He didn’t say a word. He just stroked her back. Tears were sliding effortlessly down her face and dripping onto their jeans. She had never confessed this, even the small part she was admitting, to anyone. “When I was very young, something bad happened to me.” He firmed his hold and continued to soothe her. “I don’t remember much, but...”
“It’s okay, Em.”
“It’s why I don’t, um, date much. Or notice guys in bars. Then the one time I actually got up the nerve to date a guy...”
“What?”
She could feel his body locking tight, tamping down anger. She thought better of dumping another tale of woe on him.
“Nathan?”
“Yes?”
“Will you kiss me again?”
He answered the same way he did the last time she’d asked.
“It would be my pleasure.” He held her face in both hands. “Even if it is to distract me.”
End of discussion.
They traded some college stories, and she was learning some more about his business school years when his phone behind his desk trilled. His brow furrowed when he glanced at the screen.
“Em, I have to take this. Can we talk later?”
“Sure, I’ll get out of your hair.” He was too distracted to kiss her or sign off, so Emma gathered her things and headed to the door. She only heard him say one thing before the door shut behind her: copy that, standing by for Cerberus.