Emma Swan joined the group of people who were making their way down the hallway and into the press room. It was her first official post-game press conference for a major league baseball game, and she knew she had to prove herself to her bosses, the other sports reporters and, well, herself.
She found a seat near the outside aisle and nervously sank onto the chair, pulling out her recording device and tucking a loose lock of blonde hair behind her ear. Glancing around, she saw several other people opening their laptops or signing into their iPads and felt a momentary wave of panic. All she had was her trusty notebook and the voice app on her phone.
"I haven't seen you here before," a voice beside her said, and she jumped slightly, turning to see a pretty, dark-haired woman who looked to be close to her age. "Sorry - I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Mary Margaret Nolan." She held her hand out to Emma. "You're new, aren't you?"
"Um, yeah," Emma said, shaking the other woman's hand and offering her a small smile. "I'm Emma Swan. I just got promoted from reporting on minor league baseball to covering the Majors."
"Congratulations! I remember how nervous I was for my first major league game. Oh, what am I saying - I still get nervous, but now it's more of an excited nervous instead of a 'oh no, I'm going to throw up' nervous."
Emma gave a shaky chuckle. "I'm afraid I'm still in the throwing up stage, so you might want to watch your shoes."
Mary Margaret laughed, her eyes sparkling brightly. "You'll be just fine. Do you have your questions ready?"
"Yeah, I think so. I just hope I get a chance to ask one."
"They're usually pretty accommodating here and will stay until most reporters have gotten a chance to ask at least one question."
"That's g-"
Her words were cut off as four baseball players entered the room and took their seats at the long table in the front of the room, each sitting behind a microphone. One of them was still in his unbuttoned Reds uniform, another had stripped down to his undershirt, and the other two had changed into team branded T-shirts.
Mary Margaret leaned over to Emma and whispered, "These guys are great, so it should be a nice, easy one for you."
The director of the press conference asked for quiet and introduced the players. "Tonight, we have Eric Fisher, Rob Locksley, Killian Jones and Lance du Lac. Let's open the floor for questions."
Emma listened and took notes without holding up her hand for the first four questions, so she could get a feel for the pace and overall atmosphere of the conference. After Mary Margaret asked Lance how it felt to notch his sixth save of the season, she felt ready to try her luck at asking a question herself.
Five more questions were asked and answered before the director finally pointed to her, and she stood to her feet. "Emma Swan, WKRP in Cincinnati. My question is for Killian Jones," she began, then looked down at her notebook to be sure she got the wording right.
"Oh my god, she's gorgeous."
Emma's eyes shot up and ran across all four men at the microphones, trying to figure out who just uttered those words. "Ex-excuse me?" she stammered.
It didn't take long to figure out the culprit. Killian Jones's face turned as red as his uniform shirt and he turned to Rob. "She heard that?" he asked incredulously.
"Pretty sure she did, since all of the rest of us did," his teammate confirmed.
Killian clapped both hands over his face as the room reverberated with laughter. Emma waited for it to die down a bit, then decided to make the best of an embarrassing situation. "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Jones."
One of Killian's hands dropped back down to the table, while the fingers of the other one scratched vigorously behind his ear. "You're, uh, you're welcome Ms. Swan. I apologize for embarrassing you, but not for what I said, since it happens to be the truth."
Emma's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing a couple of times, before she looked down at her notebook again, trying to read the question she wanted to ask as it shook in her hands. "Um, okay, well I…I just wanted to know…" She took a deep steadying breath and willed herself to push ahead. "The double play you helped turn in the eighth inning stopped the Padres' comeback rally. How did you manage to avoid the slide by Thomas and get the throw off at the same time?"
Killian leaned into the microphone, rubbing his hands together under the table as he answered. "That move is something I've practiced hundreds of times. I was anticipating him trying to disrupt my throw, so I timed my jump to avoid him while sidearming my throw to first. Fortunately, it was their catcher who hit it and he'll never be known as the fastest guy on the team."
Emma joined several other people in chuckling at his response, before saying, "Nice technique, Mr. Jones - on avoiding the slide, I mean. Thank you."
He smirked. "My pleasure, Ms. Swan. Welcome to the big show."
She resumed her seat and blew out a relieved sigh, then felt Mary Margaret nudge her with her elbow. When she looked over, she saw her new acquaintance smiling at her. "Nice recovery."
xxxxxxxxx
"What the hell was that, Jones?" Rob asked, as soon as they were in the clubhouse after the post-game conference.
"I didn't mean to say it out loud, but holy fuck! She's absolutely stunning."
"Who's absolutely stunning?" Will Scarlet asked, fully dressed and passing by Killian's locker on his way out.
"New reporter, Emma…something," Rob answered.
"Swan," Killian said, his voice muffled as he pulled his uniform shirt over his head.
"Come again?" Will requested.
Killian threw his uniform into a nearby hamper and repeated, "Her name is Emma Swan."
"Jones embarrassed himself, and her, by announcing how beautiful she is during the press conference through a live mic," Rob stated, before snagging a towel and heading toward the showers.
"What the fuck?" Will laughed. "How did she respond to that?"
"She handled it like a pro, then asked me about the double play in the eighth."
"Started by yours truly. I should have been in that conference, then she woulda been asking me that question."
"You were also 0 for 4 at the plate. She could've asked you about that."
"I'll take extra BP tomorrow, and when I go 4 for 4 with a grand slam, she'll be begging to ask me all about it."
"Batting practice is a good idea. Let's hope it helps, but I wouldn't bet on anyone begging you to talk. Most of the time, we're begging you to shut up," Killian joked, grabbing his body wash out of his locker and ignoring the fact that Will was flipping him off.
xxxxxxxxx
Killian stepped outside the stadium gates and glanced around. One good thing about being involved in the post-game conference was that most of the crowd had dispersed by the time he was done showering and changing into street clothes. He didn't really mind signing autographs for a few minutes, but most of the time, he was just ready to get something to eat and head home.
A flash of golden hair caught his eye and he turned to his right, eyes widening when he recognized who was standing there.
"Shit, shit, shit!" she cursed, staring down at her phone.
"Something wrong, Miss Swan?" Killian asked, stepping toward her.
She jerked in surprise and looked up at him. "Mr. Jones? Oh, uh, no, I'm fine."
"You seem a bit distressed."
She sized him up and sensed a genuine concern. "It's just…my Uber driver canceled and I can't get anyone else to respond."
"You're welcome to share mine." As soon as the words left his mouth, he was afraid he made a mistake. She was looking at him like he was some kind of pervert. "Look, I'm sure I came off as a real jerk in the press conference, and for that I do apologize, but I'm making a sincere offer. My driver is supposed to be here in," he checked the app on his phone, "less than a minute."
She bit her lip, clearly considering his offer. After staring at her phone for several more seconds, she heaved a sigh. "How can there not be another available Uber driver in downtown Cincinnati?"
"They're very busy after a game. Most of my teammates and I have a regular driver for the days we decide not to drive to the stadium ourselves."
"I didn't drive because I was already nervous enough today, without trying to maneuver unfamiliar streets to get to the game on time. I just assumed getting an Uber would be easy in a city this size."
"Well, you know what they say about assuming," Killian grinned.
A white Acadia Denali pulled up at the curb and the passenger side window rolled down. "Ready, Jones?" a pretty woman with long, dark hair called.
"Just a sec, Ruby." He turned back to Emma. "What do you say, Miss Swan?"
Emma's eyes shifted between Killian and the driver. Seeing that it was a woman eased her mind somewhat. He surely wouldn't try anything with another woman in the car, would he? She shifted her weight from foot to foot, considering her options, and finally said, "Okay, sure. If it's alright with your driver, that is."
He grinned, before leaning in the window. "Hey, do you mind taking Miss Swan too? Her driver canceled."
"Not a problem. Hop in!"
Killian opened the rear door and gestured for Emma to precede him into the back seat. She slid across to the other side and saw the driver peering at her in the rearview mirror. "Hi, I'm Emma Swan. Thanks for giving me a ride. Drivers who cancel are the worst."
"Ruby Lucas. Actually, I think riders who cancel are worse," she laughed.
Killian settled into his seat and closed the door. "Where to?" Ruby asked.
"Have you eaten yet, Miss Swan?" Killian asked.
"Uh, no, but I should probably just go back to the hotel."
"And eat overpriced room service food or vending machine snacks? I won't let that happen. Ruby, can you take us to the Montgomery Inn?"
The driver gave him a mock salute, shifted into drive, and pulled away from the curb.
"We're going to another hotel to eat?"
"It's a restaurant. Best barbecue around. You do like barbecue, don't you?"
"I couldn't live in the South for three years and not like barbecue."
He chuckled. "So, you're staying at a hotel? Are you only in Cincinnati for a short time?"
"No, but I just got hired at the radio station last week, and by the time I packed up and moved from Chattanooga, I didn't have time to go apartment hunting."
"Ah, you were with the Lookouts then?"
"Yeah, did you play for them at one time?"
"For about a season-and-a-half, then I was moved up to Louisville."
"And then the big show."
"Yeah, at the end of my second season with them, when they expanded the roster in September."
Ruby entered the crowded parking lot of the restaurant and dropped her passengers off at the door. "I'm gonna take some more riders while you're eating. Let me know when you're ready to be picked up."
"Sounds good, Rubes. Thanks!" Killian called as he closed his door.
Emma circled around the back of the vehicle and joined him on the sidewalk. "Before we go in, I want to make something clear. I'm paying for my own meal, okay?"
"You really should let me pay, after the embarrassing moment I caused for you tonight."
"It wasn't that big of a deal, Mr. Jones. It was actually a rather sweet thing to say. Besides, you're paying for the Uber ride."
He studied her for a few moments. "Tell you what - you can pay for your own meal, if you'll stop calling me Mr. Jones."
"What do you want me to call you instead?"
"Killian will do, and would it be alright if I call you Emma?"
She smiled. "Of course, Killian. Now let's get something to eat. I'm starving!"
xxxxxxxxx
The restaurant was busy, but it became apparent Killian was a regular, because as soon as they approached the hostess, she greeted him and led the way to a back room with a little more privacy. As they wound their way past tables, he was recognized by several customers who congratulated him on the win that evening. He very graciously thanked them and even stopped to sign a couple of autographs.
After they were seated, he suggested several meals which were his favorites and Emma realized they had similar tastes. When their orders had been placed and they were sipping their ice water, Emma commented, "You play a mean second base, Killian. I'd bet you have a good shot at getting a Gold Glove this year."
He rubbed a finger behind his ear. "Thank you, but there are still a lot of games left in the season. We're not even a third of the way through."
"Still, it's obvious you've worked a lot on your fielding. And a batting average of .294 isn't too shabby, either."
"May I ask you something, Emma?" At her nod of assent, he continued, "How did you come to know so much about baseball? I mean, it's not unusual for females to love the game, but you seem to really understand it."
She shrugged dismissively. "I picked up bits and pieces here and there. I loved listening to games when I was growing up, and I used to imitate the announcers."
"Is that why you became a sports reporter?"
"More than likely. Sometimes, when I got the chance to watch the games, I would turn the sound down so I could do the play-by-play myself."
"Who was your favorite team?"
"I didn't really have one in particular."
"You didn't cheer for the hometown team?"
She shrugged again, her eyes on the straw as she swirled it around in the glass. "Never really had a hometown."
"You moved around a lot?"
Her eyes moved up to meet his almost defiantly. "Not by choice. I was in the foster system, so I got passed around quite a bit." She expected to see pity fill his eyes, and was surprised to see understanding instead.
"My family moved a lot, too. I was actually born in Ireland, but my father abandoned us soon after my birth, leaving my mother with my older brother Liam and me. She had moved clear across the ocean to be with him and then he left her. She had a sister in Vermont, so we moved in with her, until Mom got a job in Virginia. We lived there until I was seven, then Mom developed a lung condition. The doctor told her she would do better in a less humid climate, so we moved to New Mexico. It helped for awhile, but she had to work so hard just to make ends meet, she didn't take good care of herself. She passed away when I was nine and Liam was fourteen. After that, we ended up living with my uncle in Georgia until I finished school. I blame my dad for Mom's death, even though I have no idea where he is or if he's even still alive."
His story was interrupted by the arrival of their food. They ate for a couple of minutes, before Emma paused to ask, "Why didn't you go back to live with your aunt?"
He finished chewing and swallowed, washing it down with a drink of water. "By that time, she had health problems of her own. My uncle, my mom's brother, loves the Atlanta Braves and taught me everything I know about baseball. I doubt I would be playing in the Majors if it wasn't for him."
"I'm sure he's proud of you."
He grinned. "He is. He tries to get to at least a dozen or so of my games every year."
"What about your brother?"
"Ah, well, Liam moved back to Ireland once he graduated from college. He studied abroad there one summer and fell in love with a girl named Belle. They're married now and expecting their first child. Needless to say, he doesn't attend many of my games, but he still supports me."
"So you can relate to being tossed around a lot."
"I lived in many different places, but I was always with family. I'm sorry you can't say the same. If you don't mind me asking, were you orphaned at a young age?"
After licking barbecue sauce off of her thumb, she answered, "You know the law about being able to drop babies off at fire stations or hospitals without consequences? Well, my parents took advantage of that, because I was left at a fire station in Boston when I was about a week old. I guess they figured they weren't cut out to be parents pretty quickly."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Swan. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised you weren't adopted. I thought infants usually were the first to be chosen."
"The first foster family I was placed with started adoption proceedings when I was two, but just before they filed the paperwork, they found out they were pregnant. Since they were having a baby of their own, they didn't need me anymore."
Killian's eyes widened, then narrowed in disgust. "Forgive me, Emma, but that seems like a very cruel thing to do to a little girl, especially when that's the only home you ever had."
"I don't remember much about the time I lived with them - I was pretty young, after all. But what I do remember wasn't that great. I can't recall specific things, but it seemed like I was sad a lot. I kind of feel sorry for their kid."
They spoke of lighter subjects while they finished eating, and as they waited for their bills, Killian texted Ruby. "It sounds like neither of our younger years were ideal, but we both made the best of it, I'd say," he commented.
"I agree. Most of the foster families I stayed with were baseball fans, which is why I developed such a love for it."
"You look like you would be a good athlete yourself, if you don't mind me saying so."
She hummed and nodded. "Actually, I went to college on a scholarship for volleyball. It didn't cover all my expenses, so I took a job keeping stats for the baseball team. It was a small university in Arizona and I was a journalism major, so I ended up writing the recap stories for the local newspaper, too. I got glowing recommendations from my editor, which led to the job in Chattanooga."
The waiter brought their bills and Killian eyed her warily. "You sure I can't pay for your meal? It was my idea to go out to eat, after all."
"Don't even try," she said, removing a credit card from her wallet and slapping it down on the small tray.
He chuckled. "Fine, you can pay this time."
"This time?" she questioned. "You say that like there's going to be a next time."
"Perhaps it's wishful thinking," he said, searching her eyes. "You probably have a boyfriend who wouldn't appreciate that, though."
"I don't have a boyfriend."
"In that case, would you go out with me again?"
"Oh, uh, I didn't…I didn't really consider this a date," she stammered. "I just thought…"
He reached over and covered her hand with his own. "I didn't mean to upset you, Emma. It wasn't an official date, but we did spend time talking and getting to know each other, and I really enjoyed it. I just wondered if you would consider doing it again, sometime."
She was a little relieved when the waiter arrived to finish their payment transactions. At the same time, Killian's phone dinged with the message that Ruby was waiting in the parking lot.
Once they stepped outside into the cool night air, Emma stopped and turned toward him, effectively halting him in his tracks. "Did you mean it?" she asked.
His eyebrows shot up in confusion. "About going out with you again?"
She shook her head. "No, what you said at the press conference. Did you mean it, or is that something you say all the time to the female reporters, pretending not to know the mic is on?"
He took a step closer, looking deeply into her eyes so she could see his sincerity. "First of all, I truly didn't know my mic would pick up what I said or I wouldn't have said it out loud. I don't regret that I did, I just would have spared you the embarrassment. Secondly, I've never said that about any other reporter, and I probably never will again. It was my honest reaction to seeing you for the first time. And finally, yes, I did mean it and I still do. You are very beautiful, Emma Swan."
Even in the harsh lighting of the parking lot, he could see her cheeks redden. "Thank you."
Ruby pulled up alongside them, rolling her window down to ask, "Are you gonna get in the car sometime tonight, Jones?"
"Try to have a little patience, Rubes," he said, opening the back door and motioning for Emma to get in.
"Tried it, didn't like it," the driver replied with a grin.
Emma slid across the seat, allowing Killian to get in without having to circle around the SUV. "You sure you don't mind taking me back to the hotel?" she asked.
"Not at all. Jones can afford it," Ruby said, catching Killian's eyes in the rearview mirror and giving him a wink.
Emma gave her the name of the hotel and they rode through the streets of Cincinnati in relative silence, Killian's knee bouncing nervously. He yearned to ask Emma again about going out with him, but figured the ball was in her court and didn't want to press the issue. Still, he hoped he would get an answer before Ruby delivered Emma to her destination.
Clearing his throat, he asked, "How long do you think you'll have to stay at the hotel?"
She shrugged. "Probably until I find a place to live. I don't know anyone in this area, so staying with a friend isn't an option."
"I can ask my apartment manager if he knows of any openings. He manages several properties, so it's possible there would be something available."
Emma scoffed. "I'm sure I can't afford an apartment like yours."
"My place isn't fancy or expensive, because I hardly spend any time there and live in Georgia during the off-season. The rent is very reasonable. Would you like for me to send you the information?" He saw Ruby shoot him a knowing look in the mirror, before adding, "August has lots of connections, so if he doesn't have anything to your liking, he would probably be able to suggest someone else."
"August is the manager, I take it?"
"Yeah, good guy. A little quirky, but harmless."
Emma bit her lip in contemplation, then got her phone out of her purse. "Okay, give me your number."
He tried to keep his satisfied smile from becoming too broad as he told her his number and watched her put it into her device. She finished just as Ruby pulled up in front of the hotel.
"I can't thank both of you enough for…everything," Emma said.
"Everything?" Ruby questioned. "You're even thanking Jones for embarrassing you in the middle of your first press conference in the Majors?"
"How…how did you know about that?" Killian asked.
"Are you kidding? It's all over the internet and is one of ESPN's top stories."
Killian groaned as Emma covered her face, muttering, "Oh my god."
"Emma, I am truly, truly sorry," he said.
She dropped her hands, laughing lightly. "You know what? It's not a big deal. At least it was a compliment, rather than an insult."
"Thanks for being such a good sport."
"Well, it did give me my fifteen seconds of fame, so I guess I should be thanking you for that."
Opening her car door, she said, "I really appreciate the ride, Ruby."
"My pleasure," the driver replied. "But if you ask me, you let Jones off too easy."
Emma laughed. "Probably." Turning her eyes back to Killian, she said, "Goodnight, Killian. I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon."
"I'm looking forward to it. Goodnight, Swan."
She exited the vehicle, then shut the door and walked into the hotel.
As Ruby pulled away, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a text from an unknown number.
Ask me one more time.
He quickly typed out, Will you go out with me again?
After sending it, he kept his eyes on the screen. The three blue dots appeared almost immediately and he held his breath, releasing it with a huge smile when he saw her reply.
Yes.
xxxxxxxxx
"Why are you in such a hurry, Jones?" Will asked his teammate, who was getting dressed after already taking a shower. Most of the other players were in various states of undress in the locker room, celebrating the come-from-behind win over the Cardinals that afternoon.
"I, uh, I want to get home," Killian hedged.
"Are you going out to eat with us tonight?" Rob asked. "It's on Scarlet since he struck out three times today."
"Hey! I never agreed to that!" Will complained. "Besides, I'm the one who caught the line drive to end their rally in the sixth. I should get a pass for that."
"You guys figure it out, I'm going home," Killian said, hoisting his bag over his shoulder.
"What about dinner?" Rob shouted.
"I already have plans for dinner," Killian said, then mentally kicked himself.
"Hold on!" Will exclaimed, running to block the exit. "Plans with who?"
"With whom," Killian automatically corrected.
Will looked puzzled. "Who is whom? Do we know her? Or is it him?"
"Oh, for the love of…" Killian said, rolling his eyes, clearly exasperated, "I mean the proper way to ask it is, 'with whom'."
"Oh…well…with whom, then?" Will persisted.
"I didn't say I was having dinner with anyone," Killian tried to deflect. "Maybe I just want to go home and chill this evening."
"Or maybe you're planning to Netflix and chill," Rob said, joining Will to help him block the door. "Come on, Jones, we know you better than that. You're always the first one to suggest we go out to eat together. So, who is she?"
"I bet it's that new reporter from the radio station," Will quipped. "You know, the one he embarrassed last week. Emma Duck, or something like that."
"Swan," Rob corrected. "And I think you might be right. Look at him - his face is beet red!"
"Would you two idiots just get the hell out of my way?" Killian demanded.
"Not until you tell us if we're right," Will said.
"Why is it any of your business?"
"Do you even know us at all?" Rob asked. "Your business is our business."
Killian looked at the time on his phone and sighed. "Fine. Yes, I'm going out with Emma Swan. Now, kindly get out of the way."
"Wait - so that technique really worked? Calling a lady beautiful at a press conference, pretending not to know the mic is on, then asking her out?" Will questioned. "I'm gonna have to try that!"
"I didn't know the mic was live, and don't you dare," Killian growled. "It was an honest mistake, then later we shared an Uber…"
"Hang on a minute, you shared an Uber the same night as the press conference? Why didn't you tell us about that?" Rob asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Look, I'll fill both of you in some other time. Right now, I need to get back to my apartment so I can get ready for my date."
Rob and Will looked at each other, then finally stepped aside.
"We want a full report tomorrow," Will stated as Killian went out the door.
xxxxxxxxx
"This is lovely," Emma said, looking out across the Ohio River.
"It really is. I've always wanted to take one of these B&B Riverboat Dinner Cruises, but I just never took the opportunity."
"Really?" she questioned, turning to face him. At his nod of assurance, she added, "Well, I feel very privileged that you're allowing me to go on your first one with you."
He reached out to brush a wisp of hair away from her face. "I wouldn't want it any other way, Swan."
"It was a great idea for our first official date," she said playfully. "Oh, by the way, I did call August and he sent me info about three apartments that are available. I'm going to look at them tomorrow morning."
"Are any of them in my building?"
"Where do you live?" Killian told her his address as she pulled up the email. "Doesn't look like it."
"May I see that?" he asked. She stepped closer to show him her phone screen. "It looks like two of them are in a building that's only a couple of blocks away."
"Really?" she asked, looking up to see him nod in response to her question. "I don't know my way around the city well enough to know where all the streets are yet."
"Would you, um, would you like me to come along when you look at them?" he asked, rubbing nervously behind his ear.
"Don't you trust August to find a decent place for me?" she teased, her green eyes twinkling.
Killian looked a little sheepish, as he replied, "I just thought, if you wanted another opinion, I could help you out."
"The appointment is scheduled for nine o'clock in the morning. Do baseball players even get up that early?"
"Not usually, but for you Swan, I could definitely make an exception," he said.
She tried not to react to the cheeky grin he flashed at her, but she couldn't help the thrill of pleasure she felt sweep through her body. Giving herself a little shake, she pointed out, "You had a twelve-thirty game today, so that would be two early mornings in a row."
"If you'd rather I wouldn't…"
"I didn't say that," she hurried to assure him. "To be honest, I would appreciate someone else's opinion. I took the first available apartment in Chattanooga and it was a dump. I don't want to make that mistake again."
"Good," he said. "It's a date, then."
"Are you sure you understand what constitutes a date?" Emma laughed, earning her another grin.
They thoroughly enjoyed the rest of their evening together. When he drove her back to the hotel, they sat in the car for a while, not sure of how to bring the date to an end.
"I can't invite you in for a drink, unless we go to the hotel bar, which isn't ideal. I really need my own place," she sighed.
He gave a low chuckle. "No worries, Swan. I already had one drink on the cruise and that's my limit when I have a game the next day."
"That's a good rule; you're very disciplined."
She watched him smile and drum his fingers on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the movement, before he turned those eyes on her. "Would you like me to walk you to the door?"
"I think that would be awkward. I guess we'll just have to say goodnight in the parking lot."
He nodded and unfastened his seat belt, then threw his door open. While she undid her own belt and slid the strap of her purse over her shoulder, he walked around the back of the car, opened her door and offered his hand. She took it and stepped out, ending up much closer to him than she anticipated.
Killian dropped his hands to rest on her hips. "I had a fantastic time with you tonight, Emma," he said, looking deeply into her eyes. "As you know, we leave on a seven day road trip after the game tomorrow, so I was wondering if it would be okay to call you while I'm gone, and perhaps set up another date after I get back?"
Her hands drifted up his chest to his shoulders. "I'd like that."
"What? The phone calls or the date?"
"Both," she giggled. "Oh, and as far as road trips go, the radio station told me that after I have more experience, I'll be traveling to some of the closer cities where the team is playing to cover the games. That will be nice."
"Yes, it will. At least you'd be at the press conferences, and I wouldn't have to wait so long to see you again. Maybe we could even go out to eat after a game once in a while."
"If you're still interested in me by then," she said, trying to say it teasingly, but knowing her insecurities were showing through her words.
"Oh, Emma," he said, tightening his grip on her hips to pull her just a bit closer. "You don't have to worry about that. I don't see me losing interest in you anytime soon."
She lowered her eyes, studying the gold chain he wore around his neck. "I know it's cliché to say this, but I really had a good time tonight, Killian."
"I'm very happy to hear that, because I did, too."
She brought her eyes up to meet his again, then framed his face with her hands. When she pulled him to her, he went willingly, brushing his lips against hers. They shared a few tentative kisses, then Emma tilted her head to deepen them, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as she felt his go around her waist.
Clearly, the man's talents went beyond the baseball field because, damn, could he kiss! The combination of his scent surrounding her and his exploration of her mouth caused her to require oxygen far too soon. She broke the kiss, licking her lips as she leaned her forehead against his. "That was…" she began, her breath hitching.
"The first of many, I hope," he finished, sounding equally affected.
She ran her fingers through the soft strands of hair at the nape of his neck. "I hope so, too." Mustering up all of her self-control, she stepped back, putting some distance between them. "I should let you get home. I appreciate your offer to look at the apartments with me, but It'll be an early morning tomorrow and I don't want to be blamed for you being tired during the game."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll meet you at the first place at nine o'clock." After leaving one more kiss on her lips, he released her. "Goodnight, Emma."
"Goodnight, Killian. Drive home safely."
"I will."
She gave him a warm smile, then turned to walk away. Just before she entered the doors of the hotel, she glanced back and saw him still standing beside his car, fingers pressed against his lips. He saw her looking and raised his hand to give her a small wave, which she returned before disappearing inside.
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The next morning, Emma signed a lease on one of the apartments two blocks from Killian's.
Before the game, when Will and Rob grilled him in the locker room about the previous night, he admitted, "I think it went very well. I hope to see much more of her in the future." Then he smacked Will on the back of the head when he made a remark about just how much of Emma Killian was hoping to see.
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Killian helped Emma move into her apartment three weeks after their first date. In the following weeks and months, mutually free moments were few and far between, but when they did coincide, the couple spent as many of them together as possible. When he was out on the road, they kept in touch via FaceTime calls, usually late at night after he got back to the hotel. They would talk until one of them was dozing off, before reluctantly saying goodnight.
Killian was ribbed by his teammates whenever he was asked to take part in a post-game press conference, but it didn't bother him. He looked forward to seeing his girlfriend in her element, asking insightful questions which showed how knowledgeable she was about baseball. She never showed favoritism and would, more often than not, ask one of his teammates about a good defensive play, outstanding pitching performance, or critical at-bat, rather than center her questions on him.
They kept their relationship as discreet as possible, not wanting the scrutiny of a Major League player with a sports reporter to cause any distractions for the team. Only his teammates and Ruby were privy to their dating life, although they were inevitably spotted out and about by fans from time to time.
When the Reds were knocked out of the playoffs during the National League Championship series, both of them were deeply disappointed, but also looked forward to spending more time together during the off-season.
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"Who was it who said you had a good chance to win a Gold Glove award this year?" Emma asked, leaning into her boyfriend as they sat on the couch together in his Georgia home. Their relationship progressed rapidly throughout the rest of the season, and when it was over, Killian invited her to spend as much time with him at his house as her job would allow.
"It was you, Swan," he grumbled, though she knew he was only pretending to be perturbed. "But I'm only a finalist. The other two players who are up for it are also excellent second basemen."
"It wouldn't be much of an award if they gave it to mediocre defensive players. You should be proud to be named one of the three best in the National League at your position."
"I am proud," he replied, lifting his arm and putting it around her shoulders to pull her closer. "This season has been the best one of my career so far, for many reasons. The team ending up twenty games over five hundred and making the playoffs, leading the team in RBIs, getting nominated for this award - it's been great! But the best thing that happened this season was one particular press conference where I met the woman I love."
"Yeah, that worked out well for me, too," Emma grinned.
He chuckled and settled her against his chest, pressing kisses to the top of her head as her fingers played nervously with the chain around his neck.
They viewed the first half hour of SportsCenter, barely paying attention to the stories as they waited for the announcement at the bottom of the hour. When the compilation reel showing the recipients of the awards began, both of them sat on the edge of the sofa, staring intently at the screen. After watching the spectacular plays made by the first basemen from both leagues and the American League second baseman who were named the Gold Glove recipients, Emma grabbed Killian's hand, gripping it almost painfully.
The scene changed to show Killian making a leaping catch, while the banner at the bottom of the screen showed the Reds logo with 'Killian Jones - NL 2B, 1st Gold Glove Award'.
Emma whooped loudly, throwing her arms around Killian's neck, while he sat stunned, still trying to absorb the news. "You did it! You did it!" she shouted, between scattering joyful kisses all over his face.
Immediately, his phone began buzzing on the coffee table. Plucking it off of the table, she handed it to him, then pulled hers out of her jeans pocket. "I'm sure I'll be getting a call from the station to do an interview with you."
Killian looked at his phone, exclaiming in surprise, "I already have twelve text messages! Mostly from the team." Before he could even click on a message to read it, his device began vibrating with an incoming call. "It's Liam. I guess he heard the announcement, too."
While she listened to Killian's one-sided conversation with his brother, Emma scrolled through the messages from her own friends, congratulating her boyfriend on his huge accomplishment. She began reading and replying to the texts, her heart nearly bursting with pride.
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The next season started just as successfully as the previous one, and by the All-Star break, marking the halfway point of the season, the Reds were in first place in their division. Killian and Eric Fisher were elected to represent the team as National League All-Stars at Coors Field, and Emma was able to travel to Denver to do special features on them, while they were there for the game.
The day after the National League beat the American League and most of the players headed home for a day of rest, Emma and Killian decided to spend an extra day in Colorado, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.
After hiking a very steep trail, Emma sat down on a rock, breathing heavily. "This high altitude…takes my breath away."
"Now you know how I feel every time I see you, my love," Killian said, moving his eyebrows flirtatiously.
She scoffed and shook her head. "You're so full of it, Jones."
"Full of love for you, Swan," he grinned, as he sat down beside her.
She immediately leaned into him, kissing the underside of his jaw. "I love you, too."
They sat quietly for several minutes, taking in the beautiful view. At last, Killian cleared his throat. "It's funny how baseball is responsible for the two of us meeting."
"Why is it funny?"
"Well," he said, scratching behind his ear, "if you think about it, it's a diamond that brought us together, and…" He dropped down on one knee, turning to face her. Pulling a ring box out of the pocket of his cargo shorts, he opened it to display an oval cut diamond engagement ring, with a white gold, Cinderella staircase band. "I'm hoping that by accepting this diamond, you'll agree to be with me for the rest of your life. Emma Swan, will you marry me?"
She covered her mouth with both hands, tears welling in her eyes at the sight of the ring glittering in the sunshine. Unable to choke out any words past the emotional lump in her throat, she nodded vigorously and held out her left hand.
Killian removed the ring from its velvet nesting place and slid it onto her shaking finger, Then he pulled her into a joyful embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck. "I'm taking that as a yes," he murmured playfully into her ear.
"Yes!" she sobbed. "Yes, I will marry you, Killian Jones!"
He gave a watery chuckle. "I might have struck out in my only at-bat of the All-Star Game, but I'd say I knocked it out of the park today!"
"You're such a dork," she laughed, "but you're my dork and I love you."
"I love you, too, Emma."
"Now, let's get back down this mountain so we can celebrate!"
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The Reds made the playoffs again and Emma was assigned to cover all of their post-season games. The relationship between the Reds second baseman and the reporter had gone public after her exclusive interview with him when he won the Gold Glove Award the previous season, and the radio station took full advantage of the free publicity. The city of Cincinnati, along with much of the Major League Baseball community, loved the story of their first meeting and how it led to their dating and subsequent engagement.
After winning the National League pennant, moving them on to the World Series where they would play the American League champion Houston Astros, the photo of Killian spinning Emma around in his arms in the midst of spraying champagne made the cover of Sports Illustrated.
When the Series began, the Reds lost the first two games in Houston, but won the next two at home.
The fifth game in Cincinnati went into extra innings, and Killian became the hero with a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the twelfth. When he entered the room for the press conference, still soaked from the water jug dousing his teammates gave him, his eyes immediately sought out Emma in the front row. Not caring about protocol or the cameras aimed at him, he strode quickly across the room and enveloped her in an exuberant hug, making her laugh with pure joy and happiness.
They flew back to Houston to finish the series. Despite being busy with all of the chaos that came with being in the World Series, Killian sought time to be alone with Emma, because she grounded and calmed him, and helped him keep everything in perspective.
The Astros tied up the series at three wins each by shutting out the Reds in the sixth game, sending it into the final, deciding game in the best of seven. As Killian sat in front of his locker prior to warming up, his leg jiggling with nervousness, his phone buzzed. Knowing he had turned off all notifications except those from his family and Emma, he grabbed it and smiled when he saw the message from his girlfriend.
E: How's everyone doing?
Taking a deep breath, he glanced around the clubhouse. Every player had their own pre-game routine. Lance tossed a ball up in the air and caught it over and over, Rob and Billy sat with their heads together, studying the opposing pitcher on an iPad, Eric and several others stretched in the middle of the room, Will laid in front of his locker, his head on his ball glove and hat over his eyes, while other players listened to music or chatted amongst themselves.
K: Seems like any other game. You know ball players - too superstitious to change anything they usually do.
E: That's good. Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight, my love. You guys have got this!
K: At the end of the day, I'm engaged to you, so no matter what, I'll still be the biggest winner.
He could almost see her roll her eyes over his cheesiness and laughed out loud when she sent him that exact emoji. He sent her a kiss emoji and ILY, saw her respond with the same, then returned his phone to his locker.
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Emma was a bundle of nerves as the game see-sawed back and forth. The Reds roared to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, only to have the Astros even it up in the bottom of the second. After each team scored a run in the fourth, it remained tied until the bottom of the seventh when Houston scored two runs, which the Reds were unable to answer in the next inning. The top of the ninth began with Will hitting a single, followed by the pitcher walking Eric. Rob struck out, bringing Killian to the plate with two men on.
Emma watched him take a couple of practice swings before stepping into the batter's box. She muttered, "Please, please, please," under her breath as he took a strike, then a ball. She gasped when the third pitch was high and inside, nearly hitting him.
After adjusting his batting helmet, he stared out at the pitcher, digging the toe of his back foot into the dirt and leveling his bat. Emma closed her eyes to send up a quick prayer, opening them just in time to see the pitch coming his way. With a loud, resounding crack, he sent the ball soaring into the left field stands. As she jumped up and down screaming with excitement, he sprinted around the bases, throwing his helmet into the air just before being mobbed by his teammates at home plate.
Cincinnati took the tenuous one run lead into the bottom of the ninth. Lance, their ace closer, struck out the first two batters before giving up back-to-back singles. Rob called a timeout and trotted out from his position as catcher to try to settle the pitcher down.
The next three pitches were out of the strike zone and Emma was begging Lance not to walk the batter to load the bases, with the Astros' best hitter on deck. He finally threw a strike, then the batter fouled off the next pitch. With a full count of three balls, two strikes, and two outs, everyone in the stadium seemed to either be holding their breath or screaming at the top of their lungs, knowing this could be the last pitch of the game.
Lance fired in a fastball and the batter connected, lining it toward right field. Emma watched Killian leap into the air with his arm outstretched. The speeding ball smacked into his glove and the Reds reporters in the press box erupted. High fives and shouts of YES! YES! YES! created a cacophony that Emma didn't mind in the least as Killian and his teammates celebrated on the field. Hats and gloves flew into the air as they ran in from every part of the field including the dugout, to jump together in a joyful huddle. Emma's eyes easily found her fiancé in the middle of the mass, grinning as widely as she had ever seen.
After a few minutes, she saw him searching the stands. Moving to the front of the press box, she waved her arms and saw the instant he spotted her. Holding both hands high in the air, he formed a heart with them, then pointed to her. She mirrored his actions, then grabbed her belongings, including the goggles she brought to protect her eyes from the spray of champagne, and headed down to the field for the presentation of the trophies.
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The parade for the World Series Champion Reds wound its way through downtown Cincinnati two days later. The Championship trophy was on prominent display on a pedestal at the front of the team float and Killian held his MVP trophy above his head to show the cheering masses of fans.
For two weeks after the series, Emma was busy recording reaction stories and podcasts with the players, coaching staff, and owners of the team. Killian was in demand for interviews and appearances by anyone and everyone. When he was asked to be on Good Morning America, Emma convinced the radio station to let her go along, promising to do broadcasts from New York City chronicling the World Series MVP's adventures there.
While they were in the Big Apple, they found time to do some shopping for their late January wedding and honeymoon. Since they were planning to spend a week in Punta Cana, Emma needed to buy a few swimsuits and enjoyed modeling them in front of her fiancé just to see his reaction. She ended up purchasing three that left him completely speechless when she emerged from the dressing room in them. In an out-of-the-way bridal boutique, she found a veil and headpiece which she couldn't resist, even though the price tag was more than her budget allotted.
The hubbub over the World Series had abated a bit by the time Killian returned to Cincinnati after the circuit of interviews. He was more than ready to go to his home in Georgia for some down time; the only problem was that Emma couldn't go with him. Knowing they would be married by the time the next baseball season began, she moved her belongings into his apartment in Cincinnati and gave up the lease on her own. As they had done the year before, they made the best of it, visiting each other as often as possible.
As Fall turned to Winter, the couple continued making wedding plans, which proved to be a challenge because of the distance separating them. Killian knew Emma loved her job and he would never ask her to give it up, but he was growing frustrated being apart from her. He contemplated moving to Cincinnati year round, but Emma refused to let him, knowing how much he looked forward to spending the off-season close to his uncle, and taking a break from the city where he was so easily recognized.
What Killian didn't know was Emma was negotiating a deal with the radio station for recording in-depth human interest stories on athletes in various sports. It would require a lot of research to prepare for the interviews, which could be conducted either in-person or over the phone. This meant that Emma could work remotely from anywhere in the country.
As soon as the details were worked out and she signed her new contract, Emma booked the earliest possible flight to Georgia and packed enough clothes to get her through the rest of the winter. When the Lyft driver dropped her off at Killian's house, he came outside with a look of confusion on his face.
"Swan? What…" he began, then took notice of the two large suitcases the driver was unloading from the back of his SUV. "What's all this?"
"This," she replied with a smirk, "is me moving in with you a little early, if you'll have me."
"But how…" he paused, casting a wary eye on her. "You didn't quit your job, did you? Because we already discussed that and…"
"Don't worry, handsome, I didn't quit. I just took a different job. I'll explain after we get everything inside."
Enveloping her in a hug, he murmured into her neck, "I don't care how you're here, I'm just very happy you are. Welcome home, my love."
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Their wedding took place on January 28 in the church Killian had always attended with his uncle. Liam, Belle and their son William made the trip across the pond so Liam could be his younger brother's best man.
Their uncle, whom Emma had gotten to know very well, was asked to walk her down the aisle to give her away. As they entered through the double doors at the back of the sanctuary, Killian breathed, "Oh my god, she's gorgeous."
Liam leaned closer. "Aren't those the same words that got you into trouble in the first place, little brother?" he teased.
Killian didn't take his eyes off of his beautiful bride making her way toward him. "I wouldn't call it trouble," he whispered out of the corner of his mouth. "I'd say I turned a foul ball into a home run!"
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