Author note;

Some fluff because...why not? Also, Please tune in LIVE to the last 3 episodes of the season if you can. The show is still not renewed for Season 5 and ratings are critical. There should be no more breaks with the show airing each Wednesday until the finale on 5/26.

Again, I appreciate your reviews and comments!

CH 113-I Have My Reasons

Clay heard his alarm and moved to turn it off as quickly as he could. Emma stirred slightly as he slipped out of bed and she was forced to place her head on her pillow instead of his chest. After rolling over, she snuggled down in the covers and went right back to sleep. He breathed a sigh of relief and started about his day.

This week was her Spring Break. They had no plans for travel as his time off didn't coincide and they really didn't have the money given her recent medical bills and purchase of a new car. Still, Emma felt she would find plenty to keep herself busy and was looking forward to some extra rest. Wanting to give her that, Clay crept around the apartment as quietly as he knew how, taking care of Koda and getting himself ready to report in to base. As he was preparing to leave, he peeked in on her. She laid still in bed; head now buried under her pillow. He chuckled softly to himself, shook his head fondly, and then turned to go.

Emma finally awoke a few hours later. Koda immediately sensed her movement and pawed at her, whining for attention.

"Hey boy," she laughed. "How long have you been sitting there waiting for me to wake up, huh?"

She continued scratching behind his ears as she swung her feet to the floor. Stretching her arms up toward the ceiling she let out a small groan, and then stood. Thankfully, she could smell the aroma of coffee still in the air. She hoped that there was some left in the pot. She padded into the kitchen and found that Clay had programmed the coffee pot to stay warm for four hours. She smiled, mentally thanking him. She flopped down on the couch and closed her eyes, sipping at the liquid in her mug, silently waiting for the caffeine to do its thing. When she opened her eyes, she could see Koda sitting over by the door and looking back at her expectantly. He had been so good and patient with her while she was recuperating from her accident. He deserved a surprise.

"Do you wanna go to the park, Buddy? Wanna go play?"

He recognized the excited lilt in her voice and started to prance around.

"Okay, okay. Let me get myself together and we'll go have some play time."

Emma and Koda made the walk to the dog park. She let him off his harness, but he stayed by her side.

"It's okay, boy. Go have fun."

She motioned forward to the expanse of grass and the several climbing obstacles. At her prompting, he took off, yipping happily. Seeing that he was settling in, Emma went to get a scone from the ever-present cart to go along with the coffee in her large travel mug. She found an empty bench and made herself comfortable. After finishing her breakfast, she tipped her head back, closing her eyes, and enjoyed the feel of the sun on her face. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out to read the message.

-R U up? –

-Yep. Took Koda to the park-

-Did u eat? –

-Just finished breakfast-

-Breakfast…it's lunch time-

"Tomato, tomahto-

She could picture him laughing and shaking his head at her response.

-How about U? –

-Eating lunch now-

-Will you be late tonight? -

-Don't think so-

-Can we grill out? -

-Sure thing. Enjoy your day. Love U-

-Love U 2! –

She let Koda play for a couple hours while she reveled in the warmth of the Spring sun. When she finally called him over so they could go home, his tongue was lolling out of the side of his mouth as he panted. But his eyes were bright, and his tail waved back and forth. Signaling that he had a good time. They strolled along the sidewalks back toward the apartment. Emma took note of the pretty little houses along the way. Several already had colorful flowers blooming in gardens and window boxes. She loved the vibrant hues. She knew that they had only a small balcony, but some hanging baskets and maybe a few planters would make it homier. She decided right then that the rest of this afternoon would include a visit to the local garden center.

Clay came in the door and called out for Emma.

"Out here."

He followed her voice out to the balcony. Sliding open the door, he noticed the hanging baskets of red and white blooms. There she was, kneeling by a large ceramic pot, placing more flowers in the fresh soil.

"Hey babe. What's going on?"

She stood up and he got a clear view of her. She had her hair tied back, brightly colored gloves on her hands and a smear of dirt across her forehead. She sported a satisfied expression, clearly happy with her efforts.

"Hi," she responded, tipping up on her toes for a kiss.

"Looks like you've been busy."

"Well…when I took Koda to the park today, we passed a lot of gardens and the flowers looked so pretty…"

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as he answered.

"It all looks really beautiful."

She beamed at his compliment.

"Almost as beautiful as you look with dirt smeared across your face," he teased.

She huffed with mock annoyance as she started back inside to clean herself off. Clay laughed and reached out to smack her backside as she passed by. To which she responded with laughing squeal.

They enjoyed their dinner, prepared on the grill per Emma's request, sitting outside among the flowers she planted. They even lingered, finishing off a bottle of wine while watching the sunset.

The next morning started out much the same as the previous. Clay grabbed his keys, phone, and wallet, and looked over at Emma. The covers were wound around her, and the early morning sun tangled through her long tresses. One leg snuck out from under the sheets, bare to his gaze. The creamy silk of the skin inside her thigh called to him. He longed for the time to explore the smooth ivory with his mouth. He held himself together, and as he placed a soft kiss to her head, vowed that he would get home as soon as possible that night and let his lips travel over every sweet inch of her.

Again, Emma slept in, though not as late as the day before. She got up and stepped into the shower. By the time she shampooed, conditioned, and shaved, the bathroom was filled with steam. She pulled on her robe and wrapped her hair in a towel. As she reached for her lotion, a peculiar sight in the fogged-up mirror caught her eye. Clay had taken his finger and drawn out the message, "I love U" and surrounded it by several lop-sided hearts. The simple action was so sweet it made her heart ache with love for him.

Even though he was often gone, he was always there for her in the ways that counted. He took care of her so tenderly after her accident. And he was her strength when the grief over remembering her Mom's accident overwhelmed her. She tried to think up a way to thank him. She walked into the kitchen to get her breakfast. As she leaned against the counter, drinking her coffee, her eyes were drawn to the antique frames that held his Grandmother's hand-written recipes. Suddenly, she knew exactly what she could do. Clay was going to be so surprised tonight when he came home to a homemade Liberian dinner.

Emma jotted down the ingredients needed and headed off to the grocery. Her search ended up taking her to three separate stores in search of some of the rarer spices. She got everything home and perused the recipes again to decide on which to try first. She considered herself a fairly good cook, and the Palava sauce turned out pretty promising. She left it in the pot to keep warm. She would fix the rice to serve with it later. Next, she turned her attention to the Pepper Kala. She really had no experience with deep frying anything, but she did her best. The first batch was uncooked in the middle, and a few of the last ones got too brown. But there were enough that seemed edible. Finally, she went to work on the Rice bread. It came out of the oven looking brown and smelling of banana and nutmeg.

She cleaned up the mess she managed to make and set the table. She wanted everything to be perfect. When that was accomplished, she changed into an outfit that she knew was one of Clay's favorites, not forgetting the lacy lingerie beneath. After dinner, she intended to show him in another way how she felt.

Her phone rang as she was deciding whether to leave her hair down or put it up. She saw it was Clay and her heart sank. He should be on his way home now.

"Hi Babe, what's up?"

"We caught a spin, honey."

She was disappointed but tried not to let him hear it in her voice. He had no control over his schedule. There was no need for him to feel guilty.

"Oh, okay. Any idea how long you'll be gone?"

"No, not really. I'm hoping this is a quick one."

"I hope so too. Be careful. Come home safe."

"I will. I've gotta go. Love you, Em."

"I love you too."

They hung up and she flopped down on the bed, deflated. Instead of sitting there feeling sorry for herself, she decided not to let the food go to waste and texted Mikayla.

-You free for dinner? -

-Yea. Wanna meet somewhere? –

-How about sharing some Liberian food with me? –

-? –

-I fixed some for dinner-

-Sounds good. I'll be there in a few-

-C U then-

Emma went to change her clothes and got ready for her guest. True to her word, Mikayla knocked on the door about fifteen minutes later.

"Hey, c'mon in," Emma offered as she opened the door.

"HI! It smells great in here."

"Thanks. I was cooking all afternoon."

"Well, as much as I appreciate the home-cooked meal. I'm fairly sure all this wasn't for me. Wanna fill me in?"

"I was trying to surprise Clay. These are some recipes of his Grandmother's from their time in Liberia."

She proceeded to tell Mikayla about Clay living with his Grandparents. But she didn't share many details around why he needed to go be with them. She felt that part was too private even for her friend to know.

"I'm sorry that your surprise got spoiled."

"Not spoiled really, just postponed."

The two got seated and Emma served up the food.

"Hey, I hope I'm not out of line here but…doesn't it ever bother you?"

"What?"

"The fact that he's just gone on a moment's notice for who knows how long off to who knows where?"

"I guess bother isn't the right word. I worry about him and his safety."

"I know I don't know all the particulars of his job, but still…I'm not sure I could deal with always coming second."

"You know, it's kind of funny," she laughed and continued. "I hated my Dad's job when I was growing up. I started to resent that the Team seemed to be more important than anything else. Then, when I got older, I saw how hard it was for my Mom, with Dad gone all the time. I just knew I would never put up with anything like that."

"So, what changed?"

"When I met Clay and we got to know each other, I started to understand why they do it. And I finally understood that he doesn't do his job in spite of me…he does it because of me."

"I'm not sure I follow."

"He does what he does because he wants to keep me and everyone he cares about safe. And of course, I wish there were a way for him to be home more and not be in danger so much, but there's not. His commitment to the Team and his sense of duty are part of him. He wouldn't be the man I love if he were different."

"Those are all really great reasons. Still…it has to be hard on you."

"I'm not going to lie and say it's easy, or that it will get any easier. But he's always there for me when it counts, even if he's halfway around the world."

"I still can't imagine it. But when I see you two together, I can tell that whatever the reasons, you guys belong with each other."

Emma smiled at her friend's statement.

"It does take a lot of effort. But we both keep talking and supporting each other. We're committed to making it for the long haul."

Mikayla raised her glass at that last comment and the two toasted. They finished their meal with conversations about work, school, and Mikayla's latest date. She stayed late, so after putting away the leftovers and taking Koda on a walk, Emma went right to bed. It wasn't the evening Emma envisioned, but it was fun anyway. As always, when Clay was gone, she snuggled down on his pillow and closed her eyes, breathing in his scent, and prayed he was safe.

Clay pulled into the parking lot just before noon. He walked wearily up the steps and went inside as quietly as he could in case Emma was still sleeping. Koda was there at the door to greet him. He patted the furry head and went into the kitchen. He was hungry and tired after this whirlwind of a mission. He hoped there was something he could heat up quickly and then he would fall into bed beside Emma. Opening the refrigerator, he investigated several containers inside. As he lifted the lid to one, the aroma sent him back years, back to his childhood. It looked and smelled like his Grams' Palava sauce over rice. He sat it on the counter and went to grab himself a bowl. He wasn't sure what exactly was going on, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse it the mouth. After he got a bowl and a spoon, he turned and could see someone approaching from the corner of his eye.

"Welcome home."

Emma stepped toward him and he hurried to free up his hands and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

"Thanks, Babe," he answered, kissing her head. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's fine. I'm always happy to see that you're home safe. Are you hungry?"

"Yea. I was getting ready to heat this up. What's this doing here anyway?"

"I made it the other day. It was going to be a surprise for dinner. "

"Oh, honey. I'm, sorry that I ruined it."

He rubbed a hand gently up and down her back.

"You didn't do it on purpose."

She stepped back and went into the fridge again.

"Here, I made some Pepper Kala too. I'm not sure how good that will be reheated."

She started to dish everything up.

"Em, I'm sure it's great. I can't believe you did this."

She went to the cupboard and pulled out a foil wrapped package and held it out to him.

"I baked this too. It's your Grams' rice bread."

"This is amazing. Why, Em?"

"You're for always there for me. You took such good care of me when I was hurt, and you helped me get through the anniversary of Mom's accident."

She shrugged her shoulders and went on.

"I…I wanted to thank you, somehow."

He took the bread from her and set it on the counter. Then he took all the rest of the dishes and placed them back in the fridge.

"What are you doing? I thought you were hungry."

He turned back and picked her up, encouraging her to wrap her arms and legs around him. His eyes were almost black as he answered her.

"I am."

Seconds later he claimed her mouth and slide his hands up her thighs to cradle and fondle her ass. He managed to get them to the bedroom and close the door. As soon as her feet touched the ground beside the bed, she whipped off his t-shirt she was wearing and stood there in just her tiny, cotton panties. His eyes scanned over her. Her skin was flushed and her eyes wide and wild. Her nipples were puckered and looking extremely suckable, like tiny pink gumdrops. He wanted to get his mouth on her as soon as possible.

Crowding her back against the bed, she moved back and kneeled on the mattress, pushing his shirt up to place sucking kisses on his abs and chest. He helped her out by pulling the shirt off over his head. As she licked a trail from his pecs up to suck at his neck, he was unbuttoning his pants and kicking off his shoes and socks. Once he was undressed, he cradled her head with both hands and slanted his mouth over hers again. Their lips grasped at each other's and he sought out her tongue with his own, teasing and tasting. Emma could feel him, strong and solid, pressing into her abdomen. She slipped a hand between their bodies and stroked him.

"Unh…Em. God yes, Baby!"

But he stepped back just out of her reach. He wanted her, but he wanted to take his time and love her. He swept her up and laid her back on the bed, hooking his fingers in the sides of her panties and slipping them down her legs and off. She reached for him, but he slid down the mattress out of her grasp. He lifted her leg and ran kisses up her calf, teased the hollow at the back of her knee with his tongue and then placed his mouth on the inside of her thigh.

Emma could feel the rasp of Clay's beard against her tender skin, and then the soft press of his lips. The dual sensations were scrambling her brain. He switched sides and paid homage to her other leg. Her hips were pulsing up and down as he shifted his focus to her core. Holding her in place with a hand just below her navel, he licked at her. Now, his moans matched hers as her unique flavor coated his tongue. Slipping two of his thick fingers into her slick center he focused his mouth on her clit with alternating licks and sucks. Her moans were getting louder, and he could feel her start to quiver around him. He raised his eyes, wanting to see her. Her moans reached a crescendo, she tensed, coming over the edge with a high-pitched cry.

She was never more beautiful to him than in these unguarded moments when expressing his love for her brought her the ultimate pleasure. Watching the rosy blush color her skin and her breasts heave with her deep breaths was mesmerizing.

Emma reached for Clay's hand, weaving her fingers through his and tugging to indicate her desire for him to move up with her. He complied and settled next to her, laying face to face. She wrapped a hand around the back of his head, playing with the curls at his nape.

"I love you," she managed, still trying to regulate her breathing.

"I love you too, Em."

He dipped his head to place a tender kiss to her lips. Clay laid a hand on her hip and pulled her closer, then stroked over curves slowly while relishing her voluptuous lips. Emma wrapped a leg around his and rubbed her delicate foot up and down his muscular calf while pressing herself against him.

"Mmmm…" he breathed before cupping her in his hand and teasing her nipple with his thumb.

Emma arched her back and gave him more access to her breasts. Clay took full advantage and laved her stiff peaks with his tongue before sucking a turgid nipple into his mouth.

"Yes, oh Clay."

His tantalizing nibbles and sucks had her squirming against his length. Still laying face to face, Clay grasped her thigh and lifted her leg around his waist. Then, taking himself in hand he nudged up to her entrance and slipped himself inside. He could see Emma close her eyes and bite her lip as he entered her. He moved his hand to her firm ass and used his grip as leverage to push deeper into her with each slight movement of his hips. She responded by flexing down with each press of him inside her.

Their position had their faces inches apart, maintaining eye contact that heightened the intimacy of the moment. Emma's body molded to his, caressing him with every slide into her velvet heat.

"You're perfect, Em. So perfect," he whispered into her ear.

Her thoughts were almost identical. She couldn't ever imagine anything better than how he filled her, how it felt to have him so deep inside that it felt like he was part of her. She clutched at his shoulders, trying to get closer to him. Their mouths came together, and she immediately opened to him. Clay slid his tongue across her lips in a rhythm that mimicked the movements of their bodies.

She wanted to feel him let go. She wanted to see his eyes grow wide and then darken and feel the pulse of him as he spent himself inside her.

"Clay, please…let go for me. I've got you. Let go, Babe."

He reacted by digging his fingers into her ass hard enough that she suspected there would be marks tomorrow. She ground herself down on him in response. Then groaning her name, his hips stuttered, and he spilled into her warmth. As he pushed into her one last time, he pressed against her bundle of nerves sparking another, more intense orgasm. Spots swam before her eyes and she gasped for breath. Clay held her close, kissing her neck and jaw as she came down from her high.

They laid in each other's arms, each still with the occasional shiver from the aftershock of their mutual pleasure. The sun was climbing higher in the sky and now slanted though the blinds casting bands of light across their bodies.

Emma kissed him once more before speaking.

"Are you still hungry? I can go heat up the plate you fixed."

He rolled to his back and rubbed at his eyes. The he checked his phone, and they could see it was past twelve.

"How about I go fix us some coffee instead? And get a couple slices of that rice bread."

"That sounds more like breakfast than lunch," she teased, turning his earlier words back on him.

He kissed her head and answered back.

"Tomato…tomahto."

They laughed and he rolled over to pull on some pants and go get their "breakfast". She scooted up to lean on the headboard. This wasn't quite how she envisioned that they would enjoy her surprise together, it was even better.