Adrian's POV
Emily Harper.
She was one of the few ways I could infiltrate Amelia's life. I stared at her mugshot.
Bruised eye. Bloodied lip. Scattered hair.
Nothing like the woman I saw a few days ago, which made her perfect. Her past showed she was just as broken as Amelia and me.
I wondered how deeply she'd buried that part of her. I was curious.
Amelia had found someone damaged like her to call a friend. I guess the saying was true.
Birds of the same feather flock together.
"We're here, sir," Trey said.
I stared out the window, at the bakery Emily Harper owned—all charm and triviality. Curve windows framed in white-painted wood.
Flower boxes spilled blooms beneath the windows; a chalkboard on the sidewalk listed the specials in neat cursive.
Ugh.
Through the window, I could see Emily behind the counter scribbling something down.
A soft jingle announced my arrival as I walked through the door. Emily stood up and paused when she saw me.
"Welcome."
I walked over to the counter, taking a quick scan around the room. No one was in sight.
Good.
"It's you, again," she said.
I met her gaze. Her brown eyes lit up, happy to see a paying customer.
Of course, she was. The place was as dry as a desert.
"What can I get you?" she asked.
I smiled. "A date."
"What?"
"Go out on a date with me," I said.
She paused. "Are you asking me out on a date?"
I didn't realize I was speaking French.
I forced a smile. "Yes."
She watched me, a smile playing on her lips. "You know, most guys would frame that as a question."
She leaned on the counter. "You said that like you were expecting me to say yes."
I leaned closer, holding her gaze. "So, you are saying yes."
She twirled her hair, eyes twinkling. Her gaze fell to my lips, the thought swirling behind those brown orbs.
I smirked.
"Alright, then."
I pulled away. "I'll pick you up at 8."
The bell jingled when a customer came in.
"Sorry, we're closed," she said.
I waited until the guy walked away before turning to her.
She pulled off her apron. "Let's go."
"What?"
"I was getting bored out of my mind. Let's go on a date right now."
I hesitated. It was too abrupt. I'd booked the best restaurant in town. I had a whole thing planned.
I shook my head. "I can't right now."
She pulled down her ponytail, making her hair spill over her shoulders.
"Really? Then, what about tomorrow?"
Something didn't feel right.
"Do you have something planned for tonight?" I asked.
"It's supposed to be a secret but my best friend is getting proposed to tonight," she gushed.
I froze. Her words echoed in my ears.
"What?"
She grazed my arm. "Is everything okay? We can reschedule if you want—"
I pulled away sharply. "No."
It was too soon. There was no way I was going to let that happen.
"There's no need to reschedule."
"Good." She grabbed my arm. "There's a spot I've been dying to go to."
Brian proposing so soon was not part of my plan. I needed more information.
We walked to a park, the sun beating down my skin. I stared at her linked arm around mine.
She inhaled gently. "I've always loved summer."
Her eyes met mine. "The feeling of the sun on my skin. It makes me feel alive."
Where was he planning to propose?
"Emily, you helped pick out the ring, didn't you?" I asked.
She stared at me. "How do you know that?"
I unlinked our arms. "You mentioned it the last time."
A flash of recognition filled her face. "Ah, yes. You have a good memory."
"I've been told."
She turned, eyes closed, swaying her arms as she looked up at the sky.
I was going to need more than that.
"How long have they known each other?" I asked.
"About four years," she said, eyes still closed. "I can't believe he's gonna propose."
I clicked my jaw.
"Let's sit over there." She pointed at a bench.
"Sounds like you and Amelia are really close," I baited.
She smiled. "She's had it rough. I'm glad she finally has someone who loves and sees her like Brian does."
She wasn't taking the bait and I was running out of time.
"Why do you keep asking about Amelia?" Her brows knitted. "Do you know her?"
I paused. "Only professionally. Brian can't stop talking about her."
"What about you?" she asked.
"What?"
She smiled. "Anyone you can't stop talking about?"
Amelia.
I shook my head. "No one."
Her smile grew wider. "Well then, I'm in luck."
I wouldn't be so sure about that.
"Do you feel better now?"
I raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"You spilled hot coffee on your suit the last time."
The sting came back, reminding me of the small burn on my thigh. "I'm fine."
She nodded.
I wanted to get more information about Amelia, not dig into myself.
"Emily, about—"
Her phone buzzed, interrupting me. She turned away slightly. My brows furrowed.
"Amelia, hey."
A soft pause. I inched closer, desperately trying to hear what she was saying.
"Yes, we're still on for tonight."
I fisted my palm. It didn't matter where the proposal was taking place, all I had to do was stop it.
"Okay, I'll see you tonight."
She dropped the call and turned to me. "Sorry, that was—"
"I need to make a phone call," I said, stepping away.
I dialed a number—the familiar 10 digits I'd come to memorize. The soft thrilling filled my ears with each passing second.
I bit my lip. And finally, a click.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Cane?" Amelia's voice came from the other end of the phone.
"Mr. Robinson has some important documents I need to sign," I blurted.
A pause.
She sighed. "What does that have to do with me…sir?"
"I need them delivered to my office, immediately."
"I'll send a courier. If that's all…"
"Perhaps I wasn't clear, Ms. Wells." I pressed the phone closer to my ear. "I need you to deliver the documents to my office."
"I am not going to—"
"Careful now," I cut her off. "I'd hate to have you fired."
Silence—followed my heavy breaths.
I glanced at my wristwatch. "My office. Thirty minutes. Don't be late."
I ended the call before she could argue and turned to Emily.
Insufferable as she was, she'd just proved to be an invaluable asset.
One I planned to use for a long time.