Description: this is a story I have been working on for a while. This is my first Dawson's Creek story so take it easy on me, I'm rusty on my characters.

Disclaimer: I may not own the characters but this story is original and from my imagination.

Author's note: this is my first try at a Dawson's creek story, be nice to me please. This is a Pacey/Joey fic, my version of how they got together. Enjoy and review thanks :)

Chapter #8

(Pacey's pov)

" What are you doing here Joe?", I question when Joey walks up the dock toward my boat. I wasn't really expecting to see anyone tonight. Least of all Joey, she's made pretty clear how she feels for me. What, did she come to break my heart a little more? As though telling me that I don't stand a chance a hell with her wasn't enough?

" I came to see you, Pace. Hows the boat doing?", asks Joey with an awkward smile. Briefly stopping what I'm doing, I watch Joey as she shoves her hands into her back pocket. She came all the way down here to talk to me about my boat? Somehow I highly doubt that. Joey obviously came here for a reason, the question is what?

" Joey, you and I both know you didn't come to talk about the boat. So, what did you want to talk about Potter?", I point out with a tired sigh. Joey's never been good with small talk. Whatever it is that she has to say, she should probably just say it and get it over with. I have a lot of work to do on my boat still, and its not going to get done by standing around and waiting for Joey to tell me whatever it is that's on her mind.

" Yeah, I know...look Pace, I'm sorry about a few days ago.", apologizes Joey as she glances up at me. Huh, now that is definitely a first. Joey is apologizing to me? I never thought that I would see the day. What is she sorry for? She didn't do anything wrong. Its not her fault that she doesn't feel the same about me as I do her.

Raising an eye brow at Joey, I set down my paint brush," Joe, its ok. You don't have to explain or apologize, I get it."

Running a hand through her hair, Joey looks up at me nervously," No, you don't. Its just...I'm scared Pacey."

" Scared of what Joe?", I inquire with confusion and curiosity Joey's scared? Of what? What could she possibly be afraid of? What could I not understand? There is obviously something that Joey is not telling me right now. Is there a chance that she likes me? Maybe that's why joey came to see me. Maybe she only rejected me the other day because she was afraid of getting hurt. Huh, I should probably hear her out before I get ahead of myself.

" Of everything Pacey. I'm scared of you, what that kiss meant, whatever it is I've been feeling lately, what Dawson would do if he ever found out...", admits Joey quietly before averting her eyes downward. Well, I guess that I could understand where she's coming from. Wait, Joey is afraid of me? Why? I would never hurt Joey, she knows that.

Taking a step toward Joey, I put my arms around her," I'm the last thing you have to be afraid of Joey."

Hugging me close, Joey rests her head on my shoulder," I know you are Pace."

" Look, Joe. I'm not gonna pressure you into anything. You like me or you don't, I'll understand I promise.", I confide softly as I hold Joey in my arms. I meant every word of what I just said too. I would never pressure Joey into anything. If she likes me, that's great. At the same time, if she doesn't I'm fine with that. Given the choice I would never let Joey go. Holding her like this just feels so right. ….(End Pacey's pov)