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whenthetablesareturned · 4 months

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Will You Share Your Heart with Me? - A story by Emberly Call and Lee Clearwater- Storyline Four

ᴡɪᴛʜ: @TheMakahWolf

ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: La Push, Washington

◄ Lee ►

When you promise the most beautiful woman in your life a date night, you better be willing to step up and make it happen. We aren’t talking cheap beer and pizza, not this time. If I wasn’t willing to take it seriously, then I shouldn’t be doing it at all. (At least that was the advice from my Ma and baby brother.)

The two of them have been bombarding me with questions, suggestions, and were willing to discuss with deep details why I had to get this date right! I am not ashamed to say I left for my run that night with sweating armpits and palms.

But when I met up with #Jake, he laughed slabbed me on my back, and told me clearly.

‘Just do what feels right for you and Emmy. She will love the fact that you were doing this for her.’ Being one of my girlfriends best friends, I was inclined to agree with him. Which brought us to the big night. The night I wanted to take my first girlfriend out.

With wet hair, a towel around my waist, my cell in my hand I texted her.

[Work is over, beautiful. I’m running on time. I can’t wait to see you tonight.]

Hitting send, I threw the cell on the bed beside the clothes the kid pulled out for me. The boy wanted to help, his excitement became contagious, and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing with him.

‘You’re going to be the man Bro.’ He said smiling.

◄ Emmy ►

My phone buzzed and I leaned forward to grab it from the small desk I used to study on and now… it was basically filled with books and music. Occasionally I cleared enough space to place a mirror there and do my hair and makeup. “Shit!” I grumbled reading Lee’s text… I was so not on time! “OW! Mom!” I turned to the woman behind me who had just yanked on my hair.

‘I told you to hold still!’ She laughed and grabbed my head turned it back to the mirror. I could have stopped her… but she still had a grip on the extensions she was clipping into my hair, so I behaved. I held my phone high and shot off a text to #Rachel.

[Help!]

The reply was almost instant.

[Please Darling!! We’re 2 minutes away.]

I smiled to myself. Mom had seen the message. ‘Did you think they were going to let you go off on this date without a prep team?’ She laughed her musical laugh. ‘They know how excited you are.’

They…. WE…. Damn… Who the hell was on their way to my house?

‘You know Lee likes your hair short, don’t you? You really don’t need to wear your extensions.’ Mom told me and I laughed.

“I know… But he promised me to dance, and you know how much I love a dramatic hair swoop!” I smirked at her through the mirror.

Mom rested her hand above her heart and smiled. ‘That’s my girl. As long as you’re doing it for you.’

I heard a car pull up outside and Mom pinned in the last one. I cycled through who it could be… but it sounded like #Quil’s car. I knew there was no way he was coming over to help me get ready for a date with the group of unknown we’s.

But then…. That was him… laughing with #Ness and #Rachel… And #Kim’s quiet footsteps.

They let themselves in and #Quil took the stairs three at a time and burst into my room like a hurricane. ‘Your make-up artist has arrived!’ The last word went high as #Ness jumped on his back lemur style.

‘Not a chance in hell! That beautiful face is all mine!’ She hopped down. My Mom kissed the top of my head and left me to my friends' capable hands, but not before gripping #Nessie’s face. ‘Try not to break my house, you beautiful little weirdo.’ She teased her… It sounded harsh. But coming from Mom that was a compliment. Everyone laughed at the reference to a time Ness broke a chair in Mom’s kitchen. There was still an odd chair at the table that was famously known as Nessie’s chair.

Rachel brought wine and curlers, which she and #Kim tag teamed my (and not my) hair into perfect waves while Ness sat on the table in front of me and helped… let’s face it did my make-up… something I was never good at. For a girl that never wore makeup, she was insanely talented. But she was always good at everything she tried. We laughed and primped while Quil sat on my bed and chimed in when he got a chance.

I picked up my phone and text Lee when it looked like I was going to be on time after all… with a little help from my friends.

[I would never keep you waiting. See you soon, boyfriend.]

I wasn’t even blushing typing that word… it never got old.

◄ Lee ►

I was rolling up the sleeves of my shirt, when I heard the car pulling up outside. “Hey Kid, can you get the door?” Calling out, and then hearing the toilet flush. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it.”

Chuckling at the ‘thanks, bro.’ I took two steps at a time, combing my fingers through my hair when I opened the door.

“Hey Jake, what are you doing here?” He kicked the door of his car close with both hands full with flowers. Arching my brows while watching him walking up the path to our door.

He watched me, giving me a wolf whistle and an eyebrow dance. ‘Don’t you scrub up well. Give me a twirl Clearwater.’ I gave him a middle finger with a chuckle.

‘Prince Charming for Emmy, and a dickhead for me? Nice! Anyway… Your mom didn’t want you to be late. And she knew you would have ordered these to collect on your way over to Emmy’s so, she asked me to rescue you.’

This got him an eye roll. “I never run late, and you both know it.” Stepping to the side to let him in. He pushed the flowers into my arms heading to the kitchen, when he reappeared there was a bottle of beer in his hand.

“Sure Jake, come on in, Make yourself at home.” Laughing while I set the flowers down on the table. He knew was always welcome, what was ours was his, as it was with the rest of the packs too.

‘It’s thirsty work you know. Picking up flowers.’ Kicking his shoes off he fell into the couch.

“You best have picked some up for Ness while you were there.” I warned with a chuckle.

‘Picked them up, delivered them before she left to help your date get ready.’ He chuckled too.

My fucking heart did something to draw Jake’s eyes to me. He shook his head grinning. ‘Are you nervous about tonight?’ He asked drinking his beer.

“Me? Hmm… maybe I am. I hadn’t considered it. But…. Yeah maybe. She means a lot. I don’t want to mess up. You know?”

The Kid made his way down, clapping Jake on the shoulder and falling down next to him. ‘You’re overthinking it bro, you want this, Emmy wants it too, just chill and let the night unfold.’ That was easy for him to say.

“Yeah, sure.” The two of them laughed.

‘Kid are you forgetting who you’re talking to here? Lee doesn’t know how not to overthink.’ #Jake joked.

“Not true… I’m easy and laid back. I know how to go with the flow.” Now I needed a beer, but I didn’t have time. My phone buzzed and I smiled reading her text.

[Good to know. I am coming for you, girlfriend. I’ll be the handsome one on your doorstep.]

As soon as I hit send, all the built-up tension disappeared in an instant.

“But for now. I have a date waiting for me. So… laters suckers.”

Pushing my wallet into my back pocket, my keys in my hand, the flowers were next. The boys followed me to my truck while shouting. out words of wisdom. Until I reminded Jake, he hadn’t been on a first date since secondary school, and the kid needed to be reminded I was the one who taught him his moves.

◄ ◄ ◄

The drive over to the Call house wasn’t long, I had the windows down and the music loud.

Those nerves showing themselves again as I turned down their street, turning the music off before pulling up behind the cars telling me with the scents, I could pick up who had shown up for Emmy.

◄ Emmy ►

I closed the last button and stood in front of the mirror. “I haven’t worn heels in over a year.” I said twisting to the side… “But damn… they make my arse look good.”

‘Walk to me.’ #Kim said from across the room. And I did… navigating the heels expertly. ‘Spirits damn your perfect coordination Emberly Call.’ She laughed.

“I was a dancer before I was a Warrior, Kaya.” I teased her. “Heels are easy. I’ll give you a lesson… just not tonight.” I took #Kim’s hands when I reached her.

‘Are you nervous Emmy?’ She asked and I pulled my hands back… they were a little clammy.

“No!” I rolled my eyes… #Nessie arched a single brow like she could represent the country in the eyebrow Olympics. She had heard my heart skip. “Maybe… Yes.” I sat on the bed next to #Quil and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

‘That’s a good thing, Emmy… It means this is a big deal. This is important to you.’ He grinned and lifted his hand the muss my hair. He was stopped by a chorus of shouts which had him and I laughing far too hard. ‘You deserve to be a big deal.’ #Quil’s head snapped up to the sound of a truck pulling up outside.

#Nessie started clapping and the girls rushed to the window. “Really!!” I huffed “You ladies have zero chill… You know that right?” They waved me off and started chattering about how good he was going to look and complaining that he hadn’t gotten out of the car.

I huffed again, but it was hiding a laugh at the faces crowding the window like school girls. I wondered what it would look like from outside the house. “I’m going to answer the door.”

‘Nope!!!’ #Quil jumped up… ‘That’s the big brother’s job!’ hadn’t gotten out of the car.

I huffed again, but it was hiding a laugh at the faces crowding the window like school girls. I wondered what it would look like from outside the house. “I’m going to answer the door.”

‘Nope!!!’ #Quil jumped up… ‘That’s the big brother’s job!’ spend far too much time with those boys!’ She propped her tiny fists on her hips, and I tried to look chastened, but a chuckle rumbled in my throat.

I headed for the door. ‘No… you need to wait here and walk down the stairs when Lee is inside!’ #Kimberly insisted. ‘It would be so cute!’

I shook my head violently. “No way… No, no, no.” I wasn’t turning this into a scene from a teen rom-com. I placated them with a top-up of the clear, lightly gold-tinted lip-gloss they had painted me with. I had to admit. #Nessie’s job on my makeup was flawless and the barely their gold sheen made me want to kiss myself. So, it was an easy compromise. I headed to the stairs and saw #Quil and Mom standing waiting to open the door.

Mom beamed. ‘Oh, my darling! Aren’t you a vision? I love this outfit on you so much.’ I looked at the clock behind her.

“Wait… Am I actually ready on time?” I said in utter shock. #Quil laughed.

‘Like this prep team would ever let you down.’ He winked at the women descending the stairs behind me. I knew that Lee was right outside, and my heart was already starting to race.

◄ Lee ►

‘Would someone let the man in, you know he is on the other side of the door listening to every word.’

Hearing the conversation had a hundred-watt grin plastered on my face. Seeing and feeling the eyes on me as I’d walked up the path to the house didn’t phase me. The girls always wanted a front row view whenever they could. However, this one was different. It felt so to me anyway, maybe because this was my first date where I felt like I had something to lose maybe?

Wiping my hands on my black trousers, my Wolf chastised me. And yeah, I knew we had this in our stride. But still.

Combing my fingers through my black curly hair, I checked the button on my jacket. Held the flowers in my hands, hoping she felt the same as I did.

I wanted to see what they had down for Emmy, she was beautiful without being pampered, so the spirits would only know what my heart was going to do when I landed my gaze on her.

Lifting my hand to knock on the door once again in case they really had forgotten I was here for her. The door opened slowly leaving me standing there with my fist made to knock.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, how are we all tonight? ” Correcting myself I smiled my eyes searching her out.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and #Quil finally opened the door, my heart literally stopped only for a few seconds… but, there was a definite pause. He looked… “Wow…” Wait… I heard that. Did I…? The girls giggled and I knew, yes, I had said it out loud. “Um… Hi.” I came down the last two steps of the stairs while #Nessie unhelpfully filled in the others about how my heart had skipped a beat and set off another round of giggles.

I ran my gaze over him once… twice… settling on his face and breaking into a wide smile. I felt #Quil’s gaze on me every second.

‘Okay…’ He said, opening the door the wider. ‘That’s good enough for me.’ He clapped his hand on Lee’s shoulder. ‘Keep making my best friend smile like that and I’m all for this…’

I stepped forward, never taking my eyes off of him. As he asked how we were I noticed the arm full of flowers and smiled even wider. He was here… I was on time… everything was… Perfect. This was going to be a life-changing night.

◄ Lee ►

She was…. Stunning… stood up on the stairs I’d walked up and down so often, never once had I stopped to look at Emmy the way I was now.

Everything and everyone faded out of my vision, all I saw was her. Her hair, lips, eyes, the clothes she’d picked out just for tonight. My gaze returned and fell on those lips, glossy and plump, so sweet and kissable.

Slowly the world came back into focus and reluctantly I answered #Quil. “I fully attend to make her smile for as long as she wants me.” I didn’t break my eyes away from her. Taking a step forward towards her. Once again, I forgot about the audience.

“Hey, baby. You look extremely sexy.” Holding the flowers out towards her. “These flowers are falling short before your beauty. However, I hope you don’t mind I bought them for you.”

◄ Emmy ►

He was looking at me in that way of his, the way only he ever looked at me. The way that made me feel seen like never before, understood… and beautiful. Not in the usual only-girl-in-the-room way I was used to. Not like the best friend… not like the girl-in-the-club-that-I-want-to-take-home way.

Just… Beautiful.

I bit the corner of my lip. #Quil stepped back into the living room doorway, letting Lee come forward. Only when he mentioned them did I let my eyes pull to the flowers in his hands. I smiled even wider and reached for them, leaning in to inhale the scents, starting with the lilacs… Did he know that this was my all-time favourite scent? And probably flower, really … It wasn’t something I had ever given much thought to. That was probably what I got for being best friends with all boys.

“They’re gorgeous. Thank you so much.” I reached out and brushed my hand down along his lapel. He was… ravishing. “And aren’t you… handsome.” I smiled… I was certain I had never had occasion to use that word and mean it.

I instinctively rolled up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek, Even if my heels brought me a few inches closer… knowing if my lips met his my heart would go even crazier than it was already.

‘Let me take those sweethearts, I’ll put them in water and leave them on your vanity for you.’ Mom said. It was my desk… but tonight I supposed it was my vanity. ‘You two get going now and have a good night. You both deserve a good time.”

◄ Lee ►

Each flower in the arrangement was picked with her in mine. From the early bloom of the daffodils which brought joy and brightness at the start of spring, to the lilacs, peonies, and wild flowers which I identified with an element of her personality. If she were flowers, this would be how I imagined her to look, smell, and be.

I placed a hand on her lower back when she came in to kiss my cheek. An overwhelming urge to kiss her pushed, but I knew the meaning of control. I wasn’t someone who loved an audience, nor did I hide. But this was different. Hard to explain.

“Thank you.” I kissed the top of her head and then I moved to kiss her mom’s cheek as she ushered us out the door. Thanking her too.

‘Eleven pm, we want her home by eleven!’ The girls all giggled trying to set some boundaries. “Sure… sure… Eleven pm tomorrow it is.” My eyes were on Emmy tucked into my side when we stepped out into the cool breeze.

“Are you okay little minx?” Her heart had done those telling skips and jumps. And she hadn’t said as much as she would have usually. Guiding her towards my truck I opened the door, at once hearing the outburst of ‘ahh…’ from behind us.

“Together those three are going to expect and play by play of the whole night. So, you best take notes.”

◄ Emmy ►

I glared at the girls. I had told #Quil not to pull any of his Big Brother moves… but apparently, he wasn’t the one I needed to worry about.

But I was smiling again instantly when he kissed Mom. Then she leaned in and kissed mine too. Whispering ‘I love you, have fun.’ In her native tongue. The language was so close to Quileute that I knew they would all understand it.

I fit neatly against his side, even though the truck was a few steps away I leaned into him, taking in a deeper breath of scent now… savouring each and every moment with this man.

I smiled, wrapping my hand around the one he had over my shoulder. “I’m excited…” I smiled. “And a little nervous… but in a good way. You know? And no one has ever bought me flowers before.” I chuckled and pressed a kiss to that same hand. I glanced back at the door, hearing the muttering behind it… but I was more focused on Lee.

“They’ll hear what I deem shareable… but there’s so much of you I plan on keeping all to myself.” I beamed and heard #Nessie scoff behind the closed door so loud that no matter what I was focused on it couldn’t be missed.

◄ Lee ►

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” Ushering Emmy and myself into the truck, I waved towards the living room windows. The curtains twitched telling me exactly where they had all rushed off towards.

It made me smile, she was loved and cared for. It’s a gift we were both blessed with.

“They care, however I like the feeling that we can keep some of us, to just us… you know.” Turning the key, my hand moved to the gear. But then I stopped to look at her again.

“You’re breathtaking little minx.” Reaching over placed my finger under her chin and kissed her once. “Now. Let’s take my girlfriend on our first date.” Winking at her, a grin on my mouth.

“You asked for dinner, music and me baby, let’s see if we can tick your list off.” I was the list man in this relationship. But I liked going off the beaten track with her.

I pulled out of the parking spot driving towards Forks and then to Port.

◄ Emmy ►

I nodded. That smile of his made my heart skip. I rested my hand against his chest and slid it down… just a little, I was aware of the audience. “I know.” I smiled. “You look amazing. It should probably be illegal for a couple to look this incredible together. It’s hardly fair to the rest of the human race.” I gave a soft laugh.

“Yes... Boyfriend.” I smirked without a hint of shame. I was starting to adore that word. “Let's see if you can tick all of my boxes.” I smiled, I had no doubts that he would succeed. Because time with him would make this perfect.

He drove and I watched the trees flit by… and his stunning side profile. It made me want to bite that fucking perfect jawline. I cleared my throat and reached for the stereo… Nope! We could not start down that road while he was driving. I selected a song… “You are in for a treat Clearwater. I have the best road trip playlist ever.”

(Music: Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine)

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◄ Lee ►

Sweet child of mine’s intro hit, and my grin grown. “Fucking love this song!”

Reaching over I placed my hand on her knee and squeezed it gently before turning my palm up for her hand. Bringing it up to my lips placing soft kissing on the back of it. “I have no doubt that if anyone we know is going to have killer playlists… you’re going to be the one.” Stealing glimpses of her while keeping my eyes on the road ahead.

I had to slow down with it the town lines of Forks, speeding wasn’t going to help our night start the way I wanted, but as soon as we hit the road out of town, I put my foot down.

And then I began to sing along, still holding her hand to my mouth kissing it with our fingers laced. “So, the team showed up to help you get ready. And you didn’t kick them out?”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed and slipped my hand into his when he rested his hand on my knee. “Good! Because not liking this song is a deal breaker.” I said unapologetically. “Everybody likes this song. As they should.”

I brushed my thumb against the side of his hand, holding it lightly so he could let go to shift gears when he needed to. He wasn’t in a rush… I smiled because there was nothing about this that I wanted to rush either. My heart gave a few loud thuds when he kissed my hand, interrupting his car karaoke for a short moment.

I grinned as I watched him sing along. His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, he was a fine specimen of a human… man, woman everyone in between… no one compared, no one set my mind, heart, body, and soul on fire like he did. And I knew that no one else ever would. Then I joined in for the second verse.

“She’s got eyes of the bluest skies,

As if they thought of rain.

I’d hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain.”

We sang our way through the whole song, hand-in-hand, all dressed up in our best clothes… but acting like teenagers on a road trip. I laughed, beaming ear to ear when the song ended. “Spirits I love that fucking song!” I smirked.

◄ Lee ►

Her voice… it took you on a journey with a one-way ticket, it wasn’t new to me I know it. But something changed, now I heard it in a different language and feeling in tow. Now I heard it the way the pups did when they were crashing on this incredibly beautiful creature.

“You say it how it is woman; I’ll back you up if anyone disagrees. Not that they would dare to say it to your face unless they want to die.” Ok she wouldn’t kill them per-say. But fuck me they would wish they were dead when she was done with them.

Watching her out the side of my eyes, I took the road to port and put my foot down.

“You’re going to need the truck DJ whenever we are driving. It’s a done deal. Even when you hit shuffle, the music spirits are on your side. It’s so unfair!”

Joking and not all at once. Because it was kinda true.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled. “I’m just glad I was there for a lot of the little pups… guiding their journey for musical discovery. I might have needed to kick a few arses.”

“Yeah, the music gods are good to me.” I smiled. I shifted in the seat, turning towards him a little. I could hear Rachel in my head telling me I was wrinkling my jacket. But just because I loved to get dressed up on occasion… some things were never going to change. My need to move being one of them.

“So… are you going to tell me where we’re going or is it a surprise?” I asked, it was clear we were heading towards Port Angeles. But… was that the final destination? Was it in town or somewhere nearby? There were far more options here than at home, or even in Forks. But each mile marker we passed had giddy excitement bubbling in my chest. And the want to touch him building… not necessarily in a sexual way… there would be plenty of time for that. I reached out and rested my hand on his to sate the urge; as the next song played. My fingers tapped out the chords on the back of his hand and my own knee.

(Music: The Killers - Mr. Brightside)

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◄ Lee ►

The killers blasted from my truck, and it wasn’t the first time. I’d knew our taste in music had been similar, but just how close, now slowly came to light.

“Tell you? I mean I’m shocked you don’t know already with the way things work on the Rez.”

Smiling because in reality I didn’t mind. People in a small community like ours were tight knit. We all looked out for one another, and we took care of business within ourselves too.

“I thought dinner at Casetas in port? They turn the place into a salsa bar after, so... food, music, dancing, maybe a little drinking? How’s that sound?”

I didn’t want to keep anything from her. I’d chosen the small family run Mexican restaurant, as Seth and I had done some work for them. Seeing firsthand how much love they put into the restaurant, and the food they served making it the perfect spot to bring someone you cared for.

So far, I hadn’t made it back here since our work completed.

◄ Emmy ►

I beamed; I hadn’t been there, yet… but I had heard about it from #Tallie. As soon as they put in the dance floor it became their favourite date night spot. Although… Part of me hoped tonight was not one of those nights. I wanted to have him all to myself, without prying eyes.

“All of that sounds amazing…” I smiled. “Mexican food… salsa…” I quirked a brow. “Do you know how to salsa?” I asked. My heart kicking up a notch. Fuck! Just thinking about dancing with Lee… but salsa… My face flushed.

The fast music didn’t help with the surge I felt at the thought. “I have to say… It’s probably a good thing you planned our first date.” I scraped my teeth over my lip, tasting the gloss painted there.

Then the music seeped into my bones. Even just talking about dancing made me want to move.

“But she's touching his chest now.

He takes off her dress now.

Let me go.

'Cause I just can't look, it's killing me.

And taking control.”

◄ Lee ►

Fuck. So maybe I hadn’t thought this through before booking a table. However, my mind had been on making this a perfect night for my little minx.

“Uhmm I’ve tried it once or twice and didn’t hate it.” Glancing over at her. Her face laced with shadows as we drove on the unlit roads. This being where I thanked my warrior wolf for his senses and sight, because I saw her perfectly.

“I was hoping you would teach me? But also…” I added quickly “there are lots of people there who know what they are doing. So, you will always find someone who will match your skill.”

The thought of her dancing with someone else didn’t bother me, I knew how much she loved to dance. Seeing her in her element would make this even better.

Dammit! I caught her chewing on her lips, the glittering shimmering to them telling me she had something on them.

“Fuck.” The growl came out the minute her scent changed and floated to my nostrils.

“I swear Emberly Whitney Call... if you keep that up, there will be a repeat of the last time on the side of the road. And I’m trying to be a gentleman here.”

My hands squeezed her knee, and I didn’t dare sliding it up her pant leg the way I wanted too.

No woman had ever had this effect on me. Sure, I had a healthy appetite for sexual pleasure, but being with this woman made me feel like a starving man who had lived without until she kissed me! “Spirits give me strength!” Muttering under my breath.

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled at the nervousness that crept in when he started to think about salsa dancing with me. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you.” I teased. Every mile marker we passed had anticipation building in here like a child on their way to Disney World. “I’ll teach you a few steps… You’re a Spirit Warrior, you’ll pick it up fast. Salsa is all about your passion for your partner… you won’t have any problems there.” I brushed my fingers along the back of his hand that rested on my knee. “And don’t want to dance with anyone but you… tonight is about you and me. I expect all of your attention… so you’ll have all of mine too.”

I watched the lights of passing cars move across his features, casting shadows and light, to the light of the moon… the angles and planes of his face. This man’s beauty was enhanced by all I knew about him. He was a walking enigma; Strong and gentle, sarcastic, and kind, funny, and authentic, structured and free. I smiled, independent…. And all fucking mine!

His body tensed and I knew he scented me. “I can’t help it if I wear my emotions on my sleeve!” I laughed.

◄ Lee ►

“I didn’t say I don’t love it that way. Just saying….” Taking my eyes off the road to look at her “tonight I want to show you off to the world as mine.”

Winking before my gaze returned forward, I noted the change in her. Or it was the way I saw her? “You know you have all of me, little minx. It kinda goes without saying, as much as I love reminding you of it too.”

Turning my hand to lace her fingers into mine. Squeezing once to say. ‘I’m right here with you.’ The next song came on and again I smiled. The soundtrack to this journey wasn’t disappointing.

(Music: Backseat boogi – Airborne)

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I drove until the lights of Port came on shining in the darkness ahead of me. Giving me a small glimpse of the world out here and how different it was to ours. Once in town, I dropped the speed. I didn’t want this night beginning either a ticket.

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled. “You know… I had the exact same thought.” I laughed. “I’ve been looking forward to getting you all dressed up and showing you off. The way his fingers laced through mine gave me shivers along my spine, every single time and in the best possible way. There was a deep kind of intimacy that came from the touch, and despite my scent filling the truck… it was an emotional intimacy, not sexual. But we had buckets of both kinds.

I grinned a little cheekily… and a whole lot of cockiness. “Oh, I know.” I fixed my gaze on that side profile in the fading light. By the Spirits! How was I going to make it through the night without tearing his clothes off before we got behind closed doors. “I did tend to hold attention.” I laughed softly… but it was all him. He didn’t hide it, the attention he gave me didn’t need to be fought for, he gave it freely and openly.

The next song that came on made my grin wider. “This is just what we need… a little classic rock before a night of Latin sensations.”

◄ Lee ►

Because of Emmy and her ability to make any situation better I couldn’t take the grin off my face. Her deep earth brown eyes were taking me in, and I didn’t stop it from happening.

We didn’t just talk with ours words, our bodies and scents did a lot of talking too. And my truck of need to be off bounds for a few days after tonight. I wasn’t going to let anyone scent this conversation.

Shifting my eyes to her, and then back to the road. Singing badly to annoy her and as a joke maybe. I pulled up into the full parking lot. “I hope you like this place. I haven’t seen it since we worked on it. But hear good things.” Bringing her hand to my mouth, kissing it before I set her free to park up.

“Welcome to our first official date night, beautiful.”

◄ Emmy ►

I tilted my head; he was having some kind of internal conversation with himself. He was grinning but a hint of seriousness shone in his eyes. “What on Earth are you thinking?” I asked with a smile.

I loved watching him sing along with the radio, with no pretence or ego… just the love of good lyrics and perfect composition. When he pulled up, I gasped. “Oh my…” I turned to the window. “It's like stepping into another country!” I beamed. “Did you…” I scanned the architecture. “Did you and #Seth do this? The exterior I mean?” He mentioned he had worked on the place, and I knew they were incredible… but this… this was like a whole new world.

“It's amazing…” Then… then the scents hit me. “Oh wow!” And the music! A sound that might have been a girlish squeal from someone else escaped my lips. When his lips brushed my hand, it snapped me out of my daze. “Let’s go! I can’t wait to see the inside of this place!” I tugged on his hand, still holding mine, like I was going to pull him out of the car on my side.

◄ Lee ►

“Thinking? Right now?” Waggling my brows still teasing her. “I’m think I need to stop giving people rides in my truck for a few days. I don’t want them scenting you the way I do.” Honest and sincere I wasn’t going to hide it from her.

Watching Emmy with all my attention drawn to her at the reactions from the first sight of the restaurant. “Uhm… yeah. The kid and I worked hard to meet the client’s needs. The mom wanted this please to give the feel of her village down in Mexico. And this is what we came up with together with a lot of reaching.” Looking up and the building before us.

All the vibrant colours, the shapes we chose and the way they came together told a story of this family over their relationship with food and their want to become a place to share their culture with the world.

Laughing I winked. “Wait here.” I told her.

Kissing her hand again before letting go. Jumping out of the truck, I straighten out walking around the front to her side and opened the door. Holding my hand out as the air around me brought the night breeze, the sounds of people having fun, food and good times beating down.

“Let’s go beautiful.” Smiling from ear to ear, my eyes were on her now.

Taking her hand in mine, helping her out of the truck, not because she needed the help. But because I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone, and of course I wanted to touch her and walk step in step with her.

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed… but he was right… we hadn’t even kissed each other on this ride and the truck was filled with my scent. “I can’t help it…” I shrugged, feigning innocence. “It’s not my fault you’re so attractive… You should really work on that.” I grinned.

I beamed at him when he said that they had completed the exterior work on the building. “It’s incredible…” I told him. “I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life.”

My hand stilled on the door latch when he asked me to wait… remembering my mother telling me to let him open the doors for me. That it wasn’t about girls and boys, and who should fill what role. It was about Lee and me… it was about the man his father had raised him to be and how I was in a unique position (because everyone knew that Lee and I didn’t do the couple thing) to let him connect with that part of himself. So, I waited, smiling as he climbed out of the truck, my eyes tracking him as he walked around to my door.

I took his hand, my dark gaze locked on his as I stepped down. Actually, using the step below the door, I had lost a few too many pairs of shoes by forgetting my own strength and these were my favourite. My heart gave an extra loud thud. Mom was right… it was a moment, for Lee and I… nothing else.

Even in heels, he still towered over me. I laced my fingers between his and walked with him to the door. Stopping to admire the details of the building that were lost even to Spirit Warrior eyes from a distance. I knew that they were talented… but this… “This place is unbelievable Lee, you and your brother…”

Then the door opened, and a couple walked out… the scents and music from inside hit me harder than before. “Wow!” It was out before I could stop it… “By the Spirits that smells good!”

◄ Lee ►

With each step we took my eyes were on her. Trusting my wolf, her and her wolf. And my keen sense not to make a fool of myself. But I couldn’t help myself.

The red of her suit, her shoes, her makeup they were all incredible of course. But the women behind it all, the beautiful heart which sounded loud for me. The eyes appreciating the time and hard work the kid and I put into this place. My heart belonged to her.

“Thank you, we try our best to give our clients what they dream of. And they had pictures on the walls inside… it’s their home away from home.”

Chuckling I opened the door to the restaurant, letting the sounds, and the smells consume the two of us.

“It’s really going to boo your mind. This place is a mix of generations coming together. Truly amazing people working hard.” Stepping inside transported the customer to a different time and experience. My eyes wondered taking in how our work has held up so far.

‘Lee? Lee! It’s you! Hola mi chico! Cómo estás?’ Mr Miguel greeted me.

“Estoy muy bien señor Miguel ¿y usted?”

‘Better now I see you my boy… come come…’ his eyes moved to Emmy, and out joined hands. ‘Who is this beautiful young lady?’ He stepped forward with his hand reached out to her after shaking my hand.

“Emmy, this is Mr Miguel. He is the owner of this fine restaurant.”

◄ Emmy ►

I felt his eyes on me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the artwork that adorned the doorway… because that is what it was; art. Not décor, pure talent, and art. “I love it. I really feel like I've stepped into another world. The building, the sounds the smells!” My senses were soaking up all the sensations around us.

The closer we got the better everything smelled. I had eaten just enough to keep my stomach from growling before I started to get ready… I knew there was no chance I would spoil my appetite. I didn’t think that it was possible for a Spirit Warrior. And it wasn’t exactly the sexiest of sounds… and sexy was what I was going for tonight. I wasn’t the kind of girl that needed to show skin to ooze sex appeal. Especially not around Lee.

As soon as we stepped inside, he was greeted, and about all I understood was Hello and the pure joy at seeing him. This man was clearly overjoyed at seeing him, it made me bristle with pride to be on the arm of a man who was greeted so warmly by a former client.

I beamed a smile at him when he turned his attention to me, and I took his hand… which he lifted to kiss, very lightly, very respectfully… but right where Lee had kissed me in the truck, and it made my cheeks heat. “Hola, Senor Migeul.” He seemed very pleased at (as far as he could tell) making that hint of pink fill my cheeks.

‘¿Habla español?’ he asked… and that one I knew too.

“That is probably the extent of what I remember from high school.” I said a little sheepishly. He nodded; I was sure he got that answer a lot. “This is a beautiful place…” I looked around… almost gaping. The old-world style with modern hints mixed in and the music… Spirits… the music. It called to me. I slipped my hand around Lee’s powerful biceps…

“But… that…” I motioned around the room in a way that could only mean the music that was coming from everywhere… but the sound system was clearly well hidden to preserve the feel of the place. “That is a language I speak fluently.”

◄ Lee ►

‘In which case, you will have the best seat at the table. Where the laughter is plenty, and the music of our souls loud.’ #MrHugoMiguel was a man of charm, even if he were a man in his sixties, he knew how to make women blush.

Seeing the effect, he had on Emmy made me smile, and she thought she couldn’t be charmed off her feet! I couldn’t help it, leaning in to kiss the top of her hair I took in her sweet scent. Having Emmy by my side, taking in the work my brother and I did, it was kinda a moment of relief when she liked it, and I didn’t know I cared.

#MrMiguel stole Emmy from my arm, and the minute he did something felt lost from me. My Wolf stirred growling, until I calmly followed the two before me though the restaurant.

‘Wait until you taste our food señorita, they are a mix of my mother’s recipes, my wife’s mothers, and hers of course, too.’ Walking us to a table for two, lost behind green plants making the table feel it had a sense of privacy.

He pulled the chair out for Emmy, beckoning for her to sit. I waited until he was done.

◄ Emmy ►

I beamed a smile at the man, “That sounds perfect.” Flushing even more at the kiss to the top of my head. This place smelled divine! I was going to have to restrain myself from trying to taste everything on the menu.

#MrMiguel slid his arm into mine and stole me away from Lee. I looked up at my boyfriend with a smile that said 𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕟 and I let him lead me… but my gaze moved all over the restaurant. Taking in #Seth and Lee’s work. It was incredible. “This place is so beautiful.” I said, glancing fondly at Lee.

‘Si… Thanks to this young man and his little brother. Very talented boys who made our dream come true, they never told us it was too much or not possible. They found a way to make everything we wanted to happen.’

I looked over my shoulder at Lee. “Yeah, those boys have a way of making dreams come true.”

When #MrMiguel mentioned the food, I grinned. “I cannot wait to try it, what do you recommend? And don’t hold back, I might look tiny… but I can eat.” I slid into the chair he held out for me and thanked him. “A girl could get used to being spoiled like this by two handsome men.”

◄ Lee ►

‘You speak to my heart señorita. Leave your order to me. You will enjoy it very much.’ With a flurry he kissed Emmy’s hands again before rushing off to welcome another table in his way to the kitchens.

“Well…” unbuttoning my jacket to sit down with my attention returned to my beautiful girlfriend. “I think he likes you.” Grinning with a wink, my hand finding hers again. I needed to touch her again,

“He doesn’t welcome everyone like that, and nor does he take away the ordering process from them too.” Shaking my head because I knew the magic of Emmy Call on people.

Before I could say anything else, a waiter came over with two bottles of beer, and cocktails too. Setting them down on the table.

◄ Emmy ►

I thanked the man as he walked away and smiled across the table at Lee. I laughed softly. “I think I like him too. Señorita…” I tried to imitate #MrMiguel’s accent, and I was pleasantly surprised… I guess the voice lessons paid off. “I could get used to that.” I winked at him… but deep down nothing would beat him calling me Baby… or Little Minx. I smiled at the thought.

I laced my fingers through his… and no number of kisses from the sweetest restaurant owner I’d ever met, could compare to the feeling of holding Lee Clearwater’s hand. I smiled at him when the waiter set down cocktails and beer. “Wow… they really do know you here.” I smiled. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you took dates here regularly.” But he didn’t… I flushed again… just me.

◄ Lee ►

Arching my brow at her comment, up until that point all I wanted to know was, ‘what is she thinking?’ But that comment about bringing others here. It kinda stung. “This is my first visit since the place opened in the summer. I’ve been meaning to come. Just hasn’t happened until now.”

We both had a past, but out of the two of us, she was the one with a normal ish dating life. My past had brought me up in front of her older brother, and our moms telling me I wasn’t their first choice for her.

Taking a chest full of air, I let it out. “The beers are a foresight for sure. But those.” Lifting my chin to the cocktails. I think he is trying to impress you with those choices.”

I could scent the tequila in the concoction while my dark face fell to our laced hands.

◄ Emmy ►

Something darkened in his eyes and I instinctively tightened my hand; laced with his. As impressive as those cocktails were... I focused on him. “I know you haven’t brought any dates here. I was just teasing. I’m sorry if it was a step too far.” I never wanted to hurt him, not even if it was only for a moment. I lifted our hands and pressed a light kiss to his knuckles. He was plenty tall enough that his powerful arm reached across the table. “I’m glad you see it again for the first time with me…” I smiled. “So you can see how amazing your work here is through my eyes.

His gaze was on our linked hands mine only broke from his face long enough to note where his lay. “Tell me what you’re thinking, baby?”

◄ Lee ►

“I know… of course I know.” With my free hand I rubbed the back of my neck and shook my mind out of it. It was then, in that moment I got it. My wolf and I we both feeling things for the first time. And the reactions were mess up.

Seeing her bringing my hand to her lips made my smile. A full of heart kinda of a smile too. She calmed him and me all at once.

“This is all new.” I started because I wasn’t going to lie. “Things which didn’t course discomfort before, now all of a sudden sting. I know you’re joking; you knew if the tables were turned, I’d make the same joke.” Now I had to laugh. “Little minx, you’re turning my head and heart into a million bucks worth of a scrap heap, and I’m here for it.”

Glancing her direction with a fetish, grin. “Still want to know what I’m thinking, beautiful?”

◄ Emmy ►

The tension eased… I could see it in his eyes. There was so much going on in our heads and hearts. Falling for Lee Clearwater was like a second, highly adult puberty. I returned his bright smile, keeping hold of his hand. “It’s a rollercoaster, right?” I pressed a kiss to his knuckles again, longer this time. “I want you, Lee. Exactly as you are. There’s nothing in your past I would change because then you wouldn’t be the same man. I don’t want who you were, or who you could be… I want you, as you are moment-to-moment, who you are right now.”

Then I grinned. “But I will always tease you.” Maybe a little more carefully, but teasing was a speciality of mine.

I eyed him; freeing his hand and picking up the cocktail, sipping it. They had not held back on the tequila… I made an approving sound. “Only if it’s not gonna make me crawl over this table and into your lap… because these drinks are too good to waste.” Of course, I wanted to know. But that look he was giving me already had my heart speeding up.

◄ Lee ►

“More like a rollercoaster on steroids if you ask me.” Emmy got it, of course she did. We were riding this journey together after all.

Each kiss my little minx planted on my hand made me grin and easy more into the moment again. “I don’t want you to stop. You’re teasing, the joking, the banter, and foreplay… all of it. I want you as you are. I don’t want to change you or stop you from being you.” All true without a doubt. “Any now you have me imagining you on your all fours crawling over this table.” Clearly my throat, my eyes flashing with mischief, adding a growl and a wink.

She drank the cocktail; I squeezed her hand and then took the drink from her hand giving it a try too. “That’s… actually good.” My gaze back in her listening to the song of her heart. “You realise I can hear you, even in this busy restaurant. All I hear is your heart.”

◄ Emmy ►

I laughed softly and sipped on the cocktail again. “Always trying to one-up me.” I squeezed his hand. I beamed because everything that he said I knew to be true. But I did love to hear him say it too. I pressed my thighs together, my teeth catching my lower lip. I visualised myself crawling to him.. thinking about what he would do to me if I did.

I released the drink to let him taste it… it was too good not to share. My heart continued its erratic beating. “I know…” I smiled. “And it's probably one of my favourite things about you. You know what I feel before I say it.” I was well known for being open about how I felt… and I was with him too. But he could read me… my body… my reactions… my scent… Spirits… even my eyes. He saw it all before I could even take a breath to say the words. “And I’m glad that’s all you hear… It means that I have your complete attention. Which is exactly what I want tonight.

◄ Lee ►

The drink tasted great, not being a cocktail guy, I couldn’t tell you want was in it. Other than the tequila of course. But I knew a good thing when I tasted it, and this was it. “I don’t want to one up you. It’s not my intention at all. Just making it clear how you are making me feel.” Returning the glass to sit before her. Because I wasn’t letting her hand go. Not just yet.

“Don’t know little minx, you’ve been reading me like an open book since our first kiss. And you’ve been matching every step with your own. I’m gonna say it’s a two-way street.” Her beauty glowing worth her teasing smile, the fact we were here speaking by so openly, holding nothing back. I liked it.

“There’s nothing more beautiful than you, nothing more interesting than you, I have to desire to share my attention. You are the sole owner of it all tonight, beautiful.” Her hand in mine, shifting forward I kissed her knuckles one at a time.

◄ Emmy ►

I quirked a brow… “You’ve never hidden how you feel.” A shudder ran through me… thinking about the things he could make me feel. “Except for maybe before that very first kiss. But looking back now… knowing how much and how passionately you feel… I have no idea how you managed it. It's proof that you were the perfect choice for second.” I didn’t want to use words like Beta here, not when all my attention was on him and a waiter could pass by at any moment.

Each kiss made my skin sing. By the Spirits! The way this man made me feel! Like the centre of the universe. “When I’m with you, just you and me… it feels like the rush I got from being on stage. Not like a performance…” I wasn’t sure how to put it into words. “It’s the atmosphere… like the world stops and is laser-focused on us. We own those moments and live in them minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour. We can put other things aside and just be Lee and Emmy.” A smile took over my whole face. “It’s thrilling.”

Then the scents in the restaurant changed and I could see #MrMiguel and another waiter… No… The uniform… Chef. It was the Chef carrying platters to our table. My mouth watered and I squeezed his hand. “You must be a very important guest here.” I smiled at my boyfriend… MY BOYFRIEND! “To be personally served by the Chef!”

◄ Lee ►

“I know the feeling, beautiful. It’s been something I’ve been trying to place for a while now. But the spirits haven’t been keen to help.” No… they had wanted us to find this path together without outside interferences.

It had to be insanity; no other word could describe it. The mixture of all of this which shouldn’t mean much when spoken together, and yet. I understood what she was attempting to share. The world, how it melted down into a nothing when I was in her company. Emmy felt that sentiment too.

“The chef?” I asked arching my brow. I heard the footsteps coming up from behind me, the scents in the air, and then the clearing of that throat. My lips curled up into a wide grin when I set Emmy’s hand down on the table gently with a squeeze. Pushing back from the table and standing.

‘Well, I’ll be dammed… Paps wasn’t lying about the company you keep Clearwater. Going up in the world now, huh?’ #EduardoMiguel beamed a smile with his arms flying open to engulf me the best he could. He wasn’t short, 5”11 was a respectable height. He just happened to be friends with a Warrior who towered over him.

We flung our arms around one another again, patting each other’s backs before stepping back to grin at the other. “Finally found the right woman who can take me places you could only dream of Eduardo.” Reaching my hand across the table. “Emmy, I’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Miguel.”

‘My son and our very talented chef.” His father #HugoMiguel proudly chimed in setting food down on the table.

◄ Emmy ►

I bit the corner of my lip every word he said sinking in. #Jake, #Quil and I rarely disagreed on things… but never in my life have I been so completely on the same page as someone as I was with Lee.

I curled my fingers against his palm as he let go of my hand, but I let him go to greet his friend. I grinned to myself when Lee hugged him. This boy was bloody tall! But next to him? I knew in my heels he would tower over me like Lee towered over him. I waited for him to set the dishes down before I stood and offered my hand. Tearing my attention away from the food was an effort… But I channelled my mom and put manners over the mouth-watering scents.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I smiled and he took my hand.

‘And you are too.’ #Eduardo shook my hand and gave a pointed look between Lee and I; clearly noting the height difference. ‘Aren’t you a dainty little thing?’

I smiled with a wicked glance at Lee. I could take this man apart in a matter of seconds. Even in these heels. I was used the conclusion… Especially when I dressed like I did tonight. Not that I dressed intentionally to hide my strength. ‘May I ask how long you’ve been making all this guy's dreams come true?’ He continued.

I laughed softly. “Well, we’ve actually known each other our whole lives… but the last few months…” I smiled and took Lee’s hand, turning my gaze up to him. “Tonight is our first date.”

#MrMigel smiled. ‘That’s wonderful… all the best relationships should include friendship.’

◄ Lee ►

“Don’t be fools by this beautiful woman’s height. She’ll have your begging for mercy in under two seconds if she wanted to.” And that was a fucking turn on to say with a chest filled with pride. Taking her hand in mine again, grinning and nodding my head in agreement.

“Friendship is the best place to start. I agree fully, it makes the rest of it feel so much more.” The father and son both nodded too. ‘Please enjoy your first date, we will leave you to get back to it. If you need anything at all.

Please. Lee… Miss Emmy… do not hesitate to ask for it. Enjoy your food.’ #Eduardo patted my shoulder seeing my hand was full, taking his father bat towards the kitchen with him. Greeting a few more tables on their way back.

Sitting down again, smiling. “Are you ready to eat baby? I can see your mouth watering you know.” Winking at her.

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned at the way he spoke about me and then gave the father and son standing before us a look that said it was true. I could he straightened, how those words made him proud to be standing next to me. I laced my fingers through him when he agreed that friendship was key.

When he turned back to me and asked if I was ready to eat, I sighed heavily. “By the Spirits, Yes!!” I slid back into my seat. “You have no idea how hard it was not to just excuse myself and bury my face in one of these plates!” I chuckled. My wolf was awake and starving! I took another sip of that glorious cocktail and surveyed the feast on our table. It looked like mostly share-platters instead of individual portions.

“I’m guessing they’ve seen you and #Seth eats before; judging by the sheer amount of food here.” I grinned at him. It was far from a complaint. “Where should we start?” I asked but I was already reaching for what I assumed was a chicken taco, stuffed to the brim and I added a scoop of avocado salsa on top. I took a huge bite and looked to him for his answer… as though I hadn’t just answered it myself.

◄ Lee ►

Laughter erupted from my chest before I could or would want to stop it. “So, fucking sexy.” And I fucking meant it too.

Leaning my elbow on the table (I know my Ma would kill me.) I held my chin watching her instead of answering. Because she didn’t need me too. Just watching her making her taco up the way she enjoyed it and taking that first bite. I wanted to witness her pleasure. (Of course, this being a completely different experience than the one in my bedroom. But it was as sexy!)

“You went exactly where I would go to start with.” I finally answer when those eyes deemed to be mine again. Nodding my head, I followed her lead taking the other of the tacos adding lime on my Avo and sour cream too.

“Oh yeah, they know how the kid and I eat. They would test out the menu items and we were…. Let’s say always willing to help with the feedback.” Taking that first bite with a hum of gratitude as soon as all the spices, the freshness, and the taste all exploded in my mouth. “Damn… I missed these flavours.”

◄ Emmy ►

I grinned because he meant it when he said it was sexy to think of me making a pig of myself. He would sit back and watch and then call for more food… because I didn’t need to censor myself around him. I had no experience with it… but there wasn’t a doubt in my mind if I ate my fill on a date with any other man they would be horrified. Lee, however, for him it was a challenge, or a turn on… maybe both.

I smiled when he started to assemble his taco, but a groan of pleasure left me at the first bite. My plan to devour this thing in two bites went out the window. I closed my eyes and chewed slowly, savouring every single flavour. “Oh wow…” I finally glanced around, just in case that sex noise I had made was loud enough for anyone else to hear. But all the other patrons were intently focused on their own meals and company.

“Is this what tacos are supposed to taste like?” I beamed at him. “This is nothing like what I’ve tried before.” This one didn’t have a lot of heat… but so much spice and so much flavour. “If they ever need a new taster I totally volunteer.” I took a sip of the cocktail and followed that with another bite. My eye went right to his… saying all the things I couldn’t with a mouthful of food. At least, not without bringing shame on my mother… a rule of hers that I would abide by for tonight.

“I have no idea how you stayed away knowing what this food tastes like.” I said after I swallowed my bite. And examined the feast before us. “Okay… what next?” I smiled, actually waiting to follow his lead this time.

◄ Lee ►

“I know what you mean, once you eat the real deal it’s hard to go back to the fake stuff.” And this was hundred percent the real deal.

“Don’t you go and try to steal mine and Seth’s side gif out from under us.” Teasing her about the side hustle we #TheKid and I had been tricked into when we were working on site.

“Honestly, this family is as bad as my Ma. The moment they see you have a free hand; they fill it with food. So, there is enough to go around.”

Two bites, it’s all it took for my taco to vanish. However, the taste explosion remained for a while. A sip from the cold bottle of beer helped to elevate in a way I didn’t know possible. It had all been so well thought out.

Wiping my hands on the napkins I pushed the small plate of stuffed jalapeños towards my beautiful girlfriend.

“Those. They are next. They aren’t hot.” Trying to explain. “There is heat, but it’s sweet with the queso blanco, and with...” rubbing my fingers together to find the correct way to describe it. “Well, it’s a welcome heat. Like the way I make you feel when I suck on your neck.” A fools grin on my face

“Try them… the Chiles Rellenos. If you don’t like them. You don’t have to eat any others.”

◄ Emmy ►

I chuckled. “Hey… it’s a testament to your self-control that they had enough food left to open the place.” I examined the dishes he pointed to, and I focused my senses; inhaling the scent of them and trying to block out the rest… but when everything smelled so tasty, it wasn’t like tracking. There was no need to deny myself these pleasures… so I didn’t! “I probably would have eaten them out of business.”

I picked up a fork… wait was it socially acceptable to eat a taco with your hands… I mean…. How could you eat one with a knife and fork? Damn, Mom and her insistence on table manners. I speared one of the cheesy jalapeños, savouring the scent before taking a small bite… mostly to save my suit from my not-so-impressive table manners. For someone with as much dance training as I had… I was severely lacking in grace at the dinner table.

I let out a hum of pleasure, once again there were so many flavours filling my senses, then he mentioned the things he did to my neck and my gaze locked onto his mouth, my knees pressed together, and my heart skipped loudly like a traitor. I swallowed… there it was… that heat! Was it the food or was it his words pulling up that memory?

I quirked a brow. “Oh really?” I played nonchalantly, letting my gaze drift over his insanely handsome features until it settled on his eyes. “Are you sure? We might need to try it later, just so I can compare…. You know, while the memory is fresh.” I finished the forkful, never faltering from his stare.

◄ Lee ►

“Trust me, it wasn’t easy to stop. And we kept warming them. Even Ma told them the kid and I could eat them out of house and home.”

Wiping my mouth and beard, always taking care not to leave anything behind for later in there. The music and the voice of the people all around our table still sounding like a distant future. They all still remained blended into the background, and she shone like the warriors star in the night sky.

Arched brow my head jerking up into her direction. Her scent overwhelmed over the food and the people. The sound of her heat out of its normal rhythm perked my hearing. And the glint in my eyes mirrored the look on her beautiful face.

“I see… my little minx needs a trip down memory line? Or.” Licking my bottom lip, when my mouth waters not because of the food in front of us. But more importantly the flashing memory of her with her legs spread open to me. Fuck! My wolf opened his eyes. And that shout of him in mine was dangerous.

“If you don’t take my mind off those nights with you. We... are going to have a sharp exit before the night is over. Just to refresh your mind.” We growled grinning at her like a hungry wolf who hadn’t had his stomach full for weeks. And of course, Emmy was dinner.

Sitting back, shifting in the chair to adjust the tightness in my pants before picking up the next taco with my hand. Never once taking my darkened gaze away from her. “What do you think.” Lifting my chin to her plate. “Is it good?” Noticing the deep low edge to my voice.

◄ Emmy ►

I saw it, the way his eyes darkened, and his attention zeroed in on me. Which was astonishing on its own because he had given all of his attention to me, but now it was laser focused. I raised a single eyebrow. “Wants… needs… all of the above,” I smirked and speared another jalapeño with my fork, but before it reached my lips I bit down on it, hard. His was there, prowling behind his dark enticing eyes. His scent shifted too.

I chuckled. And extended my arm across the table to him, loaded fork in hand. Food was always the best… or only way to distract a Spirit Warrior, I knew that from experience. “This music is incredible,” I said, giving in to the request to change the direction of both our thoughts. I let the music seep into my bones, knowing it would settle the scent I knew I was putting out… but all I could focus on was his. And the subtle way he leaned back… I had to flick my eyes away.

“Of the food?” It took my mind a moment to process the question. “It's really good… so many flavours, that it's almost impossible to describe.” I turned my attention to the second dish he pointed out and tasted that too… I closed my eyes and hummed. Everything was so delicious, fresh and packed with flavour.

◄ Lee ►

“The music?” The change in subject was apparent and appreciated. I wanted to give Emmy the night she deserved. The food was only step one. The music and the dance were the main reason for me bringing her after dinner.

Turning my head a little to listen to it, and she was right of course. “You’ve got a good ear for it, and I’d expect nothing less from you.” She was talented.

I like the way you can hear the traditional and modern twist. It makes you want to enjoy yourself.

Listening to it for a few more minutes before returning to our conversation. “It’s a good sign for his things switch up here after the dinner rush.” At a glance you could see how some people moved in their chair while still eating. Feeling the music too.

Taking another mouthful, I could stop another grin. “We don’t need to have the words to describe everything. Ma once told me, we sometimes need to feel and let it be enough to know. And I have to say. Food feels like one of those things.”

(Music: Baila Baila Baila (Remix) · Ozuna · Daddy Yankee )

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◄ Emmy ►

“It’s been a long time since I danced to music like this.” I smiled, feeling the beat through my shoulders to my hips. I could tell that a huge part of the appeal of this place, was the music for him. He knew I’d be perfectly happy with the pizza truck on the way into Port for food.

I grinned at him. “You did promise me dancing,” I remembered him asking me what I would like for our first date… Food, dancing, and him were my only requests. I glanced around us and took another bite that elicited a moan just soft enough for only him to hear. I smiled at him and gestured up to where the music was coming from with my fork. “That…” I paused, taking in the Latin fusion music. “That… describes this food perfectly.” I felt it in my bones again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how you move to music Clearwater.” I arched a single brow like a pro. “See if there’s any skills I can put to use in other places.” Then I remembered his request to change the direction of the conversation… “I mean training of course. Brute strength is sexy… but there’s something to say about flexibility and elegance too.” I gave a wicked grin and pulled another plate towards me. Finishing the cocktail next to me.

◄ Lee ►

Wishing a word being spoken a waiter stood beside our table with a tray with another cocktail and beer. Removing the empty and replacing them. My eyes moved only out of respect to acknowledge the man before returning to my beautiful date for the night.

Listening to the music my head moved with the tempo and the rhythm of the song. “You know, I never thought of the music and the food in that way before.” My glaze melted when I turned my eyes back to take her in. Seeing her enjoying herself. It was all I wanted for tonight.

She worked so hard, with her job and the pack. She deserved this. Growling at her, because it was too late her innuendo had landed. I wiped my mouth with the napkin before speaking after my bite.

“Have you ever seen a man at my height and weight do anything with the elegance of a dancer? Don’t put your hopes up. I can move, but I’m no Usher.” Best to set the expectations before the dance floor opened up.

“But then again, I’m always willing to learn sweetheart.”

◄ Emmy ►

I smiled at the waiter, thanking him politely… but briefly, because I couldn’t keep my eyes off my boyfriend for more than a couple of seconds. My heart quickened when his eyes came back to mine in the same amount of time.

I grinned and examined the new dishes… were they smelling better with each course? “Life imitates art, baby.” I sipped on the cocktail. “I think we all see the world through our art… and I love to dance, I love performing… but music… singing, playing, listening… its life to me, it's an epic soundtrack. We all have a medium.”

I thought about it… filtering out the memories of the way he moved, the sleek lines of the fucking beautiful wolf, as they ran in formation, always in the lead, how the Spirits intended when they gifted him with that speed. The way his tall, muscled body moved through the world of people, despite his size he had the innate grace that came with strength, perfect balance, and unparalleled reflexes. But dancing was a little different… mostly because it was intimidating, I knew this from teaching some of the boys for dates or prom.

Nothing fancy but, I was in their heads after and dancing with a trained dancer when you aren’t one was the thing that made them nervous. I knew there was nothing this man could do on a dance floor that I wouldn’t love.

Then of course… sweetheart… Spirits that gave me goosebumps!

“All I want is you and me… moving to music.” I never let my gaze falter from him. “You think I’ll be remembering any steps with all six and a half feet of you pressed up against me?” I sipped on the cocktail… eyes always on him. “And a few of these in me?” I smiled.

All I wanted was him, to be where he was, to share his space and his time, to share my love of dance and music with him in a way I hadn’t yet. I had sung to him… for him, it was my purest expression. One I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever hold back. But tonight dance… and then we have shared everything that matters most to me after the people in my life.

◄ Lee ►

The beautiful woman in front of me was being kind. She forgot how I saw her lessons with the pups through their memories.

How watching her give her time to teach them something she excelled at and had a passion for would give anyone else a sense of accomplishment when she praised them. And she did it often. Never once laughing at or making them feel silly when a mistake happened.

I witnessed the joy it gave her to help, to share something she loved. But more so. I witnessed how she moved.

Going out with her in the past was different, I didn’t pay attention in the same way. Other than to acknowledge her presence and movement with music. But now, tonight. This was next level.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Teasing with a wink. “My medium comes from colour, from life, from my experience with the world through my eyes. But yours… it’s passion, and—” Rubbing my fingers together in the air trying to find the right way to get my point across.

“— And a feeling.” Touching my heart. “It’s a beautiful thing that makes you see you belong to the sounds of this world.” Shaking my head. Because I couldn’t help myself, expressing myself so she saw how I see her.

“I’m talking out of my arse. Or at least it feels like I am.” Shaking my head again.

More food had been set on the table; we were being treated like royalty. I made a note to thank the men of this family for their hospitality personally.

“The drinks and the food, help most definitely.”

My eyes were still on her, even though the sounds of conversation, laughter, and people having a good time engulfed us now. Taking another taco from the table and biting into it.

◄ Emmy ►

He was looking at me in that way of his again. In a way that no one else could. In that way only someone who had known me for years, but recently began to know me in a whole new light could. In that way, he looked at me and saw all of me.

I smiled at him, seeing the slight flaring of his pupils and the seeping thought when he thought of the things that gave him joy. And it was so sexy. “No, you’re not. You’re pouring your heart out, and no matter what books and TV lead us to believe; it’s never poetic in real life. But… it is real. And it’s extremely attractive.” I smiled, taking another sip of the beer on the table. “Well, you’ve seen me in my element.” I quirked a brow and followed his lead picking up a taco. “Do I get to watch you work?” I asked with a crooked smile.

I smiled at the man who had laid yet more food on the table. They loved him here. This was my boyfriend… the kind of man who treated people with such respect and kindness that they returned it in a way like this. Boyfriend… it still thrilled me… and still some weird logical instinct in me felt like it should be scary or intimidating… I had been a girlfriend once and even though I hadn’t really chosen it, I did it. And I royally screwed it up. But I had a feeling no matter what… I couldn’t screw up with Lee. Because I could talk to him… I knew that there was nothing that I couldn’t tell him… even if I knew he wouldn’t like it or agree, he wouldn’t judge or tell me my thoughts or feelings were invalid or wrong. He would talk to me, hear me. I was a dreamer and follow-my heart kinda girl, but I wasn’t naive. I knew that we would probably fight on occasion… but it didn’t worry me. Because we’d be fighting for each other…

Boyfriend. I smiled. Not scary… exciting, challenging… safe. And it felt fucking amazing.

“I should warn you though… The only time I’ve held a paintbrush in my life was when #Jake helped me paint my room black one day when my mom wasn’t home.” I chuckled. #Quil had been too scared of my mom’s wrath and bailed on us. “It was an emo phase.” I explained.

◄ Lee ►

“Why can’t it be both? Poetic and Real at the same time? Hidden moments with both sides of passion shining through? It’s not a lot to ask for. Or is it?” Asking with even more food being set down before us.

This time it was a mix of a light and dark Molay, with homemade chips, pico de gallo on the side. My mouth watered.

Lifting a spoon, I served Emmy first, a few spoonful’s of each thing for her to test and try, before pouring some into my own. Laugher once again gave me a reason to sit back to observe her. She had shown me her love for performance, without holding back.

A burst of laughter came from me again. “I can’t see how Jake had the balls to face your mama. And touching her home? It’s why he is our alpha.” Laughing again. “I remember that Emo chick phase.” Shaking my head. “Ma used to say you were expressing yourself, finding you soul. I guess she was right.”

“You want to watch me work?” Arching my brow. Not sure she understood the ramifications of it. “You do know most people don’t do elaborate works like the Miguel’s here.” Lifting my chin to the intricate walls #Seth and I had painted. “It would be a lot of waiting around watching walls dry.”

To Be Continued....

#LeeClearwater #EmberlyCall #LeahClearwater #EmbryCall #GenderSwapped #Twilight #TwilightRP #TwiRP #AU #Stories #Youtube

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