CHAPTER 36

Emma's Point-of-View

"What do you want to know?" he asked annoyed. "Do you want to know every little detail of my past relationships? Is that what you want?"

"No, I have no interest in your past relationships, Robert. I don't care if you and Nikki dated or hooked up or whatever you want to call it. All I care about is right now. I know you kissed her once since you've been here; I need to know that that was the only time."

"It was, I swear," he promised.

"Ok, then what is the bag all about?" I questioned.

"I lent her those CD's a while ago. She was just returning them."

"And the Victoria's Secret box?"

Robert sighed. "Nikki is very…provocative. She is just trying to reel me back in, but it's not going to work." He took my hand in his, gently massaging it with his thumb.

I sunk deeper into the couch. "Why do you have to work on a movie with her? Do you realize how hard this is for me? She's gorgeous and talented…and experienced. And I'm just…"

"The love of my life," Robert finished my sentence with a stunning grin on his face. "I'm going to be stronger, Emma. I won't let anything happen to us. It's just you and me. That's all I need; all I ever want."

A tear trickled down my cheek.

"Emma, you must stop all this crying. It pains me to see you so sad." He wiped the tear away.

I giggled. "That one was a happy tear!"

Robert exhaled a sigh of relief. "I'll try my best to keep you happy."

"You don't need to try," I explained. "Just don't let Nikki get within ten feet of me. I'll knock her out."

"Wow!" he chuckled, running his fingers through his hair. "Emma! I've never seen this feisty side of you."

"Sorry," I apologized, embarrassed.

"No, no sweetie. I find it very attractive." His smile was intoxicating. "Now if you hadn't just been sick in the bathroom, I would kiss you right now." He tried to hold back his laughter.

"Hey!" I slapped his arm. "It's not my fault. I think I got food poisoning."

"Aw, Em, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. How are you feeling?" he asked sincerely, still slightly giggling from before.

"My stomach still hurts a little, but much better than before. Thanks."

Robert leaned back in the loveseat and turned on the television to the news. "Try and get some sleep. You'll feel better when wake up."

"Ok," I said quietly. "But before I fall asleep; you never told me what was in the box," I smiled.

He looked back at me, shaking his head. "Lingerie," he laughed, mortified. "I'll give it to Kellan to give back to her."

"No, don't," I told him. "It was a gift after all. I'm sure we can find some use for it."