Page 54 of Decoding Emma

I handed Celeste my credit card, thinking I was being undercharged, but had no idea what to do about it.The transaction finished, and I picked up the garment bag.

“Cassie, I expect to be first on the list for the toy trial,” Celeste said.

Cassie winked.“You’re on top for the next year.Thanks, Celeste.”Cassie pulled me out of the shop.

“What was that about?”I asked.

“Celeste loves our toys.I’ve known her for years.She did me a favor by squeezing us in today, so I’m doing her one.”

I shook my head.“Is that why the cost was so little?”

“No.”Cassie grinned.“Celeste knows exactly what she’s doing; she gave you the lowest price she could because you’re my friend.And don’t worry about it.”

“But…”

Cassie pulled me to a stop.“Believe me, Emma.Celeste won’t be out any money by giving you the dress at cost.Her clientele is exclusive, and they pay through the nose for her dresses.She understands us girls.”

When we got back to Fantasies, Inc., I laid the dress in the back seat of my car and then headed to the office.I’d taken a little extra time with lunch, but I would make it up this afternoon.Asher wasn’t in the office, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

At least he wouldn’t question me as to why I took a long lunch.

What would Asher think of the dress?A part of me couldn’t wait to find out.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Asher

I looked over at Emma at the pub that night.She was chatting happily with Cassie.For an introvert, she was doing a great job making friends with Cassie.

And right now, I wanted to spend some time alone with Emma.We’d shared a few kisses, but it hadn’t gone much further than that.I wanted more.

As if she knew I was thinking about her, Emma turned her head and stared at me.Her eyes went wide for a moment.What did she see?Did my expression give me away?I didn’t think so.

“Maybe it’s time to get a room for you two,” Marcus whispered in my ear.

I turned to look at him.“That obvious?”Hell, I was usually better at keeping my thoughts off my face.

“A little, but she’s looking at you with eyes that want to eat you up, so I would say it’s mutual.”

I digested Marcus’s words, then looked over at Emma.She was staring at me.Oh yes, there was hunger in her eyes.I cleared my throat.

Marcus chuckled and stood.“Honey, it’s time for us to go home,” he said.

“Of course.”The women stood and embraced.

I stood up.“We should probably go as well.”I’d been very careful tonight to only have one beer.I wasn’t about to repeat what happened a last week.

As a group, we walked back to the parking garage.Marcus and Cassie went on their way, and I walked Emma to her vehicle.“I’ll see you tomorrow at six-fifteen.”I held the door open for her.

“Yes.”As I was shutting the door, I noticed a white garment bag lying on her back seat.

“Buy something new?”I asked after she rolled down her window.Her cheeks turned pink.

“I didn’t have anything for the event tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait to see you in it.”I brushed a kiss over her lips, then walked to my vehicle.I waited until I saw her pull out before I started my car.Too many things could happen.

I pulled up one of my smooth jazz playlists for the drive home.Traffic was light, and I was enjoying the music and the drive.