Time breezed by and soon she was turning off her work computer for the last time for the next week and a half. Emma looked up to see Killian leaning against the doorframe to her office; she said she would meet him at her place, but he had insisted putting her luggage into his car that morning and that he would pick her up that night. He knew if he didn't, she was more than likely going to linger.

But truth be told, as the time got closer, she couldn't wait. She wanted to take this trip with him. She wanted to see him race. And, damn would some warm sun feel really good.

She had tried to pack all that she was going to take in her carry-on, still used to the commercial airlines. But he had gently reminded her that those rules did not apply in this case. So now she had slightly over packed. Okay, more than slightly: she had two bags of luggage and a bag for on the plane. But she had no idea what to expect, what the weather might turn into, or any idea as to what Killian had planned.

The weather was supposed to be sunny and mid to high seventies for most of the time there, with a few days in the sixties and some sprinkles. Those days weren't supposed to be race days, and Killian kept hoping it would stay that way. He explained that the rain could potentially end the race too early or delay it to another day.

Once her computer was shutdown and her desk straightened, she grabbed her purse and headed straight to him. He stood up and pulled her to him, giving her a light kiss. "Ready, love?"

"Sure am."

He gave her a huge smile that lite up his face, as they both turned and headed out of the building and to his car.

The drive didn't take long, as they were leaving from one of the smaller regional airports and not one of the large international ones. The process was very different. While there was still security, and bag screenings, everything was very quick, and the people were extremely nice. But then again, when they only needed to clear three people—the two of them and the the pilot—for a personal jet, maybe that was to be expected.

The pilot was tall, with black spiky hair and dark brown eyes. His name tag said 'S. Jetstream,' and Emma had to try to keep the laugh in at the appropriate name. His greeting to Killian showed their friendly familiarity, and and then he turned to her. Shaking her hand, he said "Emma, nice to meet you. You can call me Dusty."

"Hi, Dusty. Nice to meet you."

He smiled at both of them and the turned back to Killian. "Bags are all loaded. I don't expect any bad turbulence based on weather patterns. We should land in just under an hour and half, give or take, based on how many other planes are landing at the time."

Killian clapped him on the back as he set for the cockpit and they took their seats in two seats facing each other with a small table between. They fastened their seatbelts, and he leaned over the table, she did the same, and he took her hand. "I'm so glad you were able to join me, my love." She smiled in returned and he kissed her hand. They both sat back as the plane began to move, and soon they were off.
==∞∞∞∞∞===

The plane ride went smoothly, the turbulence a little more pronounced in the smaller plane, but all in all not bad. Especially once they moved to the couch; whenever she would start to worry, he would hold her and kiss her, thoroughly distracting her. She had also found out that the couch actually unfolded into a bed. He told her it came in handy when flying home across country after long races.

His eyes darkened with lust when she asked if it was only used for sleep. She had a feeling they would be testing that bed out if she was ever able to accompany him to those races. She was hoping she would be able to; at least a few of them. She wasn't looking forward to the times where he was free and she was working or when her weekend came, he was across the country. She tried to push the thoughts away and focus on the here and now.

Since the airport was right next to the track, a car was waiting to take them the small distance. He had already told her they would be staying in the motor home, which he already had stocked with food, but he was hoping he could convince her to go out to dinner. It was barely seven thirty.

He smiled as he watched her take in everything. They were ushered through the gate and security and then driven to the RV parking ground in front of Lake Lloyd. This was the location all the drivers parked their homes away from home. The driver stopped in front of his; it was mainly black on the outside with a few dark stripes of maroon. The driver opened his door first and then went around for hers.

Killian got to her side, as the driver went for their bags. "Ready, love?" She nodded and went to the door. The driver had locked it for him after it was parked, and he fished the key out of his pocket. He headed up the steps first and then offered her his hand as she climbed.

Once inside, Emma's eyes widened and mouth dropped open. This was definitely not what she thought a motor home would look like. First, it was definitely bigger than her apartment. Two, the finishes were much nicer. Was that granite on the kitchen counter?

Killian just smiled and grabbed her hand, leading her away from the door so the driver could bring in the bags. They moved into the kitchen and living room area, and he then went back to the driver. "You can just set the bags there. We'll move them later."

Once the man was done, Killian tipped him and the driver gave his thanks and left. He then turned back to Emma who was just looking around in shock. "I'm guessing it is not what you were thinking it would be."

She shook her head no, "One summer my parents took David and I camping, and they rented a small RV." She turned around looking, her hands trailing over the custom woodwork. "It was nothing like this."

He walked over and looped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "Well, it's basically my home for most weekends of the year." She nodded and looked up at him and smiled and he leaned down to kiss her. "How tired are you? Want to stay in and have something easy to make, or willing to go out?"

"The driver already left." Then her eyes got big, "You aren't planning on driving this there are you?"

He couldn't help the chuckle. "Oh, God, no. I rented a car. It should be right around here somewhere."

"You rented a car?"

"Usually I just stay at the track and have the food in the fridge. But we are here a lot longer this time, and you are here."

She bit her lip. "If you don't mind...I'm really hungry. And the trip wasn't bad, so I'm not tired."

"Perfect, I know the perfect place. It's a little hole in the wall, but it serves up some really good food." He gave her another kiss and then left her to freshen up while he went to go find the car.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

He had been right—the restaurant was not big, and looked like nothing great, but the food was amazing. It was definitely a local favorite and frequented by the drivers. They returned back 'home' and had quickly tested out the king bed in the master bedroom. It was tucked into the back, and there wasn't much foot room around it, but it was comfortable, and definitely suited what they needed it for, a couple times.

The alarm went off much earlier than she would have preferred on vacation, but she realized he wasn't and she wanted to see everything. They quickly got dressed and ate breakfast, and then headed hand in hand over to the garage, where his team was putting any finishing touches on the car.

He had half pulled on his firesuit, and the top half hung from him, leaving him in a white T-shirt. She bit her lip and slid on her own pair of sunglasses, trying to hide her stare. God, he looked good like that.

Since it was still early, and the temperature still a little cool, she had opted for jeans, a T-shirt, and a light jacket. Her hair was in a ponytail; she realized with all the cars, the headset, and the wind, she would need it.

Robin met them as they walked into the garage. "Nice to see you again, Emma."

"You, too. Glad to be here." She looked around the garage, her ears wincing a little at the sound of hammering and air wrenches going off.

Killian leaned into her. "You'll get used to it."

She turned back to him smiling, and walked with him over to his car. This time, the car had all the logos on it from all his sponsors. She had learned it was a 'paint scheme' and tried not to snicker at the Magnum Condom logo. Damn it, Mary Margaret!

He caught her eye, and he wiggled his eyebrows at her. He knew what she was thinking, and loved that the blush deepened over her face down her neck. He tried to hold himself back, knowing exactly how far it went. He pulled her back to his front and leaned into her ear. "If you keep having those thoughts, I'm going to have to drag you back to the RV."

She turned around in his arms, "Who says you have to drag me there?"

He gave a growl before he leaned in and kissed her.

"What do we have here?"

The voice carried to the two and Killian sighed into the kiss. He broke away and gave Emma a smile and then, turned to the man walking towards them.

Emma could tell the man was a driver—he had on a firesuit—and his hair was bleached blonde, almost white. The woman on his arm was gorgeous, a tall leggy brunette in much too high of heels to be comfortable, but her face had a genuine smile.

"Victor," Killian gritted out as nicely as he could.

The newcomers got right in front of them and the man laughed. "Come on, now. Don't be like that. I beat you fair and square last season."

Killian sighed. He was right. Victor may be an ass, but he did race fair and he was a good guy at heart. And in fact, he was kinda glad he lost the championship last year. If he hadn't...he may never had met Emma. He turned to her, "Emma, this is Victor Whale, driver of the 36, and his girlfriend Ruby Lucas." He turned to them, "Victor, Ruby...this is Emma Swan…" he turned back to her and with a smile, "my girlfriend."

Emma smiled and reached out to shake both of their hands. "Pleasure to meet you both.'

Ruby grinned and moved closer to Emma, "If all this car stuff gets too much, just let me know. I know where there is a mall or nail salon near every one of these tracks." She gave her a wink and Emma laughed.

"I will remember that. But, I kinda want to know…" she waved at the garage, "how it all works and what happens."

"You've never seen a race?" Victor asked shocked.

Emma bit her lip, looked down and shook her head no.

"Well, you certainly don't have to worry about her being a groupie."

"Victor!" Ruby screamed at him.

"Bloody hell, that is completely…"

Victor held up his hand. "I'm sorry." He turned to Emma. "Forgive me, sometimes my mouth moves before I think it through."

She smiled at him. "It's okay."

"Hey, Killian, mate we need you over here for a minute." Robin yelled from deeper in the garage near the car.

Killian turned towards her. "I'll be right over there if you need me." He looked back at the others, but mainly at Ruby, giving her a slightly pleading look. She nodded, and he sighed in relief. He knew Ruby and Emma would probably hit it off.

"Go...us girls can talk." She waved him and also Victor away. As the men left to get to work with their crew, Ruby turned to Emma. "I know quite a bit; I've been coming to races with a pack of friends since I was a kid. Also know my way around a car, and no I don't mean just the back seat." She gave a wink and Emma laughed. "How about this, you ask me any questions you have, and I'll answer. Don't be afraid to ask; I won't laugh. Trust me. You are new." She pointed her finger to a couple other women wandering around. "Others have been here for years with their husbands, and don't know a damn thing and don't care. The fact that you do care says a lot."

Emma smiled at Ruby and looked over her shoulder at Killian, who was busy listening to Robin with his head poked under the hood. She felt like Ruby was going to be very helpful, not to mention it would be nice to know another woman around. She could share tips on what to wear...okay, maybe that was a bad idea now remembering Ruby's choice in footwear. "Okay, can you tell me why the cars are in the garage like this? We aren't in number or name order."

Ruby wrapped her arm around Emma's shoulder. "Garage location is based on point standings as of the last race. Since it's the start of the season, they are using the standings as of the end of last year. That is why Victor is in stall one, and Killian is in stall two." She leaned in closer. "Just so you know, Victor barely beat him. I mean barely. It was almost like...well, a twist of fate." She winked at her again, and Emma smiled and her heart beat a little faster at the knowledge. They continued to walk around the garage, and Emma asked questions that Ruby eagerly answered.

Emma and Ruby had followed the crew chiefs to watch their respective drivers do their practice laps. Emma had kissed Killian before he got in the car and now stood on a platform with another headset on to protect her ears. Ruby gave her an encouraging smile as they watched the cars move from pit lane, gain speed, and head out onto the track.

This was slightly familiar to her at least, having had watched him in practice that one time. However, that time was without other cars on the track going what she considered wayyyyy to fast. She kept reminding herself of all the safety equipment that the car had, as well as the track, that Ruby tried to reassure her with. She had told her that the drivers can flip those cars and run into the wall, and get up and walk away. Though the information helped, she was sure she never wanted to see that happen, at least not to his car.

She had been sure she wasn't going to find it interesting, cars just going around in a circle. But as she watched and saw them move around each other and the track, and how close they got to one another, it seemed like some crazy, synchronized dance, just that none of them had practiced that sequence prior. She listened to Killian's jovial spotter tell him when he was clear to pass. She heard Robin and him talk about how the car was handling and what improvements were needed. It was much more complicated than it looked.

She was watching the 71 zoom around the track, passing the other drivers; some allowed him to, because it was practice, and others made it more difficult because they were having fun, like Victor. After a few more laps, Robin called him in so the crew could make the adjustments requested. They would take awhile, so he was done for the day.

Since Victor was staying out longer, the girls gave each other a hug, and Emma mouthed she would see her tomorrow. She then followed Robin back to the garage; the area was a little more muffled from the roar of the cars, so she was finally able to take off the headset.

Killian parked the car, took off his helmet and set it on the dash, then slid out of the window. Emma was immediately pulled to him in a deep kiss. His adrenaline was still pumping, and seeing her made him want to do much more than kiss her. But his brain cleared a little, remembering they were not alone. He pulled away, and cupped the side of her face. "I don't know about you but I'm really thirsty and starving. How about I wrap this up with the crew, and we head out of here for lunch and then head to the beach?"

She gave him a big smile and nodded yes. He reluctantly let her go and headed back over to the crew. A few minutes later, he was back and then went to the RV to grab their things, change, and then head out of the track and over to the beach. They found a small bar and grill right next to the sand, and dived into their lunch. She was shocked to find out just how many calories were burned racing, not to mention how hot it got in the car. It was no wonder he devoured the burger in record time and was on almost to the bottom of his second glass of lemonade.

He slurped up the rest of his drink, the waitress sat down another and left the table with his empty glass, and then he sat back and looked at Emma across the table. She was barely into her food, and he was all done, and she was just smiling at him. "Feel better?" she asked while munching on a French fry.

He arched his back and patted his stomach, "Much. So, did you enjoy your time with Ruby? Or watching practice?" He was worried she didn't like it, was worried that she wouldn't want to come back. But he tried not to show it.

She finished another fry and the reached for her drink. "Ruby is really nice. How she walks around that place in those heels, I have no idea." They both laughed and she muched on another fry. "Practice was interesting. It was almost beautiful and graceful in a way."

That was not what he expected. "How so, love?"

She swallowed a bite of her burger, and quickly took a drink. "Well, it's almost like a dance. The cars moving around one another, or side by side. One getting in front just to be passed on a turn." He watched her close her eyes almost envisioning it and it made him smile, and his body relax. "It's all very complicated but works so well, blends seamlessly."

He laughed, "That is true, until someone tries to cut in where they shouldn't and then a crash happens."

"So, I guess more like a high school dance, then."

They both laughed at that and she started to ask a few more questions about some of the terms he had told Robin that needed fixing. It allowed her to finish eating while he answered in detail all of her questions.

He loved that she was so inquisitive about what he did. It made him feel that she cared, that she took seriously something he did and loved. His heart swelled more and more at each question, showing just how much she had paid attention. His hand reached for her free one, needing to touch her, and interlaced their fingers together as they continued talking.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

The sun was out and it was up to a nice 85 degrees—a bit warm for mid-February, even in Florida, but fate was on their side. They walked out onto the mostly deserted beach and he laid out a blanket. She sat her beach bag on top, along with their towels, and kicked off her sandals.

"Swim or sun first, love?"

"Not sure that water is warm enough yet; I may dip a toe in later. Right now, I just want the sun on my skin for awhile."

He gave her a smirk. "Then you should get out of those clothes, darling."

She gave him a sultry look and stood up to peel off her sundress, leaving her in a very tiny red bikini. She watched his eyes move from a light sea blue to dark sapphire, and was very pleased she had picked this suit. It had done the job quite well. She knelt onto the blanket, got out the sunblock from her bag, and looked over at him. "What about you?"

He shook his head, trying to take his eyes off her. She looked sexy as hell in that suit. Bloody hell man, get a hold of yourself. For crying out loud, you have seen her naked. Maybe that was the problem—his brain was already playing the images of untying those strings and tackling her to the blanket...he shook his head again, only to see her with a knowing smiling on her face. Minx.

Killian took off his sandals and pulled off his T-shirt, and he was already wearing his swim trunks as shorts. He turned back to her and was pleased to see the same look on her face as he had when she changed. "Emma…" He watched her eyes move over his chest and then finally reached his eyes. He raised his eyebrow at her. "Want some help with that?" he asked, motioning to the lotion.

"Yes, please." She handed him the lotion, turned her back to him, and pulled her hair over her shoulder.

He took the bottle and squeezed some into his hand while he looked around. There were some people here and there on the beach, but no one that close to them. He dropped the bottle to the blanket and warmed the lotion between his hands.

He started at the middle of her back, using a massaging motion as he went. Her head lolled on her shoulders and she gave a soft moan. He leaned in to kiss the back of her neck and then nuzzled behind her ear as his hands moved lower down to the small of her back. "Does that feel good?"

"Mmmhmm," came the soft reply from her parted lips, eyes closed as she leaned into him.

His hand spread out towards her hips, and then worked up her sides as she swayed back into him. His lips left a kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. His hands came up and his fingertips grazed the sides of her breasts. He heard her suck in a breath and smiled into her shoulder, placing another kiss there.

He moved his hands under the tied string at her back, and then up to her shoulders, kneading the muscles, eliciting a pleased groan from her. He kept massaging her shoulders, trying to keep his hands there and not move them down her front to palm her breasts. His swim trunks were becoming quite uncomfortable and he was even more thankful the beach was so quiet.

He leaned his head over her shoulder and kissed her cheek, "You'll have to do your front love. Anymore and I'll be arrested for public indecency." He pulled her back against him, her bottom pressed against his straining pants to make his point.

Emma smiled out at the waves, and wiggled her ass against him for good measure. Her smile getting bigger at the groan that followed. "How about you lay down, and I'll get your back."

He closed his eyes, and took a breath. Laying down in his current predicament wasn't really going to be helpful. She turned around in his arms, her eyes traveling down. The licking of her lips did not help the situation. Her eyes traveled up to his, "Do I need to dig a hole in the sand?"

He gave her an evil look. "Hilarious Swan." He smiled after taking a look at her. "But I'm not the only one affected." He gave a pointed look to her clearly hardened nipples under her top.

She bit her lip and straightened her shoulders. "Turn over."

The command in her voice did not help the situation, his body excited by it, but he did as he was told. He let out a groan as he laid down, the pressure driving him crazy. He heard her open the bottle and he had assumed she was going to stay seated next to him. Oh, how wrong he was. Soon he found her straddling his hips, her bottom resting on his, adding more pressure to a growing concern under him. She rocked her hips, and he couldn't help the moan that came from him. "Bloody hell, are you trying to kill me?"

She leaned over him, letting her breasts press into his back. "Your swim trunks can get a little dirty...you can just go take a dip to clean up."

A growl came from his throat as his lust-filled brain became aware of her plan for him. Then her lotion-covered hands moved over his back as she pressed down against his hips. To anyone who was looking from a distance, she was just applying sunscreen, but what she was really doing was working him into a frenzy. The relaxing movement of her fingers on his back and shoulders was a complete contrast to what she was doing with her hips; it was anything but relaxing. His body tensed his breath came in quick pants. He wasn't able to keep his hips still either.

He grunted as she rotated her hips a little more firmly while her fingers kneaded the cords in his neck. "Emma...fuck." He laid his head on his arms, his hands gripping the opposite forearm, trying to hold back. "Love...I'm not going to be…" He tensed and groaned again. "pay you back until we...fuck...get home."

She laughed into his ear. "You have built up quite the credit in your account. I think you can afford a few on your own." She rocked her hips again, and pressed her breasts more firmly into his back. "Now be good, and come for me."

That was the last straw, that sultry voice telling him to come, and he did. All his muscles tightened and jerked and then released in pleasure. He bit his lip to try to keep in the sound, but he couldn't help the gasps for air as waves of bliss cascaded over him.

She moved to straddle his legs, her touch gentling on his back, allowing him to relax and come down from the high. Slowly he picked up his head and turned to look over his shoulder. She was smiling brightly at him, and he shook his head. "There will be payback, my love."

She bit her lip. "Mmm...I surely hope so." She scooted over next to him, onto the blanket and started to apply sunscreen to the rest of her. She glanced over at him, "You may want to go take a dip."

He nodded, "You are right, I should." He stood and took a look around, glad still no one was around. "But not alone."

Before she could register what he said, he pulled her up into a fireman's hold and jogged to the water's edge.

"Oh, don't you dare!" she screamed.

"Oh...I dare." he said, and when he was in up to mid-thigh, he dropped her in the water.

She came up quickly. Damn, that was cold. "You!" She splashed a wave of water at him, catching him in the face.

He laughed and splashed her back. They kept the water fight going, until he grabbed her by the waist and dragged them both under the surface, only to come back up with her in his arms. Her hair all wet, the sunlight catching in the drops of water on her face. God, she was beautiful. His hand came to the back of her head, and he brought her closer and kissed her.

The water was much too cold to stay in, or they might have had other ideas. They broke the kiss to breathe, and then laughed and shivered. She broke away to push him into the water, and then, laughing, she ran back to the beach. He came back up and raced back after her. She squealed as he caught her around the waist and tackled her to their blanket.

He were instantly kissing again, and he pulled her close to him, rolling to his side. "If this beach was deserted…" He didn't need to go on; they both knew exactly what would happen. He rolled away and grabbed their towels, handing her one as he began to dry himself.

They smiled and then settled back on the blanket to catch some sun and warm back up.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

They headed back to the speedway a couple hours later when it was starting to cool down. They got into some warmer, clean clothes and Killian decided a grill out for dinner would be good. Besides, the other drivers and their families were out and about, and he thought it would be a good idea to get her to know everyone.

He pulled out the grill and sat it in front of the RV. Emma was behind him, bringing out folding chairs. He went back in to get the small card table and Emma followed him with their drinks and the raw chicken shish kabobs he had put together. The grill was starting to heat up as Ruby and Victor walked over.

"So what's for dinner?"

Killian shook his head at Victor. "Not for you mate."

Victor shook his head and snapped his fingers, and then pointed at Emma. "This is all your fault." Her eyes widened, Killian gave him a warning look, and Ruby lightly slapped his shoulder. "Before you came along, he was all alone and would have plenty of leftovers."

"Correction: I was making extra for my leftovers, which you wormed your way into eating."

Victor smiled and then turned to Ruby. "Well, I guess this means Restaurant a la Jones isn't serving tonight. Should we attempt to make something or head out?"

Ruby laughed. "We better head out." She turned to Emma. "Neither of us can cook worth a damn." The couple waved goodbye and headed off.

Emma turned towards Killian, who was now getting up to put the food on the grill. "We could have made more, and invited them."

"Maybe tomorrow. And don't worry about them, love. They have gotten plenty of food out of me over the years."

She smiled up at him and took a drink of her beer, and looked as other people were heading out of the trailers. She recognized some of them from the morning's practice.

"Killian! How are you doing?"

They both picked up their heads looking at the small family that came over to them, the woman had red hair, almost brunette and she was holding a small toddler holding a race car in each hand. The man had dark hair, and large grin. Killian put the lid back on the grill and smiled back, reaching out to shake the others hand, only to be pulled into a hug with a hearty pat on the back. They pulled back, "I'm doing good, Philip." He turned to the little boy, "Wow, has he grown in the last couple of months."

"And he feels twice as heavy," the woman said, "You want to hold him...please?"

Killian laughed and took the boy from his mother's arms. "And how are you, little man?" He asked as he raised him in the air and then blew a raspberry on the boy's tummy making him laugh and squirm.

Emma smiled at the two of them, her heart constricting, the image calling to her more than she wanted to admit. She got to her feet and came over to them, Killian smiled at her as he boosted the boy up again, eliciting more giggles.

"Emma, this is Phillip Haven, driver of the number 8, and his wife Aurora." He motioned to each, and she reached out and shook both of their hands. "And this," he brought the boy down to his side, "is Phillip Jr."

She smiled at the boy and took the little one's hand and racecar in hers and shook it lightly. "Nice to meet you." He just smiled and laughed in return, making her face light up at the happy noises.

The boy then dropped both of the cars and immediately started crying. Emma bent over quickly to pick them back up and tried to give them to the boy, but he refused to take them, saying "No." Over and over.

Aurora huffed, and pulled the boy back out of Killian's arms, then took the cars in her other hand from Emma. "Terrible twos. I apologize. He is in need of a nap. It was nice to see you again Killian." She looked at Emma, doing a quick look over. "And meet you." She then left to put the little one down to rest.

Philip sighed, and him and Killian grinned at one another. "So, Emma, what did a loser like this do to win you over?"

"Oi! Watch it—I finished higher in the standings than you did last year. I believe you were two places below me."

Philip laughed. "Last year. The two years prior I finished ahead of you." He then turned back to Emma. "In all seriousness, what is it that you do, Emma?"

Emma told him about her work at the shelter, and Killian chimed in about how amazing she was at it, which just made her eyes roll, but her heart feel full. They continued to talk while Killian turned the food on the grill, and they were soon interrupted by a young child squealing and two parents chasing after her.

"Killy!" The little blonde tyke with pigtails came bounding over to them.

Philip laughed, and Killian bent down on a knee to catch her. "There's my tiny princess." She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. He pulled back and looked at her, "Now, Alexandra. You know better than running away from your parents." She looked down and shook her head yes. "But I am happy to see you." She looked back up and grinned with a thumb now in her mouth, as her parents walked up behind her. A smiling woman with blonde hair, and a man with light sandy brown smiled down at their daughter.

"She just had to see you," the woman said, the southern accent thick, she then turned to Emma. "I'm Ashley Herman, and this is my husband Sean." She then pointed at the little girl, "And if you couldn't tell, this is our daughter Alexandra."

"I'm Emma Swan," she said, moving to shake Ashley's hand but instead she was pulled into a bone crushing hug.

"So good to meet you." She turned back to Killian as Emma shook Sean's hand. "It's about time to see you with a nice girl."

Killian shook his head, laughed, and stood. The child turned to Emma in fascination, and grabbed her hand pulling her down to her level. Emma smiled at the girl. "You have pretty hair," the girl said, her fingers already in it. "It's the same color as mine."

"It sure is."

Killian smiled down at the two, and then looked back to Ashley and Sean. "It's nice to see you, too." The group exchanged hellos and started to catch up. Killian darted his eyes back to Emma, and couldn't keep the smile off his face as she sat on the ground with the girl braiding her hair. The image of the little blonde cherub that looked so much like Emma had him thinking things that he knew were much too soon to think, but his heart couldn't help but hope—hope for that future that he could once again dream about, all because of her.

Soon, Emma's hair was in many different braides and the food was done. Phillip excused himself to head back to his wife. The others also left to get their own dinner. Killian and Emma took their drinks and the cooked food and headed back inside after Killian put out the fire, the night now dark and too cool to stay outside.

He turned on the TV and used the satellite to bring up a movie as they started to eat. When the food was gone, they cuddled together to finish out the movie. Once the credits rolled, Emma stood from the couch, and put her hands on her hips. Killian clicked off the TV and looked up at her. "You said there was going to be payback?"

"I did."

Emma walked towards the bedroom, dropping her clothes as she went. "I'm waiting."

He bit his lip, shook his head, and raced after her, tackling her to the bed. He did get her back...more than a couple of times.

Emma stretched in bed as she watched Killian move around. "Go back to sleep, love. You don't have to get up with me." He kissed her forehead and then continued to dress.

Part of her wanted to snuggle back to the pillow and go back to sleep, but the other part of her wanted to be with him and see more of what he did. Besides, Ruby would be there, and maybe Ashley. She was still trying to get a vibe on Aurora. With a yawn, she sat up, exclaiming, "Nope, I'm up! Anything I need to be aware of today?"

He smiled at her as he pulled on his shoes. "Well...now that you mention it. There is the drawing today for our starting positions at noon. It will be televised." Her eyes widened, and he continued, "Don't worry, Emma. One, you always look gorgeous; and two, not even sure they will show anyone but the drivers and crew chiefs." He didn't want to say he didn't know because he never had anyone accompany him to one before.

"Okay, no problem; I'll ask Ruby and Ashley." She got up and ruffled through her suitcase.

As he watched her walk around nude without a care in the world, his mind started to drift to wanting to stay indoors. He mentally shook himself and went into the kitchen to make an easy breakfast and to remove himself from temptation. "I'm glad the three of you are getting along."

Emma emerged from the tiny bathroom and slipped on a long sundress and a light jacket, and then started french braiding her hair as she walked into the main room. She learned yesterday that her hair up was very mandatory with all the wind.

"Thank you," she said as she took the offered toasted bagel and cream cheese, as she went to sit at the table. She finished her hair and then started to eat as he came over with a cup of coffee for her and sat down across from her to eat his own breakfast. She took a sip and smiled. "You are so good to me."

"I try, my love." He winked at took another bite of his breakfast.

"You succeed."

They quickly finished and as he pulled on his firesuit, she hurried to wash the cups and left them in the sink to dry. They were then out the door and went straight to the garage hand-in-hand.

His other hand came up and fingered her braid, "I like it." She hadn't worn it like that before, but it looked good. His hand fell back to his side. "I mean, I prefer you hair free, especially fanned out on my bed." He said the end softly into her ear making her blush. "But it looks really nice, and also very practical. "

As they walked into the garage, Killian was immediately pulled over into a conversation the team was having. Ashley and Ruby were in front of Victor's stall chatting and Emma headed over. The two pulled her into quick hugs which she returned. "Okay, I have a quick question."

"Shoot." Ruby told her.

"I guess their is some televised drawing or something…"

"Yes! It's really cute, they have a fan of the driver and the crew chief now draw a number and that is the starting position." Ashley answered cheerily.

"Is there a dress code?" Emma asked.

Ruby smiled, "The drivers are usually in their sponsor polo shirts and jeans. So it is casual. However…" Ruby smiled sensing what Emma was really asking. "They do show the audience, especially the significant other of the driver...if there is one." Emma swallowed, her nerves racking up an inch.

"Oh sweetheart, don't fret. You already look adorable. Maybe just throw on a little more makeup."

"I'm not wearing any…"

Ruby and Ashley leaned closer, and Emma jerked her head back. "Damn, girl, nice."

Ashley rolled her eyes at Ruby. "Maybe just some colored lipgloss and some light eyeshadow? And only if you want. You look more than okay for this."

Emma bit at her lip, not sure what Killian would want her to do.

Ruby caught her hesitation. "Oh don't worry about him. You walk on water with that man. He would think you looked beautiful in a potato sack."

Emma's mouth dropped open. "What?"

Ashley laughed. "You should have seen the look on his face with you and Alexandra yesterday. God...I've never seen him look at anyone like that."

Emma was speechless; her mouth opened and closed over and over trying to form words.

Ruby just laughed, and nudged her shoulder. "And you look at him the same way." Both the girls laughed. "Hey, there is nothing wrong with that."

"Killian is a great guy. The sport calls him a bad boy. But that is really all a front." Ashley grinned. "I was just waiting for him to find someone who could see him for who he is."

Emma was really blushing now, and needed to change the conversation. "So, Ruby...how long have you and Victor been together?"

Ashley turned to the brunette, "Yeah, it's been awhile, when is the man going to pop the question?"

Emma laughed as Ruby choked on her water, and the conversation was effectively steered away from her love life. But what they said stayed with her, and she couldn't stop the feeling of happiness with a small tinge of fear that seeped over her at the knowledge.

The practice lasted a little longer than the day prior, but at least Killian and his crew were happy with the car this time by the end of it. All the drivers pulled into the garage and then headed to quickly change and head over to the fanzone area at the speedway to get ready for the drawing.

Emma took a look at the huge stage up ahead, to say that her nerves were going crazy was an understatement. Killian took one look at her and squeezed her hand, "Emma, if you don't want to do this, you don't have to. You can head back to the RV."

She shook her head. "No, I want to." She wanted to see this. She wanted to be there for him. The smile he gave her confirmed her decision even more. When they got to the group with the other drivers, the women were escorted onto the stage. Killian gave her a quick kiss and she turned to walk up the steps with the others. They directed her to a group of chairs off to the side. Ruby was quick to pull her into a chair next to her, and Ashley took her other side. A few other women came over as well; a red head sat down next to Ashley, and the two started talking immediately. Aurora took a seat at the end. A few other people people came in; Emma was pretty sure a couple of them were either the driver's parents or a sibling.

Emma looked around. There were camera crews here and there, and the crowd out in front of the stage was huge. They were screaming and holding signs for their favorite driver. She caught many wearing shirts for Killian, as well as some of the other drivers she met. There were others though she didn't know as of yet, but was sure at some point she would.

Ashley leaned over to Emma. "Hey, I want you to meet Ariel, she is the wife of Eric Sirena. He drives the #65 car."

The redhead leaned over Ashley, reached out her hand and shook Emma's. "It's a pleasure to meet you. When we get done here, I'll introduce you to Eric. Are you here all week?"

Emma nodded. "I'm here through next Sunday."

Ariel smiled. "This is all new to you isn't it?"

"Am I that obvious?"

All three women echoed "Yes," and then giggled.

Ruby then patted her shoulder. "Don't worry about it; you'll get used to it in no time."

"Yep, a few more weekends and you'll be a pro," Ashley chimed in.

Emma bit her lip, a few more weekends? She wasn't even sure if or when she would be able to come back.

"What's wrong?" Ruby asked.

"Well, I took a lot of my vacation days to come here. Not sure when I will have a chance to come back."

Ruby and the other two women quickly exchanged a concerned look over Emma's head, but Emma saw it. They all quickly recovered. "Not a problem. All the races are on Saturday or Sunday, and many of them take place a few hours from Charlotte. So you could easily get to most of them leaving Friday after work."

Emma nodded, but none of this made her feel better. She watched as various fans were being escorted out on stage to sit at various tables. Each had a driver's shirt on. She turned to the others. "What do you all do?"

"Currently I'm the stay home mom for Alexandra, and though she is young, I've already started home schooling her." Ashley said with a smile, "But before that, I met Sean while I was in college to become a teacher; but it was love and we married young and Alexandra came soon after."

"I was the swim coach at the local high school, and gave swimming lessons in the summer." Ariel chimed in. "I still give swimming lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday when we are back home to kids in the area. And I volunteer at the senior center pool."

Emma looked to Ruby, and the brunette grinned. "I was one of the Sprint girls when Victor and I met. Now that's ended, so I do a little modeling work here and there on the side."

Emma gave each of them a grin, but her mind was spinning. They all either had careers that they could drop things and go to the races with their partners, or they had given up their careers in some capacity to do so. She loved what she did; it was one of the reasons she became what she was—helping kids get a home. She couldn't give that up.

She was pulled away from her thoughts by the announcements of the drivers and their crew chiefs being announced. She tried to shake off the thoughts; there were other things to think about. This time, she didn't see the worried look that Ruby and Ashley exchanged.

First, Victor and his crew chief were announced. The fans cheered and he went over to sit with the fan wearing his shirt. Then Killian was announced; there were tons of screams, cheers, and boos, which was a surprise to Emma. Ruby leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Remember he is seen as the bad boy. Some people love him for it, others hate him. Don't worry about it."

She cheered as loudly as Ruby did for Victor when Killian walked onto the stage. She caught Killian's eye and his smile grew large seeing her cheer and be there for him. They had to break eye contact as he and Robin turned and strode over to his fan. This fan was a cute, curly haired redhead. They both gave her a quick hug, and Emma tried to hide the laugh as the poor girl looked like she would faint. The three sat down as the rest of the drivers and crew chiefs were called on stage.

Once they were done, the announcer made a speech and discussed the setup of the Sprint Unlimited Race. They then were called up to draw for their starting positions.

Victor's fan and crew chief went up first, and they drew starting spot eleven. Victor clapped and Ruby cheered.

They then called Robin and Killian's fan, named Amanda, up to the podium. She hesitated and then closed her eyes and picked. Robin took a look and raised the number; she had chosen starting position five. Killian whooped and Emma cheered.

The rest of the spots were drawn and Eric, Ariel's husband was lucky enough to get the starting position, with a driver named Jefferson in the number two spot.

When it was all over, they exited the stage, Killian came up to her, and the group of them headed back to the their RVs and decided to head out and grab lunch together.

They walked into the restaurant and requested a seat out on the patio. Emma and Killian sat next to each other, with Ruby to her side and Victor took the head of the table with some ribbing from the others. Sean, Ashley, and Alexandra took the other side of the table, while Ariel and Eric scooted together at the other end.

The waitress was soon bringing over beers and a juice for the little girl, followed by BBQ ribs and wings, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and a few things that Emma was still trying to figure out what they were. They were all laughing and talking.

Killian looked over at her, the happiness of her laugh making him smile. He knew she would fit in well with everyone, but the fact she seemed to also liked them made it all better.

Emma took another drink, and then excused herself to the ladies room. Ashley jumped up and followed her, only to give a pointed look to Ruby on their way inside. Ruby nodded and also gave a nod to Victor. He smiled and got the others into a conversation, as Ruby slid over to Killian, "Can we talk for a second?" She then nodded to the side of the patio.

Killian wasn't sure what was going on, but he stood and followed her, "Ruby, what's wrong?" Ruby looked down, and tilted her head. He could tell she was trying to decide how to say whatever it was she was going to say. "Bloody hell, lass, just spit it out."

"I love Emma. She is great. You two are great together."

He swallowed, he could sense the but, "Just tell me…" Oh god, was she upset? Was there something wrong? Did she hate it here?"

"I don't think she will tell you. But she's worried."

"About?"

"From our discussions, she loves what she does. Where she works."

"She does. And she is amazing at it."

"I think she is fearing that because of her job, she won't be able to come with you to most of the races. And when she asked the three of us what we did, which you know, isn't exactly full-time work. I could just see...well, the wheels spinning."

He looked down and took a deep breath.

"Killian, I'm telling you this, so that you can reassure her. Or you two can flesh this out now. Figure it out. I'm not trying to worry you, I'm trying to…"

"Help. I know Ruby. Thank you."

She smiled at him. "You'll make it work."

He smiled back. "I will try my absolute hardest. I don't know what I would do without her now."

She patted him on the shoulder. "I kinda figured that out already."

He rolled his eyes and they both headed back to the table. Victor gave the two of them a nod, and they joined back in the conversation with the others. Ashley and Emma returning a few minutes later. Killian caught the look between Ruby and Ashley again, and while the conversation with Ruby worried him, the thought that the others cared enough to tell him made him feel good.

Sean, Ashley, and their little girl had left earlier, but the rest stayed to chat and ended up having dinner there as well. It was late when they got back to the speedway and stepped in the motor home.

Emma took off her shoes and sat them in the corner and collapsed back on the bed. Killian laughed and then did the same next to her. "Long day."

She nodded and curled up to his side. His arm came around her instantly, and she nuzzled her face into his chest. He glanced at the clock; it was almost eleven. She yawned and he smiled. "How about we get ready for bed."

She shook her head, and started to kiss his neck. "Not yet." She kissed his jaw, and then stifled another yawn.

He rolled toward her, and cupped the side of her face. "Emma, you can barely keep your eyes open." She struggled to open them, and he just smiled. "Love, we are both tired. We have all day tomorrow. And trust me, you need to rest up. I have plans."

"Okay," she said quietly, and sat up, her eyes droopy. She pulled off her jacket, struggled slightly, and then slipped off the sundress, leaving her in just her underwear.

"Not fair, love," he said, taking off his own clothes and getting down to his boxers.

She pulled off her bra and grabbed one of Killian's t-shirts from the drawer by the bed and slipped it on. They both scooted under the covers, and she rolled back into his embrace, her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head. "Good night, love."

"Mmm, night."

Killian smiled, and squeezed her a little tighter, her body fitting perfectly next to him, just like she did into the rest of his life.