“There are at least twenty women here who’d happily hook up with you tonight, Wyatt. Why are you so intent on me?”
“I already told you, I think you’re interesting.”
“Because I’m not falling at your feet? Because you like the challenge? Because you think I’m quaint?”
In for a penny, he thought, as he twirled a bit of her hair in his fingers. “Because I think your red hair is almost as pretty as you. Because you dance in pantries when no one is looking. Because I love and hate the way you look out for Ryder. Because you’re a great cook. Because you’re patient with Mari, those old folks, and me. Because you care about your mom’s opinion.” He noticed the artery at the base of her neck beating faster, so he stepped even closer. “Because the upside of the fact that you turn your back to me on a consistent basis is that I get to stare at your ass, which has led to a fair number of fantasies. And because that kiss a few minutes ago confirmed that, no matter how much you fight it, there’s something between us that wants to be explored.”
Her enlarged pupils practically eliminated every trace of green in her eyes. Her shallow breath told him he’d excited her. As far as he could tell, there was only one thing standing in their way. “So the question is, why not me, Emma? What’s so wrong with me?”
She blinked, her brows furrowed. Her throat worked hard to swallow. “Because I know how this goes, Wyatt. Nowhere. You’ll be gone like that.” She snapped her fingers.
“I’m here for a few more weeks. Can’t we just see what happens? At the very least, it could be a really fun memory.” Truthfully, no woman had kept his attention once he’d moved on to a new location before. Then again, Emma wasn’t like any of the other women he’d known.
Her green eyes dimmed like the sun ducking behind a cloud. In a low, defeated voice, she uttered, “Trust me when I tell you, I’m not that memorable.”
As soon as the words were out, she slapped her hand over her mouth.
“Why’d you say that?” Wyatt demanded.
“Nothing. Please drop this. People are staring, and I’m getting really uncomfortable. I told you I didn’t want the attention stolen from Kelsey, either. Let’s mingle.”
She’d shot him down and shut him out. He didn’t like it, and not only because it never happened. He knew, however, he’d get no further with her here at her friend’s party, nor should he try in front of prying eyes. That, and he’d promised not to do anything to draw attention away from her friend, Kelsey. “You know what, I’m going to catch an Uber home and spend some time with Ryder, if he’s back from pottery, that is.”
“Why do you sound miffed about the pottery?”
Miffed? What a perfectly Emma word. He wasn’t miffed, but it sounded nicer than infuriated, so he let it go. “Because he and I had a decent week together, but you keep finding other things for him to focus on. Is he the reason you keep shooting me down? Do you have a thing for my brother?” Wyatt held his breath, regretting his question.
“No!” Emma’s brows furrowed. “And I told you already, I’m not trying to come between you or suggesting that he abandon your training. But why can’t he also explore some things for himself so that, once you’ve accomplished your goals this year, he has something of his own?”
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
Emma crossed her arms. “Then quit bringing it up.”
“I’m leaving.” Wyatt waved his hand in her face, only to quickly realize it showed his immaturity.
“Fine.” She bugged her eyes at him, then looked embarrassed that they’d both regressed to childlike behavior.
“Tell Trip I had to bolt, and apologize for my early exit.” He felt idiotic—like a four-year-old having a tantrum because someone stole his candy. Still, he didn’t even turn and look back as he made his way through the crowd.
Chapter Ten
When Wyatt returned to the inn, he walked in on Mari and Jim editing film in the dining room.
“Hey, guys.” Wyatt waved from the archway of the room. He opted not to sit with them because Mari followed his Twitter handle, and he didn’t want to give her a chance to grill him about the photo. At least it hadn’t been video.
Mari glanced at the clock. “You’re back earlier than expected.”
“I never planned to stay out late. Just needed a change of scenery.” Wyatt decided Mari hadn’t yet seen the Twitter feed, because if she had, the cameras would be on and she’d be slamming him with questions about Emma. “Ryder back yet?”