Chapter 18: Retreat
AUTHORS NOTE: Fair warning! This is a LONG chapter (just over 11,000 words) and it has taken weeks to complete. I want to thank my beta ididitjustforthis for helping with this chapter! I hope you all enjoy the fluff and smut in this chapter!
It was that time of the year again! Bravo Team had a week off rotation and the men would be taking their significant others on a couples retreat. The rigorous demands of their job didn't leave a lot of time for intimate trips, especially when children were involved. Alone time was hard to come by. So once a year they'd carve out a week for a getaway, just for the adults and with plenty of room.
The members of Bravo, except for Clay, were gathered outside their cages. He was rummaging around inside his equipment locker while the others talked about the trip.
"So, where did you say we were going?" Sonny asked, wanting to be sure of their plans.
"Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We are staying at the Cooper Ridge Lodge. Alana has everything worked out." Jason explained to Sonny and he shook his head. "It's supposed to be 'beautiful' and 'romantic'."
Sonny shook his head in understanding before looking over at Clay. "Blondezilla, you bringing Stella?"
Clay paused in his cage and turned to look at his brothers. "Stella and I broke up so I'm not going."
Their relationship had met its end a couple weeks ago and Clay had no interest in 3rd wheeling during a vacation.
"Sorry to hear that, Platinum Wonder."
"No worries, wasn't meant to be. Why are you going on the couple's retreat Sonny, it's not like you have a girl or anything."
"No, but there are six rooms in this cabin so Davis and I are tagging along for the group rate."
"Well, I hope you guys have a good time." Clay smirked before returning to his equipment.
"Spenser, think you could do me a favor since you're going to be home?" Jason got an idea. Mikey was staying with one of his friends while him and Alana were gone but that left Emma by herself. A fact neither of them were thrilled about.
"Sure, boss, what's up?"
"Can Emma stay with you while we're gone?"
Ray, Sonny, Trent and Brock looked at Jason like he had lost his mind. He had just asked their handsome, newly single rookie if his beautiful daughter could spend five nights with him, alone, at his apartment. Clay's eyes widened as well.
"Uh, yeah, sure."
Clay was shocked that his boss trusted him enough to stay with his baby girl while he was gone.
"Great, thanks Spenser."
Later that day, Clay followed Jason back to his house to discuss the new game plan. The team was leaving the next morning and Jason had to tell Emma she was staying with Clay. They pulled into the driveway and were talking about their deployment next month when they entered the house and heard Alana and Emma arguing in the kitchen. They shared a look before walking in to see Emma leaning against the counter with an angry expression on her beautiful face.
"Mom, I'm 18! I don't need a babysitter!"
Alana threw her hands up in a placating manner before calmly explaining her reasoning to her daughter.
"I know you're considered an adult now, Emma. But all your friends and their families are busy and the main network of people we rely on will be out of town as well. If it were only for a night or two then it wouldn't be an issue but we're going to be gone for a week. Your father and I would feel much more comfortable knowing you had someone nearby if something were to happen."
Emma rolled her eyes at this statement but agreed knowing it was a battle she wouldn't win. "Fine. Which of the old ladies on the block am I going to be staying with? I'd like to know how many cat figurines I'm going to be stuck dusting."
"Actually Em, you're staying with Spenser." Jason finally made their presence known. Emma spun around and looked at them with wide eyes.
"You mean while you guys are gone, I'm going to be alone with him?" Emma pointed at Clay, who blushed and smirked.
Jason rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Emma sent Clay a dazzling smile before eagerly addressing her parents. "You guys aren't gone yet? Aren't you supposed to be leaving?"
"Not until tomorrow morning." Alana raised her eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanor.
"I better go pack! Clay, would you come with me? We need to talk about what we're going to do this week so I know what to pack." She batted her eyelashes and waited patiently for his answer.
"Uh…sure, Em." He looked hesitantly towards Jason and Alana, but after hearing no protests he moved behind her up the stairs and into her bedroom where she closed and locked the door.
"You sure it's okay to lock your door with me here?" Clay was nervous, especially because of the way she acted downstairs. Seeing his discomfort, Emma rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Yes, Clay, it's fine. Besides it's not like we're going to do anything. That performance was a little payback for mom and dad. Give me some credit." Emma gave him a sincere smile and he sighed in relief. "And thank you for letting me stay with you this week. I really appreciate it."
"It's no problem. I think we're going to have a good time. What would you like to do this week?"
"Doesn't matter. You know that you don't have to babysit me the entire week, right? I can come over here a few nights if you want to be alone with your girlfriend. I don't want to cause any problems between you and her." Emma turned towards her closet and began to pack her bags. He sat down in the chair in front of her vanity and watched her.
"That's not going to be an issue seeing as there's no longer a girlfriend." He shrugged. "Besides, now we get a chance to get to know each other better."
Emma smiled to herself before clearing her throat and turning to him with a straight face, "I'd like that."
"Why don't I come by here in the morning, say around 0800 and grab you for breakfast? What time are the guys leaving?"
"0600."
"So, how about instead of 0800, I'll pick you up at 0600?" Emma glared at him causing him to laugh. "0700?"
"That's better."
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
At 0700 on the dot, Clay knocked on the door of the Hayes house. Moments later, Emma Hayes appeared with a suitcase and pillow in hand.
"I'm ready." She stated as she locked the door and he grabbed her bags and pillow from her. She was going to protest until he placed her bags in the back of his truck and opened the door for her. She smiled and slipped into the passenger side.
Fifteen minutes later Clay and Emma pulled up to the Sunnyside Cafe & Restaurant. He opened the door for her and they walked into the cafe, seating themselves at an empty table. Clay ordered a Western Omelet and a cup of coffee. Emma ordered Fresh Blueberry Pancakes, one scrambled egg and orange juice.
They spent the next half hour enjoying food and conversation before Clay stopped mid-sentence.
"Clay? What's wrong?"
"My ex just walked in."
"Are you ready to leave?" Emma asked, not wanting him to be uncomfortable. Clay nodded and threw some bills on the table for both the check and the tip. He helped Emma out of her chair and they began walking towards the door. At that moment Stella glanced in their direction, catching sight of them.
"Hello, Clay."
"Stella." His tone was cordial but he noticed that she kept glancing at Emma, curious and expectant. "This is Emma."
"It's nice to meet you." Emma held out her hand.
"You too." Stella shook her hand lightly. The conversation lapsed after the short introduction but her eyes continued darting skeptically back and forth between them.
"We should get going, Em and get your stuff to the apartment." Clay broke the silence and she nodded quickly in agreement. "Stella."
"Clay." Stella reluctantly turned back to the line while Emma and Clay exited the cafe.
"So, what do you want to do?" Emma asked as they drove to his apartment.
"It's the holidays, so there's probably a movie marathon we can catch. How does that sound?"
"Yeah! That would be awesome!" Emma was so excited, it had been forever since she had a movie marathon.
"Since it's Christmastime, why don't we watch Christmas movies?" Clay asked.
"Hallmark okay?"
"Perfect, I heard they are playing a 24 hour marathon with no commercials."
"And you can help me decorate my tree."
She looked at him in surprise.
"It's December 22nd."
"Yeah, but I haven't really been in the Christmas mood since Stella and I broke it off." Clay said, giving her a small smile before turning his attention back to the road.
Emma contemplated that for a second and quickly decided that she was going to give him the greatest Christmas ever. "Well, I guess we're just going to have to do something about that. You have supplies?"
"Yeah, trees, ornaments, wreathes, the works."
"Where?"
"Storage."
"What are we waiting for?"
They drove to his storage unit and Emma carried out boxes of decorations while Clay got the 6 foot tall tree and put it in the back of his truck. They were on their way towards his apartment a short time later and each carried their respective haul into the apartment. Emma was surprised as she looked around his apartment, noticing how unusually clean it was for a bachelor.
"Where do you want the tree?" Clay asked. Emma looked at him, shocked.
"You're asking me?"
"Yeah, decorating isn't exactly one of my strengths." He waved his arms around at the near barebones apartment. "I bought all of this stuff because I thought that Stella and I would be celebrating Christmas together."
Emma's heart broke for Clay. Her dad had let bits and pieces of his past slip here and there. She knew that the way he grew up meant he couldn't celebrate Christmas when he was a child so she wanted this one to be extra special for him.
She straightened up and placed her hands on her hips as she surveyed the apartment. When Emma settled on the spot she liked she pointed definitively towards it.
"I think it would look great in the corner near the window and the fireplace."
"Perfect." Clay pulled the tree from the box and placed it in the spot where she had suggested. Emma moved over to the couch and turned the television to the Hallmark channel. She moved through the television guide and squealed, bringing Clays attention to her.
"Are you okay, Em?"
"They're playing my favorite movies!" She practically jumped up and down, clapping her hands.
Clay chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"Which movies?"
"Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus comes on next followed by Meet the Santas, A Christmas Detour, A December Bride, and then the greatest Christmas movie of all time, The Christmas Card, A Veteran's Christmas, Operation Christmas, Home for Christmas Day, and of course a movie that I love so much, A Christmas Visitor."
"I've never seen them."
Emma's eyes widened and her jaw dropped open. "We are definitely watching them during the decorating."
With that, they began unpacking the boxes. Within an hour, everything was out and Emma was trying to decide how they should decorate the tree. "Clay, do you think there should be a theme?" She turned in time to see Clay taking a piece of Mistletoe out of the box behind her and turning to her with it in hand. Emma looked down at the piece of greenery then back to his eyes.
"I, uh, I was going to hang it outside the door." He stumbled to say, blushing. He moved the hand with the sprig above them to point at the door.
"Good idea." Emma looked up at the Mistletoe hanging from his fingers between them. Clay noticed that he had moved the plant without meaning too.
"It is a tradition." Emma stated calmly. Clay swallowed and nodded once before moving slowly towards her. Their lips met for a brief, simple kiss before they broke apart.
Clay cleared his throat before moving towards the door to hang it up. Emma shuttered from the sparks she felt from the small kiss. She took a deep breath to center herself and continue with what she was doing.
"So, do you want a theme?" Emma asked, watching him hang the Mistletoe.
"Sure, what do you think?"
"Well, you have a lot of blue, white, and silver so I'm thinking we go with that." Emma turned around and began to put the ornaments on the tree. He watched her as she placed each one with care and precision. When Emma started having trouble reaching the branches around the top, Clay moved to help her.
"Can I help you with that?" He murmured from behind her, his chest lightly pressed to her back. He felt her shiver.
"Yes, please." She turned her head to the side, holding the delicate hook attached to the ornament between her fingers for him. Clays reached around her shoulder, his fingers brushing hers as he gently grasped it. Emma revelled in the feel of him.
Three hours later, the only thing left for decorating was putting the tree topper on the tree. "Would you like to do the honor?" She held the star out to him.
"Why don't we do it together?" They shared a smile before Clay took her hand and they placed the star on the tree. Clay moved to close the curtains, then flicked the lights off. Emma turned on the tree and they stood together, taking in their masterpiece. "It's beautiful!"
"Yes, it is." Clay wrapped his warm hand around hers and squeezed in gratitude. He was glad she was there to share this with him. "You want to sit and watch that marathon?"
"Sure, it's about lunchtime though. Why don't we order some pizza?"
"Sounds good. I'll order it." Clay moved towards the kitchen, grabbed the phone and called in the order. Twenty minutes later, he was grabbing the freshly delivered pizza and walking back over the couch with the food and drinks.
"The Christmas Card is coming on! It's the greatest Christmas movie ever."
"What's it about?"
"A woman sends Christmas Cards overseas from a smalltown and a soldier receives it. One of the men under him is from the town it came from and gets killed. He goes to the town to pay his respects to the family and meets the woman who sent the card. It's a little sappy but beautiful."
Hours later, they were snuggled together watching Operation Christmas. Emma had gotten cold a couple hours earlier and Clay pulled her closer to stave off the chill. She laid her head down on his chest as he pulled the blanket snug around her. They had shifted until they were laying across the couch with Emma resting against him.
"Aren't these movies the greatest?" Emma asked softly as they watched the end where the soldier's overseas sang Silent Night.
"They are pretty good for romance movies."
Keeping an arm around Emma so he didn't displace her, Clay reached for the remote and switched off the television before looking down at her.
"Are you ready to go to bed? You can take my room. I'll sleep on the couch while you're here."
"Why don't you and I just share the bed?" She asked tentatively, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt.
Clay stilled her hand with his and tilted his head until she met his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
They moved from the couch to his bedroom and got changed for bed. Emma climbed in on the left side while Clay situated himself on the right and turned off the bedside lamp.
"Goodnight, Emma."
"Night, Clay."
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
The next morning Emma woke up to a warm, heavy arm draped across her stomach. She rolled and collided with Clay's hard, muscular chest. The movement caused Clay to stir.
"Morning, Em."
"Good morning." She turned onto her stomach and laid her head against his shoulder, looking up at him.
"What do you want to do today?" Clay yawned, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes before scrubbing his hand across his beard.
"I don't care." She lifted one shoulder. "What about just staying in?"
"Could work. Are we watching Christmas Movies again?"
"No, I was thinking we could get to know each other better."
"How?"
"A game, maybe? 20 Questions?"
"Sure, you start."
Emma contemplated starting with something easy like 'what's your favorite color' or 'what's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten'. But seeing as she was currently lazing in bed with Clay like it was the most natural thing in the world, she didn't think there was any harm in asking questions that actually mattered. They only had so much time until the little bubble they had constructed since stepping into his apartment popped.
"Can you tell me one thing that you've never told anyone else?"
Clay thought carefully for a moment before answering honestly.
"Sometimes, I'm afraid I'm not good enough."
"What do you mean?" Emma's brows scrunched in concern. "At work?"
Clay sighed, rolling onto his back. "No, I feel like I'm not good enough for anyone. To have someone in my life. I mean I get it. I have a dangerous job and I'm not here half the time. But sometimes I wonder if I could make it work even if I was here."
Emma rose up on her elbows and leaned over him to break his staring contest with the ceiling.
"You are such a great guy, Clay. You are more than good enough. There's not a single person on the team or in our families that don't love having you around. It is a hard life, we both know that. But just because you stumbled upon the wrong people so far doesn't mean the right one isn't out there. You're going to find someone, Clay. I promise."
Emma's face was so earnest and her tone so certain that he couldn't help but believe her.
"Thanks, Em."
She nodded, giving him a smile before sinking back down on the bed next to him and patting his chest. "Your turn."
"I think from the speech you just gave me I can guess the answer, but do you believe in true love?"
"I do." Emma confirmed with a little laugh. "What about women? What are you attracted to?"
Clay chuckled. "Other than the obvious?"
Emma rolled her eyes.
"I like when women are intelligent and mature. Caring and loving. Sensitive and strong. What about you? What do you think you want?"
"I like compassionate, honorable, strong, courageous men. Along with the obvious. What's your type?"
"Well I used to like brown hair, brown eyed women but every one of them I've dated has ended in disaster so I'm going with the stereotypical male answer: blonde hair, blue eyes, sexy smile. What about you?"
"Blonde hair, blue eyes, rough exterior." They shared a smile at their similar descriptions, but there was an undercurrent as both realized they had described each other. Before either of them could say anything else, Emma's phone rang.
She moved off the bed to find her purse. It was a phone call from her dad.
"Hey daddy."
"Hey, princess. How is Spenser treating you?"
"He is treating me great, daddy. How's the trip?"
"Great! Having a lot of fun. Are you having fun with Spenser?"
Emma thought back to yesterday, them decorating together, kissing, laying together on the couch watching movies and then this morning in bed. "Yeah, daddy. Time of my life."
"That's good, pumpkin. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Okay, I love you."
"I love you too."
Clay walked into the living room now fully dressed as she hung up. "Who was that?"
"Dad, he wanted to check on us?"
"Ok. What do you want to do today since we got out of bed?"
"Can we go ice skating?"
"Of course, do you have skates?"
"Yeah, at home."
"Then get dressed and we'll head to the skating rink." Emma wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek, and running into his bedroom to shower and change.
Thirty minutes later, Emma was bundled, ready to go as Clay ushered her out the door. He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to his truck. They left for her house, where she ran in and got her skates. Within an hour of making the decision, they were pulling up to the skating rink and Clay was leading them into the building.
After putting on their respective skates they began to glide around the rink. Clay and Emma held hands to help each other keep their balance on the slippery surface. But taking a corner too fast would've had Emma landing on her butt if it wasn't for Clay's quick reflexes. He wrapped his arm around her waist and grabbed the railing to keep them both from falling.
"Wow, thanks for the save."
"No problem. You okay?"
"Yeah." Emma grasped his biceps as she straightened up. She looked up at him, admiring the feeling of the rippling muscles under her hands. He helped steady her and they took off again.
Two hours and a round of hot chocolate later, they decided it was time to go back to Clay's apartment. Emma and Clay were laughing when she heard someone call her name. She turned and was met with the guy she had been seeing on and off a couple months ago. She found him kissing the sluttiest girl in school and promptly dumped him in front of the entire student body.
"Emma, baby, what are you doing here? You said it would be a cold day in hell before we saw each other again."
"Skating." She deadpanned at the question. "We were having fun until you decided to ruin it." She motioned to Clay, who was standing as straight as a board.
"So, you were upset about me making out with someone but here you are, on a date with this asshole."
Clay went to snatch the boy by his collar, but Emma stopped him.
"Look, we were never dating and you are the reason why. And for your information, Clay isn't an asshole, unlike you." She grabbed Clay's hand and they began walking towards his truck.
Not realizing the bear he was poking, the boy followed behind them, running his mouth.
"You know, I wouldn't have kissed the school whore if you would have given me a little. I mean, you seem to be giving it up to him," he pointed at Clay, "because that's the only reason an older guy would be with you."
Emma wasn't fast enough to stop Clay this time. His hands fisted into the front of the guy's shirt, pulling him clear off the ground.
"Listen to me you little prick, maybe you would've had a better chance if you weren't such an asshole. But seeing as I don't think you're capable of achieving that I'll give you a piece of advice instead. Leave. Emma. Alone. Are we clear?" The guy rapidly nodded as he struggled to break Clays ironclad grasp on him. Clay dropped him and went back to Emma, who couldn't hold back the lustful expression on her face. He opened the door for her to climb in before moving around and doing the same.
He practiced his box breathing for a moment to calm down before looking at her in the passenger seat.
"Emma, I can't believe you dated that guy."
"First of all, I didn't date him. I went out with him once. And he wasn't as sleazy then."
"Whatever you say, Em." He started up the truck. "Why don't we go back to the apartment?"
"Sound's good but let's stop at the grocery store. I'll make us a small dinner tonight."
"Works for me."
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the grocery store and proceeded to walk through the aisles. Emma and Clay were discussing what to eat when a elderly couple walked up to them.
"Excuse me, I hate to interrupt but I couldn't resist coming over and saying that the two of you make such an adorable couple." The woman smiled at them. Emma blushed, not able to bring herself to look at Clay. He stuttered for a moment, knowing he should correct her, but seeing the look on the woman's face, Clay couldn't bring himself to tell her she was wrong. A part of him almost didn't want to either.
"Thank you, ma'am."
"She seems like a good one son, you should hold on to her." The older man told him as he wrapped his arm around the woman.
Clay did the same with Emma and looked at the man, "I intend to hold onto her for as long as I can."
The older couple moved on and Clay removed his arm from her. They went on through the store with no other interruptions. Neither of them mentioned what had happened, not wanting to think about what it meant. Or what they wanted it to mean.
They entered his apartment an hour later. Clay went into his bedroom and changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt while Emma began preparing their meal for dinner. An hour and a half later, Emma placed two plates of food on the table and they ate in comfortable silence.
"So, do you want to continue our game from this morning?" Emma asked between bits.
Clay nodded, "Sure. Would you like to start?"
"Okay. What's one of the most dangerous things you've ever done?"
Clay paused for a second and looked at her.
"That you can tell me about." She elaborated with an eye roll.
"I jumped 70 feet off of a burning oil rig." He replied as if it was nothing. Emma choked on her food.
"You jumped 70 feet off of a burning oil rig?" She exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Well to be fair I was trapped and it was the only way down. And there were people trying to kill me."
Emma opened her mouth repeatedly but she couldn't speak. Not that he could tell her much more than that anyways.
"What's your greatest fantasy?" Clay asked and he watched Emma's face turn red. "Doesn't have to be a sexual fantasy."
"Singing at the Grand Ole Opry and then having Reba McEntire and Martina McBride ask me if I want to be a member."
"That is a great fantasy, Em."
"What about you? Your biggest fantasy?"
'You under me.' Clay thought. He was jarred by the image his mind had conjured and then mentally kicked himself for thinking about her like that. "Being promoted to Master Chief and leading my own team."
Emma nodded in understanding, though in her opinion it was something he could and would definitely achieve.
"So, tomorrow is Christmas Eve. What do you want to do?"
"Well… I actually got you a Christmas present, but it's at my house."
"You got me a present?"
"Yeah, I got everyone on Bravo a present." Emma stood up from the table and placed her plate in the sink.
Clay's mind raced at her statement. 'She got me a gift? Of course she did. She's thoughtful and sensitive. But what can I give her?' He thought about the bracelet he'd gotten for Stella before they went their separate ways, but it didn't feel right giving it to her. Or anyone. He'd either trade it in for something else or get his money back entirely to purchase Emma a gift.
"I'm a little tired. I think I'm gonna go to bed." Emma announced to him after they finished the dishes.
"Yeah. I'm going to hop in the shower and then I'll join you."
"Okay." Emma replied as she walked into his bedroom to change into her night clothes. She walked into his closet just in case he came into the room from his shower. She had just taken off her top and unclasped her bra when she heard a sharp intake of breath.
"I'm sorry." Clay abruptly spun away from her.
"No, no, it's fine." She quickly put her sleep top on and turned around to face him. "I can wait until you're in bed if you want."
"No! I'll stay right where I am if you want to finish."
Emma hesitated for a moment and then took off her pants. She slipped into her sleep shorts and told him he could turn around. They avoided making eye contact. Emma slipped into the bed and laid quietly while he finished his bathroom routine.
Clay moved into his bedroom and looked at the beautiful girl resting there, wrapped in his covers and snuggled into the bed. 'I am in so much trouble'. He climbed in beside her and they drifted soundly to sleep. During the night, they managed to move towards each other in their sleep as if the pull between them couldn't be fought even when they were dreaming.
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
Waking up again with Emma in his arms, he relished the warm feeling of her next to him.
"Merry Christmas Eve." Clay whispered as he placed a light kiss to her head. Emma began to stir and stretch in his arms.
"Merry Christmas Eve." She whispered back and snuggled into his side. "What do you want to do today?"
"Well… everyone has told me what a beautiful voice you have, but I have yet to experience it myself. So… what if we go to one of the local karaoke clubs tonight?" Clay saw Emma's face light up and he smirked, knowing that he had the right idea.
"I would love to! How about walking around town to look at the Christmas lights afterwards?"
"Whatever you want, Emmie."
"So what do we do until tonight?" Emma's question was perfectly innocent, but Clay's mind went deep into the gutter. He cleared his throat to clear his thoughts.
"We could just do what we were going to do yesterday… stay in bed."
"Let's play a game." Emma insisted.
"20 Questions, again?"
"No, I was thinking of something different. Never Have I Ever."
"Oh, that's a dangerous game."
"Come on, Spenser. You aren't scared are you?"
"Me? Scared." Clay rolled over and opened his nightstand. He pulled out a bag of hersey's kisses.
"Fine, you go first."
"Never have I ever received a lap dance." Clay's eyes widened as a surprised laugh bubbled out of his mouth. He reached to take a hersey's kiss from the bag.
"So, this is how we are playing this game, huh." He tossed the hersey's kiss in the air and caught it in his mouth. "Never have I ever shaved or waxed my privates."
Emma's eyes widened and she blushed, beet red. She hesitated for a moment before reaching for the chocolate morsel, unwrapping it and tossing it in the air. She caught it in her mouth just as easily as he did. "You are so going to get it. Never have I ever had a threesome."
Clay closed his eyes before reaching for a hershey's kiss.
"So, am I getting the backstory to this or what?"
Clay sighed, "It was while I was in BUD/S."
"Two women I'm assuming."
"Definitely. Let's just move on." He felt uncomfortable talking to her about this. He didn't want her to think that he was just interested in sex. "Never have I ever watched Magic Mike."
"That is so not fair! You know that every teenage girl has seen Magic Mike." Emma protested while Clay doubled over in laughter. "Never have I ever slept with a stranger."
Clay rolled his eyes but he did the ritual and stared at her, "Never have I ever been seen naked by a man."
Emma just looked at him. "In what context?"
"Sexually."
Emma sat still for a moment not really knowing what to say, "Never have I ever made love to someone."
Clay put the bag of hersey's kisses on the nightstand and pulled Emma into his arms. "Em, are you saying you're a-"
"Virgin, yes. You aren't going to laugh are you?"
"No! No, of course not, I actually… find that-"
"Weird? Embarrassing? Scary?"
"Amazing." He whispered as she finally met his eyes. "I'm assuming that you are waiting for the right person to come along."
"Well, yes but I mean you've met my family! No man in his right mind would want to date me because of them! I mean on my first date, dad, Uncle Brock, and Uncle Trent followed us in a vehicle while Uncle Adam and Metal watched us in the restaurant, Uncle Sonny followed us into the movie theater, and Uncle Ray and Uncle Nate were hiding in the bushes while we walked through the park!"
Clay burst out in laughter, imagining exactly what she had just described.
Still smiling, he responded to Emma with genuine admiration. "I think the fact that you are a virgin is commendable because you didn't fold to peer pressure. It means something to you, so it's good that you're taking care to not do anything you might regret."
"Seems like you are talking from experience."
Clay laid back down on the bed with Emma in his arms. "I was 15 and she was older than me. And looking back, I wish my first time was something that I could treasure. I hope yours will be."
Emma smiled and leaned forward, kissing the corner of his mouth before resting her head on his shoulder.
"It's still kind of early, what do you say about us taking a nap? I have a feeling we'll be up late tonight." Clay asked and she agreed, snuggling further into him. His face was tingling from the kiss and it took all of his strength not to crash their lips together.
"Mmmm. Thank you." She whispered as she drifted off. Clay laid there for a few moments just staring at her until he held her tighter and drifted off as well.
Several hours later, Clay and Emma finally emerged from the apartment. Clay told her about a quaint little bar that does karaoke on Friday nights. It was a 30 minute drive, but well worth it whenever they got into the bar. It was not too crowded and Emma went to the DJ to sign up for the karaoke. Clay went to the bar and ordered a beer and a soda. He found a table near the stage and Emma joined him a few minutes later.
"What song did you pick?"
"Santa Baby." She gave him a cheeky smile. Before Clay had the chance to reply, the DJ was calling her up onto the stage. She took a sip of her drink before taking center stage where she grabbed the microphone from the stand. The music to Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt began to radiate out of the speakers.
'Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight'
Emma moved around the stage as she sang, occasionally making eye contact with Clay.
'Santa baby, a '54 convertible too, light blue
I'll wait up for you, dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight'
She moved from the stage and walked over to Clay. She took the cap off of his head and put it on.
'Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year, I could be just as good
If you check off my Christmas list'
She moved around the bar, interacting with the customers as she sang.
'Santa baby, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot
Been an angel all year
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa honey, one little thing I really need, the deed
To a platinum mine
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex and checks
Sign your "X" on the line
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me'
As she rounded the last verse, she moved back to Clay who had not taken his eyes off her since she began to sing. She sat down in his lap and placed the cap back onto his head.
'Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean on the phone
Santa baby, so hurry down my chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry, tonight'
As the last note played, there was an eruption of applause.
"Emma Hayes, that was amazing."
"You really liked it?"
"100%."
They stayed for another hour, watching and listening to others perform and having food. To Clay, none of them would ever be as good as Emma. When the bar grew to be too crowded, they both decided they wanted to leave and look at the Christmas lights. They went to the Holiday Lights at the Beach. They drove down and Emma was fixated on the light show while Clay could only look at her.
She was so beautiful and genuine.
'I am in so much trouble' he thought as his heart skipped a beat as he watched her reactions to the lights.
They looked at the lights for over an hour before returning to his apartment. The entire drive back, the only thing Emma could think about was him. The way he moves, the way he walks, talks, acts, how caring he was. She had never met anyone like him and she had the feeling that she never would again. 'I am in so much trouble'.
"Do you mind if we make a detour and stop by the house and grab your present?"
"Sure, yeah, no problem." Clay drove them to the Hayes' residence. He pulled into the driveway and waited in the truck while Emma went inside. A few minutes later, Emma came out with a large box carefully wrapped with paper depicting an American flag and soldier silhouette. Clay chuckled as she climbed in the truck. "Nice wrapping paper."
"Thanks. This is what I wrap all of Bravo's presents in."
They returned to the apartment and began talking about what they would do tomorrow.
"So, what do you want to do with our last night together?" Emma inquired as she felt Clay place his hand on the small of her back.
"Doesn't matter, what do you want to do?"
Emma thought for a moment as Clay unlocked the door. "What if I could have a nice Christmas dinner and afterwards we could make cookies together?"
"Cookie's sound good but be gentle with me, it's my first time." Clay grinned.
Emma joked back, "I promise we'll go slow and easy."
The two entered the apartment and removed their layers before settling in.
"You want to curl up on the couch?"
"Sure. We can continue our game from earlier."
"If we continue that game, I'm going to have to be drunk for it." Clay joked.
Emma shrugged.
"Why don't we turn it into a drinking game?"
"Because you aren't 21 and Jason would kill me."
"Dad doesn't have to know." She wiggled her eyebrows and walked into the kitchen, grabbing two beers and moving back to the couch.
"Em, I don't think that's a good idea."
"Just shut up, Spenser and take the beer." She pushed him down on the couch and sat the beers on the coffee table. He looked shocked before smirking and pulling her down onto his lap. Emma squealed and she landed on him with a giggle. She placed her hands on his neck and looked into his ocean blue eyes. They stared at each other without saying a word.
"I'm going to miss you." Clay whispered to her.
She smiled, "I'm going to miss you, too. I'm going to be cold at night without my human heating blanket."
Clay's gaze flickered between her eyes and her lips.
"I don't know how I'm going to sleep without you." He pulled her face down to his and their lips met in a passionate, fiery kiss. Emma was shocked for a few seconds before she returned his embrace. They kissed until both needed breath and pulled away panting.
Clay saw the stricken look on Emma's face and thinking he had read the situation wrong, he began to apologize. "Em, I'm so sorry… I…"
Emma cut him off with another kiss. This one was light and didn't last but a few seconds. "It's okay."
"So… I didn't ruin whatever we have going on by kissing you?" He wanted to make sure that he hadn't scared her or made her nervous.
"Absolutely not. In fact, how about we make our Christmas dinner our first date?" She lightly probed, hoping that he would say yes.
"I'd love to." Emma slipped off his lap, grabbed the two beers and they began their game from earlier that day. Three hours later, Emma was a bit tipsy after they had turned Never Have I Never into a drinking game. She was curled against him with her head on his chest.
"I think it's time for bed, Emmie."
Emma attempted to push herself up before falling back into Clay. "I think you're going to have to carry me." She giggled.
Clay chuckled before taking her into his arms and lifting her off the couch while he simultaneously got up. Emma wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her bridal style towards his bedroom.
"You're so strong. It's sexy." She murmured as she buried her face in his neck. "And I love your beard."
Clay felt a blush creep up his face. He sat her on the bed and began removing her shoes and socks. "Em, you need help changing for bed?" Emma grumbled something incoherent and Clay took that as a yes. He began removing her top, trying not to look at her perfect chest and stomach.
She leaned forward and caught his lips. He allowed her to control the kiss until he felt her hands go under his shirt.
"Wait, Em. If we do this I want you to be sober and alert. I am not taking advantage of you."
Emma started to protest but fell back onto the bed, asleep. He grabbed one of his t-shirts out of his dresser and slipped it over her head. He reached behind her back and unclipped her bra, letting it slide down her arms and off her chest before he placed her arms in the sleeves. He pulled her over to the edge of the bed and pulled the t-shirt down to cover her to mid-thigh. He reached under the shirt and began unbuttoning to jeans and pulling them down her gorgeous legs. He pulled her up from the bed, leaning her against his chest before pulling the sheets back and placing her under them. He took off his shirt and pants before climbing into bed with Emma.
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
Christmas morning came and found them curled up together. Emma woke first, snuggling deeper into Clay's embrace.
Clay began to stir, "Merry Christmas, beautiful."
"Merry Christmas, handsome."
"Would you like to exchange presents now or later?"
"You got me a present?"
"Of course I did." Clay reached over to his nightstand and pulled out two pieces of paper, then handed them to her. She looked at him before gasping at what the gift was. There were two tickets to the Spring Country Festival in Virginia Beach on March 15. According to the tickets, artists include Cole Swindell, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Chase Rice, and Kip Moore.
"Oh my god, Clay! This is the greatest present ever! I'm so excited! You have to come with me, I promise you will love it."
"Of course, baby. Whatever you want." They kissed momentarily before Emma got up from the bed and walked into the living room to retrieve his present. She was nervous, not sure that his present was as good as the one he gave her. She returned to bedroom and climbed in beside him, handing the present to him. She bit her lip as she waited for him to unwrap it.
Clay noticed that his present was heavy. He opened the gift and was shocked. It was a shadow box. It had a picture of him in uniform, the SEAL trident, his rank and years of service. It also held the ribbons and medals that he had received during his service in the Navy: one silver star, four bronze stars, two purple hearts, etc. Clay just looked at the gift, not saying anything.
"You don't like it?"
"No, no, that's not it. I love it, Em, really I do. I just… no one has ever given me something like this before. It means a lot, Emma."
"I'm glad you like it." They shared another sweet kiss.
"Let's stay in today. We can get up and make those cookies we were talking about last night."
"Great idea! Let's get up, shower, and get to cooking." Emma jumped up from the bed and practically ran into the bathroom. Clay chuckled and moved from the bed. He took his shadow box and began looking around the room, trying to find the perfect spot for his present. He moved out of the bedroom and into the living room, trying to find the ideal location. He placed it on the wall between his bedroom door and the television. He hung the shadow box easily and stepped back to look at his work. Emma emerged from the bedroom with her hair and body wrapped in a towel.
"What are you looking at?" She questioned and then saw the shadow box on the wall. She smiled and noticed that he put it in the one place that would draw the attention of anyone entering the apartment. "I see you didn't waste anytime."
"Yeah, it's the greatest gift I've ever received. And I decided on this spot because this is the first place everyone looks coming into the apartment." He explained and Emma pulled him towards her. She cupped the back of his neck with her left hand and pulled him into a full open-mouthed kiss. Clay grabbed her hips and backed her into the door jam. She wrapped her right arm around his neck and Clay removed the towel from her head, letting it fall onto the ground. The kiss grew rough and passionate as Clay placed his hands on her face and neck, controlling the deep, tongue-penetrating kiss. They pulled away, both breathless.
Clay moved his head to kiss her neck and Emma ran her hands over his chest. She began lifting his t-shirt, but Clay stopped her by capturing her hands. "I need to get a shower and you should get dressed. We have cookies to bake, don't we."
He pulled away from her and moved into the bathroom, trying to control the urge he had to pick her up, wrap her legs around his waist, and take her against the door. 'No, I am not going to let my hormones make decisions for me and Emma, especially about sex. I am not going to force her into anything physical.'
Emma blushed with embarrassment. She opened herself up to him and he shut her down. 'He doesn't want me. God, I feel so stupid.' She took some deep breaths to compose herself before getting dressed.
She was in the kitchen as Clay emerged, freshly showered and dressed. He smiled at her as he saw how comfortable she was in his kitchen. He walked behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her on the head.
"What do I need to get out for you?" Clay whispered against her hair.
"Butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all purpose flour, and baking powder." Emma directed a little more sternly than she meant too.
Clay narrowed his eyes in confusion but brushed it off and began pulling the ingredients out of the cabinets and refrigerator. He placed them in front of her and for the next hour, they mixed the ingredients, placed the cookie dough on the baking sheets and placed them into the oven. Clay spent the entire time trying to figure out Emma's mood change. She was short with her responses to him. As Emma pulled the last batch of cookies from the oven to cool before they added the toppings, Clay pulled her towards him.
"What's wrong?"
"What do you mean? Nothings wrong." She deflected but Clay wasn't letting her off that easily.
"You aren't nearly as cheerful and jolly as you were this morning. Baby, tell me."
"I don't know. Earlier when we were kissing you just stopped all the sudden. It made me think that…"
He cut her off with a brazen kiss that left her weak in the knees. "Never think that I don't want you. Because from the moment we started to get to know each other better, the only thing I've wanted to do was kiss you, hold you, make love to you, but I refuse to be the one who makes that decision for us."
Emma smiled in relief. He wanted her, he just didn't want to rush her. She leant forward to kiss him before returning to the cookies. Emma was way more cheerful as they decorated the cookies.
They spent the next couple hours curled together on the couch. They switched between watching television and making out. Emma got up and walked in the kitchen about 1430 and began to cook their meal.
At 1700, she was placing the baked bacon wrapped chicken, hash brown casserole, and twisted butter croissants on the dining table. Clay moved to help her and they sat down to eat their meal.
"Oh, Emma. This is the greatest thing I've ever tasted." Clay moaned as he took another bit of chicken.
"Well, thank you. I'll have to cook for you more often."
"I'd like that. Anytime we spend together would be amazing." He pecked her lightly on the lips before returning to his plate. After two helpings for Clay, Emma began putting the leftovers away while Clay cleaned up.
They returned to the couch shortly afterwards with two cups of hot chocolate that Emma made while Clay was doing the dishes.
"Let's play Truth or Dare." Emma suggested and Clay nodded in approval. " I've gone first in all the other games, so it's your turn."
"Okay, Emma, truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"What's the most attractive thing about me?"
Emma blushed and closed her eyes before taking a deep breath and looking at him. "Your eyes. They were the first thing I noticed when we met." They shared a smile before Emma continued, "Truth or Dare?"
"Truth."
"Why me?"
"Why you what?"
"Why be with me? You could have any woman in the world. Why would you want an inexperienced girl who's barely even dated before?"
"Because you're real. You understand me and what I do. You respect my choices and from what I've seen, you stand behind the people you love. You're beautiful and compassionate. Strong and sensitive. You are exactly what every SEAL, every man, needs in his life."
Clay finished the speech and Emma just stared at him, speechless. "Truth or dare, Em?"
"Truth."
"Why me?" He fired her question back at her.
Emma giggled and whispered, "Because you are everything I've ever dreamed about in a partner. I can't imagine a better choice for me than you. Truth or dare?"
"Dare."
Emma leaned forward and slid her lips against his ear. "Make love to me."
Those four words from the soft, gentle voice of the woman he was growing to care about more than anyone in the world made Clay's body burn. "Are you sure?" Was the only question that came from Clay as he moved his lips lightly across her neck and jawbone.
"Yes, please." She whimpered and Clay claimed her mouth. He pulled her into his lap as their hands roamed over each other with want and need. The kiss was almost enough to send Emma over the edge.
They broke away and Clay moved them towards his bedroom. Emma looked confused when Clay placed her on the bed and didn't join her, taking a step back. "I want this to be perfect."
Clay removed the shirt he had on and Emma's eyes roamed his perfectly sculpted Adonis-like chest and abdomen. She saw scars from his time in the military and a sense of pride filled her. This brave, courageous, honorable man was all hers. He wasn't ashamed of his imperfections and neither was she as the thoughts of how many people he saved ran through her head. He was a hero, a warrior and now he was hers.
He moved back towards her and Emma took the opportunity to place light kisses on his body. First she kissed the scar on his collarbone before moving to the bruise on his chest from the team's latest mission. Her lips caressed from the scar on his side to the one on his shoulder where he had been shot during his first few months with Bravo.
She placed her hands on the waist of his pants before looking up into his eyes. Emma didn't see any hesitation so she began pushing the material away from his hips to the floor. She kissed the scar from the shrapnel wound on his right leg before Clay pulled her up towards his mouth.
He gave her a kiss that would show anyone who was watching that she was the only woman in the world for him. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, asking permission to remove her top. At her nod, he slid the silk shirt up her stomach, over chest and free of her head. His lips moved to her neck where he sucked until a hickey began to form before moving down her collarbone towards her chest.
Clay kissed the skin around Emma's bra before licking a trail down the valley between her breasts. A front clasp held the fabric together. She gasped as he undid it with his teeth and let it fall away, leaving her rounded breasts completely exposed to him. Emma writhed beneath Clay as his wet tongue met her skin, circling her perky nipple before he closed his lips around it to suckle. He released it with a small pop and kissed to her other breast to lavish it with the same attention.
Clay proceeded down her body until he reached her pants. He paused for a moment until Emma lifted her hips towards him, urging him to continue undressing her. He pulled the garment down her legs to reveal a pair of tiny snow white lace panties. Clay groaned as he hardened in his boxers and ran his fingers over the wet patch causing Emma to shudder. His lips came into contact with her through the lace and Emma grabbed the bed sheets to keep from jumping.
He sucked her clit through the thin lace until she begged him to take them off. Using his teeth, Clay removed the garment before briefly returning his mouth to her heaving breasts. He kissed a trail down her stomach until he reached her center once again. One by one, He placed her legs over his shoulders and reached up to cup her breasts in his hands.
"Look at me." Clay ordered softly. Emma opened her eyes and stared down her body as he took one more look at her before attaching his mouth to her pulsing clit. She moaned loudly as he lightly squeezed her breasts, his tongue teasing the edges of her slit.
After a few minutes of Clay playing with Emma's sensitive bud and flicking his tongue in and out of her tiny entrance, he let go of her breasts and slid his hands to her hips. His right pointer finger came down to probe her wet folds and he groaned at how aroused she was.
"Oh, Emma."
His lips returned to her clit and his finger pushed inside her opening. Emma bucked her hips slightly at the intrusion. Clay laid his left hand on her stomach to keep her in place.
"Oh, please!"
Clay pumped his finger slowly in and out of her as she adjusted to having something hard and solid inside her. When she seemed comfortable with one finger he carefully added in another, causing Emma to gasp as she felt herself begin to stretch. She clenched around him as his fingers sunk down to his knuckles. He moved his mouth back up to hers and fused them together while she rocked into his hand. Clay rubbed tight circles over her clit with his thumb as he pulled his fingers out to the tip before thrusting them all the way back in.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded with a pant.
"Are you ready for the real thing?" Clay questioned as he kept the rhythm going.
Emma bit her lip before running her left hand down his front to touch him through his boxers. She squeezed lightly causing Clay to buck against her and curl his fingers inside her. Emma released a squeal as he grazed a sensitive spot she didn't even know existed. His face lit up as if he had won the jackpot and Clay proceeded to focus on curling his fingers relentlessly against the pleasure center, sending Emma into an orgasm that wracked through her body as she called his name.
They shared a kiss as she came down and Clay worked himself out of his boxers. He settled between her legs and reached for a condom but Emma stopped him.
"I'm on the pill."
"Are you sure about this?"
She nodded her head and shifted her hips against his. Clay took himself in hand and rubbed his length against her, making sure she was ready for him. He looked down into her darkened blue eyes.
"I wish you were my first too." Clay whispered before taking Emma's lips and entering her. Tears filled her eyes as his words registered. She could feel her walls stretch to accommodate his impressive length.
He paused halfway in to allow her time to adjust.
"Oh Clay!" Emma sobbed while her fingers dug into his biceps.
"Baby, are you okay?" He grunted, sweat beading at his temples as he tried to stop himself from taking her.
Emma nodded her head rapidly and lifted her lips to his.
"Clay, please, I want you."
With her permission, he continued to push forward until he was completely sheathed. Emma wrapped her legs around Clay's waist and he began to slowly pump his hips. Their tempo gradually increased as they found a rhythm, their bodies getting to know each other in a new and intimate way. Soon the bed began to creak and rock at their passionate pace. Emma panted and moaned as she undulated her hips to meet each of his thrusts.
"Em, I'm close."
"Me too."
Clay lifted her and shifted into a new position, causing Emma to squeal as he slid even deeper than before. Emma scrapped her nails down his back and dropped her forehead to his shoulder as she bounced up and down in his lap. His powerful thrusts curled her toes and his pelvis rubbed against her bundle of nerves over and over until she shattered, screaming his name in ecstasy. Grunting as Emma orgasmed on his cock, Clay's pace increased at the feeling of her walls clenching down around him. He followed shortly after, finishing inside her with a satisfied groan.
Clay moved them back down on the bed, still connected to Emma. Their lips met in small, light kisses as they shared short chuckles and smiles.
"Mmmm, wow." Clay murmured as he looked into her beautiful eyes.
"That was amazing!" Emma returned and giggled again as she ran her hand down his side. "Oh." She gasped as she felt him harden once again inside her.
"That's what you do to me, everyday." He smirked and began pulling out of her tight sheath. Emma wrapped her legs around him to stop his exit.
"I want you again." Emma proclaimed and captured his lips in a rough, dominating kiss.
"Are you sure? You aren't sore are you?" He wanted to make sure that she wasn't just doing this because his body was ready to go.
"I love you, Clay. Please."
"This time you're on top." He flipped them over and Emma shrieked at the sudden movement. She was nervous as they moved into the new position, 'what if I'm not good at this?'. Clay noticed she was anxious and pulled her down until their chests were touching.
"What's wrong?" He brushed her hair over her shoulder and caressed the smooth skin of her back.
"I'm afraid that it won't be good for you if I do all the work." She confessed and Clay scoffed.
"Baby, I love you. And I promise you that you aren't going to do anything wrong."
She sighed and kissed him lightly before sitting up. Placing her hands on his chest, Emma proceeded to tentatively shift her hips. Clay's breath caught in his throat and his eyes closed at the sensation of her slowly rocking above him. His hands slid over her bottom to grasp her thighs and help her find a rhythm. She started to feel more comfortable after a few minutes and began moving faster, swiveling and rotating her hips which caused Clay to groan.
"Oh baby, you feel so good around me."
With that, Emma gained more confidence and dragged his hands up her torso to place them on her breasts. She braced herself on Clay's broad shoulders while he plucked at her sensitive nipples and began bouncing faster. Her moans rose sharply in pitch when he braced his feet against the bed to thrust up into her, meeting the rise and fall of her hips. The ends of her long blonde hair tickled the tops of his thighs as she threw her head back in pleasure at the delicious stretch, grinding her clit into the base of his cock until she felt him harden and throb inside her. Her orgasm was triggered by the feeling of the hot liquid bathing her inner walls and she collapsed forward against his chest, breathless and euphoric.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
Still wrapped around each other, Clay and Emma woke up the next morning to the sound of her phone ringing. Emma made a disgruntled sound as she uncurled herself from Clay's warm body. She cracked one eye open to look at the screen and saw that her dad was calling.
"Hello."
"Hi, sweetheart. How are you?"
Emma looked at Clay who was still peacefully snoozing beside her and smiled. "Honestly, daddy, this has been the greatest week of my life. How are you guys? When are y'all coming back?"
"We just left so we'll be home around 1400. Do we need to pick you up or will Spenser bring you home?"
Emma was hit with a wave of disappointment because she knew that her bubble with Clay was about to burst. "Clay will bring me home."
"Okay, princess. We will see you soon."
"Bye." She hung up and rolled over so that she was pressed against Clay's side. She kissed his jaw and trailed her lips down to suck at the skin of his neck. Clay hummed and wrapped his arms around her, shifting so that he could kiss her.
"Good morning, my love."
"Good morning, handsome." She smiled for a moment but then it faltered. Clay noticed immediately and nudged her.
"What's wrong?"
"Everyone's coming back today and I'm worried that what happened here this week will change when everyone gets back."
"Hey, that's not going to happen. I promise."
"What are we going to tell them?"
"The truth. That we realized we wanted to be together and that this is serious." They made eye contact and he could see her waiver. "This is serious, isn't it?"
"Yes! Of course, it is." She rushed to reassure him. "But I'm worried about how they're going to react. Clay, they're not going to take us being a couple well. If anything, dad and Uncle Sonny will kill you!"
"No they won't."
"I wouldn't be so sure." She cautioned, thinking back to every other relationship that had stalled because of her dad and her uncles.
"We can handle it." Clay insisted, kissing her forehead. Emma laid her head down on his shoulder and tried not to think too hard about what waited for them when they came clean.
"I'll take your word for it."
Clay&Emma-Clay&Emma
The team arrived at Jason's house at 1350 and they were getting the luggage out of the SUV when Clay and Emma pulled into the driveway. Emma took a deep breath and squeezed Clay's hand before getting out of the truck and walking towards her family.
"Hey, it's good to see you, Sunshine."
"You too, Uncle Sonny." She looked at Clay who came to stand beside her and took another deep breath. "We have something to tell you."
Bravo and the spouses/girlfriends stood with an expectant look on their faces.
Emma laced her fingers with Clay's and smiled. "Clay and I are dating."
All of the men stood their blinking while the ladies darted their eyes between the guys and the newly proclaimed couple.
"Daddy, will you please say something?"
Jason opened his mouth then closed it, struggling to find the words.
"If Jase doesn't have anything to say, I'll go. What in the Sam Hill do you mean by dating? Like dating each other? Because that sure as hell will never happen!" Sonny was the first member of the team out of his shocked state.
Clay and Emma ignored Sonny's outburst and held their breaths waiting for Jason's response.
"When… how…why?" Was all Jason managed to get out. His face a mixture of disbelief and disgust.
"Daddy..."
"No, this is not happening! I forbid it." He finally came out of his shock.
"Daddy, it's already happened."
"Well make it unhappen!"
"Jase, I love Emma. This isn't a game, this isn't a fling. This is real." Clay was completely sincere, which made the women decide that this wasn't the worst thing that could happen.
"Jason," Alana calmly called for his attention. "she's an adult. This isn't your decision to make."
Jason frowned and looked between his daughter and his rookie. He saw the way Clay stood tall and stiff as if bracing himself for a fight and Emma, who's expression bordered on defiant while she pressed against him with her arms wrapped around his bicep. He knew a losing battle when he saw one.
"Fine." Jason threw his hands up, stomping back to the SUV to grab more bags. The guys followed after him, dumbfounded. Jason's sanity was called into question as they all scrambled into the house behind him leaving Clay and Emma with their female counterparts.
The silence was broken by Davis stepping forward and clapping her hand on his shoulder.
"Merry Christmas, Spenser! Hope you enjoy running hills for the rest of your life." She smirked.
Clay heaved a resigned sigh before looking down at Emma. He couldn't help but smile at her hopeful expression and slung his arm to rest over her shoulders. Pulling her further into his side, he kissed her temple before turning back to Davis.
"It's totally worth it."