HAPPY FOREVER AFTER

“I think we should leave now. I had a great time but it’s really getting late” Emma said

Ben Sanders stood up next to Emma and stretched to his full height. “Alright. Let’s get you home. I wish we could stay longer though” he said

“I know,” Emma replied. “But you know we didn’t bring a car, so we have to walk”

“And who brought up such an amazing suggestion?” he asked

“Stop,” Emma said laughing. “I wanted to walk. Kinda helps clear my head”

“Clear your head?” he asked. “Anything bothering you, Emma?”

“No, not really… I guess it’s just work stress” she replied

She remembered her phone conversation with Daniel the previous night. It did not go well… At least for Daniel. She had agreed to go out with him but after seeing him with Monica, she had changed her mind. There was this nagging feeling that told her Monica wasn’t just a business associate of his and she didn’t want to get in the middle of anything. Besides that was just another proof that nothing good could come out of her relationship with Daniel except hurt and so she had to find a way to get him out of her mind. And going on a date with him certainly wasn’t going to help her do that.

He wasn’t okay with her decision though. In fact he was super pissed. Probably even more angry after she hung up on him and switched off her phone.

And now here she was… With Ben.. As a friend… She reminded herself. She didn’t want to lead him on.

“You’re a really beautiful woman, Emma.” Ben said. “In case I haven’t told you that today”

Emma smiled “Yes you have Ben. You told me the first time we met. You told me the first time we went out… You told me this evening when we walked down here and… In Fact now that I think about it, you tell me every time you see me.”

“That’s because it’s true” he said gazing appreciatively over the simple lines of her dress.

“Well thanks anyways, Ben. You look great too” she said, returning the compliment.

Emma had selected the dress for a purpose. After a long bath it made her feel relaxed and feminine after a long day at work. The simple bodice tapered into a narrow waist. The gathered skirt clung to her hips and thighs.

Ben eyed the bare, curved length of her calves and the medium high heels with tiny white straps. Emma shifted her legs under his perusal, and the tiny golden heart of her ankle bracelet caught the light.

He smiled. “You know… I want someone special in my life. Want to apply for the job?

Emma returned his smile, though she was aware of the seriousness behind the suggestion.”I don’t really know if I’m ready for something that serious right now. Stuff like that kinda scares me. And I think you and i would be much better as friends”

“We could change that easily Emma”

“I don’t think so, Ben” she answered lightly. ” let’s just keep walking ”

“If I keep trying, would I be wasting my time? ”

She laughed “probably…. But I would really appreciate us being friends”

He shrugged and grinned “Can’t blame a guy for trying, Emma. Maybe fortune will smile on me someday, if I keep trying long enough. But for now let’s get you home”

“So gallant. Sir knight” Emma smiled

The weather was cool. Emma enjoyed Ben’s tales of his work and family as they walked to her apartment.

When they got to Emma’s place, Ben’s fingers sought and found hers, and his expression settled. His head lowered towards hers but she moved away

He stared at her a moment, then smiled ruefully. “It was worth a try, Emma”

They heard footsteps and they both turned. Someone was coming down the stairs. Emma assumed it was one of her neighbors.

“Hello” Daniel said as he emerged. Wearing a light Gray shirt, his hands thrust into the pockets of his pants, he walked slowly up to where Emma and Ben stood. Emma introduced them to each other.

“It’s a nice evening, isn’t it?” Daniel said. The quiet rasp of his voice slid up to Emma’s vertebrae to raise the hair on the back of her neck.

“Very nice,” Ben replied before looking uncertainly at Emma. He hesitated, cleared his throat and straightened. “I have a big day at work tomorrow so I better get going” he said. “I’ll call you Emma… Good night”. He turned “Nice to meet you Daniel”

“Yeah nice to meet you too. Good night” the curt tone sounded like a dismissal.

“Good night Ben” Emma called as he left. She watched his retreating figure, then rummaged through her purse for her keys.

“Where have you been?” Daniel asked.

“You may leave too, Daniel” she said. “it’s been a long day”

“I can see that,” He replied. “I called to tell you I was coming over but you didn’t pick up”

“Yeah… And when someone doesn’t pick your call, It means I don’t want to talk to you, not please come over” she said.

“I wanted to see you… I had to wait at Frank’s place”

“Well it’s not my fault that you don’t listen”

The heat of his body grazed Emma’s as he walked up the stairs with her and urged her into her apartment with the flat of his hand on her waist. His thumb touched the bare skin of her back and stroked it lightly.

“You introduced him to me as a friend… The guy who just left… Tell me Emma, is this your usual attire for hanging out with friends? Or did you wear it especially for Ben?

“That is absolutely none of your business ” Emma rounded on him, her hands on her hips.”I don’t have to explain anything to you Daniel. Your authority ends when I leave the office. I can wear any dress I choose and walk home with whom I want”

“That dress is revealing, honey. Daniel’s chin jutted out.”if you want to wear something this sexy, wear it with me. Or do you prefer Ben? He’s your standard type.. Isn’t he?. Does he adhere to your tight little moralities?”

Emma gasped “tight little moralities? What the fuck is that even supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean… Did Ben intend to come inside for a visit?” he asked.

“I don’t like your implication… This is my home. You may leave, Mr Rohan”

“Mr Rohan,” he repeated. “Hell, woman, do you know how close I came to decking him, just because he touched you?… And I’m not leaving just yet… I want to talk to you” he replied

Emma sighed. “You may leave”. She repeated.

“Hey!” The deep drawl contained amusement. “You’re acting like you don’t know me. You’ve spent some pretty intimate moments in my arms, lady. His palms slid down her ribs to circle her waist.

She leaned away from him, eyes lowered to the cleft in his rugged chin.

“Fine,” she said. ” I’m listening ”

“You’ve got circles under those fabulous eyes, honey.” he drawled. “Not sleeping well.. Huh? Did you miss me?” he asked

The rumbling baritone changed subtly, lightly skimming Emma’s flesh. He stood with his hands on his hips in the center of the room.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Emma was too tense to control her temper. “Is there any reason in particular why you ask me that? Why should I be losing sleep over you?”