Page 31 of Family Bonds- Emma & Warren

“You,” he said. “I don’t care so much about your family other than it’s a little intimidating, but I came back for you, not them.”

She wanted to sigh and fan herself over that perfect hero move and words but held it back.

Emma already knew her expectations when it came to men were high. Her fingers were a blank canvas and she painted the characteristics she wanted in her worlds.

Sometimes she thought they could be her molded perfect boyfriend for real life but knew it was silly.

Yet here one was, at first glance and from their few interactions, making her want to use him as a model in her book.

It was almost too good to be true and she’d be nuts to not give him a chance.

“I’m glad you did,” she said. “We might need a few ground rules here if you want to see more of me.”

He frowned. “Why is that?”

“Well, I’m a recluse and you’re far from it.”

“I like being a recluse,” he said. “I like to keep to myself but don’t always get to do that. I know that and understand it, but when I don’t have obligations to fill, I stay home.”

“But you’ve been to this island three times now, and in a short period, so that means you aren’t nearly the same definition of a recluse as me.”

Good lord, she was lucky if she left her house once a month. This month was almost stressing her out by how much she’d been moving around and interacting with people.

“We’ll get to that,” he said. “Let’s feed you. I don’t want you to waste away on me.”

Emma laughed and patted his leg a few times and then stood up to go over to the table where she knew the menus were kept. She’d been in rooms before as a cleaner to see how it was all set up. She needed that for a murder scene, but it was a few years ago.

“Are you going to pick on me if I get something with a lot of calories?” she asked, her eyes going over the dinner options.

“No,” he said. “But I will say again you have horrible eating habits. I guess I understand why when you eat it’s a lot of calories though.”

“I thought I told you that when I was eating my nachos. I know what I’m having.”

She handed him the menu and he looked it over. “I’ll take the grilled salmon with steamed vegetables and a Caesar salad.”

She wrinkled her nose and picked up the phone on the desk and hit the button for room service. “Hey, this is Emma French, is Grace Stone available?” She looked at the frown on Warren’s face and just winked while she waited for them to get Grace. “Hey there, lady. I’m in room 403. Don’t suppose I can put my order in with you.”

“Doing more research as a guest and how quickly I can get food to you?” her cousin Grace asked.

“Nope. Long story. I’ll have to fill you in another time. Can I get a grilled salmon, steamed vegetables, and a Caesar salad?”

“No way that is for you,” Grace said.

“Nope,” she said, laughing. “I’ll take the petite surf and turf, lobster and filet, medium rare. A side of spaghetti with butterand Parmesan cheese with that. And anything chocolate on the menu that you know I’ll love.”

“You got it,” Grace said. “Give me about twenty minutes.”

“You’re the best,” she said.

“Are you going to explain that?” Warren asked.

“Grace Stone is the executive chef here. I don’t suppose you follow reality cooking shows, but she was a finalist in a show last year.” She waved her hand. “It doesn’t matter. She’s my first cousin, just like Hunter is. We all have the same grandparents.”

He nodded again. “Must be Hunter’s father’s sister?” he asked.

She moved over and plastered a fast kiss on his lips that shocked him. “You are smart.”

He grabbed her by the arm and yanked her close, his mouth slanting against hers.