In Your Arms

by Shannyn Schroeder

  Then it hit him. Emma didn’t just sound like Jimmy; she was Jimmy. The Long family’s version. She was the responsible, hardworking one who kept everyone else going.

  What the hell was she doing with Sean?

  He scrubbed his hands and remembered that she’d been upfront that she wouldn’t be falling for him. She wanted to get married and build a life. There was no way she’d have room for him.

  He dried his hands, and when he left the bathroom, Emma was waiting in the hall. The space was so small, two people couldn’t fit side by side. Crap. Now she was going to yell at him for opening up his big mouth.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Huh?

  She leaned up and kissed him.

  “What was that for?”

  “Changing my oil while my brother watched. Having my back, even if I don’t need it. I know they’re pushy, but they’re my family.” She kissed him again, this time sliding her tongue seductively along his.

  And he knew what she was doing with him besides biding her time until she met Mr. Right. He was her escape from the stress in her life.

  “Dinner,” Brandi called from the other room.

  Emma eased back and took his hand, pulling him behind her. They sat around a small kitchen table not too different from the one in his dad’s kitchen. The metal legs wobbled as they pushed to make room for everyone.

  “What’s for dinner?” Emma asked.

  “Lasagna.” Brandi turned from the stove and placed a pan in the center of the table. “Your favorite.”

  It was lasagna, he guessed, but one look told him it had come straight from the freezer. He remembered Emma talking about why she was teaching herself to cook. The frozen version was fine by him, since he didn’t have to so much as turn on the oven, but he knew it wasn’t homemade.

  “Your favorite, huh?” he asked her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Emma bit back a smile. Having Sean here made the dinner so much more bearable. Of course he would pick up on the fact that the frozen, boxed lasagna wasn’t great. It had, in fact, been her favorite growing up. She just hadn’t known any better. Her mom reached over and took her plate, slapping a huge square of mushy noodles and goopy cheese on it before handing it back.

  She did the same for Sean. He dug in like he hadn’t eaten in a week. Emma couldn’t help but like him a little more for that. Her mom had zero cooking skills, but she tried.

  Nicky pulled a bottle of beer from the fridge.

  Emma glared at him. “Yeah, Nick, we’d love to have a beer.”

  Nicky sat down and pointed his bottle in the direction of the fridge. “You know where to get it.”

  She did, but she was pinned in the corner. Sean stood. “I’ll get it,” he said quietly.

  Something about the way he looked at Nicky made her stomach jump. She’d seen Sean lay a guy out before. If Nicky didn’t watch his step, he’d be next. And Emma couldn’t muster the energy to feel bad about it or even warn him. Maybe if someone beat the crap out of him on occasion, he wouldn’t be so inconsiderate toward everyone.

  “One for you, Brandi?” Sean asked.

  “I’m okay. Thanks.” Her mom looked at Sean with a wide smile.

  Sean returned with two bottles, pausing to twist the cap off one before placing it in front of her. “Thank you,” Emma said.

  They ate and Brandi made small talk, asking Nicky about his new job, which he gave no details about. This led Emma to wonder if it was an imaginary job, but she held her tongue.

  “What do you do, Sean?” Brandi asked.

  “I’m a mechanic.”

  “That’s good, steady work, huh?”

  “I guess.” He shoved another forkful of lasagna into his mouth.

  “A mechanic doesn’t need to go to college, right?”

  He paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. “No.”

  Emma pressed her teeth together. She knew exactly where her mom was going, and it might take all of Emma’s patience not to scream.

  Sean licked a spot of sauce from his lips and added, “I did some trade school and there are all kinds of certification courses you can take, but most of my training came from auto shop at school and on-the-job training.”

  Brandi smiled. Emma shot out of her seat before the conversation went any further. She and Sean were clear on where they stood, and it was none of her family’s business what that was. Her mother eyed her plate, but Emma went to the trash can and scraped the remnants of her dinner.

  “Did you want another helping, Sean?”

  Please say no. Please. The words almost slipped past her lips.

  “No, thanks. That was delicious, Brandi.”

  He stood with his plate, but Emma took it from him. She rinsed both plates and set them in the sink. She turned the water on. Her mom stood beside her with the lasagna pan. “Leave the dishes. Nicky can do them.”

  All of a sudden, music blared. The Beatles’ “Birthday” song. When Emma turned she was surprised to see Nicky coming back into the kitchen with a birthday cake, candles lit. Brandi slid an arm around her waist and gave her a side hug. Emma was struck with a stab of guilt for all the unkind thoughts she’d had over the last hour.

  She went back to her seat and blew out the candles.

  “You didn’t tell me it’s your birthday,” Sean said.

  “It’s not.”

  Brandi handed her a knife. “Since your birthday lands on a Saturday this year, I know we won’t see you because I’ll be working, so I figured we’d celebrate tonight.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” She cut into the cake and served pieces to everyone.

  “I’d never forget your birthday.” She said it with a warm smile.

  Emma returned the smile. “I know,” she said quietly. For all her faults, Brandi loved her.

  “When’s your real birthday?” Sean asked.

  Part of her didn’t want to answer. They might not even be hanging out then, and even if they were, she didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. But he sat there, staring at her. “Halloween.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Why would I lie?”

  “I always wanted my birthday to be on Halloween.”

  “It’s no big deal.” She ate a bite of cake, then asked, “When’s yours?”

  He smiled. “October twenty-fifth.”

  “How old are you turning?” Brandi asked.

  “Twenty-seven.”

  “Just like Emma. How cool is that? Maybe you two should do a joint birthday party. A costume one.”

  Emma set her fork down. “I’m too old for a party, Mom.” She’d always wanted a costume birthday party as a kid. Like a masquerade ball. But it had never happened. She’d never even got a store-bought costume to trick-or-treat in. More often than not, she’d created her costume with cast-offs from Brandi’s wardrobe.

  “Well, if you change your mind, let me know. Maybe we can have it at the bar. I could probably get a good deal on drinks.”

  Again, Emma stood to put her plate in the sink. Sean followed. She took his plate and added it to the pile. “Nicky gets to do the dishes tonight.”

  “Want the cake for home?” Brandi asked.

  “No, Mom. I already have too much in my freezer. You guys keep it.” She wiped her hands on the towel that hung from the oven. Then she gave her mom a hug. “Thanks for dinner and the cake.”

  “Thanks for fixing my checkbook.” Her mom gave her an extra squeeze that said, Thanks for the money you deposited so my checks won’t bounce. She released her mom and waved at Nicky, who was already sprawled on the couch.

  “See ya.”

  Sean followed her out the door and to her car. He unlocked the door for her and held it open. Before climbing in, she said, “Ready to run for the hills after dinner with my family?”

  “Only if you’re coming too.”

  She sat down, completely tempted by the thought of running away.

  Sean got behind the wheel. “It wasn’t that bad.”

&n
bsp; Emma leveled a look at him.

  “Fine. Nicky was that bad. I’ll never fucking work on your car with him again. He’s an ass.” He started the car. “But your mom was nice. She didn’t hit on me at all this time. Maybe I’m losing my touch.”

  Emma laughed. “She restrained herself because it’s my birthday.”

  “And they gave you cake. It was a win.”

  She sank into the seat. “Thanks for coming. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to disappear now.”

  He let out a low chuckle. “You’re funny. Why the hell would I ditch you after the dinner? I sat through the night with your family to get you alone. I’ve got you now.” He placed his hand on her thigh. “Besides, you can come over to my house tomorrow and my family will make you feel good about yours.”

  “What’s tomorrow?”

  “Football Sunday. We order pizza and watch the Bears.”

  She considered it. The plans felt more like a serious relationship than she liked, but he’d just had dinner with her family. And it had turned into a birthday celebration. Unintentional, but still couple-like. “Maybe.”

  He squeezed her thigh, sending a pulse straight north. She stared at his rough fingers and scarred hands. “No maybe. You owe me.”

  “Really? I should owe you because you invited yourself to dinner with my family?”

  “Yep.”

  “What exactly do you think I owe you?”

  “Dinner with my family would probably make us even.”

  “I don’t think I like your terms. There should be room for negotiation.”

  His hand inched further up her leg. Warmth spread through her body.

  “We’ll negotiate when I get you home.” He shot a glance at her. “When you’re dying to come and ready to scream my name, I’ll make you promise to show up at my house tomorrow.”

  “That sounds like extortion.”

  “Nah. It’s an incentive.” He winked, and his wicked smile sent a shiver through her. She couldn’t wait to get home.

  * * *

  The next afternoon, Emma parked her car down the block from Sean’s house. Sean had said not to bring anything, but she’d wanted to try a new veggie dip recipe anyway, so today seemed like a good day. And in case the dip wasn’t a big hit, she’d also brought a twelve-pack of beer. She balanced the veggie plate on top of the beer and closed the car door with her hip.

  A cool breeze blew across her, making her wish she’d worn a sweatshirt. She climbed the concrete steps of the porch and looked through the screen door. Since her hands were full, she gently kicked the metal bottom of the door as a means of knocking.

  “Come in,” a male voice yelled from inside.

  Guys. She set the box down, opened the door, and picked up her stuff again while propping the door open with her leg. “Hello?”

  Sean’s dad sat on the couch in front of the TV. He looked at her and mumbled, “In the kitchen.”

  They’d never been formally introduced, but he didn’t seem to care. She walked into the kitchen to the sound of Sean yelling. “No way are we waiting for Jimmy. He’ll get anchovies on the pizza just to piss us off.”

  Tommy started laughing. “He only does that to you because you eat more than the rest of us put together.”

  “Hello.”

  Sean and Tommy turned. “Hey,” Sean said, stepping forward and taking the beer and veggies from her. “What’s this?”

  “I made a veggie plate and dip, and brought some beer.”

  “I told you not to bring anything.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  It should’ve made her feel weird since they weren’t dating, but it was completely natural. “I wanted to try a new dip recipe so you guys get to be my guinea pigs.”

  “You got the pigs part right,” Tommy said.

  Before Sean could respond to his little brother, more people poured into the kitchen. All of a sudden, Emma was smooshed close to Sean and had no idea how she’d gotten there. He slid an arm around her shoulders and turned them to face the new visitors. One was his brother Jimmy, whom she’d met at the Labor Day barbecue.

  “Hi,” she said with a small wave.

  “Hello again.”

  “Emma, you remember Jimmy and his fiancée, Moira.”

  Emma took a small step forward and waved. “Nice to see you again.”

  Moira smiled brightly. “I’m glad you came. We didn’t get a chance to talk enough at the barbecue. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “You have?”

  Jimmy nudged her with his elbow, but Moira didn’t take the hint. “Jimmy doesn’t usually talk much, so after the barbecue, I grilled Tommy and Norah for details.”

  Jimmy stood next to her, shaking his head.

  Moira ignored all of them and stayed focused solely on Emma. “Norah actually had a lot to say. She likes you.”

  “I like who?” a voice called from behind Jimmy.

  Jimmy shifted out of the way and Norah came forward. If anyone else entered this room, it would probably be a fire hazard.

  “Hi, Emma. Tommy, grab a couple beers and pass them over.”

  Emma tried to edge out of the way, but she was trapped. A table to her side, a counter behind her, Sean on her other side, and the other O’Malleys in front of her. They all seemed like they were talking at once, and she didn’t know which conversation to follow. Then there was a hand in hers, pulling her from the room.

  Moira led the way, dragging her away from Sean. “You look like you’re about to have a panic attack.”

  “I’m okay. There were just so many people all talking at once. And they’re loud.”

  “Yeah, you get used to it. Or so I’m told. I grew up in a big family, so being over here is no different than being at home.” Once in the dining room, Moira released her hand and pulled out one of the dining room chairs. “Sit. Tell me about yourself.”

  Emma hesitated, feeling like this was an audition.

  “Unless you’re really interested in watching the Bears lose again. In which case, we can catch up at halftime.”

  Emma wasn’t sure if that was a question, so she sat. “How long have you and Jimmy been together?”

  “Just over a year. Engaged since last Christmas. We’re planning the wedding for next summer.”

  “That’s cool.” It was times like this that Emma wished she had a sister. “You said you come from a big family?”

  “Yeah. I grew up across the street. Four brothers and one sister.”

  Moira hadn’t been kidding when she said she was used to the noise of a big family.

  “How about you?”

  “I have an older brother.”

  “Ugh. In some ways, they’re the worst, right? Except of course when you need something.”

  Emma shook her head. “Not in my family. Nicky is usually the one who needs the favors.”

  Moira leaned back. “So he’s not all overprotective or anything?”

  Emma laughed. She couldn’t imagine Nicky caring all that much about what happened to her. “No.” Then she realized she’d probably made her brother sound like an ass. “If someone really did something to me, he would probably step up in the same way you would for anyone you cared about. But he doesn’t waste any time worrying about me. I’ve always been able to take care of myself.”

  “You’re lucky. It took forever for my brothers to learn that I can take care of myself and make my own choices.”

  Norah came in from the kitchen carrying four bottles of beer. She handed one to her dad in the living room and came back to the dining room to sit with Emma and Moira. She set a beer down in front of each of them. “So what are we talking about?”

  “Brothers,” Moira answered.

  “Don’t get me started.”

  “Your brothers don’t seem all that bad,” Emma said.

  “That’s because you don’t have to live with them. Jimmy is always telling everyone what to do. Kevin starts trouble with anyone in the room.”

  “Oh, God, he’s
not coming today, is he?” Moira asked.

  “Who’s Kevin?”

  “Next in line behind Jimmy. Moira and Kevin don’t like each other,” Norah said.

  Instead of commenting, Moira took a swig of beer.

  Norah laughed. “I’ll have to tell Jimmy I found the key to making Mouthy Moira shut up.”

  Moira shot Norah a dirty look.

  So much private interaction and conversation that Emma couldn’t follow. It was like they all had known each other forever. And Emma didn’t belong.

  Moira set her beer down. “I don’t like Kevin. Mostly because he made my life miserable growing up.”

  “He’s grown up too. Maybe you should give him a chance. He’s changed.”

  Moira snorted loudly. “He hasn’t changed at all. He still tries to drive me crazy.”

  Jimmy walked up behind Moira and kissed the top of her head. “You let him push your buttons. If you let it slide, he’d give up. I tell you that every time.”

  Moira inhaled, causing her chest to stick out further. “Go watch your game.” When he stepped away, Moira leaned closer. “I’m still trying to figure out how to have the wedding without inviting Kevin.”

  Emma pressed her lips together to stop her laughter. She loved watching Moira and Norah. Although they weren’t her friends, she could appreciate their closeness. She’d forgotten how it felt to have real girlfriends. She’d lost most of her friends when she’d gone back to school. Their lives were on different trajectories, and they had little in common anymore. For a while they’d kept in touch via Facebook, but when Emma closed her page, they dropped out of her life.

  Until now, she hadn’t missed them.

  A roar came from the other side of the room as the guys were yelling at the TV, arms in the air. Sean’s eyes met hers and one brow lifted to ask if she was okay. She smiled and he winked.

  “Aww . . . isn’t that cute?” Moira said.

  Emma’s attention snapped back to the women at the table. “What?”

  “You’re making goo-goo eyes at Sean.”

  “Pfft. You’re one to talk,” Norah said. “You and Jimmy are kind of disgusting.”