She moved into the kitchen and came up behind Gavin at the stove. She circled her arms around his waist, stood on her tiptoes, and perched her chin on his shoulder. I didnt know you cooked. You keep getting sexier and sexier.

At that, he chuckled. Wait. I thought I was shmexy? He forked a piece of pasta out of the pot and reached back to feed it to Emily.

She took it into her mouth. Shmexy? she asked, chewing and clearly confused. Is that your take on the word?

Turning, Gavin lifted a brow, amusement in his eyes. No, doll. Its yours after youve had too much to drink. He placed a kiss on the crown of her head. And I think its very shmexy.

She stared up at him and smiled. I have no idea what youre talking about, but Im just gonna go with it.

Smart woman, he said, the corner of his mouth crooked upward. Go take a seat, shmexy. Everything should be ready in a minute.

Shmexy. Emily laughed. Well, what can I help you with, Mr. Shmexy?

Bring this to the table. Gavin plucked a basket of garlic bread from the counter.

Thats it? she asked. Walking away, she set it on the table. Theres nothing else I can do for you?

Grinning, Gavin leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. How can you make such a simple, innocent question sound so sexual?

Wearing a grin of her own, Emily placed her hands on her hips. Maybe its a gift?

Gavin bit his lip and moved toward her. Standing inches from her body, he whispered in her ear, Can I unwrap it, then?

Emily drew in a shuddering breath at the feel of his soft voice so close to her. We have to eat first.

See? You just did it again, Miss Cooper. He lifted his hand to her neck. Massaging his fingers into her hair, his eyes glassed over with a want Emily couldnt mistake. You know I love eating dessert.

Heat curled through Emily, settling in her stomach. God, he made himself nearly irresistible. Blowing out the breath she was holding, she shook her head. You, sir, need to learn how to control yourself. Trying to exercise her own self-control, but more concerned about the dramatic turn the conversation was about to take, Emily backed away and settled into her chair.

With slight shock in his eyes, Gavin watched her for a second and then turned back to the stove. You deplete me of any control Ive ever had. He strained the pasta and poured some tomato sauce on it. But you know this already.

Truth. There it was smashed right in her face. Emily knew he couldnt control himself around her, and although she felt the very same way on so many levels, in that moment, she couldnt stomach that he wanted her. She couldnt stomach herself. Her question hit the air before she could think about it. Why, Gavin? She looked up from the table. Why would you choose me? You can have any woman you want. Why me?

Turning, Gavin drew his brows together. Why wouldnt I want you, Emily?

She lifted her shoulder in a casual shrug. Because theres absolutely nothing to me. Im weak in so many ways, and you youre strong. Emily paused, shifting in her seat. Nothing about me fits what you need or deserve.

Gavin stood perfectly still, his stare unwavering. Why are you saying all of this?

I can list more reasons why you shouldnt want me. Another shrug as she stared at him.

I dont want you to list any more bullshit reasons why you think I shouldnt want you. He moved to her, completely unknowing where all of this was coming from. Reaching for her hand, he gently pulled her up from the chair. His eyes danced over her face. Do you want me to list the reasons why I need you, Emily? Because thats what you are to me. Youre a need. Not a want. Tears welling in her eyes, and lips trembling, Emily shook her head and started to speak, but Gavin cut her off. He cupped her cheeks, drawing her face closer to his. Im not sure youll ever understand, but I told you I need you more than I need my next breath. Since the day we met, from the second I laid eyes on you, theres never been anyone else worth taking up a fucking inch of space in my mind. He stroked his thumbs along her lips, laying his own against her forehead. God created me to love you. Let me heal the cracks in your heart. I know this broken woman didnt exist before Dillon. I refuse to believe that.

Love over lies. Trust over mistrust. Heart breaking and swelling, Emily pulled in a deep breath. I lied to you, she croaked, wiping tears from her eyes.

Gavin swallowed down a sudden feeling of unease, slowly dropping his hands from her face. Wait what? What did you lie to me about?

His gaze burned into Emily, making her step back. Mind in turmoil and unable to breathe, nausea hit her with pounding force. Cupping her hand over her mouth, Emily bolted toward the bathroom, nearly tripping over moving boxes scattered throughout the penthouse.

Emily, Gavin called, following her.

She reached the bathroom, slammed the door, and locked it. Hunched over the toilet, she dry heaved repeatedly. Her stomach had been void of any food over the last several hours, so nothing came up.

Gavin banged on the door, worry evident in his tone. Emily, let me in.

Another vicious lurch plowed through her stomach. She shook her head and stared into the toilet. I I need a second, Gavin.