by Laiza Millan
There's no doubt about it now...
He loves this woman.
Chapter 20
.
RING! RING!
"It's seven o'clock this Monday morning, the weather is looking sunny already and -"
RING! RING!
"We got Nessa here today to give us the morning traffic report -"
RING! RING!
"Ugh!" Emma groaned loudly, her face scrunched up at the noise.
As the ringing of her alarm continued on, she rolled over and reached forward, slamming her hand on top of the END button; ceasing the disturbances.
Sighing sleepily, she mentally gave herself fifteen more minutes to enjoy some of the peaceful slumber. Keeping her eyes closed, she continued to hug her pillow tightly, feeling so warm and comfy.
Mmm, when was the last time she felt this nice? Seriously, it's been a while since she had such a goodnight sleep.
One, she didn't wake up in the middle of the night once; Two, the birds are chirping outside; Three, she is off today; and oh yes, the feeling of this firm strong arm is wrapped around her waist in such a tight protective matter -
Wait, what the hell?
Emma's eyes flew open. Consciousness starting to creep up inside her mind as she registers wants going on around her.
There's a freaking arm wrapped around her waist... Who, what, and when did this happen exactly? Swallowing hard, she lifted up the blankets and took a sneaky look.
Oh hell no...
Oh crap, oh crap, oh shit!
Silently, she turned her head around to see the other person occupying her bed. At the sight of the sleeping Drake Rogers, Emma let out a muffled gasp.
What the hell happened last night?
As she quietly tried to edge herself away from his arm, Drake unconsciously scooted closer; keeping his arms still tightly locked around her.
Ugh, the last time she woke up with Drake next to her, all hell broke loose.
But at least this time she's not naked! That would have been horrible. Unless...swallowing hard, she slowly lifted the blanket and peeked again.
"Collins, if you wanted to see me fully unclothed, all you had to do was ask." Drake sighed, his voice rough with sleep.
Of course he was awake.
Her eyes widened as she dropped the blanket quickly, her face reddening with embarrassment. She then made a face, "But, you're wearing last night's clothes still."
Drake opened one eye, peeking up at her as the side of his face is covered with one of her pillows. A small smirk was forming on his face as he stared at her.
"I'm sorry about that. Would you like me to remove them completely?" He snickered, his hand moving down to the side of her thigh and squeezing it. "Like I said, all you have to do is ask."
Emma squealed, feeling ticklish as she smacked his hand away. "Don't! I mean, what are you doing here? We didn't... I mean, we did not... you know -"
"Do the naughty deed?" Drake shifted so he was fully facing her; that smirk widening with amusement. "No. But since I'm here, I'm down if you are."
He winked.
She stared.
She was tempted to smack him in the face for being such an arrogant, shameless idiot. Perhaps a slap in the face would knock his swollen ego down.
Okay fine, maybe she won't go into extreme but seriously, what the hell?
She's glad they didn't do anything she'll regret, but she could have sworn that after their late dinner, he had dropped her off home and left after she gave him another teasing kiss on the cheek.
"What happened last night?" Emma asked, noticing how Drake kept his hold on her. "Didn't you leave after you dropped me off?"
The amusement expression on Drake's face softened, as he continued to stare at her. After a few seconds later, he gently pulled her closer to him so he could rest his forehead on top of hers. "You invited me back in, remember?"
Emma frowned, leaning back so she could look at him. "I did? No, I could have sworn you drove off."
Drake rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I was about to leave. But then you invited me over so we could continue our conversation about some random topic I don't even remember about. As we were talking, you offered me some wine; you said you kept it inside the refrigerator for so long."
As he explained what happened last night, the memories started to come back.
She remembered they were indeed in the middle of a heated discussion, debating about the bible and science when she had realized Drake arrived at her house.
They were not even done talking yet, so she had invited him over so they can continue with this random discussion.
"All of my roommates are asleep, so you can come in if you like." Emma had said, as Drake walked her to the door.
Drake had smiled, but shook his head. "It's okay, it's already late. Besides, there's no point with this, I already told you there's more scientific facts disproving the bible -"
Emma had crossed her arms, and raised an eyebrow. "And I'm telling you that even Albert Einstein said there's a possibility. I'm not saying that you have to believe, but if you look at the stars, or even studied Astronomy -"
However, Drake had rudely interrupted her.
He had placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her face closer to his. He then grinned smugly; his lips ran along her jaw all the way to her lips.
"Do you know how turn on I get," Drake had groaned, "Whenever you act all nerdy with me?"
When he was about to lean forward to give her a kiss, Emma had taken a step back and just gave him a simple kiss on the cheek.
Obviously, Drake was not amused.
"That's not nice." He had snapped, watching as Emma searched for her keys inside her bag.
Emma had laughed, as she turned around to unlock the door.
She then pushed the door open and had turned around to throw him a mocking wink. "Who said I was nice? Whoever told you I was nice is a filthy liar."
Emma remembered how Drake made a face and how he just entered inside her house as if he owned the place.
As they were laughing and talking, Emma had poured him some strong wine she found in the fridge. They must have drunk that entire large bottle for her to not remember.
Then again, she remembered being so tired.
"Anyway, you said you were asleep," Drake continued to explain what happen, interrupting her own memories. "So I told you I would tuck you to bed."
Emma made a face and shook her head to clear her memories. Time to come back from the present!
She glanced at him and mocked. "What a gentleman."
Drake only shrugged, "I try. I try. Anyway, as I was saying, after we checked up on Aidan, who was sleeping on the extra crib in Jenna's room, you were pretty much out of it."
She scoffed, "I was not."
"Is that so?" Drake chuckled, lifting his hand to brush her bangs away from her eyes. "Is that why I have to repeat what happened last night to you, because you were not out of it?"
Emma glared, but remained quiet.
"Anyway, after you practically passed out on me I pretty much covered you with the blankets and turned off the lights." Drake sighed, "But when I was about to leave you asked me to stay."
Drake had to pause.
After remembering all what happened, he couldn't help but realize how his recent behavior was very unlike him; Like taking a woman back to her house and freaking tucking her in?
Who the hell does that nowadays?
No man ever does that still, right?
He was acting like such a whipped man, it was sickening him.
Yet at the same time... hell, he didn't mind at all. Especially, since it was Emma. But if it was any other girl, would he do it? Hell no.
"And you stayed?" Emma said dubiously, interrupting his thoughts.
"Obviously," Drake grinned, shaking his head. "Or else I wouldn't be here with you."
Emma hummed. Thoughts rushing through her head as she enjoyed the feeling of Drake's fingertips danci
ng along the skin of her arm.
"What is it?" He asked softly, bringing his hand up to her forehead to smooth the worried lines. "Something's bothering you, what are you thinking about?"
However, Emma only shook her head. "Nothing"
She couldn't help but smile inwardly at the silly sensation she was experiencing as Drake's finger massaged her ear.
His fingers continued on, making a small circular motion as he slid them from her jaw to the side of her neck... Mmm, she couldn't help but shiver a little.
She didn't even mind hearing Drake's smug chuckle, as his fingers continued to dance upwards to her cheek and -
Ouch!
Emma's eyes flew open, slapping his hand away as the annoying little pain started to appear on her face. "Jerk, why did you pinch my cheeks hard for?"
Drake couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. But I thought we agreed we would try us again?"
Emma frowned, confusion etched on her face. "Are we not?"
"Really?" Drake asked, while he mindlessly takes her hand with his again. "That includes telling each other everything, right? Meaning, don't hide anything from me. I can tell something's bothering you, why won't you tell me?"
She sighed. A part of her wanted to tell him that it's impossible for her to tell him every single thing going on in her life.
He's not her father! He's just her... well, not boyfriend yet. Frankly she's not really sure what they are yet.
Lover? No way. They're not doing that just yet...
"I understand." Emma nodded, "Sorry, it's nothing big. It's just weird how a year ago you said you wanted nothing to do with me or Aidan before he was born, I said I would never give you a chance again, and yet here we are!"
She paused, hesitant to continue. "It's still kind of new to me how we didn't have another one night stand last night, and how you're not kicking yourself out."
"I see." Drake couldn't help but feel disappointed. "Last time we were drunk as hell, so we weren't exactly right in the head."
Does she really think that low of him still?
Emma noticed the fall on his expression and couldn't help but feel guilty. See, this is why she doesn't want to tell him everything going on in her mind!
"But that was in the past," Emma said, teasingly squeezing his cheek to lighten the mood. "None of that matters. I'm happier now that you're here trying to be a good father to Aidan."
"I'm sorry for what I've done to you that morning." Drake swallowed hard, referring to the morning after this whole mess started. Ugh, he hates apologizing still. "I know it's hard to forgive and forget -"
"You're right." Emma interrupted him, "It's hard, but I've done it. I forgive you. I've told you this a million times, already. Get that through your head. I think I've made you suffer enough with my bitchiness. You're trying to be a better person, so that's why I forgive you."
Her forgiveness isn't enough, though! Why isn't it enough for him?
"I know. It's just that you won't forget it" Drake murmured, his thumb tracing her bottom lip. "You won't forget all those chances you gave me, that day I told you to get rid of Aidan - which I'm such a fucking bastard for even suggesting. Also the day I kicked you both out. You forgive me yet you won't forget that, huh?"
Emma stayed quiet.
Of course, a woman can never forget when a guy tells her that kind of shit. But like she told him, as long as he's trying to right his wrong, that's all she can ask for.
"You're Drake Rogers." Emma grinned, trying to change the topic. "You're not easily forgotten. Your ego won't let me."
Drake laughed along with her, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. Man... he loves this woman.
Knock!
Knock!
Emma rolled her eyes at the sudden disturbance. "Yes?"
"Are you awake?" Jenna's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.
Emma blinked.
"Shit!" Emma whispered, staring at Drake in horror as if she just realized he was in her bed. "Oh crap!"
She quickly sat up and roughly pushed him away from her.
"Get up!" She hissed, panicking. "Get up, Drake! Jenna doesn't know you're in my room!"
However, Drake wouldn't budge.
He threw her a mischievous smirk and lifted his hands in the air, placing them on the back of his head as a pillow. "Oh c'mon. Is she your mother or something? Are you going to be grounded for having a sexy ass man over?"
"Drake!" Emma snapped, as she tried to right herself. "Hold on, Jenna! Give me a minute!"
"Um... you okay there?" Jenna asked, concerned.
"Obviously not." Drake snickered, watching as Emma continued to comb her messy hair. "She's blinded by my glory."
"Rogers?!" Jenna's knocking turned into pounding. "What the hell, Emma, you invited Rogers over?"
Emma threw Drake a dirty look who simply winked back at her. She headed towards the door, groaning to herself, knowing she's about to receive an earful from her friend.
She quickly glanced at Drake to see if he was decent. He was underneath her blankets, all covered up, still wearing that stupid smile on his face she started to like yet hate.
"I'm awake." She muttered, opening the door.
Jenna had her hand on her hips, glaring at Emma and then at Drake. "Please tell me you didn't have -"
"We didn't." Emma assured her, shaking her head.
"We had hot mad sex, Jenny." Drake couldn't help but say. "You should have seen it, I was fucking her against the wall, my dick was -"
Emma whirled around and strode towards him, a disgusted look on her face.
This stupid moron! What is he thinking saying something like that in front of her friend? Now she's never going to hear the end of it!
She smacked him in the shoulder, "You are so vulgar!"
"First of all, my name is Jenna not Jenny." Jenna scoffed, crossing her arms. "Second of all, I know you're lying. Emma isn't that stupid making the same mistake with you again."
Drake stopped laughing and simply raised an eyebrow. "You're lucky you're best friends with Emma. Otherwise, I would beat the shit out of you."
"Oh." Jenna scoffed, "Going to hit a woman? Not the first I'm sure."
Drake shot up, the humor completely gone from him. "Fuck you, bitch."
Emma placed her hand on top of his shoulder, calming him down. She then shot Jenna a look, telling her that's enough. "Stop it. Whatever is going on between Drake and I is none of your business."
Jenna huffed. It's not her fault that Drake is such a disgusting jackass. Honestly, she still doesn't trust nor like him.
Whatever.
As long as Emma's happy then...
"You're right." Jenna sighed, after a few minutes of silence. "I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted." Drake said quickly, his smug look returning by force.
"I wasn't talking to you, ass." Jenna snapped at him. She then turned to Emma and shrugged. "Frankly, I'm not really surprised he's here."
Emma tilted her head to the side, confused. "What?"
Jenna snickered, "I knew something like this was bound to happen. I just didn't know you would be sleeping with him on the first date."
"That's all we literally did!" Emma protested, "We didn't do anything -"
"Technically, this isn't our first ever date so you're wrong." Drake added, referring to their dates back in high school.
Jenna merely shrugged, checking her watch. "Whatever. Well Emma since he's here, he could help you with Aidan. I have to go to work now, so I'll see you tonight?"
Bitch.
Drake couldn't help but snort. Of course he's here to help her with Aidan. He's here to be the father, not the babysitter.
Emma nodded, "Okay."
She's not even going to bother telling both Drake and Jenna off. They will go no where if Emma has to keep telling Drake to behave himself or to tell Jenna to lay off. The two doesn't have to like each other, but she definitely wants them to respect one another at least.
>
Jenna gave Drake another last look before turning around to leave. Once she disappeared from their sight, Emma turned around and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Hi." She murmured, looking up at him with a smile.
Drake's arms circled around her. "Hi."
"You okay?" She asked, concerned that what Jenna said might have bothered him.
Drake simply stared at her at he continued to hug her, rocking them back and forth. "Yes. I'm going to prove to them that I'm worth it, Emma. You'll see."
Emma dropped her head on his chest, letting out a heavy sound. Can't he see that he doesn't need to prove anything to her friends? Who cares what everyone think?
Not wanting to create another argument, she dropped her arms but grabbed one of his hands. "Let's wake up Aidan?"
The glum expression on his face changed drastically. His grin widened at the thought of seeing his son again as he nodded. Squeezing her hands, he followed her out the door.
When they entered Jenna's room, Aidan was still sound asleep.
"Poor baby." Emma sighed softly, letting go of Drake's hand to place her hands securely around Aidan.
"Why does he have a crib in your room and in Jenna's room?" Drake asked, watching as she gently soothes the baby.
She shrugged, "Sometimes if I work late, Aidan sleeps in her room. Jenna adores him, you know."
He couldn't help but make a face. "That slut is going nowhere near my son."
Groaning, Emma lightly bumped into him. "I told you to stop calling my friend names and no vulgar language in front of Aidan, please."
"But he's asleep." Drake pouted playfully, following her as they exited the room.
"You have so much to learn." Emma heavily sighed, kissing her son's cheek.
As he continued to watch her, he couldn't help but realize how lucky he is. That once odd warm feeling that was growing in him turned out to grow massively, as he stared at the two.
Besides Nancy, this woman is the only he cares for. Besides his friend, Richard, this boy is the only one he really cares about.
"Can I hold him?" Drake couldn't help but ask. Hoping she doesn't deny him.
"Of course." She instantly said, this time with no hesitation. She shifted Aidan as gently placed him on Drake's arms.
"He's so heavy." Drake said, surprised. He took one of his hands and gently caressed Aidan's cheek.