Текст книги "Undone"
Автор книги: R. E. Hunter
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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 20 страниц)
2
The rest of the week flew by with classes during the day and more studying than was imaginable at night. On top of the overwhelming amount of reading assigned, the professors required that students brief each case in a specific format. Those briefs were then collected randomly to ensure everyone was keeping up with the assignments.
Jeremy had been right about Professor Coleman. She was tough, and Embry was kicking herself for volunteering for the research assistant position. After seeing Coleman tear a few students apart in class, Embry felt extremely intimidated.
Coleman had walked into their second class with a stack of sixty-four index cards, one for each student. On the card was the student’s name and ID picture so that she could learn each student’s name and face. She shuffled the cards and called on students at random. No one was prepared for the interrogation that followed. Coleman easily undermined and embarrassed even the most articulate students.
Embry caught a lucky break at the end of the last class. As Coleman flipped through the stack of cards, Embry got a quick glimpse of her picture. Her card was next up in the pile. She knew she’d be called on first in her next class, so she spent extra time preparing the night before.
As she sat typing up her case briefs, Embry was interrupted by her cell phone vibrating across the desk. She saw Morgan’s name flash across the screen. “Hey, Morgan.”
“Hey, Bree. How’s the studying going?”
“Never ending. I’m working on my briefs for tomorrow.”
“Yeah, me too. I still have about another fifty pages of reading, too. Hey, do you want to go to the social at Scandal tomorrow night?”
“What social?” Embry answered distractedly. She held the phone between her ear and shoulder as she continued to read and highlight the case she was working on.
“For the law school. We got an email about it a while ago. Have you come up for air at all?”
“Oh, nope, I haven’t checked my email. I’ve been so wrapped up in preparing for class,” Embry answered.
“The Student Bar Association put something together for Whitman students. All we have to do is show our school IDs at the door, and we get free entry and two drink tickets. Then drinks are half price for the rest of the night. We have to go. We can celebrate surviving our first week in law school!”
“I don’t know,” Embry said, unsure. She and Morgan always had a great time when they went out, but the last thing she needed was a distraction. She had to maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep her scholarship. “The semester’s just starting, and it’s only going to get more intense. I want to get some extra reading done this weekend to get ahead.”
“Come on, Bree, you said it yourself, it’s only gonna get worse from here on out. We might as well have some fun while we still can.”
“Yeah but—”
“But nothing,” Morgan whined. “We haven’t been out together in forever. Just one night. Come on, don’t make me beg!”
“Well … I’m getting called on in Coleman’s class tomorrow. I’ll probably need a drink, or five, after that.”
“That a girl! So can I take that as a yes?” Morgan screeched.
“Yeah, I guess so.” Embry fought a smile. “I’ll go.”
“Woohoo! You won’t regret it. We’re gonna have a blast!”
“Yeah, yeah. Let me go finish these briefs so Coleman doesn’t eat me alive tomorrow.” She hung up and spent the rest of the night reading cases and reviewing her notes.
* * *
Embry felt a tug on her bag as she left her criminal law class the next day.
“Hey, Blondie, wait up,” Jeremy called.
Embry turned, her lips quirking into a smile. “What did you call me?”
“Um, Blondie?” Jeremy gave her an impish grin and lifted up a piece of her blond hair as he fell into step beside her.
“I thought we covered this already. Just Embry.” She nudged him.
Embry and Jeremy had become fast friends. They sat next to each other in most classes and grabbed lunch together during breaks. It was nice to have an ally in her section. Jeremy was called on in criminal law, and he’d analyzed the case perfectly. He even got praise from their professor.
“You did good in there, by the way,” Embry said.
“Thanks. Professor Dawson wasn’t as bad as I expected. Where are you running off to?”
“Just headed to the café to grab a bite. Then I’m going to hide away and go over the cases again for contracts. I don’t want to give Coleman the opportunity to catch me with my pants down.”
“Now there’s a visual” Jeremy joked, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Oh, you know what I meant, perv,” Embry said, rolling her eyes as he laughed.
“Would you like some company?” he offered. “I can quiz you on the cases. I’m meeting with Dawson at twelve thirty, but I’m all yours until then.”
“Actually that would be great. Thanks, Jer. What are you meeting with Dawson for?” she asked.
“I want to talk to him about criminal law. My dad’s firm does mostly corporate and transactional stuff, so it’s probably pointless …” Jeremy trailed off.
“No, it isn’t,” Embry said. “You should definitely check it out if you really like it.”
Jeremy’s dad expected him to carry on in the family business, but Jeremy didn’t seem too excited about working in corporate law. She felt bad that on top of the normal pressures of law school, he had the family name to live up to.
“Yeah, well, we’ll see. Anyway, I’m going to run to my car and grab my contracts book. I’ll meet you in the atrium in five?”
“Sure thing,” she said, and walked off toward the café.
Embry studied with Jeremy until he left for his meeting. She walked toward her classroom while reviewing her notes for the last time and preparing for the onslaught that was Professor Coleman. She looked around as she tucked her notes back into her bag and wished the sexy stranger would make another appearance. No matter how focused she was on her studies, she couldn’t get those piercing blue eyes out of her head. She wanted to see him again.
“Whoa! Hey there, chicky.”
Embry jumped as she nearly collided with her best friend. “Oh, uh … hey, Morgan.”
“Hey. What’s going on? Are you all right? You look a little flustered.”
Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just, you know, daydreaming about sexy run-ins with a total stranger. “I’m fine. Sorry, I was just lost in my head. You know, getting called on today and everything.”
“You’re gonna do great, Bree, don’t sweat it! You’ve been studying these cases for the past twenty-four hours. You know them like the back of your hand.”
Embry barely heard Morgan’s words of encouragement as her mind flitted back to her previous hallway encounter. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“I know I’m right. Good luck, and call me when you get home so we can make a plan for tonight!” Morgan called as she strode away.
Embry was actually looking forward to their night out. Between the stress of getting called on in class and daydreaming about a gorgeous guy she didn’t even know, she would definitely need a drink.
* * *
Jeremy slid in next to her as she set up her computer.
“Hey, how’d the meeting go?” she asked, trying to distract herself from the nerves brewing in her stomach.
“It was cool. Professor Dawson has a private criminal practice, and we spoke about possible internship opportunities depending on my grades at the end of the semester.”
“That’s great, Jer!” Embry said.
“Yeah, except I doubt my dad would go for it. He expects me to come home and work for the firm this summer.”
Embry heard the disappointment in his voice. “Well, the summer is a long ways away. You have plenty of time to butter him up.”
“True.” Jeremy motioned toward the front of the classroom where Professor Coleman waited for the class to quiet down. He squeezed Embry’s hand. “You’re up, kiddo. Good luck.”
She took a deep breath and pulled out her notes, ready for whatever her professor threw at her.
Just as she had expected, Coleman called on her for the very first case. Embry was more than prepared. She’d rattled off the facts of the case without having to consult her brief, and answered all of Professor Coleman’s questions. Granted, Coleman turned every answer around and made her second guess herself, but Embry held her own. The same couldn’t be said of the next girl, who looked as if she were about to burst into tears after Coleman called her out for being unprepared.
As soon as the professor’s attention had landed elsewhere, Embry zoned out, daydreaming about the guy in the hallway. She knew all of the cases, and she would grab any notes she missed from Jeremy. As class drew to an end, she was pulled from her thoughts by Professor Coleman calling her name.
“Miss Jacobs, please come see me before you leave.”
Embry nodded nervously. What could that be about? Jeremy leaned over and asked the same question.
“I-I’m not sure. I thought I did okay. I did okay, right?” She was freaking out.
“You did fine, Blondie. I’m sure it’s nothing. Go see what she wants. I’ll wait for you outside.” Jeremy gave her a small, encouraging smile.
“Thanks, Jer.” She was lucky she had made such a good friend in her section.
Embry headed to the front of the classroom and waited as Professor Coleman finished up a conversation with one of the other students.
“Ah, Miss Jacobs,” her professor said, waving her over.
“Hi, Professor.” Embry said, nervously twisting her hair between her thumb and forefinger.
“You impressed me today, Embry. You knew the cases and fielded every question I threw at you.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
“You were one of the students interested in becoming my research assistant, is that right?” Coleman asked.
“Yes, I was.”
“Well if you’re still interested, I’d like to offer you the position. You’re sharp, Miss Jacobs, and I think you’d do a great job. Some of the research pertains to topics that we won’t cover until later in the semester, but I have no doubt you’ll be able to keep up.”
“That would be great, Professor. I’d really like that. Thank you,” Embry said calmly.
“Wonderful. See me after Monday’s class, and we’ll set up a meeting. Go enjoy your weekend.”
Embry practically skipped out of the classroom. She couldn’t believe it. Not only had she impressed her professor, but she got the position she needed. That definitely called for a celebratory drink. Embry nearly ran right past Jeremy in her excitement.
He grabbed her arm. “Bree, what happened? Everything okay?”
“More than okay,” Embry sang. “Coleman said I impressed her, and then she offered me the research assistant position!” She jumped up and flung her arms around his neck in excitement.
Jeremy gave her a quick hug. “Wow, that’s awesome. Congrats!”
“Thanks!” Embry said, pulling away. She was embarrassed she had jumped into his arms. “Anyway, Morgan and I are going to that social tonight to celebrate. Want to come?”
“Thanks, but I’ve got a hot date tonight.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Oh, a hot date? Really?” Embry questioned.
“Is that so unbelievable?” Jeremy gave her a fake pout.
“No, no,” she said, backpedaling. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She laughed nervously.
“It’s okay, Blondie, I’m messing with you.”
Embry shoved Jeremy. “So who is this hot date?”
“Becky from section four.”
“Dating outside our section, interesting,” she joked.
“Well she’s no Embry Jacobs,” he said, tugging on a lock of her hair, “but she’ll do for the night.”
Embry’s mouth popped open. She’d gotten used to his flirty ways, but hadn’t realized that Jeremy was such a man-whore. “Well, um, have fun with Becky from section four,” she offered.
“Thanks, Bree. And congrats again. Have fun tonight.” Jeremy gave Embry a wave as he left.
She headed to the parking lot with a bounce in her step and dialed Morgan as she went.
Morgan picked up on the first ring. “How bad was it? I have wine, but do I need to stop and pick up some hard liquor?”
“Wine is just fine, Morgs. We’re celebrating!” Embry cheered.
“I told you, Bree! I knew you’d do well! Let’s get ready at your place. I’ll be over in an hour, and you can tell me all about it.”
* * *
Morgan burst into Embry’s bedroom, her arms overflowing with clothes and shoes. She looked at Embry and shook her head, mumbling something about “coming prepared.” Embry just stared as Morgan dropped the clothes on the bed and arranged them into outfits.
“What, did you bring half your wardrobe? I’m already dressed if you haven’t noticed.” Embry stood in front of her full-length mirror studying her outfit. She wore a blush tank top with gold accents, dark skinny jeans and nude heels. Her long, blond hair fell in waves around her shoulders, and her green eyes popped with the subtle smoky makeup she applied.
“You look cute, babe, but we’re going out. Let’s do it up a little, impress all the sexy future lawyers we’re gonna be in school with for the next 3 years.” Morgan wiggled her eyebrows.
“What are you talking about? What about Brett?”
Brett was one of Embry’s oldest friends, and he and Morgan had been dating for four years. Embry knew that as much as Morgan liked to flirt, she’d never do anything to mess up their relationship.
“Hey, I can still look good! Anyway, I wasn’t talking about me. But you, my dear”—she gestured at Embry with a stiletto—”could use a bit of sexy in your life.”
“Who says I don’t have sexy in my life?” Embry asked, hands on her hips.
Morgan’s face softened. “C’mon, Bree. I know things were rough with Jack, but unless you’re really holding out on me, there hasn’t been anyone even remotely serious since. It’s been five years. You should at least put yourself out there.”
Embry cringed at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. The last thing she wanted was to be reminded of her painful past. “I’m never going there again, Morgan. Especially not when I need to be one-hundred percent focused on keeping my scholarship and making it through law school.”
“I know, I know. All I’m saying is just be open to it. I want to see you happy. You put so much pressure on yourself, I’m afraid you’re gonna crack.”
“I’m fine.” She saw Morgan’s face drop as she shut her down. “Come on, I can still have a good time! Show me some of the skanky outfits you brought for me.”
“Hey, I wear these. They’re not skanky, just slightly slutty.”
“Mmhmm,” Embry joked.
Morgan went through the pile of dresses until she found the perfect one. “Here, try this one.”
Embry shrugged out of her clothes and slipped into the dress. Morgan placed a pair of black, peep-toe heels on the floor, and Embry stepped in. She examined herself in the mirror. The dress was perfect. It was short, hitting Embry mid-thigh, and hugged every curve. It had a nude bodice with a black lace overlay and a deep V-neckline. She twirled and faced Morgan. “Well?”
Morgan clapped her hands and bounced up and down. “There’s the sexy! You look great! That dress was made for you.”
“The heels aren’t too much? I feel like a giant,” Embry said, looking down on Morgan. Embry rarely wore heels. At 5’8”, she was tall enough. She didn’t like towering over everyone.
“Are you kidding me? You have legs for miles, girlfriend. You look hot.”
Embry laughed. “If you say so. Let’s grab a drink before we go.”
* * *
“The girls are back!” Morgan shouted as she danced around the living room.
Embry chuckled at her already tipsy friend.
“I just can’t believe it, Bree. You’re back! We’re gonna have so much fun!”
Embry couldn’t help but smile as Morgan picked up a wine bottle and sang into it while bouncing around. They’d rarely had the chance to go out together over the past five years, but they had partied together in high school. Field parties. House parties. Diner parking lots at two a.m. The memories were endless. Embry hadn’t realized how much she missed it.
“So tell me more about the people in your section. Any prospects? What about Jeremy? He’s hot! Anything going on there?” Morgan prodded.
“He is hot, but he’s just a friend. Besides, he’s a total man-whore. I’m pretty sure he’s sleeping his way through all of the first year sections.”
Morgan raised her eyebrows. “You could use a little man-whore in your life.”
Embry rolled her eyes.
“Any other fine specimens in your section?”
“You’re like a teenage boy, you know that?”
Morgan laughed. “Yeah, yeah. Brett and I are like an old married couple. I need to live vicariously through you!”
“Ha. Well, there is this one guy …” Embry thought about the guy from the hallway.
“There is?” Morgan shouted. “Who is he? Tell me more!”
Embry sighed. “I wish I knew. I ran into him in the hallway, and we just had this … moment. I don’t know. We locked eyes, and it was like neither of us could look away. Instant butterflies. I’ve never felt that before.”
“You’re such a whore!”
Embry chuckled.
“What does he look like?”
“Perfect.”
“Okay, that’s a start, but I’m gonna need a bit more description.”
Embry pictured him walking toward her again. “Dark hair. Bright, bright blue eyes. Full lips. Muscles … oh god, his muscles.” She gave Morgan a sassy smile. “I think I might need a minute alone.”
Morgan’s eyes bulged, and then she fell into a fit of laughter. “Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this over a guy. He was a student, right? Maybe he’ll be there tonight! We need to find the hallway hottie!”
“Hallway hottie?” Embry asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Yes. Hallway hottie. We are going in search of the hallway hottie!”
Butterflies flapped around in Embry’s stomach at the thought of seeing him again.
Morgan’s shriek pulled her out of her thoughts. “Cabs are HEAAAAAAAAAAA!”
“Really, Pauly D?” Embry teased.
“Shut it. I’m a little tipsy and a lot excited. Let’s go!” Morgan threw herself into the cab.
Embry slid in beside her, deciding that it would be a really good night.
3
The club was packed. People were everywhere, sweaty and writhing in one big mass on the dance floor. Soft blue and purple lights lined the walls, and bright strobes from the DJ booth danced across the floor. The bass pumping from the speakers vibrated through Embry’s chest. Morgan grabbed her hand and pushed through the crowd..
“There are a few levels. I think they said the social was on the second floor,” Morgan yelled over the music. “The stairs are toward the back.”
Embry nodded and concentrated on making her way through the wall of people bumping and grinding around her. They found the back of the club and hopped in line to get up to the second floor. As they got closer to the staircase, she noticed a small room that looked like some sort of lounge. Sheer panels illuminated by muted white lights hung from the ceiling and draped the walls, bathing the room in a soft glow.
The line moved, and although Embry was aware of Morgan tugging on her arm, something in the lounge caught her attention. Piercing blue eyes filled with an emotion she couldn’t begin to understand found her and pinned her to the spot. Even though she had only seen them briefly, she’d recognize those eyes anywhere. Her hallway hottie was sitting at the lounge bar.
Her belly clenched. She took him in slowly. Designer jeans, black button-down shirt tailored perfectly to his muscular build. Sleeves rolled up to the elbows exposing tanned skin and thick veins. Embry noticed him swirl the amber-colored liquid in his glass as he waited for her to finish her greedy perusal of his body. She lingered on his face. Just the right amount of dark stubble dusted his strong jaw, and the dimple in his left cheek appeared as his mouth quirked into a small, knowing smile. He was perfect.
Embry sucked in a breath and watched, frozen, as he stood and headed toward her. She felt everything around her slow down, and all she could see was him.
Morgan was getting agitated and pulled on Embry’s hand. “Embry, what the—” She squeezed Embry tighter when she saw him walking over. “Holy fucking shit! Is that him?”
All Embry could do was nod. She was fixed to the spot, captivated by his stare.
“He’s coming over here!” Morgan whisper-yelled while tugging on Embry’s hand. “And he’s really hot!”
The two girls stood holding hands and watched the gorgeous man approach. His lazy gait gave off an air of total self-assurance.
“Hey,” he said, eyes trained on Embry.
“Hey,” Embry replied breathlessly.
The left side of his mouth quirked up again. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Oh my god! He’s so hot. Okay, words, Embry, find them and use them. “I’d like that.” Turning to Morgan, Embry said, “I’ll meet you up there, okay, Morgs?”
Morgan stood slack-jawed, looking back and forth between Embry and the hallway hottie. “Uh huh.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit, then.” Embry squeezed Morgan’s hand.
Snapping out of it, Morgan pulled Embry into a hug. “Holy shit! Have fun, be safe. Come find me upstairs.”
* * *
Embry watched Morgan head up the stairs and then turned back to the gorgeous man.
“Shall we?” he asked, turning his full smile on her.
Embry’s knees knocked. “Sure.”
A shiver ran through her as he pressed a hand to the small of her back and led her into the lounge. She settled on the stool beside him and tried not to look as nervous as she felt.
“What would you like?”
“Um, what are you drinking?” she asked, eyeing his glass.
“Johnny Walker Blue. Scotch whiskey.”
“Oh.” She wrinkled her nose and waved the bartender over. “Do you have wine? Pinot noir?”
“Sure thing,” said the bartender, heading off to pour her drink.
His arm brushed against hers. “You’re fancy, huh?”
“Oh, you should talk, Mr. Blue Label,” she joked.
“Ah, you got me.” He smiled again, the skin around his eyes crinkling and his dimple deepening. “I’m Luke, by the way.” He held out his hand. “Luke Brody.”
“Bree. Um, Embry Jacobs.” She placed her hand in his.
He bent his head until his soft lips grazed her knuckles, his eyes still trained on hers. “Nice to meet you, Embry.”
She flushed from head to toe. The bartender ended their moment by setting down Embry’s drink. “Thanks,” she said.
“No problem.” The bartender smiled and walked away.
“So …” Embry said, returning her attention to Luke. It came out as a strangled whisper. She sipped her wine and tried again. “So what are you doing down here? Shouldn’t you be up at the social?”
“Ah, no.” Luke rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. “I’m not a student. I’m an attorney.”
“Oh.”
“I’m working on some research with one of the professors, so I stop by the law school every now and then.”
“That’s cool.” Embry noticed he spoke in a slow, southern drawl. “You’re not from around here, are you?”
He chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
“Well, yeah,” Embry answered. He looked down. Oh my gosh, is he blushing? Embry quickly added, “It’s a good thing, though. I like your accent.”
He smiled, his cobalt eyes lighting up. “I’m from Georgia, actually.”
Embry loved his voice and the way his eyes shined when he smiled. She wanted him to keep talking. “What brought you to New York?”
“Change of pace. An opportunity came up, and I took it. What about you?”
“Well, I’m from here originally. I went to school in Florida and spent the last few years there. My best friend Morgan”—she motioned upstairs—”convinced me to come back home for law school.”
He smiled and touched her hand. “Well, I’m glad she did.”
Embry blushed, not knowing what to say.
“So where in Florida did you go to school?”
“UF,” she said.
Luke’s face dropped. “Really?”
“Yes,” she answered, thrown by his reaction.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She let out a small laugh. “Am I sure that I went to the University of Florida? Yes, I’m pretty sure.”
Luke nodded, his expression unreadable. “Do you like football?”
“I bleed orange and blue,” Embry answered, smiling.
“That’s too bad,” he said, a playful glint in his eye. He took a sip of his drink and stood as if to leave.
“I—what?”
“I bleed red and black,” he deadpanned.
“Oh my God!” Embry’s eyes widened as the pieces fell into place.
“University of Georgia undergrad,” Luke said. “Go Dawgs!”
Embry’s face fell into her palm, and she shook her head. She peeked up at him through her fingers. “Well, it was nice while it lasted.”
Luke chuckled. “It was, wasn’t it?”
She nodded.
“Maybe we can work something out, because I don’t think I’m ready to give up on you just yet.” He winked, and her insides clenched.
She didn’t know what to say, so she just smiled and took him in. She couldn’t believe she was talking to a gorgeous man who, a few days ago, was just some stranger in a hallway.
“Like what you see, Bree?” His voice was husky, his eyes hooded.
Hypnotized by his gaze, she didn’t even think twice as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded.
Luke flicked his eyes to her mouth, licked his lips, and slowly leaned toward her. Embry’s breath caught, and she held still, waiting to see what he would do.
He lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
Embry let out a breath and melted into his touch. It felt so natural. He brushed his thumb gently across her cheekbone and smiled.
“Hi, guys!” Morgan said from behind them, interrupting their moment.
Luke dropped his hand and gave Embry a shy smile before pulling away.
“Hi, Morgan,” Embry huffed, staring daggers at her best friend.
Morgan widened her eyes at Embry.
“Morgan, this is Luke. Luke, my best friend Morgan.” Embry said, waving her hand back and forth between them.
Luke offered his hand. “Nice to meet you, Morgan.”
“You too, Luke.” Morgan placed her hand in his for a light shake. “I just stopped in to check on you,” Morgan said to Embry.
“Oh, we’re good,” Embry said.
“Yeah, I can see that.” Morgan chuckled. “I’m just gonna make a pit stop and head back upstairs. I’ll see you up there.”
Morgan walked away, and Embry turned back to Luke. They started talking at the same time.
“I should—”
“I’ll let you—”
They laughed.
“You first,” Luke said.
“I was just going to say I should probably head up there.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to keep you from your first law school social. They can get pretty wild,” he teased.
“Oh, I bet.” Embry laughed. “Well, thanks for the drink …” Embry was distracted by her phone vibrating in her clutch. She pulled it out and found a text from Morgan.
Holy hallway hottie! He is gorgeous! Find me on the dance floor when you come up for air! ;)
Before she knew what he was doing, Luke grabbed Embry’s phone.
“What the—” She watched him play with the keypad for a minute before putting the phone back in her hand.
He brushed her long blond waves over her shoulder and cupped her neck. “Now you have my number. And I have yours.” He leaned in and whispered, “I’ll be seeing you, beautiful.” He brushed his lips against her cheek.
Embry’s knees nearly gave out. She sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “See you,” she said, as she got up to head out of the lounge. She gave Luke one last look on her way up the stairs and was rewarded with a sexy wink.
* * *
Embry and Morgan flung themselves into Embry’s apartment and collapsed onto the couch.
“I am beat!” Morgan said a little too loudly.
“You tore up that dance floor!” Embry yelled back, her ears ringing from the loud club music.
“You know I got moves.” Morgan shimmied in place.
Embry kicked off her heels and rubbed her sore feet. She dropped her clutch, and her phone bounced out. She picked it up and saw she had a new text. Opening the message, she smiled at Luke’s name.
Hi beautiful. Hope you had a good time tonight and made it home okay.
She sighed and fell back against the seat, clutching her phone to her chest.
“Hey, why do you look all dreamy and weird all of a sudden?” Morgan questioned.
“I don’t look weird,” Embry said defensively.
“Why are you hugging your phone?”
Embry shook her head and held out her phone. “Luke texted me.”
Morgan read the text and tossed the phone back into Embry’s lap. “I think I love him already. Now spill! I need details!”
Embry hadn’t told Morgan about her drink with Luke yet. When she had joined the party upstairs, Morgan shoved a glass of champagne in her hand and dragged her out onto the dance floor. They met and mingled with some people from their sections and danced the night away. It was a blast.
Embry proceeded to tell Morgan everything about her drink with Luke up until the point that Morgan had interrupted them.
“It looked like you were getting pretty cozy,” Morgan teased.
“Yeah, until someone couldn’t help her nosy tendencies and ruined our moment!”
Morgan held up her hands . “Hey, I was just checking on my best friend.”
“Yeah right. You just wanted a closer look at Luke.”
“Can you blame me?”
“Nope. Right before you walked in, he totally caught me staring shamelessly at him and called me out on it. I couldn’t even speak. His eyes got all smoldery, and he leaned in and told me I was beautiful. But I swear, Morgan, it’s probably a good thing you interrupted when you did or I might have mauled his face.”
“That’s my girl! Whatever’s happening between you two, I like it. So are you gonna text him back?”
“No. I don’t know. Maybe. Probably.”
Morgan raised an eyebrow.
“I want to.” Embry sighed. “It’s just … I’m supposed to be doing this for me, focusing on law school, my future. I don’t want to lose myself in a relationship again. I’m scared of how he makes me feel. I don’t even know him.”
“Look, I know Jack did a number on you, but not every guy is like him. Luke is the first guy you’ve met in five years who has you genuinely interested, so why not give it a chance? See where it goes.”
“Yeah … I guess.” Embry yawned. “Maybe I’ll sleep on it.”
Morgan got up and headed for the guest room. “Yeah, sleep is good. I’m going to pass out. Love you, Bree Bear,” she said, using Embry’s childhood nickname.
Embry smiled. “Love you, M.”
* * *
Embry walked into her bathroom to get ready for bed. She washed her face and brushed her teeth. As she stood looking in the mirror, she replayed her time with Luke. She lifted her fingers to her cheek and remembered the soft feel of his lips on her skin.
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Embry went into her closet to change. Stripping off the too-sexy dress, she pulled on a pair of boxers and a tank and climbed into bed with her phone. She read Luke’s text a few times and decided not to text him back just yet. She tossed her phone on the nightstand and rolled over.
Embry thought about what Morgan had said. Embry’s relationship with Jack had once been so perfect, and then they completely fell apart. He was charming, popular, handsome, and sweet; everything she had ever wanted. They were high school sweethearts who started dating at sixteen. Everyone thought they were the one couple who would stand the test of time, but no one knew the real Jack.
