The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Emma’s POV:

The silence stretched.

Grandma’s gaze darted from Daniel to me, then back to Daniel, as if trying to reconcile two incompatible pieces of information.

Say something. Emma. Fix this.

“Grandma,” I stepped forward, forcing brightness into my voice, “why don’t we go inside? We can talk more comfortably there.”

She blinked, seemed to shake herself from her stupor. “Oh. Yes. Of course.”

Her hand finally clasped Daniel’s, the gesture automatic. I’m sorry, I just–you look so much like-

“Nicholas,” Daniel finished gently. I’ve been told we share a resemblance.”

Grandma nodded, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face.

“Well, yes, but…” She cleared her throat. “If I’m being honest, you’re even more handsome. More refined, somehow.”

Daniel’s lips curved into a modest smile. “That’s very kind of you to say, Mrs. Johnson.”

Grandma released his hand and stepped back from the doorway, finally remembering to let us in. ‘Come in, come in. Don’t just stand

there in the cold.”

The living room felt smaller with Daniel in it. He moved to the couch with easy grace, setting his stack of gift boxes on the coffee table with careful precision.

“Sit, Grandma urged, gesturing toward the sofa. “Make yourself comfortable, Daniel. Emma, you too–stop hovering like that

I perched on the edge of the armchair as Grandma bustled toward the kitchen. I et me get you both some tea. It’s chilly out there

Mrs. Johnson, please don’t trouble yourself Daniel started to rise.

Nonsense Grandma’s voice drifted back from the kitchen, brooking no argument. It’s no trouble at all.”

Within moments, she returned carrying a tray token with her good china teapot and matching caps. A plate of golden brown cakes sot beside them will warm enough that I could well the butter and sunlita

She set everything on the coffee table, puing tex with practed case. The familiar bergan

scent or Earl Grey led the air.

Σ

K

10:22 Fri, May 1

Chapter 32

“Try the cookies, I found myself saying ax Grandma pushed the plate toward Daniel Grandma made them this morning. Then të good her snickerdoodles are the best

Daniel took one, his movements polite and measured. When he bit into it, something in his expression shifted–pemuine ap replacing practiced courtesy.

These are excellent, Mrs. Johnson, he said, and it didn’t sound like flattery. My compliments”

Grandma’s face brightened, pleased. She settled into her usual spot by the window, teacup cradled in her hands, her sharp sare us both.

Now then,” she said, her tone turning pointed. “Would one of you mind explaining exactly what’s going on here?

My stomach dropped.

Daniel leaned forward slightly, his expression open and sincere. ‘Of course, Mrs. Johnson. I understand this must be confusing.

“Confusing,” Grandma repeated, her tone dry. “That’s certainly one word for it.”

Her gaze shifted to me. “Emma told me yesterday that Nicholas couldn’t make it this weekend. Work emergency, she said. A pause his older brother shows up at my door, holding my granddaughter’s hand.^

Heat flooded my face. Of course, she noticed that.

“Nicholas and Emma did date,” Daniel said smoothly, drawing Grandma’s attention back to him. “For several months, actually. But they both came to realize they weren’t… compatible.”

I watched Grandma’s expression shift.

ded things,” Daniel continued, his voice steady, “Emma and I began spending more time together. We douwwed we mad

on than either of us expected.”

and mine across the coffee table, warm and deliberate. “It developed naturally from there.

rally. Right. As natural as a business transaction.

But Grandma was nodding slowly, her sharp gaze moving between us. And we wight in 18- become

1 cleared my throat, finding my

We were warned, i adre

Grandma tutt

would tear. Mickles and i were used to be

tighten the dried. The wiege tel

M

K

0

10:22 Fri, May 1

Chapter 32

Finally, she made a small sound half laugh, balf sigh.

“Well, that explains why you kept making exonses every time I asked to me

Her eyes fixed on me, knowing. All those times you said he was too busy, or studying, or training for work. You weer caverny sen wasn’t Nicholas at all anymore?

“Yes,” I said quietly, letting myself lean into the truth of it–the part that was real. I should have told you sooner. I just. 1 didn’t know how.”

Grandma’s expression softened slightly.

She turned her attention back to Daniel, studying him with renewed interest. “How old are you, Daniel?”

I felt him shift beside me, just the slightest adjustment in posture. “Thirty–one, ma am.”

“Thirty–one?” Grandma repeated the number, her tone neutral. “Eight years older than Emma.

My hands clenched in my lap. “She’s going to say it’s too much. *

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