Thread: His Greatest Treasure (Crusade & darkangel76)

Jake...his name rolled through her mind as her hand was suddenly engulfed in his. Emma felt a sweeping heat course over her skin as their palms connected, flesh against flesh. She bit down on her lower lip, the corners quirking up into a tiny smile. This man was definitely not the sort she was used to encountering any time she dared to venture out. No, this one was charming, sweet...the kind she could see herself laughing with, talking with, taking nightly walks with. Her heart skipped a beat just then as the thought flitted through her head. Just what was she thinking? She was getting carried away...it was the air, the lighting and all the ideas flooding her mind for her stories. It just had to be. And she needed to get a grip. Fast. It's nice to meet you as well, Jake, Emma said, her blue eyes finding Jake's though she was only able to hold his gaze for a brief moment. She ran a hand through her tousled, blonde hair. Her eyes fluttered shut. She'd almost forgotten that her hair had become a mess from the running and near tumble! I... she stammered, her embarrassment slowly returning. But she looked up at him once again, his warm smile melting away the nervousness. Just how did he do that? Emma clasped her hands in front herself, wringing them awkwardly as she let the tension leave her muscles. She wasn't quite sure what it was about this Jake, but she was glad it was him she'd bumped into and not someone else. I like taking walks in the evening, Emma then answered Jake's question. She was glad he made it easy for her to talk to him. Normally, she found it so difficult. Sometimes near impossible. It helps me clear my mind, gain perspective...I... her voice trailed and she thought about the pond, the lovers and then her writing. Emma wondered if she dare tell Jake about what she did and aspired to be. Of course, it hadn't become a full time thing as of yet. But, she hoped it would eventually. Most of her bills were paid due to being an assistant at the local library. But her dream, her goal, was to become a full-fledged author. A silly dream, perhaps...but it was her own and she was dedicated and even had her blog in which she was entirely devoted to updating nearly every day. I like to write, Emma added, wincing a little. She kicked at the ground with her booted foot, dirt and the crunch of leaves sounding against the soft leather. It's something I'm striving for. She cleared her throat and tugged on her jacket. More than anything, Emma hoped she hadn't lost Jake's interest by bringing up her writing. Overall, she knew it wasn't anything much. But knowing she wrote romance? That right there would be enough to turn anyone away. It usually did especially given her looks and demeanor. Though I suppose you're right, Emma spoke up, trying to redirect things, change the tone. There might be prowlers and stalkers lurking about. She then shrugged slightly. But, it seems safe enough. Her blue eyes met Jake's again. I live in the apartments right near here and it's been fine. The neighborhood's a good one. I try to stay alert and... She paused, swallowing hard. I've just never had anyone else to walk with. Emma licked her lips, her mouth dry at her bold words. She wondered if it had been a mistake to even hint that it might be nice to have someone to walk with. Ugh! This wasn't one of her novels! This was reality! She really needed to get her head out of the clouds. Averting her gaze, Emma feared the worst. She just stood there quietly and listened to Jake speak. Why he hadn't sauntered off to let her be alone in all her misery was a wonder! Nodding, Emma hugged her arms about herself. Yes. It...it does get lonely. Her cheeks felt hot and she figured she'd more than blown any chance of anything with this kind man who'd spared her a moment of his time. She looked at him and smiled. Maybe that's why I write, she stated. It helps. She laughed a little. I have a blog too, she continued, unsure as to why. Entirely Emma. Emma waved her hands in a grand gesture, laughing a bit as she did. Once more that nervousness seemed to ebb away. Was it the way Jake watched her or seemed to listen? Was it the fact that he hadn't excused himself? She hardly knew, but she suddenly felt like sharing, like finding out if such things would make him think differently of her, would they change the opinions that were slowly forming in his mind. Or, maybe he was just too sweet and charming to hit her with the truth. Either way, she appreciated his behavior. I update my readers all about my writing on there. I've been in a rut lately. Tends to happen during the Summers. But, I've got some inspiration now. These walks help with that.