God, she felt good, as her brain started to wake, part of her wondering why it was so warm. But then the feel of pleasure shot from her core through the rest of her, and she let out a gasp, her eyes coming open as her back arched against the bed. Her surroundings clearing, but all her senses focused on the feeling between her legs.
Or more likely the person between her legs causing the feeling. She moaned as his tongue licked her from core to clit; swirled around it, causing sparks, then slid back down, darting into her. Her hands found his head, and her fingers tangled in his hair.
He growled, "Morning, love," against her. The vibrations made her back arch again and her hips buck towards his mouth. Two fingers entered her as his tongue started to pick up the pace now that she was fully awake and flick against her bundle of nerves.
"Oh yes!" she moaned, her toes starting to curl, her body tensing and riding his fingers that were thrust in and out of her. He added a third and she keened. She felt him smirk against her, even though his tongue didn't let up, and he increased its pressure, swirling over the bundle. His fingers curled inside of her, and after a few more swipes, her eyes closed, her body stuttered, and she cried out his name as pleasure engulfed her.
He slowed his ministrations as her body started to calm, and then he climbed back up her body, moving the shirt out of the way, his mouth latching onto a nipple, his fingers lightly pinching the other.
"Morning," she gasped as he pressed his hard length against her thigh. Her body was already climbing back up the peak again. He leaned back and with a little help he pulled the shirt over her head. She realized then that her underwear were also off. She wasn't sure how he managed that while she was asleep, but she honestly didn't care at the moment. "Killian...please."
His mouth found hers, and their tongues darted out, tasting one another, just as she felt his tip nudge her entrance. His one hand moved to her hip, and angled her up and he slid in deep in one long trust. They both moaned at the feeling, and he stopped, fully seated inside her to kiss her deeply again.
Her arms and legs wrapped around him, pulling him closer, deeper somehow, and he groaned into her mouth at the sensation. His arms came up under her arms to brace himself on either side of her head as his hips started to move in long, slow thrusts. The slow drag in and out on her walls drove her crazy. Her legs tightened around him and her hips tilted, trying to speed him up.
"Gonna take this slow, love," he whispered over her neck as he trailed kisses over her skin. His hips still moved against her at a slow and steady pace. His teeth lightly raked over the flesh, and then he pressed his nose behind her ear, breathing her in.
Her fingers traveled down his back, feeling his muscles shift and move as his body pressed forward into her and then back out. She whimpered at the feeling, her body slowing moving higher and higher, tension in her coiling tighter and tighter.
He wanted to take her harder, faster. His body was begging him to do it. But he wasn't going to let himself. He might have not yet told her how he felt about her, but he was going to take this slow, he was going to make love to her. And maybe, just maybe later, he would get the courage to tell her the same. He pulled away from her neck, and his hand came to the side of her face; her eyes were closed and mouth opened in gasps and sounds of pleasure. "Look at me, love."
Jade green eyes opened to look at him, the pupils dilated with lust, and hopefully another emotion. He continued to move, the feel of her around him...god, he would stay like this forever if he could. So tight, warm, and wet; her walls lightly fluttering, signifying just how on edge she was. He could already feel how close he was as well, but he gritted his teeth and tried to hold back.
He leaned further down onto his arms, adding a slight grind to her clit from his pubic bone on his thrust in. It got the effect he desired and she moaned again, her eyes starting to close once more. "Eyes...open...love." He said through gritted teeth as he kept moving.
Her eyes quickly opened once again, her breath stuttering at the emotion she found in his deep blue ones, and the movement of his hips moving her higher and higher. She was so close. Her legs quivered around him, the pleasurable tension curling tighter and tighter, almost ready to snap. "Killian…"
He growled at the feel of her body shaking in his arms; they were both so close. Their eyes taking in each other, each emotion, and the bliss written on the other's face. He thrust in again, grinding against her clit just a little harder and then he felt her walls clench around him, heard her voice call out, saw her eyelids flutter as she struggled to keep them open while she came around him. The sight of her was his own undoing, let alone the feel of her entire body grasping him, and he thrust once more and stilled inside of her. His lips found hers as the pleasure washed through him, and he released stream after blissful stream inside of her. Their bodies shuddered, and they gripped each other tightly.
As soon as he could think again, he rolled to his side, bringing her with him, one of her legs still wrapped around his waist, as their lips found one another again. She smiled into the kiss, and then he did, too. His fingers trailed over her cheek. "Happy Pre-Valentine's Day."
She giggled. "That was a really, really good start." She kissed him again. "And just FYI, I wouldn't mind waking up like that any time you feel like it."
He laughed. "Duly noted." He kissed her again. "So, I'm going to make breakfast. You can hop in the shower if you want, and then I'll take one after. I was thinking, if you are interested, heading back to the beach with a picnic lunch. I know it might be a little cooler today than when we were there there last, but it should be nice."
"Sounds good to me." She retreated into the bathroom to get ready, while he tossed on boxers and headed into the kitchen.
He started to cook some french toast and sausage while beginning to pack the basket. He knew they needed to talk about what Ruby had told him yesterday, but part of him didn't want to bring it up today. t the same time, it would be better to get this figured out between them sooner than later. He sighed; hopefully it wouldn't ruin everything. He tucked a few extra things into the basket for later, and went back to finish breakfast.
She got out of the bathroom and started to dress for the day. She put on a pair of jeans, a tank, a light long-sleeve t-shirt, and then figured her jacket would work along with some sandals. Layers was the only way to go when you didn't know how the weather was going to behave.
Once dressed, she checked to make sure she was alone and looked through her suitcase. She pushed aside some things in her luggage, found the item she was looking for, and smiled. She tucked it into her purse for later, and then went into the kitchen where she could smell the food cooking.
She made the coffee and sat at the small table while he finished up, and then they sat down to eat. They made some small talk while they ate, but the comfortable silence was filled with smiles, knowing looks, and gentle touches. Soon, they finished and she demanded to take care of the dishes while he showered and got ready.
It wasn't long before they were out the door and headed for the beach.
===∞∞∞∞∞===
The day was a little more cloudy and not as warm as last time, but it was still warmer than back home. They sat out on the blanket this time, only worrying about sunscreen on the little bit of skin they both had showing.
He pulled out bottles of water for the both of them, and they sat next to each other staring out at the ocean. It was so peaceful he almost didn't want to speak, but he knew he needed to. "Emma…"
She turned to him with a smile that faded as she took in his serious look. She swallowed. "Yeah?"
He scratched behind his ear, not sure how to begin. "Yesterday, while we were at lunch, and you were in the ladies room...ummm...a topic came up." He turned to look at her, and could see the confusion and uncertainty clearly on her face. "You know you can tell me anything that's on your mind or troubling you, right?" He didn't want to out Ruby for telling him, but he wasn't sure how to bring up the topic randomly either.
Her head spun at what exactly he could be referring too. She had thought about a lot of things. Some were just fleeting thoughts, others were pushed off because it was much too soon to voice them. "I know I can." She took his hand, "But, I guess, sometimes I need to fully wrap my head around things first, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, love." He raised her hand to his lips and left a gentle kiss. "But, if something is troubling you, especially something that…you aren't sure where I stand, please ask."
She gave him a small smile, but could tell he was talking about something in particular. "Killian...what topic came up that has you saying this?"
He took a deep breath and just decided to say it. "That you may be concerned about how your job will work out with mine and all the traveling." He kept his eyes on hers, trying to gauge her reaction.
She swallowed, trying to figure out what to say. But one thing was certain, she was going to kill Ruby. "I've thought of it briefly, prior to coming here. Being here and meeting the others has...made me think about it more. Learning what they do...which is very different than what I do, or thought I would do. I...I don't know what you expect…"
Her grasped both of her hands in his and looked directly into her eyes. "Emma, I don't expect anything." She looked like she was going to object, "I don't. This is fully your choice, and whatever you want, we can make it work."
Her brows furrowed. "Choice?" She wasn't exactly sure what choice she had. She had to work, what else was there? She loved what she did, that she could help out other children that grew up like she did.
He bit his lip. "I know we are just in the beginning stages here. I get that, but at some point, down the road…"
Her eyes widened. "Wait, do you expect me to…"
He shook his head quickly. "As I said, I don't expect anything. I will support whatever you choose. But at some point, there will be options, options that I suppose are not feasible right now."
Her brain was swirling at the implications. "If you think I'm just going to be a kept woman, you can…"
He couldn't help the smile on his face from her fire, and his hand came up and quickly cupped the back of her head and pulled her into a kiss. She melted into it for a minute and then pulled away slapping his chest. "Emma...listen to me love. I have said many times, I don't expect that. And honestly, if you did want that I would be quite shocked." Her temper dissipated at his words. "I know what your work with those kids mean to you; I would hate to take that away from you."
"But, realistically, Killian...how is this going to work?" She scooted over and laid her head on his shoulder
He could hear the worry in her voice, and wrapped an arm around her shoulder while his other hand held hers. "It will work; we can make it work."
"It's not going to be easy."
"It will be worth it. You're worth it."
She turned to look up at him, their eyes meeting as he turned back to her and his hand moved from her shoulder to the side of her face. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears, disbelief evident. "Why?"
His thumb brushed away a tear. "Can't you tell, Emma?" His voice caught in his throat. "Can't you see how much...I love you."
Her mouth opened in surprise, shock evident on her features, as another tear escaped down her cheek. She wasn't able to speak, so she leaned in and kissed him. Letting her actions speak where her voice couldn't. Her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer.
His arms pulled her into his lap as they continued the kiss. They only broke for air for seconds, and then went back in for each other, lips moving, arms grasping tight. She pulled away slightly and rested her forehead against his. "Killian...I…"
He shook his head, and kissed her again. "Emma...don't worry...I didn't say it to pressure…" Her fingertips on his lips stopped him, and he looked at her in question.
A smile overtook her features, and her fingers trailed over the side of his face. She knew if she didn't say it she would regret it. "I love you, Killian."
He barely let her get the words out, the smile on his face bloomed full of joy, as his body tackled her back onto to the blanket, his mouth sweeping over hers again. They rolled to have her laying over him as the kiss continued, the emotions of their admission to another and the returned confirmations overwhelming for both of them.
They broke apart at the screeching of seagulls, the sound reminding them they were in public. They rolled onto their sides, his arm coming under her head to cradle it as their lips met again and again between smiles. Both of their hearts feeling lighter for finally admitting their feelings, not to mention that they were reciprocated.
After some time, Emma smiled at him. "So, you think we can really do this?"
"We will figure it out, love. There are plenty of tracks not far away from where we are living, and you will be able to get back Sunday night. You might be able to take a Friday off here and there, and we can fly out on Thursday." He kissed the top of her head. "I know you won't be able to make it to all of them, but you being at some of them means so much."
She wrapped her arms around him tighter, trying to will herself into believing that they could do it; that they could make it work. "And there are the weeknights."
"Exactly, my love. We will see each other all the time." He hugged her tight, and leaned his head against hers.
They laid in each other's arms, relishing the feeling and watching the waves roll in. A while later, and with the growling of Killian's stomach, they decided that lunch would be a good idea. So they sat up and he pulled over the basket. He took a red rose from inside and handed it to her.
Her eyes shot up. "How?" She shook her head at his wink and then smelled it. "Thank you."
He laid out a tray of various sliced cheeses and meats, along with some crackers, followed by grapes and two single-serve bottles of grape juice. "Now, that's not really juice in there, but it does contain grapes."
She unscrewed one of the caps and took a whiff; the scent of her favorite wine filled her senses. There wasn't supposed to be alcohol on the beach, but he had disguised it for them. "You are bad."
"And you love it." He said with a smirk.
"You're right...and you." She smiled as his face softened, and then she was pulled in for a quick kiss.
His fingers trailed down the side of her face as he broke away. "And I you, my love."
Her grin reached her eyes as she pulled back to set out the plates and napkins. He pulled his phone, and plugged in a small speaker into the earphone jack and turned on some music. They then started to eat, feeding each other grapes and various other combinations of the finger foods while sipping their wine.
They were basically done eating when Emma sat up, and bit her lip before reaching into her purse. "So, I found something. It's really small, and silly. But I just HAD to get it for your for today."
He sat up as well, across from her, and wipes his hands on his jeans. "Oh, now I need to know."
She smiled at his face all lit up, and she pulled the box out from her purse and handed it to him.
He took one look and started laughing, the grin getting larger. "Where did you possibly find this?" He asked as he looked at the heart shaped box of chocolates with a picture of Captain Hook on the front, and the caption, 'I'm hooked on you, Valentine.'
"I was at the store, looking for something to get you. This one container had all kinds of Disney covers, so I went through it looking. And lo and behold…" She waved her hand at the box. "I just had to. I know it's not much, so the rest of your present is later." She gave him a wink.
He let out a small growl, leaned over, and pulled her to him in a deep kiss. "I can't wait to see the rest." She grinned at his smirk, and he sat back on the blanket. "We can enjoy these later, because what I had planned for dessert will go bad, and these won't." With that he pulled out a small container with chocolate covered strawberries.
"You are just full of surprises. Just when did you have time to get this? Because I know they weren't in your luggage like mine."
His smirk got larger. "I have my ways, love." He opened the box and took one of the large berries out for her. "Want one?"
She nodded and leaned in, and took a large bite. The chocolate was rich, the strawberry ripe; a little juice ran down her chin. She didn't get a chance to wipe it away as his tongue licked at her skin, and then down to her throat, alternating licks and nips. She moaned and tilted her head allowing more access. He sat back up and took the rest of the fruit into his mouth, relishing the sweetness a moment before she moved in for her own kiss, both tasting the rich dessert on each other.
He groaned and pulled back. "If we keep this up…"
"You'll be up?" She bit her lip on a smile.
He shook his head. "It's too bloody hell late for that." He caught her eyes heading south; as she bit her lip harder, her eyes dilated further. His hand came out to tilt her chin up. "How about we head back, and finish these...strawberries inside." He looked around, as more people were starting to gather on the beach. "Somewhere more private."
Emma nodded. "Sounds like a plan." They hurried and put everything back in the basket and Emma gathered the blanket. They then ran to the car, and he quickly drove them back to the track. Once he parked, he took the basket from the car, and she followed him to the RV's door, and inside.
Once he sat the basket down on the dining table, she was pulled into his arms, and her back was pressed up against wall of the kitchen. Part of her brain told her they should just move the couple extra steps to the bedroom, but when his teeth nipped at her neck, and his hard length pressed against the seam of her jeans, sending a shock of pleasure through her, all thoughts of breaking apart for even an instant drifted away as he rocked against her.
His mouth moved back to hers as his hand moved under her shirt, grasping her breast, making her gasp. His fingers then found their way under the cups of her bra to lightly pinch at the already-hard nipple. She whimpered into his mouth as her fingers drifted between them to undo his jeans, her hands moving inside, under his boxers to grasp him firmly. He growled, and broke the kiss. "Minx." He quickly pulled off her shirt with one hand, and unfastened her bra with the other. She released him long enough to kick of her shoes and unbutton her own pants, to slip them down her hips, taking her underwear with them.
While he kicked off her own shoes, and pulled down his own pants and boxers, her hands were on his shirt, trying to pull it over his head. Her brain cleared for a second, "Wait."
He turned to her once his shirt was off, both now standing there fully naked, "What?" His hands went to her hips, his brain tried to clear to find out why she stopped.
"My present…" her hands sought his arms, "If we...continue...now." Her breathing and heart rate were already heightened. "I won't have a chance...to put it on tonight."
He groaned and leaned in closer, his fingers flexed at her hip. "Emma…" He leaned in and nosed at her ear, his breath on her neck making her shudder. "I need you...now, love." He moved his hips to hers, his hard length ground against her stomach. She moaned and his hands moved behind her and down to cup her ass. "You can always give me…" He pulled her up and braced her against the wall, her legs instinctively moved around his hips. "...My present...tomorrow." He kissed her, his tongue teasing her lips, as the tip of his cock brushed her wet folds. "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, anyway." He rocked against her, his head glancing her swollen bundle of nerves. "Be mine now, love."
She wanted to roll her eyes at his cheesiness, but as his hard length brushed against her again, her need was too great. "Yes, now...please...I'm all yours." With her consent, he slid deep into her with one hard thrust, both groaned into each others mouths as they met in a kiss, their tongues twining together as his hips started to piston in and out of her. Her ankles crossed around his lower back, trying to pull him closer.
His hand held onto her hips, his fingers digging in as he held her still so he could slam his hips against her, his cock moving so deep, so hard into her. He shifted her hips slightly on the next thrust, trying to find that angle...and with a cry to a higher power out of her lips, he knew he found it. His thrusts continuing to hit that spot over and over, her walls starting to flutter, her fingers digging into his back, her heels into his ass.
His mouth found her neck, his teeth grazing over the flesh, his tongue darting out to sooth until his lips attached. Her sounds, and words, and gasps in his ear, carrying him closer to the edge as well. He just needed to feel her come around him. His grip tightened on her hips, and he pulled her hips down as he thrust forward, trying to push her over the edge he could feel her barely holding on to.
"Fuck...Killian…" she whimpered as he slammed into her again. She could feel the the coil ready to snap, each thrust taking her higher and higher. She just needed...
"God you...feel so...bloody good." He growled into her neck, "Never want to leave...so tight...so wet…" He thrust hard again, his tongue licking at her neck. "All MINE." He bit her neck, and clamped down harder as he felt her inner walls grip him tight, heard her call out his name, felt her fingernails dig into his shoulders. His body followed, his hips thrusting once again, his hands holding her tight against him, as he groaned out her name. His released, shooting deep inside her, as her body continued to shudder and contract around him.
As his senses slowly came back, he softly licked and kissed at the bite mark on her neck. Part of him felt bad for it; another part—a bigger part of him—revelled in the fact that he had marked her. Not to mention the fact that she had actually liked it. His continued attention on her neck released a soft moan from her lips, and he grinned into her skin.
"How did you even stay standing?" she asked finally able to talk.
He laughed into her shoulder. "I locked my knees and I'm braced against you and the wall." He felt her giggle and he pulled his head back to look at her. "Is that funny?" She nodded. "Oh really?" He shifted his hips, causing him to shift inside her. Her eyes slid shut and she groaned. His hands slid from her hips to cup her ass, and then he pulled back from the wall. Her legs wrapped around him tighter, her arms wrapped around his neck.
"How much you want to bet I can turn you laughter into…" He started to walk back to the bed, his hands pulling her more firmly against him. "...A scream of my name in pleasure…" He lowered her onto the bed, following her down, and thrusting back inside, making her head fall back and her mouth open. "Over…" His mouth latched onto her hard nipple, as his hips thrust his growing erection back into her. "And over…" He bit at the tender skin under her breast leaving a small red mark, and making her gasp and thread her fingers in his hair as he thrust again. "And over...all night long." And that was exactly what he did.
While they were allowed to sleep in longer than the prior days due to the race being a little later in the day, they still needed to get up due to all the press, pictures, and fans. They were dressed and out the door by ten, him in his sponsor polo and jeans, her in a maxi dress and denim jacket (with a high collar to hide the bite on her neck), and both with sunglasses since the sun was definitely out today. His hand found hers as they started to walk to the garage and she was shocked at the difference. There were a ton of people around.
He saw her look, and he smiled. "This is really the start of the racing season. If you think this is bad, wait until later today or next week." He squeezed her fingers. "Come on, let's head to the garage."
They got there a few minutes later and she saw Robin talking to a brunette woman, who was wearing a pantsuit of all things. Killian pulled her along with him over to the pair, who turned to see them.
Killian smiled at the woman. "So nice you could join us, your Majesty."
Emma was shocked at his mocking tone, and she watched the woman roll her eyes at him and then look at her, giving her a once over.
"Is this her?"
Killian turned to Emma, and smiled. "Emma, this is Regina Mills, owner of Mills Racing; Regina, this is Emma Swan, my girlfriend."
The woman actually smiled and reached out to shake Emma's hand. "Pleasure." She turned to look at Killian. "About damn time, Jones."
He huffed, and Robin just shook his head, throwing his hand up and smiling at Emma, indicating that this sassing between the two was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Glad you could finally make it to the garage this morning, Jones; we need you for interviews and pictures, but first, I need you for some VIP fan meet and greets." She looked towards Emma, "I'm sorry, Miss Swan, but we are going to need to steal him for a couple hours."
He kissed Emma's cheek. "Sorry, love. If you want to head back to the RV...or…"
She waved it away. "You're working. It's fine. I'll find some of the girls, or wander around. Don't worry. Do what you need to do."
He smiled again, and pulled her in and kissed her once more.
Regina huffed and turned to Robin. "While he's doing this, can you bring me those diagnostics we talked about?"
Robin straightened up. "Yes, I will. I'll find you…?"
"My motor coach, we can...discuss there."
Killian sighed. "Okay, where am I going?" He turned to Regina.
"Right this way." She started to lead him out of the garage.
He turned back to Emma as he was walking away with his boss. "I'll find you for lunch."
She nodded and watch him walk out into the craziness outside. She turned back to Robin, and tilted her head with a smile.
"What?" he asked.
She tilted her head to the other side and squinted her eyes at him. He swallowed hard under her gaze, her smile grew. She had a sneaky suspicion about something, but she decided to keep it to herself for now. "Nothing...I'll see you later. I'm going to go find the others."
He nodded, let out a breath, and then walked over to the crew. His head moving to look at her retreating form, then shook his head again, before returning to the conversation with the guys.
A few stalls down, she found Ashley, Ruby, and Ariel talking. They saw her, all smiled wide, and waved her over. "Let me guess, he was stolen for pictures and interviews," Ariel asked her.
Emma nodded. "Yep."
"And you have never seen things this crazy, have you, sweetheart?" Ashley asked patting her shoulder.
Emma shook her head. "Nope."
Ruby wrapped an arm around her. "Don't worry about it." She looked at the others, "Shall we show her around?"
They all nodded and led her around, showing her everything. Numerous times they had requests for pictures, or the others had a reporter ask them questions about their time off with their significant others. None of the press had seemed to know who she was yet; she wondered how long it would stay that way.
The day was a blur; a crowded rush. The time with Killian at lunch seemed to rush by; his main concern was trying to let her know it wasn't always like this—that it was so bad right now because it was the beginning of the season. Then he was kissing her again and being whisked away, along with the other drivers, as well. Soon the girls were sliding closer. "He's right, you know," Ruby told her.
"What?" Emma asked.
"They are not all like this. This one, the Unlimited, and the Daytona 500 are a little nuts and crazy. Then the last one, once it's over...well for the winner. I learned that last year."
Emma smiled and looked at the other girls, thankful she had them. She then turned back to Ruby. "Actually, I have a bone to pick with you." Ruby's eyes widened, giving away that she knew what it was. "But, since it turned out alright...I won't kill you." She winked at the brunette.
Ruby laughed, and then looked at the Ashley. "Well, that's good, because it wasn't just me."
Ashley threw her paper towel at Ruby. "Trying to get me killed, too?"
"Okay, let's go find a place to people watch until the opening ceremonies start," Ariel suggested.
"I know just the place!" Ruby said, as they all followed her. And she did: a bar with a view out onto the lake.
It was close to opening ceremonies and the sun starting to set, when the girls finally left their spots at the bar, all but Ruby switching to water long prior. Ruby had to have a liver of champions because she didn't act even tipsy.
They headed over to the cars all lined up on pit lane now. Others were all waiting around; the stands weren't that full, but Ruby told her to wait until next week. It didn't take long and the music and introductions started, each of the drivers being called up to music and cheers from the crowd as they walked down the stage, shaking hands with the fans as they went, and then ushered down to pit lane. She cheered when Killian came on the stage, but gave a slight frown to the boos. She still was not used to the fact that people could hate him; he was a huge teddy bear, in her opinion.
She smiled as she watched him now in his firesuit walking over to the car, and soon, she was enveloped in his arms and he was pulling her off her feet, kissing her. The kiss deepened as she felt her feet slowly return to the ground; they then broke apart to breathe and lean their heads against each other.
"God, I missed you today, my love."
She grinned, and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Missed you, too." His arms wrapped around her waist. "Did it go well, though?"
"I believe so. I'm sure Regina will tell me exactly how I did."
She pulled back and looked up at him, his arms still around her as the other drivers were still being announced. "So, what is up with her and Robin?"
He tilted his eyes and his brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" She smiled at him. "Oh, God, no." She gave him a look that said she wasn't buying it. "No. No way." She tried to suppress the giggle as his eyes went wide, obviously putting pieces together. "Oh dear God, no." She started to giggle as she had seemed to break the denial he had been in this whole time. WIth perfect timing, the two in question were walking towards the car, slightly too close for co-workers. Killian shook his head. "I do not need that mental image right now."
She laughed, hugged him close, and kissed his cheek. "Sorry about that. Imagine what I will be wearing for your Valentine's gift later."
That got his thoughts shifted in a much more pleasant direction. "Ohh, please tell me more. Help me get those images in my mind, instead. Please, love."
"It's red and black…" He nuzzled into her neck as she continued. "And shear lace…" He groaned, and pulled her closer. "And that's all I'm saying."
"Tease."
She pulled away, and swatted his shoulder. "You asked."
They were interrupted by Regina, Robin, and the crew joining around the car. The rest of the drivers were announced and soon, the invocation was being given. Emma wasn't particularly religious, but she joined in by bowing her head, Killian's hand in hers, as she listened to the priest pray for the safety of all the drivers, crew, and fans. That was definitely a prayer she could agree on.
Soon, a country singer that Emma recognized the name of, but couldn't name one of her songs, got up and did a stunning rendition of the National Anthem, all the fans and crew cheering as five planes in formation flew over the speedway right at the end of the song. He turned to her after that. "Okay, now it's time for me to really go to work." He pulled her back to him, and kissed her. His hand moving to the side of her face. "Love you."
She grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Love you, too." She hugged him, and then he turned to put his helmet on and slip into the car. She moved off with the crew heading back to the pit box with Robin staying there by the car. She climbed up onto the stand with help from Anton, and sat down, willing the butterflies in her stomach to settle.
She knew this was a short race, from Ruby, and that it didn't count in the point standings. But she also knew that the drivers usually gave it their all, and that there was usually a lot of crashes. She sat with the headset on her lap while staring out at the cars. It was only a 75-lap race, with something called a competition caution at lap 25, where everyone was required to come in to get gas and new tires.
A few minutes, later the announcers were back, and a man was moving up to a microphone. If she thought the fanfare was already big enough, she was surprised when one of the big-name actors from the newest superhero movie was the one to scream, "Drivers, start your engines!"
Emma jumped as all the cars started, their engines revving. She hurried to put on her headset and cover her ears to the sound. She breathed a sigh of relief as roar was muffled, and saw Robin climbing up into the stand and sitting next to her.
"Alright, Killian, everything feel okay?" Robin asked. She heard him through the headset only, even though he was sitting right next to her.
"Feels good, mate. Let's win this."
The cars started to pull out of pit lane and onto the track, taking a few laps under caution, until all of them got into their starting spots in two lines behind the pace car. She heard Robin tell him this was the last lap, and after they cleared the fourth turn, the pace car went down pit lane. She saw the cars come up, then start to increase speed. The green flag waved and they were off.
She watched him cross the line and almost immediately move from his spot in fifth to drive between third and fourth place. She bit her lip at seeing just how close he was on each side. Jefferson in the 12 car came up to block him from being able to move around the cars on either side of him, and she listened to Killian cuss him out over the com line.
Somehow, he managed to hold his spot through the corner, and Jefferson finally had to stop blocking in order for him to keep racing Eric in the 65. Killian inched past the other cars until his spotter happily told him that he was clear, and he moved into the top lane, getting behind Eric. He pulled up close to the 65's bumper, both sharing the 'draft' Ruby had called it, as they were able to start pulling away from the rest of the pack.
Emma looked up at the scoring board, smiling at seeing the 71 in second, but was shocked that 14 laps had already happened. She turned back to see the 12 try to move in front the 92, but Emma saw what the others did. As Robin and his spotter was warning Killian, the 12 didn't have enough room, and clipped the front of the 92, which then ran into him, shoving the 12 into the back bumper of Killian's 71. She stood up, not breathing as she saw his car start to swerve. A pile of cars behind them crashed, and yellow lights started flashing around the track.
The 71 swayed back and forth in the lanes, but he kept it off the wall and from hitting other cars, and then was able to straighten out and drive away as a bunch of other cars came to a stop on the track, those in the back moving slowly around the debris of the others. Robin patted her shoulder, as he talked into the radio. "You okay, buddy? You got a worrier up here."
"I'm just fine. Don't worry, Emma, love. I'm fine. The car, on the other hand—how's it look, mate? It's handling okay."
"It looks okay, stay out. If we need to, we can tape it when you come in on the competition caution." Robin then told his crew to get the BearBond ready if necessary.
She took a breath, and let it out slowly as the cars traveled around the track during the yellow. All but one car could make it off the track on its own; that one had to have a tow truck come drag it back to the garage. That driver's day was done for sure; she felt a little guilty that she was glad it wasn't anyone that she knew.
All of those involved in the crash that came to the pits were at the back of the pack of cars now. Emma then understood why Robin kept him out;he had been lucky and didn't lose position. Now it was Eric, Killian, and then Victor, who had also managed to avoid the crash, in the top three positions. Sean was back in 8th, the wreck helping him move up from his way-in-the-back starting position.
Once the track was clean on the next lap, the pace car again exited to pit lane and the cars were at it again. Just after the line, Victor pulled up to Killian's bumper and both together broke into the lead, pushing them out a few car lengths in front of the others. Emma took out her phone and took a quick picture of the scoreboard with the 71 in the lead at 20 laps.
Everyone knew that there were only 5 laps to go before the caution, and while some were trying to pass, the front was pretty stationary. They knew they were in a good spot, and they wanted to stay that way for pit stops. Eric had pulled in behind Victor and the three top cars were a good almost fourth of a track in front of the others.
It wasn't long until the yellow lights came on and the cars slowed for the caution. The pace car went out just in front of Killian as they made their way around the track. She wasn't sure what he was doing, but he kept getting really close to the bumper of the pace car. She gave Robin an inquisitive look, and the man just grinned, laughed, and shook his head. Then she heard him over the line, "Okay, buddy. No need to trade paint with the pace car. I know you know the driver, but back it off a bit."
"Just having a bit of fun, mate."
"Alright, heads up, this lap is to pit."
Emma sat up straighter as the cars started to come down the pit lane, she grinned at Killian in the lead. He came into his stall and stopped right in the middle and his team instantly got to work on right sides while Leroy started loading the first fuel can. Rights changed, they all ran to the left, rolling the old tires. Anton jacked up the car instantly as the guys worked and Leroy loaded the second can. The second the gas can was disconnected and the jack dropped, Killian was off. Emma looked at Robin and the time clock he had, which showed the stop was just over 11 seconds. She smiled and shook her head; she still couldn't believe how fast his crew was. She wasn't shocked he was out of the pit lane first, followed by Victor, a couple cars she didn't know, and then Eric and Sean.
The cars were all lined up again; this time, Killian was in first, choosing the outside lane. They came up to line, picking up speed, and the race was on once again, with Victor and Killian neck and neck. Victor got up a car length just have Killian catch him in the corner and get past him, and over the next few laps, they kept changing leads.
"Don't eat up your tires, mate; we have a lot of the race left," Robin cautioned.
"How many we got left?"
Robin took a look. "43 to go."
"Fuel window?"
"I say we pit on the next caution, and you should be good to go from there."
Killian backed off just a tiny bit, and slid behind Victor, giving him a bumper rub for good measure. It didn't take long— fewer than 5 laps later, a car in the middle of the pack on the inside lane blew a tire and ran up into the car next to him, both spinning into the wall and taking out four other cars behind them. She was happy to see the cars either driving off track or the two cars that looked like they couldn't had put their nets over their windows down. Ruby had told her that was the sign that the driver was okay. Two wreckers and safety crews went out onto the track to take the drivers and the cars off the track. The rest of the cars went slow during caution while the cleanup happened.
"Okay where are we at?" came Killian's voice over the radio.
"By the time we get in, we'll have about 25 laps to go." Robin told him.
"I'm thinking, left tires and one can of fuel, thoughts?"
"Sounds good, you sure you don't want four? This caution is due to a tire going out."
His spotter chimed in. "That tire went out due to that car and a couple others banging into each other out there. I think we are good."
"Alright; this time around, you come in."
This time coming in, he was behind Victor, right on his bumper. Victor pulled into his stall and Killian came down the lane to get into his. The crew ran out, and Leroy immediately put in the fuel can as Anton jacked up the car. The tires were quickly changed, the fuel can disengaged, the jack dropped, and Killian was off the pit lane first, just in front of Victor, who also just took two tires. Sean was behind them, just having taken gas, followed by another car, then Eric.
Killian was whooping over the radio, making Emma laugh. "Good Job guys!" he cheered his team, as all the cars left the pits and got into line again, Killian once again choosing the outside lane. In a matter of minutes, they were off again, Killian getting out in the lead with Victor just back half a car length. Sean made it around the car next to him and got in behind Killian. Without anyone sharing his draft, they got past Victor and made some headway in front of the rest of the pack. Emma watched the other cars, now that they were getting closer to the end, the drivers were becoming more and more aggressive. They were bumping against one another, some lanes even trying to go four wide. She bit her lip and decided her nerves would do better just watching Killian at the front.
Eric had found his way up and was pairing with Victor, the two now making headway on the leaders. Her eye caught two cars spinning right behind them, from the group that was trying to go four wide. The caution went out as more cars got into the wall, spinning around. One hit the wall and spun back out, clipping another car, and then rolled through the grass in front of the finish line. All the cars slowed down; Killian was in the lead, followed by Sean, then Victor and Eric.
"Okay, 16 to go man, by cleanup is done, thinking we'll be at 12. You're in the lead, but you know no one around you is going to let you have it."
"Oh, I'm aware. Car is handling really well, though. Remember these setting for next week."
"Then don't go wreck the car, and you can have it next week."
"It's not bloody well up to me, now is it, mate?"
As soon at the track was clear, the cars were ready again, with eight cars already off the track for good for the night. They were off again, Victor trying to move up and between Sean and Killian, making them three wide. Emma clenched her fits and bit her lip. Eric came up behind Killian and together they were able to clear Victor and Sean after a lap. Victor was then able to get in front of Sean.
Emma was shocked to see Sean actually get behind Victor to help him try to catch the other two. But then he realized it was his own shot as well to get up there, and then tried to get around Victor. With five laps to go, Emma was on her feet, as cars started to scatter, one not slowing in time, rear ending the car that had smoke coming from under the hood. The yellow lights came out and everyone slowed once again. This time, the cars could drive off the track; a few cars came in for a quick gas-and-go pit stop, but all the leaders stayed out.
This time, when they came up to get ready to go, Eric was next to him, and Sean was behind him; Victor was still in that same spot. Once they were off again, both Eric and Killian anticipated Victor trying to steal the middle and came up to block, trading a little paint as they did so. Taking the hint, Victor backed off, and Sean pulled up behind Killian as they took off, with Eric and Victor right behind them. Killian and Sean were able to pull ahead of the others by some distance with one lap to go. The rest of the pack of drivers was three- and four-wide; she felt herself holding her breath.
The two of them started to clear turn four, as the back of the pack was crashing on the back straightaway. With no caution yet, Sean swung out from behind Killian, both racing neck and neck to the finish line. Everyone was on their feet at they made it across. She couldn't tell from where they were sitting, so she looked at Robin; he was looking at the scoreboard, trying to get his spotter to tell him what he saw. But then, Killian was on the radio. "I think he got it." And there it was, the 53 in first and the 71 in second by a couple inches. "Woooo, good race guys!" She could see the net on his window go down and his thumbs up to Sean as he drove by, the other drivers doing the same and then making it to pit lane, avoiding the crash on the back of the track.
Emma smiled and shook her head; he just lost, but he was in great spirits. Though, coming in second that close was pretty darn good. She could see Ashley running over to Victory Lane as Sean did his burnout on the track. She was happy for them.
Robin motioned to her, so she took off her headset and sat it down, and then he helped her down the ladder and back to the ground as the crew proceeded over to Killian and the car. She saw him already out of the car, his helmet off, and talking to a reporter. She stood off to the side with Robin, waiting for his interview to end.
"That was a really close race. A little shocked that you both didn't trade paint to the finish line. Why was that?" The reported asked.
Killian finished his drink from a bottle of soda, the label clearly on display. "Listen. Sean is a good guy, and I'm really happy for him tonight. He raced me clean, and he helped me get in the lead a few times. Now if he had raced dirty, this race would have ended with both of our cars a lot more banged up."
She smiled at that and the rest of the interview. He mentioned his sponsors, said that he looked forward to next week, and then the camera was turned and the reporter started talking about something else. When Killian turned away, she was immediately pulled into his arms, followed by a hard kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck as they deepened the kiss, neither noticing the camera panning back to them to capture it on national television.