"Its like we're holding hands on the inside.."

A/N: Oh my goodness, wow…that's all I can say about you guys, you are so fantastic and you made my day with all your reviews!(: Having said that I really hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you. And just a side note most updates probably will not be this quick in the future. I'd also like to thank everyone for being so welcoming and sweet to me. As always if there are any similarities to any other Settleford pieces it is completely unintended and all the rights and praise belong to those writers. Also I do not own any lyrics or songs mentioned, those rights and ect belong to the respective artists and company. Much love you guys, happy reading(:


Wanted- Hunter Hayes

"You know I'd fall apart without you

I don't know how you do what you do

'Cause everything that don't make sense about me

Makes sense when I'm with you.."


Chapter 2: Wanted

Tuesday April 17th, 2012

Kelly bit down on her lower lip softly as she and Hermés built another lego creation. He was really good at this sort of thing, she realized. Maybe it was because of the recent developments in her relationship with Matthew, or maybe it was because the children were home but that goofy smile stayed plastered across her face most of the day. She heard Matthew's ringtone echo from her iPhone and it caused her to bite down on her lower lip as she grabbed it off the coffee table. After unlocking her phone she scanned over the text shaking her head.

Hey babe, I hope you slept well(:

Hello my darling(-: Awe, you're too sweet. I slept wonderfully, how bout yourself? Kelly typed quickly hitting send.

Great I'm glad to hear it. As for me I slept okay, it was lonely without you(;

Oh poor baby)-: I was lonely too just so you know

What are you doing right now?

Playing with the children. Just got done building something with Hermés. Now Helena and I are playing with her dolls. What are you up to love?

That sounds fun! As for me, I just picked Aven up and now we're playing with her dolls.

So masculine(- ;

Oh, I'm all man baby(;

I guess I'll find out sooner or later hehe

I miss you…can I see you tonight? Maybe dinner, please say yes(:

Awe I miss you too! Hmm tonight, dinner? Yes, with the children…it would be fun come over around 6?(-:

Of course, do you need me to bring anything sweetheart?

Just Aven and yourself(-:

Alright, I can't wait to see you!

Mauhhh, my love Xoxo(-:

Once she sent her final text to Matthew she couldn't help but shake her head he made her so happy it was unbelievable. A simple text from him had her soaring on cloud nine it was insane, really. Through discreet text messages they set up dinner, Kelly was going to be cooking for him and the children. Biting down on her lower lip she pushed herself up from the couch and made her way into the kitchen. Pulling open the refrigerator Kelly began to assess what exactly she could make for dinner, she wanted to make something that was tasty but something that she knew the children would eat. Pushing a hand through her blonde hair Kelly spun around to face Helena who bolted into the kitchen.

"Mommy! She's crying, I phink she's hungry" Helena said cradling her baby doll in her tiny arms.

A smile spread across her lips as she saw the baby doll. Kelly crouched down so she was level with her daughter and glanced at the baby. "Oh, no…here let me try." Scooping the doll from Helena's arms Kelly began to pat the dolls back whispering soft coos.

Helena tilted her head upward watching her mother intently as she took care of her baby doll. "Mommy, I phink it worked. She's sleeping now"

Having heard her daughter say that it worked Kelly nodded in agreement stroking the baby doll's back before slowly handing the doll over to Helena. Once Helena had the doll back she carefully walked into the living room laying her doll onto the couch. She began to scold her brother for being too loud while her baby was sleeping. "Hermés, shhhhh"

Hermés only rolled his eyes at his sister before going back to building with his legos. Kelly smiled at her children from the kitchen, moving around the kitchen island and stepping into the living room switching the television to Nick Jr. for them. The voice of Dora rang out from the living room and her daughters soft voice repeating the Spanish words could be heard from the kitchen where Kelly had returned as she continued to brain storm ideas for their meal. Seeing the ground beef in the fridge made her think, she'd go for a classic meal. She knew that her children loved it, as well as Matthew, and she kind of thought she remembered him telling her in passing that Aven was fond of it as well so it would work well for everyone. After preparing a quick and healthy lunch for the kids she told them to wash up and then come in for lunch.

Once the children had finished their lunch, Kelly sent Hermés to his room to straighten up. She then read Helena a book before she curled up and took a nap in her toddler bed. While the children were preoccupied else where Kelly went and jumped in the shower. Nearly an hour later refreshed from her shower and her new outfit Kelly made her way back into the living room snuggling with Hermés and watching Toy Story 3 on the couch. A half an hour later Helena was padding out of her room and Kelly scooped her daughter up and sat her in her lap as the trio finished watching the movie. Once it was over Kelly checked the time and had a mini-panic attack Matthew and Aven would be here in two hours. She needed to get going on dinner.

Moving from the couch and switching the television off Kelly turned and smiled at her children. "You guys can play…but don't make a big mess, Aven and Matthew are coming over!"

"Yayyy!" Helena said clapping her hands together as she sat on the couch combing out her baby doll's hair.

"Cool," Hermés said with a slight shrug as he went back to practicing writing in his notebook.

Kelly shook her head and laughed a little tying her hair back into a messy bun, washing her hands and going to work preparing dinner. Turning on Pandora Kelly hummed along to the song that was ebbing from the speakers of her radio and kept glancing up from her work station to check on the kids. They were both so content playing with one another and goofing around, it made Kelly smile.

The timer buzzed, signaling that part of the meal was ready to be put into the sauce. Glancing over everything on the stove that was boiling with life might make some feel overwhelmed but Kelly enjoyed cooking, especially for her children. Pulling open the over door she slid in the pan of garlic bread and just then everything seemed to be getting close to being done. Hearing the buzzer alerting her that someone was here caused her to wipe her hands off on the towel on the counter moving to check who it was.

"Its us!" Matthew said cheerfully into the inner com causing Kelly to smile as she held down the button.

"Come on up darlings!"

She moved to the door and flicked the lock over so that the door was unlocked. Kelly let her eyes swipe over the living room, happy to see that the children kept it relatively tidy. As if on cue the timer chimed, bringing her back down to reality that she had dinner to finish. "Crap," she muttered under her breath as she hurried back to the kitchen and switched off the burners and began to drain the noodles. A soft knock cracked against the heavy wood of the apartment door and Kelly looked up taking a deep breath. "Its open!"

Helena leapt off the couch leaving her baby doll unattended as she went to greet them.

Matthew smiled hearing her voice and switched the bottle of wine he had and let it cradle in the crook of his elbow before he skillfully twisted the door handle. He ushered Aven into the apartment and as she saw Helena she squealed excitedly and the two girls exchanged a few words then rushed off to the living room by Hermés. Shaking his head at their two children Matthew pushed the door closed and glanced around the apartment a little bit walking towards the living room. "Hey Hermés, Whatcha doing?"

Hermés looked up from his latest lego creation and smiled at Matthew. "Just trying to build a plane."

"It looks great!" Matthew said as he let his eyes take in the legos sprawled out across the coffee table.

Kelly heard them conversing and stayed silent peering into the living room, loving how Matthew seemed so comfortable around her children. He lifted his eyes and caught Kelly looking at them and gave her a little grin, watching as she glanced down to avoid his eyes and went back to working on finishing dinner. Matthew reassured Hermés that he would come back and help him with the creation he was working on and then got up and made his way into the kitchen by Kelly. "Hey sweetheart, I brought you this."

When she heard his voice she turned around to face him and gave him one of her realest smiles ever. "Hey you!" She said glancing towards the living room. Coming to the realization that the kids were all too preoccupied with what they were doing made her lean in closer to Matthew. They were shielded by a wall and Kelly brushed a quick kiss against his lips before letting her eyes glance over the bottle of wine he held out for her. "My favorite!" She said looking up from the label to meet his eyes leaning in and giving him another quick kiss before setting it on the counter and going back to what she was doing. Taking one of the pans of food Kelly headed into the dinning room, placing a pot holder onto the table before setting the pan down.

As she made her way back into the kitchen she flashed Matthew a smile and grabbed the other two pans. The final timer went off and Kelly rushed back into the kitchen pulling open the oven grabbing a pot holder and taking out the garlic bread. "Can you tell the kids to wash up?" She asked him while she closed the oven door setting the pan down on the stove top.

"Of course," Matthew walked over to her and pressed a kiss to her cheek before sliding into the living room. "Kidos, it's time to wash up…dinner is ready." He exclaimed clapping his hands together and ushering the children towards the bathroom.

Meanwhile Kelly retrieved some plates, silverware, plastic cups for the children, and two wine glasses for herself and Matthew setting everything onto the counter. Once she was sure she had everything she took it all into the dinning room and set the table. As she fiddled with the last place setting she looked up at the three children that bounded into the dinning room. Aven and Helena were seated next to each other in booster seats, and Hermés took his place at the head of the table and Kelly and Matthew sat side by side across from their daughters.

While Kelly made the children's plates of old fashioned meatballs over whole-wheat spaghetti with green beans and a slice of garlic bread, Matthew uncorked the bottle of wine and poured them each a glass. Knowing that they were children and would not eat much Kelly made sure to give them each reasonable portions and cut up the meatballs as well as the spaghetti for them. Giving the children their plates Kelly moved into the kitchen and poured them all glasses of milk before handing them out and taking her seat next to Matthew.

Glancing down at her plate made her smile, while she was getting the children milk Matthew must have fixed her plate. "Thank you," she whispered to him sliding her hand to his knee letting it rest their briefly.

"Of course."

The children began to scarf down their food and their was a light and goofy conversation going on between Matthew and Hermés. Kelly listened to the two of them chatter away about legos, boats, planes, all those boyish things and then glanced across the table to Aven and Helena. Both girls were eating well, but would pause to address each other with a silly face once in a while. Seeing the interaction between all of them, to an outsider they probably looked very much like a family and if Kelly was being honest they felt like a family. She laughed softly to herself taking a few more bites of her food before reaching for her glass of wine. Suddenly she felt Matthew's hand, it was resting on her thigh and his thumb was subconsciously gliding up and down. Letting out an even breath Kelly stole a quick glance at him and he just grinned at her. Slowly she moved her own hand to rest on top of his letting her fingers weave between the spaces of his.

Dinner went extremely smoothly, there were surprisingly no spills and no stains, it was a miracle. Having children one would expect those sorts of the things, but other then their messy faces nothing else was out of order. Kelly slipped her hand from out of Matthew's and gave him a smile before she removed her napkin from her lap and took the children to the bathroom to wash them up. As Kelly disappeared into the bathroom with the children Matthew began to collect the plates and take them into the kitchen setting them on the counter next to the sink.

By the time they were finished and Kelly returned to the dinning room she noticed that most of the table had been cleared and didn't see Matthew. Shaking her head she walked into the kitchen and found him putting the left over food into Tupperware containers. "You don't have to do that."

When he heard her voice he turned to face her and smiled, giving a little shrug. "Yeah, well you slaved away to make this meal…the least I can do is clean up."

Kelly shook her head at him, he really was something else. Inching closer to him she smiled and grabbed her glass of wine that was resting on the counter close to him. Their bodies brushed lightly against one another's as her slender fingers wrapped around the stem of the wine glass. She lifted it to her lips, and took a sip their eyes never breaking contact. Leaning in a little closer to him, invading his space Kelly felt her breathing hitch slightly. This moment was charged, or something she took another sip and watched as he eyed her lips. Just to tease him Kelly licked her lips tasting the wine that lingered on them. Matthew gave her his signature grin edging closer to her his breath spilling against her awaiting lips. It was an intense moment both waited for the other to make the move, slowly Kelly drifted closer to him their noses grazing.

"Matthew," came a small voice that was getting louder. The two broke apart and Kelly clasped her glass of wine shifting her eyes away from Matthew's sucking on her bottom lip before downing the rest of her glass of wine.

Matthew let out a small chuckle as he went back to washing the dishes. Looking up from the bubbles and addressing Kelly's son. "What's up Hermés?"

"You said you'd help me build my plane." Hermés said stepping into the kitchen by them.

Moving her brown eyes up and down Matthew's frame she saw him hesitate, and knew what he was going to say. She shook her head and stepped in letting her fingers brush against his bicep. "Go…I'll finish cleaning up."

"Are you sure?" He questioned turning his face to take in Kelly's. Once she nodded and reassured him he leaned closer to her and brushed a kiss to her cheek before scooping Hermés up and carrying him on his shoulders into the other room.

It didn't take long for her to finish cleaning up and once she was done she poured herself another glass of wine and switched the light off in the kitchen. Glancing around the living room and not seeing the girls Kelly looked over to where Matthew and Hermés were building and smiled. "Where are the girls?"

At the sound of her voice Matthew's eyes shot up and he let his eyes take in her appearance. Tight blue jeans, grey sweater, and her hair was down now framing her face and falling gracefully over her shoulders. He couldn't believe this was really his life, that this woman in front of him was really his girlfriend she was utterly beautiful. "Oh, um-" He stuttered shaking his head breaking himself out of his own trance. "They went into Helena's room," Matthew said with a nod towards the hallway.

"Oh, okay." Kelly said taking a sip of her wine and setting it down on the coffee table before making her way down the hallway to Helena's room.

He couldn't help himself and looked up as she walked away. He bit down on his lower lip and then broke out smiling. Hermés hit him playfully to get his attention and the two went back to their building.

Upon reaching Helena's room Kelly opened the door and her eyes got wide and she broke out giggling. The girls had got all dressed up in some of Helena's dress up clothes. Both Aven and Helena each had long flowly dresses on and completed their looks with crowns on top of their heads. "Oh my goodness, I didn't know that Princesses' lived here!" Kelly exclaimed in a playful tone eyeing both girls that were sporting Disney princess costumes.

"Aren't we pretty Mommy?" Helena questioned as she spun around showing off her dress.

"Yeah. Aren't we Kelly?" Aven said twirling around with Helena.

After the girls asked if they were pretty, Kelly bent down so that she was level with them and smiled. "You two are absolutely beautiful." The girls beamed at that and then Kelly leaned forward and brushed a kiss to both of Aven's cheeks and did the same to Helena. "Come on, let's go show the boys!" Kelly urged excitedly as she held the door open for them as they both stepped out into the hallway strutting down it and giggling making their grand entrance into the living room.

"Oh look at you two!" Matthew exclaimed seeing them all dressy and extremely adorable.

"We're Princesses' " Helena informed him.

Aven nodded her head and spun around. "Yes, the most beautiful Princesses' ever"

He laughed softly at what his daughter had just said and then looked up at Kelly raising an eyebrow at her. "So does that make Kelly the most beautiful Queen?"

Both girls spun around and cranked their necks to look up at Kelly. Helena pressed her lips together and glanced over at Aven who shrugged her shoulders. "She's not wearing a dress…" Helena said eyeing her mother slightly before glancing back at Matthew.

"It's okay baby, I'm not the most beautiful Queen." Kelly said shaking her head as she took a seat on the couch reaching for her glass of wine.

"Maybe she's a Queen in hiding." Matthew said letting his eyes linger on Kelly who crisscrossed her legs and leaned back against the couch and rolled her eyes at him.

"Oh yeah, maybe" Aven nodded agreeing with her father. Quickly Aven turned to Helena and the two began babbling to each other about something.

Ignoring Matthew's eyes Kelly leaned forward to see the progress of the plane that he and Hermés were building. Ruffling her sons hair a little bit she planted a kiss to his cheek. "That's looking great baby!" She encouraged Hermés and he beamed with satisfaction glancing at the directions before eyeing the pieces and selecting one.

"Thanks Mom, Matthew's pretty good at this kind of thing." Her son said matter-of-factly and Kelly nodded her head shifting her eyes over to Matthew and giving him a small smile.

"Oh, I barely did anything…it was all Hermés." Matthew interjected as he reached over and straightened one of the pieces on the plane.

Hermés let his eyes roam over the directions and picked up the final few pieces and secured them onto the practically finished plane. Kelly and Matthew watched as Hermés worked. Slowly Matthew scooted so that his back was resting against the couch and his legs were outstretched in front of himself. Kelly lifted her glass of wine to her lips and took a sip before sliding over on the couch so that she was closer to where Matthew was. Hesitantly she reached her opposite hand out and let it curve over Matthew's left shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Yes, Its done!" Her son said excitedly turning around and showing off the finished product before wrapping his arms around Matthew. "Thanks, Matthew!"

"No problem, buddy!" Matthew responded letting his hand reach up and stroke the boy's back briefly before Hermés ran to show off his plane to the girls.

They couldn't have been more unimpressed, but it didn't seem to phase Hermés. He lifted his plane into the air and began to make circles around the room with it. Kelly watched the happiness her son emitted and couldn't help but smile as her eyes fell over to her daughter and the giggles coming from her and Aven's direction. Taking a large gulp of her glass of wine Kelly leaned forward and set her glass down on the coffee table. Now that her hands were free she leaned into Matthew's back her chest pressing against it as she wrapped her arms loosely around him from behind. Feeling her presence caused him to laugh softly, she rested her chin on his shoulder and gave him a sly sideways look. Matthew turned his head up and managed to press a playful kiss to the tip of her nose. Kelly crinkled up her nose shaking her head a little bit before she shifted her face so that her lips met cheek. "Hmm, you're amazing you know that?" she whispered into his ear brushing a teasing kiss to his ear before moving her lips from his skin and trailing her eyes back over to the children.

Reaching up Matthew let his hand wrap around her hands that were clasped over where his breastbone was. He tilted his head back and gave her a grin using his other hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You're too sweet Kel and-"

Their moment was interrupted as the girls jumped on top of an unsuspecting Matthew talking practically a mile a minute. "Whoa, whoa slow down girls," Matthew pleaded as Kelly untangled her arms from around him and went back to her former position leaning back against the couch.

"Can we have a sleepover?" Helena and Aven said in unison their eyes darting between Matthew and Kelly expectantly.

"Um, sweetie you didn't bring pajama's " He stated addressing Aven as he pushed himself up from the floor. Taking a seat on the edge of the couch by Kelly who looked up and met his eyes.

"Matthew they're pretty much the same size. Aven can borrow pajama's from Helena, but it's entirely up to you."

Hermés walked over and sat in the little space between Kelly and Matthew on the couch. "We could all have a sleepover even Matthew could stay, we could camp out in the living room."

The pair sought out each other's eyes and Kelly gave a slight shrug of indifference smirking at Matthew. "That sounds like a great idea, but if we're going to do that, you guys need to clean up-" Matthew answered for them.

"And then get ready for bed, because it's getting pretty late." Kelly said jumping in when she noticed that it was nearly 8:30.

All the children bounced around excitedly the girls picked up some of Helena's dolls that were left out and bolted down the hallway to her room. Kelly laughed at the sight of them and pushed herself off the couch walking with Hermés down the hall. He went into his room and Kelly slipped into Helena's room. Opening her pajama drawer on her dresser Kelly pulled out two nightgowns that had some of the Disney Princesses' on them. She laid them onto Helena's bed and knelt down to the girls level. "Alright girls, change out of your dress-up clothes…and make sure they get put away. Then put these on," she said as she gestured with her hand to the bed where the nightgowns were.

Kelly stepped into the hallway and smiled as Hermés emerged from his room. He was dressed in his pajamas with his pillow and sleeping bag in hand heading towards the living room. Opening the closet door Kelly eyed the contents pulling out a comforter that belonged to her extra set and brought it to the living room. As she entered the room Matthew had already moved the coffee table out of the way. Offering him a smile when their eyes met Kelly unfolded the king size down comforter and laid it out on the floor. The blanket had just been laid out and the girls sprinted onto it claiming their sleeping arrangements. A few minutes later Kelly came in with pillows spilling from her arms dropping one next to where the girls had laid down and then tossing one over to Matthew.

Finally everyone was situated on the blanket and the movie began to play. Helena and Aven fell asleep within the first ten minutes whereas Hermés got an hour into the movie before falling asleep. Pushing herself off the floor Kelly stepped around the couch and retrieved her glass of wine finishing it off and heading towards the kitchen. Matthew jumped up and followed close behind her towards the kitchen capturing her slim waist and pulling her towards himself. When she felt his hands on her she giggled and spun around in his arms smiling as his lips pressed down against hers. Walking backwards her lips never left his and she blindly set her wine glass down on the counter. They were locked in a heated union and Kelly trailed her fingers up his bicep before they curled around the back of his neck.

As the small of her back hit the counter Kelly pushed herself up onto it pulling Matthew closer to herself so their lips wouldn't lose contact. He broke their kiss and Kelly let her bottom lip brush against his top one in a teasing fashion, as her breath spilled against his lips. Matthew's hands rested on the counter top and his eyes locked with hers, as she pushed away some of his brown hair before letting her arms wrap around his neck. "You know you're really great with Hermés, he really looks up to you."

"Well he's like his mother, pretty damn cute," he said inching closer to Kelly.

"Oh? I'm only pretty damn cute?" Kelly asked in a playful tone fixing him with a look.

"Baby, you know you're beautiful," Matthew said as he leaned in closer to her whispering against her lips. "So beautiful, in-fact that it makes you utterly irresistible."

"Alright, alright enough."

"Oh, someone can't take a compliment?" he teased causing Kelly to roll her eyes at him shaking her head.

"So, there's that event on Thursday…" She said changing the subject entirely.

"Yes, and I was planning on going because you're going," Matthew said in a soft tone letting his eyes wash over every detail of her face.

"Uh-ah, so do you want to go together?" Kelly asked letting her eyes move down to their current position, Matthew was flesh against the counter trapped between her legs.

He let his eyes move from her eyes to her lips and then back up as he bit down on his lower lip. "Yes of course, there's no one else I'd rather go with."

Upon hearing what he said she shook her head and slid her right hand to cup his cheek her thumb stroking his jaw line as she brought his face closer to hers. Kelly stared deep into his eyes and smiled almost shyly at him as her lips inched closer his they were so close to meeting. The air around them was thick she felt goose bumps form across her skin because of the close proximity. Her heart leapt in her chest as Matthew finally closed the gap. He brushed his lips against hers slowly keeping it gentle. She returned the kiss clinging to him her right hand sliding back up to tease the hair on the back of his neck.

A thought struck Matthew and he slowly parted from Kelly who gave him a questioning look. He merely smiled at her before leaning in to brush a soft kiss to her lips, wanting to make sure she knew that he wanted her, always. Reaching behind himself he grabbed a hold of her hand and whispered. "Come on,"

"What? Where? Matthew the children are sleeping…" She said in a hushed tone linking her fingers with his as she hopped off the counter and followed closely behind him.

He lead her through the kitchen and down the hallway to her bedroom door, she raised an eyebrow behind him. What the hell was he thinking? It was making her nervous they weren't ready for that sort of thing, were they? Maybe they were they've known each other for five years, been friends for five years. They know pretty much everything about one another, she felt more connected to him than she ever felt with either of her ex-husbands, maybe it was time. Her brain was working on overload she was thinking a hundred different thoughts and the alcohol was kind of jumbling them all around. Shaking her head Kelly looked up as she heard him push open the sliding door leading her onto the balcony.

"Come here…" He whispered to her and pulled her closer to himself so that their bodies were touching.

"Matthew what are we doing out here?" Kelly asked as she looked up at him, instead of using words he clasped onto her right hand and wrapped his right arm around Kelly's back securing her body against his. Taking a hint Kelly wrapped her left arm around his shoulders.

Brushing a kiss to her lips he smiled and whispered. "No more talking." She nodded her head and then he took the lead. Beginning to sway with her, softly singing a song that had been replaying itself in his head all day.

In this moment they weren't celebrities, they were just two people. Two people who were in love with one another. This wouldn't be what some would consider a perfect first date, but it was. Kelly tightened her hold on Matthew leaning her head against his shoulder listening to him sing. They danced slowly and at a certain point Matthew spun her around before bringing her body back to his and brushing a kiss to her lips. He held her hand close to his heart as he moved with her. Once he finished singing the song Kelly lifted her head her brown eyes locking with his green ones instantly. Slowly she pried her hand from his grip and rested her forehead against his looking down momentarily. It was long enough for Matthew to lift her chin up with his finger so that he could see her beautiful eyes. "Kel, you're all I ever wanted and you mean absolutely everything to me."

After the words left his tongue Kelly's heart melted and she moved even closer to him. "Matthew," were the only words she seemed to be able to formulate. Tilting her head Kelly leaned in close to him and let her lips meet his. The kisses started out sweet, and soon grew passionate. Her tongue flicked against his bottom lip silently begging for entrance into his mouth. Matthew parted his lips just enough for Kelly to slip hers into his mouth. Soon enough a battle for control broke out between them, Matthew gently pushed her against the glass door. Out of breath and accepting defeat Kelly slowly trailed her lips off of his and left a line of kisses in the crook of his neck her fingers tangling in his hair. "I can't believe this is really happening.." she whispered looking down at his shirt before moving her eyes back to his, re-positioning her arms around his neck.

"I know, I feel like I'm in a dream."

She shook her head a little bit and giggled her eyes sparkling in the darkness of the night that surrounded them. A smile took over her lips and she leaned up letting her nose brush his before she placed a single kiss to his lips. Wiggling out of his grasp Kelly stepped back into her bedroom glancing over her shoulder to see if he was coming. Once he was back inside she slid the door closed and flipped the lock over. At that point her eyes caught sight of her clock the bright red numbers almost blinding in the darkness, 11:00pm. Damn. Where had all the time gone? Kelly didn't think they were out there that long. He couldn't get enough of her, he walked up behind her and encircled her waist pulling her body back against his. When they were alone he had to have her in his arms, especially because he wouldn't be able to be this affectionate with her in public on Thursday.

"We should probably get to bed."

"Okay sounds good." Matthew agreed edging closer to her bed.

Her eyes were fixated on his movements and she shook her head at him. "No, not here. What about the children?"

"They'll be fine, we're just down the hall." He said with a wave of dismissal giving her a shrug.

"Matthew." Kelly said sternly giving him a serious look as she lightly pushed him out of her bedroom. Once he was in the hallway he turned around to face her his facial features were etched with confusion. "I have to change," she said in a soft tone to let him know she wasn't mad. Stepping into the hallway she brushed her lips against his, "have some patience…we'll share a bed soon enough." Kelly said winking at him before planting another quick kiss to his lips and going back into her bedroom. Ten minutes later, she emerged from her bedroom in a pair of pajama pants and a tank top. By the time she reached the living room her eyes had readjusted to the minimal light that was coming from the kids bathroom where a night light was plugged in. Matthew had switched off the television, and stripped out off his jeans taking the empty space next to Hermés who had suggested Matt stay. Glancing over the sleeping child Matthew couldn't help but smile. He leaned down and placed a kiss to his forehead then leaned over to place one on Aven's forehead, then one to Helena's. Kelly slid into the open spot next to Helena and bit down on her lower lip as she watched Matthew kiss all of the children goodnight.

After he had finished Kelly leaned down and planted a kiss to each one of the children's foreheads as well. She could feel his eyes on her and as she finished with Hermés, her eyes glided up falling in line with his and she leaned over the children pressing a kiss to Matthew's lips, then whispering. "Goodnight, my love."

He smiled brushing her blonde hair from her eyes and pressed a kiss to her forehead whispering back. "Goodnight baby." They exchanged a smile and then both took their respective spots on either side of the children. Kelly laid on her right side her left arm extending over the children. Matthew got all situated and laid on his left side his right arm extending over the children, his fingers tips brushed against another set of fingers. It made him smile they were so in-sync with each other. He felt her fingers tentatively fiddle with his before they linked together joining their hands. Matthew gave her hand a gentle squeeze before drifting off to sleep.


"Anyone can tell you you're pretty

You get that all the time, I know you do

But your beauty's deeper than the makeup

And I wanna show you what I see tonight"


Thursday April 19th, 2012

It was the day of the event, this would be the first event that her and Matthew would attend but had to keep their relationship under raps. They had to control themselves, control their need to reach for one another. She didn't know why she felt so nervous, did think she couldn't resist him? Hell, it was going to be an interesting night that much was a given. Kelly smoothed out her ivory dress that climbed from her knees and hugged her slender frame perfectly. Dabbing on a coat of lipstick she eyed her reflection and jumped slightly hearing her buzzer echo throughout the quiet house. She let Matthew up and then kissed the children and thanked the nanny. With a light knock on the door, the butterflies erupted in her stomach and she shook her head. What the hell was going on with her today? It was just Matthew. Pulling open the door they instantly embraced one another and his eyes swept over her appearance appreciatively giving her his signature grin. "Hello beautiful"

"Hello my darling" Kelly returned the greeting blushing a little at his choice of words. He leaned in and brushed a kiss to her cheek which she returned.

"Let's go" He said waving goodbye to the children and the nanny before leading Kelly out of her apartment. His hand rested on the small of her back as they made their way towards the elevator.

Finally the elevator stopped at her floor and the doors rolled open. Both of them stepped into the small cubical by a couple that was already in there. Kelly offered a smile and then glanced at her feet noticing that the button of the lobby was already illuminated. Matthew stole a glance at the couple wishing he could pull Kelly against him. Wait, he could do that…wrap his arm around her shoulders, they acted like that normally. Jamming his other hand into his pocket Matthew slung his arm around her shoulders bringing her a little closer to himself. "Are you excited about tonight?" He questioned her softly shifting his eyes to the elevator door as the descended.

"Yeah, it should be fun!" Kelly said nodding her head and stealing a glance at his profile biting back a giggle at the other couples' silence.

"Exactly, but even if it's not…we'll make it fun." Matthew said as he glanced over at her winking. In her heels they were level, she was possibly just a smidge taller than him but like it really mattered.

The musical sound of laughter erupted from her lips as she shook her head at him. "Right." Coming to a halt the elevator door slid open and Matthew gestured for the other couple that was riding to go first. Once they stepped out of the elevator Kelly and Matthew followed suit. Making their way out of the apartment building to the awaiting car. He pulled the door open for Kelly who slid into the backseat and then Matthew climbed in after her shutting the door before the car headed in the direction of their party.

"You look magnificent, Kel" he said softly as he let his hand rest on the bare skin of her knee.

Kelly's eyes shot up from the electricity she felt from his simple touch. Biting down on her lower lip she glanced up front to the review mirror to ensure that the driver wasn't looking. "Thank you. You look incredibly handsome, by the way." She said warmly leaning over and brushing a kiss to the corner of his lips, two could play at this game.

A short drive later they arrived in Soho at Catherine Malandrino's store. Before Matthew opened the door Kelly stopped him, "behave tonight" she said smirking.

"Of course, I would never want to mess this up!" And with that he pulled open the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The moment the door opened there were flashes of light, seeming to come from every single direction. It was just a reminder to Kelly on why she wanted to keep things with him private. Posing for a few shots for the paparazzi, both Kelly and Matthew avoided all lines of questioning getting thrown their way and walked into the store. Hugs were given, cheek grazing kisses were exchanged, and conversation seemed to spark up everywhere.

Throughout the night the two stayed relatively close to one another, which no one there found surprising, they did come together after all. But as close friends to this world. Matthew and Kelly were chitchatting about one of the pieces in The Love Oui installation that was being presented with the reopening of the store. Their conversation was interrupted when a photographer asked to snap some shots. Several flashed later and then Catherine came over, exchanging hugs and hello's the two posed for a picture for the photographer and then Matthew joined them. After the sometimes annoying shots, were over the pair fell back into their discussion. Kelly pulled out her iPhone and snapped a picture of a particular piece with a saying on it. Posting the picture on twitter saying "love love love malandrinobuzz". They mingled with other people and Kelly browsed the new clothes as well before posing with Catherine for a picture that Matthew skillfully took of the three of them.

When he handed her phone back Kelly smiled crinkling her nose at him and opening twitter to post the picture. "And more love… matt_settle malandrinobuzz" She smiled posted it before linking her arm in his and walking around the admiring more of the art work on display. He was making jokes about a particular piece and had her cracking up, she swatted his arm scolding him in a playful manner. As they came across one piece Matthew went and stood next to it and Kelly just couldn't resist she lifted her iPhone up called his name and snapped a picture of him.

As her eyes roamed over the picture on display on her phone she bit down on her lower lip, he was so sexy. A smirk fell onto her lips as she made a decision pulling open twitter she posted the picture "And well more love : - )"

Several glasses of champagne later and the two were on their way out. Dodging the paparazzi entirely as they climbed into their car. It took them literally five seconds before they reached for one another. Kelly's hand slid over and rested on top of his as she let her fingers slowly lace themselves between his. Shrugging her shoulders a little bit she grinned and leaned closer to pressing a loud kiss to his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. They rode in silence and when they reached her apartment building Kelly reluctantly released his hand and slipped out of the car after him.

As he always did he lead her to the elevator, pressed the number for her floor, and then walked her to the door. Shuffling her feet beneath herself her eyes watched the movements of her heels against the carpeting. Matthew stepped forward invading her space lifting her chin up so that he could see her sparkling chocolate orbs. The pad of his thumb slid easily up and down her jaw line as he leaned forward slowly and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Letting his lips linger against hers he whispered. "So, The City Harvest dinner is on the 24th, do you still want to go with me?"

Kelly smiled widely draping her arms over his shoulders brushing her lips against his. "Yes, of course I do!"

"Good!" He smirked and leaned into her resting her forehead against hers.

TBC…


"As good as you make me feel

I wanna make you feel better

Better than your fairy tales

Better than your best dreams

You're more than everything I need

You're all I ever wanted

All I ever wanted"


A/N: Yes, this chapter is much longer than the previous one but as I said…I was inspired so this all just kind of spilled out of me. But I can't promise coming chapters will deliver this much length. I hope its okay, I did something a little different, by sprinkling in more lyrics of the song. The reason I did this is because I simply adore this song and kind of felt like it was a very Settleford song hehe(: Well, thank you so much for reading…if you'd be kind enough to hit that review button and let me know your thoughts it would truly make my life! Oh, also feel free to PM if you have song ideas and suggestions that you think could inspire chapters. I love discovering new music, and hearing all this input from you guys. Okay…enough already. Mauhhh until next time…Xoxo