Read Online Blitzing Emily by Julie Brannagh - Free Book Online Page A

Case from MSNBC. How long have you and Mr. McKenna been seeing each other?” The look on the woman’s face made the hair stand up on the back of Emily’s neck. “Unfriendly” was an understatement.
    “A little while,” Emily spoke over the din.
    “How long?” Ms. Case persisted. Maybe it was better not to answer her question.
    “Emily. You must be thrilled. When did he propose?” another woman called out.
    “A few days ago.”
    “How did it happen? What did he say to you?”
    She felt Brandon stiffen a little against her, but the brilliant smile hadn’t left his lips. Those same lips touched her forehead. Emily resisted the impulse to gasp. Pretend or not, she was starting to wonder what it would be like to kiss him.
    “We’d rather keep that private,” Brandon interrupted.
    “Were you surprised?” another female reporter asked Emily.
    “Yes, you could say that.”
    Laughter rippled through the crowd. Brandon murmured, “Good one,” into her ear.
    “Let’s have a look at the ring,” someone else called out.
    “We’re picking it up this morning,” Brandon assured the guy. Emily remembered the small silver ring she’d worn for the past couple of years, and resisted the impulse to flinch. Hopefully, it hadn’t fallen down the drain in the bathroom sink.
    “Anastasia Lee says that you’re on the rebound, Brandon. What are your thoughts on that?”
    “No comment.” His expression didn’t change.
    “When’s the wedding, Emily?”
    “We’re still discussing it. Maybe you could help us with that.”
    The reporters laughed again, and Shelly Case spoke up once more.
    “What are your thoughts on Brandon’s recent off-the-field incident, Emily?”
    Emily shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking—”
    Luckily, Brandon interrupted her. “Listen, folks, I could stand here for hours and show off my beautiful fiancée, but we have things to take care of. Thanks for coming out,” he said, and walked Emily to the passenger side of her Escape. She waved goodbye to the reporters and got in. Brandon was still talking to the group outside the car, but Emily couldn’t quite hear what was said. She heard another wave of laughter, though. He jumped into the driver’s seat, snapped his seatbelt on, and they drove away.
    Emily was stunned into silence at the sheer number of news trucks that lined both sides of the quiet street she lived on. He glanced over at her. “You okay, sugar?”
    “I’m fine. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “Huh?”
    “Don’t play dumb.” She folded her arms across her chest.
    “Okay. You got me.” He flashed Emily a naughty-little-boy grin. “I talked to my agent while you were in the shower. He asked if we’d pose for some pictures and maybe a little interview. I thought they’d catch up with us later today, but hopefully, they’ll leave us alone now. You’re not mad, are you?”
    “I wish you would have told me.”
    “Then it wouldn’t be a surprise.” She shook her head. “C’mon. It wasn’t too bad,” he coaxed. “There’ll be a nice picture of you on the news.”
    “I haven’t even told my family.”
    Speaking of family, it might be nice if she gave them a call, despite their unavailability up to this point. Amy was going to freak out. Her parents were going to lose their grip—especially her dad, which was why she hadn’t called him from the hospital yesterday. She loved her dad, but she didn’t depend on him for help, and she hadn’t for a long time now. What was she thinking? Maybe she could avoid telling them.
    “Oh, they’re about to find out,” he interrupted. Brandon patted her thigh with one big hand. “I have to pick up my stuff, we’ll go to your rehearsal, and then we’ll have some lunch.” His voice dropped a bit. “Are you up for this?”
    “Sure.” This must have been one of those “Be careful what you wish for, you might get it” moments.
    Brandon pulled up in front of the team headquarters a short time later.