With the Boys in the Band by Marie Medina Read Free Book Online Page B

want.” He stood and extended his hand.
    After a moment, Emerson took it and rose to his feet. He ran his fingers through his hair and gazed up at the ceiling. “A bit more than I expected to have to take in before breakfast.”
    Gesturing toward the door, Vince said, “Go eat. Talk with Alicia. Take a walk or something.”
    Incredulous, Emerson could do nothing but gape at Vince. “She seems like a good listener, but these topics might be a bit too hefty.”
    Vince linked his hands behind his neck. “Do you wish I hadn’t told you?”
    “No. In both cases.” He sighed in frustration as dread settled in his stomach. “I’m not sure how to put one foot in front of the other right now, let alone tell the girl I just slept with about the two big revelations that came my way a few moments ago.”
    “I think she’ll be a better listener than you think.” Vince zipped his jeans and grabbed a shirt from the dresser. “Go find out.”
    Emerson watched him walk away and out the door. He wanted to stop him, yet once he was gone he managed to breathe a little easier. “Go find out?” he muttered. “It’s a fucking mad tea party around here.”
    But he knew she was upstairs waiting for him, so he turned his steps that way. All of her potential reactions swirled in his head as he forced himself up the stairs and back to his bedroom.
    ****
    Alicia rushed toward Emerson as soon as he entered the room. She couldn’t help herself. The look on his face told her that Vince had been honest about at least one of his secrets, possibly both if the green tint to Emerson’s skin was anything to go on.
    He tried to smile, but his attempt fell short. His expression settled into a frown, as he seemed to realize this, too. Reaching out and cupping her cheek, he leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth. “How good are you with huge revelations from guys you’ve only been dating for a day?”
    “I think I’ll survive. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
    “I need some air. Let’s grab something to eat real quick and take a walk.”
    “We can do that.”
    He remained quiet as they made their way down to the kitchen. She poured them both glasses of orange juice. He downed his right away as she nibbled on a blueberry muffin.
    “Mike?” she asked, holding it up.
    He nodded. “No shortage of baked goods when he’s around.” Reaching into the basket, he snagged a muffin and tore it in half. He chewed thoughtfully. “He’d probably make more money catering,” he said before popping the other half into his mouth. Wiping his bottom lip, he closed his eyes and then pinched the bridge of his nose. He poured another glass of juice and drank it down. She watched him stare down into the empty glass as if he might find answers at the bottom of it. After setting it in the sink, he moved toward the window, crossing his arms over his chest. When she’d finished her own juice, she went to him.
    “Ready?”
    “Yeah.” They went through the laundry room and out the back. The brisk air made them both brace themselves with deep breaths. “You need a sweater or anything? It’ll warm up soon, but the mornings can be a bit chilly.”
    “I’ll be fine.” She linked her arm with his. “Whenever you’re ready,” she added softly.
    “I think I need to say something else first, if that’s okay?”
    “Sure.”
    He stopped and looked down into her eyes. “Last night was amazing, and this is definitely the beginning of something. What I’m going to tell you won’t change that.”
    “I’m glad to hear it, and I’ll keep that in mind.”
    He gazed down at her as if he couldn’t believe how calm she was, and she couldn’t blame him for his incredulity. She already knew what was coming, and she’d been preparing for it. But he didn’t know that. She hoped he wouldn’t be angry with her, as it was obvious Vince hadn’t told him that the two of them had talked the day before.
    They started walking again as he began. “Vince told