He was trying to find the words, he really was. Unfortunately, his brain was still a scrambled mess from Emma's lips and hands and the look on her face after that life altering kiss. Gone were the worries of too much and too fast, quickly replaced by the need for more and now. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and took a deep breath.
The light touch of Emma's hand on the small of his back as she moved away from the wall caused Killian to open his eyes, sneaking a glance to see her expression. She was clearly amused, smiling back at him, ready to relish in their victory over Liam together. He cocked his eyebrow, an impulse that he couldn't really control, before turning his attention to Liam.
"Okay, Liam, what would you like to know first? I could start with how I intercepted your prank, or how I convinced Emma here to go along with me to turn the tables on you, or perhaps we should go back further to talk about how I got that photo of you to begin with? I think instead I'll just say this. You really should take this whole evening as one big learning experience, brother."
"Oh really, Killian? And just what, pray tell, is the kernel of knowledge I am to take away from you showing my arse to all of our friends?" Killian noted the lack of anger behind Liam's words, making him feel instantly relieved that his brother's sense of humor had won out over his initial fury.
Before Killian could speak, he felt Emma give his back a slight pat.
"Killian, if I may?"
He watched as Emma walked up to Liam, placing her hand on his arms that were still crossed in front of his chest. He watched as Liam directed his eyes to Emma, waiting for what she had to say.
"Mr. Jones , perhaps this will teach you to put your first name on your online orders from now on."
Killian saw the moment where Liam broke, the lines at the corners of his eyes crinkling as his smile took over his face, shaking his head in defeat. He couldn't see Emma's face, but he just knew that she was loving this. Liam uncrossed his arms and took Emma's still outstretched hand in his own, bringing it to his lips for a quick kiss.
"You know what, Emma? I was right before. I like you. And considering the moment I clearly interrupted a few minutes ago, I'd say my little brother over there likes you, too. What do you say we go back inside and you can fill me in on the details of the past few days?"
Liam had taken her hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow, turning them away from Killian as he began to walk them back down the alley towards the bar. It took Killian a few moments to follow, too enamored with the woman who had just won over his brother with one simple sentence.
Scrambling to catch up, he made his way back to Emma's side. "Oi, get your own date, brother."
"Oh, don't worry Killian, your brother and I were just discussing the fact that I do, in fact, still owe him a cake. I promised to make him one for his graduation, minus the nudity this time."
They were just at the door to the bar when Liam turned to Killian, passing Emma's hand over to him. Killian wound his fingers with Emma's, pulling her closely to his side.
"Besides, brother, I have a date. If she's survived the last 10 minutes in there alone with our friends, I might just introduce you."
"Why don't you go find out? Emma and I will join you in a few minutes."
Liam gave him a knowing look before winking at Emma and pushing his way back into the bar. Emma turned to face Killian, happiness clearly radiating from her, as she reached her hand up to lightly stroke his jawline. Unable to resist, he leaned in to capture her lips in a soft kiss, wanting to feel her smile instead of just witness it. Her hand tightened slightly on his jaw as she responded, the touch of her fingertips causing sparks to run along his skin. Before he could allow himself to get too carried away, he gave her one more quick peck before leaning back, watching her face intently as he did.
"I hate to say I told you so, but I was right, love. We do make quite the team." Emma laughed, shaking her head slightly at him before leaning in close to his ear.
"You're just lucky I met you first. Liam is quite charming and who knows…"
He didn't let her finish. Reaching down he swept her into his arms, supporting her knees with his right as his left held her tightly around her waist. She shrieked in surprise, laughing as he kicked the door to the bar open with his foot. As he passed the threshold he yelled, "Behold, the Rolly Joger!"
Killian reveled in the ridiculous moment, his friends laughing and cheering as Emma tried to bury her face into his chest in embarrassment. He was too happy to care that he had just made an ass out of himself, again. The woman in his arms had chased away everything except an overwhelming feeling of contentment. Catching Liam's eye at the bar, he nodded his head as Liam raised his glass in salute.
The next hour was spent introducing Emma to his friends, the two of them sharing the story of how they met so many times that they were finishing each other's sentences by the fifth iteration. Their cake was still, miraculously, intact on the bar. Well, mostly intact. The photo was gone, now dissolving in pieces in Killian's abandoned rum and coke. Liam had spared the rest of Emma's masterpiece, obviously as enamored with her talents as he was.
Emma was now lost in conversation with Belle, the librarian down at the university and Liam's date for the evening. She was a complete departure from Liam's usual fare of dim-witted lasses who couldn't carry on a conversation to save their lives. She was a tiny little spitfire, obviously intelligent and completely enamored with his brother. Killian mightily approved of this development in Liam's life and made his way over to tell him so.
He settled down onto the barstool next to Liam, back resting against the bar, looking out over the small gathering in front of them.
"So, brother, am I forgiven?"
Liam's deep chuckle filled the air around them, warming Killian's heart to hear it. His brother was the most important person in his life and it was a comfort to know that no matter how stupid they behaved their bond would never be broken.
"Aye, mate. You may have bested me this time, but remember, payback can be a bitch."
"Don't I know it… But alas, all's fair in love and war, right brother?"
Liam turned to look him in the eye at that. A silent conversation passed between the two before Liam looked across the bar to where Emma was laughing with Belle. He knew what was coming before Liam even spoke.
"My little brother is in love."
Killian let his gaze fall on Emma, watching as she handed her phone over to Belle, obviously exchanging numbers. The pull he felt towards her was undeniable, his body itching to be back in her presence. It was a physical thing, yes, but more than that it was a need to just be with her. He felt more whole in the past few days than he had in years and Emma had undoubtedly been the cause of this change in him. As crazy as it was to think that he could feel this much in such a short amount of time, he couldn't rightfully deny his brother's assessment.
"Aye, I think I am. Am I crazy?"
"Brother, that heart of yours has been in hiding for way too long. Being alone forever is crazy. Chasing after love, that's an adventure. If the looks I have been seeing her send your way all evening mean what I think they do, I'd say you have a willing companion for the journey, Killian."
Almost as if she knew they were speaking of her, Emma turned in that exact moment, her eyes searching until she found him. The shy smile she sent across the bar to him caused his heart to skip a few beats. He'd been so far removed from love for so long that he couldn't be sure of what he was seeing in her gaze, but there was definitely something brewing behind those sea green eyes. He was going to enjoy finding out what that something was. He was about to make his way back to her when he remembered why he had come over here in the first place. He held his hand up to her to let her know that he'd be over in a minute before turning back to Liam.
"Well, Liam, I'm happy to see that I'm not the only Jones brother making positive strides in the romance department. Belle's quite the catch. What the hell is she doing with you?"
"No bloody idea, mate, but I'm not going to question it. It took me forever to get her to agree to go out with me. She didn't fall for my usual charm, made me work for it."
Killian laughed and nudged Liam's elbow. "I'd say that's a good thing, brother. Let's get back over there to our ladies before they have too much more time to conspire against us. They're already looking a bit too chummy for my liking."
"Aye, let's go."
By last call, only the two couples were left of the birthday gathering. Emma was nestled sweetly against Killian's chest in one of the back booths, both of them watching Belle and Liam banter back and forth about some random thing. He honestly wasn't listening. Emma was running her fingers along the top of his hand that was draped across her waist. The motion of it was hypnotizing and it was causing his entire body to buzz with awareness. He tightened his hand and leaned his chin to rest on her head. He felt her lean further into him, sighing lightly as her free hand reached over to settle on his knee. Oh how he wished that they were not in a public place right now.
Liam's rather loud throat clearing from across the table startled him from his complete immersion in Emma, turning his head slightly to give his brother an annoyed look.
"Problem, mate?"
"No, mate, just repeating for the third time that Belle and I are going to head out. You were both off in another world there."
Emma's hand disappeared from his leg and she sat up slightly, causing Killian to lift his head and loosen his grip on her waist. She looked over her shoulder at him and they exchanged slightly embarrassed smiles before looking back across the table at the other couple.
"Sorry, it was a long day of cake deliveries for me. I must be a bit tired."
Liam chuckled and Belle caught Killian's eye, giving him a knowing smile at Emma's poor attempt at an excuse. Belle spared Emma any further embarrassment, reaching across the table to lightly touch her hand.
"Emma, it was such a joy meeting you tonight. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of each other, but if you want to get together without these boys around, give me a call."
Emma slid from Killian's side to stand up and give Belle a quick hug as she and Liam exited their side of the booth. "I definitely will. You'll have to come by the shop sometime. I've recently learned how much fun it is to have help decorating."
"I'd love that!" Belle turned to Liam after giving Emma one more quick hug. "C'mon Liam, let's leave these two alone. Killian, happy birthday."
Killian leaned over and gave Belle a quick kiss to her cheek in thanks. He spotted Liam wrapping Emma up in a bear hug, not missing the fact that he was whispering something in her ear. Emma blushed in response, making Killian obscenely curious as to what had just transpired. Liam released Emma finally, turning to Killian. He saw the look of mischief in Liam's eyes a second too late, suddenly finding himself suffocated in a bear hug of his own. He felt his spine crack a bit in protest at the force of it, laughing at his brother's idiocy. Liam finally released him and Killian pushed him away to avoid any further bodily harm.
"Happy Birthday, brother. This lovely lass over here has agreed to get you home, as your seat in my car is no longer available." He reached his arm out to Belle and Killian smiled as he watched them leave the bar arm in arm.
Not one to waste a second, he snaked his arm around Emma's waist and pulled her back towards him, her back to his chest. Her squeal of laughter as he rubbed his scruff along her neck was the sweetest sound he had heard all night. Not letting her go, he rested his chin on her shoulder, feeling her settle into him in response.
"You know, I think this evening was a rousing success, love."
"I'd say so."
Killian loosened his grip as he felt her lean away from him, surprised when he realized she was just turning so she could face him. She snaked her arms around his neck and leaned in for a kiss. He eagerly obliged, tightening his hand around her waist as her lips caressed his in a torturously slow assault. Everything felt hazy as he let her explore his mouth, not even caring that they were in the middle of the bar with drunken strangers as onlookers. He felt her pull back and he leaned forward, helplessly trying to chase her lips from their retreat. She stopped his forward movement with her fingertip to his lips, which wasn't really a deterrent, as he kissed the pad of her finger instead. Her throaty laugh prompted him to open his eyes and he saw that she was looking at him with the sweetest, somewhat bewildered expression.
"What?
"I…well…I guess I'm just trying to figure out how this all happened? You and me… I feel a bit like I've been swept off my feet here."
"Funny, as I feel as though you're the one who did the sweeping, love. My legs haven't been steady under me since the moment you left me that message."
Her grip around his neck tightened a bit and she leaned her forehead against his, closing her eyes. Unsure as to what was going on in her head, he waited for her to say something, slowly moving his hand in gentle circles between her shoulder blades.
She finally spoke, but it was barely more than a whisper, obviously not wanting the rest of the bar to hear the inner workings of her heart as she laid it bare for him.
"I haven't let someone into my heart for a long time, Killian. I need you to promise that you won't break it."
He could see the pleading look in her eyes and his heart did break a little for her in that moment. He wished he could go back in time and rip apart everyone who had dared to cause her pain, but he knew that wasn't what she really needed. She needed someone, him, to show her that she was worthy of love and happiness and everything that came along with it.
Removing his arms from around her waist, he reached up to cradle her face between his hands. He leaned back and waited for her to look at him, locking her in his gaze when she did.
"Emma, I'll protect your heart if you'll do the same with mine."
He waited to see the understanding of his words on her face before he leaned in to lightly kiss her forehead.
"You've got a deal, Jones." When he looked down she was smiling at him, the worry on her face gone and the joy he'd seen all night back in its place.
"Good."
"Unfortunately, I'm going to have to call an end to our evening. I actually have to work tomorrow and I don't even want to think about what time it is right now."
Killian knew it had to be around 2am and he suddenly felt bad that she had stayed out so late for him. "Aye, it's definitely reaching the witching hour. Let's get out of here."
He held out his hand and she linked her fingers with his as he led them out of the bar. The air had grown a bit chilly and he could feel Emma's slight shiver as they made their way across the street to her car. He released her hand so he could shrug out of his jacket, placing it over her shoulders once he was free of it. She gave him a thankful smile before working her arms through the sleeves.
His neck grew warm seeing her settle into his jacket. What was it about a woman wearing men's clothing that was so damn sexy? Knowing she was seeping up his warmth through the leather was making him feel itchy all over, overwhelmed with the need to touch her, again. As they reached her car he stepped into her personal space, walking forward until her back made contact with the door. Her breathing went shallow as he leaned closer, tasting her quickening pulse on her neck as he kissed a line from her collarbone to behind her ear. He didn't touch her anywhere else, knowing that if he did he wouldn't be able to stop.
He leaned back and watched as she slowly opened her eyes, seemingly in a daze. He couldn't help the slightly smug feeling seeing how affected she was by him.
"Sorry love, I couldn't help myself. Seeing you in my jacket was bit more than I could handle."
"Remind me to wear your clothes more often then."
Oh, he could do this. This back and forth, give and take, he was all in.
She gave him a light shove so she could peel herself off the car door. "Okay tiger, let's get you home."
He laughed, making his way over to the passenger side of the car. "Tiger? I like that, Swan."
She winked at him over the hood of the car before sliding into her seat. They settled into an easy silence as she drove him to his loft. Their hands remained linked between them as they both hummed along to the songs on the radio. As she pulled up in front of his building he gave her hand a tight squeeze before releasing it so he could remove his seatbelt. She was about to park so she could walk him to his door when he reached over to stop her.
"If you get out of this car I don't think you'll be getting home any time soon. Let me kiss you goodnight here so you can go get some sleep."
"You're that confident that I wouldn't be able to stop kissing you, Jones?"
"Oh, trust me, love. It's not your lack of control I'm worried about." With that, he leaned over to her and tapped his lips with his finger. "One last kiss, Swan?"
She shook her head at him but leaned forward anyway. He met her halfway, angling his head to deepen the kiss as soon as she made contact with his lips. His hands tangled in her hair of their own free will, not even realizing he had reached for her. Before long they were completely wrapped up in each other across the center console, making out like horny teenagers. She pulled back to breathe, placing her hands against his chest, obviously looking for her composure.
"So much for controlling ourselves, huh?"
"No fun in that, love, don't know why I ever suggested it in the first place."
He grabbed one of her hands from his chest and pressed it to his lips. "I'll say goodnight now, Swan."
"Goodnight, Killian."
Reluctantly, he released her hand and eased back onto his seat to exit the car. He stepped out, but stopped and leaned his head back in before closing the door.
"Emma, do you have plans for Sunday?"
"No, the shop is closed on Sunday. Why?"
"Well, if you would be so inclined, I would love to take you on that sailing date? I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday."
Killian watched as a smile took over her features as she looked at him across the car.
"I would love to."
"Brilliant. I'll call you tomorrow to make arrangements. Sweet dreams, love."
"Sweet dreams."
He closed the car door and waved as she pulled away from the curb and out of sight. He stood there for a long moment, running his hand along his jaw, watching the road that had just lead her away from him with a smile. It wasn't until he turned to go into his loft that he realized that she was still wearing his jacket.
A/N: Expect at least one more chapter and an epilogue after this (more if I get inspired). And again, I can't thank everyone enough for the tremendous feedback on this story. I love reading your reviews! :)
