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The Dating Arrangement Page 12
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He kissed her deeply. Their tongues entwined in a seductive dance. She grabbed for him, attempting to pull him even closer. She was more than ready for him, wanted him.
“Yes?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” she whispered.
Jack reared back, reaching for his discarded pants. He fumbled in the pocket until he pulled out a foil packet. After quickly sheathing himself, he returned to her. Braced on his arms, he towered over her, his eyes serious.
He positioned himself between her legs, pausing to kiss her again. Kissed her long and hard. It felt like he was pouring everything of himself into it. She was so enthralled by it that she almost didn’t realize he was entering her at the same time.
He filled her completely as their lips stayed fused together. He captured her gasp of pleasure with his mouth. His arms shook as he pushed in even farther.
Her legs opened wider for him and her arms circled his back, holding on for dear life as he began to move inside her.
This was what it was to be connected to another person. To be intimate. To be adored.
Their bodies moved together as if they had done this countless times. As if they were made for each other.
His arms came around her as he began to move faster, harder. She didn’t hear the radio or the night noises, because the only sound filling her ears was Jack’s voice, saying her name.
She knew he was getting closer to the ultimate release and could feel her body readying for the same thing. Their hold on each other tightened as stars began to shine behind her eyes. And right there, on the ground in a secluded field, they came together, as one, at the same time.
They stayed just like that for a long time. Wrapped tightly around each other, breathing heavily.
Jack kissed her. Once. Twice. And then another soul-pouring kiss as they stayed connected in the most primal of ways.
Vulnerable. She felt utterly and completely exposed. Not only because of their current state of undress. She felt naked from the inside too.
They held each other, just like that, at the top of a hill, in the darkness, and Emerson knew that nothing in her life would ever be the same.
Chapter Ten
“I am beat,” Emerson said to the empty room as she collapsed onto the couch.
It had been a long two weeks. She was up to her eyeballs in events. Two new clients signed on this week. She would be busy through the rest of the year. Between signing contracts, meeting with customers, inspecting event spaces and working on those events she already had in the works, she’d been putting in extremely long days.
She’d never been so grateful for her short commute. Although, after a day like today, the walk from the first floor to her upstairs apartment, had felt like climbing Everest.
She hated to complain about work. Ever since she started her company, she decided that she would be grateful for any work that came her way. Still, it might be time to bring someone else on. At least a part-time employee would help.
“I bet you’re tired.”
She jumped at the sound of Grace’s voice. “I didn’t realize you were home.”
“Maybe because you haven’t been here much this week.”
There was nothing accusatory in Grace’s tone, yet Emerson felt guilty nonetheless. She’d been spending long hours working. Besides preparing Jack’s bar for the upcoming bachelor/bachelorette extravaganza, she was spending a lot of time with Jack.
If the sun was up, she was in complete event-planner mode.
But when the sun went down and the stars came out, that’s when she forgot about everything work-related and finally came alive.
It was all thanks to Jack.
They’d spent a lot of time at his house. Sometimes he cooked her dinner, and other times they ordered in. She really didn’t have a preference, so long as the night ended in his bed.
Or on the living room floor, as it happened just last night, she thought with a smile.
“What’s that grin for?” Grace plopped down next to her on the couch. “You look...hmm...satisfied.”
Emerson hit her with a throw pillow. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around much lately. Work has been nutso. But all good stuff. Lots of new clients and events.”
Grace grabbed the pillow and stuck it behind her head. She scooted down and threw her legs onto the oversize ottoman they used as a coffee table.
“It’s okay. I’ve been busy with work myself. Did you get my email about the bachelor/bachelorette party this weekend?”
Emerson nodded. “Sure did. I replied right before I came up tonight. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be perfect.”
“What about with you?” Grace asked. “Is everything perfect?”
Pretty close.
Emerson sat up straight. The silent admission surprised her. Perfection. After a life of never getting close to even being mediocre, this was new and unchartered territory.
She turned to Grace, whom she was surprised to see frowning.
“Jack makes you happy,” Grace said matter-of-factly.
Emerson’s face grew hot; she knew she was blushing. “I believe someone in this room told me to go for it.”
“I was just thinking like maybe a fun little fling. Not spending every day together.”
“We don’t spend every day together.” Did they? They’d definitely had a lot to do at the bar, preparing it for the reopening, which would kick off with the bachelor/bachelorette party.
Her phone went off. She could see it on the ottoman, next to Grace’s glittery purple-painted toenails. It was a text from Jack.
Apparently Grace noticed, as well. She lifted a perfectly shaped eyebrow in a very what-did-I-just-tell-you arch.
Emerson sighed. “I thought you would be happier. You love romance and happy endings and all that.”
“True.” Grace dragged out the word and tapped a finger to her lips. “It’s just that I’m worried there won’t be a happy ending in this case. That there can’t be one.”
Emerson swallowed a lump the size of the Capitol dome. Her friend was right. She’d been so busy the last couple of weeks that she forgot about the big picture. She’d been having way too much fun enjoying the small picture, which involved working a fulfilling job during the day, and being in Jack’s arms and bed at night.
Jack was only in her life because...well, because they’d made a deal, an arrangement. They weren’t even dating.
Although, it sure did feel like they were. She definitely wasn’t pretending when she was with him, and she would bet her own life that he wasn’t either.
Even if they hadn’t talked about it lately, Jack’s future was up in the air. He’d been honest and up-front about that since day one. They were preparing the bar to look good for business. Or for a new owner.
The latter choice meant Jack would leave town. Leave her.
Purposefully, she avoided Grace’s gaze.
“Oh Em, don’t be upset.” Grace grabbed her hands and squeezed. “I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You’re speaking the truth and we both know it. I’ve backed myself into a corner.” The words tasted coppery as they rolled off her tongue.
Grace wore her heart on her sleeve and Emerson could tell that her friend knew she’d upset her. She tried to offer a smile, but knew it wasn’t enough.
“What can I do?” Grace asked. “I didn’t mean to rain on your parade. I have to fix this.”
“How about some wine? And popcorn? And a really funny movie, so we don’t have to think about anything but laughing.”
Grace gave her one last once-over. Apparently appeased, she grinned. “Yes to all of the above. I’ll get the wine and make the popcorn. You pick the movie.”
“And don’t forget about the comfy clothes,” Emerson called to her friend’s retreating back. “Yoga pants are essential
.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Grace yelled from the kitchen.
But she knew that comfy yoga pants and some popcorn weren’t going to settle her restless mind. Emerson berated herself. Just when she’d let her guard down and had really begun to feel good with a man, reality came charging back in to step on her popcorn.
Now she had to deal with the possibility that had always been around. She’d just thrown a blanket over it.
Although, maybe Jack wouldn’t leave. Maybe he would change his mind. After all, they’d been working so hard on the bar. If he saw how great the party went and how much potential there was in the bar, he might be persuaded to stick around.
She would just have to make sure that every single thing went as smoothly as possible. Not just for the bar.
But for her heart, as well.
* * *
Jack hadn’t been this nervous since he’d stepped out to bat during his first minor league game. Just like then, his palms were sweating, his pulse was racing and he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
He paced the floor of the bar, trying to release some of his nervous energy. A lot was riding on tonight. He’d never thrown any kind of event like this party, and all he could do now was hope and pray everything went as smoothly as Emerson promised it would.
It was almost ‘go time.’ The happy couple and one hundred of their closest friends would be here any minute.
He hoped they had enough of everything. He’d hired some new bartenders and waiters since his father’s payroll had been mostly empty, except for Oscar. Speaking of Oscar, he’d been a huge help when it came to the nitty-gritty of supply and food ordering.
But maybe there was something else they hadn’t thought of. Maybe Trina and Nick would hate what they had done with the place. This whole thing would be a lot easier to deal with if he’d gotten more shut-eye. He’d had a hell of a time sleeping the night before.
He wasn’t sure he wanted to admit that the insomnia may have had something to do with his missing bed companion. They’d worked hard on decorating the bar until about eleven o’clock, the night before. Then Emerson opted to sleep in her own bed.
He’d said he didn’t have any problem with that.
He may have been lying.
The truth was he missed her. He missed the way she smiled at him. He missed the way she looked when she was all curled up next to him, with moonlight falling across her face.
Moonlight? “Christ,” he mumbled while scrubbing a hand over his face.
He took stock of the bar. It really did look amazing. Emerson insisted The Wright Drink display the proper amount of local DC-area pride. She claimed it would make patrons feel more at home. She’d hung pennants and other signage for the local sports teams. Not to mention, she’d gotten ahold of a signed jersey from one of the Nationals players. It was now proudly being displayed in a glass case, with an accompanying autographed baseball next to it.
Besides the new paint, better lighting, and rearranging most of the furniture, Emerson had gone to town decorating for the party. There were balloons in every corner and signs with the couples’ names. She’d brought in even more lighting in the form of centerpieces; intricate candle displays added a romantic ambience. Plus, she’d had a friend of hers build a small stage in one of the back corners. She’d set up a karaoke machine for tonight, and encouraged Jack to keep it around for future celebrations.
Now he just needed to see Emerson. He needed her to help calm his anxiety over tonight’s event.
He realized something at that moment. He was nervous because this bar meant something to him. He was also coming to realize that a certain auburn-haired event planner had snuck into his heart.
Huh. Something to consider.
Just then she waltzed into the room, holding her phone between her raised shoulder and her ear. She was carrying her iPad, and her eyes were scanning the screen.
“Fine, fine. I have to run.” With that, she removed the phone, sighed and flipped the lid of her iPad shut.
“You look frustrated,” Jack observed. “Who was that?”
Emerson tucked her phone back into the pocket of her black pants. “That was one Beatrice Carlyle Dewitt.”
Ah. “Your mom. Wishing us well tonight?”
Emerson snorted. “Not exactly. She wanted to ask me what I was wearing to the anniversary gala.” She used air quotes when she said gala.
“It’s a gala now?” he asked, amused.
“Everything at my mother’s house is a gala.” She said.
“Are you planning it for her?”
She looked like he’d just thrown her drink in her face. “Are you serious? Do I look like I have a death wish?”
He laughed. He did that a lot around her. It was nice to be able to relax with someone.
“Was she happy with your outfit choice?”
“Have you met my mother? Has she ever not had an opinion that she simply must share with me.” She coughed and stuck her nose up in the air as she took on her mother’s Southern accent. “Emerson Rose, you simply cannot wear that dress to this party. It’s far too audacious. You really should wear something black. Simple. Sophisticated.” She stuck her tongue out. “Blah. I wear black when I work events. Not when I’m being social. Bor-ing.”
Again, he laughed. “I’m sure you’ll put your own spin on it.” He clapped his hands together. “On to more exciting things, like the kick-ass event you planned for me. I made the specialty cocktails you suggested, ordered all the food on your list. What else can I do?”
She did a little spin and narrowed her eyes as she took in every inch of the bar. She walked to some of the tables, straightening chairs that were already perfectly straight.
When she returned to him, she grinned. “I think we’re ready.”
“Not quite,” he said. “Aren’t we missing a certain wedding planner?”
“Grace has been texting me every couple of minutes, for the last two hours.” She took out her phone to show him. “We just went over everything this morning. I’ve got this. Anyway, she’s working a wedding tonight. She often helps set up bridal showers and bachelorette parties for her clients. Unless it’s something really big or extreme, she doesn’t usually show up. At least, not for the whole thing.”
Jack tapped her phone. “And yet she keeps texting you.”
“She’s not here, but she cares about her bride and groom. She just wants to make sure everything is going well.” Emerson glanced up when the bell she’d added above the door chimed. “Showtime.” The door opened and a parade of people entered.
“Oh it looks fabulous.” Trina Mitchell jumped up and down excitedly. “Even better than the day we met.” With that, she jumped up on a man—presumably the fiancé—and planted her lips on his. Jack hadn’t met the guy yet. Emerson had handled all of the meetings.
“Look at the sign, babe. Just for us.” Trina was now darting around the bar, taking in all of the details, as a barrage of men and women paraded in. Many of the women wore sashes and tiaras, while the men were dressed for a night on the town.
“Ooohhh look at these tiny cocktail napkins with our names. Ohmigod, our names are being projected on the walls and floors. I love that. Whose idea was that? And look, look. Sweetie pie, it’s a specialty cocktail.” Trina made a noise and Jack wasn’t sure if it was a squeal or a scream.
Emerson leaned in and whispered. “See, snookums, I told you that would be a big hit.”
“You do have skills, baby cakes.”
It seemed to take no time at all for the music to start blasting out of the jukebox, people to get out on the dance floor and the specialty cocktail to start flowing. Jack barely had a moment to take in the scene. Between watching his two bartenders serving up drinks and the waitstaff replenishing food, he almost missed Emerson running around, taking care of every othe
r little detail.
Of course, he was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her. She was wearing tapered black pants and a loose-fitting black blouse. Her hair was pulled back, showing off her sparkly earrings and a pretty little silver necklace with a heart pendant. Nothing about her outfit should make a man’s heart stop, and yet... Something about her made him do a double take every time she flew by.
When he did get a moment to really observe her in action, he was impressed. She was fast, efficient and pleasant. She kept to the edges of the room, but was always there when someone needed something. The waiters, bartenders and partygoers all seemed to enjoy speaking with her. She had a way about her that got her point across, while being cheerful and approachable.
He certainly wasn’t an expert, but Jack would guess that Emerson was one heck of an event planner.
“Bye, cupcake.”
Jack turned in time to see Nick kiss his fiancée. He knew the guys were taking off for a cigar bar. But the ladies were sticking around all night. While Jack was definitely happy to see The Wright Drink hopping again, he was happy to get a bit of a reprieve, with half of the guest list leaving.
Trina launched herself at Nick, as if he’d just told her he was heading to Mars and wouldn’t be back for ten years. “I’ll miss you, lovey.” She plastered his face with kisses. Despite the men in the room making catcalls and throw-up sounds, Nick seemed perfectly content to let Trina shower him with affection.
Once the men were out the door, the ladies filled up their drinks again and hit the dance floor. Jack found himself laughing as he watched the shenanigans.
“Quite the party,” Xander said. He’d arrived right as the other men had been departing.
“Yeah. Emerson did an amazing job. Look at this place.”
Xander perused the scene. “Are you turning The Wright Drink into an all-female bar? Because I could be down with that.”
Jack threw a penis straw that had been abandoned on the bar at him. Xander picked it up, studied it and then quickly threw it back. “Ugh.”