Dirty Proof (Novak Springs) Read online

  “People don’t often say no to my father. In fact, you’re the first person I’ve met who managed to do it at all.”

  Emma tilted her head and studied him. “Why do you sound irritated?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s not you. He’s trying to talk me into changing specialties. He doesn’t understand why I don’t want to work in sports. I’ve never liked football—or any athletic event for that matter. Working with them day in and day out...” Ian shuddered. “No, I just couldn’t do it.”

  Emma nodded. “I get it. You can’t spend the rest of your life doing what you hate. Don’t let him browbeat you into doing something you would regret.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

  “Good.”

  “So what’s your story, Emma?”

  “What do you mean?” She studied him, puzzled.

  “That football player—”

  “Colt Lewis?”

  “Yeah, it was clear you two had a history. Are you sure you want to work with him?”

  How to answer him? Did she want to work with Colt? That would be a huge negative—hell no times a bazillion. The thing was, she did want to work in physical therapy. She had to make concessions somewhere and working with Colt on a regular basis was her compromise. The first chance she got she’d sit him down and explain to him how things were going to be. Colt wouldn’t be too difficult if he understood the rules. The biggest one was to leave her the hell alone.

  “Colt won’t be a problem.”

  “You sound so sure of that.” He frowned. “How can you know he won’t be?”

  Emma sighed. “Colt has many faults, but he’s respected my space so far. I have no reason to believe he’ll do anything to make me uncomfortable. It’s been more than a year since we broke up. We’ve both moved on and are much happier apart.”

  Emma looked down at the contract. The words swam in front of her. She didn’t want to revisit a painful part of her past. She silently begged the fates that Ian wouldn’t ask what happened between her and Colt. Nothing was going to get her to spill her guts. She barely held it together in his presence—her heart a constant aching wound.

  “I see,” he said, quietly.

  Emma’s eyes shot upward and looked into his. “What do you mean?”

  “You do have a broken heart in need of repair.”

  “Oh, you mean earlier—no, I was just joking.”

  Was it that evident? No, she’d been careful to conceal how much hurt she still carried within her.

  “Sure, if it makes you feel better to believe that.” Ian held up his hand to stop her from talking. “Don’t feel like you need to explain. I’ve been there, trust me I understand.”

  Emma sat back and just stared at him. How sad, they commiserated over understanding the pain of losing someone they once loved. She wouldn’t push but couldn’t help being curious. If he wanted to tell her, she’d listen.

  “I don’t feel like talking about it.”

  “Neither do I.” He smiled. “I think we are destined to be good friends.”

  Emma grinned back at him. “Is that so?”

  “Yes, but first I need you to tell me one thing.”

  “What’s that?” she asked.

  “What’s your last name and would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

  “That’s two questions.” Emma laughed.

  “I know, but it didn’t occur to me until I wanted to ask you to join me tonight that you never told me your full name. I wouldn’t know it was Emma if the football player hadn’t interrupted us earlier.”

  Going to dinner with Ian was a good idea. A brilliant, wonderful, and serendipitous opportunity to start finally getting Colt Lewis out of her heart for good—even if she and Ian were only going to be friends. She had to start somewhere.

  “I’d love to have dinner with you tonight.”

  “Good.” Ian paused. “I’m afraid I need to ask you one more question.”

  Emma laughed. She’d not had this much fun in a long time. “I don’t know if I want to answer any more.”

  Ian sighed and tapped his fingers on the desk. “I really must insist.”

  Emma waved her hand, amusement filling her heart. “Okay, fine. Ask your question.”

  “Do you like Italian?”

  “The food or the people?”

  “Both I guess—but in this case the food is more on topic.”

  Emma grinned. “I love it.”

  “Perfect.” Ian grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down his phone number. He handed it to her. “Store my phone number and when you get a minute text me your address. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  He got up to walk out of the office.

  “You’re not going to wait to talk to your father?” she asked.

  He turned to look at her and shook his head. “No, I decided it’s best if I don’t. Less likely we’ll end up arguing that way.”

  Emma nodded. “Probably a good idea.”

  “Until later.” He waved goodbye as he exited the office.

  Emma turned her attention back to the contract in front of her. She read it through and made sure she was familiar with all of the fine details. Nothing seemed wrong with it, so she signed and dated it and placed it back on the folder. She closed it and slid it across the desk, letting it rest in front of Henry’s chair. Emma didn’t know when he’d be back, and she didn’t want to leave without talking to him. Sitting back in her chair she pulled out her cell phone. She opened her contacts and stored Ian’s number. She clicked on Message and typed out Tori’s address and hit Send.

  Dinner should be fun later on—it’d also give her the opportunity to avoid Wes. After she stopped by Tori’s office to pick up the spare key, she’d get settled into the guest bedroom and start getting ready for her date. If it went well, she’d be gone before Wes could stop her from leaving. Emma didn’t look forward to a repeat of her conversation with Dallas. Hopefully she could count on Tori to keep him from getting too pissed off and attempting to order her around. If her brother got too dictatorial, she’d have to hurt him. Working with the Seahawks was her dream job—nothing and no one was going to talk her out of keeping it.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. There is nothing like a nice glass of wine and a good book to relax with at the end of the day.

  For more information visit her website at: www.authordawnbrower.com

  Books by

  Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Novak Springs Series

  Cowgirl Fever

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games