“Fantastic, Emma!” Kevin called out and I hauled my small frame off Nick’s torso before extending a hand to help him up.  “I think you’ve about mastered multiple opponents.”

“Well, I do have the best teacher.” I brown-nosed, causing his cheeks to flush red momentarily.

A grunt sounded from the right and I couldn’t help but smile at Joe lying flat on his back, disgruntled as all hell, the grass practically framing his perfection.  “Am I allowed to move now?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking now is as good a time as any to call it a day.” Kevin grinned, his brother’s annoyance at having to play dead obviously amusing him.

Joe shot him a look before going to stand, but I vaulted forward and playfully tackled him back to the ground.  His hands gripped the small of my back, holding me tightly to him as I landed on top of him.  Meeting the blazing chocolate gaze, I smiled and teased, “Stay.”

One of his hands hooked behind my neck and a gentle tug brought my ear to his lips.  His voice came quiet and husky so he wasn’t overheard by his brothers.  “You are such a tease.”

A giggle escaped me as I rooted my hands to his firm chest and made to sit up.  “Am not.”

“Are, too,” He shot back, taking my offered hand to help him up.

His fingers remained laced in mine as we turned to head towards our places, both grinning sheepishly when we spied his brothers’ faces.  Out of habit more than anything, I tried to shake his hand loose.  When his grip held firm, my eyes sought his and saw the reminder written in the chestnut color that we were no longer just friends.  We were more.

My entire body warmed at the thought and the memory of my confession followed by his admittance replayed through my head.  The way we’d simply held one another afterward, and how amazing the past two days had been.  We were still taking this all day-by-day, testing the waters of what a real relationship would be like.  And if I were honest, out of all my time spent on the property, these last few days made the top of my list.

“What’s going on with you two?” Nick’s voice cut across my thoughts and I broke my gaze from Joe’s who sounded a little noise of displeasure.

Sending the younger brother a smirk, I mused, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

He frowned, clearly not amused with me.  “There’s something going on.  You just landed on top of him and he didn’t freak out.”

“Shut up!” Joe snapped, tugging my hand in an effort to leave the practice area.

“No, he’s right.” Kevin added, his eyes darting between the two of us.

Joe’s voice was beyond frustrated.  “Oh not you, too!  I’m not letting Rebecca rule my life anymore, so—what now?!” He changed mid-sentence as a new wave of shock passed over his brothers’ faces.

Within a few seconds, Nick composed his face as Kevin rearranged his into a smile.  “Nothing,” They said together.

“Good, ‘cause you two are just pissing me off.”  Joe snapped, the tug on my hand intertwined with his was sharper this time.  “Come on, Em.”

Turning, I followed him around the front corner of Kevin’s bungalow.  Lips twitching to fight the smile threatening them, I spoke quietly to keep my amusement hidden.  “They have a reason to be suspicious, you know.”

A deep breath echoed through his nose.  “I know.  I’m just not ready to share us, yet.  I’d like to have you to myself for just a little while longer.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that and he halted at the top of my porch steps, confused.  Shaking my head, I sucked up the laughter and smiled.  “I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous.”

He frowned, “How so?”

“You’re the reason they’re suspicious.” I grinned. “I mean, when was the last time you went to your dad and asked him if it was okay for you to steal someone you’re protecting away for an entire weekend?”

“Never.  I never asked him before yesterday.” He rattled off instantly.

“And Nick’s right about the whole Rebecca ordeal.” I murmured, squeezing his hand when his eyes grew dark.  “Had we not already taken care of your fear, me landing on top of you, or you so much as hearing her name would’ve had you cowering.”  His eyes cleared, replaced with a longing I knew all too well.  Squeezing his hand again, I added, “And this.  When was the last time you held hands with someone?”

His brow furrowed in contemplation for a long moment before he swiped a hand down his face, wiping the emotion away with it.  “It’s still none of their business.”

“I agree.” I murmured, taking a step closer.

Lifting his free hand, he cradled my jaw and brushed the rough pad of his thumb against my cheek.  Warmth spread through me, electricity crackling over my skin at the intimate touch.  “We’ll tell them soon.  I promise.”

I merely nodded, every muscle in my body tensed and awaiting the kiss that I knew was coming.  His knuckles caught beneath my chin, titling it upward as his face drew near.  My breath caught with the simplest of brushes, his on mine.  Lifting my hand, I pressed it to his cheek.

Identical chimes sounded one after another and we both froze, realizing we were in plain view of the main house and his brothers if they’d followed us around the front of the bungalows.  Regaining control of my muscles, I took a step back from him and scooped the phone from my pocket.  He mimicked my actions as I read the text from his mother, ‘Dinner out tonight. Dress nice.’

Exhaling the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding in, I glanced up to find his handsome features just as relieved as I felt.  No one had caught us, thank God!  He reached out, brushing a hand up my arm.  With a small smile, he requested, “Wear that blue number, will you?  I love the way it looks on you.”

Rolling my eyes, I climbed to the tips of my toes and brushed my lips across his cheek (friends could kiss each other’s cheeks).  “Or maybe the red one,” I teased.

“I like that one, too.”  He murmured huskily.  “But my favorite is the blue, and it’s more fitting for the occasion.”

My brow cocked at his knowing tone.  “What do you know that I don’t?”

He pressed a finger to my lips, a kiss to my forehead, and then turned and practically fled down the porch steps towards his place.  Stunned, I watched him shoot a heart-melting smile at me before ducking through his front door.  Frowning, I turned and entered through my door deciding that I hated being kept in the dark.

“My daughter was asked by a little old lady in a London hotel restaurant what her daddy did - she answered, “He’s a pirate” - I was very proud of that answer.” — Johnny Depp

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