falling for you

chapter 11

Emma pov.

the other day after Corbin left everyone was worried about him but didn't say anything which made me feel even more guilty knowing I was the reason he left his friends and family.

I have Dylan an ear full and told him we needed to just try to be friends before this tried to go any further to which he was not happy with but finally gave up. I know he has this weekend planned and I told him we could all still go as friends and he hasn't agreed to that yet saying it wasn't fair for him to lose me over Corbin because he hadn't actually done or said anything.

after Corbin sent that last message I asked him one more time to come back and talk to me but he never replied, I know he's okay because my brother isn't freaking out so I know they are still talking just obviously not about me since Corbin thinks my brother would hate the idea of us being together.

Casey is here now checking in on me before she heads to her shift

" have you talked to Dylan?"

I shake my head sighing

" I refuse to let him control my friends even though Corbin doesn't know we broke up and still hasn't talked to me I'm not going down that road".

she nods understanding

" you wanna know what I think?"

I roll my eyes playfully at her

" you're gonna tell me anyways"

she laughs

" I think you like Corbin. I think maybe you wanted to like Dylan but it just wasn't there and it isn't something you can force".

I sigh

" so you the love doctor now that your with my brother?".

we laugh together before she grabs my hand

" you know I'm right I've seen the way you two look at each other. just think about it. maybe go find Corbin and talk to him".

I shake my head

" nope I told him to come back and talk to me and he won't listen I'm not gonna force him to be in my life"

" I think he's just scared em. I mean I get it I was so scared about how you'd feel about me and your brother and let's face it Corbin has a lor of his own issues. and he is right mark is a hot head when it comes to you".

I roll my eyes at here

" how about you just go to work miss no it all"

she giggles

before hugging me .

" I'll see ya later sweet cheeks"

I watch as she leaves leaning against the door snuggling Duke.

is she right? should I put myself out there again to Corbin? last time I did that he turned me down and that hurt bad. I'm scared If I do it again we won't be able to be friends anymore and I don't know if I could handle that.

sighing I decided on a long hot bath to clear my head. putting on some music and setting the alarm.

I see Dylan has texted

Dylan - I've thought about it and I'd like to try the friendship. I'm sorry for being an ass about things

me-thank you for understanding.

Casey pov.

before I head in for my shift I swing by mr Jim's shop I know Corbin is working and it seems these two can't do this on their own. I have no idea how mark would feel about them being together but I hate watching my best friend fight her feelings when I think she could be happy with him.

I pull in and Mr Jim greets me. I let him know I was looking for Corbin and he let me know he was in the shop under a car. I nodded heading in, he's for music playing and hasn't heard me yet so I kick his door slightly making him jump them roll out from under the vehicle

he raises a brow at me

" something wrong with you car Casey? Mr Jim will put the paperwork in and I'll look at it"

I shake my head

" I'm not here about my car"

he wipes his hands standing

" okay I'm all ears"

" I think you and Emma need to talk"

he shakes his head

" Casey I can't come between them. I'm taking a step back in the friendship"

I laugh lightly these two are so dumb

" the two of you are just gonna keep dancing around each other as if there are no feelings?"

he sighs heavily

" Casey I really appreciate you coming down here I do. but do you honestly believe mark would ever be okay with me trying to date his little sister? much less their dad. she's their world and I come with a lot of baggage"

I shrug at him

" I don't think you give yourself enough credit"

with that I turn to leave leaving him standing there. I turn my head slightly while I'm at the door

and call out.

" oh by there way she told him they needed to be friends before trying anything more"

he opens and closes his mouth like a fish and I smirk leaving him to think about all this.

Corbin's pov.

my unexpected visit from Casey yesterday has had my mind every where. I just don't understand he's a good guy, good job, stable from what I can tell. he's clean cut, he'd be perfect for her, she needs stable. I rub my hands over my rough beard that's grown in, I haven't decided if I like it but I also just haven't shaved it. look in the mirror at the gym Caleb comes up behind me

" yo man you wanna walk around the area a little stretch that leg of yours?"

I rub my leg it's been bothering me today as it's another rainy day, it's trying to turn to fall so it can't decide what the weather is actually gonna do.

" yeah man let me just grab a water"

he's a good guy, said he moved to town to run the gym for his grandpa. said he had to leave everything behind, and I have a feeling there was a lady at some point but I'm assuming she didn't want to come to this small town or maybe I could be wrong.

we walk out into the cool air it had rained not long ago so the sky is still dark. my sweaty clothes don't help

" doc got anything to help with it?"

I shake my head

" we're trying out different options right now. some days are just worse than others"

he nods understanding

" you seeing that therapist today?"

yeah I told him about my therapy and that's how I ended up in the gym. he didn't think worse of me he actually told me he had wanted to go into the service but his lady wouldn't have it. I mean I wouldn't want him over there he's to nice of a guy to be messed up like me, but I do feel sorry in the end they didn't work out and he didn't get to chase his dreams

" yeah I'll see her later. I swear if I miss a session the little old lady might hunt me down"

we share a laugh

" so you wanna hang out this weekend? I need to get out so something other than hang at the gym"

I think it over, that game is this weekend but I have no idea what is happening with that now

" honestly man things are up in the air right now I'm not sure if I'll be in town but for sure next weekend we will get you out"

he stops so I stop then I noticed were in front of the bakery

" wonder if they have smoothies ".

is all he says before opening the door and heading in. s**t I don't want to face Emma and I definitely don't want him putting his charm on her, he's a flirt I've watched him at the gym. which I can't blame him he's a single guy trying to get over heart break.

I follow him in and hear her beautiful voice from the back

" I'll be right with you"

Caleb raises a brow at me and a slightly shake my head. he's looking around and smiles when he sees they have smoothies. my eyes find sunshine as soon as she comes around the corner. her hair thrown up, flour and icing all over her Tshirt with some of them right spandex pants on. she stops for a minute seeing me her eyes find me and she gives me a small smile then turns to wash her hands

damn it! her ass looks amazing. and from Caleb's eye line I can tell I'm not the only one who thinks that

" well what can I do for you fellas?"

I walk over leaning against the counter to get the weight off my leg

" Mrs Jane got you here all by yourself?"

she shakes her head

" no she just needed to run out and hasn't found anyone to replace uh um well sage"

I nod I didn't figure she'd be able to hold a job much longer.

I get lost in her eyes as she slightly blushes

Caleb clears his throat putting his hand over the counter for her to shake

" hey there beautiful I'm Caleb"

she breaks eye contact with me smiling at him shaking his hand

" I'm Emma what can I get for you?"

he leans in slightly

" well I came in for a smoothie but definitely wouldn't hate leaving with your number"

she laughs throwing her head back

" well if I had a dollar Everytime someone has come in with that line. she turns to me what about you corb?"

I smirk at her

" well I already have your number so I think I'll stick with a loaded smoothie "

she nods looking back at Caleb

" what flavor would you like?"

he smiles real big winking at her

" think I'll have the same beautiful "

I can't help but smile as she shakes her head turning to get things ready

" ya know corb you might have my number but seems you don't know how the phone works".

from beside me Caleb laughs pushing my shoulder

I sigh should've known she'd be sassy

" I've just been a little busy sunshine that's all"

she turns back around with our smoothies rolling her eyes

" Caleb is he this stubborn when he's hanging out with you?"

Caleb laughs

" yes, yes he is. you know you should come down to the gym put you in the ring with him and let you kick his ass for obviously not calling such a beautiful girl as yourself"

now she laughs throwing her head back

" I just might do that"

she sends a wink my way

" 9.25 boys"

I hand her some cash and wave her off as she goes to hand me the change. we go to leave and Caleb hollers over

" til next time miss Emma"

sending her a wink and I roll my eyes as she giggles.

once outside we skip out smoothies in silence as we walk back towards the gym

" okay dude are you gonna tell me or do I have to beg"

I roll my eyes to myself

" tell you what?"

" um how you know her. why you haven't called?!"

I shake my head

" she's my best friends sister we've known each other basically our whole lives"

now he turns to make shaking his head

" there is more to it"

shrugging

" nope just that"

he fake laughs

" okay then I'll definitely be shooting my shot"

I roll my eyes again

" Caleb"

he throws his hands up like he's innocent and we both head to the showers to get cleaned up.

I don't think I need to be mad at him I'm positive he's just messing with me.

once I'm cleaned up and in clean clothes I head out to the therapist. Mrs porter. much older woman, and I'd lie and say she's sweet but she's not. well she is but she is tough, doesn't let my bullshit slide which is exactly what I need.

Sitting here we'd been talking for about 30 minutes about my time overseas, and honestly most of it brings a smile to my face, I miss the guys.

" have you thought of reaching out?"

I shake my head

" I can't do that, they are still dealing with their own things and half of them still there"

she nods

" okay but that doesn't mean your friends don't want to speak with you Corbin. you have to realize you are more than a solider. you aren't any less of a man without a gun in your hands"

I nod thinking that over, I guess honestly that is how I feel, over there I knew who I was I knew what was expected of me. and damn was I good at it.

" something to think about okay"

she paused looking over her notes

" okay now Emma. have you spoken to her since our last session?"

I groan today counts right?

" uh somewhat. got a smoothie with Caleb today"

she nods

" okay good and how did you feel?"

I chuckle

" well she called me out for not speaking to her for several days"

this makes her chuckle

" I really think you need to stop running Corbin. I'm not saying jump head first into a serious relationship with her but stop fooling yourself the girl obviously means alot to you"

I sigh

" I know this and I've already ruined her relationship without even trying. I'm just no good for her. why can't anyone see that?!"

I respond a little angry

but she doesn't flitch or budge

" so you say but does Emma get a day is this? you say you've ruined her relationship. I say if it were going any where then it wouldn't have fallen apart so easily. now just because you think you aren't good enough for her doesn't mean she doesn't get a say so in the situation you are taking away all of her options and I say that isn't fair."

I don't say anything because it's true. I don't want to know if there's a possibility because I'd not it'd break my heart and I don't know how much more I can handle.

" say we did try and I f**k it up? then what? what about my best friend? and the man that's been like a father to me?"

I voice my concern

" how would you mess it up Corbin?"

I look at her like she's stupid

" seriously? my leg is messed up I have a lump for god's sake. my chest has several burns across it and I a bullet wound. besides my body being f****d my mind never stops, I have nightmares say we got to the point of sharing a bed and I hurt her in my sleep?!"

" but you slept with the last girl"

I shake my head roughly

" that was different. one there was no real feelings and I didn't care what she thought and two the pills stopped the nightmare "

she nods

" so take things slow Corbin talk to her she can't possibly make a decision without having all the facts and that's the only way you'll ever be able to know how this will truly work out"

at the end of my session we say our goodbyes and set up the next appointment.

she's given me so much to think about so I drive over to mamas even though it's getting late.

when she opens the door I see her worry

" my boy what's wrong"

I give her my best smile

" just need some advice mama"

she nods leading me to the kitchen pulling out the thinks for coffee and we did in silence for a while. it's nice just sipping coffee and being near her I know she prob has questions.

" mama do you think I'd ever be a good enough man for Emma? be honest I know you love her and I don't want you to think of me as your child right now. just think of her"

she takes a moment sipping the coffee and the silence is driving me insane until she finally grabs my hand

" I believe that Emma is a smart young girl Corbin. I believe that she would be lucky to have you because I know in all things youd put her first just like you've been doing, you've just been going sg it the wrong way. it isn't fair to her not to have a full story and you make all the decisions. she's a grown woman with a good head on her shoulders with alot of love to give. you just need to be ready to accept it."

I nod sighing

we talk for a little while before I saw her yawn so we said our goodbyes and she made me promise to continue to take care of myself and to follow my heart.

oddly enough I now find myself sitting outside of Emma's house, I see one light on downstairs and look at my watch it's nearly nine she may or may not open the door.

I take a breath and get out knocking on her door lightly if she's already asleep I'd hate to wake her.

but to my surprise the door opens and I see her looking like sin in a small what I'm assuming is leave too and small shirts, dressed for bed but still making it hard for me to keep my thoughts straight.

I finally pull my eyes from her body and she's standing there blushing slightly

" you okay corb?"

hee side voice like music and I clear my throat

" yes. I just need to talk to you but if you are busy it can wait"

she shakes her head opening the door wider

" come on in I'm just watching a movie"

I nod my throat suddenly dry the thoughts of having her close to me all alone so late and I definitely don't want to waste it talking. I want to worship her sinful body.

some how I find myself sitting on her couch as she sets down a drink in front of me and sits smiling shyly as she pulls a blanket over some of her. but not enough.

" thank you"

I say picking the drink up and down I some

" easier there it's just soda. need a beer? I don't have anything stronger"

she jokes and I chuckle

" no no this is good I don't need any alcohol in system for this"

she nods waiting patiently for me to speak but I'm at a lose for words

Emmas pov.

man I wasn't expecting him to stop by like this, he's changed since earlier he's in jeans and a tight shirt with a ball cap on. his dark beard holding his dark face and his beautiful eyes dancing over me Maki me feel naked.

I try my hardest to wait patiently for him to tell me what's on his mind but the silence from him is killing me. he finally takes my hand softly running his finger over my knuckles making me get small chills. will it always be like this when we're alone? will I always feel like I need more air than available?

" sunshine I have a confession"

I make eye contact and he looks so worried so I just wait

" I like you Emma. I like you a lot, I like you in ways that I shouldn't with you being marks sister and me having so many of my own personal problems. and it's been brought to my attention that hiding from you isn't going to help things"

his voice is deep but soft as he speaks and I take it in so he likes me but that doesn't mean he's finally gonna give me a chance. I squeeze his hand slightly I know I'm blushing

" I like you too Corbin and in sure you have your own issues who doesn't but that's okay."

he sighs nodding his head

" but Emma I'm scared"

he pauses as he stands to have the small living room then turns to meet my eyes

" I'm so scared I'm gonna hurt you emotionally or physically. I'm so scared once you see past the scars and limp that you will see the real scars on my mind the ones I'm not very well at hiding"

" none of that matters to me. I just want you to give us a fair chance Corbin"

he paces again

"

you don't fully understand and I don't think you ever will until I'm heartbroken because you can't handle it or because I've accidentally hurt you"

I stand taking his hand and stopping his pacing he turns and looks down into my eyes

" just give me a chance please. I won't run when you finally open up. and I won't push you. just stop running away"

she sighs running his hand down my cheek making my chills come back across my body

" and mark?"

breathless I reply

" screw mark"

he chuckles

" he'd have to know at some point sunshine"

I shake my head clearing my thoughts because right now I just want to jump in his arms and make him take me

" we can see what's between us before we become public it isn't like he hasn't been keeping his own secrets"

he sighs smiling at me softly

" Emma you can do so much better"

I shake my head coming a step closer to him I can feel his body heat

" but I want this. this feeling between us is insane and trust me it isn't something I've made up in my head because I tried to find it"

his jaw clenches at that and I try not to smirk, not like I didn't have to watch him with sage after he knew I like him.

" we've got to take it slow"

I nod

" slow is good"

he nods looking over my face his eyes flash between my eyes and my lips several times and I'm begging him in my mind to kiss me.

and he does his lips meet mine and my head is spinning again he wraps one arm around my waist and his other gathers my hair as my hands find the back of his neck holding on. I let out a small moan and he takes that moment to slip his tongue in. he taste so sweet with a hint of a cigarette I do believe.

some how we end up back on my couch with me straddling him he gently kisses down my jawline tommy neck nipping along the way making me throw my head back trying to get my moans in but as he grips my bottom roughly my hips start grinding on him and I moan out as he takes my lips again.

but then suddenly he pulls back resting his forehead on mine and we try to regain our air.

I let my eyes open slowly and I find his already on me smiling softly

" that isn't exactly moving slow"

his voice is hoarse Making me shiver I shrug slightly

" I've been waiting on that for a while"

he smirks at me

" oh trust me little one so have I"

I kiss him again this time it's short and sweet and then I crawl off of him blushing slightly as I snuggle into his side, his arm around me holding me as he draws small circles on my bare arm

" your kisses are gonna get us in a lot of trouble if we aren't careful"

I giggle and put on my innocent face batting my lashes

" I have no idea what your talking about"

he groans squeezing my arm and I giggle again

" I'm serious em. I'm trying to be better and I want to be the man that deserves to be with you"

I nod looking up at him

" I trust you Corbin. we will take things slow and you can open up when you're ready"

he nods his head looking at his watch and I see it's now almost 11. damn did I really get so lost in conversation and making out that I lost that much time?

" I should be going it's late and we both have work"

I slightly pour and he chuckles not moving

" you know it isn't like we haven't ever slept in the same house before you could stay"

I whisper

and he thinks for a moment then shakes his head closing his eyes as if clearing his thoughts

" I can't do that".

I blush that really isn't going slow is it stupid.

he lifts my chin making me look in his eyes when I want to look any where but because I'm embarrassed

" trust me baby girl I want nothing more than to stay and worship your body or hold you all night but it isn't a good idea right now".

I nod

" I broke it off with Dylan"

I say in attempt that maybe that's what's holding him back from staying and holding me

he smiles

" I know"

I pull back quirking a brow

" how?"

he chuckles

" I was paid a small visit from a very feisty friend of yours "

I groan rolling my eyes

" of course she did"

he kisses me sweetly

" I just need to keep working on myself before we take that step baby girl"

I nod trying to understand this

" okay but even if you just sleep? it's late and I know you stayed with her"

he smirks at me pulling me close

" someone jealous?"

I roll my eyes at him

" I know what I did with her trust me and it isn't something I'd do over but things need to be better with you. I need to watch myself and honestly if I'm in this house with you I want be sleeping I will be worshipping your body until the sun comes up. and as much as I want that I need you to get to know me better so you can make the choice of if you want me by your side"

his voice his so soft yet so stern whatever he thinks he's hiding from me whatever he thinks is so bad he really thinks I'll change my mind about him.

" I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed I just like having you around"

he smiles at me kissing my nose

" I'll be around alot more I promise. no more running now that all the cards are on the table"

I sigh content

" no more running".

he shakes his head

" I uh did tell Dylan we'd be friends and we're still going to the game. I think mark expects you also"

I whisper worried he's gonna be pissed but he closes his eyes and nods slightly

" I never said this would be easy but getting to spend time with you is worth it. we will just have to watch our selves for now around mark"

I nod understanding

" and I'll have to try my hardest not to punch Dylan if he makes moves on you"

I giggle slightly

we share one more kiss before he heads for the door.

" I'll stop by the bakery and see you before work"

I get butterflies in my stomach smiling

" sounds good I'll have I coffee ready for you'

he kisses my cheek then I watch as he walks down my stairs and gets in his truck I see him send me a wink then he drives off.

I go back in closing the door holding my hand to my lips and squeal!

he's really giving us a chance!!