Page 15 of Mr. Edwards

“That’s sweet of you to say.” I know she doesn’t believe me, but it’s the truth.

“So, you ran into a hot guy,” I probe, trying to get to the bottom of this. “I get that part, but what am I missing? You were heartbroken when you got here. Did he say something to upset you?”

She shakes her head. “It wasn’t what he said exactly.”

“He didn’t hurt you in any way, did he?” Just the thought of someone getting physical with her makes my blood boil.

“No, not physically. Maybe it’s best if I start from the beginning.”

I nod, squeezing her hand for encouragement before letting go, and she continues.

“After I bought my donut, I was walking back to my car. I’ve waited an entire month for one of those babies, and jelly donuts are life.” I’m grinning as I listen to her. She’s so animated and I love how much she worships those damn donuts. Kind of like me with burgers… or food in general. “So, I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and took a bite because come on,jelly donut. My eyes were closed as I absorbed all the sugary goodness, and I’m pretty sure I moaned like a porn star.”

This time I throw my head back and cackle. Christ, I love this girl.

“That’s when the stupidly hot guy entered. He walked straight into me, knocking the donut out of my hand in the process.”

I gasp, in a teasing way. “I’m so sorry, Em.”

Emma rolls her eyes. “That’s not what made me cry, bitch.”

“I’m just messing with you. Did you kick him in the balls at least?”

“Of course not. I don’t have your ninja skills.” Weboth laugh at that comment. “I was seriously pissed at him, but despite that…” She pauses for a moment. “… okay, you’re going to think this is crazy because I know you don’t believe in this kind of thing, but we connected. I’m certain he felt it too. There was this magnetic pull between us.”

“So, you bonded over a jelly donut lying on the sidewalk?”

“No silly. It was just… I don’t know, I can’t explain it, but it was there I swear. I’ve never felt anything like it before.”

“And that’s why you were so upset?”

She exhales a large breath. “No.”

“Did you get his number at least?”

She shakes her head. “I never would’ve asked for his number; you know what I’m like, but if he had asked for mine…” She shrugs, staring down at the table. “It’s irrelevant anyway because everything went to shit when he noticed the scars on my wrists. He freaked out and couldn’t get away fast enough.” When she looks up again, I see the tears welling in her eyes.

“Oh, babe.”

Her breath hitches. “His reaction brought back all the shame from my past.”

The waitress chooses that moment to approach our table to take our order. Emma looks away, discreetly wiping her eyes. I know she’s embarrassed, poor thing. She has such a gentle soul; she’s like the yin to my yang.

Picking up the menu, I quickly place my order, giving her a moment to collect herself.

When the food arrives, I tuck straight into mine, I’m starved, but Emma just pushes hers around the plate. It concerns me because it’s her Sinful-Saturday… her feast day. This guy’s judgment has messed with her mojo. Only a wuss would be scared off by a few tiny scars.

“Hey, why aren’t you eating?” I ask. “Don’t let that twat-waffle in your head, Em. He doesn’t know you, or what you’ve been through.”

“I know. It just rattled me, I guess.”

“Well, don’t let it. Who cares what some hot guy thinks? Hot guys are seriously overrated.”

“Totally,” she says, fighting a smile.

“Tonight, we’re going out to paint the town red. Fuck all the haters. You, me, some cocktails and dancing. It’s what you need. Just the two of us… a girls’ night. A dick-free zone.”

She nibbles on her bottom lip, but I’m not giving in. She needs to let loose and forget, otherwise she’ll spend the entire weekend wallowing. I hate seeing her like this.