The Proposal (The Proposition #2)(44)

“No, no. Go right ahead.”

Pesh grinned. “So I didn’t sell you on Indian food, huh?”

Emma laughed. “I think from now on I better stick with one dish instead of sampling them all.”

Pesh had just finished cleaning up when his pager went off. “Seriously?” he grumbled.

“What’s wrong?”

“They need me in a little early tonight. Full moon has all the crazies coming out I guess.”

“Really?”

Pesh glanced up at her and smiled. “Which part? Them needing me to come in or that a full moon really brings out the craziness in people?”

She giggled. “Both I guess.”

“Oh yes. Full moon nights in the ER are something out of a horror movie.”

“Then I’ll keep you in my prayers.”

“Please do.” He glanced at the bags around him. “I think I’m going to have to make two trips. Be right back.” He grabbed the food bags and his medical bag and headed out the door. Beau started to follow after him.

“No boy. Come here.”

He immediately came to Emma’s side. The look he gave her brought a smile to Emma’s lips. “No, I’m not running off with him. Your bed buddy and provider of table scraps is staying put.”

Beau wagged his tail at her comment. When Pesh came back in the door, Beau stiffened. Pesh eyed him as he came around the couch for the ultrasound machine. “Hmm, guess that Samosa didn’t cement our friendship, huh buddy?”

Beau proceeded to jump on the couch and lay his head down on Emma’s lap. Pesh laughed good-naturedly. Wagging a finger at Beau, he said, “You take good care of her and the Little Man, okay?”

Emma smiled. “He will.”

“Thanks for letting me come over tonight.”

“No, it’s me who should be saying thanks for the fact you were willing to check on me and for bringing dinner.”

“It was my pleasure, and one I hope to repeat in the future. But I think I’ll wait until you’re off bed-rest to commence more of my wooing.”

“Okay, I guess we can do that.”

Pesh stroked his chin in thought. “Do you like the opera?”

“Oh, yes, I adore it. I’m a big fan of the cultural arts.”

After digging his wallet out of his pocket, Pesh produced several tickets. “These are for next week’s performance of Aida. You should be off bed-rest by then. Would you like to go?” At her hesitation, Pesh said, “Just as friends, Emma.”

She exhaled in relief. “Thank you. I would enjoy that.”

“Then I look forward to seeing you again next week for our non-date to Aida.”

“Me too.”

Pesh grabbed the machine and then leaned over to tenderly kiss Emma’s cheek. Beau raised his head and gave a low growl. “Beau!” Emma admonished. He ducked his head and gave her his best sad hound dog face.

“I guess that’s my cue to be going.”

“I’m sorry about him.”

Pesh shook his head. “Don’t be sorry about anything, Emma. For Beau, for not enjoying dinner…” His face hovered inches above hers. “Most of all, don’t be sorry for what I might’ve made you feel tonight.”

She stared up at him, unblinking and unmoving. “I won’t.”

“Good.” He then stood up, and with a final wave, he walked out the door.

Once they were alone, Beau whined and snuggled up to her. “Oh give me a break, would you? It’s not easy being a big, pregnant ball of hormones!” She then fell back against the pillows and turned on the TV.

CHAPTER TWELVE

At a little after nine, Beau raised his head and woofed happily. “Hmm, I guess that means Daddy is home?”

Beau wagged his tail as he raced to the kitchen. The beep of the house alarm alerted her of Aidan coming in the back door. “Hiya, boy. You hold down the fort for me while I was gone?”

Aidan came into the living room with Beau still yipping at his side. “I sure hope he didn’t do anything embarrassing like pee on you to mark his territory while your date was here.”

“No, he didn’t,” Emma snapped.

“Speaking of, how was your date?” Aidan asked, tossing his keys on the table.

“It wasn’t a date,” she muttered.

“Excuse me, Miss Testy.” He inhaled sharply. “Ugh, what stinks in here?”

“Pesh brought Indian food for me to try.” Emma’s stomach rolled at the thought of ever eating again, least of all anything with spices. “Where have you been?” she asked, trying to change the subject.

“I had me a hot date.”

Emma jerked her head up to stare at him. She couldn’t stop her eyes from widening in shock or her mouth dropping open. He had been with another woman? After everything he had said to her before he left? Her nausea revved into overdrive at the prospect, and she fought the rising bile in her throat. “Y-You did?”

He nodded and plopped down on the coffee table. His knees knocked into hers, and she fought the urge to pull away from the closeness of him. He leaned in on his elbows. “Picture this outfit. Cut-off, Daisy Duke’s with the ass cheeks hanging out—”

“Short shorts? It’s late October!”