Author's note: Sorry about the length between chapters. I'm without a computer right now and it makes getting a chapter written a much slower process.

To the guest reader who was worried about me abandoning the story, don't fret I have no intention of doing so.

To everyone else, I can't get into my PM's at the moment to reply to you directly, but thank you, thank you, thank you, for your continued support on this story. It means so much to me. Y'all are awesome.

As always, this chapter is for my person.

Chapter 17

"You're really going to make me do this?" Emily asked as she slid into the passenger seat of Paige's car.

Paige said nothing, merely chuckled as she pushed the door shut with a soft click. Huffing, Emily flopped back in her seat and reached for her belt. Her eyes caught Paige's through the windshield as Paige circled around the front of the car. Her displeasure must have been visible on her face because Paige shrugged, raising her hands as if to ask, "what do you want me to do about it." As if she didn't actually have control over the situation. The smirk on her face belying the innocent act.

"A bet's a bet Em," Paige said as she slid into the car. "You don't really want me to go back on a bet, do you?"

"Yes."

"Ah, you're cute when you're petulant." Paige leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek before putting the car in drive and pulling away from the curb.

Emily huffed again, loudly to ensure Paige heard it, and crossed her arms over her chest. She shot Paige a sidelong glance and saw that her display had no effect. She shook her head lightly, a smirk still gracing her lips. Sighing once again Emily turned her head, gazing sightlessly out the window.

The activity that Paige had chosen for their date was mini golf, which Emily absolutely loathed. A fact that Paige was well aware of. She was using the fact that she had won their bet and Emily had to do whatever she wanted to her full advantage. And seemed to be enjoying herself doing it.

Emily couldn't even blame her for it because she knew that if the roles were reversed she would've done the same thing. Just as Paige has tried, and failed, to get Emily to enjoy the activity over the years when they were together, there were a handful of things Emily had been unable to convert Paige to, and had she won the bet she would've made Paige do one of them tonight.

It was a short drive across town to the course and Paige didn't try to draw her into conversation as they made it, seemingly content to let Emily stew. As they approached and Paige slowed the car, preparing to make the turn into the parking lot the smile on Paige's face morphed from a triumphant smirk to one of genuine happiness. She shifted in her seat as she waited for traffic to pass, growing increasingly restless with with each car. This was the reason that Emily had grumbled and complained about going but didn't flat out refuse. As much as she hated mini golf, Paige loved it.

It was right in her wheelhouse, competitive and physical but also requiring strategy and skill. She approached every obstacle like a puzzle, analyzing how every piece moved or fit together. And she was annoyingly good at it. Unlike Emily who was abysmal. In the handful of times they had gone she had not once gotten a hole in one. Sometimes it took so many strokes for her to get the ball in that they didn't even bother to count them. And on more than one occasion she'd simply given up and moved on to the next obstacle.

Finally there was a break in the oncoming traffic and Paige was able to turn into the lot, which was about half full. She easily found a place near the front entrance and practically bounded out of the car. Emily had barely even gotten her seatbelt undone before Paige was at her door, pulling it open and extending a hand to help her out.

She didn't let go once Emily was on her feet, just shifted her grip so she could lace their fingers together. Emily felt that familiar tingle travel up her arm at the action, and wondered if it would ever fade. She hoped not. It had only been a week since they had decided to start dating, and it all felt so new and exciting still. And as much as she looked forward to moving through the steps of their relationship and getting, hopefully, back to a place like where they had once been, a place of comfort and commitment and spending their loves together, she hoped that this feeling of wonderment at the simple things like holding hands didn't go away in the process.

Paige led her across the lot and reached for the door, pulling it open for Emily to step through, all without losing her grip.

"Smooth," Emily whispered as they fell back in step and approached the counter. A bored looking teen sat behind it. Paige said nothing, but Emily caught her blush and bashful grin out of the corner of her eye.

The kid barely glanced their way as he collected their money and handed them their score cards and a couple of stubby little pencils before directing them to the bucket of balls and rack of clubs to their left. Emily took the first ball her hand grazed, a sky blue one with a small chunk out of one side, and the closest club on the rack. Paige took her time, sorting through the bucket, weighing and squeezing the balls in her hand before settling on a lime green one. And test swinging a few clubs before choosing. Emily said nothing about the selection process, or the look of supreme concentration on her face. Though she wished she could pull out her phone and take a picture. But she knew the moment she did, Paige would get skittish and stop.

Once Paige was satisfied with her selections they made their way through a second set of doors and out onto the course. It was large and sprawling, with no apparent order to the pirate themed obstacles. A network of paths criss crossed between such obstacles as a sunken ship, and a treasure chest, among others. They even had a pirate themed version of the ever classic windmill, a swinging mast.

The place was bustling, parents with their children and groups of preteens and a few couples milled about, but it wasn't so crowded that they'd be piled on top of each other as they made their way through the course. A fact for which Emily was grateful, she didn't want some eight year old or a bunch of teeny boppers laughing at her as she tried to sink a shot.

Emily let Paige lead her over to the first hole, which was was an elaborate system of planks and bridges. She stood back, leaning against her golf club and soaking in the the dying rays of the setting sun and the murmur of conversation and laughter around her, trying to conjure up even a degree of the enthusiasm Paige was displaying as she paced around the obstacle, eyeing angles and muttering to herself. She looked so cute in her white Capri pants and deep red polo, her hair pulled back into a high ponytail that was thread through the snap of her baseball cap, her club swinging at her side, her face a picture of concentration. She had to admit, as much as she hated this game, she loved how much Paige loved it, and enjoyed watching her play.

After a couple minutes of scoping it out Paige returned to where Emily was standing and set her ball down.

"Kiss for luck?"

Emily wasn't about to turn that down. She sidled closer and pressed a light, lingering kiss to Paige's lips. They were both smiling softly when they parted. Emily's heart was fluttering in her chest like it was their first kiss. Another thing she hoped wouldn't fade over time.

"You got this." She stepped back, giving Paige a swift smack on the ass.

Paige shot a saucy grin over her shoulder as she did a weird, awkward twerk, and then turned her focus back to the game. She swung her club lightly and gave the ball a tap. They both watched as it rolled up the slight incline, almost stalling just before it reached the top but making it over, and then gaining momentum as it followed the curves and dips to land neatly in the hole.

"Hole in one." Paige thrust her fist in the air and then turned, grabbing Emily up by the waist to spin her around. She closed her eyes against the dizzying sensation and wrapped her arms around Paige's neck, as proud of her as she seemed to be of herself.

After a couple spins Paige put her down, but kept her hands on Emily's waist, steadying her until she wasn't swaying on her feet anymore.

"Your turn," she said, nudging Emily towards the course. Emily shuffled over slowly, reluctant to even attempt the hole after Paige's success. She fished her ball out of her pocket and dropped it to the astro turf, then positioned herself over it, mimicking Paige's stance as best as she was able.

"Here, let me..." Paige slid up behind her and wrapped her hands lightly around Emily's waist, adjusting her hips slightly. Emily's breath caught and her stomach fluttered at the sudden closeness. Paige's body practically molded to her back, her breath was warm against the side of her neck. The breathless feeling only increased as Paige's hands roamed over her body, adjusting her shoulders, her wrists and her elbows. Her fingertips trailing across the bare skin of her arms.

With Paige guiding her swing Emily didn't get a hole in one, but she managed to sink the ball in less attempts than she would have if left to her own devices. It went that way for the rest of the game. Paige got another hole in one, and made quick work of the other obstacles and then helped Emily with her shots.

It was a total cliché, but Emily didn't care that Paige had decided to use their date activity as an opportunity to cop some feels. It made the game much more enjoyable than it normally was. For the first time ever, she was actually disappointed to reach the end. She wasn't even embarrassed by her scorecard this time, tucking it into her pocket rather than chucking it into the trash as they left.

"I had a good time today," Emily admitted as they made their way back to the car, hand in hand once again. For all her protesting she was willing to concede that Paige had chosen well. It would never be her favorite pass time, and she had no desire to do it again for a very, very long time, but she hadn't hated it.

"Yeah?" The grin on Paige's face was soft and almost shy. "You're not just saying that?"

"I'm not."

Paige's grin turned playful. "Good enough to come back next weekend?"

"Not a chance."

Paige chuckled. "Fair enough. You hungry? Want to go get some food?"

Emily was starved. And pleased that apparently today's date didn't end once their game did. Though she and Paige had talked and texted all week, they hadn't actually gotten a chance to see each other as Monday had been Paige's first day of teaching and Emily's classes had started in earnest on Tuesday. They had both been bogged down in coursework, though on different ends of the spectrum. Paige had been prepping lessons and grading papers while Emily had been writing them. It was a little strange to be back in school. Especially while dating a teacher. But she supposed it had some advantages, when things got busy and she had to stay home and do homework, she knew Paige would understand.

"There's a burger joint just up the road, did you want to get some food and take it back to my place? Maybe watch a movie or something?"

That sounded perfect to Emily, who said as much. It wasn't long before they were loaded down with bags of takeout and heading back to Paige's. Burgers, fries straight cut and curly, onion rings, milkshakes and a couple pieces of peanut butter pie for dessert mixing together into a mouthwatering aroma that had Emily reaching into the bag a couple times to sneak a bite.

The drive onto Paige's property wasn't as disconcerting this time, but it still left Emily feeling a little unsettled. She was glad when they broke through the trees and the house came into view. And even happier when they stepped inside.

Paige had completed the decorating since the last time Emily had been here, artwork and picture frames hung on the walls. The bookcases were filled with books and knickknacks. Throw pillows and blankets were arranged over the furniture. The place was still obviously newly inhabited but it didn't feel so stark and lonely.

Emily settled on the couch and began laying out the food while Paige got the TV going.

"What do you want to watch?" Emily asked, half paying attention as she divided their portions while Paige scrolled through the selections.

"Hmmm, how about this?" The triumphant tone of Paige's voice more than her words had Emily looking up.

"Rudy? But you hate Rudy " It had been Emily's favorite movie in high school. She had tricked, guilted and bribed Paige into watching it so many times that she flat out refused once they hit college. Not that she would ever admit it, but Emily had seen it so many times even she didn't want to watch it anymore.

"And you hate mini golf. But you went with me today."

"That's sweet. But why don't we put on something we'll both enjoy?"

After a few more minutes of scrolling and a couple veto's from both of them they settled on an action flick that they both thought looked interesting. Paige hit play and relaxed against the back of the couch with her meal. Emily followed suit. They made quick work of their food, the couple hours spent strolling the course had worked up quite an appetite.

Emily finished first and kept a close eye on Paige's progress. The moment she put her tray onto the coffee table and settled back, Emily shifted closer and leaned in, curling up with her head on Paige's chest. Paige's arm immediately went around her shoulders, drawing her in. Though it had only been about fifteen minutes or so it had felt like an eternity sitting so close to Paige and not being able to cuddle into her.

It was a small thing but something that Emily had misses terribly in their time apart. And during the early stages of their reconciliation. There was just something about being in Paige's arms. About feeling the beat of her heart beneath her ear or the steady rise and fall of her chest.

Luckily Paige never seemed to mind. And tonight was no different. She drew her in and held her close. After awhile her thumb began to rub absently against her arm, occasionally tracing random patterns and every so often she press a kiss to the top of Emily's head.

It was getting late by the time the movie ended. Emily was preparing to reluctantly tear herself away and make her exit when Paige suggested another. She instantly agreed, eagerly snatching on to the opportunity to stay curled up in Paige's arms, even though she could feel the pull of sleep making her eyes heavy and knew the prudent thing would be for Paige to drive her home. She didn't feel like being prudent. She wanted to throw caution to the wind and not over think or overanalyze and just be in the moment.

Her eyes drifted closed before she'd even gotten a grasp of the characters or the plot. For awhile she simply listened to the cadence of the voices without really grasping the words bit it wasn't long before even that was lost on her as she drifted in and out.

The next thing she was aware of was the surface beneath her head shifting and Paige's voice calling her from a distance. Slowly, groggily, she shook off the remnants of sleep and pushed herself upright.

"Hey there, sleeping beauty." Paige didn't sound upset. When Emily chanced a glance up she found her smiling amusedly at her.

"I passed out."

"Yeah, like ten minutes in."

Emily nodded at the information, wondering but not asking why Paige hadn't woken her up bit instead let her sleep on her for close to two hours

"It's late. Do you mind staying over?" Paige eased herself off the couch and turned to Emily, looking apologetic. "I can lend you some pj's. And I'll make breakfast tomorrow before I take you home."

"I'm happy to stay over." Emily pushed herself to her feet and cut Paige off before she could continue to try and sell her on the idea. She wasn't lying. She just wished that Paige meant to a little differently. The spare bed was comfortable, but she imagined that it'd be even more comfortable to fall asleep in Paige's arms.

"Okay. Good. I'm too beat to drive."

"I get it. It's fine."

Paige shot her a thankful smile and then turned and led her way back towards the bedrooms. Emily trailed behind, and lingered in the doorway of Paige's room, still not entirely comfortable with stepping inside, while Paige rooted around for sleepwear. She handed Emily a bundle of clothes, which she took with a quiet thanks before retreating to the guest bathroom to get re

The toothbrush she had used last time was still in the holder. The towel she had used freshly laundered and hanging over the bar. It made her smile, knowing that Paige had set these things aside as hers and left them out. As if expecting that Emily would be there to use them again soon. She brushed her teeth and washed her face before pulling on the borrowed clothes. She hadn't paid much attention when Paige had handed them to her, but once they were on she couldn't help but chuckle when she realized that Paige had given her a rather threadbare tank top and a very short pair of shorts. They were both soft and comfortable, but left very little to the imagination. She couldn't be certain if it was just that Paige was tired and grabbed the first thing she laid her hands on it by design, but she had her suspicions.

She finished getting ready for bed and headed back out. Paige was leaning in her bedroom doorway, fiddling with the hem of her shirt when Emily stepped out. The way her eyes lingered on Emily's body and the blush on her cheeks confirmed Emily's suspicions.

"You uh, all set? Ready for bed? Emily didn't know if she was imagining things or what, but she could swear she detected a hint of a tremor in Paige's voice. She couldn't fathom why Paige might be nervous though. They were in a good place right now. And it wasn't like Emily hadn't spent the night in her guestroom before.

"Yeah. I'm good. Thanks." She closed the distance between them.

Paige gulped as she got closer. Yep, definitely nervous. Though Emily was still at a loss as to why.

"Today was amazing," Paige said softly, unable to meet Emily's eye as she stopped in front of her.

"It was," Emily agreed slowly. Before she could say anything Paige swooped in for a kiss. It was hard and fast and jittery. She barely even gave Emily a chance to return it before she pulled back.

"Sleep with me?" Her words came out in a jumbled rush and it took a moment for Emily to decipher them. "I mean, I don't mean sleep with me, I mean sleep with me."

Emily was tired and her brain was fried and she honestly couldn't tell if Paige's ramblings made perfect sense or absolutely none at all.

Paige took a deep breath and ran her hands through her hair. "Sorry," she said, releasing a shaky stream of air. "Do you want to spend the night with me?" She gestured towards her room behind her. "Just to sleep. I know its soon. But last weekend, lying on the couch holding you...Tonight... I've never slept as well as I did when we were together and you were in my arms."

For all that she was rambling and her words were disjointed, her speech was rather elegant.

"I'd like that," Emily said before she could work herself up any further. She couldn't believe Paige thought she might refuse. "I was wishing for the same thing myself," she added, so there would be no confusion as to her willingness.

Paige's grin was broad and beaming as she tool Emily's hand and led her into the bedroom.