He went to the stove and stirred a pot, then opened the oven door and looked inside. “I’ll just turn this to broil for a few seconds, and we can eat.” He was a fine-oiled machine, moving with a tantalizing combination of grace and strength.
She stepped up beside him. “What did you make?”
“A gourmet feast.”
“Oh?”
“Chili dogs, slaw, and tater tots,” he said with a straight face, but the corners of his lips twitched. “It was either that or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”
“You chose wisely,” she laughed.
“I did go all out though and got brats … and root beer floats for dessert.”
She loved how Riker made every moment count. With him, even this simple meal was an adventure. “What can I do to help?”
“Do you mind putting ice in the glasses? And lighting the candles?”
Her eyebrow went up. “Candles huh? You pulled out all the stops.”
“Nothing’s too good for you. Oh, and you’ll notice I left onions off the menu.” He frowned. “I didn’t want to give you any excuse to stay away from me.”
She stepped up to him, her arm sliding around his waist. “No chance of that.”
He turned to face her, pulling her into his arms. “You’ll notice we have music.”
Heat simmered through her. “I did notice that.”
“We can dance all night, and you won’t have to hear me sing a single lyric.”
He nuzzled her ear, swaying to the music.
She let herself get lost in the feel of his arms. “Too bad,” she murmured. “I wouldn’t mind hearing you sing.”
“You say that now.”
She smelled something burning. “Crap,” he said at the same time. In a flash, he grabbed a potholder and removed the brats from the oven. They were a little charred on top, but not terrible. “See what happens when you distract me?” he teased, a lopsided grin tugging at his lip.
“Oh, well. We’ll just have to put plenty of chili and slaw on top.”
A smile broke over his face. “I like the way you think.”
They sat down, conversation flowing easily between them as they filled their plates.
“Thanks for the flowers,” Emerson began. Her stomach tightened as she glanced across the table, wondering if now would be a good time to tell Riker who she really was. No, not now. Things were going so well. She didn’t want to spoil it by dropping the bomb. Then again, Riker was bound to find out sooner or later. This morning, she’d seen another article about her supposed, upcoming wedding to Finley. It was only a matter of time before Riker saw something too.
He took a long drink of water and sat his glass back down. “I’m glad you got them.” He pushed the candle aside and reached across the table for her hand. “I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you today.”
Warmth simmered through her veins. “I thought about you too.”
“I have a surprise for you.”
She cocked her head. “A surprise?” He’d already set the bar high with roses, a candlelight dinner, and dancing. She couldn’t imagine what else he had in store.
He leaned closer, his eyes lighting with anticipation. “You ready to see it?”
She laughed, a feeling of joy spreading through her. “Yes, I am.”
He motioned toward the stove with his eyes. “There’s plenty more food over there, if you’d rather eat some more first.”
She touched her stomach. “Thanks, but I’m stuffed.”
“Come on, you know you want more,” he joked.
She chuckled. “Not if I’m going to keep fitting into my pants, I don’t.” There was no way she could concentrate on eating right now. She wanted to know what the surprise was.
He squeezed her hand, standing. “It’s on the patio. I figured I’d better show you before the rain sets in.”
When they stepped outside, the wind beat against their clothes. Emerson looked at the table beside the outer wall and was surprised to see a map tacked onto a cork board. She gave Riker a questioning look.
He took both her hands in his and turned to face her. “Yesterday, when we were at the botanical gardens, you tore the map in half said you wanted to go where the path led us.”
“Yeah.” It had seemed like a good idea at the time—a chance for her to be spontaneous, but she hadn’t meant for it to set some precedence. She had no idea where this was going.
“Well, it got me thinking. What if we throw a dart at the map and then go where it takes us?”
“What?” she giggled. For a second, she assumed he was kidding and then realized he was serious. Her heart picked up its beat. She looked at the US Map. “You’re saying we should throw a dart and go where it takes us?” It was radical, crazy, and so very tempting. She’d like nothing better than to snub her nose at her mama’s expectations and escape with Riker. But could she do it? Not before he knows who you really are, her mind screamed. Once Riker knows the truth, he may never speak to you again. She put her fears on mute. She’d not intended to deceive Riker. She was simply participating in a barrel race under her stage name. She had no idea she’d meet him and that it would morph into something serious … so quickly. Yikes! Maybe they should slow things down a bit. She’d come here for dinner and now he was asking her to go away with him.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” His mesmerizing eyes sparkled in a challenge. “How about it?”
She chewed her inner cheek. “I’m not sure.” The hair on her arms lifted as the wind moved over them. She glanced up at the sky, expecting rain to fall any minute.
“Come on,” he urged, “think of the fun we’d have. Just me and you … wherever the path takes us.”
“But what about your workouts and training?”
“I can exercise in hotels, and it wouldn’t kill me to miss a few training sessions. I’m moving into my time off period.”
“How long would we be gone?”
“I dunno. A week? Three weeks?” He smiled broadly. “It’s up to us.”
“When would we leave?”
“How about next weekend? I’d say let’s go this weekend so I can avoid the hassle of Mother’s Day, but I have to participate in an auction for the Titans. I’m sure you’d like to spend the day with your mother too.”
Not hardly. Emerson loved her mama, she really did, but she didn’t like her very much. Spending the day with her was not something she looked forward to. She’d do it, however, for tradition’s sake and to appease her family. She couldn’t imagine how hard it would be for Riker this Mother’s Day. Maybe she could spend some time with him that day to help distract him from his loss. Her thoughts went to the auction. Dede had mentioned it over the phone. She’d meant to ask Riker about it yesterday, but forgot. “Is this the one for the vets?”
“Yeah.” He looked surprised. “Do you know about it?”
“I heard something about it on the radio,” she said casually. “Are you one of the players being auctioned off for a date?” An unexpected pang of jealousy ran through her.
He winced, giving her an apologetic look. “Yeah, unfortunately. But it doesn’t mean anything,” he said quickly. “It’s an annual event the Titans do for charity.”
She let go of his hands, frowning. “So, you’ll have to go on a date with the woman who wins you?”
“Unfortunately.” He let out a long sigh.
She folded her arms over her chest. “I’m not sure how I feel about you getting auctioned off to the highest bidder.”
“Tell me about it,” he huffed, a dark look coming over his face. Then he brightened. “I could give you the money to buy me.”
She laughed. “You’d do that?”
“Of course. It would go to help charity and give me another excuse to be with you.”
“What would we do for the date?”
“You decide.”
She pursed her lips. “Hmm … I’ll have to think about it. I don’t think so,” she said a minute later. �
��I don’t want to get caught up in a bidding war with a bunch of desperate women. It seems silly for you to throw your money away when we’re already going on lots of dates.”
“Lots of dates,” he mused. “I like the sound of that.”
An idea was starting to take shape in her mind. Yes, it could work—the perfect way to tell Riker who she really was. And the perfect way to force him to listen to her. She felt the first raindrop. Riker felt it too. He looked up and back at her.
“You ready to throw the dart?”
She arched an eyebrow, smiling at him. “I haven’t committed to going yet.”
His hand moved over her cheek in a light caress, sending a heatwave swirling through her. “You have,” he uttered.
It was true. Now that she’d met Riker, there was no turning back. He could ask her to go to the moon and back, and she’d do it.
Another raindrop fell. A feeling of recklessness overtook her. “Where are the darts?”
A dazzling smile stretched over his lips. “Right this way.”
She picked up a dart, more raindrops falling. In another few seconds, they’d be drenched.
“Stand here,” Riker said, moving her into position. For a second, all she could think about was his nearness. Then she felt a few more drops of rain, prompting her into action. “Close your eyes,” he instructed.
“I know how to do it,” she retorted. She closed her eyes and threw it. Riker rushed to the map and looked. “Tennessee. Have you ever been there before?”
“Nope.”
“Me neither.” His face creased in a smile. “It’ll be a first for both of us.”
“What part of Tennessee?”
He pulled a face. “South Pittsburg.” He removed the dart and placed it on a slightly different spot. “How about we say Chattanooga? It’s a major city.”
“As in, The Chattanooga Choo Choo?” That was about all she knew about Chattanooga, that it was famous for the Choo Choo. “Chattanooga’s good,” she said as rain poured down in a loud whoosh like a succession of pennies hitting a concrete floor.
They ran back into the condo. Emerson shivered, brushing the moisture off her arms. Then she wiped her eyes, pushing her hair away from her face. “Be right back,” Riker said. A minute later, he returned with two towels.
She grabbed one and they dried off. A few minutes later, Emerson looked out at the gray sheets of rain coming down in a slant. “I’m sure your map is ruined.”
He grinned. “It served its purpose. Chattanooga, Tennessee, here we come.”
She wrinkled her nose. “What the heck is in Chattanooga?”
“I have no idea, but we’re gonna find out. After that, we’ll just keep driving to wherever the path takes us.”
She’d have to ask for time off. Her mama would blow her cork when she found out. Her daddy wouldn’t be happy about it either. Tingles of excitement circled through her. No matter what her parents thought, she was going! Riker wrapped his arms around her. She snuggled close, resting her head against his chest. Being here with him was right … more right than anything she’d ever felt. She vowed right then and there that she wouldn’t let her mama or anything else come between them. Being in Riker’s arms was heaven. There was no way she was going back to life before him. The auction was this weekend. After that, they’d strike out on their adventure … wherever the path took them.
14
The wolf call stopped Emerson in her tracks. “What the heck?” she mumbled. Who was in the house? It had better not be Finley! She looked at the bottom of the stairs, relieved it was Graham.
“Hey, sis, lookin’ good. Where are you going all dressed up?”
She came down the remainder of the stairs and gave him a hug. “Hey, big brother. How’ve ya been?”
“Busy.”
“I guess so, Mr. Senator.”
He grinned. “That’s the plan.”
“You’re a shoo-in.” She gave him a light shove, and he nudged her back, looking her up and down with open admiration. “Wow, you clean up nice.” His dark eyes sparkled with mischief. “You should shower more often.”
She stuck her tongue out at him. It had been a long time since she’d seen the playful side of Graham. This was the old Graham—the brother she adored, how he’d been before marrying Jenna and becoming the model son and future senator. Graham was the spitting image of their dad with his dark hair and eyes, only taller and thinner. She looked past him. “What’re you up to? Where are Jenna and the kids?”
“They’re visiting her mother in Long Island.”
“Oh, so you’re getting a taste of freedom for a few days,” she teased.
“Something like that.” Both knew there was an element of truth to that statement. Jenna kept Graham on a tight leash. Sometimes Emerson wondered if Jenna and their mama were in cahoots.
“You never did tell me where you’re going.”
“To an auction.”
He looked impressed. “Which one?”
“Texas Titans’.”
“You mean the one where they auction off the players?”
“Yeah. The proceeds help military vets with rehab assistance and counseling.”
A coy smile twisted over his lips. “I see what’s going on here.”
She went stiff. There was no way Graham could know about Riker. “What do you mean?” she asked carefully.
His eyes held laughter. “You’re growing tired of Finley, so you’re trading him in for a football player.”
“Shut up, you moron.” She shoved him.
He clucked his tongue. “Poor, Finley. He’s learning a hard lesson.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “What lesson?”
He leaned against the staircase post, crossing his arms over his chest. “That all the money in the world won’t be enough to hold a free spirit like you.”
She was about to say something smart back, then saw the admiration in his eyes. It caught her off guard … surprised her a little.
“Which football player have you got your sights set on?”
She laughed lightly. “My only concern is for the vets.”
“Sure it is.” He shook his head, chuckling.
“Did I hear someone say football?” They turned as Ethan came into the foyer. He took one look at Emerson and frowned. “Why’re you all dressed up, cupcake?”
“She’s going to an auction,” Graham said.
Please don’t tell him the bit about the football players, she pled silently. No sense in adding fuel to the fire.
He came over to them resting his arm on the bannister. “What auction?”
“The Texas Titans’,” Graham supplied.
A crease appeared between his brows. “The bachelor auction?”
She shot Graham a sharp look. He held up his hands. “He asked.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t think you should be going to that auction.” Ethan pinned her with a severe look. “It could send the wrong message.”
Her hand went to her hip. “The wrong message to whom?”
Ethan scratched his head. “Well, to Finley.”
Emerson didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. How many times were they going to keep having the same conversation? It took a superhuman effort to keep her voice even. “Do I need to remind you that Finley and I aren’t together?”
Ethan gave her a blank look like there was a blocker in his head that kept him from processing what she’d just said.
She clenched her fists. “Daddy, I don’t know how many times I have to say it for you to understand—” She stopped mid sentence hearing the ominous sound of her mama’s stilettos across the floor. Of course, she’d show up right now.
Caroline surveyed their faces. “What’s going on?”
“Emerson’s going to the Texas Titan Bachelor Auction,” Ethan said.
Caroline’s face puckered like she’d suddenly slurped down a dozen pickles. “What?”
Emerson glared at them. “I thought y’all wanted me to play the part of debutant
e and go to all the little charity auctions.”
“Don’t get smart,” Caroline warned, her eyes sparking. “Why’re you going?”
Geez. “I’m a grown woman and don’t need the third degree.”
Caroline’s back went ramrod straight. “That’s right. You are a grown woman with responsibilities, and you need to start acting like it.”
A harsh laugh rose in Emerson’s throat. “By marrying Finley Landers so your merger can take place and your golden son can secure his spot as senator?” Disgust boiled in her stomach. “That’s all that matters to y’all, isn’t it? The prestige and money. Well, I won’t be a party to it.”
Ethan ran a hand through his hair, letting out a shaky laugh. “Sugar bug, it’s not like that. We just want you to be happy.” His voice was pleading, docile.
Emerson glared at Graham. “Why did you have to bring up the auction anyway?”
He stepped back. “Sorry, I said anything. You know what, this is a good time for me to go call Jenna and the kids.”
“That’s right, big brother,” she spat. “Poke the hornet’s nest, then run away.”
Graham didn’t even give her the courtesy of turning around. He just shook his head and waved as he walked down the hall towards the back of the house.
“Let’s go sit down in the living room, and you can tell me more about this auction,” Ethan said.
“No,” Emerson countered. “I’m going and there’s nothing either of you can do about it.”
Ethan gave her a placating smile. “We’re not trying to stop you, darling. I just want to know what you’re up to.”
“If you must know, I’m going with Dede,” Emerson said. True, she was going with Dede, but that’s as much as they needed to know.
“Are you planning on bidding on one of the players?” Caroline asked, her mouth pulled tight, emphasizing the lines around it.
Emerson lifted her chin. “So what if I do? I have my own money.” She’d gotten access to her inheritance at age twenty-three and had spent very little of it.
“Honey, you should protect your money, not squander it,” Ethan said.
“I’d hardly call donating money to charity squandering it, Daddy.” Emerson was getting tired of the two of them tag-teaming her.
The Hometown Groom Page 10