Forever & Always

Six

“Get a room,” The other handsome guy, who had not said anything, suddenly pushed them aside and walked towards Emma. His voice was deep and rather sexy. A smile that stole her breath away crossed his full lips. He extended a hand in her direction.

“Come on, it will be a while,” he said. When she placed her hand in his, he tugged her forward, then casually threw his arm around Emma’s shoulder and guided her out. Emma was startled at how comfortable she already felt in his embrace.

“I’m Kyle,” he said, smiling down at her as they left the store.

Kyle was well over six feet three inches tall; his arm could have easily rested on her head instead of her shoulder. Emma was tiny compared to him and shuffled nervously by his side as he guided her out of the store.

“Emma,” she said, and he chuckled.

“I know. Your friend has been trying to talk you up to our group. I have to say, Ashlyn missed the mark describing you. You're fücking gorgeous,” he said, amused, and smiled at her while he slipped on a pair of aviators; she didn’t recognize the brand, but he looked really good in them.

“Thanks,” Emma said, blushing and wondering what Ashlyn had said about her; there was more to his words than he let on. The green monster appeared again, only this time at how easily Ashlyn got people to believe her lies.

“So I hear you are about to be twenty-one. Thanks for the invitation to the party. I am looking forward to it. It’s been a while since I had something intimate to attend.” He smirked and sat on a bench several stores down from the skate shop. Emma sat down and noticed he had saved the shady spot for her.

“No problem. Thank you for the shade. You didn’t have to do that,” Emma said, smiling as he grinned at her.

“Now that darlin’ would be rude of me,” Kyle said, straightening up and making Emma laugh. She thought she detected a slight accent but brushed it off as he stared at her with that smile.

“So what do you do?” she asked, searching for something to discuss and get him talking.

“Paramedic and I am in the fire program with Matt,” Kyle said casually.

“Really? That’s amazing! I didn’t know you were firefighters,” Emma said, and Kyle chuckled.

“I am a medic right now for Irvine. I am trying to get certified for fire now and hopefully get a job with CalFire. That’s how I met Matt,” Kyle winked, and Emma blushed.

“I have always wanted to help people. I had wanted to join the military but decided on this when my parents offered to pay for the courses. The firefighting MOS is a highly desired position in the forces, so I jumped at the opportunity when they offered to go this route,” he said, a little embarrassed.

“That’s awesome, and I still think it’s honorable. I uh... I still don’t know what I want to do. Amazingly, you are still choosing to help people. That makes you a very special human,” Emma said shyly, and Kyle scooted closer to her.

“Yeah?” He asked, putting an arm behind her and brushing his fingers against the back of her arm.

She looked at him and smiled shyly.

“Yeah,” she replied, and a cough had them both jumping apart. Emma looked up at Ashlyn and Matt standing in front of them. Matt’s blue eyes were blazing at them with some hidden emotion while Ashlyn smugly smiled.

“I see you two have gotten along fine without our help.” Ashlyn purred, and Emma stared at her, unable to meet Matt’s intense gaze.

“Pretty good so far. Kyle is sweet,” Emma said, smiling at Kyle, who smirked back at her.

“Well, we need to go, Kyle.” Matt barked out, and Emma shivered as his deep voice rang out. It was rich and full of a hidden promise as he looked at his friend. Matt’s face was expressionless as he looked at Ashlyn and then at Emma.

“See you in a few days. Nice to meet you, Emma.” He turned and stalked off as Kyle slowly rose and turned back towards Emma on the bench. He reached out a hand towards Emma, who took it and shook Kyle’s hand.

“Pleasure to meet you. Sorry about Mr. Stick up his ass.” He said, letting go and tucking his hands into his pockets.

“Ashlyn,” Kyle said and turned, following Matt. Emma released a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding, and Ashlyn squealed.

“I knew you would LOVE Kyle. He doesn’t talk much, yet he was talking to you!”

Emma tuned out Ashlyn. She wouldn’t shut up as they walked around the mall, going in and out of various shops. Emma couldn’t stop thinking about a specific set of blue eyes that had her mind reeling after just two small encounters. Emma’s phone lit up after about two hours of walking around, and they were seated and having lunch.

“Hey, Carter,” Emma said, and her sister asked where she was.

“We’re sitting on the patio at CPK.”

Emma heard Carter yelling at someone when Carter hung up on Emma without saying anything else. Emma rolled her eyes.

“The girls are on their way, apparently,” Emma clarified, and Ashlyn sighed. Looking around for their waiter, Emma waited, looking over the patio railing for their sisters. While she waited, she was people-watching and noticed a familiar figure walking along the sidewalk. When they locked eyes, Emma smiled softly.

“Long time no see, Mr,” Emma said to Collin as he perched on the railing beside their table.

“I know. Ashlyn,” Collin said coolly, and Ashlyn just glanced at him before getting the waiter’s attention and signaling for the check.

“What are you doing here?” Ashlyn’s sharp words made Emma scowl, and Collin just laughed.

“Picking up a gift. I can see you’re busy, and I will leave you to it. I will see you guys later.” He said, leaning to kiss Emma’s cheek and walking away.

“You don’t have to be so rude to him, Ash.” Emma scolded her friend.

“Yes, Emma, I do. He will never get the hint you’re not interested in him, and I cannot wait for him to see you on Kyle’s arm...” Ashlyn said, handing her card over to the waiter. Emma flinched at the harsh words, but Ashlyn didn’t notice.

“He will realize it is game over.” Ashlyn finished sipping her iced tea and looking directly into Emma’s eyes.

Emma didn’t say anything more as their sisters joined them, eating the remaining few slices of pizza.

“Can we go? I have dance practice in an hour,” Carter said, and Ashlyn cooed at her. As they all left, Mickey walked toward her car, and they headed back toward Ashlyn’s.

Emma felt a pair of eyes following her. She looked around, not seeing anything or anyone in her sight, before turning and following her friend and little sister.