Unbroken

explain quickly to Lacey.
    Her eyes widen. “Awesome! I mean, not that you had to clean up,” she adds, running her hand over Garrett’s bicep flirtatiously. “But you got to see the whole thing. Was Jules exaggerating, or did Emerson really pound that guy?”
    “Oh, he destroyed him alright.” Garrett laughs, taking a sip from his bottle of beer. “Kenny needed a couple of stitches.”
    I wince. “I really am sorry,” I say again. Then I think of something else, and gasp. “Shit, did Emerson get in trouble?” I ask anxiously. “I don’t want him to wind up barred for life, or anything.”
    “Nah, he’s good,” Garrett replies, looking amused. “Dude can’t bar himself.”
    I frown. “What do you mean?”
    He looks at me. “You know, Jimmy’s is his place. He owns it. Isn’t that right, boss?” Garrett looks past me.
    My heart skips a beat, and then I hear Emerson’s voice, the low drawl that sends shivers skittering down my spine.
    “What’s that, you talking smack about me?” Emerson’s voice is easy and teasing. “Watch your mouth, or I’ll fire your ass.”
    “No way man,” Garrett grins. “I’m the one who brings in the college chick crowd. They love me,” he winks at Lacey, who giggles.
    “Full of yourself much,” she smacks his arm playfully, and the two begin to flirt and banter.
    I sit there, not moving a muscle. Suddenly, I’m the kind of dizzy that has nothing to do with the countless drinks I’ve consumed. I feel Emerson beside me, but I can’t bring myself to turn, or look up into his eyes.
    It’s only this morning we were on the beach together, only last night we were fighting in the parking lot. How could he have flipped my world upside down in just twenty-four hours?
    “Hey Jules.” His voice is quiet.
    “Hi.” I reply. I look down, picking at the skin on the edge of my nail. Fuck, I realize, I’ve already destroyed my manicure.
    Lacey finally drags her attention away from Garrett. She looks at me, then up at Emerson, and back again. She suddenly chokes on her beer as she puts two and two together. “Oh, shit.” she exclaims. “It’s the ex!”
    What the hell? I want to scream. Way to be subtle, Lacey! I send her a furious look.
    “I mean, hey, I’m Lacey.” She covers quickly. “And, uh, we’re going to go dance. Isn’t that right, stud?” She grabs Garrett by the hand.
    “Sure thing, sweetheart.” He grins, finishing his beer.
    They’re leaving me alone? With Emerson?!
    “Wait, Lacey—“ I try to protest, but she just winks at me, and drags Garrett off over to where couples are dancing to the live rock band.
    Shit.
    I take a short breath, and sneak a sideways look at Emerson. He’s watching the crowd, tapping his foot along with the band. Casual. OK, so that’s how we’re going to play it. I can do casual. “So, you own Jimmy’s now?” I say, “That’s great. Why didn’t you say?”
    Emerson gives me a measured look. “You didn’t ask.”
    I stop. How is this my fault? “Yeah, well I didn’t exactly have time, what with you pummeling a guy, pretending like you were going to make out with me, then judging every one of my life choices.”
    My reply whips out before I can stop it. I clamp my hand over my mouth, and stare at the shocked expression on Emerson’s face. He so wasn’t expecting that!
    But why the hell shouldn’t I say it? It’s the truth, after all. I let out a giggle, unable to stop myself.
    His expression changes.
    “You’re drunk.” He says shortly.
    I shrug, defensive. “So what if I am?”
    “You never could hold your liquor.” He shakes his head, and takes another gulp of his beer. “I wonder, what else has changed…?” Emerson’s mouth curves into a lascivious smile. “You still make that breathy noise when you come?”
    I gasp, shocked. “Fuck you!”
    “Already been there, darlin’.” He gives me a lazy look, eyes skimming over my body from head to toe. Suddenly, I get a flashback to his mouth following that same path.
    Licking slowly down my body until I’m panting and wet for him, arching mindlessly, my fingers tangled in his hair, clutching his mouth hard against me—
    I leap up, folding my arms defensively over my chest. I can feel my cheeks blushing bright red, but I can’t let him see how much he’s affecting me.
    “Whatever,” I shrug. “I’m going home.” I take a couple of steps away from him, then grab onto the bench for support as my head spins.
    “Easy, jay-bird.”