Runaway Bride’s Guide to Love (Guide to Love #1)

23. Emmett

23

emmett

“What are you doing here?”

Simon looks perplexed as I enter the office from the back door, which leads into the hallway between our two offices.

“Working?”

He makes a show of checking his watch as he meets me in the hallway. “But it’s Wednesday.”

“Yeah? So?”

“You don’t come here on Wednesdays.”

Dammit, I hoped he wouldn’t realize that…

“Sometimes I come in on Wednesdays.”

“No, you don’t,” he says confidently. “Wednesdays are Nashville days. I know because you never come to Rolling Hills two days in a row. And you were here yesterday. And you’ve made a point of telling me numerous times that Rolling Hills day is Tuesday.”

Since when is Simon so perceptive? Or remembering what day of the week it is?

“Yes, I was,” I say, trying to not sound defensive in my response. “But you said it yourself, I need to be in here more now if we’re going to really start going full throttle. So here I am. ”

Don’t you just love it when you can hide your motives behind the truth? Because, yes, Simon did say I need to be here more. And I should be here more if we’re really going to grow Magnolia Properties beyond our wildest dreams. But I’d be a bold-faced liar if I didn’t say a little part of me was coming in here to see Stella.

The woman got under my skin, and I don’t know if there’s a way to get her out. Especially now that I’m going to be seeing her regularly.

I didn’t see her after I told her to walk away yesterday. Once she was out of sight, I made a beeline to my truck and white-knuckled my drive back to Nashville. Was I going ninety miles an hour? Maybe. I’m not sure. I just knew I had to get the hell out of there before I did something stupid.

Like kiss her.

God, I wanted to fucking kiss her. I wanted to prop her up on that desk and run my hands through her hair before pulling her into me. I wanted her legs to wrap around me like they always do. I wanted to feel her smooth skin in my hands.

The second I got home, I took the coldest shower I’ve ever taken. And I’m not proud that it only took a few strokes, accompanied by thoughts of Stella in her fitted green dress today, to make me come harder than I have since—since I last fucked her.

So was coming in here today stupid? Probably. But, between the cold shower and the restless night, I came up with a plan.

Desensitizing.

The only way to get used to something is to have it around you all the time. It made sense at three in the morning with Winnie snoring at the foot of my bed. And it made pretty good sense as I went over my plan while driving down here this morning. My theory is, the more I see Stella, the more desensitized I’ll get. Pretty soon her scent won’t make me instantly hard. After a while her smile won’t knock me on my ass. And eventually, Stella Banks will be nothing more than the woman I work with .

It will be the perfect plan.

Emphasis on will.

Because I know I’m not there yet. It’s why I used the back door instead of coming in the front, where she’d be the first thing I saw. It’s why I’m not going out of my way to say hello to her. It’s why I want Simon to stop talking so I can lock myself in my office for the rest of the day. In my mind, I’m seeing her, so the desensitizing process is starting, but I’m not jumping in to the deep end quite yet.

“Well, great,” he says. “How about you get settled in and then the three of us will meet. I know we chatted a little yesterday, but we should all sit down and go over expectations, what we’re going to be doing, and how we can all work together to make this a well-oiled machine.”

“Sounds good.”

The words are gritty as I shut the door so I can take a few deep breaths. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to go all day without interacting with her. She works a hundred feet from me, and the walls are glass. I had just hoped to get through another cup of coffee first.

Yes! Coffee. That’s what I need. A cup of Charlie’s coffee—that I think has some sort of illegal substance in it—is just what I need. I don’t know what it will help with, but is coffee ever the wrong answer?

I drop my laptop bag and head out the back door again without saying a word to Simon. Luckily, Charlie doesn’t mind if I use the back door to the diner, which allows me to slip in quickly and snake my way to the front counter.

“Well look who it is,” Charlie says. “Two days in a row. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Does everyone know I don’t come here two days in a row? “There isn’t coffee like this in Nashville.”

“Sure, that’s what it is,” she says sarcastically. “Large black coffee?”

“You know it.” I pause for a second as I take a look at the pastry case. It changes every day, and honestly, I’ve never paid attention. But today a cake pop that’s listed as birthday cake flavor is staring me dead in the eyes.

Goddamn it…

“And a cake pop. The birthday cake flavor.”

Charlie raises an eyebrow before she gets it for me. “I’ve never taken you for a cake pop man, Emmett Collins.”

“It just looks good,” I say quickly as I reach for my wallet. Charlie doesn’t let me pay, but I always make sure to leave a hefty tip.

“Would you like a complicated iced latte to go with it? Maybe vanilla flavored?”

I know for a fact that’s what Stella ordered one day in Florida. But I can’t let Charlie know that I know that—even if she does have a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

“Does Simon like that?” I say, trying to throw her off the scent.

She laughs. “He does, but he’s already had his fix for the morning. But I’m sure your new coworker would love it. It’s her go-to.”

“Yeah. Sure,” I try to say nonchalantly. I can tell that neither of us are buying it. “What are you making her, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Charlie starts making the iced concoction with a huge smile on her face. “Iced vanilla latte with caramel drizzle, oat milk, sweet cream cold foam, and cinnamon on top.”

That’s not hard. I should be able to remember it.

You know, in case I have to make coffee runs in the future.

Wait. No. What the fuck am I doing? It’s like my mind and body are being controlled by two different masters. My mind is still listening to me. My body and actions, though? Those clearly belong to Stella Banks.

I don’t know what I’m doing. This isn’t like me. The me I was before Florida would never just buy a woman a cake pop and coffee because it reminded me of them. Hell, I’d never know their preferences to even attempt such a thing. And my head knows this and is begging me to get back to my old self. It keeps telling my body over and over again that I need to have minimal contact with Stella and any I do have should all be under the context of work.

But every other part of me? Those all split off and are doing things like getting her a coffee and a sweet treat. And saying things like sweet treat. And fantasizing about fucking her in the office for anyone walking by to see.

Who am I? This isn’t me. I’m not the guy who does nice things just because. That’s dating shit. And I’m not the guy who has uncontrollable sexual urges and fantasies.

I need to get a grip. Right the fuck now.

“Can I ask a question?”

I raise an eyebrow as Charlie comes back over with an armful of drinks. Apparently she threw one in for Simon too. “Sure.”

“Does Simon know?”

Fuck…how does she know? Apparently I’m a worse actress than Tiger.

I shake my head. I don’t know what she knows, but I need to make sure I shut this down right now. “No. And there’s nothing to know.”

That makes her chuckle. “Whatever you say.”

Fuck me.

“Here,” Charlie says as she hands me a tray of drinks with three cups in it, and two bags that are way heavier than just a cake pop. “Take these. I made a drink for Simon to make whatever this is less obvious. And he’s easily distracted by muffins.”

“Thanks,” I say softly as I quickly make my way out the door. I’m so focused on getting out of there that I don’t even think about exiting the diner then entering the office through the front doors. I swear under my breath, but then quickly notice Stella’s not at her desk.

I walk in and look around, finding her and Simon standing in one of the conference rooms. Her smile is shining through her laughter as Simon tells her something that’s clearly cracking her up.

How does she keep getting more stunning every time I see her? Her blonde hair is in waves around her shoulders. She’s wearing a sleeveless baby blue blouse that’s showing off her toned arms. And then there’s the pencil skirt and heels that are making me think things that are not at all appropriate for an office.

I know my thought was that I need to get desensitized to Stella. But if this is what she wears to the office, then I don’t know if that will ever happen. My aching cock surely doesn’t think so.

I take a deep breath, think about baseball stats, and crack my neck before walking into the conference room. I quickly set down the tray of drinks and bags of pastries before taking a seat at the chair furthest from Stella.

“What do we have here?” Simon asks as he starts digging into the bags.

“I needed coffee, so I figured I’d grab a pick-me-up for everyone,” I say. Just as I’m about to continue, I see Simon take the cake pop out of the bag. “Actually, that’s for Stella.”

Her eyes go wide when she hears her name. “For me?”

I shrug as nonchalantly as I can. “Yeah. I thought you’d like it. It’s birthday cake flavor.”

Her face blushes as the recognition hits her. Fuck, I forgot how much I loved making her blush. Usually it was from things I said or ways I was making her feel. But doing it in this completely nonsexual way? Somehow that feels better than any of the other times.

“Thanks,” she mouths as Simon starts yapping about the history of Magnolia Properties. I send her a wink, which only makes her smile bigger.

Winks? Cake pops? Coffee? What the fuck am I doing? Stop it! Right the fuck now !

I hear my brain saying all these things. I know they are all wrong.

So why can’t I stop doing them? And why do I want to make sure she smiles like that every day?

And why do I hate myself for thinking that?

Today has been a great day.

The sun is shining. The weather is starting to cool slightly, which means that football season—also known as fall—is just around the corner. Not even the phone call I got from my mom asking me when would be a good time to meet husband number eight can ruin my day.

Why is that? Because I don’t have to go to Rolling Hills today.

Nope. Today has been an all-Nashville day. Which has meant it’s been a Stella-free day.

Well, mostly. I did wake up at five in the morning after a dream where I hiked up that sinful pencil skirt she wore yesterday and fucked her at my desk. Not able to go back to sleep after that, I got up, got in a workout, took a cold shower— because that’s apparently all I do these days—and started my day early.

I’m three cups of coffee in, and my stops this morning have been productive and trouble free. I have one more site to check on before I can head home to do some office work. If I keep this pace up, I’ll clock out around three today. Maybe go see Maddie and Jack. I could take Winnie over and we could head to the dog park. Or maybe I could head to a bar, grab a burger, and watch a game. Though the last time I did that, I met a woman who has plagued my thoughts ever since.

Nope! Not thinking of Stella. Dog park with the sister and nephew it is .

Just as I’m sending a text to Maddie, seeing if she and Jack are free this afternoon, a text from Simon comes through.

Simon: Where you at?

Emmett: Nashville. I told you I wasn’t coming in today.

Simon: I know that. I meant where are you going to be in roughly an hour?

I check the clock and see that it’s noon. So in an hour, I’ll just be wrapped up with my final stop and be hopefully back home, eating a sandwich, before I spend the rest of the day at my computer.

Emmett: Should be at my house. Why? What’s up?

Simon: A few contracts and permits came in today that I need your signature on. I know you weren’t planning on coming back into Rolling Hills until next week, but I really want to get these processed first thing tomorrow. I’m going to send Stella out to your house and get your signature on them.

Fuck my fucking life…

Today was supposed to be my Stella-free day. And not only is she coming over, but she’s going to be in my house?

This is bad. So fucking bad. But I can’t tell Simon not to send her, that will raise too many questions. And I know if I volunteer to drive to Rolling Hills, he’ll tell me to not worry about it and that this is part of her job, to make our lives easier.

Emmett: 10-4.

An hour later I’m sitting outside on my front porch, Winnie at my feet, as a white small SUV pulls into my driveway. How is she seeing over the steering wheel? I see her straining her neck as she puts the car in park, which makes me chuckle for some reason.

I stand up, not wanting to be rude even if I do plan on being as brief as possible, as Winnie takes off toward her. I call out for her to settle down, but it’s no use. My golden retriever is jumping on Stella like she’s her new best friend and is here to play.

“Well look at you,” I hear Stella coo as I make my way to the driveway. Her laugh is filling the air as Winnie tries to lick her. “You’re just the most beautiful girl in the world.”

I heard Maddie say one time that seeing a man with a kid was kryptonite, especially to her as a single mom. I thought she was insane. But I get it now. Seeing this woman—who I know biblically and is literally keeping me up at night—playing and loving on my dog? It’s enough to do me in.

I won’t let it. But it would be enough, especially when my traitorous imagination allows in a picture of me and Stella waking up naked with Winnie pouncing on us in the morning.

The fact that I’m now fantasizing about domestic things is serious cause for concern.

“Winnie, get down, girl,” I say as I gently pull her away from Stella. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem,” she says as she stands up, smoothing down her blouse in the process. Today’s blouse is different. A white silk number with short sleeves that she has tucked into a pair of pants that accentuate her legs. She’s wearing heels, as always, and if I’m remembering right they are the ones she bought while we were in Florida.

God, I really am done for if I’m remembering fucking shoes…

“Sorry Simon made you drive out here,” I say, not making any motion to lead her into the house. I know it’s rude, but her in my house is a dangerous, dangerous thing.

Stella reaches into her oversized purse and pulls out a folder. “ It’s no problem. He’s letting me take off early so I don’t have to drive back. I should be thanking you.”

“Anytime.” I take the papers from her and walk to the hood of her car, where I proceed to sign them. I hear Winnie slowly walk back to Stella, who I watch out of the corner of my eye lean down to pet her. I don’t attempt to make any sort of conversation and neither does she. Is it awkward? Yes. But is it needed to survive the two of us being alone? Hell, yes.

“Here you go,” I say as I shut the folder. “Easy enough.”

“Easy enough.” She takes the folder from me and starts walking to the car door, before stopping and turning on her heel. “Can I ask you a question that you can say no to?”

No…

“Sure.”

“Can I use your restroom? I drank an extra-large Diet Dr Pepper on the way here and?—”

I laugh, because of course she did. “Inside. First door on the right down the hall.”

Stella does the best she can at walking fast, but not running, inside. I walk behind her, because I’m pretty sure she’s going to bite it in those heels.

I also need to be behind her so she doesn’t see me physically needing to calm down at the thought of her keeping those heels on…and only those heels.

When I hear the door close to the bathroom, I let out a deep breath and pull at my hair. I need to get a hold of myself. I’m not a fucking teenager who has his first crush. Why can’t I keep my brain from going places it shouldn’t go? Why can’t my dick be under control around her? Why do I want to invite her to stay for dinner? Why? Just…why?

I stop pacing when I hear the door open and Stella’s heels hitting the hardwood as she comes back down the hall.

“Thanks,” she says shyly. “I’ll be going.”

“Yeah.” The word comes out awkwardly as I open the door. But just as Stella starts to walk out, Winnie runs in front, stopping her exit.

That’s it. No treats or dog park for her tonight.

Stella’s close. Too close. I could just lean in and take her lips that I want to kiss so fucking bad. I could hold out my arm and wrap it around her waist, bringing her into me where I could feel her soft curves against me. I could just give Winnie a little kick out of the way and pick her up like I want to, because it’s been way too long since I’ve felt her legs wrapped around me. I’d press her against the door and take her right here.

God-fucking-damn-it, I need this woman out of my house before I go doing things that I swore I’d never do.

Like ask her to stay.

“I’ll see you next week,” I say with a gruffness to my tone, which I can tell she picks up on.

“Yeah. Sure. See you next week.”

She gives me a small smile and a shy wave as she moves around Winnie and heads to her car. Her head is down. She never looks back.

Fuck…I hate that I made her shrink into herself like that. That’s the shit Duncan did. I never want to be that man. Ever. Being that man, or that type of man, leads to Stella reverting back to the unsure woman who came to Florida. And that’s not the kind of man I want to be.

The only problem is I don’t know how to stay away from her without ignoring her. I’m clearly not strong enough to be friendly with her. At least not right now. Maybe over time, but for the immediate future, I think it’s best if I keep my distance. Keep my Rolling Hills days to the bare minimum. It’s the safest plan to make sure I don’t do stupid things like act like an ass again.

Or kiss her.

Or worse, make her mine and never let her go.