That Monday, Emma went back to work and Killian had to head into Mills Racing headquarters for a meeting with Regina and her lawyers. It seemed they were done with the paperwork for the charity and Regina was insistent on getting it started. She wanted the charity active and ready to go by the Charlotte race and make some big show at their home track. That was fine with Killian; he was already looking into getting tickets for all the kids at the shelter anyway.
He got there early and the receptionist directed him into the conference room. It didn't take long for everyone else to join him. Regina sat at the head of the table, as he knew she would, and the rest of the group took their seats. Mostly men, only one woman, but she sat next to Regina directly across from him.
Regina didn't waste time. "Okay Kathryn, what do you have?"
She laid out all the paperwork and explained what each was for, how it protected him and the race team, etc. Then the next documents where how the charity—well, actually foundation—would be setup. Killian would be the head director or chair, Regina would be another, and then he needed to have at least a third, though he could have more if he wished.
"I was thinking Robin, or your brother, or…" Regina cleared her throat, "Emma...if you want."
He wasn't sure what to say. "Um, do I need to decide right now?"
Kathryn shook her head. "We can put myself down as a temporary, until you choose who the other person is, so that we can adopt the bylaws." She pushed more papers in front of him, explaining that they decided to use some of the most simple by-laws. They could be changed at another time if he wished. "Now, the directors just decide what to do with the charity, give direction. But you will also need staff."
Killian looked to Regina. "I thought this would allow for more money to come in for the charity, with staff it sounds like more leaving."
Regina raised her hand. "It takes money to make money. You know that. What the staff would do is help to raise more money. Also, some of the staff can be volunteers."
"Exactly," Kathryn continued. "You would need a handful of staff to start; some can even be part-time until it really takes off. The rest can easily be volunteers." She pushed over another list. "This is a list of people to start out with, with a description of what they do. Below that are the types of jobs you usually see volunteers do."
"This is a very similar setup to the Mills Heart Foundation. We can even spare a few regular volunteers to help out at the start."
Killian looked at the list of jobs. Executive Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Fundraising Director, Marketing Director, and Operations Director. He was at a loss at what to do, "I don't know…"
"Kathryn's team will be your legal area of expertise while I am on the board. So that will be covered. We can use Mills Racing's Human Resources department to help fill those spots, as I did for mine. I'll also ask my directors if they know of anyone to fill those positions. If you have recommendations, then we will go with those." She took a breath. "Killian, this is your charity. While it may seem that I am dictating a lot, I just want it to work out. But what you say goes."
He gave her a soft smile and nod. "Thank you." He knew how difficult that must be for her. "Please find out if you know of anyone, for any of those jobs, and I guess I'll be looking at resumes." He wanted to see if he could go over them with Emma, though he wasn't sure if he should bother her. She had her own job, and he didn't want to give her more work to do.
He signed off on the paperwork, not to mention a pretty large check for starting money that Kathryn advised he notify his tax person about for the tax breaks. They all agreed to meet again once he decided who else would sit on the board and whom he wanted for each position.
Emma spent part of her lunch break talking with Tink as per normal, while the other part she spent on Twitter. She answered some of the innocent, non-invasive questions from Killian's fans.
Favorite color, coffee or tea, and favorite movie she would answer, for her or Killian. But she wasn't going to tell everyone if he wore boxers or briefs. Besides, she rationalized she couldn't answer the question. It didn't have an either or answer. He wore nice, fitted, boxer briefs. Just even the thought had her squirming in her chair and Tink laughing at her with a knowing smile. Emma, of course, threw her napkin at her. Which just made the other blonde laugh even harder, having proved her right.
Once she got home—no, wait, to Killian's place—she was exhausted; having not worked those few days the week before had made her need to stay later than she wanted. She felt bad for taking the lunch at all, but as Tink said, "Emma, you need food and a mental break." She had been right; she felt more productive after, but getting home...dammit...back to Killian's an hour and a half later than usual didn't sit well with her.
She parked her car in the garage and made her way in the house. She of course had texted him to let him know she would be late. She knew he was more than likely going to be making dinner and she didn't want him to wait, but upon walking into the house, she could tell by the delicious smell that he was obviously in the middle of cooking.
As soon as she shut the door, his voice carried to her. "I'm in the kitchen, love." She smiled, as if his location wasn't obvious to her olfactory senses. She quickly made her way to him, kicked off her shoes, and walked into the kitchen to wrap her arms around him from behind as he stood at the stove, stirring something that smelled divine.
His one hand came up to hold her arms and a contented sigh escaped his lips. "Anything I can do to help sooth you from a trying day?"
"You already are," she mumbled into his back as her nose pressed into his t-shirt, getting a whiff of just him instead of the food. His scent and his body in her arms were already comforting her.
He smiled, happy that he could help her just with his presence, much like she did for him. 'God, I love her.' but instead he asked, "Hungry?"
"Starved," she replied, still snuggled against him.
He turned to move the pan off the burner and she went with him, making him laugh. He slowly turned in her arms to face her, her nose now nuzzling into his chest. His hand came up under her chin, raising her eyes to look into his, and then he bent down to kiss her softly. He smiled again as she hummed into the kiss. He slowly broke away, and stared into her big green eyes as his hand moved to put a strand of hair behind her ear. "I would love to stay right here with you. But if you wish me to feed you, I need to finish dinner." She gave a slight pout which had him laugh and then kiss her nose. He walked her over to the bar stool, and had her sit as he poured her a glass of her favorite wine. "Here, relax. It's almost done." he then retreated back to the stove to finish up.
After the second sip of wine, and watching him move gracefully around the kitchen, she asked, "So how was your day?"
He sighed. "I met with Regina and her lawyers about the charity."
"I thought that was a good thing, but you don't sound happy." she frowned for him, he had been so optimistic about it.
He ran an errant hand through his hair, making her know he was really frustrated before he continued. "It's just a lot bigger than I was thinking it would be. Picking directors, and hiring staff...I just want to help the kids. But…" he broke off, unsure of what to say. He heard her soft footfalls behind him, and one arm hugged him again, the other reached around him with a glass of wine to offer him and he chuckled. "Thanks, love."
She rubbed her hand lightly against his chest in a soothing manner. "Killian, you can tell me anything."
He knew he could, it was just...he didn't want her to think less of him. He loved his job, and he was good at it, but he didn't have a clue about the real business world. He never went to college, like Emma did. In some ways, he had almost hoped Regina would have just taken the reins and ran the whole thing so he could focus on what he knew. "It's just...I...there is so much...I'm not…" Damn, this was hard to say.
She could feel him struggling with telling her, and she wasn't sure why. Whatever it was couldn't be that bad. She turned him around to look at her, "Killian. I love you. If you tell me what's wrong, we can deal with it together."
"I love you too, Swan." He said and leaned in to give her another kiss but it also delayed his answer. When she pulled back and raised her eyebrows at him, he knew he had to say. He took a deep breath. "I'm out of my league here, Emma. I...don't know what to do."
Emma had to bite her lip not to laugh, she wouldn't dare with how it obviously hurt him to tell her that. She was worried it was something much worse than that. But she had to kill the tension that was radiating off of him. "Wait, are you telling me that me, Killian-know-it-all-Jones...doesn't know everything!?" she asked incredulously. "How is this possible?" She looked around the room. "Did I fall into an alternate universe?" She asked with a big smile and fake shocked eyes which got the desired result, him grinning and holding back laughter. She then turned serious, "Killian, you don't need to know everything. Hell, the fact that you recognize that is good. It's better than thinking you do when you don't and doing it wrong. I can help you if you want, and if I don't know, we can find someone that does."
He wasn't sure how he could love her more, but she just proved him wrong...again. His hand came up to cup the side of her face, his fingers traveled over her cheek. "I don't want to make you work more than you already do."
She shook her head. "Killian, the charity is a wonderful thing. It will help so many kids, heck, more than what I'm even able to do in my work. I would love to help out where I can...if you are okay with that." The last bit had her eyes cast down in uncertainty.
He raised her chin to look at him again, "I would love your help. Of course I would." He leaned down to kiss her, and with a growl from her stomach, they broke away both in a chuckle. "I better feed you."
With that, they headed back into the kitchen so he could finish supper, while she got out the plates. While they ate, he told her about the meeting with the lawyers and what positions he needed to fill. She relayed what she was doing at work and what she had responded on Twitter, to which he told her, "I know." He pointed at his phone, "You are on my notifications." Which caused her to blush and start to apologize, which he stopped immediately. "Emma, I love it. No worries. Just only do what you are comfortable with."
After dinner, they sat on the couch, a movie playing in the background they had both seen prior. She leaned against his side, his arm holding her to him and his hand playing in her hair. "So…," she started, "I think Robin and/or your brother would be good for the board."
He smiled. "I agree, though I think having my brother in London could be a problem. I'd have to see if he physically needs to be at meetings."
"I'd think Skype would work."
"I hope so. I would like his input. Though, knowing my brother, he would give it to me no matter if he's on the board on not."
Emma chuckled in agreement at that. "Him and Elsa for that matter." She snuggled a little closer. "As for the other positions, I'll check with Mary Margaret and David; they may know some people who do things for the school or the police office. I'll also ask the girls, they seem to work with non-profits some, too."
He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?"
She tilted her head up to look at him. "Yes, but I'm always willing to hear it." They leaned into each other to share another kiss.
After much discussion that week, they had compromised on how she would get to the next race. He insisted she didn't have to go, though he would love her there. She felt she had to be there; she wasn't going to go through that horror again and not be there, though she didn't tell him that. But she also knew she had to be realistic. She couldn't take every Friday or more off. She rationalized with herself that practices weren't as dangerous and she could miss the first one.
So, since the next track wasn't too far away, she would drive there after work. It was only a three and a half hour drive to Bristol. He had of course offered the jet, or even to pick her up at the airport, but she refused. He agreed to her driving, but only if she took his car. When she had argued, he had said, "Emma, I know you love your car. But it's older. I don't want to worry that you are broke down on the side of the road." She had huffed her agreeance, for an attempt at a compromise. They would ride in the RV along with the driver back home after the race, the car pulled along back with them.
And that was how she wound up driving his Camaro all the way to Tennessee on Friday night. The three and half hour drive turned to four and a half by the time she got there. He was waiting for her at the track's security checkpoint and jumped into the passenger seat. He gave her a quick kiss, and while she followed his directions back to the RVs, she could see the tension ease off of him.
He brought her bags inside, as she followed, a yawn already coming out as she followed him into the bedroom. He tilted his head at her. "Hungry?"
She shook her head no. "Got something on the way."
"Okay, then let's get ready for bed. I can tell you are exhausted, and I missed you so bloody much, and I was so worried…." He took a breath, "I just need you in my arms." She had texted him a few times at rest stops. But having her driving alone, at night, that far, had driven him crazy. God, did she feel like this when he got into the race car?
They both quickly changed and got into bed. She rested her head against his chest and sighed in contentment as he wrapped his arms around her. "Emma?" he asked softly not sure if she was asleep yet or not.
"Yeah?" she replied with a yawn.
"Please, no more driving by yourself out to races. My nerves can't take it."
She twisted her head to look at him. "You drive at almost 200 miles an hour, and I went the speed limit—well a little more than that when there wasn't traffic. And YOUR nerves can't handle it?"
"It's different. One, it's my job; I'm trained for it. Two, if anything goes wrong, there are trained medical staff waiting in the wings. You could have been off the side of the road with no one…" he shook his head to clear it.
"You know, I drive all the time. I have driven longer distances by myself before you. I'm a big girl, Killian."
"I know." And he did, he really did, but telling his nerves and heart that was another thing. He had to try another direction. "But can you tell me, honestly that you liked that drive?" Her long sigh gave her feelings away. "See...I could have had Dusty come and get you." She groaned and pressed her face into his chest. "Or, even though I love you being here. I understand if you need to stay home." She shook her head a little too quickly, and he felt her body tense at that. His fingers came under her chin, to have her look up at him. "Emma...what's wrong?"
She shook her head again and looked away, "Nothing...I'm just...tired."
He could tell that was a lie, and he called her on it. "Now, how about the truth?" she refused to look at him, and then he finally caught on. "You're afraid of me crashing again." He took a breath. "Emma, I can't promise I won't…"
She cut him off. "I know. But...you don't know what it was like. To see that…"
He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry, Emma. I'm sorry you had to see that. But, I'm okay. The doctor said I can probably take the tape off in the next week or two. It looked worse than it was."
"Killian...I'm not upset you crashed."
He tilted his head in shock. "Wait, what?"
She let out a deep breath, tears in her eyes. "I mean, I am, but I'm really upset I wasn't there. I had to get info on how you were through Robin, or the girls, or the TV. I should have been there!" she snapped loudly, and then quickly looked away. "Sorry."
Then he understood, and he gently turned her back to him. His thumbs wiped away her tears. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because it's my issue. Not yours."
"Love, we are in this together. You aren't on your own anymore." He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss, and then leaned his forehead against hers. "That fear you had about not being there if something went wrong is the same fear I had all night. Trust me, I fully understand. What can I do to help?"
She smiled up him, his understanding making another, happier tear escape her eyes. "I have no idea," she admitted with a small laugh.
He grinned at her honest answer. "Then we'll figure it out...together." He gave her another soft kiss. "Tomorrow. Now, we get some sleep." She nodded in agreement and they snuggled in together, quickly falling into dreamland.
The next morning, Emma soon learned how different Bristol Speedway was from the other tracks she had been to. When Killian had called it a short track, he wasn't kidding: it looked almost like the track fit into a football stadium. It was only a half-mile track, but the banking, as Ruby called it—the slope to the tack on the turns—was greatly increased to almost thirty degrees, which thus allowed for more speed. It was also a lot louder, forcing the girls to retreat inside to watch qualifying.
While they watched, Emma asked them for recommendations for people to fill the positions in the charity, which they all agreed they would let her know about. When qualifying was over, she knew she would find a very happy boyfriend, and she was right. He had placed second, and it showed with the smile on his face. "Feeling better, huh?" she asked as they followed the others back to the trailers to change so they could all head out together to grab a bite to eat.
He wrapped an arm around her. "Much."
The next day, the race was much more eventful than quite a few Emma had witnessed. The girls had warned her the track was known for wrecks because the drivers had to vie for position in the corners, and boy oh boy had they been right. Her knuckles were white from the close calls, or clipped fenders, and rubbed sides of his car. The 71 had looked pristine at the starting line, but at lap 473 out of 500 it was nowhere near. There was barebond in many places, and a missing back bumper, but the car was still driving, and Killian was still happy with it. At least his car was still going, unlike Victor, whose car was taken out on a wrecker, but at least he was okay.
The lead had gone back and forth between Philip, August, and Killian most of the time. Philip had the most laps led so far, so there was no way at this late stage for the others to take that extra point away from him. But the men didn't care about that as they traded more paint, trying to get in the lead to cross that finish line.
And soon, they were. Emma, Robin, and Regina were all on their feet as Killian and Philip came to the finish line, August trying to get around them. But it was Killian that made it across first! With whoops and hollers coming over the com, and hugs being exchanged in the box, while the other cars pulled along past him, giving him thumbs up and congratulating him.
Emma and the team quickly made their way to the victory circle, as Killian finished up his burnout and took the checkered flag. She knew this time to stay out of the way until all the soda was gone from the crew's hands as he got out of the car, but she was quickly pulled to his side anyway for a deep kiss before the reporter could even ask him a question.
After he pulled away, he regrettably turned from Emma back to the red-headed woman with the microphone. "Congratulations on the win! And the victory celebrations to come," she told him with a wink, that made him chuckle and Emma hide her face. "It must feel good to come back from that accident, with the missed race, to finish seventh last week and now this win at Bristol. How did you do it?"
He smiled wide. "I have a great team, good doctors, and the best ever medicine in the world." He said looking down at Emma making her blush even more.
"I'm sure she is," the reporter chimed in before he continued.
"This was a challenging race, like it usually is here. It requires a very different strategy than other tracks. We had a good one thanks to my crew chief. I had a wonderful car, thanks to my team, Mills racing, and…" Killian went on to thank his list of sponsors and then his fans.
When he was finished, his crew rushed in for a group hug. The reporter laughed and turned back to the camera. "And there is Killian Jones, your winner at Bristol. Zelena Green, back to you in the studio."
The string of victory pictures followed, making both of their eyes see stars. Once it was over, they headed back to the RV. There, he took a quick shower while she packed. Emma noticed the car had already been hooked up to the RV to be towed home. They settled on the couch for the ride; any other victory celebrations would need to wait, since they were no longer alone once the driver pulled them out of the speedway. But it didn't keep him from driving her absolutely crazy with his kisses and roaming hands on the way there. Then again, she wasn't exactly innocent either.
The next week, they agreed that Emma would take a flight—in a regular plane, to Killian's dismay—to Richmond on Friday night. It was a quick one-hour flight, and luckily, the airport wasn't far from the track.
He was there waiting for her when she got there at almost eight, with a cute little sign with her name and a bouquet of roses. She blushed like crazy, but threw herself at him anyways. They both laughed breaking the kiss as he ushered her out of the airport and into the waiting car.
Due to the short flight, she wasn't exhausted like the week prior, but she was hungry. She wasn't surprised at all to know that a late dinner was waiting for them. "You should have ate," she told him as they walked into the RV and she kicked off her shoes while he put her bag in the bedroom.
"What can I say, it doesn't feel right to eat dinner without you anymore." She blushed but knew the feeling. "Sit, relax. I just need to warm it up."
She didn't complain as she took a seat at the already-set table. She took a minute to look at her phone, check Twitter for any of the girls' updates, and then her email. Only to be a little shocked to see an email from Elsa. She was about to tell Killian, but stopped at reading the subject line. 'Secret.' With a lot of curiosity she looked around to find him busy with dinner and thus clicked to open the email.
Emma,
You may already know this, but I also know Killian. He probably hasn't told you, but his birthday is coming up on May 8th (his 29th). It's up to you what you wish to do with the information. ;)
Hugs,
Elsa
P.S. I haven't forgotten about Killian's baby pictures. I'm working on getting all of his and Liam's scanned to digital.
Emma smiled at the email, and did a quick reply to tell Elsa thank you for the information and no he hadn't told her. Granted, she hadn't asked. But in the back of her mind, she vaguely remembered coming across it in his bio, though that search had been long prior to when they were together.
As he came back to the table with their plates, he caught the sneaky smile on her face. "What are you up to?"
She laughed. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
He raised his eyebrow. "Perhaps I would." He sat their plates on the table and then took his seat.
She picked up her fork, and decided a little teasing would be okay. "Elsa just sent me a quick email, telling me she was working on getting your baby pictures scanned so I could see them."
"Oh, bloody hell." He shook his head and dropped his eyes in embarrassment.
"Well, she's doing the same with Liam's, so you aren't alone."
He looked up and smiled. "Oh, good. I was much cuter."
Emma laughed, and winked. "I bet."
"You don't believe me? I was an adorable child."
"Mmmhmmmm," she agreed with laugh and took a bite of dinner.
"I was! You'll see, we'll have beautiful children…" he cut himself off in realizing what he said, as she started to choke on the food in surprise. She quickly reached for her water to help swallow it down, while Killian's ears turned bright pink. "Apologies, love. I...that was, that wasn't the way…" his fingers were already scratching behind his ear.
As soon as she could breathe, she took another gulp of water, and then reached across the table for his other hand. Her head was spinning, but not because she was scared. Which in and of itself should have frightened her, but it didn't. He had actually thought about it! "Killian...do you...ummm…" She wasn't sure what to say.
He looked up and into her deep green eyes. "This isn't how I had envisioned having this conversation." He gripped her hand tighter. "But, Emma...you must know, I'm completely in love with you. Of course I've thought of it. Bloody hell, I think of it all the time. Especially if I see you holding Phillip Jr, or playing with Alexandra. But...if that's not what you want…" God, it would kill him if she didn't want that as well, but it would kill him more not to have her at all.
She grinned, and squeezed his hand back. "I would be lying if I said I didn't think the same thing when you hold or talk with those adorable munchkins as well. You'll make an amazing father, Killian." She took a breath, "Someday, I do want that." She saw his nerves relax, and his smile widen. "Though I do have one condition."
He straightened up, readying himself to hear the worst. What did she want? For him to stop driving first? Or what? "Yes?" he asked.
"Well, living in the Nolan home while being a Swan wasn't easy. What with school, and doctors and everything. Always having to explain."
His thumb caressed the back of her hand. "I'm sure it wasn't, love."
"I came to realize how important having the same last name is in a family." She said with a smile.
"I can see that…" He cut himself off as realization of her meaning came to him. His eyes grew and a smile bloomed on his face. He couldn't even speak with the knowledge that she had thought about marrying him.
Emma looked away, embarrassed, worried she said too much. "I'm...not saying now. Or-or anytime soon. It's just that…" How could she tell him that with the pregnancy scare back in high school she had promised herself that she wouldn't have children without being married first. With both of them wanting that future. But she was brought out of the thought by his lips kissing the back of her hand, and their eyes met.
"Emma, no worries love. I believe we are on the same page; I understand exactly what you mean." They both shared a smile and decided to finish their dinner.
Qualifying went well once more, now that he was back in the swing of things. His ribs and muscles didn't hurt nearly as much. He placed fourth to start, and part of that was the car setup, but they had a plan and it was an easy change on the first pitstop.
He was a little shocked to get out of the car and not see Emma there. He walked over to Sean and Victor talking, and asked them. "Hey, do you know where the girls are?"
"I think Ruby said they were watching from our place," Victor told him.
Killian nodded and started to head back to the RVs. Victor laughed and Sean grinned as he spoke. "Just can't stay away huh?"
Killian turned back around to the guys. "And that's a problem why? I seem to remember how you both acted when you met your lady loves."
Both men put their hands up in surrender. "There was no offense in that, man," Sean told him.
"Honestly, we're just glad you joined the club," Victor confessed.
Killian couldn't help but smile, nod, and turn back around to only hear Sean say, "It was about time!"
He went back to their RV, showered, changed, and then found his way to Victor and Ruby's trailer. The screen door was open, letting the breeze in. He could hear all the women talking, but couldn't make any of it out. He knocked. "Hello?"
The girls all got instantly quiet, then hushed whispers were exchanged as Ruby came into view. "Hello, Killian." She opened the door and motioned for him to come in.
All the ladies just looked at him, none saying a word, making him uncomfortable. "Uhhh...did I come at a bad time?"
With that Emma immediately jumped up from the couch, and pulled him into a hug, "Not at all, silly." She then gave him a quick kiss, "Fourth ain't too bad. Car problems?"
He could almost feel her trying to change the subject, but he wasn't going to question it; how bad could a secret between girls be? "Yeah, but Robin and I have it sorted." He looked at the girls, still quiet and looking at them. "Ummm….I was thinking, since it's early, the two of us could head out to dinner. Unless you have other plans?"
"Oh, that sounds perfect." Emma told him and took his arm to pull him out of the RV. "Bye ladies, see you tomorrow."
He told them goodbye as well, but the moment they were outside, Emma stopped. "Oops, my purse. Wait a sec." She dropped his arm and went back inside.
As she came up the steps she looked at the girls, a finger to her lips about what they had discussed. All the girls, including little Alexandra, made the motion that their lips were sealed. Some couldn't help giggling as she grabbed her on purpose left behind purse and then made it back down the stairs to him. "Okay, ready."
With that, they walked arm-in-arm back to their RV to get changed to head out. A car was ready for them to take them to a movie. Afterwards, they opted to have dinner at an Italian place across the street, and then the car picked them up to take them back for the night.
The Richmond track was a little bigger than Bristol, three-fourths of a mile instead of a half, and the banking not nearly as steep. By the first lap of the 400-lap race, Killian had moved from fourth to third place. Eric, Phillip, Victor, and Killian then traded the lead through most of the race. Only other cars got a lap led when there were some green-flag pit stops. There was still the trading of paint, debris on the track from cars rubbing each other or the wall, and some minor crashes in the middle- and end-of-the-pack of cars.
The interesting thing on these smaller tracks that Emma first noticed at Bristol was how often the lead cars would then be passing the cars at the back of the track, so many drivers were getting laps down because of it. This made her extremely nervous every time Killian had to weave around the cars at the back of the pack while also chasing or trying to keep the lead. Some of these cars caused backups, and thus caused lead changes as well.
She could also tell by the comm how aggravated Killian was with some of those drivers. "Move outta the way, you bloody git!" or "You're three barmy laps back, bugger. Get your arse over." She knew he was angry, but she couldn't help herself from the small laugh at his choice of words, some of which she was sure were even worse but she had no clue what they meant. She looked them up on her phone, only to clap her hand over her mouth and to shake her head. He definitely had a dirty mouth on him; the only problem was that it made her squirm in her chair, thinking about what that dirty mouth did to her last night.
Then they were crossing the finish line. Phillip had a car-length lead, and Killian and Victor were fighting for second. But it was Killian that finally edged him out just as they crossed the line. She took her time getting down from the box, knowing that as soon as he got out of the car, the reporters would be asking questions.
Which was exactly what happened when she got there. His eyes caught hers while he was answering question, and his eyes lit up, his smile getting bigger. As soon as he was done with them, he took the few short steps and enveloped her in a hug, then they headed back to the RV and prepared for their trip back home.
Tuesday night after dinner, while they were in the family room to relax, and Killian brought a small stack of papers with him. Regina had given him a few resumes that her HR team had come up with. The stack also contained a few that the girls had found and one that Mary Margaret had worked with prior. They had agreed to both look them over and see if any deserved an interview for the charity positions.
The first couple were set aside as No's right away based on lack of experience. "Next," Emma said holding out the next paper. "Belle French. Oh, she's the one Mary Margaret gave a glowing recommendation on. She said she was really smart, and very friendly. Also said she got along with difficult personalities."
Killian looked at her resume, "She volunteers at the local library, has organised many fundraisers for it, the local schools, and homeless shelters." He read further. She was highly educated. "I think an interview is in order."
Emma smiled. "Agreed." They put the next one in the No pile, and then she lifted the next. "Mulan Fa. Ruby's recommendation. Said she was great at raising funds from corporations. They worked on a few charities together while Ruby was NASCAR's Sprint Girl and her girlfriend."
Killian raised an eyebrow. "Will that cause any complications?"
"I asked the same thing; I didn't want any awkwardness. But Ruby assured me the split was amicable and that they are still friends." The resume also went in the to interview pile as well as a few others. "Well, looks like a good start."
He nodded in agreement, and leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, love."
"No need. I want this to go well as much as you do." She snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest.
The next race was at Talladega. It was much too far to drive—over six hours—and Killian flat-out told her no. She was slightly miffed at him for it, but she agreed she didn't really want to drive that far either, especially at night. Though she could have flown into Birmingham, the drive from there to the track was almost an hour each way. She didn't want him to do that either. But she was also resolute in not allowing him to send the plane just for her.
It gave her only two options: not go at all, which to her was not an option, or to take the day off, which she didn't want to because she wanted to take time next week for his birthday. Luckily, Tink had come up with another idea. "Emma, they have internet at the track or Killian does, right?"
"Of course."
"Then take your laptop, have your phone here forwarded to your cell and work from there."
"I'm not sure Archie…"
Tink laughed. "Seriously? He loves Killian and you. Working from home or a track or whatever here and there shouldn't be a problem." And after lunch with Tink, she asked her boss if it would be okay.
"Emma, you work hard. I trust you will actually be working and not abusing the privilege. Besides, we allow others to work from home when they can for sick kids or other things."
With that she had a plan, for this week and others. She couldn't do it every week, but at least she had another option. Killian, of course, was thrilled. "See, I knew it would work out."
She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him, but she couldn't help but smile either. Things were working out really well; it felt almost too good to be true.
The flight out on Thursday night was quick, and the tiny airport near the track made it extremely easy to deboard and get to the RV in no time. Emma had a couple extra bags this time due to bringing her work and laptop. She sat them near the dining table and then followed him to the back.
They had grabbed dinner prior and ate on the plane, so they had the evening free. "Shall we go say hi to everyone? Or watch a movie?" she asked.
"We'll see everyone tomorrow. If we attempt to watch a movie, we'll just distract ourselves anyway. I have a much better idea." With that he looped his arms around her, and pulled them both down onto the bed.
She giggled as they bounced, and then once they settled, said "You're insatiable."
"When it comes to you Swan, I definitely am." His hands tangled in her hair and pulled her down to claim her lips with his own.
It didn't take long until all of their clothes were littering the floor around the bed. Killian's scruffy chin was teasing the skin between her breasts, as his lips sucked first one and then the other of her nipples into stiff peaks. Her hands threaded through his hair, pressing him closer and moaned her approval. His one hand snaked between them, moving between her legs, his fingers moving through her wet folds, eliciting a shudder and a whimper. "Killian…"
He smiled against her breast. "Right here, love." He sucked at the peak once more, with a slight nibble, before letting it go and switching sides again. His fingers delved deeper, circling her clit, making her back arch up at him. "Unless you want me somewhere else."
She couldn't decide whether to press him back to her breasts, or push his head between her legs. Part of her wanted his mouth on her, he was so good at it, but another part of her wanted the dual pleasure of his fingers below and his mouth on her sensitive nipples. She pressed his face back to her chest, and bucked her hips up at him.
He grinned against her once more, taking the hint. Two of his fingers plunged into her core and she rewarded him with a moan, and her hips moving against them. His teeth bit at the side of her breast, and then sucked in small mark into her skin as this thumb started to stroke over her clit while his fingers continued to thrust.
"Oh...yes…" Her fingers tightened in his hair, pulling it slightly making him groan and thrust his hips and fully hard erection against the mattress. Then he started to curl his fingers inside of her, and her body arched again. "Fuck."
"In due time, love," he told her as he now started to kiss down her body.
She gripped his hair tighter and tried to pull him back up, "No, now. I want...need you now."
He caught the desire in her eyes, and removed his fingers, sucking each on in turn, keeping her eye as he crawled up her body. "I can never deny you anything." He sat on his knees between her legs, wrapped her legs around him, held her hips to raise them up to meet him, and slid home slowly into her. "Play with those gorgeous breasts, Swan, since I can't." He told her and then slid out only to thrust back inside.
She moaned at the push of his hips, as her hands came up to do as he requested. She cupped the plump flesh while her fingers tweaked and twisted at the peaks. She bit her lip, while her eyes watched his moving back and forth from watching her actions to the view of him sliding in and out of her.
The view was amazing, and he couldn't decide which one he liked better, both turning him more and more. Watching her small, hands working over her own beautiful breasts, pleasuring herself, or watching his cock push inside of her, filling her and then pulling back slick with her wetness. His hips thrusted harder and faster due to sight, the feel of it, and the sounds she was making. And from the sounds she was making, he could tell she was close, and with a few more plunges into her, he could feel she was too.
He adjusted the position, and moved over her, her legs wrapped high around his hips, as his mouth connected with hers.
"Yes...Yesss…" Was all she could get out as his hips continued to thrust, but also ground his pelvic bone against hers on every move. She felt the cord twist impossibly tight because of it, and with another hard push of his hips he was pushing her over the edge. Her arms grasped tight to his shoulders, as her scream was quieted by his kiss, while her body tightened around him.
He moaned into the kiss, and the feel of her muscles contracting around him, and with a few more plunges inside of her, his hips pushed himself deep, and held as his own pleasure took over, and washed through him.
He had enough thought left to roll them both to the side, his arms holding her close, as she snuggled into his chest. He smiled and kissed the top of her head. After a few minutes, she turned to look up at him, "Now movie?"
"Alright. But let's put on something we won't mind missing the last part of." He smirked at her, and she reached for her pillow and smacked his side with it, making him laugh.
The next morning, Killian left Emma at the dining table with a kiss to her lips while she started to work and he headed to the garage. He waved, nodded, or said hi to the other drivers and different crew he passed on his way to the stall. His crew were already there, finishing getting the car ready for practice. Robin stood at the row of computers, monitoring the readings.
"How does she look?" Killian asked his crew chief.
"Hey, mate. She's doing pretty well. We made a couple tweaks based on the predicted weather. Looks like it's not going to be as hot as we thought. There may even be rain on Sunday."
"Bollocks." Killian ran his hand through his hair, he did not want to hear that. Rain delays were never good, unless you were in the front. It could push the race to the next day or call the race as it stood at the time the delay started. Something both the drivers, sponsors, and the fans hated. "Let's hope it goes around us."
"Agreed. But either way, we will be ready. Just try to stay up front."
Killian laughed. "Don't I always?"
"Just who I was looking for," came a voice from behind them. The two men turned to find Regina walking towards them, they each brought a hand to their chest asking which one. She gave an affectionate look to Robin. "I meant Killian." Her hand lightly brushed Robin's arm. "But will lunch…" She looked at Killian, "a lunch meeting work to discuss things?"
Robin's smile bloomed. "I believe that a late lunch after practice will work just fine."
Regina nodded and then motioned for Killian to follow her out of the noisy garage. Once they got somewhere a little quieter so they could talk, Killian started. "Regina, the two of you don't need to sneak around for my account."
She looked like a fish out of water. "What?...Uh, what are you talking about?"
He had never seen her so flustered before. "It's okay. I figured it out. If you both are happy, then I am." Wait, was she actually blushing?
"Thank you, Killian. I didn't know how you would react. I know Robin and you have worked together for a long time, longer than we have, and…"
He stopped her. "Regina. Just don't hurt him. That's all I ask. He's…" he cleared his throat. "He's had enough pain."
She nodded. "I understand, and I won't."
He accepted her answer with a nod of his own. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"What?" She blinked at him for a second. "Oh, right. First, Kathryn got back to me. Liam doesn't need to be physically present; a phone conference or Skype will work for board meetings."
"Perfect. Then I want to add Liam and also Robin to the board."
"Great. I'll let her know." She raised her eyebrow a moment, looking as if she was debating to say something."
"Spit it out, Regina. I've never known you to mince words."
"Why not Emma?"
He should have expected that. He took a deep breath. "She has her own job, at a shelter no less."
"Conflict of interest."
"Exactly. I mean she's helping out. We're looking at the resumes together. I will certainly take her input. She wants to help volunteer, etc. But…"
"I get it. Actually, that's part of what I was going to ask. How is the recruitment going?"
"We have a list of candidates for some of the positions, and we have interviews set up next week. But we haven't found anyone for Executive Director to interview yet."
"Okay, I'll have my team focus on that. Though I actually may know someone. One of my older sorority sisters, Mal, has a daughter who has worked with a lot of nonprofits. I can find if she is looking for a change."
"Personal recommendations are preferred actually. So please let me know." She agreed and with that he went back to his crew, while Regina turned around already on her phone inquiring.
It was really nice to be working at the track for Emma. She actually felt like she got a lot done due to the extra quiet and staff not just stopping by in need of something. But the best part was Killian coming in for a late lunch with her. Not to mention that later on they went out with their friends...yep, the other drivers and their respective others were now both their friends.
She always had Tink, and of course David and Mary Margaret, but it was really nice to have friends outside of work or family. It was also great to have girlfriends that could give her the heads up of what to do, or what would be in store with her life as the girlfriend of a NASCAR driver. It was challenging, but he was worth it; they were worth it. The nights with just the two of them were also extremely worth it. The early mornings however…
Well, they could go take a hike. While he always told her she could stay in bed, and for the really early mornings she did. It just wasn't the same to be in bed without him. She wasn't sure when exactly him next to her to sleep had become a necessity, but it was. This was one of those mornings. She lay there for an extra twenty minutes, with sleep not returning, until she gave up and decided to get ready for the day.
Less than an hour later, she was out and about and headed towards the garage to look for Killian—or the girls, more specifically. They had a few more things to plan, and today would be the last time they would get a chance to be alone and talk before it was put into action.
It didn't take long for her to find Killian and Robin looking at monitors. She came up behind them and wrapped her arms around him.
He could tell it was her before she even touched him, and his arm lifted instinctually to come around her and pull her to his side. He kissed her forehead as he kept talking with Robin.
Robin gave her brief smile as he replied, "The weather still hasn't dissipated; in fact, I think it's worse. At the very least we are going to get the edge of it, which will certainly mean a rain delay. Hopefully, that's all it will be."
The girls had explained that last night, and she had asked the silly question. "Well, why not just put on window wipers?" While Ariel tried not to laugh, Ruby and Ashley couldn't contain it.
"Emma, going 200 miles per hour on, at the very least a wet track, at worst a downpour, where you can't see five feet in front of you?" Ruby asked incredulously.
"That wouldn't be good," she replied. Not good at all.
"Now they do put on windshield wipers for the road courses. But those are at a lot lower speed, and only for light rain," Ariel chimed in. Emma was sure she was trying to help.
Her mind came back to the present, as Killian responded to his crew chief. "Well, that means I need to get a good starting position. How's the modifications from practice going?"
"They'll be done before qualifications start." Robin promised. And he was right—the repairs were done prior to Killian getting in the car. As soon as he pulled out from the garage, she and the ladies found a corner to get something to drink, watch, and plan.
When qualifying was done, Killian had won the poll and would start first in Talladega. It was cause to celebrate, and they did back in their RV, alone and very much together.
The first thing Emma realized the day before was that Talladega was like Daytona. It was massive, and as Ruby told her, a restrictor-plate race. Those lovely plates kept the cars from going too fast. But it also led to more drafting and working in pairs to create that needed speed.
They were all hoping to get the race in today due to the weather. The stands were already more sparse than any she had seen prior, and the reason: the damn rain. They had started the race already an hour and a half late due to the blasted storm. Even though it was short, they had to wait for the jet dryers to dry off the track.
But luckily they were now off and racing, and Killian was luckily still in the lead as he came in for a green-flag pit stop at lap 26 of 188. Most of the cars followed him in; only some stayed out, trying to get the point for leading a lap.
There was just one issue: more rain. The caution was called while the few cars had stayed out and just as the rest were coming back on the track, effectively putting all the lead cars behind the others. Luckily, it was just a few sprinkles and the green flag was waved again, but while the front cars tried to get down to the pits, they held up Killian just long enough for Philip to take the lead with Victor's help.
Killian was a lone driver without a dance partner it seemed, until Sean got behind him. The two then gained some speed, and started to make their way up the outside. Other cars fell in behind them as they moved up the track, catching the lead cars.
By lap 57, it was Phillip, Victor, Killian, and Sean, in that order. The first two on the inside, and the other two on the outside, each row with a string of cars behind them. But that is when a couple cars got into each other, and Eric was pushed into the wall as two other cars rolled into the grass.
Once the caution was over, they were at it once again. Eric's car was battered but running and now in the middle of the pack while Killian and Sean were able to take the lead. They held it for a few laps before the inside lane put Phillip and Victor back in front. It kept going this way, back and forth, another caution for a car rubbing the wall or a blown tire here and there.
At lap 95, Robin chimed in over the com. "Okay, we are past halfway, this race ends today one way or another." Meaning by someone crossing the finish line, or more rain and the race being called as the race stood. By the way the dark clouds looked coming in, Emma had a feeling it would be the second option, as she pulled her jacket more firmly around her.
It was lap 106 where it all seemed to happen. Killian was in the lead with Sean pushing, Phillip and Victor right behind them, when she saw the drops start, just as Killian's spotter did. He was just telling him over the com, but it didn't matter, the downpour happened too fast.
It was a blur as Killian, then Sean and the rest started to skid, moving all over the track. Philip went down to the grass, Killian and Sean into the wall. Victor barely avoided them, as other cars tried to slow and take evasive action. It seemed to take forever, but it was barely a few seconds, when the caution came out, which didn't take long to turn to red.
Between the crashing cars and the downpour, it was almost impossible to see. No one had expected it to rain so hard, so quickly. Emma was standing, trying to see his car. Trying to see if his window net was down. Her heart was beating erratically, her breath held, as Robin spoke over the com. "Killian?"
Deep breaths came over the line, and then, though it sounded a little strained, "I'm fine. I'm okay."
Emma took in a deep breath and then sat back down next to Robin and motioned to the microphone. He leaned in closer to her so she could talk. "You aren't fine."
Killian gave a short chuckle. "My almost healed ribs aren't too happy with me. I don't think they got hit or anything, just the seat restraints digging into still-tender areas."
"We'll see what the doctor says," Robin told him.
She could almost hear his eyes roll before he responded. "Yes, mom."
The wreckers and the ambulances were out all over the track. Luckily, everyone had reported back they were okay, all nets were lowered, and the fans still there in the rain cheered. It didn't take to long, though, for the NASCAR officials to call the race. Based on the time the caution came out, Victor was in the lead, and also one of the few cars still intact. He was followed by Phillip, Killian, and then Sean.
As soon as Killian was out of the car and in the back of an ambulance with a couple other drivers headed to the infield care center, Emma was out of the booth, umbrella in hand and on her way there as well.
It seemed like forever before he was cleared, luckily with no extra damage to his ribs, with the good news that the tape could probably come off next week. Just in time for his birthday, Emma thought, but didn't say anything.
The big problem was at the airport. The rain was also not letting anyone out. So the two of them along with Dusty had to wait for the rain to slow and then wait their turn in line before they could take off.
Not knowing how long it would take, they grabbed some food, ate, and then pulled out the plane's bed. Both were fast asleep in each other's arms before Dusty was even able to take off at close to two in the morning, heading home.
NOTE: At the end of the chapters going forward, I'm going to include the points total. So you know the standings as of the end of that chapter. (Yes, I have an excel spreadsheet keeping track.)
Car - Driver - Points - *=leading
#71 - Killian Jones - 359
#8 - Phillip Haven - 360
#36 - Victor Whale - 361
#53 - Sean Herman - 370*
#65 - Eric Sirena - 350
#92 - August Booth - 354
#12 - Tarrant Jefferson - 282