Free Emmitt's Treasure: Judgement of the Six Companion Series, book 2 by Melissa Haag Page B

watch the boys out here if you two want to go in,” Winifred said from her chair on the porch.
    A swell of determination spiced Michelle’s scent as she stood and told her brothers that she would be right inside if they needed her.  I quickly stood, too, and ignored the wink Winifred sent my way.
    Michelle followed me to Jim’s apartment.  Now that the time was here, I hesitated.  I went to the TV and grabbed the movie I really had purchased in town.  I turned and held it up with a hopeful smile.
    The hope that we could sit together for a while before I broke the news to her died at her serious expression.
    “Emmitt,” she said, reluctantly.  “I really appreciate you letting us stay here, but I don’t know how long we’ll be here, and can’t afford any emotional distractions.”
    At first, her words hurt.  She was ready to leave before we’d even gotten started.  Then, I realized what she’d said.  Emotional distractions.
    “What are we talking about, exactly?”
    “The way you look at me...” she whispered with a blush.
    Oh, the things she could do to me.  The color in her cheeks and the shy look in her eyes made my chest tight.  I wanted to touch her and have her touch me in return.  My face.  My hair.  It didn’t matter.  Just any sign of affection.  I was starting to feel a little starved for it.
    And there she was, telling me it wasn’t going to happen.  But, she didn’t know about the pull.  About werewolves.  About me.  When she did understand, she’d change her song.  However, I could see this wasn’t the moment to tell her.  Not with her standing there all wary and defensive.
    “I see.  Michelle, when I saw you in the diner, and again when you faced David, I knew you needed a friend.”
    She stayed quiet a moment.
    “Friendship might be more than I can manage,” she said, finally.
    I nodded, sad for her, and looked down at the movie in my hands.  I lifted it slightly and looked up at her with a half-smile.
    “So, is that a no to a movie?”
    “It’s a yes to the movie and a no to anything else.”
    “Fair enough.”
    She sat on the couch while I started the movie.  The squeal of the machine didn’t annoy me as it once had.  I’d gotten used to it over the years.
    For the next two hours, we sat side by side, not quite touching.  The rumble of Michelle’s truck echoed distantly before the final scene.  It sucked that Jim would be home before I could talk to her again, but maybe it was for the best.
    Just as the movie ended, Jim walked through the door and plopped down onto the couch next to Michelle.  He grinned at me and slipped an arm around Michelle’s shoulders.  She didn’t seem to mind.
    “Where do you work?” she asked, turning to him.
    I was going to kick his ass later.  Standing, I went to turn off the television.
    “Roadside construction.  Thanks for letting me use your truck,” he said.  Then, in the reflection of the TV, I watched him kiss her cheek.
    “You need to shower,” I said without turning.
    Winifred, I’m going to kill him.
    Your mother will never forgive you.
    She’ll get over it.  Eventually.
    Jim laughed and sauntered back to the bathroom.
    Michelle stood, too.
    “Thanks for the movie, Emmitt.”
    I nodded, unable to turn around and look at her as she left because my canines were showing.
    Once I knew she was out of hearing, I stood and went to lean against the bathroom door.
    “What the hell were you thinking?”
    Despite the running water and the closed door, Jim heard me.
    “Showing you how it’s done.  You’re making this way too hard.  You know she’s the one, start putting some moves on her.”
    “You’re the one who said she wasn’t ready.”
    “For the truth.  Every girl is ready for some moves.”
    “I’ve got some moves for you,” I said with a growl.
    “You’re not my type.”
    I slapped a hand on the door and walked away as Michelle called the kids inside for the evening.
    Settling in for