Beautiful Mistake (Mistake #1)

by Laiza Millan

  Aidan turned his head away from her touch, moving his arm upward to block her hands.

  "Stop that," Emma tsked, glaring at Jenna. "How many times do I have to tell you? Aidan hates that."

  Jenna pouted playfully at Aidan. "I'm sorry, Aidan."

  When it seemed as if Aidan was ignoring her, she turned back to Emma and sighed. "Anyway, I have to go to work. Jason is still asleep in my room, so if you need any help with Aidan, he's off today. Apparently we're short staff, so they want me to go early."

  Emma gave her sympathetic look. "Think of it as more money you'll be receiving with the extra hours."

  After straightening her scrub and grabbing her packed lunch, Jenna headed towards the door. "Yeah, I guess. I just have to deal with rude patients sometimes, it's hard still."

  Emma smiled, "Have fun, Nurse Jenna."

  Jenna gave her a salute and turned around, opening the door.

  The moment the door open, Jenna let out a few curses before snapping, "What the hell?"

  Emma turned around to see what the problem was, only to feel as if her heart just skipped a beat. Drake was standing in front of her door, his hands inside his pocket, staring at them with a satisfied smirk on his face.

  "Good morning!" He said, in an exaggerated cheerful tone.

  Aidan turned around also and let out a baby shout of - was that excitement?

  "Hey Aidan." Drake grinned, going inside the house. "You know your own father, huh?"

  "What are you doing here?" Jenna snapped, looking angry.

  "To pick up Emma for our date, obviously." Drake answered, as if that was the most stupidest question ever.

  Emma let out a nervous laugh, "Drake, I don't recall officially accepting a date -"

  ''Well you didn't officially reject me." Drake interrupted her, heading towards her with long strides.

  She noticed that small mischievous smirk on his face, and stood up immediately. As he neared her, she began to back away, her hands up to block him as she shook her head furiously. "Drake, honestly what are you -"

  "Shh." He was already in front of her.

  He reached forward and gently took her chin, lifting it up so his lips could softly touch hers.

  Mmmm, so good...

  Humming softly in approval, he took his thumb and caressed the skin of her jaw to soothe her stress away. Emma immediately relaxed, enjoying the feeling as their lips continued to massage each others.

  "What the hell!" Jenna gasp, a mixture of surprise and anger laced in her voice. "Emma, what is going on?"

  Of course they ignored her.

  Emma lifted her hand up and placed it on top of Drake's hand, the hand that was caressing her face. Drake's lips left hers, but didn't lean back as he continued on with placing soft chaste kisses on the corners of her mouth, her cheek, and then back to her lips.

  Oh goodness, he was too good...

  Emma lightly nipped his bottom lip, causing Drake to yelp in surprise. After he overcame his short shock, he gave her a grin and leaned back down, kissing his way from her jaw to nipping her ear softly.

  "I love my woman wild." He growled against her ear, causing her to blush.

  After a few more seconds of them enjoying this rare tender moment between them, he leaned back to examine the flushed look on her face.

  "What is going on?!" Jenna screamed, clearly annoyed of being ignored. "Emma this isn't funny at all, what the hell?"

  Groaning, Drake kept his hold on Emma but still took a step back to glare at Jenna. "What does it look like, bitch? I'm kissing my girlfriend."

  Jenna gawked at him, while Emma smacked him in the arm.

  "Girlfriend? and I told you to watch your language in front of Aidan! And don't call Jenna that offensive name." Emma said disapprovingly, disentangling herself from his embrace as she headed towards Aidan.

  The whole time he was just mindlessly babbling to himself, not a care in the world.

  So innocent. Emma sighed to herself, as she sat down to continue feeding Aidan.

  "Since when did you two get back together again?" Jenna scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hold on, I thought going back to your exes is a no-no on your book, Rogers."

  Drake threw her a cold look before taking the empty chair beside Emma. "Emma isn't my ex, she's my girlfriend now."

  "Since when?" Emma let out a laugh, shooting him a glance. "We haven't even gone on a date yet."

  Drake, who was in back of her, wrapped his arm around her waist, causing her to jump in surprise. He kissed the back of her ear and smirked. "Since I found out you're all mine."

  "Excuse me, but I'm no one's property." Emma said, pinching his hand hard.

  "You're not." Drake agreed, shaking his head. "I didn't mean it like that."

  She rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

  Drake stayed quiet, not wanting another fight brewing between them. Things are starting to look up, he doesn't want to mess this up.

  She looked up at her friend, who was still glaring at them both. "Aren't you supposed to be going to work now?"

  "Yeah, do leave us alone." Drake added, "Don't worry; I'll take good care of Emma and Aidan."

  "You said you were going to take her out on a date." Jenna snapped, "Who is going to watch Aidan when you both leave?"

  "It's okay, babe. I will."

  Jenna, Drake, and Emma turned around to see a sleepy looking Jason coming downstairs. He gave Emma a small smile and ignored Drake, before turning to Jenna.

  But Jenna sighed, "Jason -"

  "It's okay." Jason interrupted her, nudging her towards the door. "I don't have anything planned today besides stay home since Tom is working too. I can babysit Aidan; it's not a big deal. Go to work now, you don't want to be late."

  Jenna shot Emma a look, stating this conversation isn't over. Once she finally left, Drake let out a loud sigh.

  "What's with the stick up her ass?" Drake asked, the moment Jason closed the door behind her. "And thanks by the way."

  Jason turned around to glare at him, "Be quiet. I didn't do it for you, prick. I did it for Emma. She needs to spend some time with you that way she'll know for sure, if being with you is a good decision or not."

  Drake opened his mouth to retort back, but Emma stopped him.

  "You don't have to, Jason." Emma sighed, "Really though, you -"

  "Go on the date with him, Emma." Jason sighed, throwing himself on the couch in a lazy manner. "That way when you find out that he's not worth it, you can finally move on."

  Emma could sense the anger radiating from Drake, so she placed her hand on top of his to soothe him. Immediately, Drake looked back at her.

  Though she could tell that her friend's comment bothered him in a way she couldn't quite place. What he's worried about, she doesn't know.

  Besides, she already made her decision.

  She's just going to let all the negative thoughts inside her head to shut up and just... let it go...

  Carpe Diem. Oh well. Fuck it all.

  She's saying yes to him.

  .

  .

  .

  Later that night

  After leaving Emma's house in the morning, Drake had rushed home to prepare for their date. He has no idea why, it's not like this is their first ever date, but it's been so damn long since he's taken her out.

  The last time he wine and dined her, they were both drunk and pathetic. He wants to erase all of that from her memory, and replace it with new ones.

  He's hoping this date would do just that.

  It's eight at night already; he's supposed to be at her door by now to pick her up. Instead he's here on her driveway, still inside his car.

  Why?

  Because he's a damn coward.

  Who knew that Drake Rogers would be so damn scared of this one date, to the point that he's starting to have second thoughts.

  What if Jason was right?

  What if after this date, Emma would realize that he's just a worthless ex-gang member, and deserves way more tha
n him.

  Because Drake knew that Jason was correct.

  He knew Emma deserved someone so much better than him, but that's why he's here. To prove that he is worth it, regardless of all the hate that is aimed towards him.

  With that thought in mind, he opened his car door and got out of his vehicle.

  Feeling the moisture in his palms, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Grabbing the bouquet from his seat, he closed the car door and headed towards Emma's front door.

  Once he arrived at his destination, he gathered all his courage and rang the doorbell.

  Ding! Ding!

  He stopped and waited.

  What if she changes her mind at the last minute? He wouldn't be surprised.

  Does he look okay?

  What if his breath stinks?

  What if she doesn't like what he planned for them?

  Oh damn, she's not answering...

  What if -

  The door suddenly opened, his thoughts vanished at the sight in front of him.

  Emma was wearing a light pink laced dress. He never pays attention to what women wears, but goodness... What he loves about Emma is, she doesn't do it over the top.

  It was just a simple dress, yet the way it hugged around her body, showing off her curves, all the way down to her mid-thighs... Drake could barely breathe. Not when her long legs are showing off like that.

  She looked so damn sexy yet innocent the same time. How the hell was that even possible?

  "Is it... is it too much?" Emma asked, interrupting his staring. "I can change if you want -"

  "You're beautiful." Drake murmured, taking a step closer to her.

  Emma bit her bottom lip and blushed. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself, Drake."

  He smirked, taking the flowers and handing it to her. "For the lady."

  "You remembered!" Emma said excitingly, taking the pink rose bouquet from him. "It almost matches my outfit."

  He definitely remembered, alright.

  On their first ever date in high school; he gave her a red rose. She told him that pink roses were her favorite for some reason; why he remembered that after all these years, he doesn't know.

  "Are you ready?" Drake asked, taking Emma's hand.

  She grinned and nod her head, the nervous feeling in her stomach increasing. "Where are we going?"

  Drake shook his head, opening the car door for her. "It's a surprise." He gave her a sly wink and closed the door shut.

  "I hate surprises." Emma sighed, once he entered the driver seat.

  "I know." Drake chuckled, throwing her a satisfied look.

  She only scoffed and rolled her eyes, glad that there was no awkwardness around them. "That's not nice."

  "Who said I was nice?" Drake retorted, though he was grinning. "Whoever told you that is a filthy liar."

  Emma fought the urge to laugh back. "Jerk."

  "Nerdy." He laced his fingers between hers the whole entire ride.

  For once, Emma didn't mind.

  .

  .

  .

  "The beach?"

  Drake frowned, looking at her with concern. "Do you want to go somewhere else?"

  Emma shook her head, smiling at him. "Not at all. I've actually never been to the beach at night, so this is so cool."

  Drake let out a sigh; he didn't realize he was holding. Taking Emma's hand again, he guided her towards the sand filled beach.

  "I'm so glad I'm not wearing high heels." Emma joked, trying to keep things light as they continued to walk on the sand.

  He threw a smile back at her, "I'm glad you decided to give me another chance."

  Emma stayed quiet, but gave his hand a squeeze.

  He squeezed her hand back and lead her towards a section where there was already a blanket with a picnic basket waiting for them.

  "Wait a minute," Emma paused, looking at the spot. "You planned this, didn't you? All by yourself with no help?"

  Drake grinned sheepishly, "I thought a night at the beach, having a picnic dinner would be different than going out for dinner in a restaurant. But Rich helped me prepare all this stuff. He placed the rocks over the blankets that way the wind wouldn't blow everything away. Obviously you know... That would suck if it did. I mean, -"

  Emma made him stop talking by placing a kiss on his cheek. "Stop your babbling and let's eat, yeah?"

  She pulled him down next to her where they both sat comfortably on top of the blanket, the picnic basket in front of them.

  Damn, he knew he was rambling on with unnecessary nonsense, but he couldn't help it.

  Clearing his throat, he took the picnic basket and opened it up.

  "I know I'm the best kisser you've ever had," Drake stated, smirking. "but I have to say that even my cooking will surprise you too."

  "Oh?" Emma asked, "Cockiness is not a turn on, Drake."

  "Wow, we barely started on our first date," Drake laughed, "and already you're talking about my cock?"

  Emma gasped, her face reddening at his comment. Taking a fistful of sand, she threw it at him and snapped, "That was so inappropriate and rude!"

  Drake continued to laugh, "Oh c'mon, calm down I was just kidding."

  "Hurry up, I'm hungry." Emma said impatiently, though the corner of her lips was fighting a smile.

  "Prepare to be amazed." Drake said obnoxiously, as he opened the basket, pulling out two paper plates. He then pulled out a gallon of milk, along with some powered chocolate. "And now, for the plat de résistance."

  He pulled out two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, wrapped in napkins.

  "Hope you like PB&J!" Drake snickered, handing one to Emma.

  Emma stared at the simple sandwich in front of her. After a few seconds later, she couldn't help but laugh.

  "A PB&J sandwich, Drake?" Giggled Emma. "Really?"

  "No, not really." Drake grinned, scooting closer to her as he filled her cup full of milk with chocolate powder. "Think of this as a sweet appetizer. I actually reserved a table for us at La Ciccia since I remembered you told me you like Italian food."

  Wow, was there something about her that he didn't remember? Who knew he actually paid attention to her.

  "But that's not all." He continued, ignoring her questioning looks. "I also prepared a mini bonfire for us."

  He stood up and headed towards an area where there was a small campfire set up already. He took out a few matches and began lighting it up. After a couple of minutes, the fire finally appeared, creating light in their area.

  "Thank you, Drake." Emma murmured, as Drake returned to her. This was such a small simple setting, yet for her this really meant a lot.

  Especially, since it's coming from him.

  Drake took her hand and placed it on top of his lap; just enjoying the moment of them both here together, listening to the sound of the waves crashing and forming, while the crackle sound of the fire was next to them.

  After they finished their food and drink, Drake pulled Emma closer to him in a warm embrace.

  He turned his head to give her forehead a kiss and sighed heavily. "Emma?"

  "Yes?" She replied back, her voice lazy and soft.

  Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his waist, and placed her face on top of his chest.

  Drake inwardly smiled at her gesture and cleared his throat to continue, before he started to chicken out again like a coward.

  "I'm sorry." He whispered against her head.

  Frowning, Emma leaned back to look at him. "For what?"

  "For all the trouble I caused you in the beginning." Drake murmured, reaching to move the hairs away from her eyes.

  "Drake," Emma sighed, her expression softening. "How many times do you have to apologize? I told you already, I forgive you. We were both at fault, but I don't regret it."

  "I know." Drake said, "I don't either. But I feel like there are not enough apologies I can give you for what I've done to you...and to Aidan."

  He knows she forgiven him
, otherwise she wouldn't give him a chance.

  But there was still that annoying nagging feeling inside him, telling him that he could do much better than just simply apologizing. He doesn't feel like he deserved her forgiveness.

  But what else can he do to make him realize she already forgave him? It's like he can't even accept her forgiveness while she finally accepts his apologies.

  He thoughts was interrupted, the moment he felt Emma's lips on his neck.

  "Stop it." She murmured, pulling him closer to her. "Don't ruin this moment for us. For me."

  Drake stared at her, as she watched him back.

  How is it possible that she appears more beautiful every time he see's here? Damn, Rich is right... he does have it bad. But does he care?

  Hell no.

  With his finger, he outlined the shape of her lip before replacing them with his own. To his slight surprise, Emma kissed him back without any hesitation.

  "Emma," Drake was breathless.

  What the hell is going on with him?

  Acting like a love sick fool!

  This isn't like him at all...

  Emma nipped his lip, causing him to lose his train of thought.

  With his hold on her tightening, he laid her down with him on top of her. His hand glided from her neck, slowly down to her chest, where he could feel her heart beating fast and strong.

  One of her hands reached to his head, her fingers lacing through his hair. Her other hand was cupping the side of his cheek, where he placed a soft kiss on her palm before going back to her lips.

  Shit, this woman is going to be the death of him if she keeps this up.

  He shifted his head, only to move his mouth against her neck, where he playfully licked her skin causing her giggle.

  Chuckling along with her, he lifted his head again and kissed the tip of her nose. Emma, whose eyes were closed the whole time, reopened.

  "We should leave in a few minutes so we can catch up on our reservation." Drake murmured, loving the way she was looking at him.

  Emma made a face, "Oh yeah."

  "I knew you wanted me." Drake gave her a wolfish grin, as he sat up straight, gently pulling her in a sitting position also.

  "No jerk." Emma sighed, placing her head back on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her again. "I knew this whole time; it was you who wanted me."

  This time, Drake didn't bother correcting her, because she was right.