Sean Stirling isn’t having a good day. Hearing snide comments on a photoshoot, he storms off, not caring that he looks every inch a celebrity throwing a tantrum. Things get worse when he falls on the ice-covered street. As a car comes barreling toward him, there’s nothing he can do to prevent his fate. Luckily, Emerson Willis is there to save the day. Emerson pushes the man from the street, then gets bamboozled into accompanying the stranger to the hospital. After Emerson sees himself on television, he realizes the man he saved is a pop star. Now, Sean is smitten and eager to thank his rescuer. Emerson, whose mind is still spinning, can’t tell what to think about the sudden attention. Can the musician convince Emerson they’re made for each other? Or will Emerson dismiss it all as the passing fancy of a rich and famous man?

Double Act

As predicted, Emerson’s mother had been furious. Even his dad was mad—which was saying something because he was calm as a still pond. It’s taken most of Emerson’s lunch break to convince them he hadn’t snubbed them intentionally, it had all happened so fast. The rest was spent dishing all he knew to his coworkers. They pried a lot more than Ms. Bell and asked much naughtier questions than if they’dkissed. Emerson revealed some of what transpired, but he didn’t divulge it all.


At home, once Ninotchka was fed, Emerson began to get dinner started. He’d stopped at the grocer on thecorner and picked up vegetables, ground beef, and three types of cheese. He had a lasagna recipe that always turned out delicious. He hoped Sean would enjoy it, too.


Unable to talk, they’d texted a few times throughout the day. Sean was working on his songs this morning, and promised he could make dinner. Just a little after six, the door buzzed and Emerson pressed the button to allow Sean in.


Chapter 34