Captain Swan - Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

THIS IS ONLY A SNEAK PEEK!!!!!!

Chapter 5

Killian thought she was pretty when he saw her on the video footage of the interrogation room with its dim, unpleasant lighting, but bloody hell, she's fucking gorgeous in person. He had shown up to the ceremony as late as he knew he could get away with and sat toward the back to avoid attracting too much attention from the people who knew him—at least until Emma and Ingrid had left and headed for the country club.

He could only see the back of her head during the ceremony, but he'd seen enough as she'd walked down the aisle, to know she's wearing a royal blue mermaid style dress that's sleeveless and accentuates her soft, lovely curves, and shows off her bronzed shoulders and arms. He saw that her hair is parted to the left and swept loosely into a swirl bun embellished with a blue flower. Her skin looks tan, as opposed to her pale, creamy complexion from the video, like she'd used a tanning bed or sunbathed on the beach. He couldn't get a good enough look to figure out which tanning method she'd used, but he's certainly imagining all scenarios.

He'd been jealous of the usher who had the pleasure of escorting her down the aisle— who had the pleasure of being so close to her, he could probably smell whatever perfume she was wearing. Then Killian had chastised himself for having those thoughts. Emma's a suspect, regardless of whether or not he thinks she did anything wrong, and he has to think of her as such. He's not allowed to be jealous of ushers or anyone else who comes in contact with her. He has to admit he was very pleased she didn't arrive with a date though.

When he arrives at the country club, he parks his truck and grabs the gift he got for Anna and Kristoff. He carries it in with him and leaves it on the table draped with white cloth. He signs the guest book and sees Emma Swan and Ingrid Swan's names above his. He hadn't expected Emma to ride with her adoptive mother's vehicle. At first he worried it would interfere with his plans, but actually, if he plays his cards right, Emma not having a car to escape early and unexpectedly in, might be to his advantage.

Killian sits with the Nolans, just as he would if he weren't helping David with the case. They don't dare breathe a word about work; they share some laughs and Killian helps his nephews fill their plates with food from the buffet. He tries not to stare at Emma, but he can't help himself. Every now and then he steals a peak and sees her at a table, conversing with Ingrid and the other guests sitting with them. After she finishes a small plate of food, she grabs her glass of clear liquid and makes her way through the room, chatting with people he doesn't recognize, and that's when he makes his move.

He drains the rest of his water in one gulp before setting down his glass and rising from the empty table.

David had brought the boys each a slice of cake to keep them occupied while Killian planned his escape. And it worked like a charm. It didn't take long for Liam's hands and face to get covered in cake and frosting so Mary Margaret took him and his brother to the ladies' room to clean up. David is now chatting with Anna, Kristoff and Elsa, keeping them distracted while Killian makes his way across the room, sticking to the fringes of the crowd on the side opposite of the head table, lest someone from the bridal party wave him over, call out for him or approach him.

Killian hears the tail end of a conversation Emma is having with a couple before she backs away from them. He casually darts into her path as she's turning around and they crash into each other, her drink splashing over the front of her dress.

"Bloody hell, lass, I'm so sorry."

She peers down at herself assessing the damage. When she looks up at him, at first she is stunned, as though he'd literally knocked the wind out of her. He's pretty certain he has the same gobsmacked expression on his face because she's even more beautiful up close. Her emerald green eyes sparkle under dark, elongated lashes and are framed by black eyeliner, and her lips are coated with shiny, rose pink lip gloss. The only difference between their reactions is she recovers quickly and he can't quite seem to. "You got me all wet," she mutters, her lovely facial features forming a scowl.

Killian flashes a cheeky grin. "If I had a penny for every woman who's ever said that to me..."