The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1500

“What?”

Emily landed on his lap, startled, her heart thumping so loud she was sure he could hear it.

Kenneth tightened his hold to keep her from squirming away. His eyes didn’t move from her face. “What you said last night... that you’d give this a try, be with me... does it still count?”

Emily tried not to laugh at his serious expression. “And if it doesn’t?”

Kenneth’s face dropped right away, worry tightening his features. “I promised Lottie I’d bring her a sister-in-law. That's the only reason she let me come back to Brenland.”

“So what do we do now?” Emily looked down, nibbling her lip, her voice so quiet it was almost a secret.

Kenneth stared off into space for a second, completely deflated. Then he reached up and gently pinched her cheek, forcing a crooked smile. “Guess I’ll just have to keep chasing you.”

God, Emily was a tough one.

“And what if I never say yes?” she asked, staying right where she was in his lap, her hands lightly on his shoulders, her voice rough around the edges.

“You will.” Kenneth straightened a little and leaned toward her, so close he could feel her heartbeat all jumpy and out of rhythm. His confidence was unshakable. “I can tell, Emily. Your heart likes me too... doesn’t it?”

He wasn’t wrong. She just wasn’t over that last heartbreak. That jerk had left more damage than she wanted to admit.

“Emily, let’s make a bet...”

She hesitated, her fingers curling into her palms. “What are we betting?”

“Keep it down!” she hissed, shooting a panicked look at Pam and Knox, who were both clearly eavesdropping from the hallway, craning their necks to see. Embarrassed out of her mind, Emily slapped her hand over Kenneth’s mouth. Her whole face was bright red. She’d never felt so exposed in her life.

Kenneth’s eyes crinkled with laughter, but he couldn’t help pushing. “Say it and I’ll shut up.” He slid his arm around her waist, leaning in so close his words tickled her ear. “Come on, Emily. Just say it. Be my girlfriend. Be with me.”

“I...” His breath against her cheek sent little shivers down her spine. Her voice wobbled, low and embarrassed. “Stop yelling. I’m saying yes.”

Kenneth wasn’t letting her off that easy. “Yes to what?” He needed to hear it out loud.

“To being with you. To being your girlfriend.” The words tumbled out quiet and rushed, and the next thing Emily knew, she’d hidden her face in his chest so she wouldn’t have to see anyone’s reaction, especially Pam’s or Knox’s.

She seriously wanted the earth to swallow her whole.