent.

I close my eyes for a brief moment as the phone buzzes in my hand again. I glance down, blow out a breath in attempt to calm my stomach, and answer. "Hello?"

"Emma! Finally, you answer. Where have you been all day?"

Doing my best to avoid you.

"The normal Saturday crap, mainly errands. What about you?" I keep my voice light.

"I've been trying to call you, silly." He laughs and I shiver. The sound of his laughter makes me cringe. It's almost sinister.

"I forgot my phone at home and then I got lost cleaning. What's up?" I steel myself for his slew of bullshit. How he wants to wine and dine me. Yeah, and try to kidnap me at the same time. I'm not kidding. I wouldn't put it past him. Hence, why I'm nipping this shit now.

Sarah and I talked last night over dinner and we both agreed I should go to the police sooner rather than later. He's been possessive before and he's showing the signs of starting again. Besides, when she came to my work for lunch, she almost walked into a wall staring at Knox and she hasn't shut up about him since.

"He's been calling nonstop, showing up at my work. I went out on one date with him. One. I'd hoped it would help satisfy him for a while but honestly, it made everything worse."

Sarah shakes her head as she rubs the lemon on the rim of the glass between sips. "Wow, that dude is a creep. Fucking nip that shit in the bud, now."

I nod, as I sip my soda. "What do you think I should do? You've had experience with creeps before, haven’t you?" I smile and brace myself for a tongue lashing.

I wasn't trying to be offensive, but sometimes Sarah gets upset when people bring up her dating history. It's pretty extensive. Thankfully, she only smiles back. She often gives me a free pass.

"Straight up tell him. And if he doesn't get it, then you threaten going to the police. You know, to always keep yourself safe first and foremost. If you need me to be with you when you talk to him, I will. There's too much at stake in your life for an asshole to risk things."

Sarah's right. She usually is, her smart business mind makes good decisions. Most of the time. I'm grateful for her advice.

"Thanks, Hun. I knew I could count on you. Now, dish about this new guy." My eyes shine as our food arrives. We dig in as we dish our gossip.

Max's voice brings me back to the here and now. "I would like to take you to dinner again. Every time I mention it, you seem to avoid it more. How's tomorrow night?"

Tomorrow night is Sunday and I do my weekly prep. "Sunday's aren't good for me, Max. Listen, I've wanted to talk to you anyway."

"What's wrong?" Max asks, concern etched in his voice. It's fake concern, Em. Don't fall for his bullshit. It'll only drag you in deeper and deeper.

"Nothing. It's just... I've been seeing someone and we've decided to take the relationship a step further by becoming exclusive. I'm sorry, but it's not going to work out."

I brace myself for the yelling, the rage, but instead, he simply says, "Okay. I hope everything works out. Goodbye, Emma."

I stand in shock, unable to form a response before I hear the click of the call ending. Okay, that's strange. He's never reacted so calmly.

A text flashes on my screen from Curt, asking if I'm okay. Fuck, I need to deal with him now. I sigh in frustration as I walk back to the restaurant. An uneasy feeling washes over me. Max doesn't ever end things that simply, and with the way he's been acting, I've a bad feeling this won't be the last of him.

Out of the corner of my eye, a bush rustles and I hear a whisper, "Shit!" I freeze and my eyes narrow as they try to adjust to the darkness. A flash of gold moves on the side of the bush and a glittery heel pops out. Hmmm, why do those shoes look so familiar?

I lean in over the bush, peering in when a loud screech hits my ear. Jumping back, my sister stands sheepishly, her clothes and hair full of grass.

"Melissa! What are you fucking doing here?" I spit. I grit my teeth. My mother. My mother must've put her up to this. Melissa isn't this conniving on her own.

"Emma? Is that you?" She moves around the bush as she brushes off the grass. "I had no idea you would be here tonight!"

I step back. "Really?" My nostrils flare. "You happen to be here when I'm on a date with Curt? Why were you hiding in a bush?"

Melissa's face flushes as her eyes dart away. Guilty. She's fucking guilty as hell. "Oh, oh. I wasn't hiding, Emma." She rolls her eyes and snaps, famous attitude suddenly back. "I came out here to make a phone call and I tripped on that damned bush. They really need a new landscaper; the whole place is overgrown." She waves her hand around, in an attempt to distract me.

I cross my arms, burying my hands underneath. No need for Melissa to comment on my nervous habits. My eyes narrow as I take in her perfect self. Perfect hair, perfect makeup, complete with perfect outfit. I chuckle to myself. She may show this perfect facade but underneath it all, she's fucked up. Jealous, bitter, nasty. Ready to dig her claws into anyone who gets in her way. "I'm not a teenager anymore, stupid and naive enough to fall for your tricks that mom makes you do. It's pathetic, honestly, that you even do what she tells you to." Melissa's face contorts, rage flashing in her blue eyes. My father and she have the blue eyes, while I take after my mom with her brown ones. I often was jealous of Melissa, growing up with her blonde hair and smooth complexion. Her body was toned and the boys flocked to her. But, life isn't always nice to those who aren't nice themselves.

I continue before she can interrupt. "This is a new low. For both of you. Spying on me? Did you get whatever information you needed?"

She shifts her feet and bites her lip. "I'm not here to spy on you. See?" She points behind my head and I turn. There's her SUV parked in the front row. Her husband Ben smiles as he rolls down his window. I spin back to Melissa, a grin plastered on her face. "Ben's waiting for me. I went to the bathroom while he got the car."

Hmm, what happened to the phone call?

"I thought you were making a phone call?" I snap.

"I was! When I walked out the door, I was on the phone. Dammit, does it really matter, Em? I'm leaving. Go back to your date. How's it going? He seems like a hot ticket."

I scowl. Here she is fishing for information. Play it off, sis. Like Mom taught you. Too bad, I'm not a fool anymore. "It's fine. Not that it's any of your business. Real classy, Melissa. What's next to add to your list? Setting up an online dating profile for me?"

Melissa freezes. "What? You know about it?"

I throw my hands up in the air and storm off. "I cannot believe you. A dating profile? Get out of my business already! I'm done with this shit!" I don't turn back before I enter the restaurant. I pause. I try to catch my breath. My family never quits. What don't they get? I'll find love and happiness on my own. So what if it's taking me longer than normal. Not everyone finds love easily.

I pace and I shake my hands. The waiting area is small and dark. I'm not ready to face Curt yet. My blood is boiling from my sister. The door opens and the air sparks. I feel him before I see him. I look up and there he is.

He smiles down at me, his face lit up. "Emma? Hey!"

"Hey, Knox." I look down, not able to meet his gaze. My fingers clasp together and I bite the inside of my cheek. Of course he shows up here. Out of all the restaurants in Providence.

"Are you here with someone?" He peers around the small space.

"Yeah, he's waiting inside. I should get back."

His mood changes, our connection broken. Disappointment radiates off him. "Maybe another time then." He steps close, bringing his face inches from mine. "See you soon, Emma."

I inhale his scent. My knees go weak, my body begging me to stay.

Ditch Curt and join Knox—you want to Em, you know you do. Heat rushes through me, the ache between my legs growing with need. I glance up and our eyes lock. We stare at each other, neither one moving. Kiss me. Please. Kiss me and make me lose control.

His face inches closer. Closer. A loud bang comes from behind him and we both jump back as if caught. "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to bang the door," calls a voice from behind Knox. He moves out of the way. A few people pass by. I lean against the wall, my breath wild.

"I’d better get back to my date," I need to get out of here. Knox makes me do stupid things. Our lips were close; they tingle as I run my fingers along them.

He shrugs. "I'm not stopping you."

Act like you don't care now? Two can play this game.

"Good. See ya." I mumble and brush by him, my shoulder colliding with his hard chest. I push the thoughts that invade my mind. My hands running along the hard abs; perfect washboard stomach.

I know he's behind me. I feel him follow me into the restaurant, his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.

I plop into my seat. "Sorry, my patient was having an issue."

Curt pinches the bridge of his nose before glancing down at his empty plate. "You took a while and I've finished now."

My plate is still half full but at this point, I've been done with this date before it even began. I shrug and glance around for the waitress. "I'll ask for this to go." My eyes catch Knox. His tall frame leans against the wall by the door in the takeout area.

The Capital Grille is an expensive, trendy restaurant in Providence, serving all types of dishes. Knox catches my eye and I turn away quickly before he can see my flush. Curt's oblivious as he sips his wine and picks his teeth. Can this date get any worse?

The waitress arrives, and after packing up my food and Curt paying the check, he stands, gesturing for me to do the same. Could his manners be any worse? I bite my lip, hold back my eye roll, and head for the door.

Knox is staring at me but I keep my eyes averted. Keep walking, Em, keep walking. I push the door open; the cool night air caresses my face. Curt comes up beside me.

"You know that guy?" He hooks his thumb over his shoulder.

I look back. Knox is watching us intently; a small grin plays on his sexy mouth. I shake my head. "No, why?"

"He can't keep his eyes off you and I got the death stare. Thought maybe he was a friend. How about we go catch a movie?"

"Uh, I'm not sure..." Before I can finish, Melissa pops out of the same bush and my mouth drops.

"Of course she wants to go to a movie!" Her voice floats over to us as she comes rushing forward. "Hi, Curt! I'm Emma's sister, Melissa." She holds her hand out and Curt looks at me questioningly. Yeah, I know. They shake hands while I glare at Melissa. She was supposed to leave. Why in the fuck is she still here?

"Melissa," I say through gritted teeth. "What in the hell are you doing here?"

A fake look of hurt crosses her face. "Em, I told you I had reservations for tonight. Ben dropped me off at the front; he's parking the car." She smiles wide at Curt.

The door opens behind us and the air changes, charging with electricity. Here he comes. Knox comes up on my other side. Melissa narrows her eyes at him. "Who is this, Emma?"

"Hi, I'm Knox." He says, while he extends his hand to her. "I work with Emma."

Melissa's eyes light up with recognition. She shakes his hand briefly before letting it fall without so much as muttering a word. I'm sure she's heard an earful about him. Curt snorts and looks at me. "You told me you don't know him."

I cringe and shrug as all three of them watch me. "I meant, I don't know him that well. He's new at work and we haven't spoken much."

I hear the sharp intake from Knox and guilt rushes through me. I need to get out of here. My emotions are a jumbled mess.

"Emma," Melissa snaps, "Weren't you just leaving with Curt, here?"

Anger runs through me; hot and fast. Who in the fuck does she think she is? "Fuck off, Melissa! Go spy on someone else." I spew, surprised at my words. "It's pathetic, honestly. I caught you out here earlier spying on me and you said you were leaving. Turns out you never left. This is bullshit." I blow out a frustrated breath. "Have a great night everyone. I'm going home."

I take off for my car, beyond done with the night. I can't believe my sister, spying on me. Who in the hell does she think she is? I know my mom put her up to this. Curt is a snobby jerk. I don't care to ever talk to him again. And, Knox? I'm lost when it comes to him.

Melissa calls my name but I don't stop. I'm done dealing with her lies. The car beeps when I hit the fob and I yank the door open, throwing my purse.

A hand grabs my arm and I yelp. Tingles shoot through me, rocking me to my core. Knox's face comes into view seconds later.

"Emma, wait! Don't go yet."

~K~

I release her arm as she falls against the back of her car. Tears pool in her eyes and my heart clenches. It hurts me to see her in pain. Her mother and sister are impossible. Spying on her? What's next?

"I want to go home, Knox. Tonight—well tonight has sucked." She wipes her eyes. "I'm sorry you had to see that. My sister—she's..."

"I saw. I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I would've told her off, too." Emma hiccups as her sobs subside. Her beauty, her mere presence, is intoxicating. As if a spell has been cast on me, all I can see is her. Her breath caresses my cheek; its heady and delicious and I want more of it—of her.

I don't think. I act.

I lean in close and crush my lips to hers. She stills and I move my mouth against hers, willing her to open for me. She relents and I slide my tongue inside, needing to taste her, devour her. Our tongues swirl together and Emma moans. I deepen the kiss, afraid this will be the last time, afraid I'll never get to taste her, touch her again. I explore every inch of her mouth as I press her back into the car with my body. She's not moving until I've had my fill.

"Emma! What in the fuck are you doing?" A girl screams in my ear, one who sounds much like her sister. She yanks us apart before pushing me back and standing between us. I stumble while gaining my balance. My temper flares. "Hey," I call as I move next to Emma, cutting her off from the tongue lashing she's currently delivering to her. "You had no right to pull us apart."

Melissa's eyes flare as she diverts her attention to me. "Mind your own fucking business. My sister doesn't need to be getting involved with the likes of you. If she can't help herself, I certainly will."

I huff out a breath. This chick is unbelievable. I look at Emma, who isn't even paying any attention to her sister. Instead, she's in a fog, mindlessly rubbing her fingers over her lips. They look plump and swollen; our heated kiss made an impression. I nudge her and she snaps back to the present. She pushes herself taller as she steps forward into Melissa's face. "I'll kiss whomever I want. Can you please fuck off, already? Go run and tell Mom everything. I know you're dying to."

Emma slides into her car. "Knox, I'll see you Monday at work. Goodnight." She slams the door and starts the engine. I back off as Melissa storms off and I'm left standing there, alone, and confused as Emma peels out of the parking lot.

* * *

"Knox! I haven't seen you in forever!" Jane hugs me tight. Our favorite local hangout, The Coffee Exchange, is busy this morning, with the aroma of java heavy in the air. Jane slides into the booth and I sit across as I grab the menu. "How you doing, sis?"

"All right, hanging in there. Have a few crazy deadlines to meet and then I'm taking a break."

I put the menu back, ready to order my usual drink, a hot cappuccino with extra foam. Jane sips her coffee and I study her face. Her eyes have bags and her hair is stuffed in a messy bun. I worry about her stretching herself too thin with her work. She never gives herself time off. "Good, you need a break, I've been telling you that."

"I know. I push myself too hard. It's difficult when you try to run your own business. I don't have anyone yelling in my ear to get my shit done." She smiles half-heartedly, her eyes still dim. Something else must be going on; she looks like her cat died.

"Is that all that's going on?" Concern fills my voice.

"Stop reading me so well," Jane says. The waitress comes by and I order my drink, along with a refill for Jane. I focus my gaze back to her, waiting for her to spill it.

Jane sighs, her hands clasped together in front of her as she begins to squeeze her fingers. It's her classic move when something is bothering her. "This job keeps me going all the time. There is always something to do and I hate these deadlines I've made for myself; but it's what keeps me going. It's…" She stops, her voice cracking. "I know it's stupid, but I miss Andy."

"Andy? Your high school boyfriend, Andy?" I'm surprised. She hasn't mentioned him in years. They parted ways before college, both of them veering off in different directions.

Jane nods, "I know. It's been a while since I mentioned him, huh?"

I smile up at the waitress as she places my steaming mug in front of me. "So, why Andy?" I inhale the sweet aroma and my mouth waters.

Jane shrugs, "I haven't told anyone, but I've been seeing him off and on. Well, more like sleeping with him. I should've known better. Once a cheater, always a cheater." A tear slips down her cheek, and I reach out to grasp her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. I hate that she's sad; I'm sad for her. And, it pisses me off that Andy is still hurting her. He hurt her in high school, not once, but twice.

"I'm sorry. Forget that guy. I know you love him; you always have. But he isn't good to you. Not in the way you deserve to be treated."

She looks up at me, more tears now sliding down her face. "I know, but it's so hard. I hate the whole dating scene."

"Tell me about it, sis. I hate it, too."

"It gets old. Date after date, is he going to call, is he going to text, does he like me? All of those questions drive me crazy. And, to top it all off, some of the men are gross." She smirks into her coffee before she wipes her tears.

"Gross? Who in the hell are you dating?"

"Well, you know, there's the burpers... the farters... I could go on and on."

I shake my head while licking some foam from the top of my cup. "Where are you finding these guys? Grossdates.com?"

Jane smiles and rolls her eyes at me. "What? No. The normal places like craigslist."

My eyes bulge and I choke on my drink. "Craiglist? Please tell me you’re joking."

"What's wrong with craigslist?" Jane says.

"There are some weirdos on there. People who aren't who they say they are. Be careful. Why not try something like match.com or even eHarmony? Fewer creeps."

Jane's eyes widen as she takes in my info. I love my younger sister, but she can be innocent and naive. "I didn't realize one had more creeps than the other. Besides, craigslist is free." She smiles. "You know, free is for me."

"Yes, and free gets you creeps."

"Fine, fine. Enough about me. What about you? Have you been on match or eHarmony?"

"No, I don't like that online crap. Makes it hard, though. Most people at the bar are there already with people. I'm not ready to date anyway."

Jane's eyes soften. "Not yet? I'm sorry. Give it time, you'll be ready someday."

"Yeah, maybe." I glance around the coffee shop. The image of Emma floats in my mind.

I still don't know what to think about our kiss. I don't even know what I was thinking. I never should've kissed her. I thought one taste... one sweet taste... would be enough to satisfy me and get her out of my head.

Instead, it's done the opposite. Fuck, what have I done?

"Knox!" Jane snaps her fingers in my face.

"Sorry. I got lost in thought."

"What's on your mind? Must be something. Have you talked to Mom about the latest with Ethan? I wish he would stay clean, already."

"Yeah, he's still in jail. He got caught stealing again, but this time it was several robberies in a row. So he's facing a slew of charges."

"I'm not surprised. He will only get worse if he doesn't stay clean. How long are they keeping him?"

"Mom wasn't sure. He has a court date in a couple of weeks and it will depend on what he's charged for."

"Honestly, Knox, I hate to say this but I hope it’s a while. He needs to get clean and go into a program. A sober house or something."

I nod and finish my drink. "He does. But knowing him, he'll come out and start all over again. Unless, the judge orders him into a sober house—because you know he won't go on his own."

"Jail could end up scaring the shit out of him. I hope he gets the shit kicked out of him. He needs to learn a fucking lesson." Jane picks up her phone and begins to scroll through it. "How’s the job going?"

Emma comes to mind before anything else. "It's good. Busy, lot of long hours getting everything together, but I'm getting there. I'm glad to be on my own and my own boss."

"I knew you would love it. You always were business savvy. Remember the project you did in high school on how to create a business plan? You obsessed over it."

"Hey, I rocked that shit. Got an A plus plus." I grin at Jane. "But, there is a coworker at work..." Jane interrupts me before I can finish.

"Oh. Oh, tell me!" She leans forward and clasps her mug. She's always loved gossip.

"You didn't let me finish. I can't get her out of my head and it's driving me crazy. She's gorgeous and funny but she's off limits. I wouldn't be able to date a coworker that close to me. And, her mother and sister are crazy."

"Her mother and sister? You've met her family?"

"Not by choice. They barge into her life all the time. I feel bad for her."

"Oh, man. That sucks. Do you really want to deal with that?"

"Whoa, whoa, who said we're going out on a date?"

"No one, but it's something to think about. Baggage and all that crap. Things you may not want to deal with."

"Why can't I get her out of my head, then?"

"Love makes us do crazy things."

"Love?" I choke. "Who in the hell said anything about love?"

"Ooo, look Knox!" Jane points to her phone which shows a big ad for a speed dating event in Providence next Saturday.

"Uh, speed dating? How can you get to know someone in five minutes?"

"You never know. I know you said you're not ready but go with me for fun. Please, please." Jane begs.

"I'll think about it." I say and Jane squeals.