"Okay, go like you're going home, but the light before the apartments, turn right. There's a tiny shop there on the corner I need to go to."
Killian turned the car around and drove back towards the direction in which they came.
"What is this place called?" he asked.
"Henry's Book Adventure."
Killian turned his head toward her and couldn't make out her expression. He continued driving until he got to the light and made a right turn. Finding a parking spot in front he parked, and got out as Emma did.
"This is... a children's store," Killian questioned.
"Don't judge a book," Emma laughed.
She opened the door and walked up to the counter, passing the piles of books that were against every shelf.
"Oh, hi Emma, I didn't expect you to come in tonight, I told you I would hang on to it until the weekend," a young brunette said to her.
"Oh I was in town plus I wanted to show off this place a bit to a friend of mine," she gestured to Killian.
Killian's mood immediately changed after hearing the phrase "friend" and walked up to the counter to greet the owner. She was a petite woman, younger with her brown hair tied back halfway. A singsongy voice accompanied her as she spoke to Emma. They must have been somewhat close from what he could tell.
"Hello 'friend', I'm Belle. Welcome to my little shop, let me know if you are looking for anything in particular and if I don't have it, I can find it for you," she said to Killian with a smile.
"Thank you, lass, I'm Killian by the way, it's very nice to meet you. Actually, there is a book I would like to know if you have. I used to own a copy of Captain Blood however I don't believe it made it's way across the pond. Do you happen to carry a copy here?"
Belle thought to herself for a moment,"perhaps its over here in fiction, let me see."
"Pirates, eh?" Emma looked at him with a smile.
"Running joke, I know, but it is an interesting part of history. To think what it would be like to just take a ship and go anywhere you wanted without a care or responsibility in the world."
"There's also the plundering and brutality of it all as well," Emma responded.
"Well, I like to focus on the more... independent aspect. There was the sense of adventure, of thrill, of excitement. Plus the rum didn't hurt," he smiled back.
"With that much rum, how could one even remember the adventure and thrill and excitement?" she shot back.
"Moderation of course, all things in moderation," he said slowly.
She smiled back at him, feeling the air change with electricity that it didn't have before. Finally, getting back to normal.
Belle returned with two books in her hands handing one to Emma and one to Killian.
"Captain Blood for you and Princess Bride for you, Emma," she said cheerily walking back to her counter.
Killian eyed Emma then leaned over towards her ear, "so you have a thing for pirates?"
Emma's skin prickled and her face flushed slightly, "No, it's just a really good book!"
"Ah, so you've read it," he asked. He hadn't moved away.
"Well, no, not yet, but I've read the online reviews. Plus I love the movie so I figure the book has to be just as good."
Emma took her chance and walked up to the counter, handing Belle a credit card. She felt more than saw Killian walk up right behind her and patiently wait to be rung up. There was distance but not by much, between them. Emma quickly signed her name and then stepped to the side.
Belle noticed the interchange and just smiled at Killian as she swiped his card. She then handed him his book, "also let me give you a frequent buyer card. After ten books you get the next one half off. And just in case you need more information, I've added a number here on the back."
"Thank you, Belle, I'll be sure to come by frequently," he said with a smile.
She giggled slightly then handed him the card after jotting down the phone number. Then handed it to him with a wink.
What the hell, Belle?
Emma swallowed her pride then walked towards the door. Was she flirting with Killian, when obviously I walked in with him? I mean yes, I did say he was my friend, but still. And yes, I know this isn't a date. But still. Principle!
"See ya later, Belle," Emma said as she pushed through. Seeing Killian's car she made her way to the passenger door. Killian walked up to her and pressed the unlock key right as he opened the door for her.
Before letting her say anything he stepped in, "Last time, promise."
Emma rolled her eyes but smiled inwardly. She did kind of like the added attention. But she also knew that neither one of them were wanting anything other than friendship. She had mentioned it before and still meant what she said when she didn't do relationships. Friendship, though few, she could at least attempt. Or try to with Killian who seemed to be putting as much effort in the endeavor as her.
Killian jumped in the car and drove back to the apartment garage. He parked next to her beetle but she still said nothing to give away extra information. They made their way to the elevator in silence. Both content, but a slight buzz was definitely apparent.
Emma pressed the button, "Well, that was fun, actually. Thanks for driving and everything."
"Of course, and thank you for a lovely evening," he said as he walked into the elevator. His hand came up behind her as she walked ahead of him.
Emma noticed but didn't say anything and pressed ten and eleven.
"When do I get to cash in my winnings, then," asked Killian.
Emma snorted, "damn, I thought you had maybe forgot."
"Forget an invitation to a delightful fashion show, I doubt I would," he said cheerily.
Emma turned her head to look at him, seeing his smile genuine. Of course he's not smug. This guy is just...god, he's attractive.
Catching herself Emma said,"well, not tonight, I have work stuff to do, but how about we get it over with Saturday afternoon."
Killian smiled, "excellent, let's say around four?"
Emma thought for a second. Of course four is fine, there's nothing going on all day. You just wanted to not make it not-at-night so it wouldn't be another, whatever tonight is.
"That should be fine," she said quickly.
"My place is ten-twenty-five, I'll see you Saturday," as if summoning the doors to open, Killian walked out then turned back.
"Goodnight, Miss Swan."
Emma, not catching a beat looked him dead in the eye, "goodnight, Mr. Jones."
