Page 80 of Admittedly For Me
“We have a strict rule for a good reason, and you know that, Dax.”
“I’m going to head out.” I see my Emery's name flash across the screen. “This is a lovely surprise.” I smile as I climb into my truck. “shouldn’t you be at work?
“The new chef is doing well, so I figured I’d take a step back and give you a quick call.” My chest warms. “I miss you.”
“I miss you more than you know, Daisy Girl.”
“I miss you more.” I hear chattering in the background and my heart sinks. “I gotta get back to the kitchen, but I will send you a text when I finish work. Say hi to Sophie for me.”
“I love you.” One day she’ll say it back.
“I can’t wait to do life with you.” The line goes dead, but her words are promising and keep me believing in us. That Emery will return. I let a sigh of relief go and loosen my grip on the wheel. She’s lit the fire in me to file for custody of my niece, and I know one day she’ll be by my side stepping up as the second parent. I make my way down the country road, looking for a shooting star. Is wanting a phone call to last longer than a few minutes with Emery or her back in my arms too much to ask for?
My phone goes off five hours later, waking me, but it’s Tori with the design details. I check my phone one more time and sigh. I know things are still great between us, but I can’t wait until she is back here and can consistently talk––face to face. I send her a loving voice memo for the morning, then go over the design email Tori sent my way for the project they’re working on. I should have everything built this weekend if I can’t sleep. Time will pass quicker anyway if I’m busy around the clock.
Chapter26
Ian
Daisy Girl: <3
I blinkdown at the short answer text as my gut wavers with uncertainty. The past few days have been nothing but short answers or emojis from Emery when she responds. The first two weeks we consistently talked and had sexy video chats that were next level mind-blowing. I don’t want to doubt her pulling away because I hear how happy she is to be making it possible to return here. Now, I’ve been shut in the dark and left with quick texts or a five-minute phone call before she has something come up.
“Damn, Ian.” Rhett enters the shop with wide eyes. “Did you even sleep?” I set the staining brush aside and look at the six bar chairs, a few dessert trays, and a coffee bar unit.
“It’s been a sleepless few nights, but I need to keep my mind busy.” I shrug, proud of myself for making this order in record time.
“The owner will be amazed at how quickly you got these built. Tori is with the client right now, getting things set up.” Rhett rolls up his sleeves and gives the builds a once-over. “I know we have a bunch of things going on, but the payout for this project was impossible to refuse.”
“I don’t care about the money. This side project has been a stress outlet.” I pick up two stools and walk them toward the door. “Everything is ready to go, except that last chair if you’re bringing it over.” My heart squeezes, wishing it was Emery who was back in town, asking us to help set up her bistro.
“Any updates with Emery?” Rhett reads my face and readjusts his hat. It’s then my eyes catch the halfmoon nail marks on his forearm.
“She’s been short with me this weekend, and I can’t help but worry she’ll eventually phase out our texts altogether.” I hate the vulnerability in my voice, but I can’t help it. His hand smooths over the top of a chair as I get a better look. “Forearm marks look fresh.” I don’t remember him mentioning a hookup this weekend.
“Uhhh, yeah.” He turns to glance at the half moon marks adding more detail to his tattoos. “Tori had a freakout trying to feed the chickens with me this morning.” His one cheek sucks in and, for once, I can’t read him. “She’stryingto be country, but a couple of wing flaps had her clinging to me for dear life again.”
“At least she’s trying to fit in. This transition can’t be easy for her. Show her the romanticized version of a small town. Not the dirty farm work.” I pause, meeting his eyes.
“I’m not the romantic type, Ian. That sounds likeThe Notebookdate shit.” Rhett glances at the woodwork with a deep breath, then turns back to me. “Fine, I’ll give Miss California a movie-worthy experience.”
“She needs to fall in love with this town and never want to leave.” Or at least stick around until Sophie learns enough about design to start working for us.
“Look, Savannah and Tori have hit it off as friends. I don’t need Tori falling formeif I put all this effort into these so-called dates.” This guy is allergic to being with a woman beyond a casual hookup.
“It’s so damn strange that you aren’t already in a stable relationship, considering your family is so close and your parents are each other’s world.” I’ve never been able to figure out why he doesn’t want the family life.
“I’m what they call career driven, I guess.” He shrugs, checking to see how tacky the stain is on the chair. “Trust Emery, man. Working on herself is probably keeping her busy.” I don’t bother responding as my mind wonders if two and a half weeks out of this town has had her falling back into life in Aspen. “I’m going to deliver these pieces, and I’ll be back to pick you up for the walk-through of an older building downtown. Someone just leased one.”
“Yep. Beechwood Falls is growing and all.”
“Only in the summer. You know this town deserves to have the life it once had restored.” He has a point.
“I know. Go deliver those, and I’ll be ready when you get back.”
I help Rhett load the items into the work trailer and pull out my phone as he drives off. I’m two hours ahead of Emery, but she should be up, even if she worked late last night.
“Thank you for still holding on to us.” Her voice is winded but sweet as she answers on the third ring. “I have missed your voice more than you know.”