Eddie watched as the shutters closed on Emily’s eyes. She was locking herself away, not that he blamed her. Eddie knew first hand what an ass Nick was. He’d been watching for years, wondering when Emily was going to figure out that she deserved better than Nick.

But she never figured it out. She just kept loving him.

And Eddie kept loving her.

He didn’t want to. God how he’d tried to stop. But every time she looked at him he fell deeper and deeper for her. Right then he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and kiss her until his was the only name she remembered. Not Nick’s. Not even her own.

Eddie didn’t have the guts though. He knew she was still hurting and he wasn’t a complete ass.

It didn’t stop him from wanting her though.

“I’m sorry I ruined your night,” Emily said, barely above a whisper. She ducked her chin and avoided his eyes. It ripped his heart to shreds that he couldn’t tell her that spending the night with her was the best night of his life. Dancing with her, kissing her, hearing her say she wanted him… Eddie couldn’t remember a more perfect night in his entire life.

Of course it ended differently than he’d hoped for, but he knew it was for the best. If Emily had woken up naked with him in bed beside her, she’d never have forgiven him. She’d probably never have forgiven herself either. Eddie knew he did what was best, but he had to find some way to make sure Emily knew his night hadn’t been ruined.

“I had a good night,” he began cautiously. “Almost perfect.”

Emily eyed him curiously then glanced around the apartment. Her eyes fell on the couch where Eddie had spent the night and a slow grin crossed her face. “Oh, I get it. Someone was here, but she went home early. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be cramping your style like that.”

“What? No!” Eddie exclaimed. “No one was here. I had a good time because I was with you. I enjoy spending time with you, Emily. That’s all.”

“Oh,” Emily said, blushing.

Their eyes locked for a moment, making Eddie’s stomach flop like he was the one who’d consumed half the liquor at the party. Emily slowly licked her lips, drawing his eyes there. Eddie clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to talk himself out of reaching for her. The look in her eyes made him wonder if she’d go to him if he tried.

Sober. She was sober. And she was still looking at him like he was her hero. Just like she’d looked at him when she was drunk.

Then her stomach growled.