by Chelsea Hale
Ouch. I bet I kiss better than a Wookiee. He added a winking kissy face to the text.
She didn’t doubt it. He probably kissed a lot better than a Wookiee. You’d make an adorable Wookiee though.
She rode up the elevator and walked to her desk. She was still reading her text messages when she set her purse down on her desk and paused.
“Holy cow,” she said to the massive bouquet on her desk. Propped up next to it was a delicate red and green box tied with a gold bow.
Emery took the card out, and read:
“Dear Goldleader,
Thanks for being the best fake girlfriend a guy could have. I’ve never had so much fun on a fake date before. I hope we quote Star Wars again during our next dinner. We have a few scenes to finish up. Your most adoring fake boyfriend, James
P.S. Matt picked out the chocolates so if the flavors are wrong, blame him.
P.P.S. This is Matt, and I know I’m not wrong (Lots of coconut caramel chocolates in this box), but I also got myself the orange crème one for picking these up, so … don’t throw it away.”
Emery's heart stuttered as she read the card a second time. He really was a charmer. For the rest of the morning she could smell the fragrant flowers and she polished off several chocolates, each time thinking of James.
* * *
Emery didn’t see Matt until it was almost lunch. When he was finally at his desk she brought him his chocolate in a gold foiled paper.
“Thanks,” he said, looking up at her.
“You had him buy me chocolates and then you conveniently bought yourself one?” she asked, her eyebrow raised.
“Hey, I knew you were going to share regardless, so I figured I’d help you out by picking an option you were bound to give me anyway.” He took the chocolate off the desk where she’d placed it and began unwrapping it. He popped it into his mouth.
She lifted the box from her other hand. “You’re right, of course I would share. This box is way too big for me. Want another?”
Matt picked two more chocolates from the box. “I told James he should have picked the smaller box.”
“How come he didn’t just pick them himself?”
Matt scrunched up his face. “It’s not that he didn’t want to, but he wanted to make sure they were at your desk after you met for coffee. He thought it would be less awkward than bringing them with him.”
She shook her head and bit into a dark chocolate with a maple center. “These are seriously the best chocolates I’ve ever had. How is that possible? I’ve eaten a lot of chocolate in my life.”
Matt muttered under his breath. It sounded like, “It should be the best chocolate for that price,” but she wasn’t sure.
“Matt, I’m a little confused. I guess I could use your advice. Want to take a lunch break?”
“Sure. You bring the dessert, and I’ll buy the lunch.”
She put the lid back on the chocolate box. “An excellent idea.”
They walked to an artisan soup restaurant not far from them. As they walked into the restaurant warm air hit them bringing with it the aromas of the different soups, chowders, and freshly baked bread. They ordered their food and sat at a table, placing their order number on the table.
“So, what’s up?” Matt asked when he’d filled their cups with soda from the fountain.
“It’s James. I’m a little confused.” She didn’t even know how to explain it, but maybe bringing it up to his college roommate and friend wasn’t the best way to get the answers.
She should have grabbed one of the women on her floor, but she couldn’t really talk about her issues with a fake relationship with someone that didn’t know it wasn’t a real problem. Why had she even brought it up?
“You said that before, but I still don’t know what that means.”
“He had you pick up flowers for me … and chocolates.”
“I’m with you so far, but I’m not seeing the problem.”
A guy brought out their soups and bread. Emery let the minestrone warm her. “The problem is I don’t know why. We’re pretending to date this weekend. Yes, we need to learn about each other in the next two days, but why flowers and chocolates?”
Matt raised his eyebrows. “You … like flowers and chocolates.”
“Yes … but …” She shook her head. She didn’t want to keep bringing this up, but here she was in a situation that was going to force the issue. “But you’re the one who told me how he’s fallen on tough times. I don’t want him spending that kind of money on me. We’re not even dating, and it’s not like my family is going to see him doing it.”
“So, it’s him spending money that you have a problem with?” Matt’s expression was clouded.
“Yes. No. I don’t know.”
“I can see why you’re confused.” He smiled at her.
She reached over the table and whacked him on the shoulder. “I don’t want him feeling obligated to spend money on me. I feel awkward enough as it is.” She leaned into the table, lowering her voice. “I mean I’m paying him to be my boyfriend. How strange is that? I can’t have him feeling like he’s supposed to do something in addition to just coming with me.”
Matt nodded slowly. “So, do you want me to talk to him or …?” Matt left the question hanging.
“No. Yes. I don’t know. Maybe?” What was she doing? Reciting the multiple choice answers to all of Matt’s questions? This was ridiculous. Why was she so confused by all of this? “I just am not sure where he’s coming from. Also, how much did he spend on these?” She pointed to the box of chocolates on the table. “They couldn’t have been cheap.”
“Well, maybe on one hand he’s trying to help you out.”
“Help me out? How?”
Matt shrugged. “You have two more days before you go see your family. Guaranteed if your mom doesn’t ask about how he treats you, your sister is going to be in a mood to compare James to your ex.”
“Okay. I follow.” Though she really didn’t.
“Well, now you have a story you can tell, and you don’t even have to make it up.” He gestured to the decorated chocolate box.
“A story?”
Matt rolled his eyes. “You can say that the day after your first date he had flowers and expensive chocolates delivered to your office. It’s a fact that you can pull from.”
“I never thought about it like that,” she said slowly.
“He’s not the kind of guy who is going to be just there. He pretty much just showers people with gifts and presents. So, he bought you something today—you don’t have to go all crazy about it.”
“You think I’m overreacting?”
He held up his hand, bringing his index and thumb almost together but not quite touching. “Little bit.”
Emery took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She didn’t need to overreact. This was not going to be a problem. She opened her eyes, her brain settling on one of the points Matt had made. “How expensive were the chocolates?”
Matt gulped. “I don’t know. I was only the delivery guy.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You have to be able to guess at it.”
Matt shook his head. “I’d never guess. Besides, he knows what he’s doing.”
“I don’t want him going into debt for me.”
Matt nodded. “Fair enough.”
“The chocolate is really good though,” she said.
She’d try to not wig out about the whole thing. After all, Matt’s perspective was helpful. James was probably doing it so they had something to reference, something they didn’t have to make up.
The more she thought about it in that light, the more she realized how sweet James was to do it at all. He didn’t have to. He wasn’t doing it for show for other people, having the flowers delivered when they arrived at her grandpa’s house this weekend. He was just being kind and considerate.
Her pulse sped up as she thought about their short time together and how much she was looking forward to seeing him again tonight
. She savored another chocolate. It was literally the best chocolate she’d ever had. And although it looked expensive, Matt had reassured her that James knew what he was doing. It was fine. She was glad she hadn’t overreacted to James. “Thanks, Matt.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” he said.
Chapter 9
James picked up his phone just after lunch. “Hello?”
“You have no idea what you’re doing.” Matt’s voice came across the line.
He smiled, hoping Matt would call him and let him know how his gifts were received. “Did she like the flowers?”
There was a pause, and James wondered if he’d lost Matt.
Finally, Matt said, “She did.”
“And what about the chocolates? You said you knew which kinds she would like.”
“Yes, she liked the chocolates too. She shared with me, and they were delicious.”
James let out an exasperated breath. “Then why start out a conversation like that and tell me I have no idea what I’m doing?”
“Emery and I went to lunch today.”
“That’s nice,” he said, though something like jealousy wormed its way into his consciousness.
He’d never been jealous of Matt before. He wasn’t going to start now. Besides, Emery wasn’t taking Matt as her fake boyfriend, she was taking him. It was fine.
“Yeah. It was nice. We talked about you the whole time.”
“You did?” His heart felt like it was doing jumping jacks. “Was it good? Or, was it bad?” His phone felt slippery in his hand as he waited for Matt to answer.
“It was fine. She’s just confused. And she’s concerned that you’re spending too much money on her. Again.”
He wiped a hand across his forehead. “I’m doing the best I can.”
“She already thinks you’re struggling financially. A Christmas bouquet costing over a hundred dollars and chocolates that probably cost close to that … she knows they were expensive.”
“I can’t help it, Matt. Old habits die hard. Besides, yesterday I thought we really connected.” He knew he’d be better off trying to win someone over, anyone over, without money. That way he would know for sure that the interest was focused on him, and not on what he could buy.
But he had wanted to surprise Emery this morning and help her remember him through the day until they met up for dinner. But maybe he’d gone too far. After all, they weren’t really dating. He should be a little more careful.
“I get that you connected. I even understand your ability to spend money without thinking about it. But you said you wanted a chance to show that you could date and have fun with someone without money.”
“Is that Emery? Because we’re done this charade by Sunday night when we’re back here.”
“Well, whoever it is, it’s still good practice to try it now. Don’t go so over the top or Emery will think that you are sincerely trying to impress her.”
He spun around in his leather chair, looking out the windows of his corner office. The view in the afternoon with the sun reflecting off the Chicago skyline was breathtaking. “Am I not trying to impress her?”
“You know what I mean. Besides this is for the weekend, and I don’t want to see either of you hurt.”
“Don’t worry about that. We’ve been clear on what this weekend is and is not. It will be fine. I’m helping her out of a situation. That’s it.”
He wasn’t sure why that thought deflated him. He’d known that since yesterday when he and Matt walked into the coffee shop. This was all one big game of improv. He couldn’t get attached, this was just practice. He could do a little better at practicing.
“Last chance for you to take my place,” James said, not sure why he even said that when he definitely didn’t want Matt to take his place.
Matt chuckled. “No. Emery is a good friend but dating her would be like dating a cousin or a sister. There’s nothing romantic there.”
James allowed himself to smile widely, not sure why jealousy had even been an issue.
“Just don’t overdo it.” Matt said, and James could hear the pleading in his voice. “She said she doesn’t want you going into debt for her.”
He snorted. “She said that?” He didn’t have to go into debt. Nothing he could buy her would make him go into debt.
“She thinks you’ve run upon hard times. So, keep that in mind. No need to stress her out unnecessarily.”
“Thanks, Matt.”
* * *
James needed to make sure he didn’t overdo it with Emery, but that was easier said than done. She didn’t want him to spend money on her, which was endearing but that only made him want to spend more on her. It was a weird paradox. Had Emery expected it or wanted more presents, he wouldn’t have been so eager to give them. But she was genuinely surprised.
They’d texted throughout the day about plans that night but in the afternoon, she sent another one.
By the way, I’ve loved the flowers all day long. Thanks for being so thoughtful.
You’re welcome. Matt said you shared the chocolate with him. I hope they were still good anyway. He was totally fishing, but he cared what she thought. He stared at his phone, waiting for a response.
Have you ever tried that chocolate before? Her words seemed to come with that sassy tone she’d used on him last night when they’d been flirting over dinner.
He replied with one word, not wanting to sway her thoughts on the chocolates. Yes.
Then you know it’s the best chocolate in the world.
He smiled at that. Everyone could have a different opinion on it.
Yeah, but they’d be wrong. There was that sass again, reeling him in.
Well, looks like we’re both right on this one.
It was so good I could kiss you.
Had I known that, I would have bought the chocolate for you yesterday instead of the dessert at the restaurant. He was flirting with her over text like a teenager. What was with him?
“Sir?”
James looked up from his phone to see his V.P. of Operations in his office. The three dots were still hovering in the bottom of the screen and Emery hadn’t answered him yet. Well, it was time to get back to work.
“Hey, Tom,” he said, finally pulling his eyes away from the screen.
“Sorry, Janice sent me in here. I can come back if there is a better time.”
His assistant was keeping him on task, and today he was grateful for that. He could have stared at those three blinking dots all afternoon, if Tom hadn’t come in. “Now is good. I was just coordinating some business.”
The next two hours he was in meetings, wishing he could just glance at his phone, but knowing if he did he would have a stupid grin on his face, and he wouldn’t concentrate on the quarterly report he needed to know.
The meeting went over, and he looked at his watch. He tapped out a message for Janice to let Emery know he was going to be late. Maybe Janice could order them food. He shook his head, quickly sending a second message telling Janice to ignore the first message. Emery couldn’t know who he was. Bah.
After the meeting he excused himself, checking his text messages.
Emery had left a couple of them. The dessert from the restaurant was also amazing. I’m not the Christmas turkey needing fattening, you know.
But yeah, the chocolate was delicious, and we probably should think about kissing before we go to my parents this weekend.
Five minutes after that another text had come through. I mean, but it’s not like we have to kiss kiss. Okay. I’m making this worse. Just let me know that this isn’t going to be awkward.
Ten minutes later she wrote another one. Feeling super awkward. Just ignore all of my texts today.
He wished he hadn’t put his phone away during his meetings. But he still had to work. He was torn.
He typed a quick response. Sorry, I’m going to be late. I got caught up in a meeting.
No worries. I get that.
You do? He hoped that she d
idn’t think he was blowing her off.
Of course. Some meetings run late with clients here, too. Not just in the investment world.
Right. About your texts earlier.
Her response was almost immediate. Forget I wrote them.
I didn’t see them until just now. You’re not awkward. We should probably kiss, like you suggested. And he definitely wasn’t opposed to it.
Yeah. This is such a strange conversation to have.
He wanted to take the awkwardness out of this conversation. Would it be any more comfortable if they talked about it in person? Should we use mistletoe and get the awkwardness over?
We can’t say that our first kiss was under the mistletoe. There’s no mistletoe hanging in October.
Fair point. He typed back.
It’s getting later. Skip pictures that feel like a photoshoot?
She was smart to shorten the timing tonight, he was just sorry his meeting ran long. If there had been any way to reschedule it, he would have. Let’s just make sure we take a few on our phones.
She responded. Sounds good.
So, dinner and a kiss—I mean, dessert. He couldn’t help flirting just a little more. Emery was fun and they connected. He was having fun teasing her, and he was hoping for a kiss.
You know you’re going to be competing with the world’s-best chocolate if you take away my dessert. Wise choice that is not. He laughed out loud at the thought that her last sentence was in a Yoda voice.
He could almost picture the way her sassy smile would appear on her face at this conversation. I’m up for the challenge.
Cocky much.
Confident. Man, he liked flirting with her.
I’ll be the judge of that.
* * *
Janice came into his office as he was about to leave early. “I’m sorry, sir, I’ve got members of the Board on the phone and they said it’s urgent that they speak with you.”
“Tell them I’m out for the day, and I’ll talk with them tomorrow.”
Janice stood her ground, not moving from the office door. “I tried that already. They say it’s urgent.”
James blew out a breath. “They always say it’s urgent. Did they give you any clue to what is urgent?”