CH 3-As Easy as 1,2,3?

Author note:

Thanks so much for the kind reviews. I was super nervous about putting this out there. So, thanks for reading it.

Clay and Emma held hands as they drove and carried on a bit of small talk. Clay wasn't really sure what the plan was. If they went straight home, they would have to order-in for dinner. That was fine with him. He just wanted to spend time with his girl. They arrived at his apartment and Emma unbuckled and slid across the seat to Clay and laid her head on his shoulder. He was so solid, so sure. He made her feel relaxed, comfortable, safe and yes, aroused all at once.

"You ok sweetie?"

"Yea, just so happy you're home."

"Let's go on up. Do you want to order pizza? I'm pretty sure that whatever was left in my fridge is a science experiment at this point."

As they neared his door, he picked up a wonderful aroma. He wondered which one of his neighbors was responsible. He opened the door and let Emma precede him into the apartment. It was then that he realized that the mouth-watering fragrance was coming from his kitchen. He looked to Emma and she had a shy smile on her face. Reaching for her hand, he walked into the kitchen and saw a small appliance sitting on the counter. He was sure that he didn't own whatever it was.

"Em, what's this?"

"I hope you don't mind. I thought you might like a meal at home tonight. I came over this morning and got this going." He looked at her, incredulous.

"It should be ready if you're hungry."

"Come here." He tugged her close and gave her a kiss that left them both breathless.

"What was that for?" she grinned.

"Well, first, I missed you. Second, I can't believe you did all this. You're amazing Emma Hayes."

This time she lifted her lips to kiss him. Pretty soon Clay was lifting her onto the counter, and she was wrapping her legs around his waist. Emma's hands began to roam over his back and chest. Clay growled low in his throat and wrapped his arms tighter around her. Fleetingly, Emma remembered her conversation with Naima. Maybe they were just going to skip straight to number three. Just then, Clay's stomach grumbled loudly. They both laughed.

"Maybe we better eat. Didn't they feed you?"

"Sure. But have you ever had an MRE? They keep you going, but they're awful. Let's eat this wonderful meal you made." She hopped down from the counter and went to get plates and cutlery. She heard Clay open the refrigerator hoping to find something, anything to drink. When he opened the door, he couldn't believe it! His fridge was clean and stocked with his favorite beer, bottles of water, lunch meat and cheese as well as eggs and even bacon. He also noticed what he and the guys called, 'chick food', yogurt, fruit, salad and Emma's favorite seltzer. He was one lucky SOB.

"I hope you don't mind Clay." She said as she wrapped her arms around him from behind. "That thing was disgusting and all you had was left-over pizza, ketchup and beer."

He turned around and looked straight into her eyes. "Emmie, I don't know what to say. You're treating me like a king here. You know you don't have to do this."

"I know. I wanted to. I wanted to welcome you home."

"Well," he paused for a kiss. "If you're not careful, I might never let you leave."

"Promise?" She gave him a cheeky smirk and turned to dish up dinner.

They sat down at the table and Clay tucked into his meal. "Mmmmm. Oh my God Em. This is heaven."

"Is it okay? I was hoping you would like it. It's just a roast and some veggies in red wine that I threw in the crock pot."

"Well, it's great honey. The best I was hoping for was take out." He leaned across and gave her a peck on the cheek.

After they finished dinner, Clay having had two platefuls, they put their dishes in the sink ad went into the living room.

"Em, I'm gonna go hit the head. Turn on the TV and find a movie or whatever. Clay reached the bathroom and flipped on the light. He smiled when he saw Emma's things on the counter. He was happy she felt at home here.

He finished up and walked back into the living room to find the TV still turned off. He glanced over at Emma on the couch. She was laying down with her hands tucked under her cheek, eyes closed. Clay smiled and sat down next to her as quietly and gently as he could. He tenderly swept a few strands of hair out of her face. Sitting there, watching her sleep he was struck again by her beauty. But that was just on the outside. He knew that beyond the complications of her connection to Jason, the guys wondered about their age difference. Even though Emma was just 18, she was more mature, harder-working, and stronger than anyone he knew.

It was clear she was exhausted. Since her mom had died, she had become a mother to Mikey, taken over the household, and kept up at school. Clay was hoping for some alone time with his girl. But it was clear she had pushed herself too hard and was simply worn out. He sighed and decided she should go home and get some sleep. Bravo didn't need to report back to base until Monday, so they had a few days to catch up.

"Emma, honey. Em, if you wake up, I can take you home."

"Hmm? What Clay? No, just let me…" She sat up.

"Em, it's okay. You're beat. I can take you home and come get you for school tomorrow."

"Clay wait. I don't have to go to class tomorrow. And…" she looked up at him through her long lashes, "I told dad I was spending the weekend with you."

"When did you and Jace have that conversation?"

"Well it wasn't really a conversation, I just told him. It was right before we left base today. I hope that's okay. I brought my stuff over this morning."

That explained her demeanor earlier, Clay thought. Although he was thrilled to have her to himself for a few days, he didn't even want to think about facing Jason on Monday. Not to mention the rest of the team when they found out. His attention was drawn back to Emma as she yawned.

"Ok, so you're staying. But I still think you need to go to bed."

"No Clay, I'm fine. Just give me a minute. I'll be fine. This wasn't what I had planned for us."

"What did you have planned sweetie?"

"Well, something more romantic than dinner and dozing on the couch." She said petulantly.

"Em, honey, it's okay, really."

"But…"

"Sweetheart, seeing you and all of this you did? It's way more than anything I could have dreamed of. And to be honest, I'm tired too. I can't think of anything more wonderful right now than falling asleep with you in my arms."

Emma smiled and put her head on his shoulder. "Alright, let's both get some sleep." She started to get up, but Clay scooped her up and started toward the bedroom.

"But Em…if you snore like Sonny, you're sleeping on the couch." He teased. Emma laughed and punched him in the arm.