Hey guys, so it is definitely easier to update on weekends. Lol So you can expect updates Friday-Sunday and maybe one or two during the week. I'm also not sure how long this story will be. When I figure that out, I'll let you guys know!

Just a heads up, I sort of changed the pace of the story and I tried to improve my writing skills a bit. It's a learning process for me. If something doesn't make sense or flow well or anything seems off- Please let me know! This is an important chapter and I think you'll all enjoy it!

Chapter 4

The next morning Emma headed down to the station, needing to retrieve the item she was actually in town for. "I'm sorry about the mix up Miss Swan." Graham said apologetically while handing her the check. "You have quite the talent though. I was talking to Boston P.D. about your work. They seem to believe you act more as a bounty hunter than a bail bonds person." He laughed.

Emma chuckled, "Yeah they pretty much go hand in hand these days. Anyway thanks again. I should be going now."

"Actually I have a favor to ask of you-"

Emma raised a brow to him, "What?"

"I've been trying to catch this low life for weeks, he's become some kind of common thief around the town but being the only sheriff in town right now I haven't been able to do a proper stakeout and find where he's hiding."

Her hand placed on her hips, she laughed "You need my help?"

"Would you mind sticking around for a couple days? You would be rightfully compensated for, I assure you. I could really use someone with you expertise on the matter."

Emma hesitated, "I don't know-"

"Please don't make me beg, Miss Swan." Graham laughed lightly at her.

She stared at him for a moment before giving in, "Fine. But then you guys are covering my expenses for the duration of my stay."

"Absolutely, thank you Miss Swan. Here are his files, his name is Will Scarlet. Look over them and meet me back here tomorrow morning. You have my number if you should have any questions." He shook her hand and walked her out of the station.

Emma always loved the beach. She was drawn to everything about it- families, warm sunny days, and the cool water. What's not to love? She thought about Neal, he never liked the beach. Every time she asked to go he told her that the sand gets everywhere- "how can you love a place like that?" He would say. She frowned at the memories of arguments they had over the topic, and remembered the first thing she did when they broke it off was stick her toes in the rough, warm sand.

Emma sighed in content as she wiggled her toes further in the sand. She raised her shirt off her stomach to let sun take over. The warmth sends her further into a state of relaxation- that is, until a shadow hung over her and blocked the sun.

With her eyes still closed she barked at the intruder, "move."

"I'm rather enjoying the view, darling."

Her eyes snapped open at the accent that filled her ears. The one she knew belonged to the man that filled her dreams as of late. His clothes different than usual, he had on a pair of aviators and his legs were clad with board-shorts and a V-neck hugged his chest- And she drooled at the sight of his chest hair. She didn't even want to think about the muscles protruding from his sleeves.

"And I was enjoying a day off- in the sun."

"My apologies, mind if I join?" He looked down at her; she was wearing denim cutoffs showing off her long legs. They looked so smooth and all Killian could think about was running his hands up them and- Bloody hell.

She shrugged, "it's a free country." Her stomach was doing somersaults. Killian moves to sit next to her, stretching out his legs.

"So a day off for the Swan, what will you ever do with all of this time?"

She shaded the sun with her arm and turned to him, "not sure yet. Got any ideas?"

She was offering her time to him. She was putting the ball in his court for once. Giving him a foot in the door to her world. He flashed a grin to her. He rubbed his hand to his beard, recently trimmed up, and mulled over the possibilities.

"Well, how does the lady feel about sailing?"

She smiled lightly and nodded, "yeah, let's go."

They got up and headed to the docks in their view.

"Which one is yours?"

He pointed to a boat with long white sails and glossed over wood that twinkled in the sun. "That's her, I just finished her up the other day. Haven't named her yet-"

"I also have yet to see how she handles the waters…" He finished, daring a glance to her.

Emma peered over to him with wide eyes, "You haven't tested this boat yet and you're risking my life on it?!"

He chuckled and Ruffles his hair, "Relax, love. This isn't my first time building a sailboat."

"You build boats?"

"Aye, or at least I used to… In another life." It was a story for another time, and he was thankful that she just nodded and didn't press the matter.

They got to the boat and he stepped on, holding his hand out to her. When they touched, sparks flew. They both felt it. Neither mentioned it, but there was a knowing look on both of their faces.

Emma blushed and pulled away her hand once she was safely onboard.

"So Captain Jones how does one sail?" She repeated the question from the first night they met.

He started to explain the lengthy process with so much passion. Telling her about when you learn to sail the instructor will teach you how to use the "sheet" to trim the sail; that the sheet is the rope that pulls the sail in closer to the boat, or lets it out. She nodded and listened but mostly watching his arms move around as he showed her. "The sheet that controls the mainsail is the mainsheet, the one tied to the jib- Adjusting the sheet correctly is 90% of sail trim, and you can spend your whole sailing life just tightening and easing the sheet."

He turns to look at her, an amused look crosses his face- "you have no idea what I'm saying-"

She laughed, "Not a word, but I'm really enjoying watching you." She stilled at her words. The confession came out before she could stop it.

He noticed and moved towards her, slowly placing his hands on her shoulders. He had sensed her walls going up again and feared the worst. They were still docked, she could still run. "Lass, there is no need to fear me. I do not intend to bring you any harm. I'm simply enjoying your company, and it's a relief to hear you are enjoying mine."

Her face relaxed and she her cheeks grew pink, "Really?"

"Really." He squeezed her shoulders before dropping his hands, the burning sensation between them becoming too much.

"Would you like for me to make sail? The wind is in our favor at the moment."

She smiled brightly, "Absolutely!"

She enjoyed the wind in her hair and the summer sun starting to show on her skin. No thought of Neal came to mind. She was purely here in the moment with Killian. She watched him captain the vessel, she could see the joy on his face. It was pure bliss for both of them, they needed this. After sailing around and showing Emma different reefs Killian slowed down. The boat anchored, far enough to not be bothered, but with the shore still in far sights. They enjoyed the sun; sharing light stories about places they've traveled to, their experiences, and what they have yet to do. Emma has never felt so carefree and safe. It scared the crap out of her, but she owed it to herself to be here in the now and happy.

"Care for a swim?"

She had to admit, the water looked so clear and blue and really tempting, "but I don't have a bathing suit-"

"Scared to show off a little skin, Swan?" He gave her a mischievous grin and wiggled his brows.

"Please, you couldn't handle it."

He raised his shirt over his head and tossed it aside, "Perhaps you're the one who couldn't handle it, love." And with that he jumped overboard into the depths.

She took a deep breath and played along, it's just underwear Emma. She pulled off her shorts revealing a cheeky pair of red boy shorts and tossed her shirt aside to show off the matching bra. At least she matched? Emma rolled her eyes at the girly thought.

Killian submerged from the water with just enough time to catch a glimpse of her as she dove in- automatically feeling a tightness in his shorts. Why did he suggest this again?

She popped up next to him a second later, smirking at him when she caught the look on his face. "This water feels so good." She practically moaned near him, swimming on her back- showing off her toned body.

He placed his hands under her back and guided her through the waves, his legs kicking to keep him afloat. His eyes took in the sight in front of him. Her skin sparkled in the water and sun, her blonde tresses were not sprawled out around her, and her green eyes were watching his every move. He felt bold under her gaze.

"You're breathtaking Emma." He whispered to her.

She pulled herself from his hands and then swan closer to him. She didn't respond, she just looked at him- taking him in. The water made his eyes so blue; she felt like she was staring into the ocean, maybe she was.

He leaned closer, hands wrapped around her now, and his lips just a whisper away-

She knew what was coming; her eyes darted to his lips as his tongue fished out to wet them. Her eyes closed as she felt the warmth of his mouth on hers. Everything they had been feeling the past couple of days poured out into each other. Passion, desperation, and something more. Need. In that moment they both realized how much the really needed each other. The embrace was almost healing.

The contact sent her into overdrive. Her hands threaded in his hair and she held him closely as he kicked them over to the side of the boat, his right hand pinning her there. His mouth enveloped hers while their tongues danced. Killian's left hand grabbed her ass and squeezed it lightly, pushing her into him. She could feel his arousal against her thigh, the little material between them not covering much.

At that she pulled back, not wanting to start something she knew she didn't have the strength to pull away from. They were both heaving, trying to catch their breath.

Once Killian pulled himself together he back off, "My apologies love, I didn't mean to push you."

Emma looked up at him and circled her arms around his neck, "Don't be sorry, I just- it was great... But maybe we can-"

He understood, "Aye, take it down a notch." He kissed her forehead lightly. She wasn't running. They climbed back onto the boat after a moment.

"I just want to really know you, I haven't done this- this isn't me. I don't date. I don't know how." Emma grabbed towels and threw one to Killian. He was taking in the sight of her. He was overwhelmed with her beauty.

He started to laugh and she looked horrified, "I don't mean to laugh love, but- can you be more perfect?"

She was stunned- what?

"I haven't dated since- well... Her name is Milah- and she...she broke my heart-" He croaked out and reached for her. "But I look at you and it's like it never happened. Or somehow your presence is filling a long void inside me. I look at you and I feel like it's all possible again- life and love... Happiness. I don't want to scare you away again. Whatever pace you set, I will follow." He finished quietly. He stared at her, his heart was pounding. He had a hopeful glint in his eye.

She smiled softly at his confession, of course she understood and leaned forward, places a sweet kiss on his lips. "We're both broken." She chuckled to him. It was a conversation for another night though.

"It seems that way-" he smiled to her, "Let's eat. I may have packed some food away." He planned this. Maybe not the entire events of today, but he wasn't complaining.

Time had passed and they were now huddled close on cushioned seats trying to stay warm. "Ready to head back?" The sun was moving away from them, hiding behind the town now- a soft orange glow on the roof tops and a cool breeze taking over.

Emma shook her head and leaned into him from where they were sitting, "Not yet."

Killian wrapped his arms around her and held her close, today had been a dream and he never wanted to wake up.

Review? Please tell me what you think! It encourages me to write more! ;)

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