Author note:

I hope everyone had a great holiday here in the US. I want to thank lauren2381 for letting me take back this prompt I had sent to her. This has been in my head for a while. I hope everyone enjoys is and that is was worth the wait.

CH 12-Homecoming Hero

Emma and Clay had talked about Homecoming a couple weeks ago. He heard her mention it during a phone conversation with Hannah.

"So, Em, did I hear you say something about Homecoming to Hannah?"

"Yea, it's in two weeks."

"Has anyone asked you yet?" He couldn't imagine that she didn't have a crowd of boys falling at her feet.

"A few guys have asked, but of course, I turned them down. I told them that I have a boyfriend."

"Then why haven't you asked your boyfriend to take you?"

"Well…because it's a High School dance and I wasn't sure you'd want to go."

"First, I want to be anywhere you are. Second, I never got to go to anything like that when I was in school. So, Emma Hayes, can I take you to your Homecoming?"

She laughed and kissed him. "I would love that."

As a Tier One Operator Clay knew his life wasn't really his own. When Bravo was on rotation he could be called away for an OP at any moment, for any length of time. It was the life he had chosen, and he loved it. He usually didn't worry about Emma understanding. She had lived with it her entire life. But, when Bravo was spun up three days before the dance, the timing couldn't have been worse. She had texted him the day before that she had made Homecoming Court. He hated having to message her back from the plane and disappoint her. When she sent him back an understanding text letting him off the hook and begging him to return home safely, he felt like a creep.

"Shit shit shit!"

"What's up Cowboy? What's got your panties in a twist," asked Sonny.

"Just this text from Emma."

"Princess reading you the riot act for having to cancel on her?"

"No. That's the thing. She's not acting mad at all. I wish she would curse at me or tell me she's pissed, anything. I feel like a jerk!" There was nothing anyone could do except focus on the mission and get home safe.

The operation was a bust. They had gotten outdated intel. But this time, instead of almost getting someone killed, it just meant that the target was in the wind and there was nothing Bravo could do until Mandy or Davis got bead on him again. Bravo was back on their transport and heading home within 24 hours. As the C-17 took off Clay started to calculate time in his head. Could he do it?

"Davis, what's our ETA back home?"

"Barring any issues, about 18:00 hours local time. Why?"

"Because now I have a mission to plan."

"Huh?"

"If I can get some help, I think I can make it back to meet Emma for her Homecoming."

"What do you need," she asked without hesitation.

"Can you get me Hannah Seaver's cell number?"

"Done. What else?"

"That's it for now. I'm gonna need Naima's help too."

"Ray," they both called to him. Bravo 2 had been sleeping in his hammock but woke up when he heard his name. He made his way over to them.

"What's up?"

"I need your help, man. Well, Naima's help actually."

"Whoa, what? Anything wrong?"

"Nah man. It's all good. But if I can get it together, I figure I can make it back to surprise Em."

Ray smiled at Clay's excitement. "I'm in brother. What do you need me to tell Naima?"

The pieces started falling into place. Clay got a hold of Hannah and the girl promised her full support. She would make sure Emma was at the stadium for the announcement of the Homecoming Court. And she would get a "go bag" together for Emma as well. Naima was told the location of Clay's hidden apartment key and where to find his suit, shirt and good shoes. The last detail Clay took care of personally.

Back at home Hannah was having a hell of a time convincing Emma to go to the game and the dance.

"I don't want to go without Han. Not without Clay."

"I know. But he wouldn't want you missing out."

"Missing out on what? Not dancing, being announced without an escort? That's pathetic."

"Em you'll regret it of you skip. I'm not sure the faculty will like it if they announce you and you're not there."

"Oh, all right damn it!"

"Go get a shower. We'll do your hair and makeup and you can send Clay a picture."

Emma rolled her eyes but did as she was told. Relieved, Hannah hurried around the room getting a bag put together and hiding it in her car.

6:05 p.m. the C-17 touched down, Clay was the first down the ramp and jogged inside. He ran to the team room and went over to his cage. Naima had come through. Hanging inside were his clothes. She had even thought to include a corsage for Emma.

He showered and changed in record time. He sill had to stow his gear. As he started to put things away, Jason approached.

"I got it Clay. Get going. Tell Emma I love her and that I'll see her…" Clay was holding his breath. "Tell her I'll see her tomorrow." The two men locked eyes and Jason nodded to him.

"Go on. You'll be late."

Clay double timed it out to his truck and keyed Emma's school address into the navigation. He pushed the speed limit as much as he dared. Arriving in the parking lot he texted Hannah. She met him and handed over Emma's bag.

"Thanks Hannah. I really appreciate all this."

They both started to hear the Principal introducing the Homecoming Court. Clay walked to the sideline and tried to locate Emma. There she was, standing in line, the only one by herself. He walked up behind her just as they were calling her name to proceed out onto the field.

"Next is senior Emma Hayes escorted by…" Emma was shaking her head when she heard his voice.

"Clay Spenser."

She spun around, thinking she must be crazy. Clay was God knows where right now. But no, there he was, standing in front of her, smiling.

"Hi Emmie."

She was shocked and couldn't move but stood there with tears streaming down her face.

"How, how…are you really here?"

He held out his arms to her and she walked into his embrace. He leaned down to kiss her. Neither one of them cared who was watching. Which was a good thing because almost every eye was on them. Clay released her and wiped the tears from her face. He then took her hand and slid on her corsage.

"Hmm, Miss Hayes, are you ready now," asked her Principal.

She took a deep breath. "Yes. We're ready."

"Senior Emma Hayes and her escort, Clay Spenser." Clay held out his arm to her and she wrapped hers around it and leaned into him.

As soon as the King and Queen were announced everyone proceeded to the Auditorium for the dance. Now they could talk, and it gave Clay a chance to take in her appearance. She was lovely, sophisticated, and sexy. She was wearing a dress the color of the midnight sky that skimmed over her curves. Her hair was up in an elaborate style of twists, braids, and curls and she was wearing makeup that made her eyes look even bluer.

He pulled her close to dance. His lips by her ear, he whispered, "Emma baby, you are beautiful."

"Thank you. You look amazing too." She was still in shock at his presence. "Clay, how are you here? What happened?"

"Things didn't pan out, so we came home."

"I can't believe it." She clung to him, trying to convince herself he was real. "How did you get your suit and the flowers?"

"I had a lot of help. You can thank Naima for the corsage and Hannah helped too."

"No wonder she was pushing so hard for me to come."

Clay did his best to keep his hands and mouth to himself. He certainly enjoyed dancing with Emma, but her appearance, proximity, and his plans for later made it difficult. Instead, he held her and let his eyes roam over her.

Almost every female in the room was jealous. Clay was well-built and gorgeous and clearly devoted to Emma alone. Even some of the younger teachers were wishing they were on the receiving end of his attention.

After half an hour of dancing and talking they couldn't stand it anymore. The air around them was electric.

"Em, how long do you have to stay?"

She slid her hands up around his neck and he shivered. They could feel the current between them.

"I'm ready to go." He grabbed her hand and they left the building, proceeding to his truck. As she waited for him to unlock her door she tried to sneak in a kiss. But he hardly responded.

"Clay?"

He spoke, his voice tense. "Emmie if I touch you right now, I'm not going to be able to stop myself from taking you right here in the parking lot." She gasped and bit her lip. She could feel the moisture rushing to her core. He helped her into the cab and shut the door. Emma saw her bag on the seat and once Clay was behind the wheel, she gestured to it.

"Hannah." He answered her unasked question.

As they drove, they didn't even speak. Each one was too focused on controlling themselves. Emma did happen to notice that they weren't heading to his apartment.

"Where are we going?"

"It's my surprise honey." They drove for a bit longer and then he pulled into the parking lot of a fancy hotel downtown. He looked over and could see the smile in her eyes.

"Let's go babe." They walked inside and got checked in. They stood on opposite sides of the elevator on the way to the room. Clay unlocked the door and motioned for Emma to go in. Once inside they stood there unmoving. It was as if they were afraid any movement would spark a fire they couldn't control.

Even in her relative inexperience she knew this time was going to be different. Their earlier encounters had been tender and gentle. This time would be wild and uninhibited. Emma decided to make the first move. She took the pins out of her hair and let it all around her shoulders. Next, she reached behind her back and unzipped her dress letting it slip to the floor. She stood there in scraps of lace meant to be underwear and her heels. His eyes raked over her and his erection tented his pants.

"Damn baby, you are so fucking hot." His language let her know how out of control he was. He stood rooted to the spot.

"You're wearing too many clothes." She slinked toward him and raised her hands to push his jacket off his shoulders. He reached for her and crushed her to him. He covered her lips with his and pressed his tongue into her mouth when she gasped. Emma pulled back and began to unbutton his shirt. They worked together to pull it off him. When a cuff got stuck, she yanked, and the button went flying across the room. Clay groaned and tried to pull her closer. But she turned and pressed him back against the wall.

"Fuck," he breathed. He felt her mouth on his body. She started at his waist and licked her way over his abs and up to his chest. She swirled her tongue over his nipples and grasped him through his pants. Clay couldn't take anymore. He pulled her to a standing position and slid his hands down to her thighs and picked her up to carry her to the bedroom. He could feel the wetness from her arousal pressed against his stomach.

"Bed now," he growled. He sucked at her lips and tongue and she was grinding against him, panting. They reached the bedroom and he sat her down next to the bed and flipped on the light. He wanted to see her.

Emma couldn't wait. Her hands were working frantically to get him out of his pants.

"Emma, Em," he gasped. He let her unfasten him while he toed off his shoes and socks. He felt her yank down his pants. When he was naked, she licked her lips as she eyed his swollen length. Clay reached behind her and discarded the tiny bra and slid down those skimpy panties. She moved back to the center of the bed and grabbed for him. He eyed her from top to bottom, frenzied with want for him. They were desperate to have each other. It had been too long.

Just as he was about to nudge his hips between her thighs he stopped. "Shit!"

"What, what's wrong Clay?" He had thought of almost everything.

"No condom." It's not like he could have asked Naima to grab those too.

"It's fine baby. We don't need…"

"No Em. No matter how much I want you, I'm not gonna chance getting you pregnant."

"Clay, listen. I went to the doctor. It's good. It's all taken care of." He looked at her in awe then took her lips in a blistering kiss.

"Clay, Clay, now! I want you inside me." He aligned himself and thrust home. Their twin groans filled the room. He found a steady rhythm and she lifted her hips to meet him.

"Unh, unh, mmm, Clay." He pursed his lips around a perked nipple, and she exploded around him digging her nails hard into his back. The sharp pain pushed him into his release.

"God, ahhh, Emma!"

He held his weight on his arms so he wouldn't crush her as she placed tender kisses on his neck and jaw.

"Emmie honey, you okay?" He had to make sure he hadn't scared her or made her uncomfortable.

"Yes." She was still trying to catch her breath. "Clay that was it was…"

"Yea it was," he grinned. "You are amazing Em." He helped her up so they could crawl under the covers. Clay heard her gasp.

"Honey, what? What's wrong?"

"Your back, I. God Clay. I'm so sorry." She was embarrassed by the marks she had left on him.

"Emmie, sweetie. It's fine, I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about."

"But…"

"Em," he silenced her with a kiss. "Those will be my reminder of this incredible night with you." And made him feel 10 feet tall that he had pleased her so much, he continued to himself.

They snuggled together. "Now let's get some rest. I'm not done with you yet."

Emma moaned and kissed him.