Spencer's lips on mine felt like heaven. He tasted like sugar with a hint of coffee. His hands fell to my hips, gentle and hesitant. I looped my arms around his neck, pulling his body flush to mine. I tangled my fingers in the soft hair at the back of his head. He deepened the kiss, the tip of his tongue sliding along my chapped bottom lip. I would've parted my lips, but I couldn't help the smile spreading across them.

I pulled away, my chest heaving as my lungs begged for air. "Pleasure to meet you, Spencer Reid."

"It was my honor, Emma Aragon," he gasped out, chuckling. We stared at each other. He was so beautiful in person, especially up close. I had to resist the urge to press my lips to every inch of his face. I wanted to kiss him senseless.

I cleared my throat. "W-we probably shouldn't make out in the middle of a taco joint, especially while you're on the job."

He nodded, eyes wide. "Y-yeah." I took a step back. At that moment, Nina and her manager Lawrence bustled out of the back. Nina halted at the sight of us, pasting a sickly sweet smile on her purple lips. I made a mental note to ask where she got that lipstick. It was nice.

"You okay, Emma?" Nina asked, her tone implying she herself was not okay.

I nodded, pursing my lips. "I think I'm better than okay. I think, uh, I think I'm great. What, uh, what about you Spence?" Our eyes bored into each other. My fingers twitched with the urge to yank his face towards mine.

"I'm fantastic," Spencer admitted, a smile playing on his lips. I nodded again, fixing his tie and patting his chest awkwardly. I forced another throat clearing, gesturing to my table where Peyton sat, watching with a mixture of fascination and amusement. I rubbed the back of my neck, quickly adding, "I'm gonna go over there...to my table...so...yeah." I turned on my heel and hurried back to my table.

Peyton was holding back laughter. I narrowed my eyes at her, sitting back down. I sucked down most of my water. She patted my hand, pouting. Her phone rang and she sat up with an eye roll. I watched, still drinking, as she picked up. She immediately went into Business Mom™ mode.

"Hello?" She licked her lips, making a face at me. I giggled. "Oh no. You've got to be kidding me. I'll be there as soon as possible." I raised my eyebrows. That was her Annabelle Done Did Fuck Up™ tone. I pursed my lips. What did Annie do this time? She was a great kid, she just had a problem with authority.

"I have to go, Em, I'm so sorry," Peyton said, hanging up. She stood up, gathering her stuff. I started doing the same. She paused and looked at me like I was insane. "What are you doing? Just eat without me. Your cutie is still over there."

I shook my head, tugging my purse strap up my arm. "No, I should get back and make sure my mom is okay. Spence has my number, it's fine." Her expression twisted into one of concern. I had a feeling she was about to give me a lecture about loving myself or whatever, so I cleared my throat and asked, "Hey, do you have a sticky note and a pen?" She nodded, handing me my requested objects. I jotted something down quickly and returned the pen to her. She slapped down some money and we walked towards the door. I caught sight of Spencer and I bit my lip.

"Dr. Reid?" I said politely. He turned to me. I smiled, extending a hand. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." I shook his hand, my eyes twinkling at the befuddled look on his face. My hand fell to my side and he glanced at the bright pink sticky note stuck to his palm. Before he could respond, I hurried out with Peyton.

I hugged her goodbye. "If you ever need me to look after the girls, just give me a call." I kissed her cheek before climbing into my car and driving home. I felt strangely giddy. I sang along to every song that came on. For the first time in a while, I felt...good. Happy. Excited.

I ran inside, giggling like a schoolgirl. "Mom, you'll never guess-"

"Shh," Mom said softly. "I'm on the phone with Beth." My mood instantly soured. I rolled my eyes and set my purse down on the table. I grabbed a banana from the bowl and ate half while they talked about shit I couldn't care less about. I poured myself a cup of coffee.

Mom turned to me suddenly, beaming. "Beth, Ben, and Ethan are coming down to visit tomorrow!" I choked on my coffee, quickly setting it down.

"Can I talk to Beth?" I questioned, coughing. She nodded and handed the phone off. I excused myself and walked into my room, holding the phone to my ear.

I narrowed my eyes, pacing the floor of my bedroom. "So, first time you call the house phone in almost two months and it's to lie to Mom about your marriage?"

"Ben and I are trying to make things work," Beth snapped.

"You've been trying to make things work since Ethan was born," I argued, scowling. "You deserve better, Beth. Ben's not putting in even remotely the same amount of effort as you!"

Beth's anger was seeping through the phone. "My husband and I are fine, thanks." I sighed. There was no use in talking to her about this. She was so stubborn. Even more stubborn than me, and that was certainly saying something.

I licked my lips. "You're coming tomorrow, right?" She made a noise of affirmation and I continued. "Okay, so this guy I've kind of been dating is in town and I'd like to spend some time with him so can you take Mom for a day...and a night?"

"Yeah, sure," she agreed, sounding tired. Her tone quickly changed to something far more upbeat. "Tell about this guy."

I couldn't help but smile at the mere thought. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll take Ethan for a night to make up for it." I flopped down on the bed. "And...his name is Spencer. Spencer Reid. Dr. Spencer Reid."

"Doctor? Ooo la la! Doctor of what?"

"Well..."

*

a/n: double update and longest chapter ever!! arareid has officially met and had their first kiss!!! i love them so much. thanks for reading. i love you all. until next time!