Author note:
I'm really sorry it took me so long to update. I hope a few of you are still hanging in here with me.
CH 125-Unexpected Encounter
The call came Friday just before lunch. Bravo had an Op. They were leaving immediately. The team, including Clay, was grateful for the reprieve from another day of endless meetings. His dinner plans with Emma were an unfortunate casualty. He texted her quickly, genuinely sorry to be breaking yet another date.
-Babe, caught a spin. Won't make dinner 2nite. Sorry! -
-It's ok. Be safe. -
-Love U! Can you cxl the res? It's at Scali's. -
-Will do. Love U 2! -
Emma looked up the number and cancelled their table. Scali's was a Hayes family favorite. She hadn't been there in a long time. Clay usually opted for a more casual venue. She was touched that he put aside his preferences to take her to a place he knew she really enjoyed. Oh well, they could reschedule when he returned, and she would show him how much she appreciated his thoughtfulness.
As with every mission, she didn't know when he would get home. So, instead of sitting around the apartment waiting, she started to make some plans. She knew keeping busy would make the time until Clay was home safely would pass more quickly. She had end of year essays to write and would try to start studying for exams, instead of cramming at the last minute. That would definitely take quite a few hours from her weekend. But she also needed to get out of the apartment. She texted Mikayla. Earlier in the week her friend mentioned some cooking class she was going to go to as a local specialty shop. Emma hoped that there would still be room for her to join. Thankfully, it didn't take long for her to get an answer. Saturday at 6:00 she would meet Mikayla and some other girls for a pasta making class. Although it wasn't what she planned for her weekend, she found she was looking forward to it.
Even with her schoolwork, taking Koda to the dog park, chores at home, and her evening with her friends, the weekend drug somewhat. It always did when Clay was away. No matter how accustomed she was to this life, she still watched the clock and waited to hear that Clay, her dad, and the rest of the team were home safely.
She made it through the week, and it was finally Friday. This would be her last day teaching for the school year. She would see the kids in class today for the final time. As she got up to get ready, she saw their faces scroll through her brain. She would miss them so much. They all worked so hard and had come so far. She brushed aside a few errant tears and turned on the shower.
She got to work extra early. She wanted a few minutes of quiet to reflect on the year. The building was almost silent, and the classroom lights were off when she opened the door. She didn't bother flipping the switch as she entered. The early morning sunlight coming through the blinds was more than enough to light her way. Setting down her bags and guitar, she started to amble about the room. Each instrument and colorful poster held a memory. These kids were so dear to her. She was soon back at her desk. In the right corner, sat her carving from Clay. She picked it up and ran her fingers lovingly over the curves and angles of the delicate treble clef and heart he had coaxed from the wood. Then her fingers traced the lettering he scribed. She let out a long breath and closed her eyes, sending up a prayer that he was safe and would return to her soon.
In the midst of her contemplation, she heard a noise at the door and opened her eyes. Ashley entered the room, turning on the light as she proceeded.
"Oh! Emma. I didn't expect to see you here so early."
"Yea. I wanted a little time this morning. This has been a big year for me. And such a wonderful experience. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to say goodbye yet."
Setting down her bags, Ashley gave her hand and understanding squeeze.
"I get it. Seeing the kids, seeing their progress…it's, it definitely gets under your skin."
"It's been an amazing experience. And I know a lot of that is because of you."
Ashley brushed off her compliment.
"No…really. You've been such a help and guide for me. Before this I was pretty sure this was what I wanted to do. But now, I'm absolutely certain."
"I'm happy to hear that. It is a great profession. There can be long hours, and sometimes it can seem like any progress is slow, or a long way off for a child. But when you see that breakthrough, and know you helped them to get there…it makes everything worth it. If I can influence another caring, dedicated person to help them, then it's time well spent."
They shared a smile and then turned the conversation to lighter topics.
"How was your weekend? Did you get to see that hunky guy again?"
"Nah. He didn't show up on Friday or Saturday."
"Oh, I'm sorry. What a letdown."
"Yea. But I'm not giving up. I'll head back a couple times this week to see if I catch him. How about you? Did you do anything special?"
"No. We were supposed to have a date on Friday. But my boyfriend had to go out of town for his job."
"I'm sorry. That stinks. It seems like both of our weekends were a bust."
"Well, hopefully this next one will be better for both of us. And even if the schoolyear is over, I need to hear about what happens with your mystery man."
Laughing, Ashley responded.
"You got it!"
The end of the day was even more poignant for Emma. Several of the children had gifts for her sent by grateful families. She knew she would treasure the cards and trinkets. She placed them carefully in a box along with her carving from Clay and other personal items. She took a deep breath and prepared to leave.
"Well, this is it, I guess."
"Emma, thank you. You were a tremendous help this year. I felt more like a had a teaching partner than a Student Teacher."
"I-I…thank you."
"I wanted to let you know that I have written up your assessment. I have to put the final touches on it and then I'll send it to you when I submit it to the school and the university."
"Ok. I was wondering when I could see it."
"You have nothing to worry about. You should know that."
"Thank you."
"Hey, this isn't goodbye, you know. I really hope to see you around these halls in the next couple of years."
"And don't forget. Once you meet 'Mr. Sexy' I want every detail."
"Oh, that's a given," they laughed together.
It was a great note on which to leave. Picking up her belongings, Emma gave a final look around the classroom, smiled at Ashely and headed to her car.
She pulled into the parking lot at home and turned off the car. Getting out she looked at all she had to carry and decided she would need to make two trips. She grabbed her purse, bag and guitar and started to shut the car door.
"Excuse me, Miss? Do you need some help?"
Turning in surprise, she looked into Clay's sparkling eyes.
"When did you get here? I didn't even see your truck."
"I pulled in just after you. I wanted to surprise you. So, I parked along the side."
"And you used your ninja skills to sneak up on me. Well, I'm happy you're home."
He bent to give her a quick kiss and then held out his hands.
"Seriously though, do you need some help getting that all upstairs?"
"That would be great."
He reached in and grabbed the box off the backseat and shut the door. On their way up to the apartment Emma told him about her last day teaching. He could hear the emotion in her voice as she spoke of her students and their sweet well-wishes for her.
Once inside, Emma hung up her bags and sat down her guitar.
"Where do you want this," Clay asked, lifting the box up slightly.
"I don't need everything right now. But I would like to unpack some things before we stow it away."
He sat it on the couch and watched Emma start to lift out the items she wanted. First, she placed a couple of drawings on their refrigerator, securing them with magnets. Then she pulled out a few cards and sat them on the countertop. Lastly, she carefully transferred her wooden carving to the console table near the window.
"There."
She shifted the angle of the statue slightly and turned to him.
"You're gonna to miss them, aren't you?"
"I really am."
She walked over to the counter and lifted a card to re-read it.
"I was so lucky to have them as my first class."
He walked up behind her and wrapped her in his arms.
"They were the lucky ones, Babe."
"Thank you."
"Almost as lucky as I am."
Sweeping her hair to the side, he bent and placed his lips lightly against her neck.
"Did you miss me?"
Sucking in a shuddering breath before answering, she tilted her head slightly as his kisses continued up to the sensitive hollow behind her ear.
"You have no idea."
He flicked at her lobe with his tongue, and she could stand no more. Grabbing his hand, she led him toward their bedroom.
"Let me show you how much."
The next morning, Clay rose, took Koda out and started the coffee. Emma still hadn't woken. He filled a travel mug and contemplated whether or not he should wake her. Walking over to the bedroom, he gently pushed the door open further and leaned against the jamb. The sheets were twisted around her legs, baring her back to his gaze. The sun's golden rays tangled in her hair and shimmered across her skin. He took in the soft shadow where her waist narrowed, and the lush curve of her ass was barely covered by the thin cotton fabric. Even though they had made love late into the night, he could feel himself wanting her all over again. His mind began to race, and he didn't notice that that she was awake, and looking at him.
"Mmm, morning."
He pushed away from the door and went to sit on the bed beside her.
"Good morning, Baby."
She leaned against his shoulder, and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"Still sleepy?"
She nodded and tried to suppress a yawn.
"Is that coffee," she motioned to the cup in his hand.
"Yea. Want some? I can fix you a cup."
"That would be wonderful."
Before she could scoot over to get up, Clay slid his hand across her cheek and cradled her face in his palm.
"You are so beautiful in the mornings."
She smiled as he kissed her deeply and then left to get her the promised cup of coffee.
They spent the morning running errands and taking advantage of the beautiful weather to take Koda to the beach. Midafternoon Emma informed him that she needed some time alone to finish her final paper for school. Clay texted Sonny and the two agreed to meet up at the Bulkhead after dinner.
"Will that work out for you, Em?"
"Yes. I should be able to get finished, and then I'll have all day free to spend with you tomorrow."
Kissing her softly he answered.
"I'm going to hold you to that."
Clay put some burgers on the grill while Emma threw together a pasta salad for them. When they finished, Clay sent her off to work on her essay while he cleaned up the kitchen and put the dishes in the dishwasher. With a quick kiss and promise to return home early, he left to go meet Sonny.
Ashley sat in the corner booth with her friends. She was starting to lose hope. Drowning her disappointment in alcohol, she had already downed a few beers when her friend elbowed her and nodded toward the bar. There he was, looking even hotter than she remembered in a form fitting blue t-shirt and jeans. She watched him order a beer and then look around the room. He must not have seen any of his friends because he took a seat on the closest bar stool. She waited for a moment to see if he was truly alone. When no one approached him, she decided this was her opportunity.
She stumbled a bit as she stood up from the booth but recovered quickly. Approaching from the side, she leaned casually on the bar next to him. Thankfully, the bartender was otherwise occupied, giving her a small window in which to get his attention. Pretending to be surprised she addressed him.
"Oh, hi. Waiting again I see."
Clay looked a bit confused as he answered.
"Um…hi. Do we-do I know you?"
"Uh, no. Not really. I've," she paused and licked her lips, leaning toward him slightly. "We just…we sort of met a couple weeks ago, standing right about here."
"Oh. Well…"
His words faded out as his loud and boisterous friend joined him. He got up and started to walk over to his buddy, paying her no mind at all.
"Well, nice to see you again," she called after him.
He turned slightly, barely pausing his step to nod his head at her and smile.
Ashley huffed in annoyance as he walked away. It was clear that she hadn't made much of an impression on him. She thought he would at least recall bumping into her. Ordering a shot for herself she rejoined her friends. They observed the interaction and encouraged her not to give up.
She sat and nursed her beer, watching him involved in a game of darts. Soon, a few more of his buddies showed up. She watched him joke around, his smile attracting her further. She was sure if she could get him alone, she could catch his interest. The more she drank, the more her inhibitions disappeared. At this point she was willing to do almost anything to entice him. When she saw him leave his friends and head toward the bathroom, she figured this was her chance. She waited for him in the narrow hallway. When he emerged from the men's room, she started toward the ladies,' pretending to literally bump into him.
"I'm sorry, miss…"
"Oh! Nice bumping into you again."
He started to turn and leave when she took advantage of the tight corridor and slid her hands up to rest on his pecs.
"Did you have to get back to your friends right this minute?"
He shifted uncomfortably as she pressed herself closer. He tried to gently remove her hands from his chest while putting some definite space between them.
"Uh, I'm sorry, uh…"
"Ashley," she supplied "I heard your friends call you Clay."
"But I, I'm not looking for any company tonight."
"Are you sure, Clay."
She reached out and tried to grasp his hand.
Clay disentangled her fingers from his and was trying to figure out how to politely get his point across. He could see that she'd been drinking. He looked around to see if he could see if she had anyone that might be with her tonight. He did manage to see the group of ladies in the corner watching their interaction very closely. He nodded toward their table.
"Why don't you go on back over and join your friends. It looks like they're waiting for you."
When he felt her hand start to wander across his abs and down toward his waistband, he captured it in a firm grip. He was no longer worried about being impolite. He'd encountered his share of bold frog-hogs in his day. But this one was in a class by herself.
"Listen. I'm not interested…at all. I'm in a relationship."
"I don't see a ring, and she's not here right now. Is she?"
"I told you, I'm in a relationship. Period. Please leave me alone."
Clay turned and walked back over to Sonny, Brock, and Vic at the dart board.
"What took you so long, Blondie?"
Taking a deep breath, he told the guys what happened.
"Whew! I hope she got the message."
"Yea, me too."
"Well, maybe you could introduce her to me?"
Clay laughed ruefully.
"I'd be happy for you to take her off my hands, Sonny."
Back at their table, Ashley was humiliated. She threw herself at Clay and he'd turned her down flat. No second glances, no flirting, nothing. She was drowning her sorrows, still watching Clay across the bar.
Back at home, Emma concentrated on her work and was able to finish the paper she was working on. She re-read it through a few times, made some edits and submitted it. She looked at the clock and it was only about nine. Smiling, she went to change her clothes and call an Uber. She figured she still had time to surprise Clay.
Ashley was definitely ready to go, she'd had enough. But since both of her friends were now flirting with a couple of guys they met, she was stuck. She was forced to sit and watch Clay. The hurt she felt at his rejection started to grow into anger. She was attractive, smart, and she had thrown herself at him. She didn't know any guy that would have refused her. She couldn't take anymore. She pulled out her phone to get an Uber and then to text her friends that she was leaving.
When she arrived at the bar, Emma pushed open the door and scanned for Clay. She saw him over by the dart boards. She walked up quietly, trying not to alert anyone. No small feat with a group of Seals. Still, she managed it, slipping her arms around Clay's waist from behind and pressing herself against his back.
"Hey Sailor!"
Before he realized who it was, Clay was prepared to remove the hands clasped around his waist, and none too gently He turned slightly, face painted with annoyance, until he saw her.
"Em! What are you doin' here?"
"I got finished faster than I expected, and I thought I would surprise you."
"Well, you definitely did."
Remembering the expression on his face as he turned to her, she was a little confused.
"If you want me to go back home I can…"
"No. No, Baby. I'm really happy you're here. I-I just wasn't expecting you. That's all."
"If you're sure."
"I'm positive."
He slipped both arms around her and took her mouth, proving it to her and everyone else around them. Vic and Brock let out shrill catcalls while Sonny groaned and made a show of covering his eyes.
"Good thing Dad's not here," she smirked once he ended the kiss.
Clay chuckled and nodded in agreement.
Ashley was still busy with her phone when the whistles and commotion reached her. She looked up to see what the ruckus was about when she saw them. There he was arms around some blonde. One hand was gripping her waist and the other was cradling her ass. She could feel the heat in their kiss even from where she sat. She was filled with rage. He pushed her away but was playing tonsil hockey with some floosy in front of everyone. She was about to go over and let him have it when the blonde turned, causing her to gasp and almost drop her phone. Emma?! What the hell?
Ashley knew that she over imbibed tonight. But her eyes had to be playing tricks on her. Clay couldn't be Emma's boyfriend, he just couldn't. She got up and hurried outside, careful not to let Emma see her. Grateful for the fresh air, she took in deep breaths. Thankfully, her ride showed up quickly. She wanted to get away, she wanted to go home. The entire ride back to her place, she racked her brain trying to remember if Emma ever mentioned her boyfriend's name. She could have sworn she told Emma the name of the bar, Surely, that would have been familiar and caused her to talk about it being a hangout for her significant other and his buddies. The closer she got to home, the more confused, embarrassed, and enraged she felt.
She made it home and inside her house. Slamming the door behind her she threw down her keys and purse. Somehow, between the alcohol and her shame, she determined that Emma was the one to blame. If she would have known about her and Clay, she would never have made such a fool of herself. Seeing her laptop out of the corner of her eye, she jerked out a chair and sat at the table, booting it up. She fumbled a bit before finding the file she was searching for, "Emma Hayes-Student Teacher Assessment," and started typing.
