Secret Lovers

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas.

Thanks to my Beta for the song prompt: Secret Lovers by Atlantic Starr

What can I say other then sorry that I have not been replying to all the lovely reviews, please understand I really appriciate them but life is a little hectic to say the least at the moment and thought you would prefer me to focus on final edits of chapters so they are posted on time.

Talking of which he is the next update - enjoy.

. . .

Emily hesitated before ringing the doorbell. As she waited for a response she nervously fiddled with a piece of hair that kept falling down from her otherwise immaculate ponytail. Within moments she heard Jack's voice and a thunder of footsteps before the door was flung wide open.

"Hello, Miss Emily, thank you for coming and helping me," Jack beamed as he spoke.

Aaron came into view behind him, wiping his hands on a towel. He smiled at Emily over Jack's head. "Yes, thank you, come in and I'll make us a coffee."

Jack stepped aside as Emily entered. Once he shut the door, he took her hand and led her towards the dining room table. Emily smiled at the warmth of his hand in hers, it was unexpected yet she liked it. It was surprising how natural it felt. Jack was comfortable with the action and so was Emily.

Sitting in the chair next to Jack, she glanced over the selection of stationary he had gathered. A mix of papers, pens, glue, stickers and what she recognised as Aaron's laptop open too; all spread across the normally clear table.

"So, Jack, what is it you need to do?"

"Mrs Anderson wants us to answer the five questions she has set us about five European countries. We get bonus points if we find out an interesting fact about each too."

Smiling down at the young lad Emily ruffled his hair before she realised what she had done. "Think I can help you get those bonus points, buddy. Let's get started."

Aaron leant against the door frame as he waited for the coffee. He couldn't help but enjoy the view of his son, so relaxed with the woman he loved. It was more then he could ever wish for.

. . .

Placing another cup of coffee down on to the table Aaron let his arm trail softly across Emily's back. Immediately he felt her stiffen. He looked down at her puzzled by her reaction.

Turning his attention to Jack, he felt Emily shrug his arm off of her.

"You alright, Buddy? How's it going?"

"Great, Dad! Look, this is the flag for Italy, and I've nearly finished the French one, too." Jack held up two pieces of paper for his father to see.

"Wow, you are working hard. Maybe, if you don't get finished, Emily could come and help some more next weekend."

Both Aaron and his son looked expectantly at Emily. "Sure," she answered nonplussed by the double entendre invite.

Jack cheered before getting back to his colouring.

"How about a drink, mister? Seeing you are working so hard."

"Can I have juice?" Jack asked without looking up from what he was doing.

"Sure thing. And Emily, would you like to stay for dinner? Call it a 'Hotchner thank you' for helping us out."

"We'll…" she hesitated to buy time to find the right words.

"Please," Jack added looking up at Emily as he dropped the pen he had been using and focused his attention on her.

Emily smiled. How could she possibly say no to those puppy dog eyes? As she turned to speak to Aaron, she was greeted by the same pleading orbs, only his were larger. With the guilt trip fully in place, Emily agreed to dinner, too.

"Great," Aaron added, putting his hand once more Emily's shoulder only to be greeted by the same reaction. His look questioned what she had done but all he gone in response was a distant expression before Emily turned back to Jack.

Returning to the kitchen he wondered what he had done wrong.

. . .

Making his way back in to the lounge Aaron made his way round to the couch and sat down on the opposite end to Emily.

"Thanks for today. I think Jack is going to be spouting facts about Italian monuments and French cheeses in his sleep. He is certain he will get double bonus points for having a fact no one else has."

"I don't know about that, but fingers crossed for him."

The couple sat in silence for a while before Aaron spoke again.

"Emily, what did I do wrong today? You have been so warm and loving with Jack, but every time I have come anywhere near you, then you have practically run away."

Emily looked up at Aaron, meeting his sorry gaze, "I . . . I don't know . . . I was just uncomfortable . . . I didn't want Jack to think . . ."

"What, Emily? That I am in love with you? Because I am Emily, and I am trying so hard to be patience and accept what you need and want. But I have wants to. I want us to be a family, even more so now I have seen you and Jack together. I am not pretending it will be easy - these things never are - but he likes you. That's a good start. Please, Emily, consider it; consider that it is time to tell other how we feel," Aaron sighed deeply then stood. "I lost you once, Em, I don't want to risk that again. I want us to be able to spend as much time as possible together, not rely on snatched moments here and there. Life is too unpredictable for that."

Aaron left to make another coffee. He needed to do something; he couldn't just sit there with her any longer. As he busied himself, Aaron tried hard to control the frustration that was growing in him. As he turned back toward the counter he jumped as he realised Emily was standing in the doorway.

"I'm sorry," she muttered, her eyes fixed on a spot on the floor, "I'm sorry I'm being selfish. I just . . . How do we do this? How do we tell Jack? And the others?" He could tell she was biting her lip as she continued to stare at the same spot.

"Honestly," Aaron closed the gap, pulling her in to his arms and raising her chin so she faced him, "I have no idea, but we can work it out together."

. . .

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