Author's note: Still snowed in, so here's the next chapter! Remember only 3 left after this. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Nope.
Chapter 11
Emma padded through the apartment as quietly as she could. It wasn't often that she had to wake up before Killian, but she'd gotten a call from Regina's assistant Graham at seven in the morning, informing her that Regina wanted to have a meeting promptly at nine. So she had an hour to shower, dress and find some breakfast before heading over to the resort. No warning, just come.
Just who the hell did that woman think she was? God? Sheesh.
But Emma knew Regina wasn't the most pleasant person to work with. She had some very definitive ideas, most of which clashed with Emma's. They'd been tangled in a tug of war ever since that first meeting. Emma was mostly winning, but sometimes she got the feeling that Regina pulled crap like this on purpose just to piss Emma off.
She'd been looking forward to a lazy morning before heading over to The Crocodile, since Killian had the afternoon shift in the garage. It was probably the last they were going to get since there were only two weeks left until the big night and there was so much still to be done. Their July Fourth holiday felt like a distant memory, one Emma missed more than she let on.
She'd brought this project on herself and she was damn well going to finish it. All this hard work would pay off, then she and Killian could take a nice long vacation.
She crept out of the bathroom, half dressed, heading for the cramped closet. Killian didn't have that much of a wardrobe but when she added the things she'd brought with her and all the things she'd bought since arriving...it was getting tight. Maybe they should look for a new place?
Holy shit, did she just think that?
But what was the big deal? They were already living together...more or less. She was still technically paying for the bungalow, but Elsa was staying there. Avoiding detection aside, it would have been difficult for them to be alone with Elsa hanging around. Not that Emma didn't love her friend, but there was something to be said for having sex with her boyfriend on whatever surface they happened to be on whenever they wanted. Although Emma wished they could have used the hot tub before she'd moved out.
They still had time, right?
Emma brushed the thought aside and picked out a cream silk blouse to go with her black skirt. She found her black pumps and stole a look at Killian as she headed for the kitchen. He'd fallen back to sleep almost as soon as she'd gotten out of bed. It was no wonder with how hard he was working. Between his shifts at the garage and his thesis, there were nights he didn't get to bed until after midnight. When she asked him why he was working so hard, he told her he wanted to move up his graduation to December.
They'd only spoken in rough terms about the future. It was very much an open ended question. Sometimes Emma was shocked to recall that they'd only been together for about two and a half months. It felt like longer. Killian knew things about her no one else did; she trusted him implicitly. They'd settled into life with an ease that should have frightened her, but it didn't. It was like they were supposed to be like this; they simply had to find each other.
Maybe they could talk about it later. Over dinner? They hadn't had anything resembling a date in a while. She missed those. Going out somewhere, flirting shamelessly like two lovestruck teenagers, then coming home and loving each other to the wee hours of the morning.
She'd ask him when they talked later. He always sent her a text when he got to work; they checked in several times during their days. It gave her something to look forward to when she examining floral arrangements or on the phone with a potential investor.
Emma fixed a small cup of coffee in the microwave (it wasn't as good as the coffeemaker, but she didn't want to wake Killian) and grabbed a couple of strawberry NutriGrain bars. Not the healthiest breakfast, but she was in a hurry. One bar went in her briefcase, the other she munched on as she gathered the files she'd been looking at the night before.
Emma checked the clock, cursing under her breath. If she didn't get a move on, she would be late. She hurried back to the bed, brushed a kiss over Killian's brow and slipped on her shoes. On her way to the door she grabbed her briefcase and keys, shutting the door quietly behind her.
She got to the ballroom with five minutes to spare. There was a crowd around Regina; Emma could just make out her dark head in the middle. She was speaking to someone who looked familiar, as she got closer, Emma recognized Robin. What was he doing here? She mentally thanked her lucky stars that Killian was safely in bed.
"I see you finally deigned to join us, Miss Nolan," Regina said, parting the crowd as if by magic.
Emma didn't blame anyone for giving Her Majesty a wide berth.
"What's this all about, Regina? I was going to be here right after lunch. Couldn't this have waited?"
"Since you've all but taken over my resort, I thought a logistical meeting was in order," Regina replied smoothly. Emma was right; the woman had invented this meeting just to screw with her. Wonderful. "We've got very little time left."
Like she didn't know that. Emma forced herself to smile. "Sounds fair. Would you like to introduce everyone?"
Regina went around the room introducing the various department heads. Emma was surprised that Regina delegated even that much, but since The Crocodile was a year round multi million dollar resort, the other woman probably didn't have a choice. Most of them were pleasant enough, but didn't seem to want to be there any more than Emma did. They probably had better things to do than have Regina breathing down their necks.
"And last but not least, this is Robin Locksley, head of our garage. He and his crew will be organizing all the transportation."
Robin smiled and held out his hand. "It's delightful to see you again, Emma."
Regina frowned. "You two know each other?"
"Miss Nolan had a flat tire some weeks ago," Robin explained without a trace of irony. Emma exhaled; good lord, she nearly forgotten about that. It was much better explanation than how she really knew him.
"Yes, I remember. It was quite late. Sorry about that. Again."
"It was no trouble, I assure you." When Regina looked away, he winked at her.
"Yes, well, that's...fine." Regina shooed Robin away, declaring the meeting at an end. Emma watched them exchange some words; they looked...cozy? They were definitely standing closer together than they should. For a boss and employee. Interesting. Emma shrugged, deciding that since she was here anyway, she should get some work done. Regina had lent her a small office to work from.
She'd just sat down when Regina appeared in the doorway. "There were a few other matters we have to discuss, Emma."
Emma fought to not roll her eyes. The woman was a control freak. "Of course. Have a seat."
Regina did, crossing her legs and smoothing down her skirt. "Have you looked at the receipts for the signage? And the flowers?"
"Yes, I've seen them. Is there a problem?" The flowers were local, but the signage and banners they'd had to order from the mainland. They were scheduled to arrive any day.
"I was merely wondering if you'd calculated them into the budget for this event. The flowers alone are twenty percent higher than quoted."
"Yes, Mr. French said that could happen. We've ordered some exotic and rare plants, Regina. Which is why we have a discretionary budget." She had to maintain her patience.
"And you're still insisting on your 'under the sea' theme?"
"What's wrong with that?"
"I had assumed this was an event for adults, Miss Nolan."
This time Emma did roll her eyes. "For heaven's sake, Regina. It is. But look at this place! This entire resort has a fairy tale quality to it. What's wrong with having a little fun? Contrary to popular belief, people from New York do know how to have fun."
"Mr. Gold..."
"I don't care what Mr. Gold does or does not want. This is my project. You said it yourself, if you deliver him a healthy bottom like he doesn't care."
"You may want to check your guest list, Miss Nolan. This may not be as successful as you think."
"What are you talking about?"
Regina pulled out an envelope. "You never saw this. Shred it as soon as I leave," she said mysteriously. With that, the other woman got up and left.
Emma frowned, a worry line creasing her brow. What was going on? She got up and shut the door to her office, then tore the envelope open. Inside, she found a series of emails. As she read them, her heart sank. It seemed that Neal was still trying to sabotage her. Emma opened her laptop and pulled up her guest list. Sure enough, nearly half of the people Neal had contacted had already RSVP'd, but according to the emails...Neal had changed their mind. Neal's friends, of course, were only too happy to go along with him, but it was the others that pissed her off. Some of them were family friends, people she'd known her whole life—not that she liked most of them, but they were very influential and had deep pockets.
That fucking bastard.
Emma forced herself to breathe. She couldn't do anything about Neal. He was a snake, a bitter asshole who only saw her as an object. Did he really think she'd come crawling to him to fix this? No. Fuck that. The Golds were powerful, but so were the Nolans. And Emma had a secret weapon.
Her mother.
If anyone could swing things back in Emma's favor, it was Mary Margaret Blanchard-Nolan. The technical aspects of Nolan Tech were her father's domain. But the company's reputation? It's influence in New York society? That was her mother. Her mom ran the family's social calender like a general; underneath her gentle exterior was a tough lady who didn't take no for an answer. Emma knew that better than most.
All Emma had to do was swallow her pride and ask her mom for help.
After their last conversation, Emma wasn't sure how much her mom wanted to speak to her. But they would have to mend fences sometime, right? Despite their clashes, Emma did love her. She was her mom, of course she did. Emma just wished her mom understood her.
There was only one way to find out. She got out her phone and dialed. It was afternoon in New York; there was a chance her mom was busy. She almost hung up after the fourth ring, but then the line crackled.
"Emma?" Her mother's voice was thin and hard to hear.
"Mom? Where are you?"
"Going through the tunnel. I can barely hear you."
"Listen, can you call me back once you get home? I need to talk to you. It's important."
"Of course, Emma." There was a pause, Emma heard muffled voices. "I should be home in half an hour. Is that okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Talk to you then." They hung up and Emma wondered what she should do in the meantime. She checked her emails, fired off some replies. It seemed some things were going well. The ballroom would be clean by the end of the day and the decorations could start going up. Emma went through menu options, place settings...she'd forgotten how much work something like this was. Her mother made it look effortless.
Right on time, Emma's phone rang. "Mom?"
"Hello, Emma. Sorry about earlier."
"Why were you in the tunnel?" Lincoln Tunnel went to New Jersey. Why would she go there?
"Visiting a friend. Now what did you want to talk about?"
Emma was still confused, but decided it could wait. "Well...I know we haven't been...good of late..."
"You mean, my inability to understand why you flew six thousand miles to get away from me?"
"Mom, I didn't..." Crap, now what?
Mary Margaret sighed. "I'm not a fool, Emma. I know that's what you did. Your father and I have talked about it. A lot actually. And while I'm still not happy that you felt leaving was the only way, I'm glad that you're happy." She sounded more resigned than happy, but Emma would take it at this point.
Emma scrubbed her face with her hand. "I am happy, Mom. Hopefully you'll understand why when you get here."
"Speaking of that, we won't be getting in until the night before. The Mayor is throwing his daughter's engagement party the day we were going to leave."
Figures, Emma thought. "I was hoping we could all have dinner together before the ball, but it's okay. You can meet Killian at the ball."
"Is that what you wanted to talk about?"
"Crap, no. Sorry." She leaned back in her chair. "I got some bad news this morning and I was hoping you could help."
"What is it?" Her mother sounded much more alert now.
"I don't know how much Dad has told you. Did you know Neal was here?"
Mary Margaret inhaled sharply. If there was one thing she and her mother agreed on, it was Neal. "What's he done? He hasn't hurt you?"
"No, I'm fine. He left. Weeks ago. But he tried to stop me, Mom. And now he's trying to ruin this by convincing people not to come, promising all sorts of things." He'd also called Emma from pretty vile things, but she didn't tell her mother that.
"Who? Which people?" Emma gave her the list, her mother getting more and more angry. "I am going to have some words with Mrs. Gold the next time I see her. See if she can knock some sense into that stepson of hers." That was Mary Margaret's way. Indirect hit. Sneaky, but effective.
"Which I appreciate that, I was hoping you could..."
"Talk to everyone else? Of course, honey. Just send me the list and consider it done."
"Really?"
"If this is important to you, then of course. Believe it or not, Emma, I want to see you successful. If this is what you want to do, then we're here for you."
"Thanks, Mom. It means a lot to me."
"Just do me one favor."
"What's that?"
"Have Christmas with us this year. You...and Killian."
"Mom, are you sure?"
She heard her mom sniff on the other end of the line. "You're my only daughter, Emma. I don't want to lose you to my own stubbornness. I want to hear all about this new life of yours."
It was more than Emma could have hoped for. She didn't know where her mother's change of heart had come from (she strongly suspected her dad had said something), but she was so grateful. "I want that too, Mom."
"Now what else is going on, aside from this Neal drama?"
Emma laughed, thankful her mom was changing the subject. She didn't want to get all sappy on the phone. She realized that her mom could be a great resource, so she bounced some ideas off her. It was the best conversation they'd had in years.
After they hung up, Emma checked the message from Killian. Missed you this morning.
She smiled. Sorry. Got called in early by Her Majesty.
Pity. I was hoping to share my shower.
Emma squirmed a bit in her seat, an image of them wet and soapy flashed before her eyes. Damn it. I thought you hated sharing?
Not when it comes to having a gorgeous lass in my bed.
Or the shower?
And the kitchen, the desk, the hood of my Jeep...
Okay, I get it. Should I be jealous that you're having all this sex?
Not as long as I'm having it with you, love.
Rain check?
Definitely.
She decided to wait and tell him about her talk with her mom. That really was something she wanted to tell him in person. She let him get back to work, then went to get some lunch from one of the resort restaurants. She got a call that her signage had arrived so she decided to get out of the office and check it personally. She was probably doing too much herself, but she didn't have anyone she trusted yet. Maybe after, she could hire an assistant or two. But that depended on where she and Killian decided to settle. Should they stay on the North Shore? Honolulu? Somewhere else?
So many questions. But she didn't have to figure it all out alone. She and Killian could decide together. That was a nice feeling.
The clerk at UPS was helping her load the banners into her car when her phone rang. "Hey Dad. What's up?"
"Your mother told me something very interesting tonight."
"That we shared a moment? Yeah."
"I'm sorry it took her so long, sweetheart."
Emma sighed. "It's okay. What did you say to her?"
"Who says I did anything?"
"Come on, Dad."
"Okay, okay. I asked her what her mother would do if she were in your mother's place."
"Grandma Eva?" Her grandmother had died long before Emma was born; her own mother had been a child.
"Your mother really looked up to her. She often said that her mother was everything she wanted to be. But above all, her mother wanted her to be happy."
"Well, whatever you did, thanks, Dad."
"Anything for my little girl." There was a pause. "I'm...sorry if I played any role in you feeling like you needed to leave, Emma. I had no idea you were so unhappy."
"I tried not to be. But it just got to be too much. Do you think we can all start over?"
"I know we can. We'll see you in a couple of weeks, okay?"
"Definitely. Love you."
"I love you too, Emma."
Well, that was a turn of events she hadn't expected. Maybe something good would come out of Neal's meddling after all. She really did want her parents' support.
She stopped back at the resort to drop off the banners and check on a few other things. Then she headed for the market to get some ingredients for dinner. She and Killian had a lot to talk about.
Emma was surprised when she saw his Jeep in the driveway. He wasn't supposed to be home yet. Worried, she carried the groceries upstairs and let herself in. "Killian?"
No answer. She dumped the groceries and her briefcase in the kitchen before kicking off her shoes. "Killian? You home?" His apartment wasn't that big; he had to be somewhere.
She found him in the bathroom, hunched over the toilet. "What happened?" she asked, kneeling down beside him. Her hand skimmed his forehead; he was warm. He tried to shy away from her, but she wouldn't let him. "Hey, it's okay. I'm right here."
"I...don't want...you getting...sick," he coughed.
"Killian, unless this is something you ate, I'm probably going to get it. We live together. Now hush." She kissed his temple, brushing his damp hair back. "How long have you been like this?" He was fine earlier.
"An hour or so. Hard to tell. Robin brought me home."
"Why didn't you call?"
"I knew you'd come home."
"So?"
"You're busy," he choked out, before dry heaving over the toilet again. Emma held him as he gagged, trying to soothe him.
"You're really dumb, you know that?" she said as he stilled, but it carried no bite.
"Sorry?"
"You better be, mister," she said sternly. "Can you stand? Just to the sink, I promise." Killian nodded. She helped him up; he leaned on her the two feet to the sink. She hadn't realized how heavy he was before. She gave him a once over, his eyes were glassy, a bit unfocused, he was shivering. "Anything hurt?"
"A bit achy all over, really," he replied, eyes falling closed. "Between that and the heaving and the other..."
"Other?" But Killian's raised brow let her know. So vomiting and...yuck. "You really should have called me."
"I've been looking after meself for a while now, love."
"If it were me, would you want to know?"
"Of course."
"Then stop being a baby. We're in this together, okay?"
He nodded. "'M sorry, Emma."
"It's okay. Did you eat anything weird today? I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like food poisoning to me."
"One of the..." Killian tried to stand more upright, but swayed. "Bloody hell. One of the new guys brought in something. No idea what it was."
"Do you want to go to the ER?"
"Not if I can help it."
Stubborn ass. "Fine. But if you're not better by tomorrow, then we're going. No arguments, got it?"
"As you...wish."
"I was going to make us dinner, but that won't be happening now."
"I'm sorry, lass."
"Hey, it not your fault. I'll just make something for me. We'll see if you can eat some crackers or something later. But you should definitely drink something. Let me get changed and we'll take care of you, okay?"
He squeezed her hand before she left the bathroom, giving her a weak smile. Emma ducked into the closet and quickly stripped out of her work clothes, donning something much more comfortable. She came back and helped Killian to their bed—it was closest to the bathroom should he need it—then got him some water.
"Drink," she ordered.
"So bossy, Swan." He took the glass from her and sipped at it. "You know how much I like that."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Really? You're gonna try that now?"
"'M still a man, love. And you're bloody stunning."
"One of these days I'll show you bossy, sailor. Drink a bit more, please."
He did, downing about half the glass. "Hmm, tastes bloody awful."
"That's because you've been throwing up. It'll get better." She wiped at his brow again, gently stroking his cheek. "Will you be okay for a little bit? I want to eat before I tell you what happened today."
"Go on, love. I'll be fine." He kissed the back of her hand. "Hurry though."
"I will." She headed for the kitchen and made herself a couple of sandwiches. She ate them quickly, digging in the cupboard to see if they had any crackers. She would try them on him later, if his stomach settled. She got food poisoning once when she was about twelve; the new cook had made some bad Stromboli, her whole family had gotten sick. So she had some idea of how miserable he felt.
She brought two more glasses of water—one for each of them—then crawled into bed beside him. "How do you feel?"
"Like hell."
She felt so bad for him. "Hey, come here." She sat up against the headboard and drew his head into her lap. "If you need to go to the bathroom, just let me know."
"You don't want to see it, trust me, love."
"You took care of me when I was drunk, remember? I don't mind taking care of you, Killian."
He nuzzled his nose into her stomach; it tickled. "You smell nice."
"Um, thanks?" She combed her fingers gently through his hair. "Do you want to hear about my day?"
"Aye." She started with the somewhat bogus meeting Regina called, regaling him with Regina's flustered expression when Robin shook her hand. "He's better at keeping a secret than I thought," Killian mumbled into her stomach.
"Huh?"
"Robin's dating Regina."
"He is?!" Emma screeched. She settled when she felt Killian wince. "Sorry. But seriously, what the hell?"
"Shhh. It's a secret."
"Well, I gathered that. How long?"
"Since before you and me, I think. Although I didn't find out until recently."
"I'll be damned." Emma decided she would keep their secret; it could come in handy in case she and Killian got caught. They only needed to get through the next month or so. They'd been lucky so far.
Killian growled dangerously when she told him about Neal. Even in his weakened state, he was angry on her behalf. She squeezed his hand. "Yeah, well, Neal did accomplish one thing."
"What's that, love?"
"I talked to my mom."
"You did?" He raised his head up. "How did..." Then a wave of nausea overtook him and he bolted for the bathroom. Emma started to follow him, but he begged her to wait. Emma bit her lip, but did as he asked. As much as she wanted to be there for him, he still had his pride.
After about ten minutes, she spoke. "You okay in there?"
She heard the water running, then he was staggering to the door. "Bit better now. Sorry."
Emma shook her head. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him; he buried his head in her neck, she could feel his warm breath. But at least he wasn't shivering anymore. "Back to bed?"
"Aye, then finish your story."
She made him drink some more water before she continued; she didn't want him to get dehydrated. When resumed his place in her lap, she went on. "It was...good. A bit tense at first. But I think she's gonna be okay. With us. With everything."
"How?"
"She said that she and my dad talked. I talked to him too, by the way."
"You did have a full day."
She smiled. "Yeah. Anyway, Mom is going to work on all those people the Neal turned." Damn, she still hadn't sent that list. She'd do it after Killian was asleep.
"That's good of her."
"I think she feels a bit bad about things. Not that it's all her fault. I messed up too." She should have tried to make her parents listen, make them understand, instead of running away.
"But then we wouldn't have met," Killian said, as if reading her thoughts.
"Now that's scary."
"Indeed. I love you too much to imagine my life without you, Swan."
She smiled fondly down at him, still stroking his hair. "I love you too, Killian. I was thinking about that today. Us. The future. We're going to have to decide some things."
His brow furrowed. "Such as?"
"Um, where we're going to live? What happens after summer is over? You still want to graduate in December, right?"
"Very much. I don't want to waste anymore time. I want us to start our life together, my love."
"And I've still got all my things in New York. I'm assuming you want to stay here?"
"I am content wherever you are, Emma. You're home for me." He kissed her hand. "But I was hoping you'd want to live here."
"Here as in here?" She gestured around the apartment. "Or here as in we find a bigger place somewhere?"
"I'm not overly attached to this place. I'd love a place that was ours."
The way he said that made her heart clench. "Been giving this a lot of thought?"
He flushed, even though he was sick. "A bit. Is that alright?"
It was great to know they were on the same wavelength. That seemed to happen a lot. She rubbed his cheek. "Yeah. It's more than alright."
"Did we just decide to move in together?"
Emma laughed. "Well, ignoring the fact that we already kinda do, yeah, I guess we did. Big step, huh?"
"Every step with you has been big, sweetheart. And I've loved all of them."
"I really wish I could kiss you right now."
Killian groaned. "Bloody food poisoning. I'm sorry it ruined our evening."
"Hey, don't worry about it. We'll make it up some other night. We should go out soon. We haven't in a while."
"Eager to show off your devilishly handsome beau, Swan?"
"No one uses that word anymore."
"I thought you enjoyed the way I talked?"
"I do. Way more than I should."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing. But you know American girls. Suckers for an accent."
"The only American girl I'm interested in is you, darling."
"I know." She toyed with the hair at his nape. "Think you want to try some food? A few crackers maybe?"
"Can't hurt. I still feel awful."
Emma bent down and kissed his forehead. He sat up slowly, and she hurried back to the kitchen. She brought the pack of crackers she found and topped off a glass of water for him. It was getting a bit late, but Killian didn't seem to be sleepy. Emma wasn't sure she want to sleep either if she thought her gastrointestinal tract would act up.
"Want to watch Netflix? Or read a book?"
"Would you read to me?"
It seemed an odd request but she nodded. "Sure. Anything in particular?"
"Down in the chest."
Emma went to the chest at the foot of his bed, flicking open the clasps. She'd never seen inside it, even though she wondered. She thought Killian would share when he was ready. She dug through the contents, some old school reports, a few broken toys and..."Harry Potter?"
"What's wrong with that?"
Emma shook her head. "Nothing. Just didn't peg you as a Potterhead."
Killian snorted. "I don't know about that. But my mother used to read them. Then I read them to her." The when she was sick went without saying. And Killian had kept them all this time. Just when she thought she couldn't love him more, she finds a way to fall just a tiny bit harder.
"Shall we start at the beginning then?"
Killian nodded. Emma hadn't read them in a while; it took her a minute to find the right one. The covers were different from hers. She pulled out Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and closed the chest. Then she crawled into the bed, took a sip of water, and started to read. She tried it in a terrible imitation of his accent, which made him laugh.
"No need to do that, Swan. Just read it as you normally would."
"Okay." She kissed his cheek, smiling as he burrowed into her side.
She was still reading when she realized he was asleep. Emma gently disentangled herself, marking the place where she stopped. She fired off an email to her mom with the list, then tried to sleep herself.
Where the bloody hell was his shirt?
Killian looked through the hamper again, praying that he hadn't thrown in there by accident. After a week of being pushed every which way by work and being ill (Christ, that had been awful, even though he got to spend time with Emma. He hated being sick.), they were finally going to go on a date. Nothing fancy, just dinner and a movie.
But it was a much needed reprieve from the whirlwind their lives had become. Killian would be glad when this ball shenanigans was over and they could start doing fun things, like searching for their own place.
That made him happier than he had any right to be. To know that what they had could last.
He finally found his shirt—midnight blue, a gift from Emma—in the back of his closet, sandwiched between where his clothes stopped and Emma's began. Based on that alone, they really needed more space.
He finished dressing and headed out. Emma was going to meet him at the little diner, Elsa dropping her off. He idly wondered what she'd be wearing since spending time with Elsa inevitably meant adding to Emma's wardrobe. Elsa certainly knew how to shop. Killian got much enjoyment out of peeling off Emma's latest dress or terribly short shorts. She seemed to like it too, almost as if she were taunting him, testing his self control.
Didn't she know by now that he had no self control when it came to her? He never really had.
The diner was just a tiny little place, a bit 50s, with metal tables and stools at the bar, checked table cloths. But it was out of the way, not far from the arcade he'd taken her on their first date, so it was unlikely that they'd know anyone. Killian got them a table in the corner, ordering a beer while he waited.
"This seat taken?" an unfamiliar voice asked.
Killian looked up from his phone and nodded. "Aye, my girlfriend will be here any minute. Apologies, lass." The girl was around his age, dark hair, brown eyes. He'd have been tempted a few months ago. Now Emma was the only woman he wanted.
"Are you sure?" she asked again, brushing her hand over his exposed forearm. "Cuz it's sad for someone like you to be all alone on a Friday night."
"He's not." The girl jumped back as if electrocuted, her brown eyes wide. Emma smiled innocently, her hand on his shoulder. "Hey babe."
He grinned at her. "Hello, love." He swallowed as he took in her curvaceous form, wrapped in black fabric, leaving little to the imagination. It was a struggle to keep his hands to himself as she leaned down to kiss him, giving him a clear view down her dress. He hummed against her lips, his body stirring already. Jesus, the things she did to him were unreal.
The girl was gone by the time Emma straightened up and slipped into the seat across from him.
"Impeccable timing, Swan," he said, still smiling. Emma was beautiful all the time, but there was something unique about her tonight. He just couldn't put his finger in what it was. Her golden hair flowed down her back and around her shoulders in elegant curls, her makeup was soft and perfect, a contrast to the dress she was wearing. Or rather the dress was wearing her.
He couldn't take his eyes off her.
"You seemed to have it handled."
"I was explaining that my very beautiful and very possessive girlfriend would be here any moment," he said with a smirk. "And there you were."
"Who's says I'm possessive?" But Killian could feel her foot running up his leg.
Killian shrugged. "Well, you did just kiss me in full view of room filled with people," he pointed out. And a woman who was trying to flirt with him.
"Maybe I just missed you."
He took her fingers in his. "I missed you too, lass." He'd been missing her all week; the only time they got was hurried breakfast in the morning and sleeping side by side at night, curled around each other. "And you look fantastic."
She blushed. "Thanks. Although I do feel a bit over dressed."
Killian waggled his eyebrows. "Nonsense. You are perfect." She could wear a sexy dress anywhere she wanted as far as he was concerned.
"The look on your face was definitely worth it."
"You do love to torture me, Swan."
The waiter came by and took their drink orders, Emma joining him in a beer. This wasn't really a wine kind of place. "How is this torture?"
Killian leaned forward. "Because all I want to do is march you to the bathroom, push that tiny little dress up and have my way with you."
"You want me with the dress on?"
"Then we'd go home and I'd peel it off you. Slowly. Tease you until you beg."
Emma swallowed, her skin flushed. "Too bad I've got other plans."
"Do you now? Care to share?"
"Where's the fun in that?"
"Just so long as these plans involve me, lass."
Emma slipped her foot between his legs, rubbing the crotch of his pants. "Oh, they definitely do."
It was Killian's turn to swallow. Christ, he was hard as a rock and they hadn't even ordered food yet. "Don't go into the office tomorrow," he said.
"Why?"
"I think you know why, darling." They wouldn't be sleeping very much, of that he was already certain. Their pent up desire too acute for anything else.
"I'll see what I can do," she replied noncommittally. He didn't miss the way she squirmed in her seat or the warmth in her cheeks.
Thank god, it wasn't just him.
They managed to eat without too much (more) trouble. The way Emma devoured her burger and fries was a contrast to her sexy appearance. But it was one of the things he adored about her. Despite her upbringing, she was a real person, not at all stuck up. He would never have guessed that at their first meeting, but he was very glad to be wrong. He swiped a bit of ketchup off her lip and she surprised him by sucking it into her mouth.
"Swan."
"Hmm?"
He had finally regained his equilibrium and she had to go and do that. "Keep that up and we'll be skipping the movie."
"I thought you wanted to see it?"
"Well, I would, but perhaps I want you more."
Emma shrugged. "I was looking forward to making out with my boyfriend in a dark theater..."
"I wouldn't want to deprive the princess of any pleasures."
"Then maybe we should go then." Emma ducked into the bathroom to freshen up while he paid their bill. She took his arm when she returned and he helped her into his Jeep, unable to resist giving her ass a firm squeeze. He was very fond of that part of her, especially since their trip to the Big Island.
Damn it, he was going to have to calm down if he wanted to drive anywhere.
The theater was on the other side of town, on the edge of a tiny strip mall. After helping her down—he didn't even know how she walked in those shoes, but her legs looked great—they got two tickets and headed for their theater. They managed to find seats in the back; for a Friday night, the theater wasn't crowded. Perhaps it was the movie they'd chosen, some black comedy action concoction Robin had recommended.
Emma pushed back the armrest that separated them and sat as close to him as she could. Which Killian did not mind in the slightest. He loved the feel of her soft curves pressed against him. He kissed her temple, settling back to watch the previews. Nothing spectacular, except the new Marvel movie. He loved those. He wondered if Emma had seen any of them.
Before he could ask, he felt her lips on his neck. "Bloody hell," he hissed softly.
"Problem?"
"Not in the slightest." He tipped her head up and kissed her lips, thankful that the opening score drowned out his moan of pleasure. Fuck, it had been too long since he could kiss her like this, her sweet mouth tangled with his and no other cares in the world.
Emma's hand snaked up his shirt, pulling on buttons, her hands warm on the freshly exposed skin. "Are you trying to seduce me in a public theater, Swan?" he whispered in her ear.
"Is it working?"
He dragged her hand down to the crotch of his pants, pressing it against the tented fabric. "Fuck yes."
Emma palmed him through the fabric, biting his earlobe. "I can't wait," she muttered softly. "I thought I could, but I need you, Killian."
Killian slid his hands over her body, fabric bunching in his fists. "I've wanted you since you showed up, love. Bloody hell."
She brought one of his hands between her legs, hitching her dress up. She wasn't wearing anything underneath it. Again. Fuck, she was already wet. Wet and slippery and he just couldn't resist shoving a finger inside her heat. He kissed her to swallow her gasp of surprise and pleasure. He fingered her slowly, her head buried in his shoulder, as he looked around to see if anyone had noticed them. No one did.
Killian lifted her into his lap, pushing the dress up to her waist. Her lips were hot and demanding on his as she dragged his hand back to her slippery cunt. "Fingers inside me," she hissed. "Now."
He obeyed her automatically, her demanding tone going directly to his cock. Fuck, he loved when she took control, knew exactly what she wanted. He wasted no time, pushing three fingers deep inside, curling them just right. She bucked in his arms, body shuddering in pleasure, a strangled moan tumbling from her lips. She kissed him again to muffle her cries, arms around his neck. His other hand squeezed her hip, encouraging her to ride his fingers, to chase her pleasure. She stiffened when her orgasm crashed over her, clinging to him tightly. He stroked her through it, drawing it out until she whimpered softly.
He was painfully hard, almost desperate to be inside her, but he let her catch her breath, let her call the shots. She was still breathing hard when she kissed him again, fingers in his hair. "Love you," she whispered. "So much."
Killian stroked her back, still fully aware of where they were. Still no one had seemed to notice them...yet. "Swan," he said in a strangled whispered.
"Let me," she replied, kissing him. With more grace than he thought she could muster under the circumstances, she slithered off his lap until she was kneeling on the floor in front of him. A brief tug of her dress and she was reaching for his pants. Killian spread his legs to give her more room to maneuver, biting back a groan.
Holy fuck, she was going to suck him off right there and then.
He hissed as his cock sprang free, her warm hand around him in an instant. She stroked him briefly, her tongue darting out to lick the head. Killian's hips bucked up off the seat; it took what little control he still possessed not to cry out. There was no telling what she had in store for him with that wicked mouth of hers.
Emma didn't hesitate, she sucked him into her warm wet mouth, laving him with her tongue. Killian's hand gripped the armrest hard, trying to maintain some kind composure. If he moaned too loud, they would get caught. That, if anything, made the whole thing hotter, his hips jerking in her hold. He leaned his head back against the wall, eyes closed, trying to breathe, as Emma worked him over. His free hand delved into her hair, not hard; he just wanted to feel the silken strands between his fingers.
Emma hummed around him; Killian's eyes flew open, his breath hitching, heart becoming erratic. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He licked his lips, eyes falling to the shadows in front of him; he could just make out Emma in the dark, head bobbing in earnest, her lips wrapped around his cock. He felt like he was going to explode, his release resting on knife's edge, needing just a little more to fall.
Then Emma slowed down and he let out a strangled cry that sounded dangerously like a whine. He needed to come, he needed to watch her take everything he had to give, right there on that (surely) filthy theater floor, where she knelt before him like a goddess.
"Emma," he hissed, hips rocking up into her mouth. "Fuck."
She managed to catch his eye in the dim light, mouth still on him, her hand slipping down into his pants. She fondled his balls, making his eyes roll back in his head. Then she was moving again, faster and faster, her tongue tracing the vein the rain the length of him until he brushed the back of her throat, then he was coming and coming, Killian biting his lip so hard he drew blood to keep from crying out.
She licked him until he was spent, slumped back in his seat, panting. Holy Mother of Christ.
Killian didn't even pay attention as she fixed his clothing and slid back into the seat next to him. He still had stars popping behind his eyes from what might have been the most intense orgasm of his life.
"You okay?" Emma whispered, fiddling nervously with his hand.
"Hmmm?"
"Killian?"
"'M fine, lass. That was..."
"Insanely reckless but very hot?"
He smiled. "Something like that."
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"I just had a goddess at my feet, love. I am far better than alright."
She laughed nervously. "I just wanted to make sure nothing was broken."
That finally got him to look at her. "Broken?"
"Did you think we were done?"
"I know you—us—better than that, Swan."
"Good." She kissed him sweetly—he could still taste himself on her lips—then snuggled into his side for the rest of the film. It seemed idiotic to watch it now, but Killian had to admit he needed the recovery time. She'd done a number on him, as only his precious Swan could.
And he wanted to be ready for whatever she had planned when they got home.
"I missed this," Emma said as they walked hand in hand from the theater. Killian never had figured out what was going on in that bloody movie, but since he spent most of the rest of it casually kissing Emma, he found that he didn't particularly care.
"Missed what exactly?"
"Us. Going out, having fun. Remember the arcade?"
Killian grinned. "How could I forget? You nearly beat me at that bloody racing game."
"Then you bought me ice cream."
"Which you shared." They reached the Jeep and Killian casually pressed Emma against the door, leaning close, but not quite enough to kiss. Her lips were still swollen pleasantly, green eyes bright in the lamp light.
"And then you kissed me."
He cradled her cheek in his hand. "I think I loved you from that very first kiss," he murmured. "I couldn't get you out of my head."
"Now we don't have to."
"No. We don't." He closed the gap, lips on hers, her fingers tightening in his shirt. She sighed into the kiss, teeth scraping his bottom lip, making him shiver. He could spend his entire life kissing her and it wouldn't be enough.
"Let's go home," she whispered.
Killian nodded, tearing himself away from her. He opened the door and helped her up, then went to get in himself. His apartment was just far enough away from the theater to be annoying; he wanted them home, right now, so they could enjoy each other away from prying eyes.
Emma pounced on him the moment he closed the door to his apartment. She dragged his mouth down to hers, kissing him fiercely. He growled into her kiss, hands going automatically to her hips, fisting the material of her tiny dress.
"Swan...what...?"
Emma put a finger to his lips. "No talking. Only I get to talk. And you will do exactly as I say. Can you handle that?"
He couldn't help it; he sucked in a breath, heart beginning to race. She loved hearing him talk, telling her all the filthy things he wanted to do her. And how she was asking him not to? And to be completely at her mercy?
His cock twitched just thinking about it.
Killian swallowed and nodded. Emma grinned up at him and he kissed the finger still pressed to his lips, determined to get in one last act of defiance in before she started ordering him about. Emma hummed low in her throat pressing her finger harder against his lips until he opened for her, sucking on her finger. She worked the buttons of his shirt free with her other hand, yanking the material from the waistband of his pants. She only got it half off before her lips were on his skin, the hairs of his chest ticking her nose as she kissed and licked at him.
"You're so warm," she mumbled, sliding both hands over his chest and abs, tickling his ribs. "I love how warm you are, the way you shiver when I touch you."
Killian made a strangled noise in the back of his throat, remembering that he wasn't allowed to talk. Her tongue circled his nipples as she got his shirt the rest of the way off. She knew all those hidden places that made him ache for her; she was the only one who knew his body like this. His pants were constricting, but he didn't move; he didn't want her to stop.
"Get on your knees."
Killian raised a brow at her, but did as she asked, sitting back on his haunches, leaving his mouth level with the tops of her thighs. Did she want him to...? His silent question was answered when she hooked one lean leg over his shoulder, her dress riding up her thighs.
"Do you know what I want?" she asked huskily, peering down at him.
He took a chance, his rough hands gliding up her legs, pushing the dress higher. Emma moaned, her hips rolling; he caught a glimpse of her wet pink slit, practically begging for his touch. He kissed the inside of one thigh and nodded, hands settling under her ass to steady her.
"Go on then."
He started slow, tongue darting out to lick her. He loved the way she tasted, tangy and sweet; he lapped at her like a starving man. Emma moaned loudly, her hips rocking. He sucked on her clit, taking the swollen nub between his teeth and running his tongue over it. Emma yelped, her hands diving into his hair, forcing him harder against her, wantonly riding his face.
"Again," she whimpered. "Fuck, again."
He repeated his actions, sucking harder, sliding one hand up between her spread legs. He teased her entrance with his finger, still working her clit, listening to her moan above him. He slid two fingers inside her, pumping frantically. She came with a sharp cry, pulling on his hair, body quivering. He held her steady, licking her clean as she came down from her high.
Killian didn't move as she lifted her leg off him and sank down in front of him, kissing him hard. "I love when you do that," she said. "Do you enjoy it?"
He nodded again, stealing another kiss. More to fight his urge to talk than anything else. He loved anything that brought her pleasure. Emma lifted his hands to her shoulders. "Strip me," she commanded softly. "I want your hands on me, Killian."
Killian growled again, all too eager to comply. He reached around, finding the zipper and dragging it down. He deftly parted the fabric that covered her from his sight, sliding the straps off her shoulders and down her arms. She wore nothing underneath; indeed, the dress was far too tight to allow for anything. His cock twitched again, realizing that she had been like this all through their date, naked except for the tight black cloth.
She was trying to kill him.
She allowed him to slide the dress down her legs, leaving her nude before him, save those insane heels she was wearing. She left them on, taunting him. His hands were back on her skin in moments, moving over her ribs, her taut stomach. He touched her in all those places that made her writhe, more of her arousal coating her thighs. Her nipples were puckered and hard, and he fondled and pinched and twisted, needing to hear her mewls and whimpers, to know exactly how good he made her feel.
"Fuck, it feels so good," Emma moaned, her back arching. "It's never...been like this."
He certainly hoped not. The idea of someone else touching her already dredged up some feelings he didn't want to examine too closely. She was his.
"I need...oh god, I need you in me," she panted, already reaching for his pants. "Now."
They were still in the middle of his living room floor, but he wasn't about to argue with her. They got his pants and shoes off in a frantic tangle of limbs, then she pushed him down on his back. She straddled his hips facing away from him; their moans of pleasure echoed in the room as she sank down on him, taking him deep inside her. She was slick and hot and so fucking tight like this; he nearly came on the spot. But he gritted his teeth and held on, watching her curls bounce as she rode him.
"Oh fuck," Emma breathed, bracing her hands on his legs for leverage. "So big like this. Fuck, it feels so good. I love the way you fill me."
God, she never talked like this during sex, like him, and it was such a turn on. He leveraged his hips up—or tried to—but she shoved him back down. "Soon," she assured him. "You can fuck me soon."
She moved slower than he wanted, on purpose no doubt, rising and falling in an elegant arc that nearly drove him mad from want. He needed to drive into her, imprint himself on her, ruin her for anyone else. He jerked hard when he felt her fingers brush along his cock as she moved, Emma moaning as she touched herself.
"I think about you all the time," she whispered, moving just a little faster. "Holding me...touching me...fucking me. Ah." She trailed off with a deep moan, her body tightening. He could tell she was close. He skimmed his hands over her ass and lower back, his own moan of pleasure clawing its way out. Emma braced one hand on the floor as she came again, walls squeezing him, his name falling from her lips.
He was so close himself, but he managed to hold on, barely. He sat up, lifting her off and taking her to the nearest surface he could find; his desk as it turned out. Emma nodded in approval as he bent her over it, hitching one of her legs up, spreading her wide for him. He sank back into her with a groan, taking her with deep sure strokes.
"You like that?" he rumbled into her ear, past caring about her rules. "My cock deep in that greedy cunt?"
Emma moaned again, nodding. "Yes, so fucking good."
He turned her head just enough to kiss her sloppily, one hand slipping between them. He gathered moisture from her sopping flesh, bringing his thumb to her ass. He circled her puckered opening, pushing gently until he slid in to the first knuckle. Emma hissed and mewled, bucking back against him.
"Yes!" she cried.
"My dirty princess," he muttered, his orgasm painfully close now. "Come."
She did and so did he, bodies jerking and spasming, Killian spilling himself deep inside her. He peppered her sweat slicked skin with kisses, lowering her leg as he slipped out of her. She lay sprawled across his desk panting for air, a lazy smile barely curving her lips.
"Emma?"
"Hey."
"Think you can make it to the bathroom, love?" he asked, idly stroking her back.
"Help me?"
"Sure." She'd been put through the ringer—at her own request—the least he could do was look after her. Gently, Killian lifted her into her arms and carried her to the bathroom. There, he got them both cleaned up, Emma sitting on the edge of the vanity. "Better now?"
"Yeah. Thanks."
Killian lifted her chin, thumbing the dent. "You never cease to surprise me, Swan."
"Oh yeah? Well, you tell me once that you didn't mind me being aggressive."
"Mind? That was bloody spectacular."
"Hmm, I had fun with it too."
Killian leaned in and kissed her chastely. "So did we convince you not to go to work tomorrow?"
Emma cocked her head. "I suppose Elsa could cover for me again. Like when you were sick? But Sunday we have to take you shopping for your costume."
"As you wish." He didn't care as long as he got the entire day with her.
She grinned. "I love you too."
"Come on, Killian, we're gonna be late," Emma yelled. He was muttering something about coffee when Emma had seen him last. She pulled on her shoes and grabbed her bag; Elsa was supposed to pick them up any minute. Her rented car had more room than Killian's Jeep, which was important since there would be four of them headed down to Honolulu for the day.
Apparently, Will was going to be Elsa's plus one to the ball. Emma wasn't sure how she felt about that yet.
When Killian emerged from the kitchen, his hair was still sticking up all over the place. Emma recrossed the room to where he was putting on his socks and shoes, and started smoothing it down. "I thought you liked my hair mussed?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Yeah, but this isn't mussed. This is 'I spent the last twenty four hours having really good marathon sex.' hair."
"And who's fault is that?"
She scowled. "Shut up." She really liked his hair, okay? And his scruff and the way his muscles played under his skin when she touched him, and...good grief, she really needed to put a lid on it. They had important things to do today and they had spent nearly the entire day before in bed. Surely, she'd gotten him out of her system by now.
Emma ignored the voice that told her she'd never get him out of her system. And that she didn't want to.
Killian gently cradled her wrist and brought it to his lips. "You're cute when you're pretending to be annoyed with me, sweetheart."
"Who says I'm pretending?"
"I say. I can see it in your eyes." He stood; she could feel the warmth radiating off him. Warmth and solidness that she was so desperately attracted to. "But I can keep a secret." He winked and kissed her before moving around her to the door. "Coming?"
Damn, she was never going to get used to this, was she? Being drawn to him like a magnet, the sweet, sweet ache in her chest whenever he looked at her.
It was a good thing she'd fallen in love with him, huh?
Emma rolled her eyes and followed, locking the door behind her. Elsa was already waiting for them; Will in the front seat beside her. Emma and Killian piled in the back, where they were greeted to the smell of bagels.
"You are a life saver," Emma told her, snatching the bag. Her stomach was starting to growl and they had a long drive ahead of them.
"Aye, thanks, Elsa," Killian agreed, digging in the bag too.
"I thought we could all use a little pick-me-up," she said, smiling in the rearview mirror. "Everyone ready?" They all nodded. Emma didn't miss the way Killian's eyes darted around the car, checking everyone's seat belts. She caught his hand in a gentle squeeze, offering him a comforting smile. He nodded and squeezed back; it wasn't until they were on the open highway that he relaxed enough to eat his bagel.
The drive was uneventful, minus Will and Killian getting into an argument about which road to take into the city. Emma caught Elsa's eye in the mirror and smiled; Elsa mostly ignored them, following her car's GPS. The best clothier on the island was in Honolulu; Emma hoped they could find something for them. It was way too late to order something from the mainland.
Elsa parked in one of the parking garages and they all got out. Emma stretched her arms over her head, working out the kinks from sitting so long. Killian raised a brow at her as her shirt rode up, but she stuck her tongue out at him. Teasing him was far too much fun.
"So I thought we'd try Gaston's first," Elsa was saying. "They mostly do suits, but when I called, and explained what we were looking for, they agreed to try. What do you think, Emma?"
"It's as good a place as any. They can take the boys' measurements, then we could all get some lunch or something."
"It's like we're not even here, mate," Will said to Killian in a stage whisper.
"Will, I think this the perfect time to defer to the ladies. Just grin and bear it, Scarlet."
Emma smothered a grin and squeezed Killian's hand. She appreciated that he was willing to slide a little out of his comfort zone to help make this a success. Hopefully, this would be relatively painless. And maybe kind of fun.
Gaston's was around the corner from the parking garage; it looked like an old fashioned haberdashery built in rich woods, plopped right down in the middle of a modern city block. The tiny bell jangled as they stepped inside and the shirt round man behind the counter jumped.
"Oh! Good morning, Mr. and Mrs..."
Emma held out her hand. "Emma Nolan. This is my boyfriend, Killian Jones."
"Excellent to meet you, Miss Nolan." The shake was weak, perfunctory, before the man turned his attention to Elsa.
"Elsa Arendelle," she said, shaking his hand too. "This is Will Scarlet."
"Yes, we spoke on the phone, Miss Arendelle. What can we do for you ladies today?"
"We were hoping you had something suitable for a masked ball?" Emma said, glancing around the shop. There were dozens of suits, but there were a few with longer coats, tuxes. They might get lucky.
"You are not the first to inquire about such a thing," the man—Lafue—assured them. "We've had several inquiries along those lines in the last month or so. Some charity event on the North Shore, I believe?"
Emma nodded. "Yeah, that would be me."
Lafue's eyes about bugged out of his head. Clearly, he hadn't been expecting that. "Oh dear! Yes! I thought your name sounded familiar. One moment." He dashed back through a door, leaving all four of them a bit nonplussed.
"That happen to you often, love?" Killian asked, chuckling.
"That was nothing," Elsa assured him. "Emma's had waiters trip all over themselves."
Emma rolled her eyes. Sure, her name got her into exclusive clubs and great tables at restaurants, but that got really tedious after a while. But in this case, she would deal with it. The boys needed costumes and that was that.
A few minutes later, a much larger—and well built—man came out, looking impeccable in a tailored suit. "I am Monsieur Gaston," the man said with a heavy French accent. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Nolan." Emma shook his hand, but he was already sizing up Killian and Will. "I believe I have just the thing, if you gentlemen will follow me."
Killian, who was a good three inches shorter than Gaston, looked a bit skeptical, but Emma gave him an encouraging nod. Elsa did too and the boys followed Gaston back to the fitting room areas. Clearly, Emma's connection to the event had gotten the owner himself to look after them personally. Score one for the Nolan name.
"How do you think they'll do?" Elsa asked, looking nervously toward where the boys had disappeared.
"Killian might be okay," Emma replied, heading over to a rack filled with ties. "Will on the other hand...I'm expecting him to be screaming bloody murder any minute."
"He's not that bad, Emma," Elsa chided.
Emma bit her lip. Was this the right time to talk about this? "So, uh..."
"Go ahead. I know you want to."
"Are you and Will, you know, a thing?"
Elsa went a bit pink. "I think so. Maybe." Emma looked skeptical. "We've been taking things very slow," Elsa said defensively. "I wasn't even a hundred percent sure he liked me until I fell on that lava trail."
"How romantic," Emma said sarcastically.
"He can be really sweet. You just have to get to know him." Elsa picked up a green silk tie, holding it up to the light, then discarded it. "He hasn't had the best relationship luck either."
"Yeah, Killian told me." Still, it was hard to get past how nasty Will had been to her in the beginning. "How do you feel about it?"
Elsa stopped pretending to look at ties. "He makes me laugh," she said honestly. "And he can be infuriating, true, but he...gets me, you know?"
Emma glanced back toward where Killian was. "Yeah, yeah, I get that." Will and Elsa did both kinda retreat from the world after their previous relationships ended. "If you're happy, Elsa, then I'm happy for you."
Elsa smiled. "Thanks, Emma. I mean, it's not like you and Killian..."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Elsa just gave Emma a look. "You guys just have...something. You're never far from each other, you're always touching. It's cute," she assured her, when Emma's cheeks got hot. "But it's also...kinda intense, if you know what I mean?"
Emma thought about the way her muscles still burned pleasantly after their love making the previous day. She liked being able to feel him when he wasn't there. If that made them...intense or whatever, well, who was she to argue?
"It's...hard to explain," Emma said finally. "It's almost like...and god, this is so incredibly cheesy...but it's like...we're two halves of a whole? If that makes sense. Life is just better when we're together."
"You really are head over heels for him, aren't you?"
Emma shrugged. "Definitely not what I expected when I came here, but yeah."
"I'm glad that you're happy, Emma. Really. And Killian's great."
"What do you think will happen with you and Will?"
Elsa chewed on her lip. "I don't know. We haven't talked about anything like that yet. Anna's already going to flip."
"Do you think she won't like him?"
Elsa shook her head. "Nothing like that. But she was starting to think I was never going to date again." She laughed. "Guess I showed her, huh?"
"When are she and Kristoff coming?"
"Soon. And yes, they are bringing our gowns, I double checked with her this morning. She's stopping by your parents' place tomorrow."
"Oh good." Emma had a bright red ball gown that was perfect, but it was in her closet in New York. Her mother was supposed to bring it, but since her parents got delayed, Anna volunteered. "Do you think we're taking the fairy tale thing a little too far?"
Elsa's ice blue eyes went huge, looking over Emma's shoulder. "Why don't you see for yourself?"
Emma frowned but turned around. Her jaw dropped. "Killian?"
"Aye, love. What do you think?" He was dressed...well, like a prince. Black pants, fitted black boots. White shirt, open at the neck, covered by a black patterned waistcoat. The outfit was completed by a long brown coat with a high black collar. The sleeves were a bit long, and the waistcoat needed to come in a little, but otherwise he was perfect.
"Um, wow."
"I feel ridiculous."
"Would you rather be a pirate?"
"Hmm, all leather? I think it would suit me, no?"
Emma walked over to him, lightly touching the fabric. "I really like it, Killian. Like really."
He stood up a bit straighter. "Do I look like the dashing prince then?"
She nodded. "Very dashing, Mr. Jones."
"Well, if you approve, then I think I could be persuaded."
Emma pecked his lips. "How's Will doing?" she whispered.
Killian chuckled. "Poor bloke's gotten stuck about fifteen times."
"Do you think he'll make it?"
"If it puts a smile on Elsa's face, he will."
"I hate it when you're right."
"No, you don't."
Emma gave him a little shove. "Make sure he shortens the sleeves and takes in the waistcoat, but tell him we'll take it. As soon as Will's done, we'll get lunch."
"I do love it when your pushy."
Emma's cheeks burned, remembering their date, how she'd been pushy when they got home. "Go."
Killian left, still grinning like a fool. Another half hour later, the boys were done, orders placed. Their costumes would be delivered by Wednesday, just in time. Emma let herself relax; it finally felt like everything was coming together.