Moving On *Completed*

Chapter 105- Friends

Hawke Pov

I watched Emily all night as she laughed and talked with the people she knew. She danced mainly with the Blackbourne team.

I don't understand what she sees in them. I am a great guy. I have my own very successful business, I am self sufficient. I work out, take care of myself and I think I look alright.

Yet, I feel like she is slipping away from me. They have surrounded her all night. I have one more chance and I plan on making the most of it. They finally play a slow song and I make my way to her. I approach her dancing with Gabe, I cut in as ask for the dance. Gabe grunted 'hell no', but Emily reassured him and said she would be with them shortly. He gave me a stiff nod, looked me in the eyes and glared before leaving. I can feel their eyes on me. If they were daggers, I would have 9 knives in my back.

"It's about time they played a slow song. We need to finish our conversation."

"Let's just dance and not talk. I am still angry you stole my dress."

"I just hid it in the room, I did not take it anywhere. I wanted your attention. Besides, you always have back up clothes."

Emily huffs as she looked around me. I can still feel them staring so I know who she was looking at. I decide to be honest if I want her to be honest with me.

"I have wanted to explore a relationship with you for so long. We work together beautifully, and I know we would be a power couple. Tell me; what do they have that I don't or can offer you." I asked as I spun her around and pulled her close to me.

Sighing, Emily looked at me almost sadly. "All my life, people have used me. Used me to advance themselves financially, put themselves in a better position socially, treated me like I was only good for showing off, or treated me as trash or a personal slave to do their bidding. So tell the truth, Hawke. You only wanted me for my singing and choreography skills. After that, you wanted me because of my looks and what we could do together."

"That was true then. But, after seeing you at that birthday party and working with you these past weeks, I can see so much more. I have feelings towards you and want to see where they go if you give me the chance. Let me show you how real my feelings are."

"I wish I knew how to turn you down gently. But, if we are being honest, I just don't have those same feelings towards you. I think you are a wonderful man; just not the man for me. There is a woman out there that would snatch you up in a heartbeat. She will care for you and not your business, not your money or your status. She will just want you."

Emily sighed sadly. "I would still like to be your friend and work with you again if possible in time."

"Being the gentleman that I am, I will accept that, even though it's not what I want Darling." I rub my hands down her arms to her elbows. "Let's make this last dance special before we say good bye, shall we?"

"I can do that" Emily said as she smiled up at me. As we glide across the dance floor, she looked back at the Blackbourne family and I can clearly see the love she has for them in her eyes and I know I have lost her to them.

As the song came to an end Emily stepped away from me and placed a hand on my chest wishing me good fortune in finding my partner in life and business as she knew she was out there somewhere, then she walked away to where they were waiting for her.

I saw Owen looking at Emily before he turned and glared at me. I simply nodded. Owen returned my gesture and smiled at Emily as she reached and they hugged. Deciding I have had enough, I retrieve my phone and call my driver to let him know I am ready to head home.

Emily POV

I am glad that is over. Now I can focus on the guys. I saw Owen glaring at Hawke, and decide to give him a hug to reassure him I am his. Hawke is a great guy and I know he will find the woman for him.

"Is everything alright, Phoenix?"

"It is Owen. I need to pack my things in the changing room and then I want to head back to my suite." I say, as I squeezed him tight and then let go.

"Very well. Nathan, can you escort Emily back to the dressing room to collect her things?"

"No problem. After you Puff-Puff."

Smiling I loop my arm though. Soon I gather my clothes and I see the dress hidden in the closet. Once I have everything packed, Nathan took my bag and we walk back out the party. My phone rang with a text message from my driver stating he was back and ready to take me the hotel.

"My driver is here and is ready to take me back." I state.

"Our limo is here as well." responded Kota

"Thank you all for coming. I had a wonderful time." I say. I really don't want the night to end, but I am not pushing it.

"Are we still on for lunch tomorrow?" asked Luke.

"Oy! You better bring the sweet tea, Sunshine."

"Oh, is a BLT and peanut butter pie on the menu still?"

"Only for you, baby girl."

"What time is lunch tomorrow, guys?"

"Will 1o'clock at our place be ok with you?"

"Sure Sean. I will be there."

They each gave me a hug and kiss goodbye. Nathan carried my garment bag to the limo and gave it the driver. As I rest my head on the seat, I smile as I remember I will see them tomorrow.