Cozy • An Embry Story

.19

Winnie's POV

"The Lodge, what can I get you?" I answer the phone, ready with a pad and pencil in my hands.

"Uh, hello." An oddly thick murmur greets, sounding far away. I immediately ready myself for a prank phone call from some kids.

"Yes?" I try my best not to sound bored.

"I want to put in for a pick up order."

"What can I get you?" I'm expecting something stupid like a can of whoop ass or something dumb.

"Can I get a hoagie?"

"Sure. Lettuce? Pickles? Mayo? oil?" I follow up to test them.

"Yeah, all of that. Could you bring the order out to my car?" The person asks.

"We're not allowed to leave the restaurant, sir." I make up, but whoever they are they insist. Giving me a story about being elderly and how I would save them a trip inside. I only accepted if they pay in cash. When they call back, I double check what car they will be in. The answer I got was a vague description about an old white car, said I couldn't miss it.

When I come out into the parking lot, Embry is hanging out of the passenger window of my buggie. A huge red bow sits on the hood of the car, which makes me break out into an excited grin. I get so happy, I nearly drop the sandwich. Jacob drives the car forward, honking the horn playfully.

"You are the best." I rush up to Embry's window, cupping his face to plant a kiss on his cheek. We're both a little surprised, but too excited to notice. With his hand to the cheek I just pecked, a huge smile reaches from ear to ear, looking as if he wants to kiss me back.

"My thank you is the hoagie." Jacob reminds us he's also here with us, leaning across the seat to call through the passenger window.

"Thank you, Jacob." I bend down to speak through the window, Embry sliding back in so I can talk to Jacob better. "I owe you big time. I really can't thank you enough."

"You don't owe me anything, Winnie." Jacob says sweetly, before lifting a firm wagging finger at me. "Really. You don't owe me anything. I won't accept it." He insists with Embry nodding in agreement.

"Every man has his price." I narrow my eyes, handing over the sandwich.

"Not me." Jacob says, already unwrapping the sandwich. Embry reminds him not to eat in my car, and he immediately climbs out.

"How's it running?" I ask Embry, bending down to the window so I can better talk with him. His eyes take in my whole face, grinning up at me before his eyes drop to my lips for a brief moment.

"Running like new. I told you Winnie, Jacob is the best mechanic on the res." Embry shrugs coyly, giving a glance to Jacob whose already half way through his sandwich.

"Thank you, Embry. For everything." I put my whole being into those words, meaning them with everything.

"You don't have to thank me." Embry says with a soft look. We exchange more than a smile, maybe something bigger and warmer.

"But I want you to know how grateful I am that you helped me off the side of the road that night. Everything's been better since." Embry's eyes go warm, his hand reaching out to cup my face. There's a flip in my stomach but no nerves or double guessing.

I'm sure.

Just when he leans up, Jacob clears his throat.

"Not to interrupt, but I'm trying to eat." Jacob grumbles. Instead of getting embarrassed, Embry smirks up at me. A sly smile that's full of innuendos while matching the hooded look in his eyes. It's so attractive I forget how to move my legs.