Stealing Emma

By M.C. Roman

Emma Blake is ready for a change from her monotonous life in Los Angeles. So when her boyfriend Roy suggests they go to grad school abroad in Spain, she’s all for the adventure. New city, new life, new friends. What could possibly go wrong?

Max Durant is excited to be back home in Madrid and take a much needed break from his hectic life in London. He was looking forward to a new challenge in school...until it materializes in the feistiest girl he ever met on a basketball court. There’s something about her that simply makes his blood boil and he becomes instantly hooked. But then his world comes to a screeching halt when he realizes she’s already taken.

Despite the obvious warning signs and potential disaster, Emma and Max become close friends when they’re forced together as partners in the same study group. When the lines start to blur and things begin to unravel, Emma must decide if she should hold on to her past...or take a risk in her future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.C. Roman
• Release date: Aug 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310885327

M.C. Roman

M.C. Roman grew up in Mexico City and currently lives in Brooklyn with her funny sexy hubby. When she's not reading or writing, her hobbies include daydreaming, watching shows on Netflix, and cooking home cooked meals from Blue Apron.Her debut novel, Teaching Mia, has garnered millions of reads online and was featured on Indie Reader Insiders’ Next Picks. Since then, she has also written Stealing Emma, Chasing Sofia, Loving Olivia, and translated her books into Spanish.

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STEALING EMMA

By

M.C. Roman

•••

Copyright 2014 by M.C. Roman

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction marginally inspired by actual places and experiences.

The business school in the narrative resembles the one I attended but this is not my story.

It has sprung from imagination and possibility alone.

Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Adult Reading Material

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Team Building

Chapter 2 - Fire Extinguisher

Chapter 3 - Bad Feeling

Chapter 4 - F is for Friend

Chapter 5 - Partners

Chapter 6 - Laffer Curve

Chapter 7 - Wine and Peppers

Chapter 8 - Stargazing

Chapter 9 - The English Patient

Chapter 10 - Standstill

Chapter 11 - A Slight Indiscretion

Chapter 12 - The Hijack

Chapter 13 - Empire State of Mind

Chapter 14 - The Bed Intruder

Chapter 15 - A Little B&E

Chapter 16 - Against All Odds

Chapter 17 - The Raid

Chapter 18 - Hold On, We're Going Home

Chapter 19 - Hell Hath No Fury…

Chapter 20 - The Heist

Chapter 21 - After the Dust Settles

Chapter 22 - Judge, Jury, and Executioner

Chapter 23 - Dating

Chapter 24 - Made to Love

Chapter 25 - The Final Countdown

Chapter 26 - Closing Bell

Chapter 27 - Eventually, Someday

Acknowledgments

Excerpt from Chasing Sofia

About the Author

Chapter 1 - Team Building

Emma Blake walked onto the basketball court, trying to find the rest of her group. She held an ugly grey t-shirt that she was supposed to be wearing, almost dragging it by her side. It had been handed out to her moments before by one of the team building organizers. She much rather wear her cute sports tank top so she was trying to hold off until the last possible moment to put on the offending clothing. After all, organized sports and team building were not her thing.

She couldn’t believe this was her first day of graduate school. Shouldn’t she be at some type of orientation where everybody is jammed together in one room and forced to do awkward introductions? At least that’s what she always assumed it would be like it.

Instead, she was expected to play none other than basketball before even properly meeting anyone in her class. What is more, they had switched up the regular assigned groups so in reality she wouldn’t even be team building with the people she had to actually work with for the rest of the semester. What was the point of that?

She went to sit down by an area designated Team B where a few others were already gathered. She barely caught anyone’s name but turns out they were all from different countries such as Colombia, Switzerland and Italy. Quite the international crowd. She didn’t add much to the group conversation while they waited for everyone to settle down. She also didn’t pay much attention to the head organizer when he started talking and gave his version of a big motivational speech which included mentioning Michael Jordan every five minutes. At the end he just concluded to go play some ball.

Emma hadn’t played basketball since high school, but she was certainly no stranger to the NBA, meaning she had a pretty good understanding of the rules and all. At the moment, all they really had to do was pass the ball around and practice shooting some hoops. Sounded easy enough. If only the ugly t-shirt she had begrudgingly resorted to wearing wouldn’t cramp her style.

Alright everyone, gather around, the head organizer called out after an hour of shooting around. We’ll be moving on to the interesting stuff now. Each group will be competing against each other in a series of drills you need to complete as a group. First team to successfully complete all of the drills wins. We have three coaches here who will explain the details to you and answer any questions you have.

One of the coaches went over the drills with her group and one other. They had to complete three different drills that seemed pretty standard enough. They had to dribble around some cones, pass the ball to each other without dropping it, and finally make a basket seated in a chair from the free throw line.

Most people immediately dispersed after the instructions were given to divide the tasks between team members, but Emma decided to probe the coach a bit more. The instructions had seemed pretty vague to her.

So what exactly are the rules? she asked him.

You’re going to need to be more specific than that, he answered.

Well, is there anything we can or can’t do?

I can only give yes or no answers. Rephrase the question.

Ugh, he was being so cryptic. She looked out towards the court and considered just dropping the whole thing. She was running out of time and needed to talk to her group and find out what the hell she was supposed to do. She eyed the basketballs set in the middle of the court, to the cones, and the chair.

You said it was all about completing each drill successfully, but didn’t mention any particular order. Does that mean we have to do them in a sequence, like one after the other?

His eyes lit up and he smiled at her. No.

So you’re saying we can do the drills at the same time? a deep yet soothing voice asked right behind her. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise at the way the words had curled around in an elegant British accent.

Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying, the coach responded.

Wait a minute, she said turning to look behind her, but stopped dead in her tracks.

The most intense pair of hazel eyes were staring right at her and studying her face, seeming amused at something. A quick glance at him revealed rugged features, wavy brown hair, and despite the ugly grey t-shirt, he had rolled up the sleeves and she could tell he had a lean and toned body she was just dying to get her hands on.

Oh, no. Where the hell had that thought came from? She had no business thinking about him like that and immediately flushed at her wayward thoughts. She pulled on the collar of her t-shirt trying to stretch it out as it suddenly felt like it was choking her neck.

You were saying? he teased.

Oh right. She had forgotten she was supposed to be mad at him and quickly regained her composure. This is a private conversation. You can’t just sneak up in here and be privy to the intel I’m gathering, she accused.

Ignoring her, he turned towards the coach. Is that a rule? he asked.

Unfortunately, no, he responded.

Then I rest my case. Good luck, sweetheart, he said walking away.

Sweetheart? The nerve! She wasn’t expecting that from him at all. Not that she knew anything about him, but weren’t British people supposed to be really nice? She immediately went after him, and pulled on his arm stopping him. Is that how you’re going to play it then?

You heard the coach. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go prep my team.

Fine, go ahead. I’ll still beat your sorry ass, she said shoving him in the chest and turning away. The big jerk!

Is that so? he called out behind her, laughing. Care to make it interesting?

Define interesting, she said, turning back and looking at him suspiciously.

I’m talking about a wager, of course. My sorry ass against your very fine ass.

Deal, she immediately said, offering her hand to him. She idly wondered if the terms he had set for their agreement meant he had been checking out her ass earlier or if it was just a figure of speech.

Before she could ponder that further, he took her hand and shook it gently, warmth instantly spreading throughout her arm. See you on the court, sweetheart.

Dammit, there he said it again! She went running back to her group to inform them of her findings, shaking her head the entire way. She hadn’t been in school for an hour and already she was getting in a tiff with some random guy. She usually didn’t get heated easily, but something about him had just set her off. The cocky bastard.

After quickly going over the game plan with her group, she took her spot in line and waited for the whistle. She sneaked a glance over towards Mr. British High and Mighty and he was looking straight at her again, a stupid grin plastered on his face. She immediately frowned at him and gave him the evil eye. He responded by pointing two fingers at his eyes and then towards her and mouthing, I’m watching you.

Real mature, buddy. She almost flipped him the bird, but then had to remind herself she wasn’t in middle school anymore.

The whistle blew and it was instant chaos. Most people had no clue what they were doing and you couldn’t hear anything over all the yelling and cheering. When it was Emma’s turn, she got right to it. She had been given the easiest task. All she had to do was catch and pass the damn ball with another person down the court without dropping it. When she finished her task, she turned around just in time to witness Brit boy making the final winning basket and his team cheering him on like he was some goddamn hero.

Asshole. If they only knew he was a giant, scheming cheater. Ugh, she couldn’t believe she just lost the bet to him. She knew she wouldn’t hear the end of it.

She turned around and walked towards the cubbyhole area in the back, ready to gather her belongings and leave. She sat down on the floor and was about to pull on her sweats when someone hovered over her.

Expecting it to be the British fraudster, she looked up ready to give him a piece of her mind. To her surprise, it was some tall blond dude eyeing her indecently. Cute shorts, he said.

She huffed and looked away from him. She was wearing regular black running shorts that were completely ordinary. Ignoring him would probably be the best tactic.

Let me know if you need help taking those off, he continued.

What the hell was in the water in this country? Before she could even begin to respond to that, Mr. Scam Artist decided to join the party. Great, just what she needed.

Is this guy bothering you? he asked her very seriously.

I was just leaving, she responded.

That’s too bad. We were just getting to know each other, blondie answered.

Take a hike, Richard, he snapped at him.

Richard, huh? I knew you looked like a Dick, Emma added, enunciating the Dick. She heard some laughter come from the Brit and a smile overcame her, momentarily forgetting their strife. At least someone had caught on to her humor.

Oh, that’s real original. Like I haven’t heard that before, legs, Richard countered.

I’m serious, man. Leave her alone. She’s mine.

Okay, strike that. The guy really was an asshat. Excuse me? You’re both delusional, she said standing up and walking away. She felt footsteps behind her but continued straight on her path anyway. She needed to get the hell out of there.

Emma. Hold on a minute, the British accent followed her.

What do you want? And how do you even know my name? I don’t remember any formal introductions. You’ve been anything but.

He simply shrugged. I asked around. I’m Max by the way.

Well, it was nice knowing you, Max. See you around, she said sarcastically.

What about the bet?

What about it? You won. Are you happy now?

Not really. I’m still waiting to collect my prize.

What are you talking about? We didn’t bet on anything. As far as I’m concerned, all you won were bragging rights.

I don’t think so, sweetheart. Your lovely ass is mine, he stated as a matter of fact. Remember?

I’m not your damn property because of some stupid bet. And can you stop calling me that? Apparently you went through the trouble of learning my name so you might as well start using it, she pointed out.

I’ll try but I can’t promise anything … Emma, he said enunciating her name.

She rolled her eyes at him and shifted her position. It was then she noticed a group of girls staring at them from across a corner and giggling. Seriously? Are we done here? I have to go.

Let me give you a ride then, he offered.

I don’t think so.

C’mon, it’s the least you can do after losing the bet.

Why don’t you just ask one of the girls from your fan club? I’m sure they’ll be more than willing for a quick ride. She was on a roll with the puns today.

Last I checked I didn’t have a fan club to offer rides to, he said amused.

Are you sure about that? she asked motioning behind him.

He took a peek behind him and sure enough the girls started giggling again and batting their eyes at him. Yes, she was definitely in middle school all over again.

Great. Well that’s your fault, he said sighing and looking back at her.

Don’t blame me. You stole my intel and had to go showing off about it. So now deal with it.

Please, Emma. Just do me this one favor so they’ll get off my back. Last thing I need is a bunch of girls following me around.

Oh, poor baby. I feel so sorry for you. I really do. She noticed the girls approaching them and she motioned them over. "Chicas, have you met Max? He was just telling me he has plenty of space in his big ol’ car if any of you need a ride."

Oh my God, really? one of the girls squealed.

Max never dropped his gaze from her and was looking at her with pleading eyes.

Don’t be shy, Max, she said patting him on the cheek. Well, I gotta run. You guys have fun, okay? she said before making a beeline towards the exit.

Ha! Take that, scumbag! She had to admit she was pretty damn proud of herself right about now. Who knew grad school could be so exciting? She certainly hadn’t had this much fun in months. Maybe moving to Madrid wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

Chapter 2 - Fire Extinguisher

Max walked into the study room, ready to get down to business. They only had 30 minutes to go over the case study and write down their ideas so they needed to get to it. Especially since he had taken the liberty of grabbing a leisurely coffee after the professor had given them an assignment to work on. Lord knew he had to clear his head after a sleepless night.

His socks almost fell off when he saw Emma seated in the middle of the room being the center of attention and looking mighty fine. Oh, hell no. They were in the same group for the semester? How had he not seen her in class before? Probably because he had been too distracted all morning thinking about her instead.

Emma stopped talking as soon as he walked in, and didn’t seem to be pleased by his presence either. Max. So glad you could join us. Please take a seat, she said politely, but her expression was anything but polite.

Why, thank you Emma. You are much too kind, he said looking at her menacingly.

You two know each other? a blonde girl asked with a Spanish accent.

You could say that, Emma responded. Max, I would introduce you to the rest of the team, but your reputation precedes you as the MVP from yesterday’s game. Maybe we should just call you LeBron from now on, she said bitterly.

Geez, way to hold a grudge, he thought. She was still upset over that?

Emma stood up and began writing some notes on the whiteboard and outlining the case. All he could do was stare at her from behind. From her long chocolate brown hair, her tiny waist, to those incredibly fitted jeans that did amazing things to her ass.

He was pleased to see it really was quite lovely, and not just a product of his wild imagination from when he had taken a peek at it the day before. It was all too easy to imagine cupping that exquisite flesh and pulling her up tightly against him. Especially after it had permeated throughout his dreams all night long. He suddenly felt uncomfortable in his seat and had to readjust his position before the physical reaction he was having towards her became too obvious.

God, she was sexy as hell. He pictured her emerald green eyes delving into him from the day before, heating up as she first turned to look at him. Yes, he had definitely seen a spark of attraction from her in those eyes, even if it had only lasted for a minute before he had to go and open his big mouth. She clearly hated his guts from that moment on. And he clearly had to do something to change that.

Max, do you have anything to contribute or are you just going to sit there?

Man, this American beauty was a feisty one. I think you’ve pretty much covered it, Emma. Clearly you’re in charge.

Fine by me. So who wants to present? she asked the group.

The entire room grumbled as no one wanted to be stuck doing the first presentation of grad school on the fly.

You don’t wanna present, Emma? a nerdy looking Asian guy asked with a thick accent.

Well if no one else wants to, I guess I’ll just do it, she said.

As soon as the words were out, everyone just filed out of the room. Except Max, of course. He still had some business to attend to with this little firecracker.

Look, I think we started off on the wrong foot, he told her.

You think? she bit out.

I’m going to let the little stunt you pulled on me yesterday with the girls slip. I guess I deserved that. But just so you know, it wasn’t my intention to steal your precious intel. I was standing there the whole time. You were just too busy in your little world to even notice me. Alright?

She seemed to relax her stance and looked at him curiously, as if deciding whether or not he was telling the truth. You’re not lying, are you?

No, Emma. I wouldn’t lie to you.

So why didn’t you just say that yesterday?

I was going to, but then you got all competitive on me. It ended up being more fun that way.

Well, I’m glad I was able to entertain you, she huffed.

C’mon, Emma. Don’t be like that. I know you enjoyed it, too. Don’t think I didn’t notice.

She sighed and crossed her arms. Maybe just a little bit, she mumbled.

So can we call it a truce? Start over? he asked hesitantly.

She stood up and made her way towards him. Truce, she said offering her hand.

As he went to grab and shake it, she surprised him by looking at him threateningly and changing her entire demeanor. If you ever screw with me though, I guarantee your sorry ass will regret it. Do we understand each other? she asked.

Likewise, sweetheart. But I’m pretty sure if there’s any screwing involved, it’s going to be you screwing me.

Guess we’ll just have to wait to find out. Won’t we? she asked with a sweet smile before turning on her heels and exiting the room.

God, he really hoped that was true. If even one percent of her feistiness transferred over to the bedroom, he would be in for a real treat. He had it pictured clearly in his mind. She had already given him enough material to work with and readily imagined her long sexy legs wrapped around his waist. If there was one thing for certain, this girl was going to bring him to his knees.

He felt like a lap dog following after her towards the classroom. He ended up taking a seat on the opposite side, as far away from her as he possibly could get. She held an inexplicable power over him and he didn’t like it one bit. He was definitely not used to feeling this out of control and not having the upper hand.

He ran his fingers repeatedly through his hair over the next hour, silently listening to one nervously spoken presentation after the other. He felt bad for the people that had to put themselves out there like that, they looked completely terrified and out of place. At one point he had even stopped looking at them as it seemed having 45 pairs of eyeballs staring directly at them only made them more uncomfortable.

When Emma walked up to present, it was an entirely different story. She was completely comfortable from the beginning, and he found himself hanging onto every word she spoke. She was clearly a natural, even charming, throwing out witty comments from time to time as she went through the main points she wanted to make. She was just absolutely … perfect.

He looked around the room when she was done and caught a few other guys eyeing her in a non-intellectual way. He almost growled at them. He decided right then and there he would have to make his move, and do it quickly. Just pull the trigger and weed out the competition from the beginning.

Class was dismissed for the day and he began contemplating his options. He could ask her out to lunch right now … or would that be too subtle? Maybe asking her to dinner would be better. Too obvious? He didn’t want to seem desperate either.

He caught a glance of her just outside of the classroom. At the end he decided he would feel her out first and then go for the kill. He was a few feet away when some guy approached her and snuck his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. She leaned into him but didn’t seem entirely comfortable at his approach. The filthy bastard. Time to set him straight.

Is this guy bothering you? he asked Emma once he stood in front of her. It wasn’t lost on him that it had been the second day in a row he was asking her the same question. Only today it was a totally different guy. This one was built in muscle and stood his ground … and looked like he was about to rip his balls off.

Who the hell is this? he asked Emma in a strong American accent, but kept his eyes narrowed on him.

Oh, this is Max. We’re in the same group in class, Emma said nervously. Max, this is Roy, she added blushing.

Her fucking boyfriend, Roy added. So stay the hell away, asshole. You can tell the rest of your little friends the same thing. His nostrils flared up so much he could have lit the first Olympics in Athens.

Roy! she yelled at him. He was just being nice.

Yeah, I’m sure he was being a real charmer, Roy responded.

Hey, take it easy mate, Max finally managed to say after the word boyfriend finally sunk in. He felt like he had just been hit over the head with a baseball bat. Why the fuck hadn’t she mentioned anything?

I don’t have time for this nonsense. Let’s go Emma, he said quickly pulling her towards the building exit.

She turned around to look at him before turning the corner, a mix between an apologetic and embarrassed expression on her face. And then, just like that, she was gone. He felt like a dignified idiot. It had officially taken her less than an hour to royally fuck him over.

Max hunched over, and did what any rational guy would do in that situation. He punched the glass on the nearest fire extinguisher and walked away. If only he could put out the burn he felt building inside, too.

Chapter 3 - Bad Feeling