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“I’m a detective, Emi. I know how to find people.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Babe, where else would I be?” His statement holds a lot more meaning. He knew I was nervous and jittery, and he came to make a point. This is him proving to me I’m not going to run him off. He sees the minute it clicks in my head, and a smile slowly spreads across his face.

“I can’t believe you’re going to church with us.”

“I’ve been to church before, Emi. I’m from Summerville, not space.”

“This is a big deal.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

There’s a sigh from my mom, bringing my attention back to her and my dad. Her face is lit up, and I know Walker has just won her over with a thousand percent approval rating.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road. There’s sure to be tons of whispering and phone calls after today’s service,” Dad mumbles.

“Let me get my things.” Mom heads back to the kitchen and Dad follows, leaving us partially alone.

As soon as they’re out of view, Walker’s hand slinks down to cup my ass.

“I like this dress, baby.” His lips trail along my earlobe, nipping lightly at the skin underneath. “The pearl necklace is going to taunt me all day. I look forward to seeing you in that necklace and nothing else.”

A surge of heat rushes through me at his demand. “Stop, you can’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Make me want to jump your bones and strip you naked while my parents are in the kitchen.”

“It’s only fair since I’ve wanted to strip you since the moment I stepped into the room. Although, stripping you is just the first of many things I want to do.”

My knees start to wobble, and I grip his waist for support. His voice and words send my hormones into overdrive. I lift on my toes and graze my mouth across his. I love you is on the tip of my tongue, but I hold it in, not wanting to freak him out. He leans back and searches my face, his eyes boring into mine.

He doesn’t say anything, but we hear my parents at the same time, the moment broken. His hand drops from my butt and finds mine, linking our fingers together.

My dad insists on driving, telling Walker to sit in the front with him. My mom chooses the seat behind Walker and gives me googly eyes the whole ride. I try to ignore her but finally give in, giggling.

When we arrive, Walker opens the door for my mom, and Dad does the same for me. But instead of linking my arm in his and leading me into the church as he’s always done, he takes me only as far as Walker and then holds out his hand for Mom.

I feel the eyes on us, but it’s all I can do to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. Walker holds steady, and as soon as we’re seated, he places my hand on his lap and drapes his arm around my shoulders.

“I’m dying to know about this morning. What happened when you showed up?”

“I knocked on the door, and when Thomas answered, I introduced myself. Asked him if I could join you for church.”

“Why didn’t Mom tell me?”

“She offered to hurry you up, but I asked her not to. Wanted to surprise you.”

“It certainly was a surprise.”

“Dawn made me a cup of coffee, and we talked for a bit, then Thomas took me to his den to show me his ten-point.”

There’s a relaxed and comfortable vibe to his story. He talks as if this morning was a usual Sunday morning.

“I can’t believe you met my parents and I wasn’t even there.”

“You’re here now.”