Author note:

Thanks to you all for sticking with me and my story. I really enjoy doing this and I hope some of your are still enjoying it too.

There was a question about how long Emma & Clay have been together at this point. It would be around 8 months.

CH 59-Road Trip

Hannah and Jeni spent the night with Emma so they could get on the road bright and early. Lopez showed up on Clay's doorstep at 5:00 a.m. as agreed. They threw their duffels it in the back of the car along with a couple cases of beer and headed to Emma's. It turned out that only the two of them were authorized to drive the rental and they decided to split up the 15-hour trip into three-hour shifts. Since Lopez was doing him a favor by coming along, Clay said he'd take the extra shift.

The girls were ready when they got to the house, bleary-eyed, but ready. Emma was making coffee and filling up travel mugs and a thermos while Vic and Clay loaded the bags into the car. Hannah and Jeni were filling up the cooler with food.

All the bags and coolers were in the car and Clay and Vic came back inside.

"We ready Em," Clay asked.

She looked up at Hannah and Jeni who nodded back.

"Yep. I think so. Here's some coffee for you." She handed him a mug. "Vic, how do you take your coffee?"

Vic was introducing himself to Jeni and Hannah.

"Uh...just black is fine, thanks." He stepped over to accept the cup from Emma's outstretched hand.

"I think we're ready then."

Emma picked up her purse from the counter and grabbed her pillow from the couch where she had laid it.

They settled into the car. Vic climbed into the back to get some rest before he needed to drive. Hannah and Jeni took the middle seat and Emma sat up front with Clay. He backed out of the driveway and got on the road. He looked over at Emma ad saw she was curled up in the seat, head on her pillow, resting against the window. She had even kicked off her shoes. He could see her cute, little toes tipped with ruby red polish on her nails. He reached over and tickled her foot and she flinched.

"Hey!"

"What? You're supposed to be keeping me awake and navigating, remember?"

"You don't need a navigator; it's built into the car."

"True, but I would like your company."

Emma sat up and grabbed her cup of coffee. He winked at her.

"Thanks, Em."

Clay glanced in the rearview and could see everyone else was going to sleep, so they had relative privacy.

"Did you talk with the girls about plans for this week?"

"Yea. We really just want to spend time together, mostly hanging at the beach. Maybe some shopping too. And we definitely want to go out dancing at least once."

"Sounds good. Vic and I have a deep-sea fishing excursion booked. Maybe that could be the day you guys go shopping?"

"That's a good idea."

"So, they're okay for us to do our thing, alone? I mean, mostly in the evenings."

"Yep. Do you have plans?"

"No, except I want to take you to dinner one night. Other than that, I just want to be with you."

"Me too."

They continued to talk until it was time to pull off, refuel, and switch drivers. Vic took over and Hannah volunteered to sit up front to keep him company. Clay and Emma claimed the back seat. He sat with his back against the side with one leg up across the seat and the other foot planted on the floor. Emma snuggled between his legs, laying with her head on his chest. Clay wrapped his arms around her and placed a kiss on her head. They both dozed off.

Clay awoke a little over an hour later. He had gotten uncomfortably warm with Emma laying on him. But he didn't move. He wanted to let her rest. She finally woke up when Hannah turned on some music. She sat up and stretched.

"Ugh, it's hot back here!"

"Tell me about it," he chuckled. "And you didn't have someone all sprawled out on top of you."

"I'm sorry."

He squeezed her and gave her a quick kiss. "I'm kidding babe. You know I love holding you. Not to mention, I've been in much tighter spaces before and my partner wasn't sexy, like you."

"I'm starting to get sweaty."

She crossed her arms in front of her and pulled off the sweater she was wearing.

"Em…what are you doing?"

"Relax. I have a tank top on." But he could see she wore nothing under it.

"Can you reach my bag," she asked as she managed to wriggle out of her leggings. She sat there in just her tank and panties. Thank God the windows were tinted!

"Uh...here, here's your bag."

Vic heard the commotion and spoke up. "Everything okay back there?"

Clay could see his eyes in the rearview mirror. "Eyes front Lopez. We're just fine."

Jeni and Hannah snickered at Clay's command.

Emma pulled a pair of shorts from her bag and thankfully, go them on and buttoned.

It was just about time to switch drivers and stop for lunch. They pulled off into a rest stop. The girls headed to the restroom while the guys picked out a picnic table. They pulled out the coolers and started to set out the food.

The rest stop was crowded. It seemed like everyone was on their way South. Vic looked up and saw the girls walking toward them. They were being followed by some college-age guys. Clay called out to them and waved. Vic saw the trio of guys take notice of him and Clay, stop their pursuit, and change direction.

"Assholes," he whispered under his breath.

"What," Clay asked.

Vic jerked his head in the direction of the retreating group.

"Yea, I saw them too."

"You know, I thought you were being paranoid about all this. But, damn, those morons were just gonna come up and hit on them."

"Most of it's probably harmless. But, I'm not gonna take chance with their safety."

They ate quickly and got back on the road. Clay was driving again, and Emma moved up front as well. It seemed like Vic was getting to know Hannah and Jeni. They were all playing cards in the back.

Emma was now fully awake and enjoying the sense of freedom of being away from home with no responsibilities. She had her window down, her sunglasses on, and was singing along to the music that was playing. Clay felt some of his worries and tension melt away as well. He hadn't anticipated this but was enjoying the feeling.

The trip was smooth and uneventful. Vic and Clay switched up a couple more times. They pulled into the parking lot at the condo at around 10:00. They found the hidden key and let themselves in. All of them were tired and agreed to head to bed.

Clay and Emma took the Master at the top of the stairs. The girls settled into the bedroom on the first floor that had two beds. That left Vic with the room across the hall. Emma brushed her teeth, pulled off her shorts and climbed into bed. Clay followed right after, sliding under the sheets behind Emma and gathering her into his arms.