Note: Thanks for your responses to the first part and "Come Back to Me"! Hope you enjoy this part! ~Steph

...The Con: Part 2/9...

Rule #2: Pretend to have things in common with your mark to form a bond.

"Emma? Earth to Emma," Belle said.

Emma's head snapped up and she looked at Belle, who sat across from her desk.

"What?"

"I've been trying to get your attention for 5 minutes."

"Sorry."

"What's gotten into you? You've been distracted all day."

A blush crept into Emma's cheeks. "I met someone last night."

Belle's eyes widened, as a smile appeared on her lips. "You did? Who? Every guy there was over 50."

Emma shook her head. "Not every guy."

Belle thought for a moment. "Well, except for a few waiters, the only two I saw close to our age were the ones who got into the altercation over the drink being spilled on you, but I know you'd never-..." Belle watched a smile spread across Emma's face. "It's one of them?"

Emma nodded. "The one who tried to intervene."

Belle tilted her head to the side. "You mean the one who threw the punch?"

Emma bobbed her head. "Yes. He followed me to the bathroom to make sure I was okay and...I don't know. It's hard to explain, but there was just this instant spark between us."

Belle had never seen Emma like this before. She didn't trust easily and she hadn't dated anyone since her fiancé, Neal, had cheated on her the night before their wedding three years earlier. She subsequently found out he had been cheating on her for months. Emma felt like a fool. She couldn't even count all of the times she'd been hired to investigate a cheating significant other and yet she had missed all the signs. It made Emma question everything about herself, including her ability to do her job and trust her instincts. That day, Emma had unofficially sworn off men and closed her heart to love.

Belle reached across the desk and patted Emma's hand. "That's great, Emma."

She shrugged. "I gave him my card with my contact information."

"I'm glad you're finally putting yourself back out there."

"We'll see if anything comes of it. Ball's in his court."

Belle nodded and then looked down at the pad she had in her hand. "Now back to the reason I was trying desperately to get your attention. You have a 2 o'clock appointment. New client."

Emma picked up her pen and grabbed a legal pad. "What can you tell me about him or her?"

"It's a him. Not much really. His name is Killian Jones and he called this morning wanting-...

Emma's head shot up and she looked at Belle. "Did you say Killian Jones?"

"Yes. Why?"

"That's the guy I was just talking about. He's the one I met last night."

Belle smiled. "I guess he just couldn't wait to see you again."

Emma gnawed on her lower lip anxiously. "I didn't expect that he'd want to see me again professionally though. Maybe I read the situation wrong last night."

Belle shook her head. "Maybe it's both. Maybe he wants your professional services and your personal attention and this was his way of going about getting them."

Emma sighed. "But you know I make it a rule to never date clients, Belle."

"Rules were made to be broken."

...

Robin and Killian rode up in the elevator. Killian adjusted his tie and then glanced at Robin.

"I still don't understand why you're here. You can't go into the meeting with me. Emma will recognize you from last night. If she realizes we know each other, then she'll know we staged the fight and our cover will be blown."

"That's what disguises are for," Robin said.

Killian's eyes swept up and down Robin's figure. "You look exactly the same."

Robin held up a finger then reached into his pocket and pulled out thick, black framed glasses that he placed on his face.

"There."

Killian quirked an eyebrow. "You're joking, right? That was a bloody joke."

"No."

"Who are you, Clark Kent? Bloody hell, Robin. You can't just put on some glasses and think she won't recognize you. She owns a security firm. She does private investigation. I'd wager she's rather observant."

Robin sighed. "I knew you'd say that." He opened the briefcase he held in his hand and took out a blond wig. He looked into the glass paneling of the elevator to put it on his head.

"How's that?"

Killian ran a hand down his face. "You look like a 70's porn star."

"But will Emma recognize me?"

"Perhaps...when she finally stops laughing and can see through her tears."

Robin dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "You're being negative on purpose. You want to dissuade me from joining you in your meeting."

"I see no reason for you to accompany me."

"I think there is a very good reason. I think you have already let your feelings get in the way with this mark. Bloody hell, Killian, you gave her your real name. I want to make sure you keep focused on the task at hand."

Killian opened his mouth to reply, but the doors slid open on their floor before he could.

...

Belle appeared in Emma's office doorway.

"You're 2:00 is here," she said.

Emma looked up from her laptop and quickly adjusted her hair in the reflection on the screen. She stood up and fixed her skirt, brushing at invisible wrinkles. She took a deep breath. Why did she feel so nervous? She never got this way. Of course, this was the first time she had even considered being with a guy in three years.

Killian appeared in the doorway a moment later, his eyes meeting Emma's. His breath caught in his chest at the sight of her. He had never believed in love at first sight, but then again, he'd never met Emma Swan. He'd been captivated by her picture and mesmerized the moment he laid eyes on her in person. And now here he was seeing her again. He was starting to wonder if there was such a thing as falling in love at every sight.

Emma felt her heart race at the sight of him. Was it possible he looked even more handsome than he had last night?

Killian entered, followed by Robin. Emma hid her frown. She didn't realize it wouldn't be just the two of them.

They came to stand in front of her desk. Emma extended her hand.

She wasn't sure how to address him in this professional setting. "Mr. Jones, so nice to see you again."

"Killian, please," he said, as he slipped his hand in hers and held it for longer than necessary. "The pleasure is all mine."

Their eyes met and held for a long moment. Robin stood beside Killian uncomfortably, waiting to be introduced. He finally cleared his throat.

Killian tore his eyes away from her and gestured to Robin. "Ms. Swan-..."

"Emma, please."

"Emma," he said. "This is my business partner, Robin."

Robin extended his hand to Emma. "Pleased to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too. Please have a seat."

Robin and Killian sat down in front of her. Emma looked at Killian.

"I was surprised to hear that you required my professional services."

Killian scooted to the edge of the chair and leaned forward, a grin upon his lips. "I thought it was as good an excuse as any to see you again."

Emma felt her cheeks redden. This was unprofessional. She was never unprofessional. But then again, she'd never had Killian Jones sitting in her office before.

"So then you don't require my services?" she asked.

Killian slowly licked at his lips as Robin watched him, waiting for his response.

Robin finally sighed. "No, Emma, we do require your services."

"Oh," Emma said, wondering if maybe this truly was a purely professional visit.

Maybe she was reading him wrong. The look in Killian's eyes made her think he wanted to devour her right then and there. But he was probably one of those men who was naturally charming and flirty. Maybe it was nothing more than that. Maybe she was just seeing what she wanted to see.

"How can I be of assistance?"

Killian leaned back in his chair. "Robin and I work in real estate. We buy up properties in Long Island, renovate them, and then flip them for a profit."

"I see. What seems to be the problem?"

"Our contractor is the problem," Killian began. "He had been great. He did quality work, finished on time, and always quoted us fairly."

Robin continued. "But now we believe he may be gouging us."

"How so?" Emma asked.

"We believe he is buying cheaper, low quality building materials and charging us for the better quality, more expensive materials. We've noticed that some of our homes do not meet the quality we are accustomed to. We think he is pocketing the difference," Killian said.

Emma nodded, as she scribbled down a few notes. "How would you like me to help?"

"We'd like you to investigate and see if our hunch is true," Robin said.

"We don't wish to confront him or even recoup our losses. We simply want to confirm our suspicions so we can hire a new contractor," Killian said.

Emma nodded. "Well, if you give me the necessary information then I will see what I can do. My rate is steep though. $500 an hour."

Killian offered her a grin and leaned forward, placing his arms on her desk. "Is there a discount for new friends?"

"I'm afraid not," Emma said with a smile.

"Perhaps a coupon available somewhere?" he asked.

Emma laughed. "Nope."

Killian cocked his head to the side. "What about if I offered my assistance? Could you reduce your normal rate a bit?"

Emma's eyes widened. "Your assistance?"

Killian nodded. "Aye. I know a place where they sell substandard, low quality materials. We believe he may be using this place to get our materials."

Emma's pen stood poised above her pad. "Well, just tell me the name and I will investigate."

Killian's lips slid into a sly smile. "I was thinking we could investigate together and then you could knock a little off your normal rate."

Emma eyed him. This was not a deal she would normally ever make. If her clients couldn't pay then she simply turned them away. But she realized in that moment that Killian probably could pay. He just wanted an excuse to spend time with her. And she wanted the same excuse.

"What did you have in mind?" she asked.

Killian grinned. "A stakeout. We believe he may be at the place tonight."

Emma nodded with a smile. "Okay. Meet me here at 5:30. You bring the food."

"As you wish," he said, his eyes meeting hers.

"I'll knock off $50 if you bring me a grilled cheese and onion rings."

Killian's eyes sparkled in delight. "Your wish is my command, milady."

They stared at each other, making Robin grow uncomfortable again. He was pretty sure they kept forgetting he was there.

"Okay, it's settled then. Thank you, Emma," Robin said, standing and shaking her hand.

Robin walked out, but although Killian had stood he had yet to exit. Robin sighed heavily as he watched his best friend through the glass.

"I'm very much looking forward to tonight," he said.

Emma suppressed her smile. "You know, I feel it only fair that I inform you that I have a policy against dating clients."

Killian nodded. "A good policy indeed. But after tonight I believe our business relationship will be over."

Emma smiled. "I guess we'll see."

Killian slowly moved away from her and headed toward the door.

"See you tonight," he said before exiting.

Emma watched him until he disappeared from view. Then she sat down and dropped her head onto her desk. What has gotten into her?

Killian found Robin standing in front of the elevator.

"Ah, I was beginning to think you'd jumped her bones right there in the office."

"Don't be crass," Killian said. "It's not good form."

Robin's nostrils flared. "Well, then get your head on straight. This woman is a potential gold mine for us. She is worth millions and we could gain access to information about her clients that could keep us going for years. No more scouring the newspapers the first Monday of every month."

"I realize that," Killian said.

"But if you start letting your heart, as well as other body parts, rule your head then we are done for. She will figure us out or you will slip up. Or, worse, you won't want to follow through with the plan."

Killian shook his head. "Relax. I am well aware of what's at stake."

The elevator doors slid open and they both got on without another word.

...

Emma stood in front of the wardrobe in her office. She worked long days and often had to go out on assignment at night. She usually didn't have time to go home to change so she stored a variety of outfits in her office that could be used for various situations.

"Just pick something already," Belle said from the doorway.

"What?" Emma asked as she turned toward her.

"You've been standing there for twenty minutes. It's just a stakeout."

"With Killian," Emma said.

Belle shook her head as she came to stand beside her best friend.

"You don't need me to tell you that was a bad idea. He's a client, Emma."

"A brand new client and he probably won't be one after tonight." Emma paused. "Weren't you the one who said rules were made to be broken?"

Belle gnawed on her lower lip. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"The stakeout? Of course."

"No, dating again. Opening yourself up and trusting someone."

Emma tilted her head. "You've been saying for a long time I should get back out there."

"But only if you're ready."

"I am."

"And for the right guy," Belle said.

"You don't know anything about Killian."

"Neither do you. But we do know he punched another guy out in the middle of a gala to support needy children."

"He did that for me. He was trying to be a gentleman."

"I don't think he knows the meaning of the word. And you don't need his protection."

"He didn't know that at the time." Emma sighed and smiled gently at her friend. "Look, I know you're just trying to make sure I don't get hurt, but I'm fine. I'm not saying anything will come from this thing between me and Killian, but I owe it to myself to find out."

Belle stepped forward and enveloped her friend in a hug. "Okay." She then pulled back and smiled. "Black jeans, gray top."

Emma returned the smile. "Good choice."

...

Robin stood in the middle of the apartment he shared with Killian and looked down at his watch for the tenth time. He groaned, walked over to Killian's bedroom door, and pounded on it with his fist.

"Bloody hell! What is taking you so long? You're going to be late!"

A moment later, the door swung open revealing Killian.

"Perfection cannot be rushed," he said.

Robin's gaze scanned his body, which was clothed in all black: boots, jeans, button down shirt, and knit cap.

"What the devil are you wearing?"

"Stakeout clothes," Killian replied with a matter of fact shrug.

"You look like a burglar. You might as well wear a sign reading: 'I'm a con man, which is basically a fancy burglar'."

Killian waved his hand in dismissal. "You're being ridiculous."

"At least take off the knit cap. It's 80 degrees outside."

Killian rolled his eyes and removed the cap. "What did you find out about Emma? Likes, dislikes. I need some things to bring up tonight so we can connect. Women love when they think they have things in common with men."

"My friend, Gary-..."

"The one with the lazy eye?"

"Aye. He did an extensive social media search."

"What did he come up with?"

"A few things. Favorite movie: A Few Good Men. Favorite TV show: Anything on Investigation Discovery."

"Good. I can work with that. I know crimes because, well, I've committed them. Go on."

"She checks in at this diner around the corner from her office at least once a week. Granny's Diner. I'd get her grilled cheese and onion rings from there."

"Check. Favorite snack? Every stakeout requires snacks. I'd like to bring her favorite and pretend that it's also mine."

"Cheetos."

"Brilliant. I believe there's a bag in the cupboard."

"That's mine. I just bought it. It's not even open yet."

"This con could garner us millions. Are you really going to quibble over a bag of Cheetos?"

"I see no reason why you can't buy your own."

"Are you honestly willing to risk this operation over a bag of Cheetos?"

"I highly doubt the fate of this operation hangs on a cheesy snack."

"It could."

"Fine. Take them," Robin relented with a sigh. "But good luck pretending they're your favorite snack. You loathe them."

"The bloody cheese dust gets everywhere. It's like glitter."

Robin grinned. "And you're wearing all black. How unfortunate. Better than white though I suppose."

Killian sighed. "Anything else I should know?"

Robin raised his brow. "One thing. Her biggest turnoff: phonies."

Killian swallowed hard.

...

Killian rounded the corner and spotted Emma standing outside her building. A smile appeared on both their lips at the sight of each other.

"Apologies for my tardiness." He held up the bag of food. "Granny's Diner was a madhouse."

"You got Granny's? That's my favorite. I'm there at least once a week."

Killian raised his brow, feigning surprise. "Really? It's my favorite too. I'm surprised we haven't run into each other before."

Emma took a step closer to him. "Probably just missed each other time and time again."

"Like two ships passing in the night," he said, his gaze holding hers.

"I guess we were meant to meet by chance the way we did," she said.

Killian averted his eyes. "Aye, I suppose we were."

This was the first time he had ever felt guilty lying to a mark. He usually played his part so well that he convinced himself that he wasn't hurting anyone with a few lies. But this time was different. Emma was different.

Emma eyed him for a long moment. "We should get going."

She led the way to her car and Killian cocked an eyebrow at the yellow VW bug.

"This is your car?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

He shrugged. "I'm just surprised a private detective would have such a conspicuous vehicle. I was under the impression that the goal was to blend in and go unnoticed during an investigation, especially while on a stakeout."

Emma shook her head. "I've had it since college. I prescribe to the hide in plain sight school of thought. No one would suspect someone of running a stakeout in such a noticeable vehicle."

Killian smiled. "Clever."

They got in and drove to the site, exchanging small talk on the way. Once there, Emma parked in an alley with a view of the entrance to the building. She settled in her seat and Killian handed her the food.

"I too got grilled cheese and onion rings. It's my usual order," he said.

Emma smiled. "Really? You have good taste."

They lapsed into silence while they ate. Killian kept stealing glances at Emma and she kept pretending she didn't notice. Being alone in such close quarters was making it hard to concentrate.

"So how long have you and Robin been business partners?" Emma asked.

"12 years," Killian answered honestly. "We sort of fell into it."

"Well, you seem to have done very well."

"As have you."

Emma nodded. "I love my job. True, it doesn't leave much time for a social life and Belle keeps telling me I need to delegate more to the staff, but I'm a bit of a control freak. I like to do things on my own."

Killian grinned. "Well, tonight it looks like you have the best of both worlds. You're doing your job and socializing."

Emma smiled as she finished off her food. "What snacks did you bring?"

Killian pulled out the Cheetos from a plastic bag.

Emma's eyes lit up. "My favorite. I've been craving them all day."

"I had no idea. It just so happens it's my favorite too," Killian said. "I guess we have a lot in common."

Emma snatched the bag from him and tore it open like she hadn't eaten in days. She lay the bag between them on the gear shift.

"Help yourself," she said as she dug in.

Killian slipped his hand into the bag and gingerly pulled out one Cheeto by his fingertips. He held it up to his mouth, as he tried not to curl his lips in disgust.

Emma chuckled. "Don't be shy on my account."

Killian smiled weakly and then proceeded to slowly push the Cheeto through his teeth, like a tree branch through a wood chipper. The cheese dust flew onto his lips and shirt. He finally swallowed.

Emma laughed. "I've never seen anyone eat a Cheeto like that."

"I like to savor each one."

Emma eyed him and then leaned over toward him. Her lips were tantalizingly close to his and Killian felt his breath hitch in his chest. He thought she might kiss him. Emma felt her heart race at his closeness, but she tried not to let it show.

She brought her hand up to swipe at the cheese dust on his chest, enjoying the feel of his toned body beneath his shirt.

"You've got a little cheese dust on you."

Killian felt goosebumps appear on his skin at her touch. He brought his hand up to cover hers, stopping her movement.

"Thank you, love."

Emma couldn't help staring at his lips, imagining what he would taste like.

"You're welcome."

Killian removed his hand from hers and brought it up to her face, his thumb swiping at the corner of her mouth. Emma let out a little sigh at his touch.

"Returning the favor," he said softly.

Their eyes met and held for a long moment, before Emma swallowed roughly and settled back in her seat.

She gestured at the building. "So...uh, when do you think he'll show up?"

"Should be soon," Killian replied. "This place only does business after dark since it's so shady."

Emma nodded. They fell into an uncomfortable silence until Killian broke it.

"This reminds me of a show I watched on Investigation Discovery once. These two police officers were on-..."

Emma's eyes widened. "You watch that channel too?"

Killian bobbed his head. "Aye, all the time. I find glimpses into the criminal mind to be endlessly fascinating."

Emma smiled. "Belle says it's morbid and teases me for watching. But I've always found true crime to be far more interesting than fiction. I'm a naturally curious person, hence my chosen profession. I love a good mystery and how you go about discovering the truth."

Killian offered her a grin. "You're quite passionate, Swan."

Emma smiled at his use of her last name. "I am."

Killian tilted his head to the side. "You're fortunate to have found something to be passionate about."

Emma nodded. "I've learned a thing or two from those shows. You know one thing I've learned? If you're a beautiful blond who lights up a room when she walks in, then you have a good chance of disappearing one day."

Killian laughed softly. "Good to know."

His smile faded, as his eyes swept across her face. Emma felt her cheeks redden under his gaze.

"What?" she finally asked, as she turned to meet his eyes.

His tongue slowly swept across his lower lip, which did not go unnoticed by her.

"I was just thinking I hope a similar fate does not await you one day."

Emma's brow furrowed at the strange statement. "What?"

"Well, you fit the criteria, love," he said softly. "You're blond and beautiful. And you light up a room when you walk in."

Emma's mouth dropped open, her cheeks reddening further under his intense gaze.

She finally laughed nervously and averted her eyes. "That's definitely the most unique compliment I've ever gotten. I've never been compared to missing women before."

Killian let out a sigh. "My apologies. I didn't intend for it to come out the way it did."

Emma turned to him and smiled. "It's okay. I know what you meant. It was very sweet. Thank you."

She sucked in a deep breath, as did he, and turned back to look out the windshield.

Killian didn't want his time with Emma to end, but he figured it was time to spot their mark. He pointed at the next random guy who walked in.

"That's him. That's him right there."

Emma nodded. "Well, looks like your suspicions were correct. It seems this is where he gets his building materials now and this place is definitely not above board."

"Time for a new contractor."

Emma shrugged. "You know, I can investigate further and get concrete proof. You could recoup your losses."

Killian shook his head. "No need. I'd rather cut my losses and move on."

"Why?" Emma asked, brow furrowing.

He met her eyes, his voice lowering. "Because the sooner our professional relationship is done the sooner our personal one can begin."

Emma's mouth hung open for a second before she laughed nervously, as she brushed a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Who says I want a personal relationship with you?" she asked.

Killian cocked his head to the side, his eyes flitting over her face. "It's all in the body language if you know how to read it. I'm very perceptive and observant. It says it in your eyes when you look at me. It's in your touch. It's written all over your face."

Emma tore her eyes away from him and cleared her throat. "Well, right now, you're still my client."

"You're fired," he said with a barely hidden grin.

Emma laughed softly, as she started the car.

...

End of Part 2

Thanks for reading! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give! ~Steph