Summer’s Cove

by Aurora Rey

  “Thing?”

  “That’s even worse.”

  “Possibility? Experiment? Dalliance?”

  “Oh, I like dalliance.”

  Emerson raised a brow. “So, you’ll continue to dally with me?”

  “I suppose. At the moment, however, it’s my bedtime.”

  “Is that an invitation?”

  “No.”

  She didn’t expect Darcy to say yes, but the banter was good. Banter meant they were in a good place. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

  “I’ll walk you out, at least.” Darcy stood and Emerson followed. Darcy took the empty beer bottle and placed it in the sink with her wineglass. She opened the door and Emerson stepped across the threshold to the outside. Darcy fiddled with the lock for a moment, then stepped out to join her. “I wouldn’t say no to a kiss.”

  Emerson smiled. Apart from Liam’s excitement when he opened his gift, that was the best thing she’d heard all day. “In that case, may I give you a kiss?”

  Instead of answering, Darcy stepped toward her. She slid a hand between Emerson’s arm and her side, right above her waist. Emerson bent her head slightly, closing the remaining distance between them. She brushed her lips lightly over Darcy’s, soaking in the familiar taste of Darcy’s mouth and the fragrance of her hair.

  Emerson planned to keep the kiss brief, show that she had restraint. She didn’t want to press her luck. But Darcy’s tongue slid across her bottom lip, inviting more. Emerson eased a hand into Darcy’s hair, tilted her head slightly to give herself better access to Darcy’s mouth. Darcy opened for her and Emerson slipped her tongue inside. Darcy sucked it gently. Emerson heard a groan, then realized she’d been the one to make it. Darcy pulled away and offered a seductive smile and the most alluring bedroom eyes Emerson had ever seen. “That’s so not fair.”

  Darcy lifted a shoulder and blinked with a facade of innocence.

  “When can I see you again?”

  “Liam has a birthday sleepover Friday.”

  Emerson resisted the urge to groan again, this time in frustration. Six days. She wouldn’t get to see Darcy, or put her hands on her, for six excruciating days. “Does that mean I might get a sleepover, too?”

  “I think that could be arranged.”

  Emerson could have stood there all night, flirting and kissing and torturing herself about how badly she wanted to drag Darcy to bed. Darcy had an early morning, though, and she wanted to be respectful of that. After all, that was the responsible thing to do. “I’ll look forward to it. In the meantime, I shouldn’t keep you.”

  If Darcy was surprised that Emerson was excusing herself, she didn’t let on. “I’ll text you.”

  “I’ll look forward to that, too.” Emerson leaned in and gave Darcy the light kiss she’d initially had in mind. “Good night.”

  Darcy smiled. “Night.”

  Darcy opened the door and went inside. Emerson walked toward the stairs, but turned before starting down them. Darcy hovered in the doorway, watching her. Emerson offered a wave and another smile. The smile stayed the entire drive home.

  Chapter Eighteen

  When Darcy offered to make dinner, Emerson didn’t hesitate for a moment. The idea of spending an entire night in with her was beyond appealing. But since Darcy probably did the cooking a lot of the time, she offered to bring groceries and make it a joint effort. She also stopped by the bakery and picked up one of Alex’s flourless chocolate tortes. She’d sleep with a woman who showed up bearing chocolate, so she figured it couldn’t hurt her prospects with Darcy.

  Not that she was worried. Liam’s birthday had smoothed over any hard feelings. And there was that kiss in the doorway of Darcy’s apartment. No, Emerson had every reason to believe that tonight would deliver all the things that kiss had promised and more.

  It felt strange to pack an overnight bag, but Darcy had encouraged it. Emerson liked the prospect of having both a toothbrush and a clean pair of boxers for the morning. And there was the strap-on. Darcy had requested that specifically. Yeah, there was definitely something to be said for being prepared.

  She pulled into the lot of Darcy’s apartment building, slinging her duffel bag over one shoulder. She grabbed the bags of groceries with one hand and balanced the bakery box in the other. She made her way up the stairs, then managed an awkward knock with the hand holding the bags. When Liam opened the door, Emerson bobbled the torte and almost dropped it.

  “Emerson!” Liam’s tone was equal parts surprise and delight.

  “Hi, buddy.”

  Darcy appeared behind him. “Hi. Did you not get my text?”

  Crap. She should have known to check her phone before heading over. “No?”

  “Liam’s friend has strep throat.”

  “Oh.”

  “I sent you a text an hour ago.”

  Liam looked back and forth between them. “Mom, you didn’t tell me Emerson was coming over.”

  “It was kind of a surprise.” Emerson kept a smile plastered on her face. “I knew she was going to be by herself, so I thought she might want to hang out.”

  “Now we can all hang out. This is way cooler than spending the night with a bunch of kids from school. I’m glad Carlos is sick.”

  “Liam.” Darcy’s tone was stern.

  “Sorry.”

  “Emerson, come in. I’m sorry to leave you there holding all that stuff.”

  “No worries.” Emerson handed over the bakery box and followed Darcy into the kitchen. She never minded seeing Liam, but there was a keen disappointment over the loss of the night she had planned.

  Liam followed them, oblivious and chipper. “Did you bring dinner?”

  “I brought stuff to make dinner. Chinese dumplings.”

  Liam’s eyes got big. “You can make those?”

  Emerson nodded, her disappointment fading in the glow of his enthusiasm. “I sure can. My mom taught me.”

  “Is she Chinese?”

  “Liam.” Darcy pinched the bridge of her nose. She hated quashing his curiosity, but the stream of questions frayed her nerves.

  “It’s okay,” Emerson interjected. “My mom was Chinese. Well, Chinese-American at least. Her parents moved here before she was born.”

  “Cool!”

  “I didn’t know that.” Emerson looked like she had Asian heritage, but Darcy had never asked.

  Emerson smiled. “And my dad was Jewish. Quite the pair they were. They used to joke about whose parents were more upset by the marriage.”

  Despite the lighthearted tone, Darcy couldn’t help but hone in on Emerson’s use of the past tense. Emerson had shared that her parents were killed in a car accident, but that detail had slipped to the back of Darcy’s mind. She wondered if Liam picked up on it.

  “Have you ever been to China?” Liam asked. Apparently, he didn’t. Darcy breathed a small sigh of relief. Not that she didn’t want him to know or understand, but tonight had enough twists and turns for her already.

  “I haven’t. I grew up in Maryland. It was very boring and ordinary, I’m afraid.”

  “Probably not all that different from growing up on Cape Cod, I imagine,” Darcy said.

  “Probably not. But I bet you didn’t celebrate both Hanukkah and Chinese New Year.”

  Darcy smiled. “Got me, there.”

  Emerson placed her hands on her hips like a woman on a mission. “So, we’re going to cook?”

  “Yes!” Liam nodded eagerly.

  “Go put on shorts and an old T-shirt,” Darcy said to Liam. It didn’t really matter if he changed, but Darcy wanted ten seconds alone with Emerson.

  “On it.” Liam ran to his room.

  Darcy turned to Emerson. “I’m so sorry about tonight.”

  Emerson smiled. “It’s okay. I’m sorry I missed your message.”

  “You really don’t have to stay. I know this isn’t what you had in mind.”

  “Not at all. I mean, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.” Emerson tipp
ed her head and gave her a flirtatious look. “I was very much looking forward to all the things I was going to do to you.”

  Darcy’s shoulders slumped. She’d been looking forward to them, too. “I know.”

  “Which isn’t to say I’m not going to have a great time anyway.”

  “You don’t have to say that.”

  “I mean it. Besides, it won’t be long before he’s gone for two weeks. I’m hoping to get some quality time with you then.”

  She’d intended to make Emerson feel better and Emerson had gone and turned it all around. “Definitely.”

  “In the meantime, I’m going to go put my bag back in my car.”

  Darcy glanced at the bag in the corner. “You don’t have—” Emerson didn’t say anything. She merely lifted a brow. Realization dawned. “Oh, right. That’s probably a good idea.”

  Emerson grabbed the bag and left. The door closed just as Liam emerged from his room. “Where did Emerson go?”

  The look of worry on his face was a wakeup call. He might be quick to forgive, but his heart remained squarely on his sleeve. “Just to put something in her car. She’ll be right back.”

  And just as quickly as the alarm came, it went. “Oh. Okay.”

  Emerson returned and gave Liam the once over. “Nice shirt.”

  He glanced down at it. A hand-me-down from a cousin, the shirt was faded and beginning to fray. It had Chewbacca on it, though, so it remained one of his favorites. “Thanks.”

  “Who’s ready to make dumplings?”

  “I am!”

  Darcy laughed. Liam wasn’t disinterested in cooking, but he never showed that much enthusiasm for learning, or helping. Except maybe chocolate chip cookies. Clearly, Emerson had the magic touch. “Me, too.”

  They took turns washing hands, then set up shop at the kitchen table, Darcy chopping scallions and garlic and Emerson explaining the different spices to Liam. Once she’d added everything to the ground pork filling, she passed the bowl to Liam and told him to go to town. He did, plunging his hands in and squishing all the ingredients together.

  “It’s so gross.”

  “Why do you think I made you do it?” Emerson asked.

  Liam giggled. Such a carefree, little boy sound, it allowed Darcy to forget for a moment how quickly he was growing up. Emerson showed them how to stuff the wonton wrappers, then fold and seal them. Darcy arranged them in the makeshift steamer Emerson rigged up and washed the few dishes. Emerson poured soy sauce and a bunch of other stuff for the sauce into a little bowl and had Liam stir it.

  “We won’t make it hot,” Emerson said.

  Liam looked indignant. “I like it hot.”

  Emerson glanced at Darcy. She smiled. “Not crazy hot. But his tolerance rivals mine. Dude just discovered wasabi and is in love with it.”

  Emerson lifted her hand and Liam obliged her with a high five. The dumplings took only a few minutes to cook, even less time to devour. When they were done eating, they lingered at the table, discussing favorite foods and places they’d like to travel. Darcy was grateful that dumplings turned out to be easy, since she had a feeling they’d be requested again and again. Liam loaded the dishwasher with Emerson and Darcy wiped the table and counter.

  “Now what?” Liam asked.

  Emerson shrugged. “Seems like a game night to me.”

  “Yes!”

  Liam got something called Code Master for his birthday, so they decided to give it a go. Darcy unpacked the pieces while Liam read the directions aloud. Emerson helped put everything in place. Liam won the first round. Darcy didn’t let him, but wondered if Emerson had. Emerson took the second round, though, so she decided not to press it. Once everything was back in the box, Darcy looked over at Liam. “Shower time.”

  Liam scowled. “But it’s not even my night.”

  “Yes, but you cooked, so you’re dirty.”

  “Am not.”

  “Are too.”

  “Am not.”

  Darcy sensed that the switch had been flipped. Playful griping teetered on the edge of a full whine fest. “Liam, I don’t want to argue with you tonight.”

  “But you’re being unfair.”

  “I’m being the mom. We had a fun night. Please don’t ruin it.”

  “I’m not ruining it. You’re ruining it.”

  “That’s enough. Shower, now.”

  Liam glanced at Emerson, hoping perhaps for an intervention. “Sorry, buddy. I’m with your mom on this one.”

  Without a word, he stomped down the hall and into the bathroom, slamming the door for good measure. Darcy didn’t hear the water turn on. She rolled her eyes. “Sorry.”

  “Should I go?”

  “You can. You can also stick around for the apology Liam owes you.”

  Emerson smiled. “I don’t need an apology.”

  “Maybe not, but Liam still owes you one.”

  “Then I’ll stick around for it.”

  The water turned on and Darcy put a finger to her lips. Emerson gave her a quizzical look but didn’t say anything. When she heard the irregular sound of the water indicating Liam had gotten in, she nodded. “Just had to make sure he’s not sitting on the toilet seat pouting with the water running.”

  Emerson laughed. “Wow, you’re good.”

  “Eh, I just know his tricks.”

  “I hope you don’t figure out all my tricks.”

  Darcy closed the space between them. “I look forward to learning them. Slowly. One at a time.”

  Darcy kissed her and enjoyed the way Emerson’s expression went from amused, to surprised, to aroused. Emerson leaned in and kissed her again, reminding Darcy of exactly how they’d planned to spend their evening. “You’re something, you know that?”

  “Thank you.” The water turned off and Darcy snapped back to reality. “Let me grab him some pajamas so he doesn’t go streaking to his room.”

  She went to Liam’s room and grabbed a set of PJs. She knocked before going into the bathroom. Emerson stood in the living room, listening to the murmur of their conversation. When the door opened a moment later, both Liam and Darcy emerged. Liam walked over to Emerson and stared at his feet. “I’m sorry I was rude to you.”

  Emerson resisted the urge to tell him it was no big deal. Obviously, Darcy considered it a big deal. And Liam should get credit for apologizing. She got down on one knee to be at his eye level. “Apology accepted.”

  He looked at her then and offered a lopsided smile. “Thanks.”

  “We all say stuff we wish we hadn’t sometimes. It’s okay.”

  He nodded, face serious. “Yeah?”

  “I still had a really fun time tonight. I’m sorry your party got canceled.”

  Liam shrugged. “I’d rather hang out with you anyway.”

  Emerson swallowed. The meaning of Liam’s words sank in. She’d never considered herself a kid person. It still caught her off guard that Liam not only liked her, but wanted to spend time with her. The significance of that hit her. And while it didn’t make her panic, it changed things. Darcy’s rules and reservations suddenly made sense. “Well, it’s important to have friends your age, but I like hanging out with you, too.”

  Liam launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her neck and squeezing. Emerson returned the hug and stole a glance at Darcy. As she expected, Darcy was watching them, but she couldn’t tell what Darcy was thinking. When Liam let go, Emerson stood. “Do you have to go?” Liam asked.

  “I think it’s almost your bedtime, so yes.”

  “We should have a sleepover.”

  Darcy stepped forward. “Maybe some time, but not tonight.”

  Liam, perhaps still under the influence of his bathroom conversation with Darcy, nodded. “Okay.”

  Emerson would have given anything to know if Darcy’s answer had to do with the maintenance of boundaries or the way she and Emerson had planned to spend their evening. Because as much as Emerson might like Darcy to relax some of those boundaries, she wasn’t
sure she could stay the night and keep it G-rated. Still, just leaving felt strange. “You haven’t gone on your whale watch yet, have you?”

  “Not yet.” His eyes lit up. “Are you coming with us?”

  “I gave you an extra ticket to invite a friend. It can be anyone you want.”

  The look of exasperation made Emerson chuckle. “Of course I’m inviting you. Jeez.”

  “In that case, I happily accept your invitation.” She looked up at Darcy. “My sister says the mid-week trips are the least crowded.”

  “Let me see what day I can get off.”

  “We can go before I go to Boston?” Liam asked.

  “I don’t see why not.”

  Liam threw both fists in the air. “Yes!”

  Liam’s instant and unbridled enthusiasm was one of Emerson’s favorite things about him. “I’m flexible. Text me.”

  Darcy nodded. “You got it.”

  “All right. I’ll see you both next week.”

  Darcy gave Emerson a decidedly platonic hug. “Text me when you get home.”

  “Will do.” Emerson opened the door. “Have a good night, you two.”

  Darcy and Liam’s good-byes followed Emerson down the stairs. She drove home, singing along to seventies music that reminded her of road trips with her parents when she was a kid. So maybe things hadn’t gone like she expected, or even wanted. Still, she’d had fun. She had as much of a soft spot for Liam as she did for his mom. She wondered if Darcy might relax eventually, let Emerson be both her girlfriend and Liam’s friend simultaneously.

  When she got home, she sent Darcy a text. Will was out with a friend she’d made at work, so Emerson climbed into bed with a book. She checked her phone to see if Darcy had replied and was greeted with a photo. It was Darcy, in a red and black negligee that revealed nothing, but promised everything.

  I wanted to at least show you some of what I had in mind for tonight.

  Emerson shifted in her bed, imagining the way the silky fabric would feel in her hand. I can’t decide if that’s nice of you or infinitely cruel.

  While she waited for a reply, Emerson pulled up the photo again. Darcy’s skin looked like porcelain against the dark fabric. But if Emerson was there, and could touch her, it would flush pink.