🔥🌶️some spicy kissy scene at the end of this chapter. 🌶️🔥

At the end of the two hours Mr Lee had rented, everyone slowly started to pack up. Everyone wished Minho a happy birthday with waves and slaps in the back. He hadn't stopped smiling and was quite full of energy. He was bouncing around and laughing.

Finally when it was just family left, Papa and Mama and Jorge came over to where Emily and Minho were sitting munching on fries.

"Okay son, we have one more present for you. Ever since you were 14 you have been begging for this." Papa Lee said. His hands shoved into his pockets.

"...no...!" Minho gasped, his eyes wide.

"You're an adult now."  Mama Lee sighed.

"Mom! Dad! ...you didn't!" He gasped.

"You need to promise, you won't take it out until you've completed all the courses and have all the proper riding gear." Jorge added, "I will not be attending my god daughter's boyfriend's funeral...."

"Absolutely sir!" Minho was vibrating with excitement.

"This is from all of us. And your grandfather." Mr Lee said seriously. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and handed him a key.

"You didn't!" He gasped. He lunged at his parents giving his mom a huge hug first and then his dad and then Jorge.

"You can pick up your new bike from the dealership tomorrow. Classes begging tomorrow at 11am sharp."

Minho whooped and punched the air. Emily couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. He had talked nonstop about the motorcycle he had dreamed of. She wasn't going to lie, picturing Minho riding a bike with a black tinted helmet was super hot. He turned to her and gave her a huge hug and spun her in a few circles.

"Best birthday ever!" He laughed.

"It's not over yet, Thunder cat!" She giggled back.

"Yes. And if you don't move it, you'll be late!" Mama Lee scolded. She used them out the door. "Go! We will clean up. See you later. And make smart choices!"

Emily went a little pink, but smiled back. She glanced at Minho, who looked like he was on cloud 9. She spun the truck key around her finger and climbed in behind the wheel.

"More surprises?" He asked, closing the door.

"Group activities are over. What do you say to some just me time?" She asked, suddenly feeling shy. She knew he thrived on big groups and activities, and didn't really second guess herself until now, maybe he did want to spend the day with his football buddies instead.

"I'd say even better!" He grinned, leaning towards her kissing her cheek.

Emily felt her cheeks turn pink. But she gave him a small shy smile and turned the truck on and pulled out of the parking lot.

"So? Where to?" He asked.

"Oh...somewhere." she shrugged and turned the radio on. She gave him a coy smile. Minho just laughed and slid his hand into her leg. It didn't take them long and she pulled into another place, a strip mall. Minho glanced at Emily and he raised an eyebrow.

"Are...we redoing our kitchen?" He asked, a tease in his voice.

Emily puffed her cheeks and rolled her eyes. The kitchen Reno store was attached to Ms Perez's Latin and Ballroom Dance Studio.

"Yes."

"Emmy..."

"I thought it would be fun...wanna come salsa with me?"

"Shucken rights I do! But only if we can go get new kitchen counter tops after!" Minho was smirking at her, his eyes full of mischief and danced across her face. His eyes squinted and his dimples appeared as she felt her face flush and then she groaned with another eye roll. But she couldn't keep a straight face, and she gave him a sheepish smile.

"Deal!" Emily finally laughed.

Minho hopped out of the truck and ran around to Emily's door. And together they entered the dance studio. Emily was feeing the anxiety and self doubt again. "Why did I do this to myself?" She muttered. They walked to the counter, and a older lady with salt and pepper hair pulled back into a low bun waltzed out of the the back office. 

"Ahhh, you must be my next class, Miss Emily!" The older woman clapped. She had then fill out some paper work and pointed them over to the rack of ballroom shoes. "Find something that fits. Did you bring a change of clothes, Miss?" 

Emily nodded. 

"Good good. Now and go change. Chop chop."

A few minutes later Emily emerged from the change room ready to salsa. Minho was waiting and his eyes went wide. She had borrowed a fun knee length flowy dress from Sonya just for this part. Definitely not something she would normally wear, but fun for this salsa class. She felt very in character. Minho was waiting in his jeans and tight white t shirt. Her stomach fluttered, and all he was doing was smiling at her, sure his eyes were trying to devour her, but he just had a way of just existing which made her heart beat faster. He walked over, a hand outstretched and spun her taking in her sudden change from converse sneakers and shorts for a short but flowy, low cut dress. 

"You look beautiful my senorita." He grinned at her. 

Emily curtsied, trying hard not to laugh at him. 

Ms Perez was an older lady, but she could dance and she had flair. She had them doing the basics first, but when she saw that Minho could move and Emily wasn't half bad she moved them into some of the harder moves. Ms Perez had them doing all kinds of things, Minho caught on quite quickly to the spins and she even had them try a lift. For a huge bulky football player he knew how to move smoothly around the dance floor and his hips didn't lie. It took Emily a little while to relax and unwind, she had a harder time relaxing and letting her body move to the music. She felt too uptight. 

"Hey, just like at home, in the kitchen. You and me. That's it." Minho whispered. after she stumbled again and was getting frustrated. He pulled her closer and held her face for a second. "Just you and me, Princess. And remember, this is just for fun." 

She hung her head, looking at the ground between them. "Your right. I'm sorry." She whispered back. 

"Head up Princess, or that crown will slip." He slid a hand under her chin and picked it up, making her look up at him. He grinned at her, and kissed her nose gently. "Come have a kitchen dance party with me." 

"Your on Thunder Cat." 

He chuckled. "Just look at me and don't worry about anything else." He grabbed her hands and spun her, this time she took a deep breath and exhaled and let it out trying to relax her muscles. This time they got the combination right and 

"Yes! There we go!" Ms Perez called as she clapped, "Connection! Salsa and Latin dance is all about connection! Feel him with your heart. Dance with your heart!"

Minho winked. Emily felt her face heating up, she wasn't sure if it was the dancing, or Minho's darkening eyes or her what it was, but she felt her heart beating faster suddenly, and her stomach fluttering with all kind of zoo animals. 

"Again!" Their teacher called. 

Minho grabbed her hands again, and spun her towards him, this time Emily got the footwork. Minho's hands slid around her, holding her back, gently forcing her closer to his chest. His dark eyes gauzed into her soul. They sparkled with life and laughter. This time, she forgot about the teacher and the classroom. It was Minho and her, the music flowed through her and she let go.

Minho had her spinning, their hips worked in sync. She was very aware though of how close they were and how easy it was to move with him when she allowed herself the freedom. This time she trusted herself and Minho's led. He had her 123ing all over the dance floor. She let herself smile and laugh. Minho had his smug sexy smirk. his hands slid from her hands to her hips and all over her back and waist. She actually laughed, her hips moved with his. He pulled her close a hand on her lower back and dipped her low. Her bent leg slid up his. His hand slid up her leg, grabbing a  handful of her dress in the process, sending all kinds of feelings and electricity through her. Her hands held the back of his neck and shoulder. He slowly brought her up, his hand splayed on her back. He had his head dipped, and slowly as she came up straight his face gently caress her neck. Her body slid down his, they came face to face, his forehead touched hers. She slowly slid her leg back down his and placed her heeled foot in the floor. 

They both couldn't rip their eyes off each other, and they were both breathing rather heavily. Emily's heart was trying to beat out of her rib cage. Minho's dark eyes made her want to melt into a puddle. He hadn't let her go, she was still pressed close, his nose ran along hers, his forehead pressed to hers, her one hand ran down to his chest, feeling how fast his heart was beating.

The music suddenly shut off. And light applause echoed off the walls.

"Excellent my young senor and senorita."

Emily blinked and came back to reality. Minho had her pressed tightly to his body, almost refusing to let her go. 

"Yes! Now that is connecting! That is dancing the salsa!" She cried.

Emily bit her lip, and tried not to smile too much. Minho was watching her with his dark eyes. She smiled shyly up at him. He reluctantly let her go. She quickly adjusted the dress and turned to the teacher, feeling very embarrassed, but rather pleased with herself. 

"One more time, si? Then it is the end of your lesson."

~•~

On the way home, Minho insisted on driving them home. She had finally admitted the last part of their day was at home. It was already late and she had one more surprise, but it was at home. She quickly pulled her phone out and sent a quick text to Sonya.

Hey. On our way. Everything good?

Yeah girl! All good. How was class?

So.much.fun.

I'm glad you did it. :) step outta that box. And I'm sure Slugger loved the dress.

Yes. You were right. 🙄

Pfft. Please. I'm always right.

*Eye roll*
Be home in about 10 min.

Everything is ready. The Lee's and Jorge said they were out and would be back late. House is yours.

Thnx Sonya.
XoX
I owe you!

I'll call a favor in for Gal's birthday. Enjoy your evening.
make smart choices!

Emily rolled her eyes and slid her phone into her bag and gave Minho her full attention.

"Everything okay?" He asked, glancing at her and then back to the road.

"Yep. Just checking on something. All good. And you have my full attention again."

Minho winked at her as he slid his hand onto her knee and then higher up her leg. They pulled up into the drive way. 

"No peeking in the backyard!"

"Nope! Promise. And cross my heart."

"Okay. Go change into something comfy and meet me back in the kitchen."

He raced off and Emily right behind but she branched off into her room and she quickly changed into a pair of Minho's old sweat pants and a tank top, gathered her hair and put it into a messy bun on her head and grabbed her glasses.

Minho was waiting in grey sweat pants and a tight white t shirt. She stopped in the doorway and  smiled at him. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. She just stood and watched him for a second. He looked up and over at her, he held his phone up with a smirk and then placing his phone down on the counter. 

"Did... did you just take a picture of me looking like this?" She gasped. 

"Ya. My favorite person in the whole world, in my favorite outfit, in my favorite place." He was dead serious, his face gave away nothing like he was joking or teasing. He meant everything. Being at home in sweatpants no make up looking kind of like a hot mess was his favorite. It made her feel special, and loved and so so cared for. She felt her heart swelling and an overwhelming amount of emotion flood her system.

"Happy birthday Minho."

He pushed off the counter and stepped closer. He pulled her closer, and nuzzled his nose against hers. "Best birthday ever. Seriously. You put so much thought into everything. I can't believe you did all that!"

"It wasn't big elaborate stuff though."

"It was thoughtful. And I got to have fun with people I care about. I love it." He paused and tilted her head back, he gently kissed her. "I love you, Emily Victoria Fitz."

"I love you too Minho Lee." She pushed up on her toes and kissed him again. "Now. Last part of your birthday, come on." She tugged him to the back of the house, "close your eyes. No peeking." She pulled him to the big back door that led to the deck, she opened it and guided him outside. 

"I smell a bone fire." He smirked.

"Okay. Open."

Sonya had helped her get this part ready when they were at class. A small fire was going in the fire pit, a table laid out with snacks, all the fairy lights were set up, and instead of chairs, a small little tent with all kinds of pillows and blankets were set up.

"Just you and me and the stars." Emily said quietly.

"Wholly...whoa...wait...what? Shuck, Emmy...."

Minho couldn't finish a sentence, he opened and closed his mouth a few more times and just gave up. His eyes wondered over all the details and then he turned to look at her. "You're unbelievable. Seriously. I can't believe you did everything just for me!" He whispered. She saw all the raw emotion in his eyes and she felt her own filling with tears.

"I don't even know why I'm crying. It's just a shucken picnic!" She half laughed as a cry got stuck in her throat.

"It's not JUST a picnic." He corrected, gently brushing her tears with his knuckles.  "It's you showing how much time and love you put into something. How much effort you put into me and I can't believe I get to call you mine. Seriously, Emmy...You have no idea how special you made me feel today. sure my parents and friends made birthdays special... but this one...was just so different, you planned everything with just me in mind, and I love you so much." 

She smiled up at the young man she loved with her whole being and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Come on."

She gently kissed him again. And then tugged him over to the big pile of pillows. They made themselves comfortable and then spent the rest of the evening roasting marshmallows, eating other snacks, drinking hot chocolate, snuggling, trying to figure out the different star constellations, laughing and talking. They didn't really talk about much, but they talked about everything.

They eventually turned off the lights so it was just the warm glow of the dying fire and the stars. They had packed the food back up so bugs couldn't get it and then they snuggled back in the pillows and blankets. Minho pulled her closer, his arm around her back and her chin resting on his chest. He gazed at her as she played with his hair.

"I love you Em." He whispered.

She smiled contently at him and hummed.

"I wish I had said something to you sooner in the theatre back on day one of school. Then maybe I'd have had you sooner."

"I'm here now." She whispered back. "I'm not planning on going anywhere, anytime soon."

"Promise?"

"I- I.... Minho...I can't promise that." She slowly sat up, her hand slid from his hair and rested on his chest, over his heart. "My dad died of cancer. The possibility of it being genetic and hereditary is high. But I'm not leaving you and I'll always be with you. Always. I'm with you until the end of my days and then I'll always watch over you." 

"I guess I can't argue with that." He said quietly, "Now come back here," 

She lay back down, this time he shifted her, so she was laying on top of him, 

"That's better." His voice was quiet and had become rough and rather gravelly. He picked his head up, and cupped the back of her head and pulled her closer.

"You're my whole world."

"I thought football was your whole world?" Emily whispered back.

"Fine. You and football are my whole world." He smirked until his lips brushed hers and he kissed her gently for a long time.

"Remember when you told me school was important but football was importanter?" Emily giggled.

He smirked.

"You wrote that in my notebook when you left the new stuff in my locker and I knew it was you."

"I figured you would figure it out."

Minho pulled her back for another kiss. She sighed deeply into it, he pulled her closed, and deepened their kiss. Her lips parted and he slid his tongue into her mouth. Her hand fisted his shirt. Minho's chest rumbled and then without breaking their kiss, he rolled them. He was now hovering over her, Her hands slid into his hair, and she pulled him closer. His hand slid down her side and under the hem of her shirt. They kissed deeply, desperately. He kissed her so hard she lost all track of time and space. Her head spun and her heart speed up. Some kind of whimpering moan came from the back of her throat. Which made Minho groan and kissed her harder. His hand crept higher. This time he didn't stop and ask her a hundred times if she was okay with this, and she didn't need to him asking, her answer would have been the same. Emily grabbed the hem of his shirt and tugged, pulling it up, Minho got the hint. Breaking the kiss only to tug it over his head and dropped it beside them. 

"Emi-"

"I'm fine Min. Stop asking." She panted. 

His eyes darkened and watched hungerly as she pulled her tank top over her head. 

"Shuck...Em..." He growled. He lowered down, and pulled a blanket over them, blocking out the chilly night air. She pulled his head back to kiss him, his hand slowly and cautiously slid up her body, and ran over her soft skin. He was cautious and hesitant, but when she arched into his touched, and moaned for more, he didn't hesitate. She had to break their kiss, just to gasp for some air in her lungs. He attacked her neck, making her shiver, his warm lips and tongue mixed with the chilly air. Her fingers dug into his back, and she wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled him closer. She was very aware of every point of contact, her body felt on fire, everything was burning and she felt full of electricity. 

"Minho..." She moaned into his shoulder as he pressed his hips into hers, and his hands became needy and more aggressive. She ran her hands down his back and then around the his front. 

"Shuck...Em..." He groaned as she slowly slid them lower. He shifted his head, his breathing became wild heavy panting. 

"Minho?" She whispered, "Is...is this okay?" 

Between his heavy breathing against her neck, she heard a groan that sounded like a yes. She could feel his body trembling. 

"We...we should... go inside..." He suddenly managed to get out. 

With some major effort, he pulled away, his eyes looked unfocused, every muscle was tensed and his chest rose and fell. 

"Come on, baby. Lets go inside." 

He reached for her and picked her up, wrapping a blanket around her, he grabbed their shirts, picked her up and walked her back inside and down the hall to his room. 

∽•∽
A little backyard tent/bonfire birthday evening. Or at least a general idea of what I had in mind.

~•~

Okay...so how cheesy romance do we want this book? 

On a scale from like happily ever after Cinderella to emotionally wrecked Fault in our Stars..?