Micah, The Fierce Fights For Emma, The Brave (Micah and Emma Series Pt. 7)

By Jessa Eden

After declaring his love on live television, Micah Turner thought Emma Matthews would lovingly rush into his arms. But, he couldn't be more wrong. After all the heartache and turmoil, Emma isn't about to let Micah off the hook for his bad behavior. She throws down the gauntlet, challenging him to win her back or be gone from her life forever. Will Micah win back Emma's heart and trust?
*****At over 300 pages, Micah and Emma will take you along on a breathless journey that will make you laugh, cry and cheer on this beloved couple. Stay tuned my friends, part 7 is about to pull you under into the delicious world of Micah and Emma.
Check out all of their stories from the beginning:
Micah, The Fierce Takes On Emma, The Brave (Pt. 1)
Micah, The Fierce Nails Emma, The Brave (Pt. 2)
Micah, The Fierce Dominates Emma, The Brave (Pt.3)
Micah, The Fierce Aches For Emma, The Brave (Pt. 4)
Micah, The Fierce Toys With Emma, The Brave (Pt. 5)
Micah, The Fierce Knocks Up Emma, The Brave(Pt.6)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessa Eden
• Release date: May 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310701399

Jessa Eden

Over the last couple of years, writing has become a passion of mine. I pour my heart into each one of my stories, letting my characters go wherever they dare to venture. They often surprise and amuse me. I revel in exploring the human condition through the art of storytelling. Nothing gives me more pleasure than drawing you into a world of emotional connection, compelling characters and hopeful adventure, complete with sizzle and sensuality. My goal is to leave you breathless and panting for more... Write me. I love to hear from readers! I'm always looking to get fresh perspective, inspiration and insight to making my stories the best I can make them. I promise I'll write back. Until then, celebrate and savor the magic of romance, good people!

Book preview

Emma:

When I arrived at the ESPYs, I had hoped to be entertained, meet a few famous people, and then be on my merry way back to Baltimore.

Nice and simple, right?

Yep. Until Micah went live with his feelings.

I had been minding my own business and enjoying my evening when he came out on stage. As usual, Micah exuded a primal hotness that made every woman in the auditorium ache to tear his clothes off.

So damn sexy, that boy.

I would never get used to the way he made me feel when he walked into a room. I was overwhelmed with a mixture of raw lust and sweet tenderness, which always made me want to throw my arms around him.

I tried to feign disinterest as he commanded the attention of the auditorium. I picked at my pink nail polish as he rattled off the usual set of obligations, thanking the Baltimore organization and the fans.

He sounded like every other athlete that accepted an award that night—safe and conventional. Little did I know that would be the last normal thing he would say.

He finished his speech in record time, but didn't leave the stage. He stayed quiet for a long minute, obviously contemplating his next words.

The stale air suddenly crackled with a different kind of energy. An electric, pulsing intensity filled the theater, sending shockwaves through the crowd.

Micah was going rogue.

I could feel it.

Things got more intriguing as he pulled a purple cloth out of his jacket pocket and tied it around his bicep. I watched, riveted, as the material fell softly against his massive upper arm.

It took me another second to recognize the purple silk as the blouse I had sneaked into his luggage. I had totally forgotten about that. Funny, that he should have something of mine wrapped around his arm.

Oh, my God.

This was about me.

I became lightheaded as I realized my world was going to be turned upside down, by whatever Micah wanted to say.

The atmosphere sizzled with excitement, and goose bumps spread like wild fire down my arms and across my chest. My tummy flipped-flopped insistently as anticipation ran headily through my blood.

My gut clenched again as I saw him search the crowd.

Holy mother of all that was brave, what was he up to?

His eyes locked on mine as I held perfectly still. His passionate gaze told me he was taking a risk and daring himself to step into the unknown world of vulnerability.

An immediate connection unfurled between us; one that gripped me by the heart and wouldn’t let go. I held my breath, waiting for him to speak.

He explained he had been fighting hard against the wrong thing.

Yes, and it had damn near broken me.

It hadn't been easy to pick up the shattered pieces of my heart and put myself back together again. But, I had survived it all and now I was on the precipice of a magnificent moment.

Wow me, Micah. Give me your best shot.

He did not disappoint.

He continued to talk and said I was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Whoa. You had me at hello.

Then, it got better. Much better. Gloriously better.

Micah uttered those three magical words I longed to hear—I love you.

Gasp. Sputter. Sputter.

My ears rang. Did he just say he loved me?

Yep, uh-huh.

Wildly and completely, he said.

Holy Crap!

MICAH LOVED ME!

Those words banged around my heart like a pinball machine gone mad. My stunned brain took a minute to process that information and then…

Blam!

I got it.

Micah loved me! Micah loved me!

Gasps of air escaped my throat as my chest heaved in euphoria.

Oh, happy day! Oooh, happy day!

The chorus of the old hymn played out in soul-choir fashion in my head as I locked onto the feelings flowing through me.

Surprise.

Rapture.

Relief.

I burst into tears, wells of emotion running through me. A sweet, heady balm flowed through my insides, releasing lovely sparks of life, igniting every drop of hope I possessed in long forgotten places, like the depths of my soul.

I had yearned, panted, and endured heartbreak to get to a moment like this, but no fantasy could compare to the amazing reality of Micah professing his love.

The heavens continued to open and manna flowed forth as he poured out the feelings I had longed to hear. Phrases like fight for me, and ready to breathe underwater rolled off his tongue, his face bright with passion and dare I say it…LOVE.

God, could it get any better?

I melted into my seat as ooey-gooey, punch-drunk feelings of mad joy coursed through my body. Wonder filled me as I savored the giddiness transforming my soul. It was like waking up on Christmas morning and finding the best gift ever waiting for me under the tree.

What an incredible sight it was to watch Micah pour his heart out. It was so courageous of him to take a leap of faith and declare his love for me on live television.

Exhilaration coursed through my body as my mind warned me to be cautious. I glanced over and saw Bill's pensive face absorb my emotional, tearful reaction. I instantly sobered, a harsh truth hitting me in the face.

Was I really willing to throw away what I was starting with Bill for the possibility that Micah might follow through with his powerful words?

What exactly happened after this moment?

Confusion flooded me, drowning out my joy. Micah had finally given me the words I had longed to hear from him, and yet, I still had doubts.

What was really going on here?

What did this mean?

If I gave Micah what he wanted, would he still be around when we hit our first bump in the road?

Questions swirled around my mind, threatening to overwhelm me. I wasn't about to be swept up into a moment I couldn't take back.

I needed to get some air.

My body moved of its own accord as I shot up from my seat. Excuse me, excuse me, I repeated several times as I stepped over legs and bumped into knees, trying to get out of my row.

Grace was hot on my trail as I blazed up the aisle. We burst out into the lobby as the auditorium exploded in applause.

I wandered around the lobby shell-shocked for a second, trying to figure out what to do. I wanted to jump into Micah's arms, but was he ready for a real relationship? Yes…no…

Maybe.

Warring emotions paralyzed me, indecision running rampant through my brain.

Thank God for Grace.

She grabbed my hand. Come on, we can’t stay here! She motioned toward the women’s bathroom as she pulled me along.

We ran down the hall, teetering precariously in our heels and dresses. We kept running into each other as if we were partners in a three-legged race. We giggled like drunken teenagers and erupted through the door of the powder room in a whirlwind of excitement.

Grace, Grace, I said, trying to say something that made sense. Can you believe he...Oh, oh! My world burst open with another flurry of feelings. I was giddy, confused, and in a state of total disbelief.

My eyes glittered with tears again, thinking about Micah's words. I grabbed a tissue and dabbed at my tear-streaked face. I was a mess, but I didn't care.

He just put my shirt on his arm. I mimicked tying the shirt around my bicep. Then he said I'm gonna show you how much I love you, I repeated with stars in my eyes, as if I’d just witnessed some kind of miracle, which in my book, it was. Did that just really happen?

Grace beamed as she watched me process Micah's speech. How does it feel to watch that man grovel for your affection? she asked as I walked back and forth in a daze with my hands over my heart.

It’s AMAZING! I raved loudly, throwing my arms out to my sides in dramatic fashion. I never could have dreamed something like that would happen!

Take it in, sugar. You got that man to risk his heart and reputation for you on live television.

Sheesh. The entire nation had witnessed Micah's proclamation of love.

It was only a couple of million people, right? I asked, feeling faint. Micah sure knew how to go big with his feelings.

Maybe, in the States, anyway. But I'm pretty sure this played overseas. Grace grinned like a Cheshire cat enjoying a bowl of milk. Welcome to the worldwide stage, Emma.

I didn't want to think about the whole world prying into my love life. I chewed on my thumbnail as my mind scattered in all kinds of directions. There was so much to take in and work out, but my biggest concern was how to react to Micah's bold speech.

Shouldn't I just go back out there and talk to him?

No, no, no… Grace held up her hand and waved it back and forth quickly. You gotta run, sugar. Make him work for it.

What? I asked, thinking I had heard her wrong.

You want something real? Her emerald green eyes sparkled with thoughtful challenge. Something that will last, right?

Yes, but—

Then run! she demanded and grabbed me by the upper arms. Sam and I have a cabin in the mountains of Colorado. You can fly out tonight and stay there.

Yeah, but I can't just leave. What will he think? That took a lot of courage for him to say what he said. I can't just run away and embarrass him.

If he’s really serious about getting you back, he’ll come after you.

You mean like giving him a test of some kind? That idea did hold some appeal for me.

She nodded vigorously. It's a test of his character. Don't you want to know what he's really made of, Emma?

Yes, I do, but I don’t know, Grace. That seems a bit extreme.

Yes, but, you're still not sure that he's ready for a relationship, right?

Right, I agreed, pondering her persuasive words.

You can do this, Emma. I know it's not easy, but you've got to take it there and see how he reacts.

My instinct told me she was right. My questions would never be answered if I went back into the auditorium now. I didn't want lingering doubts to overshadow a new beginning with Micah.

Okay, let's do this, I said, having no clue how to do any of it.

Grace grinned again. Trust me, Emma. It's gonna work. This is what you're gonna do…

Micah:

I had done it.

I’d told Emma that I was madly in love with her in front of God and Country. I’d walked toward her seat, feeling like the world was at my feet. She would never deny me, now. She was going to throw herself into my arms, overcome with adoration.

That victorious feeling lasted about ten seconds.

Something was wrong.

She wasn't there. I looked around, but I didn’t see her.

For that matter, Grace was missing too. Sam shrugged and mouthed, I don't know.

That wasn't good.

Women always seemed to travel in sets of two. Where there was one, there was the other.

I ran up the aisle, determined to find them.

I hit the lobby and tried to ignore my hurt feelings as I hunted Emma down.

Where was she?

Didn't she want to see me?

I didn't have much luck in my search. Most of the crowd was in the theater and I could look only so many places.

I was jogging toward the women's bathroom, when Grace appeared out of nowhere with a martini in her hand.

She smiled charmingly. Come have a drink with me, Micah.

She grabbed my arm and walked down the hall in the opposite direction I had been headed. I recognized a siren call when I saw one. This siren wanted to distract me, while the other one got away.

I don't want a drink. I want to know where Emma is. I stopped walking and turned toward her.

All in good time. She patted my arm soothingly, like she could just make me forget I was after Emma.

Fat chance.

I cut through the bullshit game Grace was playing. Where is she? I practically yelled as I took my arm out of her grasp.

She went back to her hotel.

Why? I asked, confused as ever.

She just needs a little time, Micah. You really laid one on her back there.

Time? She's had plenty of time. Isn't this what she wanted?

What she wanted and what she got were two very different things.

I meant every goddamn thing I said! She belongs with me, Grace!

Does she? Her angelic eyebrow arched coolly.

I sized up Ms. Celtic Fairy, wondering what her mischievous mind was plotting. She was hiding something. I could smell it.

What's going on, Grace? Why would Emma run off?

You're going to have to talk to her about that.

Grace, I love her. I just want to be with her, I said, hoping she would stop playing head games with me.

Well, that's something you're going to have to prove.

I fully intend to.

She smiled. Good. I'm glad you're going after Emma.

Why was she acting so happy? I felt like I was two steps behind her.

What hotel is she staying at? I asked, figuring she wouldn't tell me.

Aria, she said a little too easily.

Are you sure?

Yeah, pretty sure, she confirmed as she scrunched up her lips in thought.

I knew I wasn't getting the whole story, but that tip was all I had to go on.

I ran out of the hotel and grabbed the first cab I saw. I called Emma in the taxi, breaking my promise to Charlie. I didn't care about that anymore. I just wanted to find her.

I got her voicemail on the first ring. She was either ignoring my call or taking another one, probably from Puzio.

Shit.

Call me, Emma. Please. I tried to keep the begging out of my voice.

Where was she?

Didn't she want to see me?

I arrived at the Aria Hotel, only to remember I had no idea which room she was staying in.

When I asked at the front desk, I was informed that Emma Matthews was not staying at the Aria.

Damn it.

I knew Grace had given in too easily. It didn't take much detective work to realize she had deliberately misdirected me.

I called Sam. He would give it to me straight.

Micah! his happy voice boomed as he answered the phone. Way to go!

Sam, do you know where Emma is staying? I said, ignoring his congratulations.

Yeah, she's at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, same as us.

Thanks.

Go get her!

Will do.

I got to the Cosmopolitan, feeling like I had lost valuable time. I ran to the check-in desk, where it took a smile and one smoldering stare to warm up the frumpy, female desk clerk.

Didn't you just give a speech at the ESPYs? she asked with a blush.

Yes, I did. And it would be great, if you could give me her room number. I shot her another big grin.

She thought about it for a second and then her fingers flew across her keyboard. Emma Matthews is staying in room 1204.

I gave her a sexy wink. Thank you.

Can I just say that what you did was very romantic? Emma Matthews is a lucky woman, she gushed shyly.

Wish me luck, darlin'. I'm hopin' Emma agrees with you!

With that, I raced up to Emma's floor, banged on her door, hoping to see her throw it open, and welcome me in.

But, nothing happened.

I was met with deafening silence.

I put my ear up to the door, but I didn't hear anything. I kept knocking and calling out, but she didn't answer. Obviously, she wasn't in her room.

I didn't get it. I thought she would be thrilled to know I was deeply in love with her, and I wanted to be with her for the rest of my life.

Where the hell did she go?

Chapter Two

Emma:

My excitement grew as I realized that Grace was right on with her advice to run. It just made sense. We mapped out a plan, which would make Micah earn his way back into my life.

I slipped out the side door of the ladies’ room as Grace went to run interference with Micah. We agreed she would hold him off, while I went back to my hotel.

I felt like I was in the middle of a Jane Austen story—intrigue, adventure, and passion were all playing out in grand fashion. My favorite part of her stories was always when the hero's true heart was exposed at the end, proving his love to his heroine.

I always adored that redemption and true love triumphed over scheming villains, snotty relatives, and a prideful heart. I wanted to experience a moment of such blissful knowledge.

Come on, Micah. Follow me.

I hailed a taxi and dashed back to my hotel room. I called an airline as I threw all my clothes into my suitcase because I was too panicky to book a flight online. For all of my jittery nerves, I could have booked myself a flight to somewhere on the other side of the world, like Thailand, but I wasn't sure if Micah would track me down in Asia.

So, I was Colorado bound, potentially being chased by the man I loved. It felt like an elaborate game of hide and seek.

Silly, right?

Maybe not.

It didn't seem so childish when I stopped to consider the facts. There were big stakes to this contest, like kids and marriage, and hopefully, forever.

My heart reminded me once again, that worthy things were often difficult to achieve. I remembered how painful it had been to walk away from Micah that fateful night at Grace's house. I had ripped myself out of his arms, praying we would somehow find our way back to each other.

This was our chance.

Our time to get it right.

My ultimate hope for him hadn't changed. I wanted him to break out of his shell and experience the fullness and sweetness of love and intimacy with me.

He had taken a major step with his speech. But was it enough?

I wasn't sure.

Doubts plagued me. He could turn cold tomorrow and I’d be left with a shattered heart and a baby to raise on my own.

I certainly couldn't afford to let him yank me around if he decided he didn't want the responsibility of a family. A crazy trip to Colorado would, hopefully, put to rest all of my nagging questions.

I put my cell on speakerphone and laid it on the bed as I unzipped my beautiful gown and finagled my way out of it. I picked it up off the floor and looked at the pretty, pink, shimmery material with fondness—this dress was the one I was wearing when Micah first declared his love to me. If nothing else, I would always have that.

I let myself have a moment of celebration, but reality beckoned, reminding me time was of the essence. I threw the gown in my overstuffed suitcase and prayed I could somehow shut it. I shimmied into my jeans as a ticket agent answered my call.

Yes, I would like to book a flight to Denver from Las Vegas, I said, using my shoulder to hold the phone while I wrestled with my suitcase. Do you have anything leaving tonight?

Hold on, ma'am. Let me check.

I waited for what seemed like an eternity as the upbeat sounds of Copacabana played in my ear.

We have one more flight leaving from Las Vegas tonight, the ticket agent said as she came back on the line.

You do? Great, I’ll take it. Relief flooded through me as I gave her my name and credit card number.

I got off the phone and continued to pack my stuff. My flight was leaving in an hour, so I had just enough time to battle with my luggage and get to the airport.

In no time flat, I was ready. My phone buzzed with a message, but I ignored it. I just wanted to get to Colorado.

I did one last check around the room and headed out. I reminded myself I was on a great adventure and it was worth the risk of losing Micah.

After all, I never really had him.

I flagged down another cab and got to the airport just in time. I sailed through check-in and security, getting to my gate with a few minutes to spare.

I bit my nails as I sat nervously in the terminal. I never could have pictured my evening turning out like this. The ESPYs had turned out to be a thrilling ride I never could have anticipated.

Luckily, I had managed to slip by everyone and avoid talking to anyone, including poor Bill. I had just left him in the auditorium with no explanation. He probably would never want to see me again after this latest escapade with Micah.

I really felt guilty.

Bill didn’t deserve to be treated like a second fiddle. He was great, which made me even more confused. He was so wonderful and yet my heart was thumping with joyous relief at the memory of Micah's brave announcement.

There was no denying the power and sincerity of those magical words—I am wildly and madly in love with you. It was as if a switch had turned on inside of me, my heart burning brightly with hope, once again.

My phone buzzed insistently as I rummaged around my purse, looking for my Chapstick. This time, I decided to pick up when I saw it was Marla.

Hello? I asked as I ran my cherry-flavored Chapstick over my lips.

What was that? Marla asked with a definite squeal in her voice.

I don't know.

I do. He loves you, sugarpop. I knew it.

Well, the jury is still out on that one. I'm not entirely convinced.

I don't buy that for a second. You are madly in love with that man, she professed happily.

I grinned, despite my desire to stay unemotional. She was right. I was head over heels in love with Micah and I had been from the moment he walked into the salon. That fierce adoration had thrived inside of me, even when I thought there was no chance of us getting together.

Now, there was a chance. Maybe?

No, definitely.

Yes, I’m in love with him, but I have to be sure he truly loves me, Marla. I won't let my heart be stomped on again. He has to show he is ready.

I understand. Did you tell him about the baby?

I haven't talked to him, yet, I admitted, still feeling awful about running off.

What? You just left him hanging?

I shrugged and looked around the gate. It looked like we were going to board any second.

Kinda. Sort of. Look, it's complicated. I'm flying out to Colorado tonight. My foot tapped rhythmically on the frayed industrial carpet as I waited for another barrage of questions from Marla.

Colorado? What's in Colorado?

Sam and Grace have a cabin there. I'm going to stay there for a few days and figure out some things.

What's supposed to happen in Colorado?

I'm hoping Micah comes after me and we can have a serious chat or two about his little announcement. I stood up and picked up my carry-on luggage as my flight was called to board. I just want to talk to him outside of the spotlight and see if he's really serious about what he said. Emotions are unpredictable. Once a moment is gone, what are we really left with? Is there enough to build something real?

Hmmm, those sound like valid questions, Emma. I'm glad you're not rushing into anything. Do you have some kind of a plan? she said, fishing for more information.

I wasn't about to tell her about Grace's cockamamie scheme at that point. First, Micah had to come after me. Then I could worry about everything else.

I don't know if it's much of a plan, but it's a step in the right direction.

Well, sugarpop, I hope you're right. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Just remember to follow your heart.

I was following my heart, even though it was taking me on a wild ride into the unknown.

Thanks, Marla, I will. I'll call you in a couple of days.

We hung up and I boarded the plane. I took my seat and prepared for take-off. I watched as the flight attendant closed the door to the plane. It was too late to back down now.

Do or die, I was going to Colorado.

The plane taxied down the runway and we took off into the dark sky over the Vegas desert. The flight was short and quiet, leaving me a little time to contemplate the adventure to come.

I tried to tamp down my expectations and steel myself for disappointment, but I felt too damn good to censor my feelings. It was impossible to be calm and collected when my insides were alight with possibility and confidence.

Have faith, little one, I murmured to my stomach. Mama is making sure Daddy is ready for you.

*****

By the time I arrived in Denver, it was late, so I decided to stay in a hotel. After I was settled into my room, I fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

I woke up early the following morning, eager to get to the mountains. I had a quick breakfast of oatmeal, nice and healthy, until I grabbed a cheese Danish from the continental breakfast in the hotel. Those things were so yummy.

I rented a white Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV and programmed the address Grace gave me into the GPS. I got onto I-70 and made my way up the mountains, faithfully following the monotone voice of the navigation system.

I listened to my Gavin DeGraw's Make a Move playlist and kept climbing higher into the mountains of the Wild West. There were lots of winding roads and steep inclines, until I finally came to a long, uphill dirt driveway.

I turned right and headed up, hoping that the GPS lead me to the correct address. A hand-carved wooden sign on the side of the road greeted me. Home of the Richardson’s.

Guess I was in the right place.

The first thing I noticed when I got to the top of the hill was that their cabin was a beautiful home in the middle of a majestic clearing, surrounded by mountains. Forget about the little rustic one-roomed cabin I had envisioned. This place looked like it belonged on the pages of Home and Garden.

The facade was a mixture of stone and wood with