Chapter 37

Emily’s POV

The moment Aunt Clarissa’s question left her lips “Alex, why are you not dating her?” my insides froze.

I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

Yet somehow, I found myself anticipating his answer.

He didn’t.

Instead he quickly diverted the conversation, saving the awkwardness.

Ava looped her arm with her aunt’s and ushered her toward the dining room, Ezra following behind, leaving me with Alex.

He lingered, his eyes on me.

“Hey,” he said softly, as if he was testing my mood.

“Hi.”

He scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry for what my aunt said. She didn’t mean…”

“I know. Why would you of all people date someone like me?” The words slipped out sharper than I intended.

I saw his brows draw together, a flicker of confusion in his stormy eyes.

“Wait, what does that mean?”

“Figure it out. You’re the boss,” I replied, brushing past him, and practically running away.

The dining r