Emmalee looked around the room, making sure none of her father's guests needed anything. The waiters and waitresses they'd hired seemed to be taking care of everyone perfectly. Smiling and nodding to some of the guests, Emmalee scanned the crowd for one person in particular. Ah, of course. He was surrounded by no less than four tall, beautiful, reed thin women.
Emmalee shook her head. Being barely five feet tall and very curvaceous, she never stood a chance against Hank Johnson's typical "groupies". Not to mention he also thought of her as a kid. He couldn't seem to grasp the fact that she was a grown-up now that she'd turned eighteen. She'd had a crush on him since she first laid eyes on him seven years ago. Over the years, that crush had slowly but steadily turned to love.
She knew it was unlikely that Hank would ever think of her "that" way unless something drastic happened. Which was why she'd chosen the outfit she wore tonight.
At thirty-seven, Hank thought he was way too old for an eighteen year old even if they did have a lot in common.
From across the room, Emmalee admired his dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes. His rugged good looks attracted many women, but not one of them had been able to tie him down.
Hank seemed to feel her stare because he suddenly looked up and met her eyes. Smiling, he mumbled something to the women standing with him and slowly made his way through the crowd to her side.
As he walked towards her, Emmalee noticed his eyes taking in her outfit. She knew she looked good in the figure-hugging strapless white sheath that's hem ended three inches above her knees.
"What are you wearing, Emma?" He asked with a growl.
Emmalee looked down at herself. "A dress?"
"Barely. Your father actually let you out of your room wearing that?" He asked in surprise.
"Unlike some people, Daddy realizes that I'm an adult and can wear whatever I want. Besides, I look good."
"You look beautiful, Emma. It's just you look too...well...sexy." Hank whispered the last word.
Emmalee's heart skipped a beat then thudded madly to catch up. "Really?"
Hank nodded.
"I didn't think you ever noticed what I wore." She commented with a blush.
"I always notice." He glanced around, grabbed her small hand, and pulled her out a side door that led into the private library. Locking the door behind them, he switched on the light then turned to face her. Staring down at her from his much more substantial height, he frowned at her. "You've got to understand, Emma. When you wear an outfit like that, it gives men ideas. Not so nice ideas."
Emmalee's eyes widened. "Does it give you any not so nice ideas, Hank?"
Hank closed his eyes then nodded slowly.
"Well, it's about damn time."
Hank's eyes snapped open. "What do you mean by that?"
Emmalee blushed again. "Do you know how long I've been trying to get your attention?"
"No."
Emmalee rolled her eyes. "Seems like ages. You've just never really noticed me."
"Emmalee Charleen. You have no idea. You're just too young for me. For God's sake, girl, you've just turned eighteen. Plus, I'm really good friends with your father. I don't think he'd take too kindly to me hooking up with his princess." Emmalee didn't know if he was trying harder to convince her or himself.
"Hank, do you honestly see any of that as a problem? Because I don't. We're both adults. If we find each other attractive, why should there be anything stopping us? Or is that it? Do you not find me attractive? I know I'm not tall ... model-thin ... or blonde like your usual women."
Hank shook his head. "God, baby. Don't insult yourself like that. You're beautiful. Your body is what a woman's is supposed to look like. You have bountiful curves that make a man want to bury his face..Ahem...Nevermind that. Emma, you are perfect. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently."
"So, it's really just the age thing? Mainly?" Emmalee asked with a blush. She'd never known Hank saw her that way.