GAVIN

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"Is that the proper way to greet your mother who you haven't seen for almost two months now?" She arched those perfect brows at me.

"Sorry, mom. It's just that... this a surprise." I leaned down as she offered her left cheek for a kiss. "Come, I'll show you to my apartment."

It's not that I wasn't happy to see my mother. I'd actually missed her a lot. I used to have dinner with her and dad on Sundays when I was still in San Francisco. But I had a bad feeling about this. I got pretty excited when I'd received a phone call from her last Sunday. I knew it was rude to leave Ana and her Dad just to answer the phone, but when I saw that it was my mom, I didn't hesitate to take the call.

From the moment she muttered my name, I knew there was something wrong. I began to panic as the images of her or dad in an accident or some other shit that might have happened to them flooded my mind. So when she said they were fine, the relief I felt was cut off short when she mentioned Chloe being brought to the hospital.

"This place is not that bad." Amanda Boyle said, as her eyes roamed around my apartment. She'd been supportive since day one about my decision to be a police officer. She taught me a lot of things, like my love for cooking. It brought us closer together. I've often wondered why did I ignore her and her advice during my wasted teenage years.

"Mom, I just got home from an operation. Maybe you tried calling me..."

"I did. That's why I came here to find out what happened to you." She pursed her lips and frowned at me. "Gavin, I was so worried! You were not answering my calls."

"Mom, like what I've told you. I've been busy with a case and we had to turn our phones off. I am getting a new number, actually. I'm sorry if I got you worried for nothing."

"Alright, you're forgiven. But please, Gavin, at least leave us a message when something like this happens again. Your dad was worried too. I even called Georgia to check if she knew what was happening to you."

"I didn't have the chance to inform anyone about it because we had to move quickly. Take a seat, mom. What would you like to drink?"

"No, it's fine. We have to talk." Her voice turned serious as she lowered herself on the couch.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath before I settled on the opposite chair. "Is this about Chloe? Is she still in the hospital?"

"Yes, she is."

"How is she?" I asked tentatively.

"She is... unwell. Gavin, this is serious. All I'm asking is for you to check on her."

"Mom, I don't understand. Why do I have to be there? It's been awhile since the last time I saw her, and I didn't even know what happened to her and what does it have to do with me?"

"She was found unconscious and bathed in her own blood last Sunday morning by her little brother. Turned out that she cut her right wrist." Oh fuck. "She tried to kill herself."

"Why would she do that?" That shocked me. Despite of her past issues, I'd never thought of Chloe as suicidal.

"She refused to talk about it."

"Does her brother know?"

"No, he's a mess right now. He said, he knew something was up. According to him, Chloe was acting strange before it happened." What could it be?

"I'm sorry about what happened, but again what does it have to do with me?" My mom glared at me for that but I was still confused. Yes, we had a past. And I knew that my mom was somewhat looking after them for years now, since their parent's accident. I'd never understood the closeness of my mom and Chloe despite what happened between us. All I knew was that my mom had a kind heart and wouldn't think twice of helping those who were in need.

"I have an idea why she did it." I frowned and listened intently. "I've found out that Chloe and Melissa bumped into each other and had a chat last week. And I called Melissa to confirm it. It seems that she mentioned about you being in a relationship and planning to get married soon."

What the fuck?

Well yes, in a relationship, but marriage? Where did Melissa get that?

"Is it true, Gavin? Are you-"

"Yes, mom. I'm dating someone now. But no plans in getting married, yet." I saw my mom sigh in relief.

"Just what I thought. I knew Melissa was just causing trouble. That girl. Look what she did." She said in an irritated tone.

"I don't understand. So what if Melissa mentioned something about me to Chloe?"

"Gavin, you knew how much I liked Chloe ever since you brought her to our home. I've always known that she had potential. I was gravely disappointed when you broke up. I thought that you were perfect together."

"Mom-"

"She made a mistake, yes. But that doesn't mean she couldn't change." Mom scooted closer and looked me straight in the eyes. "After their parents died, she was a mess. She almost drifted back to those bad habits, but I helped her stand again. I told her about my dream of you getting back together." What? Fucking hell, I didn't expect this.

"Mom? Are you serious?"

"Please, listen first." I closed my mouth and leaned back, crossing my arms against my chest.

"That served as her motivation to finish her degree. I paid for everything, to help her and her brother. She loathed herself for taking you for granted and breaking your relationship before. She has always wanted to talk to you and ask for another chance. So she tried her best to change and hoped that when she gets to see you again, you would give her a chance to speak with you and..."

"Mom, I'm sorry to interrupt but let me say this first." I stood up. This was all a surprise for me, but as much as I loved my mother and before things got out of hand, she needed to know something important.

"Chloe is in the distant past and I don't know what deal you made with her." I took a step closer and gave her my most serious expression. "Right now, I am in love with a woman. Her name is Anastasia Steele. No one else."

ANA

As the elevator doors slid open, I didn't expect to see someone leaning on my apartment door. He had his arms crossed against his chest and he was staring into space. I could tell from the tension of his body that there was really something wrong. Although I was seriously curious about it, I wouldn't make things easy for him. I was the one he left hanging for three days.

He looked tired. He looked as if he hadn't had a shower for two days. He hadn't shaved and it was thicker than the bad-ass cop look he had last Sunday. But damn me to hell, he still looked like the Greek god that melted my panties. I missed him. I wouldn't deny it. Setting the confusion aside from his weird actions and disappearance along with no text or calls from the past few days, my feelings were the same.

He better have some good explanations, Steele. You promised yourself to be a lot stronger than the old you.

I did understand that he was pissed, but the Gavin I knew wouldn't disappear for long and would have already done something to fix things between us. I was alright last night, the time with Tiff made me relax and took my mind away from the trouble between us. But I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, I'd expected to get a message or something from him but I received nothing. So I went into bitchy mode the whole day. I couldn't even manage to smile at the customers in the bookstore. Even Mury, the day care facilitator, noticed my foul mood and was wise to just give a wave hello and goodbye when I picked up Teddy just a while ago.

His eyes met mine as Teddy ran to greet him. The worried expression was quickly replaced by a small smile when Ted jumped on him and asked where he had been. I took a deep breath and pushed my feet to walk toward them. It wasn't just me who was wondering where had Gavin gone, Ted too was babbling non-stop about the promises he made for my son. The Ice Creams and zoo trip. With Teddy being his hyperactive self from seeing Gavin again, I guessed it would take a few awkward minutes or maybe hours before we could have a serious talk. Not that I was going to talk to him like nothing happened. I need to make Teddy busy and distracted to get over and done with this.

"Ana," Gavin said as I reached the door. I only glanced at him with a straight face for a second while I fished for the keys inside my purse then went to unlock the door.

"When we go zoo, Mr. Boxers?" Teddy asked. If it weren't for my son, I wouldn't even allow him to enter the apartment.

"We have to ask your mom about that, big guy." I went straight to the kitchen counter and dropped off the grocery bag I was carrying. I took this short moment to gather my thoughts and readied myself before I face Gavin again.

"Mommy!" I heard Ted say. I thought that I had a few minutes to be alone, assuming he would want to play with Gavin first. Geez, thanks Ted.

Well, he's the one in trouble so just go face it Steele.

"What is it, Ted?" I said with smile as I moved back to the living room. I found them on the couch with my son clutching the remote control. There's the distraction my son needed.

"Zoo when, mommy? And can I watch Ben10? And Mac cwheese, pwease?"

I stepped closer and took his backpack from the floor. "We'll talk about the zoo, alright baby?" I crouched down and took off his shoes. "And yes, you watch Ben10 while I make your Mac and Cheese. Be a good boy for me." I said as I nuzzled his chubby cheeks and kissed his forehead.

"Yay! Good boy Ted!" I stood up after switching the channel to cartoon network.

Gavin was watching us closely. His light blue eyes following my every move like he hadn't seen me for years. I wasn't sure but his eyes were filled with... longing. Maybe he did miss me too... No.

Even if he did, I wouldn't give a flying horse about it. I needed to get a grip and not let myself get lost in the sight of his gorgeous self. I wouldn't let myself get taken in by his effortless charm, and I needed some answers before the end of the night and before I could decide to take this relationship seriously.

Or if there would be any relationship between us? I mentally slapped myself for having such negative thoughts.

Before I headed back to the kitchen, I heard him say, "Be right back, buddy" to my son.

"Ana," He called out as I reached for the fridge. I took out the cheddar cheese and other ingredients I needed for dinner. I didn't know what to say so I just stayed silent.

"Ana," He said my name again and heard him sigh. "Guess, I deserved this." Definitely. "I have so many things to tell you. I want to start by apologizing for my rudeness last Sunday." I continued preparing by melting the butter in a saucepan. If he really wanted to do this now, he would have to be content with talking to my back. My first priority was to feed my son.

"I got really nervous when I met your father. The things I said, I meant it all, Ana. I knew I had to earn his approval in a hard way, and I'm willing to do anything. Whatever it takes." He paused, waiting for me to say anything. After I added the milk, I stirred constantly and then added the cheese. I knew how words worked for men. And this time, I needed more than words.

"I received a message from the chief and a call from my mom." I stopped for a bit as I was mixing the sauce. His mom called? "The message was about the case we were working on at the time. He needed the team to assemble and plan after getting some intel about the case. We spent the past few days at the station and a warehouse that served as a hideout to monitor the Gang boss that we're trying to catch. And finally, between four to five this morning, we caught the bastard."

"I turned off my phone after I sent you that text Monday morning after we found out that there was a mole in the team. That mole fucker was planning to get some personal information on all officers working on the case. So we didn't risk letting the gadget hacking to happen. We were also advised to changed our phone numbers after the operation, fail or not."

He remained silent after that. Well, at least it wasn't what I was thinking. He was not ignoring me at all. This was definitely one of the reasons why his past relationships didn't work. He was a cop. And cops did have a dangerous job. But that phone call with his mom was the biggest mystery here. I couldn't help but think that there was something to it.

Taking a deep breath, I turned around after I put the macaroni in a casserole dish.

He had his hands in his pocket and was staring at the floor. So the sleepless nights explained his rugged look. Call me crazy but I think even if he didn't take a shower for a week he would still look delectable and sexy as hell. Part of me wanted to erase that worried look on his face and wrap my arms around him, assure him that we're fine. Maybe it was because of my past experience of being a sucker for a sulking and brooding man and my kind instinct to forgive easily with just words. But no, I couldn't do that. Not yet. Can't blame you, Steele. You'd experienced the worst after forgiving your cheating husband before.

Probably this wouldn't be the last time that this would happen. He could have more dangerous operations in the future, that would cause again a disappearing act that would leave me definitely crazy. Would I risk my heart again and involve myself with someone who had his life on the line every time he was on duty? Could I survive those nights when I wouldn't be sure if he would come out alive from a police operation? Could I take a risk and get my son involved deeply with someone who might not even stay with us for years?

There were just too many questions in my head right now and I knew that tonight wasn't the right time for me to say anything other than to listen.

So I just stared at him, passively waiting.

When his light blue eyes met mine, I tightened my grip into the counter to stop myself from running into his arms and kissing him 'til we lose our breaths. There was no doubt about it, the strong sexual pull between us was never a question in our relationship.

"Ana, I'm sorry for being an ass about the moving thing. I know it was your decision to make and it wasn't my intention to control you or anything. I just wished that you can trust me enough to support you with every single thing you do." He closed his eyes for a bit and sighed. "I am not going to waste your time anymore. Would you mind if I stay for few minutes to watch TV with Ted? Then I'll go back to my apartment. I've missed you both."

I missed you too...

"And I just want you to know that I... I," He paused. "I-I'll be here, anytime. Thank you for listening." He nodded at me and turned to walk away.

I watched his retreating back. I closed my eyes and asked myself. Did I handle it right?

The next morning, I felt a little better and relieved after thinking back of the events of the previous night. Gavin was back. He'd apologized for being an ass and explained his absence for few days. At least he knew that I wouldn't just jump into his arms that easy. And he didn't push himself on me. He was giving me time, just like the Gavin I knew.

He's back.

I was somewhat proud of myself for not losing control last night. I stood my ground and didn't fall into his arms the second he said sorry. Maybe it was something that I needed to prove myself after a year of being a single woman again. I wouldn't let any man manipulate me again with words. I had to fight the compassionate part of me and do things my way. Not just with my relationships but in every aspect of my life.

But I couldn't help this feeling of… I didn't know exactly, maybe excitement building inside me? Even though I had no idea what would happen next. What would he do next? Was he going to give up? No. My Mr. Boxers wouldn't just–

I heard the familiar ping of my phone and wondered who would send me a text message this early morning. Maybe Tiff? I rolled to the bedside table and grabbed my phone.

Unknown number. Who could this be?

Good morning, Ana. I hope you don't mind me sending you a message. This is my new number. Just want you to be the first one to know. Have a good day. - Mr. B

Oh. Speaking of the devil. The man who had been occupying my thoughts. Well, it was sweet of him to make me the first one to know about his new number. Should I text him back? A morning greeting is not enough, Steele.

I stared at my phone and re-read the message for ten times before I shuffled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom with a smile.

I waved back to Al and settled myself behind the counter. I was checking the new books that would arrive today when my phone buzzed.

Hey, it's me again. Hope you are well? I apologize if I'm disturbing you at work. I just couldn't stop thinking about you and it's driving me crazy. Just tell me to stop and I won't bother you again with my silly messages.. - Mr. B

I smiled like a loon. This was getting interesting. Driving him crazy, eh? Let's see how this would turn up.

There was another text from him an hour later.

Hi, I am off today and I'm wondering if it's alright to cook you and Teddy dinner for tonight. Or if you aren't free, maybe tomorrow? - Mr. B

Now he was using his sexy cooking skills. Damn, he knew my weaknesses.

After five minutes, he sent one again.

Hey, the offer is up anytime. You don't have to be obligated to reply. I hope you are reading my messages... I miss you. - Mr. B

God, how could I stand all this sweetness from him? How long could I resist my sexy sweet man?

Then another one came in before lunch.

Ana, I keep staring at your picture on my bedside table. I can't take my eyes off you. Sorry if I sound like a stalker, but I can't help it. I love your sweet smile. - Mr. B

What? Since when did he have a picture of me? The last time I'd been in his room, I didn't notice anything.

Another text after lunch.

You're so beautiful. I miss your smile, your laugh. I miss everything about you, my lady. God, I would do anything just to hear you laugh or you see you smile right now. - Mr. B

The teenager who just bought a complete set of The Twilight Saga must think I was one crazy woman for grinning so hard.

And another text an hour later.

Damn, even playing my Xbox is making me bored as fuck. I think I'd rather lay down and think back of that Sunday afternoon. Just remembering how sexy you are in my cuffs is making me hard as a rock. Ana, you're so fucking sexy. I could still taste you and smell your sweet sexy scent in my bed. - Mr. B

I blushed furiously and got weird looks from Al and the other customers near the counter. Geez, I'm going to kick him in the nuts when I see him!

After just a minute or two, my phone buzzed again. If this was another raunchy text, I swear he wouldn't be getting laid anytime soon.

Shit. Ana. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have sent that one. Damn, forgive me. It's inappropriate of me. Fuck. Please just ignore it. I'm so sorry. - Mr. B

I stifled a laugh because people around me would definitely think I was going crazy. Oh Gavin. He was being horny and sexy one moment then shifting back to being cute the next second. God, that man.

That bored-with-his-Xbox thing was a big surprise. Wow, was it the end of the world or what? Boys and their toys never get bored of each other. Duh, don't you get it? He'd rather be with you than anything else in the world, Steele.

Few more texts before five rolled on the clock.

Hello. I hope you are not mad at me anymore. I mean from that text message. I hate seeing you upset, actually. I want to make you happy. You and Ted. I guess I'm a big failure in than part, huh? - Mr. B :(

Hey, I am thinking about taking you and Teddy to Legoland California. Well, just wishing if I could. Ted would definitely love the place. I bet a hundred bucks that he can explore the whole park in record time. - Mr. B :)

Ana... I miss you. So damn much. - Mr. B

"Bye Al. See you tomorrow!" I waved to the bookstore owner and made my way across the street. I still had this silly smile on my face as my son charged like a bull toward me. Oh Teddy.

"Hi Ana. Your boy behaved just fine the whole day." Mury smiled at me. Maybe she had this secret mood sensor and figured out that my murderous mood was gone for today.

"Thank you, Mury. Ted say good bye now." My baby boy waved excitedly and said our goodbyes to Ms. Facilitator.

As we round the corner down the street, it didn't surprise me to see the sole reason of my heavenly mood today. Gavin was leaning casually with his back against the passenger door of his shiny Range Rover. He had his signature white v-neck shirt and ripped jeans on. He looked clean and fresh compared to last night's tired-looking Gavin but he hadn't shaved. His jaw was still framed with thick stubble. He still looked rugged. And seriously hot. I would bet that he was melting every woman's panties around the area at this very moment. Including mine. He should be banned illegal in public's view.

Wipe that drool off your face, Steele. And keep walking, you're looking like a bitch in heat.

How did he do it? Yesterday I was seriously pissed at him. I put my defenses up and refused to talk to him last night. I succeeded in ignoring and took every ounce of my self-control and hardened my fragile heart. How did he turn things around and managed to get pass all of my resistances that fast?

I didn't notice that my son was already out of my grasp as Gavin crouched down and gave him a stick of candy.

"So," I raised an eyebrow at him before he could speak, "where are the flowers and chocolates? Don't tell me a stick of candy is all you have considering you've got some balls to come all the way here to woo me?"

His grinned playfully, wasn't sure if he sensed the amusement in the tone of voice. "Woo you? No, my lady." he stepped closer, crowding my personal space. "I came here to claim you." He whispered in a husky voice.

Oh dear.

A/N: Hello! It's been the longest wait ever. And I apologize for that. I won't make work as an excuse again but you know it's the only reason for the massive delay, right? I'm really sorry if some of you are getting impatient and disappointed about the lack of updates. I even lost some followers/readers. Real life gets in the way and I can't do anything about that.

Hope you guys are still with me? Are you still with Strong Steele? xx Thank you, thank you thank you for the massive support and the Reviews and new Follows and faves. Please don't think that I don't appreciate all of it because I do. So freaking much.

Special thanks to Bex masonmummy2011 for the help. Hope this chapter is worth the wait. x

P.S. I might include a lemony goodness next chapter.