After their burgers, they caught an early movie. They snuggled in the back of the theater, making out like teenagers. It was the perfect night, and just what she needed after all the drama. They were walking back to the Rover when Embry’s phone buzzed. She pulled it from her purse, feeling a mixture of dread and relief when she saw Morgan’s face on the screen—relief that it wasn’t Jack and dread that he remained eerily silent.
“Hey, M,” she said.
“Hey, hooker! What are you two love birds up to?” Morgan said in a sing-song voice. Embry hadn’t yet told her about Jack’s Thanksgiving surprise.
“We had some burgers and beers at Main House and just saw a movie. Where are you guys?”
“The Dock. Come down for a few drinks!” Morgan shouted over the background noise.
The Dock was an upscale bar where they never had to worry about awkward run-ins with people from high school. Embry hadn’t been there in years, but she was tempted to go spend some time with Morgan and Brett. She wanted Brett and Luke to meet.
“Hold on, let me see if Luke’s up for it,” she said, glancing at him.
Luke nodded. “Whatever you want, baby. Let’s go.”
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”
“Doesn’t matter. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be fun. Especially if your crazy best friend is involved,” he said, bumping her with his hip.
“Tell him I heard that!” Morgan said.
Embry chuckled. “We’ll be there in ten.”
Gravel crunched under their tires as Luke and Embry pulled into the lot outside the bar. The Dock was situated on the top floor of a white, stilted building overlooking the marina. Music pumped from inside the bar, and a loud clanging echoed around the harbor as boats rocked back and forth in the water. Luke hopped down from the Rover and walked around to Embry’s side.
He pulled her down and closed the door behind her before pressing her back against the car and crushing his lips to hers. His tongue swept into her mouth, eliciting a deep moan from Embry. It was so passionate and intense that all she could do was go with it. There was no controlling the kiss or Luke, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on. He kissed her breathless before dragging his mouth away from hers and stepping back.
“What was that for?” she asked, panting.
He lifted a shoulder and dropped a chaste kiss on her lips. “Just love you, that’s all.”
Her answering smile was so large she felt her cheeks ache.
He folded her hand in his and tugged her to his side. “Let’s go.”
They walked up the stairs into the bar. It was beach chic—dark wood floors, white walls, wainscoting on the ceiling, driftwood accents, and pictures of surf and sunset covering the walls. Embry led them past the bar and into the lounge where large white ottomans were arranged across the floor.
“Embry!” Morgan’s voice carried over the music.
Embry saw Brett’s tall head above the crowd. “Back there,” she said to Luke.
He nodded, his eyes searching the bar.
“Hiyeeeeeeeee!” Morgan sang, running up and pulling Embry into a hug.
“Hey there,” Embry replied.
“Let the girl breathe, babe,” Brett said behind her. He extended his hand toward Luke. “Hey, man, I’m Brett.”
“Luke. Nice to meet you.”
Embry peeled away from Morgan and wrapped her arms around Brett’s torso. “Hey, big bro.”
Brett ruffled her hair and hooked his arm around her. “Hey, B. How are you doing?”
“Good.”
Morgan and Luke said hello, and they all made their way to two large ottomans in the back of the room. Electronic music pulsed in the background, and Morgan and Embry got comfortable as the guys went for drinks.
“So how was Thanksgiving?” Morgan asked. “Do Dean and Celia like Luke?”
“Oh you know, never a dull moment at the Jacobs’ house. We had a great Thanksgiving. They love Luke. Then Jack showed up, which made the evening that much more special,” Embry deadpanned.
Morgan’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head, and Embry laughed at her friend’s reaction.
“You’re kidding, right?” she asked.
“Wish I were. My mom ran into Jack and his father and wound up inviting them to stop by after dessert. She didn’t know about Luke, and when I told her later, I guess it slipped her mind.” Embry shrugged.
“So I’m assuming you’ve finally come clean to Luke and your parents?”
“Yeah. Shitty night, but it ended well.”
“I’m surprised Luke didn’t kick Jack’s ass!” Morgan said.
“Oh, I’m sure he would have if we weren’t at my parents’ house. I’ve never seen him so angry. We sat on the porch in the freezing cold for an hour because he didn’t want me near Jack. And he sure as hell couldn’t go near him.”
“You sat outside the entire time Jack was there? Celia must have had a coronary.”
“She was pretty pissed until I told her the truth. Then I think she just felt like shit. She’s blaming herself.”
“Wow,” Morgan said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Yep,” Embry agreed.
Luke and Brett came back with drinks, and the conversation took on a lighter tone. Apparently Luke was interested in Brett’s new CrossFit obsession, and they were bonding over their workouts. Morgan raised an eyebrow at Embry when they heard Luke mentioning the cult-like program.
Embry shrugged. “As long as he doesn’t start high-fiving, it’s all good.”
Morgan dragged Embry out onto the dance floor while Luke and Brett continued their male bonding. The girls twirled each other around under the watchful eyes of their men. Embry was having a great time and feeling the effects of the alcohol. Somehow, Morgan convinced Luke to be her next victim as Embry collapsed on the ottoman next to Brett. Luke was a good sport and put up with Morgan’s giggles as he spun her around. Brett gave Embry a careful look.
“He told you, didn’t he?” she accused.
“Of course he did!” Brett said. “That fucker must have brass balls walking into your house like that. I have no idea how Luke controlled himself.”
Embry sighed. “I don’t know how he did it either. I thought he was going to break.”
“Well, he’s a better man than I am,” Brett admitted. “I would’ve kicked the shit out of him in the middle of your living room.”
“After telling my parents last night, I’m pretty sure Dean and Celia would get in line behind you,” she said dejectedly.
His eyes softened, and he covered her hand with his. “How’d that go?”
She shrugged. “As good as it could have gone, I guess. They were understanding and supportive, and I felt like an ass for not trusting them sooner.”
“It’s all good, B. It’s over now.”
“Is it?” she asked, her eyes pleading. “I’m not so sure. And if you or Luke really believed that, neither of you would sit here looking more like a security detail than our boyfriends.”
“You’re important to both of us. We want to make sure you’re safe.”
“Well, I’m definitely safe here,” Embry said. “I may not have had any contact with him in five years, but I know Jack Stowe would never set foot in a place like this.”
Brett shrugged. “Go get me my girlfriend, and dance with your man.”
Embry gave Brett a half-hearted salute and headed back onto the dance floor. Morgan swirled around as Luke grabbed Embry’s waist and pulled her close.