“I love you too, and I’m going to spend a lot of time in the next few days showing you how much. Are you ready for what comes next?” She whispered in Emma’s ear, then cocked her head back to gaze at her wife. The thought of how complicated life was crossed her mind, but the truth that her feelings for Emma never were complicated knocked the worry down some. Loving Emma was simple and easy, and the depth of her emotion was endless.

“Are you sure?” Emma put her lips next to her ear, and the warmth made her hard.

“I am, and I trust you to do it.” She rubbed her hand up Emma’s back, and that got her another smile. “Do you trust me?”

“With all that I am.” Emma knew to speak right into her ear because of the bug that was most likely under the table. She didn’t need to tell Emma not to tip her hand. “Need anything from the bar?” Emma’s voice went back up.

“How about one more round, and then we head home.” Emma stood and pressed her hand to her cheek before she walked off. She headed to the office first, and Cain smiled at the waitress coming toward her. The girl took Emma’s place on her lap and kissed the curve of her ear. The move surprised her, but not enough to move her away.

“Did you enjoy the beer?” the girl asked, kissing the same spot again.

“I did, and I couldn’t help but notice how you’ve been looking at me all night. Is there something you want?”

“Don’t deny your reputation. You haven’t been married that long, have you?” The woman combed her hair back and kissed her cheek this time. “All those kids at home must take a lot out of you. How about something a little different to overcome any boredom you might be feeling?” Her waitress spoke loud enough to be heard in the noise of the crowd.

She smiled at that and was about to lean in for a kiss when she felt the sting of Emma’s hand to the side of her face. The blow was hard enough to knock her head back and killed the sound in the room. Everyone looked their way, as if to see what she was going to do in retaliation. Emma cocked her hand back when the woman stood, but Cain caught it before she was able to hit her again.

“Only the first one’s free, lass. Think before you do anything stupid.” She didn’t speak too loudly, but it carried enough menace to get her point across.

“Think? Is that what you were doing? Thinking of me and all those empty promises you keep spouting off?” Emma turned and walked away without another word, but from the set of her shoulders she was pissed.