Page 43 of Ember’s Heart
Ember
T he biting cold of December had definitely settled over Rose Valley, painting everything in shades of white.
The air had that winter smell to it right before a huge snowstorm.
Tonight was the weekly book club meeting at Rose’s Bean and Brew.
Avery and Lori were already settled in our usual booth when I arrived, their faces lit up with excitement about our latest read.
“Hey, Ember!” Avery waved, her eyes bright. “You’re just in time. We were just getting to the good part.”
I slid into the booth, grateful for the distraction. “Ohh good. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think.”
“Oh my god, Em, “Because of You” is so good,” Lori practically vibrated with excitement. “I swear, Ellie Gates writes the dirtiest, most smuttiest scenes. I nearly fainted.”
Avery fanned herself dramatically. “Right? Ryker can be my daddy any day! And how about Axel? I can’t wait for the next book, “Watching Over You. ” I’m going to lose my mind waiting! How does she come up with this stuff?”
I chuckled, grabbing a menu. “I can only imagine the ‘ scientific researc h’ she conducts!”
Just as Lori was about to launch into something she’d like Axel to do to her, the diner door opened, and in walked Paula, followed by my mom. Both of them beaming with excitement.
“Mind if we join you girls?” Paula asked, smiling from ear to ear.
My eyebrows shot up. “Mom? Paula? What a surprise!” Oh god.
The thought of them joining us to discuss a book as smutty as “ Because of You” had me blushing furiously.
The idea of my own mom reading those sexy scenes was mortifying, but the thought of Colton’s mom reading them?
Oh my god, I could feel my face reddening, I was going to die of embarrassment right here in the diner.
“Well, we heard you were discussing such fascinating literature,” Mom chimed in sarcastically, taking a seat beside me.
Paula squeezed in next to Avery, the same look on her face.
“Laura’s not wrong, girls,” she knowingly said with a look that had me blushing harder.
“We’ve both been reading Ellie Gates, and well…
let me just say that woman truly has a gift,” she finished with a smirk at my mom, and fanning herself.
At that I wanted to crawl under the table.
Avery and Lori on the hand seemed to be enjoying themselves, and my embarrassment.
Overhearing what we were saying, Marge, who usually lived behind the counter, took a break from serving coffee. Sliding into the last spot beside Lori, she said, “Abi’s got everything handled,” Marge said, gesturing towards the counter where she was taking orders. “So… Ellie Gates, huh?” She asked.
I looked over at Abi. I didn’t know her well, but I knew she went to school with Owen. When her and dad came over for Thanksgiving I got to talk to her and she seemed very nice, but I got the impression there was something between her and Owen.
Marge nodded. “Abi’s a good worker. Real good.
Got a lot on her plate at home, bless her heart, but she never complains.
” Marge then clapped her hands together.
“But we’re not here to gossip, girls. It’s book club night!
What’s the verdict on my man Ryker? That’s some deliciousness right there, huh?
” She said, making the table bust out in laughter.
This was definitely going to one interesting meeting.
The next day was the typical December day, cold and snowy.
. I had spent the afternoon running errands with Avery, picking up supplies I needed for brochures and flyers, and I was happy to be heading home so I could change into something warm and fuzzy.
Plus, Colton was giving a horseback riding lesson today, and I really wanted to get back and see how it was going before he was finished.
Pulling up to the front of my house, I shut my car, got out and headed down to the riding arena, and the sight that greeted me made my heart swell.
Even though it was cold outside, Colton still gave riding lessons.
Right now he was in the center, surrounded by a group of excited children, and he had the biggest smile on his face.
Leaning against the fence, I continued to watch him as he knelt beside a small boy, helping him adjust his stirrups.
“That’s it, buddy,” Colton said, his voice low and encouraging.
“You’re doing great. Just remember, the horse is your friend.
You gotta trust him, and he’ll trust you.
” He ruffled the boy’s hair, and the child beamed up at him.
When the lesson wrapped up, I walked over, a wide smile on my face.
“You’re amazing with them, Colton,” I said, standing on my tippy toes to press a kiss to his cheek.
Wrapping an arm around my waist, he pulled me closer and pressed his lips to mine.
“Ember,” he whispered in my ear. “It’s so good to see you, Firefly. ”
Breaking away from the kiss, I leaned back to look up at him. “So, how was your first lesson?”
He smiled. “It was great. These kids are naturals.”
“I was watching, you were great, Colton. They love you,” I countered. As we headed to the gate to head up to the house, I asked, “Hey, why don’t you stay for dinner tonight? I’m not sure what Mom’s making, but it’s sure to be good.”
He smiled. “Ah, Ember. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t tonight. I’ve got… something I need to do.” He gave me a quick, almost apologetic glance, one that had me raising my eyebrow in suspicion, then turned to lock the gate.
My heart sank a little. I was so tired of saying goodbye to him at the end of the day. I wanted to end our nights together.”Something you need to do?” I teased, trying not to let the disappointment show in my voice. “What could possibly be more important than dinner with me and my family?”
Colton turned back, his gaze steady and reassuring. “Nothing. But there’s something I need to do, Firefly. Trust me.”
Of course I trusted him. He hasn’t given me any reason not to. “I do. I’m just going to miss you.”
Pulling me to him, he kissed me. “And I’ll miss you. But..” kiss… “I’ll…” kiss “see…” kiss “you…” kiss “tomorrow.”