A/N Eryn is once again my savior. Thank you for putting up with me! xo

Emma's feet hit the pavement hard Sunday morning. Her lungs burned the more she quickened pace.

"Come on, Murph," she said looking down at the giant fur ball running next to her. Every so often she had to drag him along, but generally he obliged.

She ran for the sake of running. Maybe she had hoped for a clear mind and the end of it, but if anything she was even more intrigued with who Killian was…and that terrified her. Emma had never wanted to know a person more in her life. Running was occasionally a part of her morning ritual, and this weekend she had deemed it a necessity.

After the events of Friday night occurred, she couldn't get Killian out of her head. They danced, chatted, and he drove her back to her car. It was the strangest date she'd ever unwillingly went on but surprisingly also the best. Dare she even say that she was a little disappointed when he hadn't kissed her goodnight.

She ran around Copley Square with the rest of the early risers, giving the occasional nod to those she recognized, and then made her way home. Emma's phone lit up with a new text as she walked in her apartment, her sister-in-law, Mary Margaret, wanted to meet up for coffee.

(Emma) Yeah, I just have to shower. See you at 9?

(Mary Margaret) Perfect, I'll see you then!

About an hour later, Emma sat at a table in a small coffee shop nearby. It was her usual spot around the corner from her place. The once yoga studio now turned coffee shop tended to attract the trendy hipsters of Boston, but she enjoyed people watching and got a kick out of some of their outfit choices. She patiently awaited Mary Margarets arrival by reading the flyers on the table, her eyes rolled at the slam poetry nights and saddened at the lost pets. Every time the door opened, a small bell dinged over head and she'd look up like clockwork. When it dinged for what seemed like the 100th time, she yet again found her glance swinging toward the door. In an instant, though, she regretted it. Emma quickly buried her face behind a flyer and feigned interest.

Life's Short.

Get a divorce.

321.341.0900

"Something I should know, Swan?" Killian asked as he peered over her and read the flyer in her hands.

Dammit. That smooth voice of his was going to get her in trouble one day. She placed the flyer down and caught Killian's sinfully gorgeous blue eyes. Tearing herself away from his stare, she tried to act surprised. "What are you doing here?"

He smiled at Emma and sat across from her. "Mind if I join you?"

"Actually, yes, I would. I'm expecting someone."

In that moment the waiter stopped by with Emma's coffee. "Can I get you anything, sir?" he asked Killian.

"No, he's not staying," Emma answered for him, rather abruptly.

"Tea would be great, thanks," Killian responded to the man, ignoring Emma.

Emma stared at him nervously. "You really shouldn't be here."

He gave her another dazzling smile. "I'll just keep you company 'til your friend gets here, love." Killian was making it hard for her to even be remotely upset. "How are you, Swan? I haven't heard from you since Friday evening."

Emma's cheeks burned. Oh crap, was blushing now? God. "Oh, right… Well, I've been busy."

Killian raised a questioning eyebrow to her. "I don't think binge watching Netflix counts as being busy."

She was sure her face was brilliant red by now.

"Look—" He started, and took her hand in his. Emma's eyes went wide. "—I rather enjoyed our night together and I would love to see you again…and not by chance. I've got a crazy schedule this week coming up, so why don't you come by my place and let me make you dinner tonight. Yeah?"

She answered in a hushed voice. "I don't think that's a good idea. We work together."

"Swan, it's just dinner." Those eyes of his brimmed with hopefulness. .

"Just dinner?" She asked with trepidation.

"Aye. Let's make it seven?"

"Okay. Dinner. Seven," Emma repeated it back like a checklist.

Killian released her hand and grabbed his tea. "I better get this to go. See you tonight." He beamed before standing

The door dinged lightly again, but Emma was too distracted by the loss of Killian's hand on hers to notice.

Mary Margaret walked in at the same time Killian was leaving. "Oh, Killian! How are you? What are you doing here?"

Oh…this friend. Killian understood Emma's concern now.

He lifted his to-go tea to her and gave her a beaming smile. "Hello love, just starting my day."

"Right! Sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush. Actually, I'm supposed to be meeting Emma," she said as she glance over his shoulder at Emma (who currently was smiling like an idiot).

Mary Margaret cut a suspicious look between Killian and Emma and as her eyes settled back on Killian, she raised her eyebrows surprised.

"Well, I better run. I have a bit of shopping that needs to get done." He gave her a hug and slipped out the door.

Emma and Mary Margaret sat at the table with their finished coffees. They chatted for an hour, catching each other up on their lives outside of work. Emma learned that her and David were trying for a baby. She didn't know if she was more excited at the idea of them being parents or for her to one day be an aunt.

"Emma, what was Killian doing here?" Mary Margaret switched subjects eager to get a juicy answer or two.

"Getting coffee or something?" Emma feigned ignorance.

Mary Margaret leveled her eyes with Emma's, telling her that she didn't buy goofy smiled she showed as he was leaving was far too telling. "Oh so he just so happened to be downtown on a Sunday morning? And his spirits seemed a bit higher than usual this morning, don't you think? And come to think of it, so are yours?"

There was nothing she could hide from Mary Margaret and Emma rolled her eyes."Fine, he just came over and said hi. We do work together you know."

"Of course, because that's a reason." The twinkle in Mary Margaret's eyes were far too much for Emma to handle, when even she didn't know what she and Killian were yet. Luckily, her sister-in-law dropped the topic after that.

After another couple minutes of chatting, they promised to do dinner soon and parted ways.

Later that day, Emma stood in her bathroom, curling her hair when her phone buzzed.

(Killian) 640 Revere Beach Blvd

See you tonight x

She opted to not text back and finished getting ready. With her hair curled and subtle make up on, Emma still had no idea what to wearShe could have totally used Mary Margaret's help. Without her though, Emma grabbed a pair of black leggings and a white cable knit sweater…casual would do…right?

Next she slipped on some flats and grabbed a bottle of wine—isn't that what people are supposed to do? Bring the alcohol?Why was this so difficult for her? She had to make her way over there before she changed her mind about everything.

The brick house stood tall in front of her. Stone molded on the columns in the front, and the railings seemed to wrap around the house. His house was incredible. She rang the doorbell and fidgeted a bit, the red wine in hand. Who is this guy? She thought as she looked around the house again.

Killian's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Swan, come in." He stood there with the door wide open. Dark jeans clung to his legs and a light grey sweater fitted his torso. Killian ran a hand through his hair that was as disheveled as ever and then beckoned her inside.

She walked towards him somewhat awkwardly as she held up a bottle of wine. "Hey."

He grabbed the wine with one hand and briefly held her hand with his other, placing a kiss on her cheek. "Hey yourself, you look lovely,Emma," Killian said and closed the door behind them. "Would you care for the grand tour now or after dinner? It's almost ready."

"After is fine. Your house is beautiful, Killian," she said in awe.

He led her towards the kitchen, and set the bottle down. Emma placed her purse on the counter, and gave herself a tour through his cabinets until she found wine glasses, then poured a substantial amount of wine in both, handing him one.

His kitchen had a rustic, yet modern feel to it. Hand crafted wood cabinets painted black, and stainless steel appliances. But what Emma found herself dying over was the giant island that filled the middle of the room. She made herself at home on one of the barstools, running a hand over the fine granite counter..

"What are you making? It smells amazing," she asked, sniffing the rich, buttery air.

Killed walked over to the stove. "Ahh, that would be the shrimp florentine. What you are really smelling may be the wine I poured in it…a healthy amount at best." Killian looked back and gave her a cheeky grin..

She raised her eyebrows just as cheekily as his smile. "Trying to take advantage of me, Jones?"

"All in good time, love." He sauntered over to her and leaned his arms out on the counter top across from her. "Would you prefer to eat in this stuffy kitchen, or outside with a magnificent view of the harbor?"

She chuckled over her glass. "I'm not sure if any part of your house will qualify as stuffy…but the latter option does sound more appealing."

"Well, come on then."

From the kitchen was an archway into the living room, she couldn't even being to comprehend the beauty of this home, and then a sliding door that led to the backyard. She felt like she walked on a movie set. Not only was there a pool, hot tub, the works, but he even had lights hung from above the patio furniture. The sun was starting to set as they made their way out. It casted a glow that just enhanced the beauty of this place.

They walked over to the table, and he pulled a chair out for her to sit.

"Killian, seriously—" She started to say as she sat. "How did you manage to get this place? I love my apartment, but I am starting to feel like I'm really missing out by living so close to downtown."

He sat across from her gently placing his glass down. "Actually, it's been in the family for quite some time. I'm from Ireland, but my family had this home here. I kind of claimed it over time and made it my own."

"Tell me, what did you do yesterday? You had raved about your freedom this weekend," he said with a wave of his hand.

She sighed. "Honestly?"

He gave her a shrug, encouraging her to continue.

"Don't laugh at me. I sat at home with my dog and watched Netflix,"Emma said with a little smile. "It was amazing, actually."

"That does sound rather enjoyable. I didn't know you had a dog."

Emma stood up and held her finger up to a confused Killian, signaling him to hold for a moment. She went inside the house and came back with her phone.

She held her phone out to him, and on the screen was a picture of a giant white and fluffy sheepdog mutt. "A couple of years ago, David and I volunteered at a shelter for a work event and I caved. I'm still not sure what he is. His name is Murphy."

"You have that beast of an animal trapped in an apartment? You should have brought him with you!" It was a playful suggestion, but one that made Emma's heart soar. Because she knew even though he was teasing he was still being thoughtful and honest. Somehow she knew.

A few minutes later, they were seated with a gorgeous view and delicious meal—and pretty damn good company.

"Can I ask you something?" Emma asked with a crinkle between her brows.

"What's that, Swan?"

She peered up from her food. "Why were you downtown this morning?"

He scratched the back of his ear, a nervous tick Emma's noticed over time. "Well, if we are being honest, I was hoping to run into you."

Emma picked up her wine and sat back in her chair. "You knew where I'd be?"

"I've seen your to-go cups from that same shop everyday.I assumed it was a daily occurrence you could not go without on the weekend as well. If I over stepped, I apologize." His words were sincere and when those blue eyes of his met hers, she melted.

Emma reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "No one has ever gone out of their way for me like that, maybe I should be a little concerned that you pay that much attention, but mostly I am flattered. I'm also really glad you found me."

Its possible her words held more meaning in that moment.

She helped him clear off the table. They moved around the kitchen getting everything cleaned up. They moved around each other with ease until Emma, clumsy as she is, turned right into his chest. Killian caught her easily and stared down at her. She was a good five inches shorter than him, and being pressed up against him made it more noticeable.

"You alright, Swan?"

"Emma," he said again.

She was staring. She should probably stop, but for the life of her, she couldn't. Her hands were splayed out on his chest, his very muscular chest. Everything about him was so captivating . Her eyes flickered from his eyes to his lips. Killian said something but she didn't know what he said. In fact, everything around her was obsolete. The only thing she was listening to was the voice in her head telling her to just do it. She moved up on her toes and threaded her fingers through his hair. His head lowered, settling his lips so they were barely touching hers. His hands rested on her hips, but she didn't make any further movement, except to rub her nose against his.

"Swan," Killian choked out, swallowing as if his will power was frayed. the man only had so much will power.

"I don't know if it's the wine or what, but I've been trying so hard to keep myself in check for the past few months and I just can't anymore," she whispered against his lips.

He let out a feral groan locking their lips together. It was anything but slow and careful. His kiss was raw and desperate. An underlying tension from Friday night, hell from months ago. Their desire poured through their mouths. Killian tangled a hand through her golden tresses, while the other squeezed her backside and tugging her in closer. Energy surged through them, sparking at every touch. Emma moaned into his mouth, and opened allowing their tongues to dance

When finally their lips slowed to a soft touch, breathing heavily, Killian spoke. "I really love these pants you're wearing." His hand grazed her ass once more.

Emma giggled. "They're called leggings."

"I don't bloody care." He took her lips once more, letting them linger for another second before she settled back on her feet.

He swept his hand over her face, moving her hair, "Come, stay a bit longer before you head home for the night." She grabbed his hand and allowed him to lead her to the living room.

The couches were long, leather, and super comfy. Emma could fall asleep here, she thought. As she curled up in the corner, Killian fumbled with music, until he found something to his liking. Emma hummed in agreement of his selection and she happily relaxed. Killian sat next to her and rested his arm behind her.

She shifted into him and allowed him to brush his lips over hers once, twice, and then a third time. They kissed languidly at first, and within moments the spark was ignited again.

Killian hovered over her in an instant. Lips still fused together, he grabbed her thighs and pulled her down to lie on the couch. He settled between her legs. His hand slid up and over her body, and then down her arm until their fingers intertwined. He brought their connected hands over her head while massaging her mouth with his own. Occasionally he bit down on her soft plump bottom lip, but it wasn't until his hips grounded into hers that she stopped.

A soft whimper escaped her before she spoke. "Easy, Tiger. I think it's time for me to go." She disconnected their hands and moved out from under him.

Killian smiled through swollen, red lips and agreed, but wished she'd stay. She says she can't and gives him one more slow kiss before leaving for the night. But before she gets into her car, she takes one final look over her shoulder at the house and sees him in the window staring back. She exhales slow and climbs in the car knowing her life from this point is going to be different.

Reviews are welcomed! I'd love to hear your thoughts. :-)