Chapter 9

Emma awoketo a world where every movement was a reminder of the previous night"s ordeal. Pain greeted her as she clumsily emerged from the cocoon of her bed, each step a careful negotiation with her aching body. The house was quiet, yet a faint, inviting aroma of coffee, fried eggs, and, surprisingly, bacon, wafted up the stairs. Bacon? In her house? The question hung in her mind as she descended the stairs, her movements slow and deliberate.

The living room came into view, revealing a makeshift bed on the couch—a pillow and blanket neatly folded. Emma"s mind raced. Had Dan stayed the night? The thought was both comforting and startling. Before she could fully process this revelation, Dan himself emerged from the kitchen, her kitchen, carrying the unmistakable air of a man who had taken charge in a time of need.

Emma stood there, awkward and confused, grappling with how to approach a man who had evidently spent the night under her roof, not for himself, but for her. A man who had stepped into her life unexpectedly, bringing a sense of safety and care she hadn"t realized she needed. Her eyes flickered with unshed tears, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

Dan approached her, an expression of concern etched on his features. He extended his arms, wrapping them around her in a hug that was both gentle and firm, as if he knew exactly how much pressure her bruised body could handle. Surprised by the sudden contact, Emma found herself melting into his embrace. Her senses filled with the mingling scents of his presence and the breakfast he'd cooked.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. His presence, so unexpected and yet so steadfast, offered her a sense of security that she hadn"t known she was seeking. As she rested her cheek against his chest, the pain of her injuries seemed to recede, replaced by a warmth that spread from the core of her being.

* * *

Dan observed Emma as she gingerly distanced herself from him. Her movements were cautious, betraying the discomfort from the recent accident, and a hint of embarrassment flickered across her face from the close contact with him, a near stranger.

"How do you feel?" Dan asked, his tone soft but laced with concern.

"I feel like I"ve been in a car crash. Oh wait," Emma replied, attempting humor despite her evident pain. "I was."

Dan"s chuckle was gentle, appreciative of her effort to lighten the mood. "Let"s get some food in you, so you can take some pain meds," he suggested.

As they made their way to the kitchen, he placed a supportive hand at the small of her back.

In the soft morning light of Emma"s kitchen, Dan watched her carefully as she took a tentative seat at the table. The aromas of fresh-brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the room.

"You didn"t have to stay, and certainly didn"t have to make me breakfast." Emma averted her gaze, and her eyes focused on her clasped hands.

"No, I didn't," he easily agreed and pressed his lips together when her eyebrows furrowed in what was clearly irritation at his breezy and non-committal answer. He stroked his hand over the lower half of his face, hiding his smile. "How do you like your coffee?" he inquired.

"Just a bit of cream, please."

He liked her soft and melodic voice. The sultry sound shot straight to his cock. Quickly turning to the counter, to disguise his obvious reaction, he scolded himself. She was hurt and vulnerable and she didn't need a horny fucker invading her home. Willing his body to settle, Dan prepared the coffees and set about plating breakfast.

"I have bacon?" Emma questioned.

"Now you do," Dan said, smiling softly. "Went home for a shower and grabbed some groceries on my way back." His gaze met hers, almost drowning in the vulnerable dark pools. "You do eat meat, right?"

She offered a small smile. "I do, but usually not calorie-laden stuff like bacon."

"You"re a health freak?" Dan teased lightly, aiming to put her at ease.

"No, but I am a health professional," she replied, a subtle hint of pride in her voice.

"Fair enough. But right now, your body needs proteins to heal," Dan said gently, placing the plates on the table.

Emma"s attempted laugh quickly turned into a pained groan, her hand instinctively going to her side.

Dan"s expression immediately shifted to one of concern. He sat down opposite her, his eyes filled with empathy. "Eat slowly, okay? And if you need anything, just let me know."

During breakfast, a comfortable silence enveloped the kitchen. Dan relished the meal, enjoying the savory bacon, fluffy eggs, and warm, buttered toast. He noticed Emma, too, finding enjoyment in the food, even with her evident discomfort. Her occasional winces were interspersed with moments of contentment as she tasted each bite. It was a simple yet profound pleasure, seeing her momentarily forget her pain and immerse herself in the small joy of a well-cooked meal.

"Is there more bacon?" Emma asked when she finished what was on her plate, her face lighting up with a childlike delight.

Dan chuckled, fetching her a second helping before he carefully helped her settle onto the couch, despite her mild protests. After cleaning up, he sat down on the coffee table close to her. Intending to keep things platonic, he found himself instinctively brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. He was strangely drawn to this woman, who swung like a pendulum from a strong, professional, and confident woman to a timid little mouse.

"Can I reimburse you for the groceries?" she inquired.

"Nonsense, I ate more than you," Dan responded softly.

The silence stretched between them, and he could almost see cogs whirling in her mind. He did like smart women.

"So, what are your plans for today?" Emma asked, clearing her throat as she shifted slightly to find a comfortable position.

Dan cocked his head. Did she want him to go or to stay?

He gently tipped her chin up, meeting her gaze. "I usually relax, maybe work out or watch a game, hang out with friends on days like this. Are you asking me to stay, or should I go, Sparks?"

Instead of answering his question, she latched onto the endearment that slipped from his mouth. "Sparks?" she echoed, a mix of curiosity and surprise in her voice.

"I call you "Sparks" because you have this energy about you that"s hard to miss. Just like a little spark can light up a dark room, you have a way of lighting up a day. Plus, in my line of work, sparks always mean something exciting is happening – and that"s exactly how I feel when I"m around you."

Her mouth softened into a gentle ‘oh', her eyes twinkling with warmth, and her cheeks pinkened as she took in his words.

She was cute, but… "Now answer the question."

Her brow furrowed, and her lips twisted. "I... I…"

He wondered if she would give him an honest and straightforward answer but then she met his gaze.

Emma"s expression shifted to one of uncertainty, her brow creasing slightly, as if she wrestled with her thoughts. Then, lifting her eyes to meet his, she seemed to find her resolve. "I... I would really like some company today, if you don"t mind."

His heart gave a small leap at her admission. He didn"t mind at all; in fact, nothing could have pleased him more.