The win felt like a blur of activity. Reporters, bigwigs, and multiple photos alongside the trophy with a hat from each of Killian's various sponsors. After it was all done, it was time to get ready to go home, and with the adrenaline still running through them, they quickly proceeded back to the RV. The moment they both walked inside and into the kitchen, Killian turned and pinned Emma back against the wall, testosterone pumping through his veins; his need for her was far too great to wait a moment longer. His mouth descended onto hers, devouring. His tongue was already darting inside her mouth to taste. His hands on her hips pulled her tight against his hardening length, ready to posses.
And God, did she want him to. She moaned into his mouth as her hands went to work, trying to find the zipper to his firesuit. She needed it off...now. His hands moved to unbutton and pull down her own zipper on her jeans. Her fingers finally found the hidden zipper and immediately started to pulling it down. She pulled back from his lips so she could watch the zipper trail lower, slowly exposing his chest, the hair damp with sweat, down lower over his abs and the slim line of hair going down, down and...her mouth turned into a wicked grin finding him without his boxers, and oh so ready to go. Her hands came up to push the sleeves down, and as soon as his arms were free, the top of the suit fell back and his hands pushed down her pants and underwear to her knees. Both of them desperately tried to remove them and her shoes as quickly as possible.
The moment they were off, her hand moved to his hard shaft, eliciting a groan and his mouth latch onto the skin at her neck, biting and sucking, leaving his mark. His own hand darted to her core. "Fuck...So wet for me." He groaned as his teeth nipped again, and his fingers dipped inside her. Her head fell back in a gasp, her hips rocking on his digits, as her one arm looped around his neck to hold on for dear life while her other hand grasped him firmly in long strokes.
The pungent smell of him—all male, sweat, and sex—heavy in the air made her head swim, already teetering on the edge of oblivion. But then his head pulled back to look at her and he removing his fingers, leaving her gasping, aching and wanting. Her eyes flew to his now-dark blue ones. His lips smirked right before he sucked his glistening digits into his mouth, tasting her, making her core clench. Her grip tightened around his length and he growled in response at the feeling. Both hands moved to her hips, lifting her against the wall. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, while her hand lined him up to where she desperately needed him. Then both thrusting their hips together, plunging him fully inside her.
His mouth was back on hers in an instant, both her arms around his neck deepening the kiss, using that and the wall for leverage to rock back against his thrusting hips, quickly working them both back up to the edge. Her hands gripped tighter to his sweat-soaked back, sticky from the spray of cola in winners circle. But she didn't care; as their bodies ground against one another, their mouths fused, only breaking slightly on moans and gasps of pleasure.
He took a small step back, breaking the kiss and allowing her back to slid a little down the wall, angling her hips for him, his fingers digging into them as he pistoned back deep inside of her. He knew she would have marks from his fingers, and the thought just spurred him on more.
She gasped at new angle, her eyes caught the smirk on his face as he picked up the pace. "Yes!" she screamed, voicing what he already knew, her inner muscles fluttering in confirmation. "Oh God...fuck...harder."
He readily complied, knowing she was on the verge, he started to chase his own release as well as he plunged in and back out of her in rapid succession. Her nails dug into his shoulders, making him groan, the slight pain adding to the immense pleasure. With one more thrust he felt her start to contract, her hips jerking, her mouth opening on a scream of his name, as his body took over pushing through her convulsing muscles, prolonging her pleasure while he found his own. With one more thrust he held himself deep and grunted her name as he lost himself and followed her over the edge.
Their heavy breathing and rapid heartbeats was all either could hear as they held onto each other. His hand drifted from her hip to under her as he pulled her back up and pressed himself against her, his lips finding hers again. The kiss was now soft and slow, gentle and loving. She sighed into it, her fingers sliding through his wet and sticky hair at the back of his neck. The feeling had her laughing, making him pull back and raise an eyebrow at her. Her hormones now under control, the need for a shower was much more apparent. "You...well now we...realllllyyyyyy need a shower."
His eyes danced. "What are you implying, love?"
"I'm not implying anything...you stink."
He laughed, and ground his hips against her, making his softening length, still partially inside her move, rewarding him by her biting her lip. "You didn't seem to mind a few minutes ago."
"Well, now I do." She teased back. "Besides, even if I don't want to, we need to pack and get home." She started to try and break away from him, but he kept his arms around her stopping her, as he started to walk to the bathroom with her still wrapped around him. She raised her own eyebrows at him in question.
He smiled as he walked into the shower, her back pressed against the tile. "What? You said you wanted a shower." She laughed as he turned on the water, but it quickly turned to a moan as his mouth worked back down her neck.
They didn't actually leave the RV for two more hours, but when they did, they both had large smiles and their luggage ready to go. Their ride to the airport was waiting for them. By the time they got back to his place, it was almost midnight. The bags made it to the bedroom, barely. But minutes later, she found him slowly stripping her clothes and leading her into one last round of celebratory sex before they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
===∞∞∞∞∞===
The next day back to work for Emma was rather difficult. It wasn't just the fact of having to work again after a week and a half, or even getting up early that made it so difficult; no, it was Killian—naked, hair ruffled, kissing down her body, begging her to stay a little longer—that made it VERY difficult. But somehow she managed to leave, and was only fifteen minutes late.
Archie had told her to say congratulations to Killian on the win. Tink wanted all the details she could get while at lunch, especially after she had seen the answer Killian gave the reporter. With pink tinged cheeks Emma admitted that they had finally told each other they loved one another. Quite a few times, actually, though she held that tidbit to herself. She was really glad that Ingrid had done well while she was gone and only a few things were left undone for her to do when she got back, which allowed her to actually leave work on time and head back to his place.
As he rang her through the gate he told her the garage door was open, which it was. When she walked into the house, the smell that greeted her made her mouth water; he was cooking something delicious. "Honey, I'm home." She called out with a laugh and she could hear his chuckle in reply as she hung up her coat. She walked into the kitchen, and smiled at the glass of wine waiting for her. "God, you are the best," she said as she took it and a sip while she kicked off her shoes into the pile by the backdoor.
"I know," he replied with a wink and then turned to check in the oven.
"Besides this wonderful-smelling meal, what did you do today?" She asked as she scooted to sit on the counter next to him.
He closed the door, and moved towards her, spreading her legs to stand between them, his mouth claiming hers in a slow yet passionate kiss. Then he broke away regrettably to reply, "Missed you, mostly." He gave a quick kiss to her nose. "I also unpacked, did some laundry, and went into town for…" he started to reach into his pocket, but then stopped and looked at her biting his lip. His eyes were unsure and he took a deep breath. "If it's too soon, just tell me…"
Her mind flew into a million different directions at that, and shockingly each one she thought of, she wouldn't say no to. The realization was shocking to herself. "Just relax and tell me…"
He took his hand out of his pocket and he had a key with a keychain that looked to have buttons on it, her eyes widened and he must have saw, because he was instantly diverting his eyes, his other hand scratching behind his ear as he quickly blurted out, "Relax love, I'm not asking you to move in with me."
The brief flash of disappointment wasn't seen, which she was glad for, because the feeling was surprising to herself.
"And there is no need to return the gesture." He said as he placed the key in her hand, and only then did he look up at her. "I just want you to have it. No need to wait for me to be home without letting yourself in." He pointed to the buttons on the keychain. "Top is the gate, bottom the garage. The key works for any of the doors."
He was watching her, waiting. She broke out of her thoughts and smiled at him. "Thank you" was all she could get out, so she pulled him in for a kiss. Her thoughts tried to figure out why she felt the disappointment, why he made it clear it wasn't about moving in. Did he not want her to, or did he think she...oh, of course he thought she wasn't ready, especially with that prologue. But maybe he also wasn't. She squeezed her hand with his, the key between them, she decided to send a message. She looked deep into his eyes her other hand trailing over the side of his face. "Just so you know...I'm not scared anymore." His eyes widened at her words, a grin starting as she pulled him in for another deep kiss.
Then the timer buzzed and he regrettably pulled from her grasp, his thoughts swimming at her words. He went to the oven to pull out dinner and sat it to the side. He was about ready to ask if she wanted it to be more when she spoke up.
"If you come to my place tomorrow, I can give you my spare key," Emma said as she jumped down from the counter to grab two plates and bring them over.
He nodded. "Sounds good." Even though the course of action was set, he couldn't help to wonder if he had broached the subject of her moving in, if she would have accepted. Up until a few moments ago he had been sure she would have said no. He had contemplated it all day today. As he had unpacked their bags, he realized exactly how much of her stuff was actually at his place. The her's sink and closet were no longer bare—far from it. He had actually loved putting her clean underwear in the empty drawers, her clothes in the closet. Even as he had the key made, he had been trying to decide. But unlike the rest of his life, he knew he had to take the safe route with Emma; she was much too important to him to muck this up. But her words...he turned to her. "Emma...were you hoping…did you want…"
She smiled and cut him off by going to her tiptoes for a quick kiss. "Killian...food is getting cold." She redirected the conversation back to dinner even though part of her wanted to answer. But she didn't want to force him to go down a route he wasn't ready for either, and she had a feeling if she had said she was ready, he would do it just to make her happy, even if he wasn't there yet.
He nodded and they plated their food and sat down to eat, the topic changing to her day back at work. After dinner, they took to the couch and turned on the television, a movie they had both seen playing as they continued to talk with her curled into his side. The topic turned towards the coming weekend and the race in Atlanta.
"I was thinking about that. I can't take time off again so soon, but I could fly out after work on Friday and then come back with you after."
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "Sounds great. Just let me know what time, and I'll have Dusty there with the plane."
She sat up and looked at him, "What? That's crazy. I can get a one-way flight to Atlanta for not that much. A heck of alot cheaper than sending the jet to pick me up."
He sighed. "Emma…" The money didn't matter. What mattered is that she was safe and would be by his side sooner.
But she didn't care, as she sat up straighter. "Don't 'Emma' me. Even if it wasn't the money, it's still a waste of fuel and time for your pilot just to pick me up." Not to mention that she felt like he paid for everything, which made her feel horrible.
He could see he wasn't going to win this one. "Okay, but I will pick you up from the airport."
"It will be late and you…" She stopped at the look he gave her. "Okay, fine. Deal." With that he pulled the hard-headed, yet independent woman he loved back into his side, and they finished the movie.
The week actually went quickly; much too quickly. Because as soon she pulled away from the curb at the airport, having dropped him off, her lips still tingling from his kiss, she missed him. She had to just keep reminding herself it was only one night apart, and then she would be seeing him again.
He was telling himself the same thing as he settled into his seat on the plane, as Dusty went into the cockpit. It had been weeks since he had slept alone, and he wasn't looking forward to it. "Just one night." He said out loud, trying to convince himself it wasn't that long.
The next day she went to work, with her luggage packed and sitting by her door for the flight out. She had slept terribly the night prior, and this morning wasn't any better as she realized she had gotten used to him spoiling her with breakfast. So instead, she stopped to get coffee and a muffin on her way into work.
Killian had a very similar issue the prior night as well. Even though they had talked before bed, and he had told her good night, it just wasn't the same. But he wasn't about to tell her that. He was trying to make the separation as easy on her as possible. He knew she loved her job, loved working to get those kids homes, and he wasn't going to make her in any way feel bad about it. He would just have to learn to deal. Though he couldn't help but want her to miss him as well.
He yawned as he walked to the garage to talk with Robin and his team, only to be shocked to see Regina there. But then, he shouldn't be as she was talking to his crew chief. He was going to have to actually talk to his friend and see what was actually happening between the two of them at some point. No matter what, Robin was possibly moving on from his dead wife and that was a very good thing, for him and his son.
He walked closer and Regina saw him. "Oh, perfect. I wanted to talk to you." Robin nodded at both of them and headed over to the car as she turned to Killian. He almost wanted to take a step back because of the smile on her face. "I just have to say, you did a great job. The press loved your victory speech, and they want to know all about Emma; it's turning your image around…"
Killian shook his head and waved her off. "Wait...stop. No...No, no, no, no. I can already see where you are going with this. I didn't say any of that to change my image. I didn't start dating Emma…"
"I know you care about her…"
He stopped her again, "Bloody hell, Regina, I love her." Her eyes widened at the realization of what he was saying. "I'm doing what is best for her, for us. I don't care what it does to my reputation, good or bad. Period. Do you understand?"
She nodded, and a small soft smile formed on her face. "I'm happy for you, Killian. I know how hard…" She stopped obviously not wanting to bring up the past. "Okay then. I promise I won't use that angle. But then we will need to do something else. I do want to turn your image around. It's time. Besides, if this progresses further, do you really want to stay the bad boy?" He shook his head no. She brought her hand up to tap along her temples as she thought, and then a grin formed. "How's that charity you formed coming along?"
"Well, I have the organization setup and I transfer money to it to help out causes here and there."
"So you haven't gone further? Got some staff, do some fund raisers?"
"I didn't really think about it," he admitted as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'll have my lawyers get in contact with you, take a look at the organization structure and get to work. Once it's all setup, you can do some fundraising, get some shirts, present checks. It will be good press." He rolled his eyes and she sighed, "And the charities needing money will get what they need, and even more than what you were to give them alone."
He had to admit that part sounded positive. "Okay, but I get to say what organizations and charities get money."
"Of course...what was it for again?"
"Orphans. It's the Lost Boys and Girls."
Regina clapped him on the shoulder. "Perfect. I'll start making calls." And with that she had her phone out and was walking out of the garage.
Killian shook his head, but at least she had listened to him, and she actually seemed happy with him; even happy in general. He shook his head again, and with a smile, he went to go talk to his crew so they could soon get out there for practice.
Emma was so glad the plane was finally landing. There was a very small, young baby on the flight that did not like the air pressure change and the poor thing was screaming for most of the flight. There was a very large man on one side of her, and a geeky teenage boy on her other that she swore was trying to constantly look down her shirt. But there was no way in hell she was going to tell Killian she had a bad flight, because if she did, she knew he would insist on his plane the next time.
So before she got to the airport exit doors to the baggage claim, she took a deep breath and tried to release the tension. She then walked out and immediately there in front of her, he stood. She smiled wide and rushed over to him. His arms went around her, and she buried her face in his chest, taking a deep whiff. "Missed you," she admitted into his chest.
He smiled. "It was only one night," he replied, but hugged her tight because he had missed her as well. "Come on, love; let's get your bag."
She shook her head, stood back and waved at her large purse and carry-on. He just smiled and shook his head. Taking her hand, they walked out to find a car waiting for them. As soon as they were in the back seat and the doors were closed, he was leaning in and she was meeting him halfway for a kiss as the driver pulled away from the curb.
===∞∞∞∞∞===
The next day, Emma found the girls and told Killian she would see him after he got done with qualifying, while the girls headed off to catch up. Killian went to the garage to meet with his crew, and unfortunately the person he had been avoiding since coming to Atlanta was in the stall next to his, waiting for him.
Eric smiled. "Hey, what's going…"
Killian cut him off. "Don't! I'm still angry at you and the bloody crazy stunts you pulled last week."
The other man sighed. "I know...I've already told the others I was sorry. Ariel already gave me quite an ear full after the race." He dropped his head, and ran his hand over his forehead. "And I'll tell you the same thing. I'm sorry. I was being…" The man smiled, "a bonehead."
Killian chuckled. "Okay." He held out his hand and Eric shook it. With that, the two men started to talk. A little late,r qualifying started, and the girls went to watch them. This part was new to Emma, and what most qualifying would look like from here on out. Ruby explained that all the cars would be out on the track with a random line up racing for their best times for twenty-five minutes; the top 24 times would then try for the best time for 10 minutes, with the top 12 then racing for another five minutes. The one at the end with the fastest lap time would be on the pole. Ruby did also tell her that on tracks smaller than one and a quarter miles, the officials would eliminate the top 24 and just go right to the top 12.
"You're lucky, Emma. Qualifying used to take hours, now it's compacted into an hour," Ashley told her.
The other girls just nodded, and she smiled at them. "But, to be fair, the guys didn't have to be in the car as long. They would just get in, go do a few laps and come back in." Ariel chimed in.
"True," Ruby replied. "Victor hated it though, all the waiting. At least out there they get to stay busy." The other two nodded and Emma just grinned, imagining Killian fidgeting while waiting to race and for the results. Yeah, this was a much better option.
Once qualifying was over, Sean was in 5th, Eric in 3rd, Victor in 2nd, and Killian had won the pole. Emma couldn't keep the smile off her face as they headed back to the garage to tell the guys to go change and they were all going to head out to the local hangout together to get dinner.
The next morning Killian left the RV early to deal with press. He insisted that she stay and sleep in and that he'd see her for lunch before the race. She had agreed and rolled over to hug his pillow, burying her face into it and soon she was asleep once more. She managed to wake a few hours later and had just finished getting ready when Killian came back to the RV. Together, they had lunch and then went back to the garage to get ready for the race.
This was a part that Emma was starting to get used to. The introductions, the invocation, the singing of the national anthem, the loud sounds of planes flying overhead, followed by parting words of love, a deep kiss, and wishing him good luck before following Robin back to the pit box, where she put on her headset and got ready for this race of 325 laps. The track was only one and half miles, unlike the two and half at Daytona.
Killian, starting first, maintained the lead, and that lead did not change much until green flag pit stops when he had to come in for fuel and tires. But as soon as the cycle of cars went through, he was back in the lead, and due to his fast pit crew with an even bigger lead than before. There had yet to be a caution, which Emma knew was unusual, and the longer it was, the more worried she got. It was actually a pretty uneventful race; a few cautions did finally come out—one or two blown tires—but most were for debris, and she wondered if officials were just calling it to actually bring out a caution and get all the cars back together since Killian had almost a two-second lead each time.
But as the race moved on, with only 26 laps to go, what Ruby called a "big one" happened. Emma was on her feet as soon as it started, and let out a breath as Killian and then Victor were able to stay out of it, but it seemed almost everyone else after them and well through the middle of the pack was caught up in it. She looked on worriedly as cars crashed into the wall, some going into the grass, more hitting each other, and some hitting the wall to then shoot back into the grass hitting another car. It was a bad game of bumper cars, with pieces of cars going everywhere. This time it wasn't just a yellow caution that came out, but the red lights. The drivers who made it through had their cars stopped on the opposite side of the track while the cars all finally came to a stop. Wreckers and ambulances raced onto the track to help the drivers and start cleanup.
"How's the car?" Killian asked.
"Looks like you missed everyone; good job, mate." Robin told him as the spotter agreed.
"Sorry for the delay, love," he told her, making her smile and Robin grinned at her.
Emma leaned over into the speaker on Robin's headset. "Not your fault; at least you aren't part of it."
They all engaged in some idle chit chat along with some strategy-planning while the track's crew kept working. It took just over a half hour to clean up the track, soak up the spilled fluids, and get underway once more. Quite a few cars were completely out of the race, including the one that had caused it in the first place, Jefferson's. Phillip's car had his rear bumper gone; Eric's front bumper was missing and had a ton of Bearbond on almost all of the passenger side Sean was similar, but the drivers side; and all of them were now behind those that made it out without or barely a scratch.
Besides Killian in 1st and Victor in 2nd, Emma didn't really know any of the drivers until Phillip in 12th. But then the green flag was out and the race was on once again. She bit her lip as she watched the unknown cars work their way around, being extremely aggressive. She was on her feet once again as the top four cars were all in a position to possibly win. On the last lap, after the fourth turn the car behind Killian swung out to try to go around, their cars scraping against each other as Killian, Victor and the unknown number 14 shot over the finish line.
This time she knew it was Victor that won, and she was pretty sure Killian had got 3rd. She looked to the scoreboard and saw that she was right. She could tell he wasn't happy with the 14, but Robin was trying to calm him and tell him 3rd place was a good finish, and they got the extra points for leading a lap and most laps led.
Phillip had managed to make it up to 7th, while Eric came in 12th and Sean 14th. She knew they wouldn't be happy with it, but with how bad their cars were damaged, it could have been a lot worse. She took off her headset and got off the pit box, waiting for his interviews to be over. As soon as he was done, he spotted her in the crowd and walked directly to her, pulling her into his arms, and hugging her tight, placing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Come on, love; let's get out of here," he said as he pulled her with him to the RV. He took a quick shower while she finished packing her things, and it wasn't long before they were at the airport and waiting for their turn in line to take off and head home.
Monday after work she went back to her apartment, finding Killian there already draining a pot of spaghetti. She smiled as she walked in. "You know you don't have to always cook for me."
"Hello to you, too, love," he said as he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. Her arms then wrapped around him from behind, as she rested her head on his back. He sat the drained pasta to the side, and went back to stirring the sauce. "It's a simple bolognese recipe, and better for us than take out." He then turned in her arms, "Besides it gives me something to do while I wait for you to get back after work." She helped get out the plates and they head to the table to eat.
It took her until halfway through the meal to decide she needed to say something. "So, I took a look at the racing schedule for the next few weeks…" She left it hanging and watched his head turn towards her. "They're pretty far away…" She really didn't want to say it.
"Aye, I know." He sighed. They both knew this was going to happen, but for the whole month of March it was all pretty much out on the west coast, and he knew Emma couldn't take the time off again so soon. He also didn't like the idea of her flying out that far all by herself and he knew damn well she wouldn't let him send the jet for her.
She reached her hand out for his, and squeezed. "You know I would be there if I could."
He gave her a soft smile. "Emma, it's okay. You have your work; I have my work. This was bound to happen at some point. It's okay. It's not like I haven't been to plenty of these all by myself before." She nodded, and he squeezed her hand back. "We'll talk on the phone, text, use Skype. We'll be fine." His thumb rubbed the back of her hand. "Besides, just think of the hot, crazy sex we'll have after being apart." She laughed at him and pulled back her hand to smack his shoulder. His words had the desired effect to relieve her worry and make her laugh.
===∞∞∞∞∞===
That Thursday he flew out to Las Vegas. She recorded all the practices and qualifying that she couldn't see while at work. Ruby also texted her the Twitter handles for herself, Ashley, and Ariel. On her lunch break, she took out her phone and downloaded the app and then proceeded to follow them and then read back a ways on their accounts. She found that Ruby usually tweeted during the race, with an impressive amount of followers, more followers than even Victor. Emma also followed the guys as well. Her account barely had anything on it. But she took the time to update her page, a picture of her at the Harry Potter park as the banner and a close up of her that Killian took at Disney as her main picture.
Before her lunch break was over, Ruby and the others had already followed her back, and Ruby tweeted to her that she would miss her this weekend. She replied to tell everyone hello, and then she got back to work, dropping her phone in her purse.
Once home with only a minor pit stop of her own to get dinner at Granny's she quickly changed and then fished her phone back out to text Killian and see if how it's going and see if he could talk. He texted back almost immediately that he'd be done in about an hour, with the different time zones coming into play. She munched on her grilled cheese as she saw a Twitter notification. She smiled wondering if someone else left her a message, when she opens it, she almost dropped the phone in shock.
Since lunch, she had gained over two thousand followers, and as she looked on in wonder another one followed her as well. What the? Then she realized what happened: the fans who follow Ruby saw her tweet, and they figured it out. With a little worry, she scrolled back down her own page and found there wasn't anything she tweeted prior to worry about, and she hadn't put anything too personal on it. She had to remember that now that her and Killian were together, she was a part of all this. "Well, they are going to be shocked at how boring I am," she laughed to herself. Both she and Killian rarely ever posted anything at all, so she doubted it would be much of an issue.
She turned on the first practice and scanned through it to listen and see the bits that Killian was in. Luckily, it looked like his car was doing okay, and his times were well up in the top 5. With the buzz of her phone, her lips turned into a smile at seeing his name pop up. "Hi," she answered.
"Hello love. How was your day?"
"Interesting…" she laughed and then she told him about her Twitter adventure, which had him laughing. He himself hadn't even gotten on Twitter since early November. She saw another follower, and smiled brighter at seeing that it was Killian. "Wow, Ruby and the others followed me before my own boyfriend."
"I'm very rarely on here love. But, I can change that if you wish."
She rolled her eyes, "Oh please. No need." Then she sighed, "I miss you."
"We'll be okay, Emma; just a couple of days," he told her—and himself.
She wasn't sure how to take his answer. She was glad that he sounded like he was doing okay, but did he really not miss her? She tried to shake the thought away. "So, I watched some of practice. Looks like it went well."
He agreed and he told her about his day as well. They continued talking until both of them were yawning and told each other goodnight.
The next night was the same, both asking about their days. She said she missed him, and he told her it would be okay. Saturday was pretty much the same, but she was able to watch qualifying and the second practice live, making being apart a little easier while it was on. Killian qualified 4th, with their friends scattered through the rest of the field. On Sunday afternoon, they talked before the race, and she wished him luck.
It's very different to see the race on tv rather than being there. While it's easier to see the cars on the screen, it's a lot harder to watch him. She whined at the TV every time they showed another part of the field of cars and not his, since she wanted to keep an eye on his car. There were a few minor wrecks, and more cautions than the last race at Atlanta. Killian got pushed up into the wall, which had her on the edge of her seat, but he was okay, and the car was alright. He was still able to come in with a 2nd place finish, this time with Eric in first, Victor in 4th, Phillip in 5th, and Sean in 6th.
Right before he got on the plane to head, home he called her, and asked if she could meet him at his place. He really wanted to sleep in his bed tonight. She agreed and headed over, using the new key for the very first time.
When he got home, she was there, in bed watching television, or had been. She was sound asleep, the TV still blaring and the lights still on, and he knew it was a valiant effort. He placed his bag gently on the floor and shed his clothes down to his boxers. First, he turned off her light, and then moving to his side of the bed, he sat softly, trying not to wake her. He slowly pried the remote out of her hand and turned off the television, but that was what woke her up. She startled, and her eyes opened quickly. He saw the moment she knew she was awake and he was there; a large smile spread across her face as she quickly moved into his arms, her face pressed to his chest, her arms holding him tight. He leaned his head against hers, breathing in her sent. "Hello, love. Sorry to wake you."
"Don't be silly." She kissed his chest and looked up at him. "I tried to wait up."
"I know." He pulled her down into the bed with him, allowing him to lay back on his pillow and hold her tight. He sighed at the comfort of being home. The RV was wonderful, but it's just not the same. He bit his lip in thought, as his hand lightly stroked at her back. "Feels so good to be home." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, adding "With you next to me."
She turned her head and moved up to kiss him. "Yes, it does. God, I missed you."
He smiled at that, and ran his hands through her hair, and decided to lighten the mood. "I think you just missed using me as your pillow."
She laughed and gave a very light swat to his chest as she laid her head back on it. "Yes, that must be it."
"Emma, I have a question...Do you mind if, when I'm home, we can be here? It's not that I don't love being at your place with you...it's just...I already spend almost half the week away, and I'd really like…"
She pats his shoulder and turns on her chin to look back at him. "Oh, I get it. I do. That is just fine. When you're gone, I'll be at my place, and when you are home I can stay with you...if you want me to."
He gave her a strange look. "Of course I want you here, love; why wouldn't I?" She shrugged her shoulders and leaned her head back on his chest, her fingers playing in his chest hair. "You also know, while I'm away if you want to come over, you are more than welcome to be here without me." He could feel the grin against his skin, instantly making him feel better; her hand slowly creeping under the sheet and down his stomach also did wonders, especially when her fingers wrapped around him making him groan out her name. The night was no where near over yet, and they had a few days of being apart to make up for.
The next day after work, she stopped at her apartment, and grabbed more of her work clothes to take back to Killian's place. She sighed as she also stuffed in her heating pad, and other feminine necessities she would unfortunately need this week. But she smiled remembering that he didn't seem to mind last time, and was very happy about being at his place with that amazing shower.
However, those blasted hormones during the week had made her more clingy, but luckily he seemed to have no problem with it. Though when he had to leave on Thursday, it was absolute torture, with tears in her eyes as they said goodbye and irrational feelings of him leaving her. He held her tight, rubbed her back, kissed her forehead, told her over and over he'd be back soon, he'd call when he got there, and that he loves her. She finally managed to pry herself away from him, and watched him walk into the small airport. That night, she returned to his house with a pint of Rocky Road, and stole a worn t-shirt of his to wear, and turned on the Princess Bride.
The following day, she got a text from Ruby telling her that she and the girls miss her, and they can't wait to see her again. Emma returned the sentiments, and then muttered to herself that at least someone misses her. Ruby then sent her a Twitter message with a picture of the sun and the temperature out in Phoenix, telling her she is missing out on the warmth and sunshine. The resulting tweet gets her a ton more followers in the hours afterwards, and requests from people to post pictures of herself and Killian. She isn't too sure what to think of that.
That night she went back to her place, ate Granny's take out, when he called. "Hello, love. How are you feeling?"
She smiled at his concern. "Hi, I'm okay. Just miss you."
"I know, but I'll be back in two days."
She knew it was partially her hormones that made those comments irritate her more than usual, made is so that she couldn't let the statement go. She knew she shouldn't say anything, but damn it, she couldn't help it anymore. "So, who do you have there that has you so preoccupied you don't miss me at all?" Silence greeted her for a few moments, and the range of emotions went from "oh crap, what did I just say," to "Oh my God am I right?"
He was shocked by her words, by her anger, and wasn't sure what to even say for a good minute, until her last words spurred him into action. "No...no, Emma, God no. Trust me, I want you here, it's just…" He realized he had to tell her; keeping how he felt was obviously doing worse than telling her. "I didn't want to trouble you with how much I miss you, love. But I miss you...I miss you so very," his voice caught, "much, love. I promise, no one else is keeping me preoccupied. Unless you count lunches or dinners with our friends. And even then, I'm still missing you; they miss you, too."
She smiled at the term 'our' friends, tears in her eyes at his words. Damn, she was a freakin mess. "Why didn't you want to tell me?"
He could hear the tears in her voice, and it made his heart squeeze. "Emma, I never meant for it to hurt you; exactly the opposite. I didn't want you to worry about me. I didn't want you to feel bad for not being able to travel with me. I was hoping to make it easier on you. I can tell now that that was a bloody horrible idea."
She sniffed. "I'm sorry, I'm just so damn emotional right now, and I…"
He stopped her. "No, love, I was the stupid git. I'm so sorry, Emma. Please believe…"
"I do. I love you. God...I miss you."
Killian let out a small laugh. "I love you, too, and bloody hell, I feel incomplete without you here. It's incredibly difficult to get any sleep without you next to me."
She giggled at that, lifting his heart. "Trust me, I know the feeling." And with that, they both eat dinner together while they continued to talk.
===∞∞∞∞∞===
Killian started in 5th place in Phoenix, and after the first five laps he was in the lead, and led most of the race. There were a few wrecks from blown tires, and some of the drivers in the middle of pack tried to gain position and pulled into the other lane without enough clearance. Each time the crashes happened, Emma would get worried that she couldn't see where Killian was. She just kept telling herself if she couldn't see the car then that meant he wasn't involved, but she was still used to being able to see where he was at all times.
She followed Ruby's Twitter feed during the race and replied to a few comments where she called out some of the drivers for the way they were driving, voicing her agreement. With a few laps to go on a restart, Jefferson hit the gas a little too fast, rear ending August in front of him, which caused a chain reaction in the front top lane of the pack, while most of the bottom late was able to go down the track to avoid it. The rear end damage on Killian's car, forcing him to give up the 1st place position once the pits opened so they could take a little more time to patch up the car.
Luckily, his crew performed as marvelously as usual and they got him out as quick as possible and into 7th place. As soon as they restarted, he tried to work his way back up as fast as possible. He moved around cars, into the top lane, and then around once again. By the time the cars reached the finish line, Phillip won, and Killian came in 4th. While she knew he would be disappointed, he was at least in the top 5. She was proud of him, and would make sure she told him later.
The interview with the first reporter showed just how angry he was. When asked about the crash that lost him 1st place, he shook his head, clenched his fist, and his jaw ticked. "I'm hoping after all the insanity that he has shown this year, officials will take action. He is a menace on the track, a danger to himself and others." Robin stood behind him, nodding in agreement.
Of course that was the moment that Jefferson had to walk by and make an off screen comment, that Emma couldn't hear, but Killian reacted immediately. "You bloody buggering prat!" Killian yelled as he tried to launch himself at the other driver, only to have Robin immediately hold him back, telling him to calm down, that Jefferson wasn't worth it. Killian quickly got a hold of himself, waved off the camera for further questions, and he and Robin quickly headed back to the trailers.
Emma sent him a quick text wanting him to know she was proud and loved him. Send him some support after everything.
ES: You were fantastic. 4th is amazing. I love you. See you tonight. ❤
It was only a couple minutes later when she got a text back.
KJ: Thank you. I love you too. Miss you. Heading to airport now.
KJ: Don't wait up, love. I'll sneak into bed with you when I get home.
When he arrived home, he did just that. She was sound asleep, hugging his pillow. He quickly undressed, slowly pried the pillow away from her, and then crept into bed beside her. His arm wrapped around her waist, his face nuzzled into her neck, he took a deep breath and his body relaxed now that he was home, right where he belonged.
The week proceeded as normal. Emma worked and stayed at Killian's. Killian went into the shop to meet with the team a few times, and also dropped off the paperwork for the charity to Regina for her team of lawyers to start working on. Ruby and the girls started a group text to keep Emma up-to-date about things. Texts also included adorable pictures of Alexandra with various hairstyles Ashley tried on her. Emma used some of them herself for work.
On Tuesday morning, Killian asked her if she would like to go out for a movie and dinner after work. Which she absolutely did; a date night was very much needed. They saw each other a lot, but with him gone on the weekends, it made things a little more difficult. They went out for Italian and she picked a cartoon flick about some bunny joining the police force that they both actually enjoyed while snuggled close to one another.
This time when he had to leave on Thursday, she was more in control and instead of crying, she kissed the hell out of him, leaving him breathless, wide eyed, and with a "bloody hell" murmured from his still-tingling lips.
By Friday night, the tension of the last few weekends away from each other were taking their toll. "God, I miss you so bloody much, Swan," Killian whined into the phone as he lay in bed, the tv volume low in the background.
She sighed. "I know; same." Her laptop forgotten next to her in her own bed while the music still played from it as she stretched out giving a soft groan.
That small sound from her was all it took to get his blood boiling. He tried to push down the impulse, even as his hand trailed down his stomach and crept under the elastic of his boxers to take hold of himself. "You okay, love?" He asked trying to sound normal but he should have known she knew him too well.
"I'm fine; just stretching...what are you doing?" Her voice held the smile that was already on her lips as she looked to the phone next to her on speaker as if looking for a confirmation to her thoughts.
"Oh...by that tone, I think you know exactly what I'm doing." He squeezed his hardening flesh a little more and allowed himself a soft moan. "Would you like to join me?"
The response was immediate. "God, yes." Quickly she pulled off her pajama shorts and underwear in one go; he did the same with his boxers.
"Tell me what you are wearing," he demanded in that tone that made her burn and ache for him.
"Just my black camisole. I just got rid of the rest"
He grinned. "Mmmmmm. Eager are we?" She hummed her yes. "Though I do love that top, take it off and play with those lovely rosy nipples." The silk was off in an instant, and her hands were on her breasts, her fingers lightly tweaking the peaks, eliciting a soft moan. "That's it. God, I wish I could take them into my mouth. Suck on those sweet buds."
She moaned again at his words. "I wish I could run my hands over your chest, run my nails through that chest hair, feel it brush over my breasts." He changed the phone to speaker, and placed it on the bed next to him, as his then free hand roamed over his chest doing as she said, his eyes closed trying to imagine it's her doing it.
"Take a hand and trail it down your body, think of my lips taking the same path. God, I want to kiss every last inch of you." He licked his lips at the thought, and she did exactly as he said. "Now bring them down to that sweet cunny of yours. Please tell me you are wet for me love."
Her fingers traveled to her core, already knowing that she was sopping wet, and finding she was right. She whimpered as her fingers traveled over the sensitive flesh. "So wet for you. Need you so much." she whined.
With that, he brought the hand that was on his length to his mouth, and gave his palm a long lick, coating it in saliva. "I wish I could taste you right now. You're delicious, my love; I crave you on my tongue."
She flicked her fingers over her clit lightly, imagining it was his tongue on her, making her squirm and gasp. "I want to taste you, too. God, I want to wrap my lips around you."
He moved his wet palm to his hard shaft, and groaned thinking of her mouth sucking him down. His jaw clenched as he pulled his fist over the head and then back down. "Fuck." He bent his knees and put his feet flat on the bed, allowing him to buck his hips into his hand. "If you aren't already, bring that other hand down, and dip two fingers inside of you." He could tell the moment she did as he said because she keened into the phone, her breath came out as a shaky yes. "Mmmmm, I want to be inside of you. Always so hot, tight, and wet. I'd take you hard and fast."
Emma sped up her fingers pressing inside her, as her other fingers circled her clit faster. Her breathing sped up. "Fuck...yes...I need you…" she cried for him as her legs started to shake from the mounting tension.
His hips started to thrust up into his fist, envisioning it was her instead of his hand, her sounds over the phone helping his imagination along as he groaned. His body quickly moved to it's peak. "So close...so fucking close...Let me hear you...come for me."
She rocked her hips, and ground down a little harder on the bundle of nerves. At his request and hearing his shuddering breath, her body snapped and she cried out his name in pleasure as she shuddered and clenched around her fingers.
Her scream brought him over the edge with her, his hips slamming up into his fist once more as jets of his seed shot out coating his hand and abs in long white streams. His hand stilled, as he tried to regain his breath. She removed her fingers and her own hands fell to her sides as her body laid sated. She sighed out, "God, I miss you."
He let out a soft chuckle. "And I, you...and that is a very large understatement." He looked down at his stomach. "Also not as messy when I'm with you." He joked as he took his discarded boxers to clean his hand and stomach.
She laughed as she sat up and pulled the chemise over her head, and the sheet over her cooling body. "Might be cleaner for you. Not me."
The part of him that loved seeing his seed drip from her, that primal part of him, groaned at the thought. "You don't seem to mind." He teased.
She smiled. "No, I don't mind...I kinda...crave it."
His eyelids squeezed tight and he groaned at her teasing, "Are you trying to work me up again love?"
She giggled. "Don't tell me that you just have one round in you. I know better."
Killian bit his lip, and looked at the clock. Quickly adding in the adjustment to the timezone it was almost midnight back home. "That you do. And while I would love to go again, it's already late for you, my love. I don't want to keep you awake when you have work tomorrow."
She let out a long sig. "I hate it when you are right."
He chuckled. "I know you do. I love you. Good night Emma."
"Good night,\; love you, too." With that, they both reached for their phone and ended the call. She reached out and turned off her light as he got up and headed to the RV's bathroom for a shower.
The next day she went and had lunch with Mary Margaret and David before she went back to Killian's to watch the race. It was easier to watch there so that she could then stay there and wait for him to get back. He called her right before the announcements and she wished him luck. They ended their call with an I love you, and him telling her once again not to wait up for him since he would be late flying in from California.
This time, Killian was starting 8th after having a few issues with the car in qualifying. However, luckily they weren't too bad and they were easily fixed prior to the starting of the race. With the help of a few cautions for a blown tire and some debris, he was able to make his way up to 5th by lap 37 of the 200-lap race. The next caution at lap 63 allowed him, with help from his crew, to get up to 4th, right behind Phillip and Victor, with Sean and Eric trailing behind him.
After another debris caution on lap 104, no one had really gained or lost position, all still bunched together. A few laps later, Jefferson in 2nd place tried to take the lead from August. He moved up quickly right in front of him, and the air movement made August lose control of his car, slowing speed and fishtailing across the track, causing a chain reaction behind him as he tried to right his car.
Sean slowed, Killian did as well behind him, both trying to avoid the car. However, some of the cars behind didn't get the word and did not slow down, and everyone plowed into each other.
Emma was on the edge of the couch, her fingers gripping the cushions as Eric was pushed into Sean, both running into Victor and shoving him up against the wall. Yellow lights flashed around the track.
"No...no, no, no." she chanted as they both spun down into the grass. Victor's car then rammed into Killian's, that then shoved him forcefully into the back of Philip. Killian's car then hit the outer wall hard and bounced off, metal, foam, and bits of tire flying as Phillips car spun 180 degrees. The 71 careened down the inside of the track, hitting another spinning wreck and directing Killian's car to the inside retaining wall at almost full speed.
"No!" She screamed as she watched the jarring impact as the front of his car crumpled in on itself. "Oh, God." Her voice trembled.
Her eyes were glued to the screen, praying as the TV moved back and forth to all the cars caught in the wreck as the red flag came out, since almost half the field of cars were someway involved. The track was littered with mangled cars.
She watched as Sean, Victor, Eric, and Philip all put their nets down, signaling they were okay. But when the camera went back to Killian's car, the net was still up.
The reporter finally spoke. "We are still waiting for Jones to put down his net." The television showed ambulances rushing to the scene, as a medic quickly got out and ran to the car. "Wait, we are getting word that there is no response to the crew from the 71."
Emma's heart clenched, as Robin's voice came over the TV. "Killian? Respond. Killian? Answer me...Mate?! Killian...Killian!"