Page 7 of The Talk Around Town
Emma’s face erupted with warmth. Heat rushed in tiny pinpricks all over her body. Even her ears felt hot. Gabe’s eyes seared her skin as his gaze travelled over her chest and waist, then on down to her feet. For a gay man, he sure gave the once-over. Was he just checking out her outfit?
“There’s an extra for dinner, Max,” Darby called as the man in question walked toward the table. “Amy, this is Emma. Emma, Amy. That’s Simon down the end, and Gabe you’ve met.”
Emma smiled weakly at Amy, absently noting her soft, blonde curls and brown eyes. At least Amy was smiling at her. Darby pushed Emma into the booth beside Gabe and sat down opposite.
Gabe scooted over. He moved up against Simon, as far from her as he could without changing seats. Disappointment sat hard in her stomach. The man really didn’t seem to like her much.
“Max, Si? I’d like you to meet our newest citizen. Emma, these are my bigger brothers,” Darby said.
Emma held out her hand to shake Max and Simon’s.
“A pleasure, Emma.” Max sent an accusing glance in Gabe’s direction. “Gabe didn’t mention that you might be coming for dinner.”
“I didn’t know,” he said, eyeing a deliberately oblivious Darby.
Emma cleared her dry throat. “If this is a problem, I can leave. I understand. I didn’t mean to intrude on a family thing.”
“Oh no, you’re not going anywhere,” Amy interjected, smiling and winking at her. “You’re stuck with us. For a few hours at least.” She turned to her Max. “Get us another wine glass, would you?” Amy returned her brown gaze to Emma. “You like wine, right?”
Emma nodded, overwhelmed by the situation. It wasn’t often that she was so out of her depth, but she felt severely unprepared tonight. It was hard enough moving from everything she knew, let alone facing the entire population of her new town at the local pub.
“Yes, thank you.” Emma took the offered glass of red wine, taking a large gulp, hoping a fast infusion of alcohol would steady her crazy heartbeat.
*
Emma watched contentedlyas the dinner plates were cleared from the table. She felt so full she worried that she’d burst. Max had gotten the cook to put such a big steak on her plate Emma thought she’d gotten half a cow. The men were now behind the bar, serving a steady stream of patrons, laughter and happiness a soothing background to the low hum of conversation in the room. She sat back in the padded seat and contemplated the table to their left.
Before the meal had arrived, Darby had taken her around the room, introducing her to a couple of the more reticent patrons, and they’dstopped at that table. A pretty woman, Millie, had given Emma the once-over then promptly dismissed her, turning back to her friends and ignoring them after offering a terse “hello.” The others had been far more welcoming, but after a sharp glance from Millie, they’d reined in their more effusive welcome.
“Don’t worry about her.”
Darcy’s gentle command brought Emma’s attention back to the table.
Amy nodded, agreeing. “Millie’s just sore that you have everyone’s attention. She’ll get over it.”
Darby’s laugh made Emma’s lips tilt in response. These women were so nice. They’d made her feel comfortable and fielded the expected questions, comments and introductions from the more curious and welcoming citizens of Kurrajong Crossing.
“Yeah, she’s not happy because the boys didn’t make a list about her!” Darby laughed, then swung horrified eyes to Emma. “I mean, ah…”
Emma frowned and flicked her gaze between the two women opposite her. “What list?”
Amy shook her head at Darby. “Good one, Darb. She didn’t have to know.”
Emma sat up straighter, her stomach beginning to twist into knots again, just when she was finally relaxing. “What list? What are you talking about?”
Darby’s shoulders dropped. She waved a dismissive hand around the room. “Some of the guys set up a bet on who they think you’ll agree to date first.” She grabbed hold of Emma’s hand across the table, her eyes earnest. “It’s harmless. They’re just being goofs. If it helps, they all want to be first.”
Emma’s gaze jumped to Amy for confirmation.
“She’s right, Emma. It’s all in good fun. We weren’t going to tell you.” She glared at her sister-in-law beside her. “But now you know. I hope you don’t think any less of us.”
The surprise at the existence of the bet sank in as her heart settled its rapid pace. “No. Not of you, if that’s what you mean.” Humour started like a small seed in her belly. “Who’s winning so far?”
Darby shot Amy a relieved look and grinned at her. “Ryan’s tyingwith Dante, the last I heard. The pool is up pretty high, apparently. After tonight, it should skyrocket.”
Dante, the winemaker at a local winery, and Ryan. Gabe’s friend. The cute blond who had sat himself down next to her within minutes of their arrival at the family’s booth.
Emma looked over to where he was standing propped up with one elbow on the bar. The toe of his boot was hooked over the footrest of the stool in front of him. He was talking to Gabe while Gabe served clients around him.