Thread: His Greatest Treasure (Crusade & darkangel76)

How quickly things had suddenly turned! If only Jake had known that mere moment ago she'd been the one admiring him, envious of how easy conversation seemed to flow for him. And the way the brunette passing by gave her brash and confident wink. He was the sort of guy other men looked up to, she was sure of it. But who was she? An unknown author with big dreams. Yet somehow...she had a fan. One with eyes she could get lost in forever and whose smile made her knees feel weak. Emma pushed those thoughts out of her head. She was truly romanticizing too much too soon. Sure, she had hopes, her thoughts drifting to that star. But then there was reality, that niggling notion that there was no way someone like Jake would want her when he could clearly have anyone he wanted. Then again...Emma looked up into Jake's eyes. He did agree to walk her home. Smiling and not wanting to spoil things with morbid thoughts, she fell into step with Jake as they left the park and headed for the sidewalk. Somehow his hand found hers and she became painfully aware of the heat exchanging between them where they touched. She wondered if he felt it too or if she was just hopeful...or crazy. Maybe both. Ugh, she felt like a child, a silly school girl unable to sort her emotions as she explored this 'new territory'. She thought about his comments on her blog, such encouraging words that he didn't have to admit to...but he did. As her eyebrows knitted together, her face twisting slightly in thought, she felt his hand give hers a squeeze. Blushing, Emma looked over at Jake and smiled. I'm glad I bumped into you as well. She paused a moment. Well, not that I bumped into you, I mean...she added, her free hand waving around as she spoke. I did bump into you, but I didn't mean to bump you. Just I... She was getting flustered, her cheeks growing hotter by the second. Oh, you know what I mean. Emma giggled softly, bringing her one hand up to her face to cover her smile. She tugged on a stray lock of blonde before sliding her hand down the front of her dark green jacket, smoothing out the fabric and then plunging it into her pocket. Her blue eyes were fixed on the pavement in front of her as they walked side by side. The sky dark while the streetlights had flickered to life. It wasn't long before saw her apartment come into view. Though she found herself longing for tea, she was reluctant for her evening with Jake to end. It just felt too soon. Slowly, her feet almost dragging, Emma led Jake up the stairs to her apartment. Well, she said, her eyes glancing everywhere but at his face once they reached her door. She was terrified that if she looked at him that he'd disappear, that she'd never see him again. This is my apartment, she explained. I don't have any roommates. Immediately, Emma blushed. She had no idea why she offered out that information. But it was too late. She couldn't undo what she'd said. It was done and now Jake knew...and probably thought her the most ridiculous creature to walk the planet. I... Emma stammered. I mean, I'm probably just going to make some tea...I... She was flustered all over again, getting everything wrong. She wished she could run past her door and hide under the blankets of her bed. But that was also the last place she wanted to be. Fate was being a cruel mistress. She just hoped she wasn't too cruel.