A/N: Hello Lovely Readers! I hope you are enjoying this story. This is the final chapter but there is also a little epilogue to this one. So it's not completely the end. I hope you enjoy the conclusion. Thank you for your comments, notes, and questions. I really appreciate your feedback. It completely makes my day to hear from readers.
Chapter 8: The Ugly Truth
He put his fingers to his lips and blew out a breath. He could still feel the imprint of her lips on his. He just stood there frozen staring at the doors as if he was willing for them to spring open and she would come back.
He was standing there dumbfounded when the elevators opened again. He got excited when he thought perhaps she came back but it was just an older couple returning to their room.
He blinked hard and then he started walking towards his room. His feet felt like lead weights attached to them. All he could think about was her body pressed against his. The way they moved together on the dance floor. The way she tasted when he kissed her. The way her nipples perked up to his touch when his hands ran over her body. She didn't stop him. She didn't slap him. She didn't push him away. Her eyes told him she wanted more. She gave as much as he did.
He WAS an idiot. He let her go. He just fucking let her go. He'd been dreaming about her for weeks. He had her in his arms, he was bloody kissing her, she was kissing him back and he chickened out .He let her go. She looked at him with a pleading gaze that was begging him to stay, to come with her, to take her as the doors closed. What was wrong with him?
He stopped in his tracks, turned around and ran back to the elevator. He needed her and he wasn't going to let this chance go. He was in love with her. He was a bloody fool who was in love with her. He pressed the up button on the elevator repeatedly willing it to get there faster. He'd already wasted too much time and he knew what he wanted, who he wanted. He had to go to her and pray she felt the same way.
She walked slowly off the elevator towards her room. It was as if she was floating on a cloud. She touched her lips and giggled when she thought about what just happened. She squeezed her eyes shut and squealed like a schoolgirl bouncing up and down.
She turned around and looked at the doors smiling. She arrived at her room, pushed the key card in and opened the door. It was if she was running on auto pilot as her head was swirling with thoughts of Killian Jones. She pulled off her heels and tossed them next to the couch. She plopped down onto the couch and took a deep breath.
She was grinning like an idiot. Her body was tingling all over. "What the hell was that?" She wanted more. She wanted to find Killian, wrap her body around him and kiss him breathless. She was feeling confident, bold and she wanted him. She got up from the couch quickly, picked up her shoes and bound for the door. She reached for the handle and a loud knock from the other side made her jump back. She perked up instantly at the thought that he felt the same and came for her.
She straightened her dress and shook out her hair. She pulled open the door smiling.
"Miss me?"
Her face fell. "Graham?"
He raised an eyebrow questioning her. "Were you expecting someone else?"
She shook her head and opened her mouth but nothing came out. He pulled her close and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. She pulled back still stunned at the sight of him.
She folded her arms over her chest. "N- No. I'm just surprised to see you. How did you know where to find me?"
He grinned. "Ruby told me. I just kept thinking about all the stuff we were going to do while we were away and I couldn't wait any longer to see you. " He dropped his bag, plopped down on the couch, and took off his shoes.
She sat down silently next to him looking towards the door and thinking about her destination. She may have had the perfect man sitting next to her but was he the perfect man for her?
He pulled a bottle from his bag."Care for some Champagne?"
She stood up and walked towards the kitchen. "Yes, let me grab some glasses."
She could feel herself freaking out. She couldn't figure out what to do. She thought she wanted Graham but now all she could think about was Killian, his lips on hers and his hands on her body. It was as if she was ruined. Suddenly Graham felt like an alien and she didn't want him to touch her. She didn't want him in her room. She was feeling anxious, sick even. She grabbed the glasses and walked back over to him.
"I'm so happy to be here Emma."
She gave him a slight smile and handed him the glasses.
"What's wrong?"
She shrugged her shoulders and mock yawned."Nothing you just surprised me. It's been a long day and I'm a little tired."
He grinned wide. "You told me you were spontaneous."
"Yeah, I did"
"I have a little something else on its way up for you. You're going to love It."
She turned to face the door once more feeling a pit in her stomach. "Mmm, can't wait." She turned back when she heard the cork pop and saw that the champagne was bubbling all over him, soaking his shirt and pooling in his lap.
He stood quickly and smiled. "Whoa."
She grabbed the bottle and placed it on the table. "Let me help you."
He looked at her and winked. "It comes out real fast. Oh well I guess we're going to have to get naked sooner than I thought."
She looked at him with wide eyes and panic was setting in. "Let me get you a towel."
She rushed quickly to the bathroom to look for a towel and try to compose herself. "Oh My God. Oh My God. Oh My God. What am I going to do?" She grabbed the towel and screamed into it.
He arrived off the elevator and quickly walked towards her door. He paced the hallway in front of her room trying to muster up the courage to tell her how he felt. It'd been a long time since he put his heart on the line and it was more than just a fuck to him. He was in love with her. He had to do this right because she wasn't just any girl. He wanted her to be his girl.
He practiced the words he was going to say. "Emma, I really really want to do that again and not just tonight." He slapped himself in the face to push back the nerves." Fuck me. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck."
He stood in front of her door. "Come on, Man up Jones, you can do this." He blew out a breath and finally knocked on her door. The door opened and he had a big smile on his face. Bloody Hell was all he could think when he saw a partially dressed Graham standing at her door.
"Hey, you're not room service. How you doing man?"
The man was standing in front of him shirtless and his pants were wet. He felt like he was just kicked in the balls. He couldn't breathe. "Hey uh, Hi Mate. I just came by to tell Emma about the change in the time we were leaving tomorrow. It's 8 am."
"Ok, I'll tell her."
"Thanks Mate."
Emma came wandering out of the bathroom with a towel in her hand. She looked up to see him at the door. Her eyes went wide in shock. She rushed towards the door, he'd come back. He did feel the same way.
"Killian."
He turned to walk away when he heard her voice. "Oh, I told Graham here, The time's changed, 8:00 in the morning. I- uh told you that already though, uh long day, big day, I'll just leave now."
He heard the door close behind him. He felt like he left his heart on the floor back there. Of course she would choose the wonder stud over him. That guy had a checklist that couldn't be matched. He was a fool to think she would choose him over that guy. That guy was dependability, stability, rich, and good looking. If he really truly loved Emma that would be the choice he would want for her. Bloody Hell.
"Killian, Killian hey wait."
He turned around slowly trying to gain composure before he faced her.
She was smiling and looked nervous."He came to surprise me, I-I"
"Yeah, how convenient."
"No, You don't understand I thought it was you at the door. I thought you'd come for me. "
"I guess we're all interchangeable eh Swan? I taught you well, hey maybe you could even host the show."
She looked at him crestfallen shaking her head. She walked up directly in front of him and looked him directly in the eyes. "Tell me what happened in the elevator. Should I tell Graham to go?"
Her eyes were pleading to him and he wanted to tell her emphatically yes, tell him to go but he knew that he needed to let her be happy. Graham would make her happy. That was what she was after all along. "No, No why pull up anchor now when you worked so hard to get him here. "
"That's it. That's all you have to say."
He shook his head. "Swan, What do you want me to say?"
"The TRUTH. IS. UGLY. isn't it?"
"Aye, That's what I've been trying to tell you."
She turned to walk away. "I'll see you tomorrow 8 am."
He squeezed his eyes tight and took a breath. He had to fight everything in him to stop himself from grabbing her. Gods he wanted her. He wanted to tell her he loved her, kiss her and lose himself in her. He walked back to his room and packed his bag. He was decided he was leaving that night. He couldn't face her in the morning. He'd blown it.
Emma felt tears starting to pool in her eyes. She turned to see Killian walking to the elevator. That elevator held the hope and magic that she was only just thinking about minutes ago. She wiped her eyes, composed herself and knocked on the door to her room. She d put a smile on her face. She'd faked it this long. Why stop now.
"Sorry about that."
"Come here, the rest of the night is ours."
She took the glass of champagne from him."Thanks."
He held his glass up to hers. "To the first of many romantic evenings to come."
She put the glass to her lips and drank it down without stopping. She picked up the bottle and refilled her glass.
"Whoa ok."
He sat down on the bed and patted for her to come join him.
She looked over to see this perfect specimen sitting on her bed. Sonofabitch she couldn't do this, she needed to tell him that she couldn't go through this anymore. It just didn't feel right. She started pacing in front of him and stopped short. "Graham, why do you like me?"
He smiled. "Wow, you're beautiful, smart, and never criticize. You know what; you never try to control the situation. I've got to say that is a breath of fresh air. I know so many women who are total control freaks and it's a nightmare. I love that you're not like that."
Emma downed the second glass. "But I am. I am just like that."
He looked at her puzzled. "What do you mean?"
She picked up the bottle of champagne and moved to stand to the left of him holding up her glass. "Well this should be chilled but you know that. As horrible as it sounds I was editing your speech the entire time you were giving it."
He looked at her confused and sat up taking a small sip from his glass.
"The time you fed me caviar I was disgusted. I don't like being fed like a toddler and I find caviar disgusting." She stuck out her tongue pretending to gag. "But I couldn't show you any of that because who would love someone like that? No one." She took another sip from her glass and walked towards him.
The man was stunned speechless. His eyebrows were raised and he was looking at her intently.
"Listen Graham, I'm so sorry you are a great guy; you really are which is why I have to tell you that I have not been myself with you. Not for one second of the time we have been dating."
"Then who have you been?"
"The girl some idiot told me to be."
"I guess I should go."
"Yeah, that is probably a good idea."
Graham got himself together and gathered his things. She stood by the window watching the lights of the city shimmering. She heard him moving around but she couldn't bear to look at him. All the hope she had wrapped up in that man. All the ideas and the plans she made with him had all vanished.
"Well, I'm leaving."
She turned around and walked to him. She gave him a soft hug and kiss on the cheek."Thank you." "Goodbye Emma."
"Bye"
She closed the door and pressed her back to it. She surveyed the room and brushed her hands through her hair. She grabbed the champagne bottle and walked towards the bed slowly dragging her feet. She sat on the edge and thought about what just happened. It was just too much. She took a long swig. Her head was spinning. It was just all too much and all the alcohol she drank was finally kicking in. She finished the bottle and dropped it on the floor. She flopped back on the bed and looked at the ceiling.
Kissing Killian Jones was the last thought she had before she passed out that night.
She got up the next morning with a fierce hang over. She managed to pull herself together enough to drag herself into the station. The show must go on. When she walked in it appeared that everyone was in a tizzy. Her head was pounding and the fluorescent lights overhead were just a little too bright today. Robin came rushing up to her. "What did you do to him?"
"I didn't do anything. What are you talking about?"
"Killian, He quit this morning."
Her stomach flipped. "What?"
"I just got a smug call from another local affiliate saying they closed a deal with him. Corporate is having a shit fit. We are in real trouble Emma. What the hell happened?"
Emma shook her head. She was fuming mad."He quit to go to one of our local competitors? We don't need Killian Jones. Halfwit troglodytes are a dime a dozen." She walked into her office and slammed the door.
"You better be right because you better find one by the end of the week or we're cancelled." called Robin.
The station workers all stopped what they were doing and looked towards Robin."Not really I'm just – That's just a joke, everybody." He walked into his office and shut the door.
Emma began pacing in her office. Her head was pounding and she could feel the tears pooling in her eyes. How could he do this? He said he turned down the offer. Did he hate her that much? How could he betray her like that after everything she did for him? She heard a little knock and Ruby peeked her head in the door."Emma, is it safe to come in?"
She nodded.
"You're crying. What's wrong?"Ruby walked up and hugged her tight. She held on to her dear friend crying into her shoulder. She told her what happened with Killian at the restaurant and then outside her hotel room. She told her how she broke up with Graham and how she only got him to like her by doing the things Killian told her to do.
"Oh Emma. I'm so sorry."
"I can't believe I allowed myself to feel anything for him."
"Well you felt enough of something to break up with Graham."
"It just wasn't right Ruby. It wasn't me that Graham liked. It was just a façade invented by Killian Jones. The real reason I'm sad is because I know he felt it. I know he felt the way I did and Killian just walked away. He just walked away and now this! He walked out on the show too. He's a fucking coward!"
"We'll pull this together. We always do. You can do this Emma. I know you can."
She picked up a tissue from the box on her desk and wiped her face and blew her nose. "You're right Ruby. I'm sorry I wasted any tears on that coward. Let's do this. We'll find a replacement by the end of the day."
She pounded on the desk. "Call the agency and tell them we need some candidates. At least we get to retain the segment name. That's one thing Killian Jones is not going to get the satisfaction of having and that is the Fucking Ugly Truth!"
"Ok, you got it. I'll have the men here in an hour."
She hugged her tight. "Thank you for being such a good friend."
"No problem. You know I'm here for you."
He called Jefferson on the way home from the hotel. He knew the bastard would be awake because he just left him no less than two hours before. He set it up that Jefferson would negotiate with the other local affiliate and get him a position. He didn't want to leave Storybrooke but he couldn't be near Emma. Not anymore. Not with the feelings he had for her. He couldn't put himself through the pain of loving her and watching her with another man.
No matter how much he wanted her to be happy, he wanted to be happy too. At least as happy as he had been before she came into his life. He had a good thing going. Look after himself and he wouldn't get hurt. Who cares if the women were walking in and out of his life through a revolving door. He was having fun. He didn't need her.
He walked into the new station, took a deep breath and approached the reception desk."Killian Jones here to see August Booth."
"Hey Killian! Over here I was waiting for you to arrive. Come with me I'll show you where you'll be working."
He followed him through the sets back stage and into the new studio room. The set was black, gray, and red. It was a lot bolder than he was used to over at Good Morning Storybrooke.
"What do you think of your new set? "asked August.
Killian pursed his lips together and nodded.
"Your old station retained the title of your segment so we named you "Morning Madness with Killian."
He nodded his head."Love it."
A portly man with brown curly hair came walking up to greet them.
"Killian, This is John Little your new producer."
He laughed and clapped the man on the back."You know what I like best about you John. I don't want to have sex with you at all."
"I'm relieved to hear it." Said John raising his eyebrows.
"Well Ok, let me show you your office." said August.
Killian nodded and followed his new boss towards the office area. He would just push the fact that he missed her out of his head. He needed a clean start.
She'd locked herself away in her office for the day. She had so many feelings swirling inside of her and didn't know what to do with them. She couldn't believe he left, he left her and he chickened out. That kiss was too amazing for him not to have felt anything for her. She felt it on the dance floor too. They had chemistry on so many levels but he left her.
She continued pacing as she thought about what to do, all she knew was that their show was now in danger, which meant her job was in danger and that was the only thing in her life she could count on. She heard a soft knock on her door and then it cracked open showing her friend's smiling face.
"Emma, I'm ready for you. I've got the candidates assembled." Said Ruby.
"You, checked them out?"asked Emma.
"Yeah, lewd and crude comes to mind when I think of any of them." Said Ruby.
"Ok Let's go." said Emma.
Ruby assembled all of the candidates to replace Killian in a small area of the station. The men were wandering around reciting lines in different areas of the large room. Ruby pointed her towards the back corner.
"There they are – Killian Jones replacements."
She looked at the pool of men that she had to choose from. It wasn't as bad as the weathermen but there were definitely some that she wouldn't put on camera. She observed them from the side and quickly made up her mind pointing to each candidate."Yes, no, no, no, no, fuck no. "
Ruby handed her the call sheet and headshot. "O-O K. So you've chosen this one."
"Will Scarlet. OK he's got a good name. Tell the others to go home and let's get this guy prepped and ready."
"OK."
Her head was pounding and she just wanted to get out of there. She needed to go home and sleep this hangover off. She also needed to scrub Killian Jones off of her body and out of her head. "Listen, can you prep him for the festival tomorrow? Go with the discussion about Men being Full of Hot air."
Ruby gave her a concerned look. "O-Ok, sure sure. Are you alright?"
"I will be. I'll let Robin know we found a guy and I'm going to head home. I'm not feeling too well."
Ruby pulled her in for a big hug. "Ok, take care of yourself Emma."
"Thank you Ruby. I don't know what I would do without you right now. I'll see you bright and early for the festival tomorrow."
Ruby nodded and walked over to inform the candidates of their choice.
She walked towards Robin's office , knocked on his door and peeked in.
"Tell me you have good news Emma." said Robin.
Her head was pounding and she felt like she was going to burst into tears."Yes, we have the guy. The replacement. His name is Will Scarlet. Ruby's going to brief him for tomorrow and I'm going home."
Robin's face was full of concern."You ok?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm just feeling a little under the weather. It was a long night. See you tomorrow."
"Alright, take care of yourself."
She walked out of the office and kept going until she reached her car ignoring all that were in her path.
She had a melt down when she got home. Thankfully Baelfire was there to sop up her tears. That cat might be trouble most of the time but he does know when she needs a furry shoulder to cry on.
She turned off her phone and made sure her blinds were tightly shut. She didn't want to see Graham if she could help it especially knowing that she really wasn't the girl for him and she didn't want to be anyone but herself from now on.
She soaked in a hot bath, put on her comfiest set of pajamas, settled into her bed with a bag of chips ahoy and the remote control. Lucky for her there were several romantic comedies on that allowed her to cry out her feelings. It was just what the doctor ordered.
She woke up refreshed and ready to start the day. It was the day of the balloon and wine festival, a big day for the station and for the town. Coverage of the event was important and she was praying that their replacement would get the job done. She couldn't take being made the fool today, especially if Killian would be there.
She chose one of the dresses that Killian helped her pick out. She had to admit the man had good taste. It was a form fitting teal dress that wrapped across in front with a silver closure on the side. It showed just the right amount of cleavage for work without making her look trashy.
She let her hair hang in loose curls. She actually liked the freedom that Killian helped her achieve. She didn't think she could go back to being quite so tightly wound up now that she knew how good it felt to let loose a little. She still had her control freak tendencies and that wouldn't go away but she knew she could be a bit more flexible now and it wouldn't kill her.
She turned on her phone and she had a text from Ruby telling her to meet her at the fairgrounds. There were no other messages. She sighed, grabbed her things and headed to the site. She had a pit in her stomach as she worried she might run into him. She wanted to remain professional and her job was important to her. Even though that thought ran through her mind, she still couldn't help thinking that maybe she put her priorities in the wrong place. She'd let her career be first for so long that she'd lost sight of what she really wanted. Hopefully she would get the chance to find it again.
The Balloon and Wine festival in Storybrooke was in full swing when he arrived. He'd forgotten how beautiful the balloons were. It had been awhile since he had been home to partake in it. He had a lot of memorable experiences at the fest. A lot of women's names who he couldn't remember that were happy to use him for the day and never call him again. He shook his head when he thought about it. They were empty memories.
He carefully walked past the area where Emma would be filming her segment. He was able to dodge Ruby and was surprised that Emma wasn't there controlling the situation yet. The beautiful blond was nowhere to be seen. He rushed by quickly. He still wasn't ready to see her. He needed time to heal and he'd forgotten what that was like to have his heart stomped on. He needed to think about his segment. This pain was the fuel he needed. It just proved he was right about women.
"Hey Killian" said John.
"John."
John pointed inside the truck at the monitors. "Let's get you setup over hear near the news van. You can watch the coverage from the other stations here."
He rubbed his hands together and sat down in the director's chair right in front so he could watch."Ok, sounds good."
He was curious to see what Emma had concocted now that he wasn't there. As good as she was he knew they could never really replace him. At least he hoped they couldn't. He started to feel anxious about what happened. Her career and the show were the most important things to her. He'd left her high and dry, like a coward, but he had to think about himself. If he let those feelings take over he'd be crying in the trailer.
He sat back and let the make-up folks begin as he watched the monitor intently.
The town was a buzz. This event was always well attended not only for the food but the balloons were beautiful to look at. She loved watching them launch. It was one of her favorite activities to do in Storybrooke. Usually their segment was over early and then she got to spend the day walking around and taking in the atmosphere.
She spotted Ruby setting up for the segment. She'd scoped out their position weeks ago to make sure they had the best view. Ruby was talking to Will. Will was a tall, lanky man. He had dark brown hair which he kept neatly cut short to his scalp. He had big brown eyes and a baby face. He was wearing a dark leather jacket and dark wash jeans with a white button down shirt.
"Hey Ruby."
"Oh, thank goodness you're here. Emma this is Will Scarlet." said Ruby.
He grinned like a schoolboy and extended his hand. "Oi, How are you?"
He had a thick accent and seemed a bit rough around the edges. She gave Ruby a look and took Will's hand. He had a firm handshake that seemed to linger a bit too long. "I'm your producer Emma. Just listen to what I say and follow my directions. If you can do that we can get through this."
She pulled back her hand and wiped in down the side of her dress.
"You got it."said Will with a wink and a smile.
"Ok, let's practice."
He climbed into the Balloon basket behind him. "Oi, How's my face? Not too shiny yeah?"
Emma shook her head.
He turned his face in all directions towards the camera. "Which side is better? right, left, or full frontal? I want to get my good side in front of all the ladies."
"Just face the camera ok? Can we go over your intro one more time? We don't have much time."
He nodded."I'm Will Scarlett and this, is the Ugly Truth." He pointed his hands out like guns, pretending to shoot the audience, then raised his finger to his lips and blew on it as if he were getting rid of the smoke.
Ruby was hiding her face and she stood there feeling dumbfounded. "Ok, lets lose the finger guns."
"Oi, but the guns are my signature move."
"Unless the NRA is paying your mortgage this month I say lose the fucking guns."
"Alright, no need to get your knickers in a twist."
"Show time" said the camera man.
"Ready Ruby?"
Ruby nodded.
"3.2.1 we are live" said the camera man
"I'm Will Scarlet and this is the Ugly Truth. Peace." He held up two fingers in a peace sign.
"Robin's not going to like that." whispered Ruby.
Emma nodded. This was so embarrassing. What were they thinking putting this guy in front of the camera. He was in no way a replacement for Killian. She could do it better herself.
"Most of you are watching this show so you can learn how to get chicks yeah? Let me assure you are in good hands. You're looking at a guy who has personally had sex with over 137 women." He pointed back to himself with two thumbs.
Emma slapped her forehead.
"Most of them conscious." Said Will.
Emma glared at Ruby.
"I'm sorry." whispered Ruby.
"We're here at the balloon festival and I'm supposed to be telling ya how men are full of hot air, but I think we all know that it's the ladies that are full of crap. Just because she says no doesn't mean she means no. If that were the case I'd have only 90 women – whoa ." Said Will.
Emma pulled him out of the back of the basket and pushed him aside. He was a complete and total moron. He was also probably wanted in several places for his disgusting behavior. Ruby was scrambling and she could hear Mary-Margaret and David covering for them over the monitor behind them. She put the ear piece on, grabbed the microphone and stepped into the basket replacing Will.
"OK we're back – alright keep rolling" said Ruby.
"I'm sorry but Will Scarlett will no longer be able to do The Ugly Truth, which should come as no surprise since men are completely unreliable. Take Killian Jones for instance, he up and quit the show without so much as a word. You think you know what men are going to do, you think you know what men want to do, but when it comes right down to that moment where they need to step up and I don't know make a move, they chicken out! "
She leaned against the side of the balloon and glared into the camera. "Those big, strong, brave men that we've been reading about in novels and watching in movies since we were nine years old, that we've been dreaming about, yeah, They don't exist! That's a fallacy. They don't exist."
She shook her head. "Men are not strong, men are not brave, men are afraid. Even if they have a moment in a hotel elevator and it's totally romantic and full of potential, men are incapable of copping to it because, Men are weak."
He was getting his makeup prepared and watching the Ugly Truth Segment on the monitor in front of him. He was surprised to see the wanker they chose to replace him. "Oh, this should be good. Turn it up would you John?"
This looked like it was going to be a train wreck. He couldn't help smiling. "This guy is a bloody git. Oh Swan, what have you done? Corporate's not going to like that."
Then suddenly the screen went crazy and when it came back to focus Emma was in the basket holding the microphone. She looked beautiful and pissed off at the same time. He listened to her speech intently and his blood started boiling. She has some nerve calling him out on live television and calling him a coward. He got up and ripped the papers from his collar and pulled off his microphone.
"Killian, where are you going." asked John.
He didn't even bother turning around to respond to John. He needed to get to Emma. He rushed through the crowds and found the area that he saw her crew preparing at earlier. He walked up behind her and jumped in the basket. She looked surprised to see him and her mouth agape. She rolled her eyes as he took the microphone from her hand.
"Hey!"
"Let me tell you something about women."
She moved to the opposite side of the basket putting distance between them as she watched him intently. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest when she saw his enraged blue eyes staring back at her.
"Women would have us believe that they are the victims; that we men break their hearts for sport. They say they want true love but all they want is a check list. Is he perfect? Is he handsome? Is he a doctor? For you men who are lucky enough to fit the criteria don't kid yourselves they're not sleeping with you. They're sleeping with a carefully calculated set of venal choices, money over substance, looks over soul, polish over principles, no gesture, no matter how real or romantic will ever compensate for a really impressive list of credentials. "
"This coming from a man who's never made a gesture other than this one" She shook her hand making a lewd gesture towards her crotch.
"So the elevator wasn't a gesture?"
She rolled her eyes and huffed out a breath. "The elevator was a moment of passion, followed by a moment of panic on your part apparently."
"Panic. Swan, I came by your room."
"Yes, But then you ran away."
"That wasn't panic. That was an unwillingness to compete with the walking checklist that was in your bed. You should be thanking me."
She rolled her eyes and pursed her lips.
"There you have it folks, that's The Ugly Truth. A girl in heat for two guys will always choose the one with the better resume. "
"That is bullshit! God I hate you so much I just swore on live television!"
"No you hate yourself for being so shallow."
"Off we go" said the Balloon operator.
"Where are we going?"
He pointed up.
He made a move to climb over the edge. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
She crossed her arms over her chest."Oh well that's a shocker your bailing."
"I wouldn't recommend that." Said the Balloon Operator.
He pulled back when he realized they were at least 30 feet off the ground and rising fast. She pulled him back when he appeared to falter. "What are you doing? God what is wrong with you?"
"So who wants champagne?"asked the Balloon operator.
He huffed out a breath and looked out to the side. He was fuming. "I've got a great idea why don't we pass the time with you telling me how much fun you had having sex with Graham?"
"I broke up with Graham right after you left you jackass."
Emma grabbed the microphone and handed it to the balloon operator.
He turned to face her locking into her gaze."What?"
She was fuming. How dare he call her out on something he didn't even know truly happened. "Oh, Oh yeah that's got your interest. Well if you think we're going to finish what we started, you are out of your mind. You lost your chance buddy."
"Oh come on Swan, I never had a chance with you."
"You're right I had a momentary lapse in judgment when I thought you were more than you are but you aren't, clearly."
"Oh yeah, what does that mean?"
"I'm Killian Jones. I like girls in jello. I like to fuck like a monkey. Don't fall in love it's scary." said Emma in a mocking tone.
"Yeah it is scary. It's terrifying especially when I'm in love with a psycho like you."
"I am not a psycho."
"I just told you that I loved you and all you heard was psycho. You're the definition of neurotic."
"No, The definition of neurotic is a person who suffers from anxiety, obsessive thoughts, compulsive acts, and physical ailments without any objective evidence of … "
He cut her off. "Emma, Shut up. Yet again, I just told you that I'm in love with you and you're standing here giving me a vocabulary lesson."
She looked at him and their eyes locked. She could see his blue eyes searching hers. His soul was laid bare to her. She took a breath. He loved her. He loved her. He loved her.
"You're in love with me? Why? "
"Beats the shit out of me Love, but I am. I'm hopelessly and completely in love with you. I can't stop thinking about you and when Graham opened the door; my heart fell to the floor. I'm sorry but I couldn't bear to see you after that. I had to leave. I didn't mean to hurt you."
She shuffled close to him and looked him directly into his beautiful blue eyes and smiled. "Killian Jones, you incredible jackass, I love you too."
His eyes danced in the light and he smiled. She leaned up and pressed her lips to his softly. He responded and cradled her face in his hands. Their kiss was gentle at first, she pulled back and smiled making sure this wasn't a dream. He leaned forward nipping at her bottom lip, wrapping his arms around her and deepening the kiss.
The electric current was rushing back and forth between them. She could feel the magic in the air and she was lost once again in Killian Jones. She felt like she was floating and this time they really were. She heard a cough and pulled back. She completely forgot the balloon operator was with them. "Oh, sorry about that."
He had a boyish grin spread across her face. "Yeah, Mate. Sorry about that."
He was holding her in his arms and he wasn't letting her go. She snuggled with her back against his chest, his arms around her waist and they looked out over the horizon watching the balloons all around them.
He might not have had all the criteria on the list but he had what counted, he loved her and she loved him. They spent the duration of their balloon ride huddled together, snuggling, kissing and drinking champagne. It was romantic and even he admitted he loved it.