by Tamie Dearen
“Really? But she told me—”
“She lies. Why would you believe her over me?”
Anne put her hand on Emily’s arm. “From experience, I’ll tell you it was easier to believe Steven was in love with someone else than it was to believe he was in love with me.”
Emily’s face was scalding hot. Spencer had never used the word love. Grace had said she thought her brother was in love with Emily. But he hadn’t said it. Would he ever say it? Would she believe him if he did? She dared a sideways glance at Spencer. His face was equally red. What did that mean? Did he really love her? Or maybe he didn’t, and he was embarrassed her mom had mentioned it.
Anne broke the awkward silence. “Uhmm... Are y’all planning to go to Sam and Tanner’s wedding? They’re planning a big bash. They’re going to have dinner and a live band and dancing.”
“That sounds so fun. I got my invitation today. We’re going together, right Spencer? I mean... If we’re still dating in six weeks.”
“Of course we’ll still be dating in six weeks,” he pouted. “We can go, although I don’t really dance.”
“Oh,” she tried to hide her disappointment. She loved dancing—all kinds of dancing, not just ballet. She’d hate to sit around while everyone else was dancing. But she didn’t want to hurt Spencer’s feelings, so she didn’t say anything.
Her mind wandered as her mom continued to chat excitedly about the wedding, bragging about her part in playing matchmaker between the two. Her eyes rested for a moment on Spencer. He raised his arms to stretch, and she watched his muscles flexing through his shirt. She felt a familiar stirring as she admired his form, realizing she’d never seen him with his shirt off, although she’d seen him in a tank top. She wondered how his back would look if she could actually see the muscles. What would his chest look like? What would it feel like? Why hadn’t they ever gone swimming before? She should suggest it.
“Emily? Are you in there?” asked Anne.
“I’m sorry. I was thinking... about uhmm... Charlie. What did you ask me?”
“I asked if you’d heard from Charlie this weekend?”
“Well, she called me Friday night. She was a little upset about something that happened with Josh.” She gave Spencer a stern look, and he had the grace to look away.
“Is she still giving Josh the stiff-arm?” asked Anne.
“Yes, but he’s been pretty persistent. She still thinks he’s too much of a player to ever change.” Emily looked at Spencer, raising one eyebrow to get her point across.
“He’s pretty depressed about it,” said Spencer. “He mopes around all the time, and he quit going out to bars altogether. And he evidently follows Grace and Brad around like a lost puppy.”
Emily couldn’t help feeling sorry for Josh, but he wasn’t the first guy to pine for her sister. Maybe she’d put in a good word for him with Charlie, although it probably wouldn’t make a difference.
“But she starts class in a couple of weeks, and she’s pretty excited.”
“I still don’t see why she won’t let me pay her tuition. It’s ridiculous.” Steven muttered as he stabbed at his stuffed chicken breast.
“It’s her pride,” explained Anne.
“Pride. If you ask me, you Best girls have way too much of it.”
“We should go swimming,” Emily blurted without preamble. Then her face flamed. She couldn’t stop thinking about seeing Spencer without a shirt on, and the idea burst out of her mouth before she could stop it.
Anne and Steven stared at her in confusion, but Spencer smiled, flashing his dimples. “Great idea. I was thinking the exact same thing.” His eyes wandered briefly down from her eyes before he forced them back up again, and she felt a little shock. Maybe he had been thinking the exact same thing.
*****
Spencer was having a great day. Lunch had a few uncomfortable moments, but making plans to swim with Emily made everything else worthwhile. Although he wasn’t allowed to kiss her, at least he’d be able to feast his eyes on her body. Of course, this meant other guys could also see her, but hopefully there wouldn’t be any other single guys around. Steven had offered to let them swim at a hotel owned by Gherring Inc.
He’d also decided he had to learn how to dance before the wedding in six weeks. He saw the disappointment in her eyes when he admitted he couldn’t dance. He might be able to fake it if it was only going to be fast dancing. He could sway a bit and watch Emily dance. But Sam and Tanner told him to expect all kinds of dancing, including waltzes and tangos. So he was planning to ask around and secretly take dance lessons. He must really be in love, if he was willing to take dance lessons simply to make her happy.
Who could he ask to find a good dance teacher? Josh and Brad hadn’t lived in town long enough. He couldn’t bear the thought of the teasing that would come from his sisters, so that option was definitely out. He thought of his other buddies. Landon might be a good source—he had a couple of sisters that might know of a dance teacher.
“Yo, Bro.” Landon answered the phone call. “What’s up? You going on the hike this weekend?”
“I’m not sure—I’ll know later in the week. But I was hoping for a favor.”
“Anything... Well, as long as it isn’t illegal. Or if you promise we won’t get caught.”
“Nothing illegal. I just need to learn how to dance so I can dance with Emily at a wedding in six weeks.”
“Sorry, buddy. I’d love to teach you, but my dance card is full.”
“I’m heartbroken. But I’d really like for you to ask around, maybe ask your sisters, and see if they can recommend a good dance teacher. I need to learn everything—even ballroom stuff like waltzes, tangos, whatever.”
“Will do. Can I get back to you this weekend? I’m having dinner with the family Saturday night.”
“Outstanding.”
“YackAtchaLater.”
With those plans in the works he turned his mind to more important matters. He needed to buy an engagement ring. He’d determined it was the only way to convince Emily he wasn’t going to move on to another relationship. His plan to earn money parking cars at one of the local hotels would take up most of his spare time, but he wasn’t getting any alone time with Emily anyway. He should be able to save enough for a good down payment on a ring in four weeks.
His other option was to admit the truth—that she was the first and only girl he’d ever dated. But he’d waited so long to tell her, she might not believe him. Besides, it was embarrassing. And he couldn’t help being pleased at her acceptance he was well versed in physical matters. His greatest fear had been she would suspect his inexperience—that she would judge him as inept. So his ego somehow wouldn’t allow him to insist he was unsophisticated and unskilled. No, his best choice was buying a ring.
*****
“I invited Grace and Brad to come swimming with us. That’s okay, right?” Emily had decided she’d be less uncomfortable parading around in a swimsuit if there was another girl along.
Spencer frowned. “I guess. Is Josh coming, too?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. I mean, I feel sorry for the guy, but I don’t really want him ogling you in a swimsuit. I don’t really want Brad ogling you either, but I guess he’ll be busy ogling my sister.” Spencer looked a bit ill at this thought. “I may need to beat him up, either way.”
“It won’t be a problem,” said Emily. “I’m only planning to watch; I’m wearing jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.”
Emily couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Ohmygosh! You look like I just killed a kitten. I’m kidding. I’m going to swim.”
He grinned. “Awesome. Let’s go.”
The pool was practically deserted on a Monday night. “This is beautiful!” said Grace. The area surrounding the pool had planter boxes with lush greenery and the pool itself was made to simulate a lagoon, complete with a waterfall. They claimed four lounge chairs and the guys immediately stripped off their shirts and made for the water. E
mily had always been a bit modest, but Grace had no such qualms. She pulled off her outer dress to reveal a cute red bikini and raised her eyebrows at Emily as she stood awkwardly by her chair.
“Come on, you can do it. You’re worse than Hannah.”
Emily turned her back to the pool as she shed her shorts and shirt, tugging and pulling to make sure everything was in place. She wasn’t as amply endowed as Grace, and she hoped Spencer wouldn’t be disappointed. She had on a two-piece suit, but had added a pair of short black board shorts over her swimsuit bottom. Convinced she was as secure as she could be while swimming, she turned around and headed to join the others in the pool.
Brad was talking to him, but Spencer couldn’t concentrate on his words. He had watched Emily slowly divesting herself of her garments with her back to him, and it might as well have been a striptease. And now, he was waiting for her to turn around. He must have been holding his breath, because when she turned around, he released it and almost passed out. She looked like she belonged in a James Bond movie. Her legs were long and slim, yet she was firm and muscular from years of dancing. She’d unbound her long brown curly hair, and it fell across her shoulders and down her chest. Doubtless, she was attempting to use her hair to obscure his view of her slim torso, but the hair and the flimsy material was an ineffective shield. She glided, as she always moved, smooth and floating, mesmerizing, to the side of the pool and dipped a single toe into the water.
He felt a slap on the back of his head. “Put your tongue back in your mouth.” Grace laughed.
His face heated at having been so thoroughly exposed in his frank admiration. But the hotness in his face was nothing compared to the fire that burned in the rest of his body. Why had he thought this would be a good idea? Now, he wanted to kiss her more than ever. And not only kiss her lips, but kiss every part of her. He swallowed convulsively. This was like torture, pure agony, to see her and not to be able to touch her. He tried to think of a way they could elope. Perhaps next week...
Emily’s face flamed as she moved toward the pool. Spencer was staring at her, and not in a casual way. He was gaping. She made an awkward attempt to move her hair to cover her chest. She gingerly tested the water, relieved the temperature was comfortable. She hurried to slide into the water and moved to join the other three, relieved at the protective covering of the pool water.
Grace suggested a game of chicken fight. The girls would sit on the shoulders of the boys, trying to push or pull one another off their shoulders. Emily was really glad she’d shaved again right before coming, since Spencer had to hold onto her legs to help keep her secure. She soon became engrossed in the competition and forgot to admire the strong broad shoulders she perched on. She and Spencer had a height advantage, and the first few attacks, she managed to easily leverage Grace from Brad’s shoulders. There was a lot of laughing and screaming and splashing involved.
Spencer thought the guy who invented chicken fight was a genius. He loved this game. Even when he was relegated to the deeper end of the pool to even out the height advantage, he didn’t mind a bit. He had Emily on his shoulders. Her enticing thighs were clutching against his cheeks. He had his hands on her legs, caressing her smooth skin. And it was perfectly acceptable. It was merely part of the game. He wanted to play this game forever. Every day. He swallowed some water as Grace pushed Emily over, her tightly clamped thighs pulling his head under the surface. He didn’t care—it was worth it.
Emily was becoming weary, but Spencer seemed indefatigable. Even when Grace called out she was ready to give up, he slipped underneath her and lifted her out of the water with ease. He must be amazingly strong. He carried her on his shoulders to stand next to Grace who was treading water next to Brad, arguing about the score of the game. She suddenly became acutely aware of Spencer’s fingers on her calves. His fingers shifted slightly as if adjusting his grip, and then slid along the length of her shin sending shivers up her entire spine. She realized her thigh pressed so intimately against his cheek she could feel the roughness from the beard that had but a few hours of growth.
“Let me down,” she said, unable to control the quiver in her voice.
Spencer obeyed Emily’s command, albeit with a great deal of regret. They stood in four and a half feet of water, so most of her body was under the surface, but she could still stand easily. His sister, being shorter, was hanging onto Brad’s neck and he was holding her in his arms. He suddenly wished Emily weren’t quite so tall.
“Why don’t we move to the shallow end, so Grace can stand up?” said Spencer.
Brad raised an irritated eyebrow, and Spencer grinned at him. In the shallows, much more of Emily was exposed, although she still attempted to wrap her arms to conceal herself. He decided he could be bold enough to drape an arm around her. He didn’t think she’d object, since they were in such a public place kissing wouldn’t be a danger.
Spencer’s body was amazing. He had muscles everywhere, and no fat whatsoever. Every time he moved, his muscles flexed and rippled under his skin. His chest was well formed, with a bit of hair that seemed to make him that much more masculine. When he put his arm around her, she was conscious of his strength and power. She felt warm and protected, but that’s not all she felt. She also felt a different sort of heat. A sizzle that trickled from the place where his fingers toyed with the skin on her arm, spreading through her body, and settling to burn in her core. She found herself closing her eyes and losing awareness of the thread of conversation as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Brad said something while looking right at her. She tried to focus her eyes on him and listen to his voice, but she couldn’t quite understand him. Then he laughed and pulled Grace toward him and kissed her full on the lips. Emily was thinking she ought to be shocked at that public display, but she couldn’t quite remember what her objections were.
Spencer enjoyed the way Emily relaxed and molded her swimsuit-clad body against him. He felt the scalding contact of her bare skin against his. He let his fingers play lightly against the smooth skin on her arm, while they discussed what they wanted to do after swimming. Grace suggested renting a movie and watching it at Brad’s apartment. Then Brad asked Emily what she wanted to do. When she didn’t answer him, he chuckled. “I think I know what you’d like to do,” he said, “and it doesn’t involve watching a movie.”
Brad drew Grace into a hearty kiss on the lips. Spencer felt a surge of brotherly protest, but he tamped it down. He glanced down at Emily’s drunken expression and decided to follow suit instead. He bent his head down and lightly touched his lips against hers. When she immediately moaned softly and parted her lips, his mouth sought hers with unrestrained hunger, and she responded with equal fervor.
“Eh-hem,” said Grace. “You guys ready to go?”
Spencer released her lips slowly, reluctantly, and turned to his sister with a contented smile. “Yes, I believe we are.”
Emily’s lips protested his departure. She felt bereft of the warm caress of his mouth. She opened her eyes and forced them into focus, blinking rapidly. She reddened at Grace’s laughing perusal. But before she could decide what to do, Grace locked arms with her and urged her out of the pool, talking and chatting.
“I’m so glad you and Spencer are dating. This is great fun. What movie do you wanna watch?”
The full realization of her very passionate kiss with Spencer slammed into her head. She’d kissed him. She’d kissed him hard. Right in front of Grace and Brad. She stammered, “I... I can’t believe we... we...”
Grace gave her a firm elbow in the ribs. “Shut up, Emily. You think too much.” She whispered in her ear. “It was just a kiss. Okay? And Spencer’s a really great guy. He deserves a girl like you.”
The boys were following behind them as they gathered their things and went to change in the dressing rooms. When they were alone in the girls’ room, Emily said, “That’s why I don’t let him kiss me anymore.”
“You don’t let him kiss you? It sure loo
ked like you let him kiss you,” she chuckled.
“Yes, but I didn’t mean to.”
“Why not? I really don’t get it. I’m not teasing you.”
“I’m losing my heart to him,” said Emily. “And he’s going to break it someday.” She looked at Grace through a film of unshed tears.
Grace gave her a hug. “Why are you so sure he’ll break your heart? I told you he loves you. Hasn’t he told you yet?”
“N-no. He... He hasn’t.”
“Well, he will. But he’s afraid to say it unless he knows you love him back.”
Emily pondered her statement. It was possible. Maybe he really did.
“So, do you?” Grace asked.
“Huh?”
“Do you love him back? Or are you going to break his heart?”
Chapter Fifteen
Spencer dragged himself into work on Friday. He’d gotten valet parking shifts two nights in a row. The tips had been great, but his shift lasted until two a.m. He’d taken a cold shower and had drunk two cups of coffee, but still felt bleary-eyed. He was planning to work as many shifts as possible, but he hoped to spend some time with Emily over the weekend. She’d already agreed to give him the entire day on Saturday. He’d love to take her to see a musical, but he was saving his money for a ring. So their current plan was to picnic in the elevated park and rent a movie to watch with Grace and Brad.
“Hey, Spencer.” He jumped as Emily spoke from close behind him. “What’re you working on?”
“Just a report that’s due today,” he yawned. “But, I’m looking forward to spending Saturday together.”
“Me, too. Uhmm, I wondered what you’re doing tonight?”
He felt his stomach twist. He’d already accepted a valet shift tonight. He’d have to lie to her. How could he explain his need for the extra job and still keep the ring a secret? Suddenly it occurred to him, he might buy the ring, ask her to marry him, and she might say no. He’d assumed she’d agree. How could he find out for sure, without actually asking her?