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Chapter 4

Second Chances

Emily left the hospital and went home to change before meeting Lucky for dinner. She didnt want to look overdressed, but casual wouldnt be nice enough for a place like the Metro Court. She flipped through her closet, deciding on a pink silk dress, and a pair of matching heels. Emily brushed her hair and touched up her make up. She grabbed her purse and coat, and drove to the Metro Court.

Nikolas looked at his watch, Elizabeth should be calling any minute. Lucky was seated at the table waiting for her, a bottle of the finest champagne available beside him. Emily spotted Lucky and, walked towards him. "Hi." she smiled when she got to the table. "Em, you look beautiful." he commented, pulling out her chair, and returning to his seat. "Thank you." she smiled, blushing a little. "So, whats the occasion ? I mean this is a little fancy for a conversation between friends." Emily asked, casually sipping her wine. "Well, I was hoping we could consider this our first date." "Date ?" Emily repeated, making sure she heard him correctly. "Last night, when I said I wished I was with you, and you asked if I meant it." he began, recounting what transpired between them. "Yes, and you said you werent sure." Emily reminded him. "I know, but I am sure. I dont know why I said that, Ive wanted to be with for a long time. Now that were both unattached, maybe we can try again. If you still have feelings for me." Was this it, could she actually be with the man she truly loved ? "My feelings for you are as strong today as they were that summer we almost made love." she stated. "There isnt anything standing our way, so hopefully this will be the first of many dates to come." Emily barely finished her sentence, when she caught Lucky glancing over her shoulder. "Is something wrong ?" Emily asked turning to see what had shifted his focus away from her so quickly.

There was Nikolas and Elizabeth, standing arm in arm, laughing and carrying on idle conversation as though it was unbeknownst to them that less than 24 hours ago, their surreptitious affair had been found out. "Maybe we should go." Emily suggested, hoping to prevent the impending confrontation between Lucky and his brother. "No, were not going anywhere, because they decided display their fornication in public" Lucky answered, a hint of enmity peeking through his words.

Nikolas began approaching the table. "Emily, can I speak to you in private for a minute." Nikolas asked. "Ill be right back." she said, looking at Lucky. Who was now acting cold and detached. "Whats going on ?" Emily asked when they were alone. "Is it a problem for Elizabeth and I to be here ?" "I suggested leaving, but Lucky refuses." "I dont want to ruin your night." "No, Nikolas, its fine." "Enjoy your dinner." "Thanks, you too."

Emily rejoined Lucky at their table. "What was that about ?" he demand. Emily sighed. "This dinner was a mistake. Its not fair to either of us, your not ready for this yet." Emily stood up and walked out of the restaurant. She knew that Lucky would have spent the remainder of the evening looking over her shoulder, watching Elizabeth and Nikolas.

"Em, wait, please." Lucky called after her. It was too late. Emily arrived at the Quartermaines and went up to her room. If she continued dating Lucky, and things ended up getting serious, he might regret it. She couldnt let him get hurt again, he was one of her best friends, and she had to protect him, it didnt matter if she got hurt in the process.

The next thing she knew, Lucky was banging on her bedroom door. "Emily, please talk to me." he pleaded.

Emily opened the door and let Lucky in. She quickly reached for her robe to cover the lavender nightie, which hung tightly around her slender figure. Lucky sat next to her on the bed. "I owe you an apology, again." Lucky said, still unable to believe that his selfish behavior had hurt her in the same way twice." Emily half smiled. "Please, dont apologize. I overreacted. I just dont want us taking things to far and having you regret them. "I could never regret being with you." Lucky moved toward her and pressed his lips against hers, kissing her hard. His hands caressed her porcelain skin.

As their passion intensified, he pushed against her gently, causing her to lie back. Their eyes met, for a moment, he was taken aback by her intoxicating beauty. His feelings for her had never been stronger than they were in this moment. He wanted her, he needed her. Did she feel the same way ? Before a subsequent thought could present itself, Lucky received the answer he was looking for. Emily pulled away from Luckys kiss. "Make love to me." Emily implored. A sensation of excitement came over him, as the words escaped Emilys lips. They made love, and spent the night in each others arms. Emily rested her head on Luckys chest, his embrace felt incredible.