First of all, I'd like to say that I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any of the characters from the show.
Secondly, thanks to everyone who has commented/added this story to your alerts! I appreciate it!
Emma Sullivan sat up straight with her eyes wide as the plane landed. Admittedly, she was nervous about her visit to Hawaii. Riley had ensured her that Steve would be more than willing to watch over her. Normally, Emma would have scoffed at the idea of needing a babysitter, but given the present circumstances, she was more than happy to have someone looking out for her. She still was not sure exactly what Riley had told Steve.
"Ladies and gentleman, we will begin to disembark from the aircraft momentarily. Our first class passengers can now begin to make their way to the exit door."
Emma stood up and grabbed the carry-on bag from the over-head compartment above her seat. Slinging the duffle bag onto her shoulder, she silently followed the other first class passengers off the plane. Once inside the airport, she steered herself towards the baggage claim. She kept her head down, and her dark blonde ponytail swayed from side to side as she moved. Finally, she reached the baggage claim for her airline and waited for the luggage to appear. Her green eyes nervously scanned the people standing around her. She nearly yelped when someone bumped into her from behind. Spinning around, she saw a little boy reaching down to pick up a toy he'd dropped.
"Get a grip, Emma," she scolded herself quietly. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Just as she was exhaling, a strong hand clamped around her left shoulder.
"Emma?"
Green eyes met hazel ones. Emma placed a hand over her racing heart before launching herself into the man's arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she hid her face against his chest.
Steve banded his arms around the woman to keep her from falling. He'd been watching her for the past few minutes and couldn't help but notice how skittish she was. The moment she launched herself into his arms he knew something more than a cheating fiancé was going on.
"Hey, hey, you okay?" Steve asked when he heard a hitch in her breathing. Emma didn't answer verbally, but she nodded her head before tightening her arms around him. Steve moved his right hand to cradle the back of her head under her ponytail.
"Shh, you're safe," he whispered against her ear. Emma took a few minutes to compose herself before she pulled away from the warm cocoon of Steve's body.
"Hi," she whispered with a small smile on her face.
"Aloha," Steve returned as the corners of his mouth titled upward. "How many bags do you have?"
"Just one," Emma answered as she turned around to find that the bags were moving towards them. After giving a brief description of her bag, she watched as Steve moved to the carousel and effortlessly plucked her luggage up. Moving back to her, Steve threw his right arm around her shoulders before steering them towards the exit. No words were exchanged as he walked them to a silver Camaro and placed her luggage inside the trunk. Emma smiled at him as held open the passenger side door for her. Steve always was a gentleman. Her mother used to brag on him to her brothers, and wondered why they couldn't be more polite like him.
Steve returned Emma's smile and kept it on his face as his closed her door and crossed in front of the car to climb in the driver's side.
"So what hotel did Riley book for me?" Emma asked as Steve started the car and pulled out of the parking space.
"Actually, he didn't book a hotel. You're going to be staying with me," Steve answered as he maneuvered the car through the airport traffic.
"Oh Steve, I don't want to put you out," Emma said quietly.
"Are you kidding me?" Steve replied as he cast a glance at her. She looked like a frightened little girl. "Emma, you are in no way putting me out."
"Are you sure?" she asked looking over at him.
"I'm positive," Steve answered. "Now, are you hungry?"
"Starving," Emma said with a smile.
"Good, me too," Steve replied. "How about we grab some barbeque?"
"That sounds wonderful," Emma answered before settling more comfortably in her seat. The rest of the ride was silent while the two occupants of the car were lost in their own thoughts.
Steve wondered how in the world Emma had gotten herself to the point of running away from home. Something bad must have happened for her and Riley to find it necessary to come halfway across the world. From what he could see, she didn't look like she'd been physically harmed. There were no bruises or scratches visible on her arms or legs. He wondered though, if the skin under her t-shirt and shorts told a different story.
Emma could not believe how quickly her life had taken such a drastic turn. She had been so happy with her life in Richmond. She loved living there. She had a great group of friends, her family, and a job she loved. All of that changed in the span of twenty-four hours. Now here she was, halfway across the world, away from everyone she knew and loved.
She let out a sigh and leaned her head against the window. How did everything get so messed up?