6

Nikki ushered them all out the door with mention to Casper that she would close the garage door on her way out. The rain still hadn’t let up and was pouring down on Emily. Kian stepped beside her, removed his jacket and held it over her head. It was the sweetest gesture Emily had ever experienced.

“I’ll give you a ride,” Kian sighed. Emily didn’t want to split up from Selma again. Looking around, Emily saw Selma climb into Casper’s truck. So much for not splitting up.

“Okay,” she said defeated. The idea of going somewhere with Kian, alone, in a vehicle made her uncomfortable. Not because she thought he would do anything bad to her. She was afraid they may do something naughty to each other. However, with Selma having willingly climbed into the cab of Casper’s truck, Emily didn't have much choice. 

“This way. “Still holding the jacket above her, he led her over to a two-door, black 1950s Dodge B truck. The townspeople may give her the creeps, but at least they all had great tastes in cars. Like a gentleman, Kian opened the door then held his hand over her head to keep her from hitting her head. 

“Thanks,” she stated and fastened her lap belt. Kian closed the door gently, then got in the driver’s side. “Thanks again.” 

“My pleasure,” he smiled setting the jacket on his lap. He fastened his seatbelt then started the engine. Emily loved the sound of the old truck. The sound made her smile. “You really love cars and trucks.”

“I do,” she shrugged. Even a blind person could see her love and passion for cars and trucks.

“Nothing wrong with having a passion.” His words seemed genuine. They weren’t their usual flirty self. Emily instantly felt guilty for thinking bitchy towards him. She wasn’t used to gentlemen. Or men who listened to her. 

“I need to swing by the diner and grab my bags.” He gave a nod and placed the truck in gear. In less than a minute they were parked next to Selma’s Mini Cooper. Kian left the truck running while they waited. 

“Are you cold,” he asked pointing the vents towards her. Emily shook her head and turned in her seat to keep a better lookout for Selma. “So...”

“Hmm,” Emily asked with her head still faced out the window. 

“How long have you and Selma been friends?”

“We aren’t friends.” 

“You aren’t?” He seemed surprised. “Then how did you both end up in Camden?”

“Long story,” she sighed.

“I see. Maybe one day you can tell me about it?” Doubtful.

“Maybe,” she replied. “How slow does Jughead drive?” 

Emily was growing frustrated. She could see the lights of the garage. It wasn’t very far from the diner, yet, Selma and Casper weren’t at the diner yet. 

“I’m sure they will be here in a minute.” 

Time ticked by. Kian was now turned in his seat looking for Selma and Casper. 

“Do you think they went straight there,” Emily asked staring at the carless road behind them. 

“She would have wanted her stuff, right?” Kian had a point. Most women would take their bags in for the night. Or at least their overnight bag. 

A vehicle pulled up behind Selma’s car. Emily had a hard time telling if it was Casper’s truck or not. The passenger door opened, and the cab light beamed down on Selma.

“About time,” Emily muttered and opened the door. “I’ll be back.” Kian hopped out of the truck.

“I’ll get your bags. Get back in the truck,” he said coming around the bed of the truck. He was too late, Emily was already standing next to Selma, who had just popped open the back of her car. Both women leaned in and grabbed their suitcases. 

“I hope we don’t end up on the back of a milk carton,” Emily whispered to Selma. Selma’s eyes got wide. “See you tomorrow.” 

Emily yanked her suitcase out of the back only to have Kian take it from her. 

“You’re getting all wet,” Kian sighed. Emily ignored him and grabbed her hygiene bag from the back of Selma’s car. “Come on. Let’s get you out of the rain.”

Emily gave one last look at Selma before allowing him to usher her back to his truck. As she was climbing back inside, she yelled out, “I’ll be at the shop at 7:55, Jughead!”

Kian laughed and closed the door muffling Casper’s growl. 

***

Emily and Kian had taken the stairs up to the second floor after Emily won the debate on how the elevator was the lazy way. They now stood in front of the door marked 2C. Kian slid the key into the keyhole and turned the key.

Click. Nothing happened. He tried it again. After several failed attempts, he rested his forehead on the door and groaned. 

“Damn you, Nikki,” he cursed under his breath. “Well, looks like she gave us the wrong key.”

“Of course she did,” Emily sighed and leaned back against the wall next to the door. Her and Kian both let out a groan. 

“I’ll tell you what. You can sleep at my place.” Emily’s heart beat like a heavy metal band’s drum. Sleeping at his place was a nerve-wracking idea but also an idea that turned her on. The thoughts that weren’t nerve-wracking made her blush because they were ideas of what she and Kian could do on one lonely, rainy night. She tried to hide her blushing, but Kian had already seen it and smirked.

“I promise. I’ll behave,” he held up three fingers. “Scouts’ honor.” 

“Right,” she breathed, then took a hold of her suitcase. 

“Allow me.” Kian took it from her hands and rolled it a few feet down the hallway. “Can we take the lazy way now?” He grinned. Emily shook her head and laughed.

“Nope.” 

“It was worth a try.” 

They took the steps back down and now stood in front of a door marked 1A. Kian retrieved a set of keys from his pocket, then unlocked the door. The scent of him perfumed out the door. Emily inhaled sharply. She loved the smell. 

“Come on in.” He opened the door wider and gestured for her to go first. 

“Thank you.” She stepped into the apartment. Just like everything else in the town, it looked like something out of the 1950s. There was a navy blue couch and loveseat, round wood coffee table, and two end tables in the living room area. 

“Sorry that it’s a mess,” Kian said stepping inside and closing the door behind him. His apartment was spotless. Even the pillows on the couch were perfectly placed. It was just as clean as Emily’s apartment. She liked how neat and organized he was.

“You’re joking, right?” He only laughed, then walked further into his apartment. 

“Welcome to my home. Make yourself at home.” 

“Thank you.” He smiled then gestured at a door. “The bathroom is there if you need to use it or take a shower. The bedroom is down here. I will go put your suitcase in there.” He disappeared with her suitcase down a small hallway. 

Emily made her way to the bathroom with her hygiene bag. She desperately needed to use the restroom and freshen up. The bathroom had a toilet, sink, and tub, which were all olive green. Just like the living room, the bathroom was spotless. She was questioning if he actually lived here or if anyone lived here for that matter. 

After using the restroom, Emily stared at her reflection as she washed her hands. She looked like a drenched rat. It was days like today she was glad she wore waterproof mascara and no other makeup. But even with no makeup damage, she groaned at the thought of Kian having seen her like this.

“Of all days to see Mr. Yummy,” she muttered and let her hair down. She grabbed her brush out of the hygiene bag then worked her hair back to kink free. 

“Are you hungry,” Kian called out. 

“Yes. I am.”

“Do you like tuna casserole?” He asked. Just the thought of tuna made her stomach flip, and she made a disgusted face.

“It’s okay. I’ll eat tomorrow.” He chuckled. 

“You could just say you prefer something else.” 

“Okay. I prefer something else,” she replied.

He laughed again. “What about beef stew?” It wasn’t her ideal choice of food but it beat tuna casserole and it was edible.

“That’s fine.”

“Are you saying it to be polite?” Yes!

“No. I’m being serious.” She opened the door. He was standing a few feet from it leaned up against the wall. He looked her over and smiled.

“You look very nice.” The room suddenly felt hot. Her cheeks were burning. It was a simple compliment and Emily’s body was responding like Kian had just gotten down on one knee and proposed. 

She kicked herself in the ass mentally. 

“Do you want to change out of your wet clothes,” he asked concerned. 

“I’ll be okay. Can I use a towel to sit on?” 

“Of course,” he smiled then retrieved a clean towel from the bathroom. He opened up the towel and hung it over her shoulders then he went and retrieved another one. 

“Kitchen is this way,” he stated gesturing for her to go first through the doorway. As quick as she could, she walked past him. “I don’t bite, Emily.” The way he said it made her want to fan herself. The man had the sexiest voice Emily had ever heard. 

“Noted,” she whispered while looking around the kitchen careful to not make eye contact with him. She knew if she got a glimpse of those alluring blue-green eyes she was a goner. 

“You can take a seat.” He pulled one of the kitchen chairs out away from the table. Before Emily sat down, he laid the towel he had down in the chair. When he backed away, Emily smiled politely then sat down.

“Thank you.” 

“My pleasure,” he whispered in her ear. His warm breath against her ear and neck sent chills through her body. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip to hold back her moan. “Let’s get you fed.” 

There was a sexual tone to his words. However, he didn’t seem to be flirting because he said nothing else. 

Emily felt a rush of heat wash over her as she watched him roll up the sleeves to his light blue button-up shirt. Beneath those sleeves were arms covered in tattoos. A man after her own heart. Emily herself was covered in tattoos. Her left side was tattooed from her left wrist up to her shoulder and down to her ankle. 

“Like tattoos?” He asked looking at her. Apparently, she had been staring a little too long at his artwork. 

“I do.” She nodded. Kian smiled then turned his attention to making the beef stew. Emily couldn’t help but stare at his well-sculpted ass when he bent down to retrieve something from the fridge. “Yummy,” she whispered. Kian stood tall at that moment. Panic struck Emily. Did he hear me?

“Did you say something,” he asked. 

“I asked if you needed help with anything,” she blurted. He raised an eyebrow, looked as though he was going to say something, but shook his head and chuckled. 

“It sounded like only one word,” he continued to chuckle. “I’m okay, but thank you for the offer.” 

Emily sat quiet and watched Kian work his magic in the kitchen. Her stomach rumbled when the smell of beef stew swarmed around her. It smelled amazing. When Kian came over to the table and set a bowl of it and a spoon in front of her, she had to control herself from diving in. Kian set another bowl and spoon across from her, in front of the empty chair, then he went over to the fridge. 

“Would you like water? Tea? Um...” He looked through the fridge. “Beer,” he asked bashfully. 

“Tea is fine.” He smiled then grabbed a pitcher from the fridge. The cups he chose reminded Emily of the ones her grandmother had. They were the tall thick plastic ones. The ones which seemed to last a lifetime because her grandmother was still using them. 

“Your drink, ma’am.” He set a cup in front of her and then one across the table. Before he took a seat, he looked around the kitchen. 

“Forget something?” Emily asked. She was eager for him to sit down so she could eat. She was starving. 

“Feels like it. But I guess not.” He took a seat across from her. When he saw that her bowl was untouched, he frowned. “Does it look gross?” 

Emily shook her head and laughed. “I was waiting for you to sit down before I ate.” Kian smiled.

“That’s sweet of you. Please,” he gestured at her bowl, “eat.” 

“Thanks again.” 

Emily savored the first bite. It was either really delicious, or she was just starving. 

“Taste okay,” he asked when her mouth was full of stew. She could only nod. “That makes me happy.”

Again, Emily had to focus on something other than Kian, who had her melting in her seat. His looks and words made her body respond every time. Emily had never had a man have such a pull on her. Usually, it was easy to stand her ground and not let her emotions get the best of her. But with Kian, she felt weak, vulnerable and confused with her attraction to him. 

Just eat, Emily! You’ll be gone tomorrow, she reprimanded herself and went back to eating. 

The rest of the time they ate in silence. Occasionally, they glanced at each other, smiled then continued eating. Despite their lack of conversation, Emily was enjoying his company. It was strange for her to eat with a stranger and not be weirded out by it. Hell. She had eaten around her co-workers and it felt weird. So a stranger should have been super awkward. 

“Want more?” He asked looking at her empty bowl. 

“Oh. No. I’m good. Thanks though.” She looked at his empty bowl. “Are you going to get more?” 

“No,” he chuckled. “I ate earlier.”

“What,” Emily shrieked. “Why did you eat with me then?”

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t eat if I didn’t eat with you.”

He was right. Emily had been raised to only eat at someone’s house if they were eating. And she had been taught to never ask for food at someone’s house. She was an adult now, but it was instilled in her mind. 

“You really shouldn’t have,” she whispered. She wished she would have asked him before he cooked if he had already eaten. He had force-fed himself on her behalf and she was feeling guilty. She didn’t like inconveniencing people.

“Why?” He asked leaning in on his elbows. 

“I could have walked to the diner and ate, or just waited until morning.” 

“Emily, it’s no big deal. I don’t mind enjoying a meal with you.” Emily couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or trying to be a ladies’ man. The smile on his face looked genuine, but she had seen smiles like that in the past on men who were snakes. 

“Well, thank you.” She stood up, stacked their bowls together, and walked towards the sink.

“Hey. Not in my place,” he blurted leaving his seat and coming up behind her. “You are my guest. You have a seat. I’ll wash these.” He reached around her and grabbed the bowls. 

They both froze in place. His masculine arms were now wrapped around her. Their bodies pressed together. His smell was swarming her again. It was a smell that intoxicated and eased her mind. Made her forget all her worries. 

Emily’s body seemed to have a mind of its own, as she leaned back against his chest. He sucked in sharply. She realized their closeness and began to pull away. Kian wrapped his arm around her waist. He maneuvered her hand to the counter so she could set the bowls down.

With his free hand, he swept her hair off to the side and kissed the side of her neck. Emily’s hands grasped onto the counter to steady herself. He had her knees weak. He placed another kiss on the side of her neck, right below her ear and she moaned. She leaned forward pushing her ass against him. 

“Mmm,” Kian moaned. “So perfect.” He slipped his hand into the bottom of her shirt and ran it flat against her stomach. This is when Emily should have felt self-conscious. Her stomach wasn’t toned. She had curves and thickness to her. However, Kian made her not have a care in the world. 

“Kian,” she pleaded. 

“We need to get you out of these clothes. You’re all wet,” he moaned against her ear. Emily turned in his arms and faced him. 

“You should help me,” she purred standing on her tippy toes and pulling at his bottom lip with her teeth. His erection pressed against her igniting a fire between her thighs. She could feel her panties becoming wet from her arousal. She needed Kian like she needed air. 

“You can have anything you want, sweetheart,” Kian moaned lifting the back of her shirt. Emily lifted her arms up over her head. Kian wasted no time removing her damp shirt from her body. He tossed it on the counter then looked down at Emily. He was biting his bottom lip.

“What,” she breathed. 

“You’re perfect in every way.” His voice was deep, husky and melting Emily where she stood. If Kian wasn’t careful, she was going to rip off his clothes and take what she wanted. “So beautiful.”

He captured her lips with his then grabbed her by her ass and lifted her up. Instinctively, Emily wrapped her arms around his neck in fear of falling. He held her firmly and set her on the counter. She loved the way he was taking control. Now it was her turn. 

Still kissing, Emily began undoing his shirt’s buttons starting from the bottom working her way up. 

“Mmm,” Kian moaned against her mouth. His hands held her in place by her hips. Emily’s mind was clouded with Kian’s touch and kiss, her fingers fumbled trying to undo the buttons. “Let. Me. Sweetheart.” He stated between kisses.

His hands left her ass, but their kiss never broke. The sound of buttons hitting the floor came next. Kian had ripped his shirt open and tossed it to the floor. Emily now felt his warm skin against hers. She raked her nails across his chest. 

“Kian,” she shuddered against him as his lips, teeth, and tongue left her lips to toy with the side of her neck.

“Tell me what you want, sweetheart.”

Taking a stranger to bed wasn’t Emily’s usual thing, but right now she didn’t care. Kian had her panties soaked. The ache between her thighs had her ready to explode. Stranger or not. She wanted Kian. She would worry about her piss poor decision in the morning.