No Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty Five

Norma let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her thoughts spinning as she looked back at Emma, who was still smiling, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"So," Emma started, taking a step closer, her voice full of excitement. "When did it start? Who made the first move? Is it serious?"
The questions came in rapid succession, leaving Norma blinking in surprise. She raised a hand to stop the onslaught, her voice sharp as she said, "Emma."
Emma froze, her face falling slightly, but Norma quickly softened. She let out a small sigh, composing herself before offering a gentle smile. "I don't remember when exactly it happened," she admitted, her tone quieter now. "I just... I started seeing this softer side of him. And then one day, I realized I hated being away from him. I don't know when it changed, but suddenly I saw him in a different light."
Emma's face lit up with a wide, beaming smile, her excitement barely contained. She leaned forward, hanging on to every word Norma said, her fascination palpable.
Norma glanced down, fidgeting slightly under Emma's scrutiny, but her lips curved into a soft smile despite herself.
"How long have you two been keeping it a secret, though?" Emma asked, her voice quieter but no less eager.
Norma hesitated for a moment, her smile tugging at the corners of her lips before she could stop it. "A while," she said softly, the words barely audible.
Emma gasped, her eyes widening. "Like months?"
Norma gave her a small nod, and that was all it took. Emma squealed, clapping her hands together. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her feet.
Norma rolled her eyes lightly at Emma's reaction, though a small, amused smile stayed on her face. "Alright, alright," she muttered, turning her attention back to the papers on the desk, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.
But Emma wasn't done yet. Her grin turned smug as she leaned against the desk. "I told you you'd make a great pair," she said, her tone teasing. Then her expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly as if something had just clicked. She looked over at Norma, realization dawning.
"You were already together at the time," she said, her voice almost accusatory, though her smile remained wide.
Norma couldn't help but laugh at Emma's expression. "Maybe," she said, shaking her head lightly as she shuffled the papers on the desk.
Emma's excitement bubbled up again. "Is he taking you on a date tonight? How's that gonna work if you're trying to keep it a secret?"
Norma shrugged, biting her lip nervously. "He said he's taking me somewhere outside of White Pine Bay," she admitted. "But... he didn't say where."
Emma's smile widened, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, a surprise," she said, clasping her hands together. "How romantic."
Norma smiled back, though it was slightly forced as her nerves began to creep in. The more she thought about the date, the more unsure she felt.
Emma seemed to notice the shift in her demeanor. Her expression softened as she asked, "Wait... is this your guys' first date?"
Norma nodded slowly, still flipping through the papers in front of her in an attempt to mask her nerves.
Emma's excitement returned in full force. "I can help you pick an outfit!" she said eagerly, practically bouncing on her heels.
Norma turned to Emma with a soft smile, unable to completely resist her enthusiasm. "Fine," she said with a small sigh. "But we can't let Norman know. Or anyone. No one can know, Emma."
Emma raised her hands in surrender, her smile unwavering. "I know, I know," she said.
They both fell quiet for a moment, turning back to their work. But it wasn't long before Emma broke the silence again.
"Why is that, though?" she asked, her tone curious but gentle. "Would it really be so bad if people knew?"
Norma's hands stilled, but her gaze remained fixed on the papers in front of her. She hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as she carefully considered her response.
"It's... complicated," she said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "For now. We'll tell people eventually. It's just... still new."
Emma nodded slowly, seeming satisfied with the answer. "Okay," she said, her tone understanding as she turned back to her work.
Norma stole a glance at her, grateful for the reprieve, and let out a small breath before focusing on the papers once again.
Later that evening, Norma sat at the small vanity in her room as Emma stood behind her, gently curling the ends of her hair. The soft hum of the curling iron filled the silence until Norma let out a small sigh, her hands fiddling with the hem of her skirt.
"I don't know why I'm so nervous," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emma smiled knowingly as she set the curling iron down, running her fingers through Norma's curls to loosen them. "Have you ever liked someone this much before?" she asked, meeting Norma's gaze in the mirror.
Norma paused, her hands stilling in her lap. Slowly, she shook her head, her expression vulnerable as she glanced down. "No," she murmured.
Emma's smile softened as she stepped around to face her, crouching slightly to meet her eyes. "Then that's probably why. But you have no reason to be nervous," she said gently. "It's Alex. He'll make you feel comfortable no matter what."
Norma's lips curved into a small, grateful smile, some of the tension in her shoulders easing.
Emma straightened, crossing her arms with a playful grin. "Plus, there's no safer date than the sheriff."
That made Norma laugh, the sound light and soft as her nerves ebbed slightly. "You've got a point there," she said with a small nod.
Emma turned toward Norma's closet, rifling through her dresses. "Alright, let's find something perfect. Something that says 'I'm casual, but also look amazing without trying.'" She pulled out a few options, holding them up one by one for Norma's approval.
After some deliberation, they settled on a simple but elegant navy dress that flattered Norma's figure without being too flashy. Emma handed it over with a satisfied nod.
Norma disappeared into the bathroom to change, and when she emerged, Emma let out a small gasp. "You look stunning," she said, her tone sincere.
Norma smoothed her hands over the fabric nervously. "You don't think it's too much?"
"Not at all," Emma assured her, stepping forward to adjust the necklace around Norma's neck. "It's perfect. He won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Norma let out a shaky breath, feeling a little more confident as she slipped on her shoes. But just as she was finishing, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping a beat as she read the message from Alex saying that he was here.
Punctual as ever.
Her nerves returned in full force, the butterflies in her stomach multiplying as she tucked her phone back into her purse.
Emma noticed the change immediately. "Hey," she said softly, placing a reassuring hand on Norma's arm. "It's Alex. You've got nothing to worry about."
Norma nodded, forcing a small smile. "Thanks, Emma," she said, taking a deep breath before heading for the door.
Norma slipped out the back door of the house, her heels clicking softly on the wooden porch. She made her way to the side of the house, heading toward the bramble where she'd snuck out before to meet Alex. But as she approached, her steps slowed, and her lips parted in surprise.
The once tangled mess of branches had been cleared away, leaving a narrow, discreet path. It was subtle, small enough that no one would notice unless they were looking for it, but wide enough that she could pass through without snagging her clothes.
Her heart swelled as she stared at the path, a soft smile spreading across her face. It was such a small act, but the meaning behind it was everything. There was no doubt in her mind who had done this.
Quietly, she slipped through, the air cool against her skin as the bramble gave way to the side street. She turned the corner and spotted him immediately.
Alex stood at the back of his car, leaning casually against it, his hands resting in his pockets. He was dressed in nice slacks and a crisp button-down, the sleeves rolled up just the way she liked. The sight of him, so effortlessly handsome, sent a buzz through her entire body.
As soon as he saw her, his expression changed. His hand moved to his chest, resting over his heart as if her beauty physically pained him.
Norma's smile widened, her cheeks warming as she walked toward him. He met her halfway, his grin growing with every step.
"You are... I don't have words," he murmured, his voice low and brimming with awe. Before she could reply, he swept her into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground and spinning her briefly before setting her back down. Then, without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her softly. "Truly, Norma. So beautiful."
She blushed, his sincerity leaving her momentarily breathless. "You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself," she managed, her voice soft but playful.
He laughed, the sound warm and rich as he reached for her hand. "Ready?" he asked, his thumb brushing against hers soothingly. Suddenly, standing with him, staring into his warm gaze, all of her nerves melted away. Her smile widened slightly as she answered steadily.
"Ready."
Emma stood on the porch, her arms crossed loosely as the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the yard. From her vantage point, she could just make out Norma and Alex through the tangle of bramble, their figures barely visible except for the way the porch's height offered her an advantage. Her gaze softened as Alex spun Norma around, her laughter carrying faintly on the breeze, and then kissed her, a brief, tender moment that spoke volumes.
The crunch of gravel drew her attention, and she turned to see Dylan pulling his truck into the driveway. Before he fully made it up the stairs, he paused mid-stride as Emma inclined her head toward the scene in the distance. Following her gaze, his expression flickered with surprise before settling into something unreadable. He watched as Alex set Norma gently on the ground, taking her hand to lead her toward the car. Norma's wide smile was unmistakable, even from here, as Alex opened the door for her with an effortless charm.
"They're sweet together," Emma remarked, her voice soft but warm as Dylan finally made it to the porch.
Dylan hesitated, his eyes lingering on the pair for a moment longer. "Yeah," he finally said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I've never seen her glow like that before. She's... happy."
"She deserves it," Emma replied, her tone resolute yet tender.
Dylan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "If anyone can give her that, it's Alex."
They shared a quiet smile, the kind of understanding that didn't need words. Without another glance toward the yard, they turned and headed inside. Behind them, the sound of Alex's car starting up drifted faintly through the air as the couple drove off, leaving the porch empty and bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun.