why I ever agreed to it.”
“I know why. Because you’ve always been into him and this was a safe way to test the waters. If it turns out to be a disaster, you could throw your hands up and chalk it up to the fact that it was never real anyway. And if it’s amazing, you can ease into it and pretend like you knew it was meant to be all along. It’s genius actually.”
Emma blinked across the table at her friend. Was that true? Is that what she and Jack were doing?
Nina flagged the waitress as she walked by. “I think we’re going to need another round.”
“And some for us too,” Sophie said as she pulled out a chair with Brenna. “Do you ladies mind if we join you?” she asked.
“No, of course not,” Emma said.
“I saw your boyfriend over there.” Sophie winked.
Emma regretted telling anyone about her arrangement with Jack.
“I suppose I won’t ask him to dance,” Sophie added. “I don’t want to cause any sort of scandal.”
Emma shook her head and drained the last of her drink as she anxiously awaited another.
Nina knocked her elbow against Emma’s. “But you should ask him to dance. Seeing that you two are an item these days. What could it hurt?”
Nina was right. This pretend relationship was a safety net for going after something Emma had always secretly wanted. She scooted back from the table. “I think I’ll take your advice and go have that dance.”
Her world shifted and realigned every few steps, telling her that she should return to the table with her friends after this dance and have that last drink she’d ordered. Tomorrow morning’s headache was going to be a doozy. But she’d worry about that when she got there. Right now, she was stepping up to Jack’s table and pulling him out onto the dance floor. If he’d let her.
And she’d worry about what happened after that when she got there too.
* * *
Jack knew in an instant that Emma had been drinking. She was adorably flushed and swaying just a touch. He was here tonight waiting for Luke and Granger. They’d called and asked to meet up tonight after work. From a quick scan, he knew they hadn’t walked in yet. He’d somehow missed the fact that Emma had.
“Fancy meeting you here,” he said.
“I’m here with Nina. And now Sophie and Brenna too.”
He glanced back, seeing the table of women now. They were all watching Emma and him with interest. He lifted a hand and waved before turning back to Emma. “And you left their company for me?”
“You are my boyfriend after all.” Emma tilted her head in a flirtatious way that left her hair falling across her cheek. “And as such, I came over to ask you to dance.”
Jack leaned back in his chair. “I don’t dance.”
Emma stuck her lower lip out. “I’m not buying it.”
“It’s true.”
She reached for his hand anyway. “You would’ve danced with me at my prom, if you’d have taken me. You owe me at least one dance. Probably an entire night’s worth.”
Jack felt his own mouth spread into a wide grin. “Collecting on debts, huh?”
She gave a soft tug. “Something like that. Now come on.”
Relenting, he stood and let her pull him into the corner where other couples were swaying to the music. He put his arms around her and gathered her close. He wasn’t much of a dancer, but he was willing to give Emma whatever she wanted.
“I’m sorry that I’ve been drinking. I hope it doesn’t bother you.” She looked up into his eyes. “I didn’t realize you’d be here tonight. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have—”
Jack shook his head. “If I was bothered by being around people drinking, I wouldn’t have come to a bar. Don’t worry about me.”
She kept her eyes locked on his. “Okay…Where’s Sam?”
“Hanging out with a couple friends.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
“I think he’s doing well here,” Jack said. “He was a little quiet this morning until we had an issue at the park. Then he perked up a bit.”
“What kind of issue?” Emma asked, seeming to melt into his arms. He enjoyed the feel of her there, her skin sliding over his softly as she swayed.
“The illegal camper I was looking for turned up with a sprained ankle. I also discovered that she’s camping in Evergreen because she’s temporarily homeless.”
Emma gasped softly. “Oh my goodness. Why?”
Jack shrugged. “Sam and I took her to the urgent care and then to get something to eat, but she didn’t