Modern - Chapter 14

Emmy arrived looking fresh, clean, and comfy. Her neat appearance only made me more aware of my own frazzled look. My hair was messy from the many times I'd run my hands through it in frustration over the lack of evidence. My button up shirt was wrinkled with the top three buttons undone, the bottom untucked, and the sleeves rolled up. I probably stank, but I had too much pride to allow myself a discreet armpit sniff.

I sighed. Hopefully my messy appearance wouldn't frighten her away, but then, she'd already spent an hour in my presence without looking disgusted, so I was probably fine.

Grabbing a couple paper plates out of the cupboard since I hadn't wanted to cart too many of my real dishes in my move, I served up generous portions of food for both of us and carried the plate to the couch where Emmy was waiting.

"Your food, milady," I teased, presenting her with her plate and a plastic fork."

"Thank you. Oh, we're going fancy tonight!"

"I don't have any real dishes," I answered apologetically.

"I wasn't even thinking about that. I meant fancy as in actually using plates. I usually just dig right into the containers." Her eyes sparkled as she laughed and I found my insecurities floating away as I laughed with her.

We sat down and tucked into our food while a chick flick of Emmy's choosing played on the TV. It was a good break from my worries about work.

When we were done with our food, I cleaned everything up and rejoined Emmy. She had paused the movie for me and was looking at something on her phone. She tucked the phone away with a blush as I walked in and quickly started the movie before I could ask what she had been doing on her phone. Apparently something she was embarrassed about.

I sat closer to her than I had while we ate. Thankfully, she didn't seem repelled by me. At least, she didn't scoot away from me. I grabbed her hand and was relieved when she merged her fingers through mine.

I hardly even saw the rest of the movie. I was focused on Emmy's hand in mine and found myself replaying our first kiss. I had been hoping for a repeat for a while and tonight seemed like the perfect time.

As the credits rolled, I let go of Emmy's hand and put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. I leaned in, my eyes focused on her beautiful lips, but she stopped me with a hand on my lips.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"I was going to kiss you? Is that okay?"

She shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"You must not remember our last kiss as well as I do, because I think it's a great idea," I said in a low, gravelly voice. Her soft fingertips on my lips were incredibly distracting.

"What are your plans when you finally solve this case?" she asked, dropping her fingers and scooting a few inches away.

I ran my hand through my hair. "I'm supposed to get the position I want in New York."

"So you'll be moving back?"

"I mean, yeah. That's the plan."

"Would you consider staying in Texas?"

"I don't know," I said slowly. "That's never really been on my radar before. I'd probably have to think about it, and it would depend on finding a job that I liked here."

"So there's probably a good chance you'll go back to New York when you get this wrapped up."

I shrugged. "I guess so."

"Well I'm not the type of girl who likes to have relationships for fun. When I date someone seriously, it's because I see the possibility of a future with them."

"And you don't think we could have a future together?"

"Not if you're going back to New York. My life is here and I have no desire to move to the big city. I don't want to get attached to you if we're destined to part in a month or two. Why invite unnecessary heartbreak?"

I frowned. I couldn't dispute her logic, but I wanted to argue. Instead, I shrugged. "I won't force you if you're not interested."

She was silent for a moment before asking tentatively, "Are you- are you mad at me?"

I thought for a bit before I answered. "I'm not mad. Just frustrated, I guess. I like you and I don't want to just be friends, but I can understand why you don't want to date. I just wish things were different."

"If things change. . . if you decide to stay in Texas. . . I wouldn't say no to dating you."

"I guess that's good to know," I sighed. "But if we're going to remain just friends, you should probably head back to your place."

"Oh. Okay." I could hear the hurt in her voice as she stood and headed for the door. I followed her, stepping in front of the door before she could storm out.

"Stop. I didn't mean it like that. I just. . . like you a lot. And spending a lot of time alone with you is going to be difficult, especially if we're not busy."

She blushed and nodded as the anger faded from her beautiful hazel eyes. "That makes sense," she whispered.

"Yes," I agreed softly, my eyes darting to her very tempting lips. Clearing my throat, I stepped away from the door. "I'll let you go now before I give into temptation. Thank you for your help tonight. I'm really glad I don't have to do this alone."

"Thank you for letting me in. I've always wanted to help solve a mystery." She smiled shyly. "I was quite a Nancy Drew fanatic as a child."

"Well I'm glad I can give you a chance to live your dreams."

"Goodnight Derren. I'll see you. . . whenever I see you."

"We can meet for dinner tomorrow and talk about our progress," I suggested hesitantly. "If you don't mind."

"No, not at all," she answered quickly, smiling. "That sounds really nice."

"Great. See you tomorrow."

"See you."