unpacking now or to have a micro-nap when her mind was made up by a yawn so huge it threatened to dislocate her jaw.
She'd barely stripped down and slipped into her bed when her phone pinged again.
Home yet? And also, how about dinner tomorrow night?
She smiled as she tapped a quick response.
I didn't want to risk waking you up but yes, home in one piece. Thanks for the limo, so welcome. Hope you guys are doing well, good luck. And I miss you too. Dinner tomorrow is fine. My place?
There was a risk Anna would be back — but it was only natural that having spent time with Eric's brother, she should return the favor.
I look forward to it. Let me know if you have any requests and I shall endeavor to fulfill them. I can't wait to see you, darling.
There was something about the formality of his texts which Emmy found irresistible, if she was honest about it. That, and his ability to talk dirty while still sounding like he'd stepped off the page of a Scott Fitzgerald novel — it really did something to her. She burrowed under the covers with a smile on her face and fell asleep with the thought that tomorrow evening, Eric would be there, his arms wrapped around her.
◆◆◆
By Monday morning, the evening plans had been confirmed — Anna had called to say she'd be home, Eric was bringing the wine, and Emmy spent half of her Sunday cooking and shopping for food that was both simple enough to prepare after a long day at work, and up to Eric's standards. By the time she left for the bookstore, chicken pieces were marinating in Moroccan spices in the fridge, alongside a homemade New York cheesecake.
She was glad she hadn't mentioned anything about her little California escapade to her colleagues, but as she'd said to Anna, the secret wasn't hers to tell anyway. It just meant she dodged questions about her weekend while she and Nat busied themselves unpacking some of the new arrivals.
"So are you going to see Mr. Oswell again after your... making up at New Year’s?" Nat asked her when they were in the stockroom, away from potential eavesdroppers.
Emmy only hesitated for a second.
"As a matter of fact, he's coming for dinner tonight. I figured while Anna's here they might as well meet properly."
"That's relationship talk, lady," Nat teased. "You're obviously thinking long-term."
"Maybe. There's definitely something there, Nat, there's no point in denying it."
"Well, he was super hot the other night. And... fun. More fun than he seemed when he came to see us that first time."
Emmy remembered that day, when he'd swept into the bookstore with the easy arrogance of the new landlord, his infuriating poise, and how swiftly he'd charmed her with his casual familiarity with 18th century French literature, and his obvious love of books. She was pretty much doomed from the outset.
"He certainly can be fun," she said, half to herself, and then yelped as Nat dug her elbow into her ribs.
"I know that look, missy. You've seen him since New Year’s, I bet. And by seen him, I mean — well, you know what I mean."
"Yes, I know exactly what you mean, you filthy-minded woman."
"So?"
Nat arched an eyebrow, and Emmy sighed, powerless to resist. She still wasn't going to mention California, though.
"So, yes, all right, I've seen him, okay?"
She was almost knocked down by her friend as Nat grabbed her round the neck in an effusive bear hug.
"I knew it! Gina and I were betting you wouldn't last the week. It's the right thing to do, Em, it really is."
It was Emmy's turn to raise a pointed eyebrow.
"Say what? Weren't you guys telling me to steer clear of him?”
Nat grimaced.
"Yeah, well — clearly the man is a liability of some sort, but he is also stupidly hot. And more to the point, besotted with you."
The evident sincerity in her friend's voice touched Emmy — not least because it was pretty much what Anna had said to her a couple of days ago, and it was nice to see her feelings vindicated by her nearest and dearest.
She grinned.
"He is pretty damn sexy, isn't he?"
"With all the black leather and the attitude the other night? Oh my God, Em. Oh. My. God. And the two of you on the dance floor — not gonna lie, it was borderline pornographic. You guys have some serious chemistry."
Emmy's cheeks were aflame.
"Not gonna lie either, girl, we do. But you already knew