Author note:

Just a little fun for our favorite couple. I really struggled with this one after the events of the current season. I hope it's okay and that you enjoy it. Thanks for reading.

CH 6-Flirting

Emma hadn't been able to get the memory of her most recent dinner date with Clay out of her mind. He was so sweet, grilling steaks for dinner and then listening to her angst. He gave her his full support, encouraging her about her college search and not trying to influence her decision. That only reinforced the feelings she had for him. She admitted to herself that those feelings were growing each day. She never met anyone like him, anyone that she was so completely drawn to, anyone that seemed to understand her with no judgements. Then, when she kissed him, and he laid her down on the couch. The feel of his hands on her, and then the sensation of his hard body over hers, rubbing against her. She couldn't wait to see him again this weekend.

Bravo remained in Va. Beach, and it looked like they would be able to spend some time alone together. That was until Naima invited everyone over for a last-minute birthday party for Ray. Emma loved getting together with her Bravo family, but this one time she couldn't help but feel a little less than enthused. Clay texted her and offered to pick her up and take her to the party. She of course accepted even though her dad would be going and bringing Mikey. At least they would still be spending the afternoon with each other. Even if it wasn't how she imagined.

When Clay arrived, Emma was out the door and walking toward his truck before he could even turn off the engine. He jumped out quickly to open her door and help her up into her seat. Before she turned to climb in, he stopped her and gave her a soft peck on the lips.

"Hi, Gorgeous."

She saw his gaze sweep over her.

"Hi. Thanks, it's a new outfit."

"It's nice. But I wasn't talking about your clothes."

He brushed another kiss against her cheek as he spoke. She looked into his eyes and wished again that they could be alone. He gave her a steadying hand as she climbed up and got situated. She watched him close the door and then walk around to the driver's side. Her mind flashed back to the feel of his hands on her, and the taste of his skin. Shaking herself, she swallowed hard and worked to push those thoughts aside. There would be no time or place today to explore further. She said nothing as he climbed in and started the truck.

It still seemed odd to her to have Clay come and pick her up for a get team get together. Attending a Bravo event as his girlfriend instead of Jason's daughter was a new experience.

"Thanks for coming to pick me up. You really didn't have to."

"Of course, I did. I invited you to come with me. So, I should pick you up."

"I know. But since everyone's going, it seems a waste to make you drive over here when I could have ridden with Dad and Mikey."

Clay reached for her hand after he backed out of the driveway.

"Not to me. We'll be with the guys and everyone all afternoon. This way I get you to myself for a little bit."

"That is a bonus."

Their eyes held for a moment. The air was heavy with unspoken desires and emotions. Clay was the first to look away, releasing her hand and shifting into drive.

"We, uh…we should get going."

"I guess we should."

Neither one made comment on what passed between them. Finally, Clay broke the silence.

"It's Ray's birthday, huh. I don't remember having a party for him last year."

"No. Naima told me that when Jameelah figured it out, she insisted that they have a party to celebrate."

"Ah-ha. So, she's the mastermind behind this."

Emma laughed softly.

"I guess you could say that."

"Well, I can't wait to see what she planned."

It didn't take them long to get to The Perry's. This time Clay asked Emma to stay put until he could get out and open the door and help her down.

"Thank you."

She went up on tip toe to give him a kiss as the front door opened and Sonny called out, oblivious to what he interrupted.

"Hey there. 'Bout time you got here, Blondie. Oh…hey there Emma. Thought you'd be comin' with Jace."

"Aren't they here yet? He and Mikey left before we did."

"Nah, Ray asked Jace stop and pick up some ice."

Sonny stepped back and held the door for them.

"Yer, uh, here with Clay then?"

Clay had told the whole team about him and Emma. But hearing about it and seeing it were two different things. Clay could tell Sonny's impromptu interrogation was starting to make Emma uncomfortable.

"Yea, she came with me…as my date."

Sonny coughed and Emma blushed. Then he started in again on Clay.

"A date, huh? One sorry ass excuse…"

He stopped himself as he realized Emma was still standing there. He flashed her an apologetic glance as she arched an eyebrow at him.

"Well, Sonny," she began. "It might not seem like much to you, but the 'Boom-Boom Room' isn't really my style."

Sonny was struck dumb by her comment. Clay on the other hand couldn't stop laughing. Emma didn't stick around to hear anything else. She headed into the house to help Naima.

Jameelah was in the kitchen with Naima when Emma arrived.

"Emma!"

The little girl ran to her and hugged her legs. Emma picked up Jameelah and settled the little girl on her hip.

"I didn't hear your dad come in. Is he out back with Ray?"

"Uh no. Clay picked me up and we came together."

"I see," the older woman smirked slightly causing Emma to flush. "So, how's that?"

The color on Emma's cheeks deepened and her eyes twinkled as she answered.

"It's been great so far. I-I really like him."

"Good! I'm happy for you both."

Jameelah would wait no more and asked to be let down. Then she tugged on Emma's hand, wanting to show her something in her room. As they passed through the living room, Emma saw Clay sitting on the couch next to Brock, listening to Trent talk about a trip to Costa Rica he managed to squeeze into his down time.

"It's unbelievable down there. You've never seen anything so beautiful."

Clay caught Emma's eye as she walked by and spoke softly.

"Oh, I think I have."

Emma blushed and ducked her head. Trent paused and looked between the two while Brock took a swig of his beer.

"C'mon Emmie."

Jameelah's impatience didn't allow her to properly respond to Clay's comment. She flashed him a smile as she left the room.

After Emma spent what she thought was an appropriate amount of time admiring Jameelah's new dollhouse, she got up and started down the hallway intending to check in with Naima to see how she could help. As she passed the bathroom, the door opened, and Clay emerged.

"Hey."

"Hey. What did little J want to show you?"

"Just her new dollhouse."

"Ahh."

"It's very impressive, a full three floors."

"That is something."

Emma reached down and loosely tangled her fingers with his.

"Thanks for what you said out there."

He stepped closer and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face with his free hand. He could hear the hitch in her breath and see her gaze flick down to his mouth. He moved his hand to cup her cheek while his thumb skated softly across her lower lip.

"It's true you know. You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he slanted his lips over hers, pressing softly, but insistently. Emma released his hand and reached up to grasp at his shirt, crumpling it in her hand as she pulled him closer. They were so wrapped up in the moment that they didn't hear footsteps approaching. Naima started down the hallway and saw the two in their embrace and tried to turn around before disturbing them. But Jameelah called out for her, causing both to open their eyes and they stepped apart, spying Naima just feet away.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt anything."

She gave them a knowing smile. Emma dipped her head, not able to meet her eyes. Clay just shifted his stance and slipped his arm around Emma.

"No worries. We should go on out with everyone else anyway."

Jameelah called again and Naima hurried past the couple to see what her daughter needed.

Clay looked down, pulled her into a hug, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry about. And thankfully, it was just her, and not my dad."

"Or Sonny."

"That too."

"I promise I'll try to be good for the rest of the day."

Emma smiled over her shoulder as they walked out toward the backyard to join everyone else.

"But what if I like it better when you're not?"

As her words registered, Clay stopped midstride. If she kept saying things like that, it was going to be impossible for him to keep his promise. She told him that she had little experience flirting with guys and dating. But damn if she wasn't a fast learner!

They made their way out to the yard, meeting her dad and brother.

"Where did you guys come from? I didn't hear you come in."

"We just came straight back through the gate so we could get this guy his ice," Jason slapped Ray on the back.

"Hey Emma, Clay! Good to see you both."

"You, too Ray. Happy birthday."

Emma gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek while Clay offered his hand.

"Yeah. Happy birthday, man."

As soon as Ray released his hand, Emma grabbed it without thinking. Clay could feel Jason's eyes on them. He chose not to react. But instead turned his attention to Mikey, greeting the young boy and asking about his upcoming hockey season. Emma didn't release him until Naima called to ask for some help. He, Emma, and Trent went to help. And he could swear he felt Jason's gaze boring into his back as he followed Trent inside.

Once they were out of earshot, Sonny spoke up.

"Jace, I know ya said you were okay with this…this thing between Spenser and Emma. But I can't get used to seeing them being all lovey-dovey."

Jason ran a hand through his hair and blew out a loud breath.

"I'm not gonna lie. It's not exactly easy to take. But I told Emma I would give them a chance. So, I am."

"But ya told him, right? Told him not to get handsy with her."

Jason Hayes was one of the bravest men in the world. Almost nothing scared him. But talking about his daughter's possible sex life could make him blush and squirm like a schoolgirl.

"I'm trusting Emma to know what is right for her. And I'm trusting the kid to respect her."

"Shit…trust…"

His diatribe was cut short by Trent, Emma, and Clay coming through the back door carrying trays and bowls with the rest of the lunch. Naima soon followed with RJ in her arms and Jameelah trailing after. Everyone was called to the table as Ray put the platter with burgers and hot dogs in the middle. Soon everyone found a spot and the food was passed around.

Clay and Emma sat next to each other. They took part in all the conversation going on around the table but seemed to have their own, private dialogue going on too. It was subtle, and with all the commotion, no one really noticed. The looks that held just a little too long, and the wink Clay threw her, all went unobserved.

Later Clay tried to steal a chip from Emma's plate, she swatted at him. Clay caught her hand and wrapped his arm around her to hold her in place while his free hand took several more chips off her plate and stuffed them in his mouth. She huffed at him and gave him a mock pout. Clay wanted so badly to pull her plump, pink lower lip between his. But he stopped himself. Still the heat coming from his burning gaze was so palpable that Emma had to look away.

Soon the meal was over and Jameelah declared that it was time for games. The first game was Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Each of them took their turn putting on the blindfold, being spun around and trying to place a paper tail somewhere in the vicinity of the donkey. The Birthday boy went first. Ray's attempt was very close to the mark and would be hard to beat. Jameelah cheered for her daddy. Jason was next, he too was near the target, but still a little outside of Ray. Brock and Trent's tries were no better. And Sonny, for all his trash talk, was the worst of all. Finally, it was down to Clay. After being spun around he faced the board, and walked up confidently, placing his "tail" extremely close. So close that it was impossible to determine by just looking to see who won.

Emma, Naima, and Mikey all laughed at these tough-guy, Navy Seals arguing over who had won a child's game. Ray went to fetch the measuring tape while Clay seated himself back down next to Emma and took a long pull of his beer.

"Pretty confident, aren't you Spenser?"

"I know which of us is the superior marksman."

Emma laughed at his bravado. But when the guys returned and measured it out, Clay was declared the winner. He smiled smugly at Emma as Jameelah placed a blue-ribbon sticker on his shirt. There were good natured accusations of cheating thrown around as they moved on to the next game, musical chairs. This time, Jameelah insisted that Emma play as well. The first round saw Jason go down as Emma dodged in front of him and claimed the last seat.

"Bravo one the first one to go!"

"Yea, well, I didn't want to push Emma out of the way."

"Sure Boss."

"Listen, Sonny if it was your ugly mug, you'd be eating turf right now."

The game continued and though she was the smallest, Emma was quick, she managed to beat out Trent next, and then Ray. Now there were only three seats left. Pretty certain that she was going to be out this round, Emma laughed at the insults Sonny, Brock, and Clay threw at each other. The tune seemed to go on forever as they circled the chairs. Abruptly, Naime and Jameelah stopped the music. Emma scrambled for a seat. She was going to beat Clay. Then a strong pair of arms encircled her waist from behind and lifted her. Emma squealed as Clay sat himself down in one of the remaining spots, placing Emma on his lap as he did so.

"No fair! Foul. I call a foul."

Emma wiggled and squirmed in Clay's lap as she called out her objections. Clay's laughter quieted and he moved his hands down to still her hips. Placing his lips near her ear, he spoke softly.

"Em…Em, please. You need stop."

"Huh?"

"Babe, I-I need you to hold still."

It took her a moment, but when she stopped moving, understanding dawned. She could feel the effects of her movements pressing against her bottom. In spite of their circumstances, knowing how she excited him sent a thrill through her body. She moved her hips almost imperceptibly against his growing ardor.

"Em, please…"

His pleading tone and their audience made her take pity on him and stop.

"Here, I'll get up."

His hands held on tight to her waist.

"No. No, can you just…for a minute."

Everyone's laughter was dying down and she knew that soon they would be asking questions. There was no way Clay would get away unnoticed. So, she decided to try to buy him a little time to calm down.

"Hey! What's the ruling here? This was clearly a foul. I think Clay should be disqualified."

"Well, I agree with the Princess on this one. Blondie's out."

"What do you think, Dad?"

Jason's eyes took in Emma sitting quite comfortably on Clay's lap, one hand on his thigh and his hands gently spanning her waist.

"I definitely think he's disqualified. C'mon Six. Give up the seat."

"Well, Clay? Ready to give up?"

"I never give up."

Emma was ready to keep up their ruse to give Clay more time.

"But, since it's Em, I'll be a gentleman and bow out."

He stood up, lifting Emma in his arms, turned and placed her in the chair. Her little act gave him just enough time to collect himself before he had to face Jason and the rest of the team. Still, he was thankful that Naima started up the music right away and the antics of the remaining players drew everyone's attention.

It turned out that Emma prevailed. Jameelah gave her a sticker like Clay's.

"Now we match," Emma pointed out as she lightly traced a finger around the circular decal on her shirt.

He followed the movement of her fingertip with his eyes, wanting desperately to caress his hand over the gentle slope of her breast under that sticker. He swallowed hard, knowing that if any of the guys could read his thoughts, he would likely lose his hand, or worse.

"Now who's not playing fair?"

"Are you saying I'm a cheater?"

Her eyes twinkled at him from under her lashes.

"I'm saying that you like to distract me."

She continued to play coy, biting her lip and making him stifle a groan.

"I haven't done anything. I mean, we've been here in front of my dad and the rest of the team the whole time."

Naima announced that it was time for dessert. Emma turned to go, but Clay placed a hand on the small of her back and stopped her.

"Oh, I'm painfully aware." He reached down and slyly adjusted himself.

"Something wrong?"

"You, Emma Hayes, are a flirt."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not for me…but it could become one for you."

"I'm willing to risk it."

She gave him as innocent of a look as she could muster before sitting next to her dad and reaching for a cupcake. She daintily licked at the frosting with the tip of her tongue. He took a deep breath and wondered to himself how much longer they needed to stay. It was going to be a long day.