Coming down the escalator, Emily smiled as she caught sight of the arrival gate. Flight 2390 Sydney to Perth flashed on the screen in the center of the baggage collection as people emerged from the gates, greeted by their loved ones with open arms. People in business suits headed straight to the conveyor belt, which had started to move with promise of luggage soon to emerge, others walked into the familiar arms of parents, spouses and children. To Emily, this was the happiest place to be where the tears were of joy, there was laughing and smiles. Stepping off the stairs she headed to the coffee shop within the terminal, closest to the arrivals.

Her fiancé had just left on another business trip, first to Darwin before on to Singapore as GTF, one of the biggest emerging mining companies from Australia, tried to establish a new trading deal within the international market. He had come a long way from the 18-year-old truck driver who was slumming it on a low level fly in fly out mine job while he completed his surveying university course doubling with a human resource diploma. With his background at having been on a mine, he managed to work his way up through the ranks and was held with great esteem at the company and was the envy of many of his peers.

As the smell of coffee started to invade her senses, she pulled up her rich red hair into a loose ponytail to try and give it some kind of order from the long waves she had left untamed in the morning rush to drop Greg off at the airport in time for check in. It was just as she was about to head inside that she heard the thud of something being dropped and the curses that followed. Turning, she took in the sight as if in slow motion.

He. Was. Hot.

She knew plenty of good looking guys, Greg wasn't exactly plain but this man actually caused her mouth to open slightly as her green eyes wide with a shock appreciation of the vision in front of her. His dark brown hair was tousled messily as though hands had been running through it all night, he was tanned and from under his blue t-shirt with a university name she didn't recognize on, he kept in shape. His blue eyes frowned like his lips as he looked at the trolley in front him.

Blinking she regained control of her body and noticed one of his extremely large black suitcases had fell of the trolley. He had a satchel over his shoulder and a smaller red trolley case at his side as he struggled around to fix it back upright. In a couple of steps she was beside the trolley, "Here let me help you with that" and groaned slightly as she attempted to help lift it back up, the case much heavier than she anticipated. Smiling she reached over the basket on top of the handles and pulled the red cord down in front of the cases, securing them in place. "That'll hold it". She felt her cheeks redden slightly as his gaze met hers, he returned the smile and she was certain she had seen him in one of her fashion magazines, he was just that kind of irresistible! People flooded by them as the his fellow passengers headed to the exit and the next couple of flights that had arrived at the same time, followed.

"Thanks...?" He trawled off, as if the thanks were a question. She detected a hint of an accent. Seriously, was he created from every woman's dream? Never one to act shy she quickly remembered her manners.

"Emily" she replied, holding out her hand. He took it and gave it a gentle squeeze as he did so.

"Jack" He replied. Unsure what else to say she offered him another smile.

"Well enjoy the rest of your day Jack!" and with that she headed in the direction of the bathroom. After taking the time to cool herself down, she headed back to the coffee shop. With the morning off she could get back to her plans of getting a dose of happy that always perked her back up after Greg left. Checking her messages as she joined the queue and Jacks voice caused her head to snap up.

"Large Cappucino, thank you", she suddenly felt extremely guilty at allowing a good looking stranger have such an affect on her especially since her fiance was upstairs waiting to board.

"Sorry cash only" the cashier giggled, despite being well into her 40s she stood their doe eyed like a 15 year old school girl. 'Well, at least I'm not the only one' she thought inwardly. Reaching into her jeans pocket she pulled out a $20 note.

"Here I got it, make it 2 thanks" Surprised, the cashier glared at her but put the order through.

Jack turned around to find Emily behind him; he took a moment to look at her properly as she tucked the change into her tightly fitted jeans pocket. The black silky singlet showed off toned arms, her porclain complexion looked as silky as the shirt and he had the urge to run his hand along her arm, up to her hair, release it from the ponytail and watch it fall over her shoulders.....

"Thank you" He smiled at her as they headed over to the pick up counter. It didn't take long as the two ladies shoved each other to put down the order in from of him. Emily rolled her eyes and picked up her coffee, heading out of the shop to her bench, ready to relax in front of the arrivals. Moments later Jack had escaped his coffee shop fan club and sat down beside her. She raised an eyebrow curiously at him as she sipped the chocolate foam from the top, not expecting him to join her.

"So Emily, apart from rescuing the hopeless, what brings you to the airport? Waiting for someone?" He took the lid off his and did the same, glancing over at her.

"In about 3 weeks I will be but I just love watching the arrivals. There is so much love to see here, see" She pointed a pink fingernail towards a man coming out of the gateway, it was like a movie as he dropped his carry on and stepped forward to a very pregnant lady who was crying excitedly as she fell into his arms, after their kiss, he kissed her belly and the pair shared a moment as he felt her stomach move. She was surprised to see Jack just as moved by the scene as she was. Who was this guy? Most people thought she was just weird or wanting to live the Love Actually movie. Instead they sat there, watching and sipping their coffees in a comfortable silence.

"Well this is me" Jack stopped the trolley at the bus stop, adjusting the satchel over his arm. She placed the smaller case in the basket on top of the trolley and as she turned wrapped her arms around him in a tight quick hug and her perfume lingered in the air between them as she stepped back.

"It was great meeting you, good luck with everything" Her smile was infectious and he didn't think he had ever met anyone so.... Amazing. Before he really had time to respond she had bounced her way down the path, crossing the road and disappeared amongst the crowd into the car park. What did he expect? They were strangers, sharing a coffee with no actual conversation. He knew nothing about her.

But he wanted to.

And the worst part of all, he hadn't even asked for her number. The taxi pulled up and reluctantly he got in, so much for the car he had organized. Finding a seat he let himself imagine Emily waiting for him, but what was the point in holding on to her? It wasn't like he'd ever see her again.

"Jackson!!" The squeal of his Aunt Rosie was heard the moment the taxi stopped in front of the grand staircase that lead up into the even greater house. No, not house, mansion. His blue eyes quickly took in the limestone pillars and perfect topiaries that lined the front balcony just as he saw the bright red body come bounding down the stairs. He stumbled back slightly as her full weight was slammed into him as she planted kisses and red lipstick all over his face. Laughing, more out of being uncomfortable than amused, he managed to pull her off him. It had been a few years since the last time he had seen her as the rest of his relatives still lived in London. Her move out here had been for love but after her first year here it ended in a rather profitable divorce and as she hated the english weather, stayed in her newly acquired home.

"Hello Aunt Rosemary" The sound of yapping soon came behind her as 3 Chihuahuas followed suit, only not as welcoming as their owner and the good mood from his morning had completely gone. Yes, these six months were going to feel like much longer.

-

A week later, Jack was walking down the corridor towards his office he looked over the budget files he had been given. It had been a long week, longer perhaps due to his Aunts overbearing nature or the fact there was a particular fiery haired lady he hadn't been able to get out of his thoughts. He dumped the files on the desk, grabbed his jacket and decided to head out for a walk. It was getting late so most of the staff that occupied the level had already gone for the day. Leaving the building he took in the sounds of the city, which at 730 on a Wednesday was as he was learning, typically quiet. His move to Sydney from London and then to Perth had left him craving the serenity this city offered but always having been a city child, it was taking some getting used to. The sound of an ambulance suddenly filled the night, echoing through the practically deserted streets. He hadn't realized he'd walked down near the other end of town and was at the hospital. Looking up at the entrance he stopped walking, looking at the Emergency drive where the ambulance had parked. He was thankful to have missed who ever had been taken inside as the crowd of on lookers started to break up and go their separate ways.

Just as he started to head back to where the office buildings loomed in the distance he heard a voice. It was happy and chatting along about getting lost on the freeway into town. His heart started to race as he turned back around, and he couldn't believe his eyes.

"I'll see you soon Paul" she tucked her iPhone back in her pocket, and took a second to breath in the roses she was holding. A lone figure stood near the entrance before turning to walk away and as she got closer she recognized the mess of dark hair and tall well-built body. 'No way!' She thought, trying to hide her surprise but as he turned around it was obvious he couldn't. "Jack?" She asked curiously, her heart picking up speed. What was that about? She questioned herself, settle down - you're engaged and have seen an attractive man before!

"Emily!" He said slowly, hoping he didn't sound as excited as he felt.

"What are you doing here?" She replied, again giving him a quick hug as if she had known him longer than a random 3 hour meeting.

"I ah, work nearby, I was just going for a walk. What about you?" He looked at the pink roses and gift bag in her hand, noting the Baby Girl pattern over the pink bag.

"My best friend, well she is practically my sister just had her first baby, Anna Louise Murphy" She beamed, her joy obvious. He nodded, trying to take as much of her in as possible, again she had on skinny jeans and a long green tunic which fitted over her lithe frame gracefully. Everything about her had this elegance, he imaged she could be a ballerina and in that moment realized he had been quiet to long.

"Wow! Congratulations to your friend!" He offered as she half grinned at him, giggling slightly at his awkwardness. The green of her shirt caused her eyes to sparkle an even deeper emerald.

"Thanks! You can come with me if you like if you're not busy. We could grab a coffee after up the road and you can tell me about your first week!" He had to blink twice as he heard her offer. She seemed so genuinely interested he couldn't say no. It wasn't until they stepped out of the elevator into the maternity ward that he realized he had no idea what he had done. Beside him, she nudged him gently as if being able to read his mind.

"It's ok if you want to wait outside, it must be weird for you to be like chucked in the deep end" He smiled, just being this close to her was more than he had imaged he would be again. As they headed towards the room where baby Anna was waiting, she couldn't help but feel her cheeks go red as she saw his grin, the way it lit up his whole face. He had slight stubble growing now and it only made her more interested in him. Guys and girls can be friends right? The sight of Paul at one of the doors got her attention as she literally ran towards him, grabbing him in a bear hug, "Congratulations Pauly!! Where is she?" laughing erupted out from the door and feeling more like an intruder, Jack hung outside. He caught a glimpse into the room and the guy he now knew as Paul stood at the end of the bed, looking every bit the proud new dad. A pretty blonde sat up in bed with the gift bag, the roses left on the end of the bed, "There's my girl" cooed Emily, holding the small bundle of pink blankets, "I'm Aunty Emily darling girl, and you are just to precious and beautiful and wonderful..." The blonde laughed, as she pulled out a pink onesie with something on it Jack couldn't see.

"I think I may have lost my best friend, its not all about Anna, Mily, I did carry her around for 9 months you know" Emily didn't stop looking at the baby.

"I know Lala, but do you blame me? You make such pretty babies" It was at that point, Paul first saw Jack.

"Ah, can I help you mate?" He hesitated. 'Crap' Jack thought, not sure how he would explain this.

"Jack, come in and meet Anna Banana the most beautiful baby girl" Emily called to him, all eyes left him and went straight to her, not noticing she headed towards him, extending her arms so he could see the baby. She gurgled and slowly blinked. She was pretty cute as far as babies go.

"Milly, are you going to introduce us??" Adjusting herself slightly, the blonde slowly moved up the bed to be more upright. Paul had moved beside his wife, putting the roses in the vase beside the bed, curiosity and concern were etched on their features.

"Oh right, Jack this Lala, I mean Carla and Paul and guys this is my friend Jack" Extended his hand, he shook theirs briefly. Making small talk with Paul, Jack intently kept an eye on Emily as she bounded around the room with Anna, refusing to give her up until the nurse came by and gave the signal visiting hours were over.

"I'll see you soon my angel" She handed Anna back to Paul, kissed Carla on the forehead and gave Paul another hug and before he knew it they were back in the elevator. The doors had hardly closed when she started talking.

"I'm so not into babies. I love them and so happy for Lala but nope. So how was your week Jack?" She had seemed so natural with Anna, it was a strange admission to hear.

"Yeah, well it ah, it was a week" he shifted uncomfortably.

"Oh, what happened?" Emily's concern seemed genuine to him and shrugging, talking with her seemed to natural. It was as if he had known her years not hours. Did she feel the same way? She laughed at him, breaking him out of his thoughts. He had done it again, what kind of impression was he giving her?

"Are you done with the office Jack?" He nodded now he was paying attention again before admiring the way the dim lights still made her hair shine. "Do you drive?" He shook his head, not mentioning the private car that taken him to and from work every day. She didn't seem the type to be impressed by that.

"Come on then" she grabbed his arm and headed to the parking lot. He wasn't surprised to see she drove one the new models of VW Beetle, it was the navy blue color that surprised him. Lime green, yellow, red perhaps - for such a bright personality it seemed to dark for her. He wasn't sure where they were going but as they headed up the road he realized it was Kings Park. He had wanted to come here but hadn't done so yet and as the car climbed up the hill under the eucalyptus trees the city was seen in  its entirity. It was a beautiful location.

Stopping in front of one of the children's playgrounds she threw a smile in his direct as she climbed out, "Come on" she yelled behind her as she ran across the park. It was dark; he was still in his Armani suit and Gucci work shoes but figured that didn't matter now. He started off in pursuit of her across the slightly damp grass, only to find her already sitting on a swing, "Now Jack, take a seat. Nothing makes you forget your worries like a play in the park"

She knew she was pushing the boundaries of their unusual friendship. Would he think she was a nutjob, staring at people in airports and now playing on childrens equiptment at night and not forgetting dragging him in to meet complete strangers at the hospital. She knew Lala was going to grill her about him in tomorrows visit. But what was there to tell? She hadn't stopped thinking about Jack since she left him at the airport. He was so familiar to her; the feelings brewing in her stomach were not helping. She wanted him in her life. The sparkle of the diamond on her finger in the dim park lights kept her reality in check. Greg. Her fiancé. 8 years of her life wrapped in a perfect little bow. But Jack was something more, something she hadn't felt or known before and despite the guilt that had started to form, she decided there was no reason they couldn't just be friends.