Amalia/shanti/Callie – glad to be back! There's definitely more to come, just hope your patient with me. Amalia, Paige doesn't do anything crazy for work; she just works in Finance along with Toby but on a different team. I would say she's a Portfolio Analyst if you want to put a name to it.

Darkredeyes – I'm so glad I could make you smile! When I saw your comment, you made me smile. I'm a huge fan of "Forbidden Kiss" and "What do You Mean I Married You". Hope I don't disappoint with this update.

Barbaraq/laly – Hope you like this chapter :D I can tell you they are both older and wiser, but sometimes when it comes to choosing between following your heart and something that you've grown up with…it's a bit more difficult to just drop the latter. Plus…why can't you have both?

Lia/grisel – well said!

shadedgrey15 – thank you!

Efy/Guest – Paige just needs sometime especially since now Emily is back in the picture. Of course she follows her heart but it's all about the journey that makes it worth it

Kristen – You really know how to leave someone absolutely speechless. Thank you for that. One of my favorite quotes is "It's the wanting that keeps us alive" from the movie Dangerous Beauty. I find wanting is very similar to foreplay depending on how it's depicted. I can assure you there will definitely be some foreplay between Paige and Emily.

annie – I'm so glad I'm able to describe those feelings in my writing…that was my primary goal. It's one thing to have it in your mind…but it's completely different to try to actually write it out.

sammy – understand the title of the story now :D Sometimes people get so scared of what they're feeling they don't know what to do besides run away from them. But since Paige tried that already, let's see how she deals with doing the opposite.

Agnes - sorry! I normally post after work. Since the holiday season is approaching traffic is a bit crazy on my end. Hope I don't disappoint with the update!

On a side note, I want to send out my warmest wishes to everyone who is celebrating Hanukkah a wonderful holiday season!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters

XXXXXXX

Even with swarms of people surrounding her, Paige's eyes always found her. And when they found her, Paige observed every detail of the brunette as though she had to retell the engagement at a later time. She watched as the Emily warily leaned against the front of the tall building, studying the distraught look Emily was currently wearing. Holding her cell phone to her left ear, Paige folded her right arm around her abdomen; knowing she was focusing more on the dark hair brunette rather than the call she knew her boss would ask a follow-up on. Emily looked scared; she looked uneasy, she looked exhausted.

Clenching her jaw, Paige's eyes brows furrowed when she observed Emily sliding down the concrete fence to take a seat on the frigid floor. The bronzed girl had pulled her knees towards her chest as she brought her hands to her forehead rubbing it as though she was reliving a dramatic moment.

After meeting up with Spencer earlier that week, Paige not only found out how Emily made her way to Spencer's balcony that night but also knew the brunette would be out today to take part of her CPA exam. Looking up at the 111 Livingston Street building in downtown Brooklyn Emily just came out of, Paige knew it was notorious for holding solemn exams. It didn't take much research for her to know which building exams were being conducted in; she only hoped she could get a chance to finally talk with the girl.

Smiling a little to herself, Paige saw the frustration on Emily's face and knew she was always one to be hard on herself after every exam she took back in high school. Paige tried refocusing her attention back on the conference call she was on long enough to end it with some decency. Even with her back turned, Paige's thoughts were focused on Emily.

"Frank, thank you for the update with the Real Estate forecast. I'm not going to be able to make the 5pm meeting later today. Can you send me materials so I could look it over this weekend and send you back a follow up?" Paige found herself saying as the call ended. "Great, talk to you then"

Unbuttoning a few of her top buttons, Paige cleared her throat as she made her way across the street. She left Midwood for the sole purpose of getting away from the same feelings coursing through her, but now with a mere glance she didn't think twice about leaving work early and dodging traffic to be near the person causing those feelings. The closer Paige walked towards the brunette, the more she began realizing Emily was crying. Parting her lips as a tear fell from Emily's eyes, Paige took a seat quietly next her without saying a word.

It was no surprised Emily's head shot up as she was startled by the sudden proximity she found herself to a stranger. Not wanting Emily to feel uncomfortable with her staring, Paige looked forward to prevent any eye contact. Then finally, Paige heard her voice she's been longing for in 5 years.

"Shit" Emily managed to mumble out as she wiped away her tears and hugged herself.

The familiarity of being struck with sudden silence coursed through Paige as she tried forcing herself to say something, to say anything. But the minute she turned her head slightly and caught a glimpse of the same brown eyes she found herself dreaming of, Paige couldn't say anything. Thankfully, she didn't have to be the first one to speak.

"You're beginning to have this tendency of just leaving without saying bye to people" Emily quietly said breaking the silence. "Or maybe you just talk to people you care about. But I have to admit…it hurts a bit"

Paige cleared her throat as she heard Emily reveal a small amount of hurt with the silence around her. "You were pretty deep in conversation with Kate. I didn't want to intrude where it looked like I didn't belong"

Emily raised an eyebrow as she couldn't help but smile at the familiar sensation that poured through her when she heard Paige's voice. "Intruding? That was one of your strong suits. When did that ever stop you?"

Smiling, Paige didn't realize how much she missed the quick banter the two used to share back in high school. In all honesty, Paige didn't mind talking about the party; but she wanted to know how the brunette has been. She wanted to know the details for her life. She wanted to know everything and anything. But she had to start somewhere. "When did you get back from Boston?"

"About a week ago" Emily answered. "I didn't realize how much I was going to miss New York. How about you? When did you get back from Ithaca?"

Surprised Emily knew about her whereabouts, Paige quietly responded "I came back about a year ago. I didn't know you knew I went there".

"Well Kayla, Hallie, Sandra and all the rest seemed to keep in constant contact with you. It was bound to happen where one of them said you were going to Cornell. I didn't realize you didn't want me to know" Emily desolately responded.

Paige's heart dropped as she heard Emily's statement. "I wasn't hiding that from anyone. I just didn't think it would be a topic of discussion"

"Ms. Ivy League? It was a given we were going to find out where you were headed. But speaking of knowing, how did you know I went to Boston?" Emily asked suspiciously.

Feeling as though she was caught snooping where she didn't belong, Paige tried her best to diverge the answer. "Well Kayla, Hallie, Sandra and all the rest were in constant contact with you. It was bound to happen." As both girls smiled at Paige's response, Paige continued. "How did the exam go?"

Emily felt all the anxiety she was feeling since this morning rush back. "I don't know" she whispered.

Paige watched as the expression from Emily's face quickly shifted to worrisome realizing that was probably the last thing she wanted to talk about. After a few seconds of silence passed, Paige could hear the grumbling of Emily's stomach as she tried hugging it quiet.

"Listen, there's this really good Thai Food place a few blocks away from here. I haven't eaten anything since this morning and I am absolutely starving. Would…would you like to join me?" Paige asked as she stuttered out the last part ensuring she still didn't make eye contact.

Knowing full well Paige was trying to be polite; Emily gathered her strength and stood up. "I'm actually going to grab something from a local deli and be on my way".

"Please, Em" Paige pleaded as she finally looked up in those warm dark brown eyes. "They have the most amazing Pad Thai and you'll be doing me the favor since I'm always eating by myself during a work day."

Emily's eyes widen as she heard her nickname come through the girl's lips; feeling the tingling she once missed shock through her as looked back into the girl's large doe eyes. Watching as Paige stood up, Emily's eyes roamed over Paige's figure as she couldn't stop herself from appreciating how amazing the girl looked. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

Brushing off her pants, Paige looked back at the building across the street acknowledging her comment. "Nothing I can't do this weekend. It's Friday. It's gorgeous outside. Why not make the most of it? I rather grab something to eat then have another client meeting"

Finally holding each other's gaze, Emily swallowed as she looked into the same dark brown eyes that walked away from her a few years ago. She wanted to know the reason behind the girl's disappearance. But she also wanted to feel like she did back in high school, the way Paige was able to make her feel. "Fine. Lead the way".

Watching Paige move in front of her, Emily followed the auburn girl as she began walking toward the street corner. The proximity of finally being near Paige was driving her wild; especially with the calm the girl gave her. She could easily feel the tension surround them as it once did, just like the night they finally talked at park; Emily had to admit she liked reveling in that sensation. Deciding to break the silence, Emily asked, "Isn't it Spencer's birthday next weekend?"

"Are you going to that?" Paige quickly asked in shock.

"I was thinking about it. I mean I haven't been to Atlantic City since I've been in Boston my whole adulthood so far. I figured it would be a nice change. How about you?" Emily casually responded already knowing the answer.

Paige couldn't hold back her smile as she realized Emily was coming with them this weekend. Just one look at the girl, and a whole new set of emotions could course through her. "I'm actually one of the drivers heading down there. Toby and Caleb are of course the others. How have you never been to A.C? It's the breakout place when your 21 if you can't do Vegas"

"The breakout place?" Emily responded with a hint of sarcasm. "When I was 21 my breakout place was bar hopping by BU. I'm guessing you did Vegas?"

"Yeah, my girlfriend at the time kind of surprised me with it" Paige responded.

Feeling a lump in her throat at the mention of another girl, Emily's eyes diverted to the buildings across the street trying to hide the sudden pinge of jealousy. "That is one hell of a girlfriend. I think the most surprising thing I ever did for a girlfriend was surprise her in her apartment"

Clenching her jaw at the sudden image of Emily surprising a girl behind closed doors, Paige forced herself to stare straight ahead. "I think any girl would truly appreciate that".

XXXXXXX

As they approached the hidden gem, Emily noticed there was no name out front and suddenly became curious of how Paige came across this place. "How did you find this place?"

"Randomly actually. I was just walking down here after a conference and the blue lights caught my attention at first. I figured I'd try it out. Good thing I did" Paige responded as she opened to the door to let Emily in. Following the waiter to their seats in the courtyard, Paige asked, "Have you ever had Thai?"

"Really bad Thai" Emily answered as she placed in a table napkin in her lap. "So let's pretend I never had Thai before. I officially give you permission to do all the ordering."

"Really? Alright, I'm going to have to do some serious ordering to prove this is probably the most amazing things you'll probably ever eat". Making eye contact with the waiter, Paige waited till he came near to begin placing their order. "Hey, can we start off with (2) Thai Iced Teas?" Paige asked as she waited for the waiter to finish writing. "We'll have a small plate of Fried Calamari, a plate of fresh Thai Summer Rolls and a plate of chicken Gai Of Nuur Satay? For our meals I would like Chicken Pad See Yue for the lady and I would like Koong Kra Prow. That will be all for now, thanks"

Emily's eye brow rose as she heard the order and couldn't help herself. "I'm sorry, are we eating for hibernation right now?"

Without holding back her laugh. "You need to be impressed" Paige responded as she held Emily's gaze. "I can't impress you by just giving you one thing to try. I know you hate mushrooms and I know you don't eat beef so I tried ordering around that-"

"You remember that?" Emily quickly asked before Paige was able to finish her thought.

"I have a pretty good memory. Just like I remembered this happens to be one of your favorite songs" Paige replied as One Republic 'Secrets' began playing in the background. Picking up the Thai Iced Tea just sent to their table, Paige mentally scolded herself for actually saying those two things out loud. "Cheers, to you finishing your exam" Paige motioned as Emily followed her lead.

"And to seeing old faces" Emily included. She felt amazed at how the woman before her remembered the little things about her. In high school, the Paige she knew would have probably gotten her everything with mushrooms and beef. But the girl she was looking at was nowhere close to that same person.

Watching Paige look down in embarrassment, Emily knew the auburn girl was feeling a bit flustered. As soon as Emily heard Paige admit to remembering anything about her, she wanted to just scream at the girl. She wanted to know why she just left. Why she didn't try contacting her. Why she could make her feel like complete shit one minute and amazing the next. Brushing the thoughts away, Emily picked up her glass and took a sip of the Thai Iced Tea; tasting the sudden flavor of coconut milk and tamarind hitting her palates causing her head to slightly pull back. "Wow, well that's different".

"Good different or bad different?" Paige asked as she placed her glass down.

"Really good different. I might have to trust your judgment when it comes to drinks" Emily responded taking another sip.

XXXXXXX

For a Friday night, Joya's service went rather quickly and smoothly; swiftly dishing out the orders placed. It was merely minutes before the appetizers came out followed by the entrees. Everything was up to par by Paige's standard as she enjoyed every bit of the tasty Thai cuisine just dished out; the company was liked even more.

Feeling Paige's heated gaze upon her, Emily knew she had to give the woman credit for her taste in cuisine. Wiping her lips, Emily placed her napkin on the table as she braced back holding her stomach. "Ok, you win. That was absolutely amazing"

"Told you" Paige replied with the smirk Emily' hadn't seen in years. Taking the check from the waiter, Paige noticed Emily reaching into her purse for her wallet. "No no, don't even think about it. This is my treat for your test"

"I don't think so" Emily replied taking out $40. "Please, just take it"

"No. I told you I was starving and you'd be doing me a favor" Paige replied handing the waiter her credit card.

"Then do me a favor and take the money" Emily quickly spat back.

"Em, it's just dinner. It wasn't even that expensive" Paige responded.

Emily's eyes began tensing up as she ignored her gesture. "Then I'll just leave this as tip"

"I already included tip" Paige replied as a smirk appeared on her lips knowing Emily was getting a bit aggravated.

"Can you just take the money?" Emily asked more sternly.

"Geez, can't even buy you dinner huh? How about you buy desert?" Paige asked.

Emily sat back at the compromise Paige put on the table. "You're still hungry?"

"No not at all, but I know I will be in a few" Paige stated with a smile.

Surprised at the gesture, Emily nodded in agreement wanting to spend more time with the girl. "You have time to just walk?"

"I do. If you're up for it the Brooklyn Promenade is absolutely gorgeous at night. It basically another hidden gem of New York. They have a pretty nice Ice Cream truck around the corner too" Paige replied as she signed the check. Watching the semi-doubt in Emily's eyes, Paige sat back waiting for an answer.

Paige knew she was pushing it further than she should, but it was just a walk. She was older now, more mature and experienced. The kid she was back in high school no longer exists. Paige didn't deny every emotion she felt for the brunette before was still there. She couldn't help her eyes wondering over Emily's entire body or the goose bumps she got just by hearing her voice.

"You changed you know" Emily stated before giving her answer.

Paige quietly admitted "I was a complete dick back in high school".

Taking a deep breath, Emily nodded as she held Paige's gaze. "You were. And I'd love to check out the Promenade"

XXXXXXX

Exiting the restaurant, the two encountered the perfect walking weather. With the area nearly dark, the pair began strolling down the sidewalks of Brooklyn as though it was meant for just them. Unsure of what to say to one another, they both fell into a comfortable silence as a sense of warmth flushed through them. As they approached the water, Paige felt the crisp in the air as she flinched at the sudden contact. Taking off her suit jacket, she gently wrapped Emily in it, startling her by her touch.

"Thank you" Emily whispered as she grazed her fingers reaching for the jacket.

The instant sense of shudder crawled through both of them making Paige swallow as she couldn't find it in her to spit out 'you're welcome'. She closely examined Emily's reaction as they entered the promenade watching as a small gasp left her lips. She watched as Emily observed the majestic Brooklyn Bridge radiating to the left as the Manhattan skyline lit up in the background. Smiling to herself, Paige couldn't take her eyes off of her.

"Why did you leave Midwood?" Emily asked focusing on the scenery before her as she snuggled more into Paige's jacket.

Paige snapped out of her trance as she turned her head to face the bridge. She knew Emily was dying to ask her that question all night. "I thought you already knew"

"And I'm asking you" Emily asked she turned around trying to find the answer within the large deep brown eyes she had been longing for. "Did you leave because of me?" she whispered trying to force Paige to look at her.

Sliding her hands into her pockets, Paige closed her eyes as she took in a deep breath. She knew Emily was looking right at her, so decided to walk closer to the water. "I got into a fight with Bess, Em. Not exactly something I want to have a reputation for"

"But you rather have a reputation for being Ms. Casanova?" Emily asked. "Why did you fight her?" Emily watched as Paige focused on everything but her. "I could have handled her alone" she finally whispered.

"She pinned you down against the lockers. This is Bess we're talking about. She wasn't just going to stop there. Especially with you looking the way you did that night" Paige furiously responded realizing what she let out.

Emily's eyes widen. "How did I look?" she whispered.

Paige remembered in detail what Emily wore that night. She could close her eyes and tell you inch by inch. "You looked the way –" Paige started as she struggled to come up with the answer. Combing back her hair with her hand, she continued, "Someone like Bess would want to…get with" Paige carefully responded. "When I saw-"

"Then why did you leave?" Emily asked more persistent. "Bess came after me and you just left. You didn't even wait to see the outcome. You didn't even wait to see if I got to the principal's office okay. You just left me." When Emily didn't hear a response, she took in a deep breath to calm herself down. "You knew Bess was getting kicked out of school; you would have been praised and probably gotten even more girls to come after you. So why did you leave?" Emily watched as Paige looked into the distance still trying to look at anything but her. "I didn't want you to leave" Emily whispered as silence took over. "I didn't even get to thank you for that day"

Nearing the end of the walkway, Paige slowly sat down near the fence at the corner edge. "Do you really think I wanted praise for what I did?" she asked staring up to finally look at Emily. "I fought my best friend…I didn't even know what I was fighting her for. It's just…when I saw Bess corner you the way she did, I never felt as much rage before then I did in that moment. She had no right to touch you way she did. But at the same time, I shouldn't have gone after her the way I did. She was the goalie on my team and I got her kicked off".

Emily could hear the sorrow in the girl's voice. Watching Paige carefully, Emily sat down next to her. "She was trying to force herself on me right there in the hallway" Emily finally admitted, earning a surprised look from Paige. "She wasn't just pinning me down. She had already crept her hands into my dress before you came. You saved me that night."

Balling her hands into fists, Paige tried her best to contain her anger knowing the girl was safe now. "You never have to thank me for that night" Paige began, feeling irritated for leaving Emily in such a state. "I left because of my own conscious, it was nothing you did. If I knew…she had squirmed her way under your-"

"You'd what? …Stay?" Emily asked as she interrupted the girl. The look on Paige told Emily everything. A part of her felt Paige was only being half honest with her, but she understood. Sitting down next to her, she felt the auburn girl move over slightly closer to her for a bit of warmth. They were sitting so close to each other, Emily could smell Paige's citrus scent surround her as though they were back in high school. "Thank you" Emily whispered as she looked Paige straight in the eye. She watched as Paige's eyes drifted to her lips. Instantly licking her bottom lip, she wanted to just kiss her. But Paige of course did the complete opposite.

Looking back forward, Paige cleared her throat. "How did you get down here?" she quietly asked as she focused on the globe statue straight in front of them.

Emily clenched her jaw before responding, "I took the train".

"I parked a few blocks down from here. I'll give you a ride home" Paige offered.

"It's really ok, I'm just going to hop on the train and-" Emily began before Paige cut her off.

"You're not taking the train by yourself" Paige steadily said.

Emily nodded her head as a smirk appeared across her lips. "And that hasn't changed." Emily stood up as she brushed her pants before looking back down at Paige. "There are other people taking the train at this hour"

Biting her bottom lip, Paige slowly stood up as she found herself merely inches away from Emily. Staring at her, all she was able to get out was "Please".

The lump in her throat forced Emily to swallow as she took a step back. "Paige, it's only 9. It's perfectly safe. You could stop being overprotective. I've been on my own practically my whole life"

Forcing to constrain her own selfishness, Paige slowly nodded as she forced herself to agree. "Would you least let me walk you to the train station?"

"Fine" Emily agreed as a smile crept across her lips. As the duo began exiting the park, Emily felt the need to change the subject. "So Atlantic City next weekend huh?" she asked as they walked toward the train station.

"Yeah, it should be pretty fun. A night out just dancing and drinking, it should be pretty chill. Weekends like these we really need. You're going to meet us by Caleb's apartment right?" Paige asked.

"I will be there" Emily responded with a smile.

As Emily began peeling off Paige's jacket when they approached the train station, Paige stopped her. "Please, keep it till you get home. It's not like this is the last time I will be seeing you" she stated with a smirk.

"Well we never know when it comes to you. Thank you" Emily replied as she leered at Paige with a sultry smile.

"I promise you. It won't be the last time" Paige whispered.

"It better not. Have a good night" Emily replied with a smile.

Swallowing the lump that formed in her throat, Paige seemed to have lost all cognitive thoughts as she held Emily's gaze. "Have a good night".

Paige watched as Emily descended down the train station stairs, reprimanding herself for being so dumbfounded around the girl. Taking in a deep breath, Paige cleared her throat. I can do this.