She seemed taken aback at Emerson’s instant protectiveness and concern, but Emerson didn’t care as he cupped her cheek with his free hand and held her chin.
“Tell me what happened?”
She swallowed hard then turned toward Stone. Stone smiled.
“You must be the friend and partner. I’m Antoinette. It’s nice to meet you.” She reached out her hand to shake Stone’s.
Emerson only slightly stepped back. He was acting very protective of the woman, and Stone completely understood why.
As soon as their hands met, Stone felt the tingling sensation of awareness and attraction. By the expression on Antoinette’s face, so did she. She shyly turned to look at Emerson as Stone reluctantly released her hand. He didn’t want to scare the little lady, but boy, did those big brown eyes of hers draw him in.
“We were nearly killed last night,” a redhead chimed in and Stone stared at the woman who interrupted the conversation. The little white name tag on her blouse had the word Tina on it.
“What?” Emerson asked, raising his voice. Antoinette placed her hand on Emerson’s arm as if to calm him. Stone waited for Emerson to pull away or something. His best friend had trust issues and always kept his distance. When he didn’t immediately pull away from Antoinette, Stone’s excitement elevated another notch.
“She’s being dramatic. It was a crazy stupid prank by some kids,” Antoinette began to say, but then the redhead continued the story, talking about how Antoinette had saved her life and how scared they were. She added about all the blood, and her concern that little ole Antoinette may pass out, and that she needed protection. Then she went on about their muscles and good looks, until Antoinette told her friend to get back to work.
“I’m sorry about Tina. She gets a little loopy around this time of day.” Antoinette pressed her hands down the front of her little pink apron.
“We heard something about this on the news last night, but it was quick. They didn’t mention Bliss in it or any names. Why don’t you explain what exactly happened and what your injuries are?” Stone stated, a bit more firmly than he intended. She raised her eyebrow at him as if in challenge to his tone and statement. His dick grew thicker, and his chest tightened. The woman would look really sexy over his thighs as he spanked her ass for being mouthy with him. He bet she had a great ass. He could tell she had a voluptuous body. No skin and bones, she was perfect.
“I can assure you both that I’m fine. I’m just glad that no one got hurt.”
“You got hurt. That’s unacceptable,” Emerson replied and held her gaze. Stone watched her face and then saw the motion of her throat as she swallowed hard. Then she looked at Stone.
He locked gazes with her and she blushed then lowered her eyes. A natural submissive. God, this woman kept getting better and better.
“Are you certain that you’re okay? Did the police get any leads? We know people, and can make some calls,” Emerson continued.
“No, that’s not necessary, Emerson. I’m fine. So what can I get the two of you?”
Stone held her gaze as she looked up at him. “How about you?” he whispered then licked his bottom lip as he stared at her lips. She followed the motion with her eyes, her cheeks turned a nice shade of pink, and she chuckled nervously.
“I should have known since there were two of you, that one would be serious and the other, a wise guy.” She moved behind the counter and he knew it was to give her space from the attraction she was surely feeling, and not to serve them coffee and food.
“He is a wise-ass, but his intentions are good.” Emerson took a seat back down onto the chair at the coffee bar. Stone slowly straddled the stool and stared at her.
“I didn’t mean to make you nervous. I always say what’s on my mind.”
She looked at him, and those big brown eyes twinkled. “That can get you into trouble.”
“Honey, if it can get me into trouble with you, then I’m all for it.” She chuckled again and shyly turned away. God she’s adorable.
“Will you cool it? You’re going to scare the woman,” Emerson reprimanded and Stone chuckled.
“Sorry, Antoinette, I was just having some fun with you. You’re very pretty,” he told her and she blushed again.
Was she for real?
“So, what would you like, aside from me on a platter?” she asked both of them, and Emerson laughed.
“Ahh, I hadn’t mentioned you on a platter, but the platter sounds interesting.” He leaned forward. “You, spread out for me to—”
Emerson gave him a light smack to his chest and Stone stopped talking. Antoinette chuckled again as she shook her head.
>
“This act doesn’t really work on all the ladies, does it?” she challenged him.