“Yeah, he’s finally home,” Trent said.
Damon couldn’t see Trent’s face because his back was turned to his sister, and Damon stood behind her.He almost laughed.
“So, um, where is he?”she asked.
Damon stepped closer to her.“I’m right here, baby.”
Emma gasped and whirled around.He almost reached for her when it looked like she would fall.
They stared at each other for a long time.She was even more beautiful than the last time he’d seen her at her nineteenth birthday party.He’d seen pictures of her that Trent sent him, but it wasn’t the same as seeing her in person.
Trent cleared his throat.“I must run to the store.I’ll be back soon.”
“Trent ...wait,” she called out, but her brother ignored her.Within a minute, they heard Trent’s car drive off.
She took several breaths before she faced him.“What’s going on?It feels like my brother is trying to push us together, and if he is, I’m sorry.I’ll talk to him later.”
She looked around, a bit lost, and he just wanted to take her into his arms.
“Will you tell him to call me when he gets back?”she said.She took a few steps away from him and turned.“I’m glad you’re home safe.”
She tried to walk away, only to have his arm wrapped around her waist from behind.
“Whoa, baby.You’re not going anywhere.Trent didn’t push us together.I asked him about this.I’ve been waiting five years to talk to you.”
She stiffened.“Now, what would you have to say to me?”
He tightened his grip on her when she tried to lean away from him, bringing her back until there was no space between them.
“I’ve got a lot to tell you.Could you please give me some time so I can explain?”
He was afraid she’d say no, and then he didn’t know what he would do.
“For what purpose?”she asked.“I’m nothing but Trent’s sister.”
He hated that she threw the words he’d spat at her five years ago back in his face.The fact that she remembered them word for word gave him some hope.He’d never forgotten anything about the last time they’d seen each other.
“That’s not true.It’s never been true.”He squeezed her.“Please, just listen to me.”