Free Trusting Jack by Beth Hale Page B

hand.  “It was great meeting you.”
                  “Likewise.”  Jack clasped his hand.  “Emma has great taste in friends.”
                  “Since you brought up her name…I just want to thank you.  She’s acting more like the Emma I used to know.  I think you’re a big part of the reason.”
                  “She’s told me a little of her ex-husband.”
                  Chris’s eyes darkened.  “That son of a bitch conned her into marriage, talked her into believing she wasn’t good enough for him, and then cheated on her.  I hate him.”
                  “With good reason, it sounds like.  I can give you my word I won’t treat Emma that way.”
                  “I believe you, especially since I approve of the way you handled her last night.  And that’s not my business,” he laughed and held up a hand.  “My Emma’s a grown girl.  But I do want to say this,” he continued.  “Emma doesn’t give herself lightly.  I don’t want her hurt.”
                  “I care for her.  A great deal, actually.”
                  “Then we’re good.”  They shook hands again and Chris left for the airport.
                  A few hours later, Jack found Emma studying a sheaf of papers.  She looked up and scrambled to her feet.  She blushed.
                  “Ahh…I’m sorry about last night.”
                  Jack shook his head and cupped her cheek.  “I’m not,” he replied.
                  “I’m not in the habit of getting sloppy drunk and throwing myself at men.”
                  “I thank God for that, or else I’d have to go about defending your dubious honor.”
                  Emma finally smiled.  “Rumor says Norah will have a couple of weeks off while y’all shoot bloody battle scenes.”
                  “Yes, and Edward III will have Mortimer executed.  Crimes against the kingdom and what not.  I’ll miss you.”
                  “You’ll be too busy to miss me.”
    “The premier for Float Away will be just after we’re finished with that.  I’d like you to come with me.”
                  Emma’s eyes grew wide.  “I’ve never been to a premier.”
                  “Then say yes.  The premier will be held at the O2 arena, and the after party at a club nearby.  And afterwards, we can have our own private after party.”  Jack’s voice deepened with promise.  “And I can guarantee I’ll take complete advantage of you then.”
                  Emma felt a surge of desire at the thought.  “That sounds absolutely delightful.  I’d love to go to the premier with you.” 
     
    ***
     
    “I’m so excited.”  Emma gave a little sigh.  I never thought I’d be going to a movie premiere.  I remember Gala of Fools .  I watched you walk the red carpet and thought how glamorous it all looked.”
    Norah glanced up from packing an overnight bag.  “Do you want more than just being an assistant, Emma?  Do you want to act?”
    “Oh, no!”  Emma laughed.  “I most definitely do not.  I love working for you, and that’s enough for me.”  She turned to Norah and continued, “But this is so much fun.  Wearing fabulous clothes and walking on the arm of a sexy man.”
    Norah smiled.  “Jack is sexy,” she agreed.  “And you look beautiful.”
    Emma turned a slow circle and studied her reflection again in the full length mirror.  She’d chosen a simple black silk floor length gown with cap sleeves.  The neckline was low, and her breasts rose temptingly over it.  Her dark brown hair was swept up and anchored by crystal studded hair pins.
    She’d kept her make-up simple as well.  She slicked a final coat of ruby colored gloss over her full lips and smiled at ruby polish on her newly manicured hands.