Emma's POV When I saw him in the kitchen preparing breakfast I wanted to tell him. I had to tell him what I heard last night, but when he told me about the paycheck, my mind state changed. I was so looking forward to buying some new stuff, from underwear to clothes to getting a new hair-do; so I let it be.And Sharon was sort of scary with her judging eyes, sharp mouth and long nails. She would slap me back to Africa if I had told him about her conversation. Besides, it wasn't my business. Mr. Hollen was capable of taking care of himself and his relationship was above my pay grade. The next day I looked at my paycheck. I wanted to cash it out so badly. One thousand dollars in just one week was indeed generous. I didn't make that at Carl's Cafe in a month.I found Halley in the backyard watering the plants."Um, Halley," I began. I was still mindful of how I approached her. "I really want go to the bank and cash this so I'm taking my half day

Ethan's POV I watched as she brushed her hair in the mirror. She had been giving me the silent treatment since we returned to the room last night from the walk on the beach. She was upset that I wasn't excited for our wedding. When did I say we'd get married here? Sharon was a beautiful woman, outgoing, cheerful and sweet at times but, lately, things had been different between us. She was becoming someone I never knew existed, nagging and possessive.I was rash when I proposed to her because I wanted to make a good impression on my parents when they came back from their anniversary in Paris. Although I didn't do things to please them, because I didn't see much of them when I was a kid, I wanted to at least assure my parents that I was capable of settling down. But was I in love with Sharon? Did I love her? Yes. But I wasn't sure I was in love with her.I knew she was upset. Who wouldn't be? But I just wasn't ready to get married o

Ethan's POV I woke up to the sound of footsteps on the floor outside my bedroom. I looked at the wall clock; it was only 5:30 am. Was Emma up already? I glanced over at Sharon. She was fast asleep, exhausted and jet lagged. I put on a T-shirt and a sweat pants and went to the second floor. I peered over the banister and saw Emma was already up, mopping the floors of the rooms downstairs. Her eyes caught mine as she mopped.I headed to my office to forward over a fax for Linda that she had been messaging me about in the Bahamas. The phone buzzed and I picked up."Good morning Mr. Hollen. Your coffee is ready.""I'll be right down."I must say I was impressed. I'd never been so happy for coffee in my entire life. I missed her coffee and I missed her too. What was I saying?Emma stood beside the kitchen counter looking like an angel-- so peaceful, happy and perfect. I took the coffee from her hands. She headed towards the living roo

Ethan's POV Why couldn't I just keep my hands off her? I'd rushed after her as she ran out of the kitchen, looking sad and scared. I'd followed her directly to her bedroom, forgetting about everyone else. When I kissed her she'd stopped me before it escalated any further.What she said made sense. I was engaged to another woman and there were police officers in the house conducting an investigation. Any of them could request my presence at any moment. And there she was, laying on the bed with me hovering over her like my prey. I got up, straightened my clothes and left her room. I had to put that to the back of my mind, for now, but I was becoming crazy about her, having dreams and fantasies about her. God, I wanted her. To have and to hold.___________One week later, Halley was in much better health and had recovered wonderfully. The NYPD, along with Detective Sam, tracked down the two culprits and had already stuck them behind ba

Emma's POV The Miami weekend was just one day away. Halley and I decided to take our half day together to do a quick shopping before leaving. Luis drove us to the mall where we bought clothing, including a formal dress to wear to the auction fundraiser event, and Halley insisted on getting our hair done.When we got home late that afternoon we packed. I was extremely excited to be going on this trip with the two people I was getting accustomed to. I had never been on a trip before. I had never even stepped foot out of New York, so going to Miami was like a dream come true. I was overjoyed!I went to the chambers when I was through packing and sat on Halley's bed. I watched her scan the room, putting things she thought she'd need in Miami. "My toothbrush, dress, hairdryer..." she went on, moving like she was trying to prevent herself from forgetting something important.I laughed just watching at her. It wasn't her first time in Miami; it was