by R. E. Hunter
He scrunched up his nose, nodding. “Yeah, you’re a hot mess.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Operative word being hot,” he added hastily with a wink. “But seriously, I want to talk, Bree. I have you in a vulnerable position and I plan to take full advantage of it. I’m bribing you with chicken soup.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Fine.” He’d caught her on a day when she couldn’t say no, she just didn’t have the energy to argue. And Chicken soup sounded amazing, she had to admit.
“Really?”
She nodded.
“Okay, Kline’s it is. I’ll drive.”
Embry typed out a quick text to Luke on the ride over.
Soooo sick. Grabbing lunch now, then heading straight home after class to pass out. Stay far, far away or I might infect you.
He responded immediately.
I’m sorry, baby :( Want company for lunch?
She felt bad, knowing how much of an issue Luke had with Jeremy. But she also knew he respected her friendship and her decisions, and he’d support her.
Jer is taking me to lunch. He wants to talk. I’m only in it for the chicken soup.
Milk him for all he’s worth, baby ;) You sure you’re okay?
She smiled down at her phone. He was amazing.
I’m okay, promise. Missing you xx.
Me too. I’ll see you when you’ve removed yourself from quarantine.
Jeremy pulled up to the small deli outside of campus, and they headed inside, finding a comfy booth in the corner. Embry flopped onto the soft leather, leaning laying her against the back of the booth while Jeremy went up to the counter order.
“Chicken soup coming right up.” He smiled as he took a seat across from her.
“Thank you,” she groaned.
“Thanks for coming with me.” He smiled nervously. “Although I’m not sure how to take it that you had to be on the edge of death to agree to talk to me.”
Embry shrugged. “I don’t have the energy to argue. And I kind of miss you, even though you’re a complete dickhead.”
Jeremy nodded, smiling ruefully. “I kind of am.”
Their number was called, and Jeremy came back a few minutes later with a tray full of food, including a steaming hot bowl of soup for Embry.
“Does Luke know you’re with me?” Jeremy asked carefully around a large bite of his sandwich.
“Yes.”
“Oh,” he hesitated. “I figured he’d give you a hard time about it.”
“He’s not your biggest fan at the moment,” she admitted, “but he respects our friendship and my decisions. He’s not a bad guy, Jeremy.”
“I know. I know he’s not. I don’t have to like him, though, do I?” His face crinkled in dislike.
Embry smiled. “It’d be easier if you did.”
“Look, Bree…” A million emotions played across his face. She saw the pain, the subdued anger, but also remorse.
She cupped her hands around her soup bowl, reveling in the warmth of the ceramic dish and giving him time to gather his thoughts.
He dropped his head, picking at the edge of his sandwich wrapper. “I’m sorry,” he muttered.
It was a start.
He looked up and swallowed hard, then repeated himself. “I’m sorry. I was an asshole. I should never have said or done the things I did.” He grimaced. “And I never should’ve made it your fault.”
Embry nodded gratefully.
“I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew you were in love with him and nothing I said was going to change that. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“It’s okay, Jer…”
“No,” he said, his eyebrows drawing together. “It’s not. Our friendship means too much.” Pain sliced across his face before he could hide it. “I’ll get over the… other stuff.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly. Maybe it was the chicken soup talking, but she was happy. She hadn’t planned to forgive him so easily, but she truly believed that he meant what he said, that his apology was sincere. She knew things might not be normal between them after he’d admitted his feelings, but at least now there was hope of having her friend back.
His face split into a wide grin. “Thank you for listening and giving me a chance.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I was bribed with chicken soup and brought here under duress, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Jeremy laughed good-naturedly.
Embry took a breath, trying to choose her words carefully. She wanted her friend back, but she was concerned how a friendship would affect him. “Jeremy, is this” —she motioned between them both— “going to hurt you? Just… being friends?”
He shook his head. “Not having you in my life hurt more, Blondie.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Really?”
“Yes, I missed your smart mouth,” he teased, but she could tell he was serious. “Now eat your soup.”
Embry took a bite. “Mmm,” she hummed, the soup soothing her throat and warming her from the inside out.
Jeremy’s eyes heated and filled with longing, clinging to hers momentarily before shifting and looking away. This was new territory for the both of them. His feelings were out there in the open, floating around them, hanging over their heads. But she was determined to make it work. His friendship was too important.
They continued to chat, slowly falling back into the easy friendship Embry had missed so much. Then they began plotting out their research and strategy for the mock client interviews and negotiations they’d have to conduct in class next week.
Whey they were finished, Jeremy stacked their dishes on the tray and walked it back up to the front. Embry stood from the booth and nearly fell right back down as someone rushed down the aisle, bumping into her and sending her flying.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” a southern, female voice rang out.
Embry got her bearings and stood face to face with the blonde from the courthouse bathroom. “Oh, um… no problem.”
“Hi!” She smiled with recognition. “You were just in the courthouse last week, weren’t you?”
Embry nodded. “Yep, that’s me.”
“Do you come around here a lot? I’m new in town, trying out some new places.”
She seemed genuine enough, although Embry still wondered about the pointed glare she’d given her at the courthouse. “Yeah, there are a few great places for lunch around here,” Embry answered. “By the way,” she waved, “I’m Embry.”
“Hi.” The girl smiled. “I’m—” She glanced down at her phone in her hand. “I’m sorry, I have to take this. Nice seeing you.” She ran off, never actually lifting her phone to her ear.
“You too,” Embry said to her back as she rushed away. Strange.
Embry stumbled into her apartment, head pounding and throat on fire. Dropping her bags near the door, she shuffled into the kitchen, downed Advil and NyQuil, and fell into bed.
She woke slowly the next morning and cracked her eyes gingerly, testing them against the sunlight. She swallowed thickly and let out a whimper. Her throat was screaming in pain and she wondered idly if she’d have to see the doctor. Squeezing her eyes shut, she hugged her pillow, trying to force herself back to sleep when a heavy arm came down around her waist. A large hand splayed across her stomach and pulled her against a solid chest.
“Luke?” she whispered, her voice nothing more than a rasp.
“Mmmm,” he groaned into her neck, hugging her tighter. “How are you feeling? You sound like shit.”
“I feel like I sound.” She turned in his arms and snuggled into his chest. “When did you get here?”
“I came by to check on you when you didn’t answer your phone. I found you passed out, and I didn’t want you to be alone.”
“Thank you.” She closed her eyes, relishing the feel of his arms around her when— “Shit!” she groaned, shooting up in bed. “What time is it? I have class. You have to teach!” Having sat up too fast, her
vision suddenly tilted, and her head pulsed. “Owwww.”
Luke rolled onto his back, his hands behind his head, biceps bulging and abs rippling as he smirked at her. “Lay down, baby.”
“What?” she croaked.
“Lay. Down.”
“But—”
He shot her a stern look. “I cancelled my class today, took the day off, and I’m not letting you out of this bed. You need to rest.”
“You took the day off?” Embry asked quietly, easing herself down beside him.
He nodded as she made herself comfortable in the crook of his arm. “Yes, and I’ll take tomorrow, too, if I need to.”
“Really?” If she didn’t already know he existed, she wouldn’t believe he was real. He was perfect.
“Really.”
“What’re we gonna do all day?” She innocently peered up at him.
He narrowed his eyes. “We’re not doing anything. You are staying in bed and letting me take care of you.” Wrapping his arms around her, he rolled her onto his chest and brushed his lips across her forehead. “Can you eat? Or just tea for now?”
“Tea, please.”
He slid out from beneath her and left for the kitchen her eyes devouring him as he left, the firm globes of his ass peeking out from the tops of his sleep pants. Even in her sickly state, she wouldn’t get enough of him.
Embry grabbed her pillows, fluffing them up and setting them against the headboard so she could sit up. Every time she swallowed it was like razor blades were slicing through her throat. She needed tea and DayQuil and cough drops and probably more sleep.
“Luke,” she tried to call, but her voice would go no higher than a cracked whisper. “Luuuuke.”
Nothing.
She dragged herself from bed and made her way into the kitchen. “Luke.”
He turned around, his eyes widening as he pointed a stern finger toward the bedroom. “Back in bed.”
“But I need—”
“Whatever you need, I’ll get it,” he said, exasperated already. “You are the worst patient ever.”
Embry smirked a little. “DayQuil and cough drops, please,” she said, motioning to the pantry.
“Got it. Bed. Now.”
“Bossy,” she muttered as she snuck into the bathroom. She wanted to brush her teeth before climbing back into bed.
Back against her pile of pillows, Luke met her with a cup of hot tea and all of the other necessities for getting over a bad cold.
“I think I might need a bell,” Embry commented, straight-faced.
“A bell?” He blinked at her.
“Yeah, you know, so I can call you when I need you?”
“You want a bell.” His eyebrows drew together in a wary expression.
Embry nodded, suppressing a giggle. His face was priceless.
Luke shook his head disbelievingly. “You have a pretty small apartment, babe. I’m pretty sure if you need something you can find me.”
“But you won’t let me out of bed,” she whined.
He rolled his eyes then and piled his pillows against the headboard so he could sit beside her.
She gave him a light shove against his chest. “You shouldn’t be here anyway. I’ll get you sick.”
Luke shrugged. “I’m not worried.”
“Stubborn,” she huffed under her breath.
They were lying in bed, facing each other, with the sheets pulled up over their heads, creating a tent. It was like their own private world as they talked about anything and everything.
“There’s so much stress this semester,” Embry said. “It’s so much harder than last. I feel like I’m drowning, Luke, I just can’t keep my head above water.”
He twined his fingers with hers, running his thumb absentmindedly over her palm. “You’re pushing yourself too hard, and you’re suffering for it.”
She shook her head. “How can I not? Between classes and Coleman and now oral arguments right after spring break.”
He brushed a stray hair away from her face, then pressed his lips gently to hers. Even as sick as she was, she came alive at his touch, wanting so much more from him than just a chaste kiss, but she tore her lips away. “You’re going to get sick,” she reminded him for the hundredth time. Every time she reminded him, he didn’t care.
“Oh well.” He grinned. “It’s a risk I’ll take. I’m never not going to kiss you, Embry. Ever.”
Just then, Embry’s stomach growled loudly and interrupted the moment.
Luke chuckled. “Finally getting your appetite back?”
She nodded. “I think so.” But being wrapped in Luke’s arms, cocooned beneath the sheets, she didn’t want him to move, didn’t want the moment to end. “Can we order pizza to bed?”
“To bed?” He crooked an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she said shyly. “I like this. I don’t want it to stop.”
He brushed his lips across her forehead, his hand mindlessly sweeping beneath her sweatshirt and drawing slow circles across her skin. “I’d still have to get up to let them in to reach the bed, babe.”
She let out a frustrated sigh. “You ruin everything.”
“What did I do?”
“Just go along with my idea,” she complained. “I want to order pizza to the bed. I can call Morgan and ask her to let them in.”
Luke cupped his hand around her forehead. “You must be insane with fever. You want to get Morgan involved in this?”
Embry giggled. “Okay, that might not be my best idea. But pizza in bed is.” Might be one of the best she’s ever had.
“Compromise,” Luke suggested. “I’ll order pizza. They’ll bring it to the door, and then we’ll eat it in bed.”
She snuggled into his chest and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, beautiful,” he said, adoringly.
Since they’d been back together, there’d been so many challenges, so many ups and downs. And if she was sure of anything, it was that there’d be many more. But in their private moments, when they were laughing and snuggling under the covers in a way that eased her soul like nothing else could, Embry knew they were good, they were solid, and that this was it. She didn’t work without him. Never did, never would.
Wet, warm kisses fell on Embry’s neck and followed up toward her ear, rousing her from sleep. “Wake up, beautiful.”
Luke’s cologne filled her nostrils as he bent over her, peppering her with soft kisses. She groaned and stretched, opening her eyes to find him bent over her, looking edible in a charcoal suit.
“Morning.” He beamed down at her.
“Hi, morning,” she answered, clearing her throat. She was still drowsy from sleep. “Where’re you going?”
“I have to get to court, jury selection for trial today. Weren’t you supposed to meet Morgan? I wasn’t sure what time that was.”
“Oh, crap.” Embry looked over at the clock on the nightstand. “Soon.”
“Glad I woke you, then.” He smiled.
She stretched her arms out and wound them around his neck, pulling his lips to hers. “Mmm, I’m glad you did, too.”
He reached back to gently remove her hands, then he held them against her stomach. “Any more of that and I’ll be late for court. Have a good day, baby.” He dropped one more kiss on the tip of her nose. “I love you.”
“Love you, too,” she called after him.
Embry rolled out of bed, typed a quick text to Morgan that she was running a few minutes behind, then she stepped gingerly into the shower. She was still feeling the effects of her cold, despite being on bed rest all weekend. Not that she was complaining about being stuck in bed with Luke. They’d been inseparable over the last week, staying with each other every night, waking up together every morning. She was beginning to have thoughts about them moving in together again.
They’d moved so fast the first time around, but Embry felt that they’d really moved forward, that they had changed. Now she wanted to be with him all the
time, and the fact that they stayed together every night lately made it silly to have two places. Stepping out of the shower, she shrugged off the thought and continued to get ready.
She piled her hair into a high messy bun, then swiped on some mascara before pulling on leggings, riding boots and a slouchy sweater. She was meeting Morgan before class to check out a wedding venue nearby.
In the kitchen, she started the kettle for some tea. About to reach up into the cabinet for her travel mug, she noticed it already on the counter, an envelope propped against it, with “Open me” scrawled across it in Luke’s handwriting. She shook her head, grinning widely.
She picked up the envelope and inspected it. As she began to pull it open, her phone rang, Morgan’s obnoxious ringtone blasting through her apartment. Stuffing the envelope into her purse on the counter, she went in search of her phone.
“I’m outside,” Morgan huffed when Embry answered.
“I’ll be right down. I’m just making tea. Want some?”
“No, I don’t want tea. Why are you drinking tea?”
“I’m still getting over my cold. It soothes my throat.” The kettle began to whir and whine behind her. “Tea’s ready, I’ll be right down.”
Thirty minutes later, Embry and Morgan found themselves standing in the middle of a gorgeous ballroom. It had a vaulted ceiling with rows and rows of skylights letting in the winter sun. Crystal chandeliers glistened as a fire crackled nearby in the floor-to-ceiling stone hearth, and a large, dance floor spanned the length of the entire space. The place was definitely wedding-worthy.
They gazed around the room in awe, whispering excitedly as the wedding consultant circled the room, highlighting its features. “Skylit ceiling, real stone fireplace, built-in bar in the corner…”
“Wow,” Embry sighed, her neck craned back as she stared up through the skylights. “This is amazing, Morgan.”
Morgan nodded. “We’re thinking next January, during break. This place would be perfect in the winter.”
“This could be it!” Embry said excitedly. She stared wistfully around the room, picturing the lights, the music, the people… beautiful flower arrangements adorning each table and the amount of love that would fill the vast, empty space.