Author note:

I know that it's past Black Friday, but this is what came to mind last week while I was sitting in the hotel room. I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for reviewing. It let's me know what you like.

CH 14-Patience Rewarded

Clay had been in some strange situations in his life, especially since joining Bravo. But this one was new, and he wasn't quite sure how he had gotten here. And by here, he meant trooping around behind Emma since 7:00 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, carrying an ever-growing collection of shopping bags. Actually, he knew exactly how he had gotten here. Emma had asked and there was absolutely nothing he could deny her.

She was armed with a long list and Jason's credit card. She was unstoppable. Clay could hike 20 clicks in full gear through the desert but trying to keep up with Emma today was wearing him out. He finally cried "uncle" and found a bench where he could sit and hold her packages while she hit the shops in close proximity.

After another 45 minutes she walked out of her final store and handed him yet another bag.

"Where to next Emmie?"

"I think I'm pretty much done. I got almost everything on my list. I had to get something different for Jameelah. They ran out of that Frozen II toy she wanted. And," She grinned at him, "I still have one more present I have to work on."

"Work on?"

"Yea, I'm making this one personally. Do you have anyone to shop for today?"

"Nope. I'm going online all the way."

"Not even someone reeeally special?" She batted her eyelashes at him.

"I already have that one figured out too. And you're not getting any hints Miss Hayes." She stuck out her lip in a mock pout and he leaned over and nipped at it.

"Are we ready to go then?"

"Yep. Thanks honey. I know this was no fun for you." She stood on her tip toes to give him a peck on the cheek. Clay breathed a sigh of relief and they headed out to the parking lot. As they approached his truck, they discussed their plans for the rest of the day.

They decided to head back to Emma's. She could drop off all her bags and there were plenty of leftovers from yesterday's meal. They made it back to the house and Clay carried all the packages inside.

"Whew! That's quite a haul Em."

She laughed. "It was a very successful day."

"Dad? Mikey?" There was no answer. She checked her phone. Jason had texted her that he and Mikey had headed over to Sonny's to watch football.

"I guess we're on our own for dinner. I'm going to heat up a couple plates for us if you want to grab a beer." Clay followed her into the kitchen and reached into the fridge for a beer and grabbed Emma one of her favorite seltzers. Ten minutes later they were seated at the table.

"Hey, you want to help me start putting up the Christmas decorations?"

"Won't Jace want to do that with you?"

"That was never really Dad's thing. He does the outside lights and he loves those obnoxious inflatables." They both laughed.

"Well, sure then. I'd love to." Once they finished, they headed out to the garage. Clay climbed up to the attic and carried down the tree and boxes of decorations. They brought them into the house and set to work. Emma turned on some Christmas music and began to sing along. Clay had gotten the tree set up and they began to hang the ornaments. He stopped for a moment, watching her swaying to the music and reaching to put another ornament on the tree. He could easily admit that he would love to share this activity with her every Christmas for the rest of their lives.

Thy got the tree finished and started to put up the rest of the decoration around the house. He was digging in a box when he felt a tap on his shoulder. There stood Emma holding a bunch of mistletoe over her head. He chuckled.

"You know you don't need that to get a kiss, right?"

"It seemed appropriate." He took her in his arms and slanted his mouth over hers. Their lips slid over each other's. Emma opened her mouth and Clay stroked his tongue against hers. They kissed until they had to break apart to breathe. He backed up against the couch and pulled Emma into his lap. She rubbed herself against him and she could feel him growing harder.

"Uh, Em?"

She smirked at him. "I think you deserve a reward for your patience today."

"Huh?" He could feel her unzipping him. "Em, what about Jace and Mikey?"

"Shhh. They won't be home until after the last game."

He expected her to reach into his pants and touch him. When he felt her tugging down his jeans and underwear, he wasn't sure what to think. He raised his hips at her request and soon his clothes were down around his ankles. She kissed him once again and then slithered down between his legs.

"Oh God!" He felt her small hand wrap around him and then the heat of her mouth on him. He sucked in a sharp breath and gripped the couch. She licked up his length and sucked him into her mouth.

"Emmie, mmm baby."

She slipped her lips up and down his length several times while her hand fondled him. Clay tried desperately not to thrust into her mouth. He breathed in deep breathes through his mouth trying to keep himself under control. She licked and sucked at him without mercy. His head had fallen back against the couch and he threaded his fingers through her hair. He heard her moan and felt the vibration of her throat on him. Clay opened his eyes and saw Emma's lips wrapped around him. She raised her eyes to his. He felt the telltale signs of his release just below the surface.

He placed his hand along her face and panted out, "Em, I'm close baby." He wanted to warn her, just in case. She kept up her rhythm and he spilled in her mouth. She released him with the gentle kiss to his length.

Emma slid back beside him on the couch and he wrapped her in his arms as he tried to recover.

"Emma, honey, WOW! You are incredible. You didn't need to…" She placed a finger on his lips.

"Shhh. I wanted to." She suddenly looked shy. "I wanted to do that for you. I love you Clay."

"I love you too." He got himself dressed again and snuggled her on his lap.

Jason and Mikey arrived home later and found them cuddled on the couch, sleeping. He laid a blanket over them and followed Mikey up to bed.