A/N

Hey guys :) Thanks for all the reviews! I appreciate them! That's all I can really say. ENJOY!


CHAD POV

I woke up the next morning, feeling like a big pile of shit. I didn't want to get out of bed and I didn't want to do anything. Grady was banging on the door at one point, calling my name. It's twelve forty four in the afternoon and the black out curtains of the hotel kept my room dark. I wanted to be alone so I can sulk in my own misery. Sonny doesn't want me. So, what do I live for besides Sophia? It's no use doing anything. I stated at the TV blankly, watching Rodger Rabbit hop in the taxi. I like this movie and I can't even enjoy it because Sonny's wrapped up in my head. I can't believe that me coming here didn't work. The voice in my head told me it was but it didn't.

"Chad!" I heard Grady's voice yet again after he took a break for a few hours. "Open the door!" I just stared, letting out a slow breath. "Can you at least let me know you're alive!" I finally got up, padding over to the door and opening it, squinting at the hall light.

"I'm alive..." I started at close the door but he slipped it before I could.

He shoved a bag at my chest. "I brought Wendy's because I know you didn't eat." I took it and headed back to the bed, throwing myself on it.

"Okay."

"You can't mope around like this..."

"I'm a grown ass man. I can do what I want."

"You can but I'm not gonna let you." He slapped my back with his hand really hard. I groaned and buried my head in a pillow.

"Leave me alone."

"Chad, she's a girl. Of course she just wasn't gonna throw herself back into your arms."

"She doesn't love me anymore."

"She loves you. She just doesn't want to be with you right now."

"Then what's the point of her even loving me if she doesn't want to be with me?"

He sighed. "She doesn't want to set herself up for disappointment." I'm not gonna disappoint her. "Give her time."

"Time... she's gonna take too long..."

"What does it matter if she takes too long? Either way, she'll want you when she fingers it out. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, asshole."

"Fuck you."

"And you hung up on me yesterday..." He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned on his elbows. "I was offended."

"You're a grown man. You'll get over it."

"You know, ever since Sonny got here... you and I grew closer and distanced ourselves from Bryce and James."

"They're off doing their own things." I muttered. "Everyone's moving on..." I started. "Just like how she moved on with me."

"Oh my God, you're so whiny."

"You don't understand, I'm in love with this girl..." I sat up and explained. "I dreamed about her last night just to wake up and see that it wasn't real."

"You dreamed about her?"

"Yes..." I groaned.

"Was it a regular dream or one of those dreams?"

"It was one of those dreams." I moaned from frustration. "God, I'm so fucking stupid. I really hate myself right now. I fell in love with her too hard."

"I don't think that's possible. If you loved her that much, you would've married her." I snorted quietly. "Is she the marrying type to you?"

This question shouldn't even be answered. I avoided it. "I don't want to talk about marriage if I don't have her, Grady."

"I get that you love her. But you can't force yourself into somber state because you're so distraught."

"After everything I did for her..."

"And to her..." He added. I shot him a look but he shrugged loosely. "You were part of the reason she was bulimic and you knocked her up."

"Being there for her, staying strong for her, supporting her... and that's it. She's not gonna be with me. That's bullshit." I spat angrily.

"You helped her be strong and now she is. She's doing whatever keeps her from breaking down. She's using the strength you helped her build up." I wish I could tear it down but that'd be too selfish of me. "Give her time, man. And she was there for you too. She dropped a month of her life to go across the country with you but... we see how that ended up." He whispered the last part.

"You're not helping."

"I don't know what to say to you. I've never seen you this... messed up in the head over her."

"Whatever..." I put my head on a pillow and closed my eyes. "I need another way to show her I love her. Her rejecting me wasn't part of the orginial plan."

"So, do the first thing that comes to mind."


SONNY POV

Sophia is the worst person to sleep with. I let her sleep in my bed last night and I swear she had her foot pushed up against my boobs. And then it's not like she wakes up and her energy gradually picks up, she wakes up and it's just BOOM! Instant energy. I don't know who she got that from. Chad wakes up mad because he has to get up and I wake up like death. So, the energy... she had to get that from my fathers side. After I bathed her and fed her breakfast, fruit loops and cut apples, I figured that... she should go hang out with her father for the day. It'll be nice for them to hang out. I found my cell phone and watched Sophia play with Taylor's couch pillow out of the corner of my eye. I dialed Chad's number and gently but effectively slapped her hand when she tried to pull the button off. Only after one ring, he picked it up. He seemed eager...

"Hey..."

"Hey." Awkward silence. "Do you want to take Sophia since you're here? You guys can hang out..."

He chuckled deeply and my stomach did a cute flip. Ugh... "Uh, I don't really know anything around Dallas."

"Oh, well um... I think there's a fair down in the big field a few miles away from here." I told him. It's not like a major fair. It's sort of like a town fair, I guess. "They have a rodeo and stuff."

"Or... all three of us can do something... together." Damnit.

"I-"

"How about you show me and Sophia how to ride those horses you take care of?"

"I don't know if Grady will wanna do that either..." I tried to get out of it. He's still trying to convince me to get back with him.

"Grady had some bad eggs from the breakfast buffet he went to this morning. I don't know if he's leaving the bathroom."

"Oh... poor Grady. Is he okay?"

"I don't know. He's in his room, occupying his bathroom."

"Ew." I giggled but was utterly disgusted. "I guess the horse thing will be okay."

"Great." He exclaimed but died down his happiness quickly. "I'll be there by two thirty..."

"Good."

"Good."

"Fine..." I silently laughed and ran my fingers through Sophia's hair.

"Fine..." I hung up the phone and dropped it beside me.

Holy crap! What did I just do! I picked Sophia up, bolting towards my room and placing her giggly self on the floor. I opened the dresser draw, trying to find a shirt that would look amazing on me. I have to find something that will show all my curves. Amazingly, I found a pair of dark blue jeans. I wouldn't really wear shorts to ride since the leather stirrups will cut into your legs. I took the shorts I had on off and slid the jeans on. I then took off my camisole and put on the black shirt that had and 'X' on it with the word 'Forever' on the bottom. I'll just wear black converses. I then dressed Sophia even though she'll be riding with me since she's only one! I don't know if that's safe. Well... I'll just see when we get there. I put Sophia in a pair of leggings and a t shirt so she wouldn't get to hot. I left my hair the way it was in it's wavy state. I put hers in a ponytail since she gets frustrated when it's hot and her hair is on her face. Okay... we're ready. We met Chad at the stable he met me yesterday evening. He hugged Sophia then we had an awkward "Hey". She hugged him and popped her head up when she heard the horses.

"You ever been on a horse?" I asked as Alex have me a questionable look as we walked past him while he was helping a little boy on his horse.

"Yeah, once. When I was... seventeen." He chuckled. "I'll honestly tell you that I'm more afraid of hurting this area on one." He motioned to his lower region. Chad looks more tired if anything. I laughed softly and shook my head.

"You should be fine."

"I hope." He grumbled while Sophia clapped her hands randomly. "You work here?"

"Yeah, I just take care of the horses."

"Oh... is that why you were here late yesterday?"

"Mhm."

"Oh..." He drawled out.

"How did you know I was here?"

"We saw you taking the horse out the stable when we were on our way to your house..." He said above a whisper. There's was an awkward silence before I opened Lake's barrier and petted his muzzle softly.

"This is Lake..."

"Is Lake your horse?"

"Basically." I giggled. I grabbed his hair and led him over to another barrier. The horse that Chad'll riding, Bruiser, he's all black. An Arabian Thoroughbred. He's very pretty and friendly. He just... a little stubborn. "This is Bruiser."

"Is there... a reason he's called Bruiser?"

"No, not that I know of but I've ridden on him before. You'll be fine." I assured Chad, grabbing Bruisers hair to lead him out. I led both horses and saddled them up while Chad got Sophia friendly with Lake.

"Will she be okay riding with you? She has small legs."

I shrugged. "I think she will." I got up on Lake easily and wrapped his rein around my hands. I held my arms out for Sophia, putting her in front of me and holding her close to me by her waist. Chad hesitantly got on his, situating his manhood. "This is new to you, isn't it?"

"Don't judge me..." He breathed out. "You lead, I'll follow." I made sure I was holding Sophia well before I kicked my heels. Lake began walking. Bruiser walked behind us with Chad on his back. "So, this is what you do?"

"Mhm..."

"Is it relaxing?"

"When I'm by myself in the evening. It gives me time to think."

"What do you think about?"

"Everything. Sophia, my parents, my brothers... life in general." I didn't want to say him. I didn't want to bring up false hope. "How's your mom and dad?"

"They're great. My dad just got a new car."

"What kind?"

"An all black 2011 Corvette."

"Your father bought a Corvette?"

"I know. It sounds insane but he wanted a quote on quote "sexy car" to drive with my mother in." We both laughed. "You miss California?"

"Sometimes."

"You ever gonna come back?" We got further out into the meadow and started on a trail.

"I don't know."

"Do you want to come back? And see Penelope and everyone?"

"To visit but I don't think I would stay. I'll probably be there for Christmas and stuff..." I looked over at him briefly. He looked kinda sad but I can see him pushing through it. I feel bad. "Would you consider moving here?"

"It depends on the situation."

"Let's say..." I clicked my tongue. "You're job gave you two choices. You can work in Los Angeles or in Dallas..."

"My family's in L.A. but you're in Dallas. It would be Dallas..."

"Why?"

"Yo- Sophia's here. I'd want to be around my daughter." He was gonna say "You're here." but he stopped himself.

"Oh..."

We went over a small hill, passing a crystal green lake. Sophia seemed to relax on his ride also. With my arm wrapped around her waist, she just leaned back on me. I giggled. "Why are you giggling?"

"She's a lazy baby." I pointed out. "This is all she does."

"Life is easy for her." Chad smirked. "She gets everything she wants on command."

"Yeah..." I agreed. "I wish life was that easy." I caught Chad looking at me. Like he was studying me hard. I furrowed my brows when he fought a smile. "What?"

"I bought you that shirt..."

"Huh?"

"From... Forever 21. When you skipped school with me and I took you to Santa Ana." I looked down and then snapped my open jaw shut. My cheeks flamed a dull red as he chuckled deeply. I didn't notice...

"Oh, yeah." I flashed a coy smile. "What a coincidence?"

"Hm, yeah..." He shook his head with a laugh. "It still looks good."

"Thanks..." I said meekly.

Butterflies tickled my stomach. How was I supposed to take the complement? A smile just formed and it was followed by a blush. I patted Sophia's belly gently. She's so quiet. Is she sleep? I looked forward at her and saw her eyes drooping closed. At least she's not turning red like she does when she gets hot. I don't want her out here too long. The sunblock can only protect so much. I forgot to bring a hat for her and the last thing I need is sunburn on her pretty face.

"I forgot to bring a hat for Soph."

"She has sunblock on, right?"

"Yeah but still..."

"You want to go back?"

"Um... yeah..." I kinda felt bad again. I don't know why this felt like a date with Chad for me but I was sad I had to cut it short. Oh well, Sophia comes before him anyway. And I'm sure he doesn't mind since he wouldn't want her to get burned out here either.


CHAD POV

"Ugh, you guys smell like horse butt." Her aunt wouldn't let us sit on her furniture without washing our clothes and taking a shower. I had to drive to the hotel, wash and change just to come back. I was leaving until Sonny said:

"I might have some of your clothes. Nothing special... just basketball shorts and a wife beater."

I wonder if she sleeps in it at night for comfort. I doubt it.

I bathed and forced Sophia to stay up and drink some water so she wouldn't get dehydrated after bein out in the sun all day. After two glasses of ice water, Sophia knocked out on my lap. I put her in the crib while Sonny was taking a shower. Sophia grew. The Skype camera didn't show her whole body. She got a little taller and she's proportioning. Meaning: her body is catching up to her head. I love my daughter but she had a big head when she littler. It's her big brain because she's smart as hell. When Sonny got out of the shower, I went in and Sonny took my dirty clothes with her. It took everything in my not to think of Sonny in here with me. Once I got the smell off me, I walked out with a towel wrapped around my waist.

"Uh... where's the clothes?" Sonny turned around as I stood in her doorway and stared at my chest.

She dazed at it. "The what?"

"My clothes...?"

"Oh, yeah..." She tore her eyes away from me and took folded clothes off the bed. "You're gonna have to go commando."

"Okay..." I didn't really have a problem with it.

Sonny left the room so I can get dressed. I then heard pots and pans moving around in the kitchen. I walked out while putting my shirt on, checking Sophia in the process. The clothes didn't smell like Sonny. They smelled like her laundry which told me that she did wear and wash this at some point. She still sleeps in my clothes. But I won't call her out on it. Even though it would make her blush.

"What would you like to eat, Cooper?"

"What are you offering?"

"You want pizza?"

"Hm..." I shrugged. Not really.

"Chinese?"

"That sounds better."

"You want what you usually get or...?"

"Yeah." I listened to Sonny order the food with ease.

I couldn't help myself from reaching out and touching her. I trailed my hand along the curve of her waist. She put her hand over mine and took it off slowly. My hand went to her body again and my other went to her neck, pushing the hair off. She hung up the phone when she was finished and put her hand on my chest, pushing me back.

"Chad..."

"Please don't fight me on this." I pressed my lips to hers lightly.

As light as a feather. She didn't push me away immediately which gave me some hope that she didn't hate me. I cupped the side of her neck and pulled her closer. Her tongue glided over mine and fuck. I wanted Sonny. I needed her bad and I'm not even hard yet. Her arms wrapped around my neck as the kiss deepened, her warm fingers curling in my hair. The self control was wearing thin in me. I reached down, picking her up and lifting her onto the counter. I stood between her legs as we kissed faster. She reached between us and pulled my shirt over my head so she can drop it to the floor. I kissed past her lips and down to the soft skin underneath her jaw. I ravished it like I used to but I didn't leave any marks. Her hands roamed my bare chest as mine inched up her thigh, massaging it on the way up. Sonny's hands were so soft on my skin. It made me shudder. A breathy moan escaped her lips. Then it was like she was stunned. Sonny backed up but I followed, still kissing her.

"I don't want to start something... we're not gonna be able to finish." She said lowly.

"And why can't we finish?" Besides her aunt being in the house?

"B-Because..." She stuttered. "It's wrong."

"It's not wrong."

"You're not my boyfriend. I can't-" I shut her up with my lips and pulled back. "I can't do this with you."

"Take me back."

"No..."

I swallowed. "I promise I'll do right, Sonny. I won't let you down."

"You promised that before... and then New York happened. It's a common cycle with us."

"There won't be a cycle. I swear that I will do right by you. I swear on everything I have." She shook her head.

"I have to check the clothes..." She hopped off the counter and headed in the direction of the wash room.

I scooped up the shirt and followed. "Sonny."

"Drop it."

"Sonny, stop."

"Drop it, Chad. Just leave it alone. Everything was going fine today and then you bring this up again."

"I can't drop it. I'm in love with you; you can't expect me to drop something like this. It's not that easy. And I know it isn't easy for you." She opened the basement door and padded down the steps. You could hear the water in the wash sloshing around.

"I'm doing just fine."

"You'd be doing great if you were with me." I tried. "We'd be happier."

"I'm happy enough. Did you call Grady and see how he's doing?"

"He's a man. I'm sure he's fine." I disregarded it. I probably should check on him. "Please, try again with me." I stop her before she can get to the washing machine.

"No..."

"What are you so afraid of?"

"A repeat. A repeat of us fighting and you drinking and me going home. I can't take that twice from you."

"It won't happen again. I wasn't truly thinking. It was irrational."

"Obviously."

"You don't have to have an attitude about it."

"Why? You did. You had an attitude towards me for months until you started to realize that you still had feelings for me. You shrugged me off every time you saw me. You treated me like you never cared and now you're "different" you've "changed" that's bullshit. Complete bullshit." She spat out curtly. "It's not fair. I finally start to truly move on and do something for myself and you show up."

"Because I care and I never stopped caring. I needed time to think."

"Then we should've taken a break. Not actually split to see other people!"

"I didn't see other people!"

"You didn't see other people! Swear to me!"

"I can't." I shook my head. Why base everything on lies? I want to get off to a good start.

"It was Hanna, wasn't it?" I pursed my lips. Sonny scoffed and folded her arms. "Good job, Chad. You got what you always wanted."

"Are we really gonna fight about Hanna when we were broken up, Sonny?"

"No, we aren't fighting about anything because you can go be with her and I'll stay here and do me." She raised her hands defensively. I groaned loudly.

"I don't want to be with her. I want to be with you. She means nothing to me."

"Travis meant nothing to me but you couldn't see that."

"I see it now."

"Well, I can't see how Hanna means nothing if you slept with her. I never slept with Travis. I never did anything with Travis. I dated him and that's it."

"You're blowing this out of proportion."

"You're so hypocritical."

I squeezed my eyes shut. "I was single!"

"You still are!" She yelled back. "You're fucking single!"

"So are you!"

"I'm happy without you! It's you who's moping like a little bitch!"

"Stop..." I warned her.

"You don't have anyone to hold at night so you come here and try to get me back! You're a bitch!" I knew she was saying it out of anger but still... I can't take her bombing my pride like that.

"Stop, Sonny..."

"And maybe I should've slept with Travis since you're so fucking insecure!" I grabbed her biceps but loose enough not to hurt her. Every blow to my ego made my masculinity shrink inside me.

"Damnit, Sonny! I came back to get you not to fight! I cannot and will not live without you but you're so fucked up that you can't see that! I treated Hanna like shit because she wasn't you! I fucked her! I didn't make love to her because I love you and only you but you're really starting to piss me the fuck off! I will always want you! Without a doubt until my heart stops beating! You will always be my number one! Stop being so goddamn stubborn and open your eyes to see that what I am saying to you is true!" I screamed at her.

"What is going on down here?" Taylor padded down the steps quickly and put a hand on my shoulder, making me step away from her. "Why are you two screaming? You were screaming so loud you woke Sophia up." She stated.

"Your niece is stubborn and I'm sorry. We'll keep the conversation down." I said calmly.

"I'm done with the conversation."

"Well, I'm not. You don't have to speak but you're gonna listen."


SONNY POV

I look at Chad when he yells at me and see the sincerity in his eyes. I just... maybe I should take him back. But! He slept with Hanna after all those bad things he said about her when we were together. It could've just been that they were horny and needed someone to fill their sexual needs but shit! Chad had other options besides Hanna. I hate her. And when we kissed, I've never seen so many fireworks in my life. I don't get why it's Chad. Why is he the one I fell in love with? Why is he the one my feels are so conflicted over? It's all so hard to process. I feel like I need a stiff drink. Taylor when upstairs hesitantly after our screaming match and closed the door behind her. I leaned on the washer that stopped and wove all ten fingers into my hair. I'm so confused.

"You know I love you..."

And you know I love you.

"And if I was actually thinking rationally, we'd still be together. You know that." I do know that but it happened and now I don't know what to know. "You love me?" I just nodded. He cupped the sides of my face, running his thumbs over my cheekbones. "Then, take me back and let's start over."

"I need time to think about it."

"How much time?"

"I don't know… I need time."

The rest of the day was completely awkward. My aunt looked at me like I stole something every time Chad wasn't looking so I know she was going to ask what happened when he left. We played with Sophia together and that was awkward because she'd do this thing where Chad and I have to sit together and she'd climb all over us like we were a jungle gym. Then Chad would tickle her and she'd run, he'd chance after to her and then she'd bring him back over to me when he caught her. Don't get me wrong, it was cute… it was just awkward. Chad took Sophia with him so he has her for the night. I didn't protest; he can have all the time he wants with her. That's when Aunt Taylor went into twenty one question mode.

"You're in love…" She drawled out like she was someone my age.

"Shut up…" I drawled out, diving into my bed and putting a pillow over my face.

"Are you gonna take him back?"

"I don't know."

"You should because he sounds like he really loves you." She sat on my bed and placed her hands on my back, pushing me repeatedly. "And that little kissing scene in the kitchen looked like you were ready to take him back?"

"Why were you watching?" I moaned out loudly with a laugh.

"I wasn't! I was coming to ask you guys a question and then you were kissing and then I left. Which by the way, you can't go further than that with me in the house."

"I wasn't going to."

"But in all seriousness, he loves you and you love him. You two are meant to be together by what I've seen. Plus, Sophia laughs a whole lot louder when you two are together." She also added. I sighed into the pillow and lifted my head.

"You really think I should take him back?"

"Are you happy when you're with him?" I nodded. "He makes Sophia happy?" I nodded. "You love him?" I nodded again. "All the more reason. Give him another chance. It'll work out if you both try hard enough and if you need to run away… your room will always be here."

"Thanks…"


CHAD POV

"I feel like I lost twenty pounds."

"You look like you lost twenty pounds." He held his hands out for my daughter but I held her tightly to my chest. "Did you wash your hands?"

"No, I stuck them in the toilet…" He spat at me sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "I took a shower twenty minute ago." Sophia went to him when I let go and sat on his lap. "She missed her Godfather."

"I bet." I sat on the chair next to the TV and dropped my head back. "She said she needed time."

"I told you."

I frowned. "But she didn't specify how much time."

"It's still better than nothing, Chad."

"I know." I picked up my head and saw Sophia looking out at the TV with entertained eyes. She doesn't even know what she's watching but it's a cartoon and that's all that counts. "She knows that I slept with Hanna."

"What'd she say?"

"We fought and then she let it go." I shrugged. It's gonna happen, I told myself. She's gonna take me back. I'm getting somewhere.


A/N

So… like, love, hate, bored? Review! Tell me what you thought. I have a major Chemistry test coming up and I'm stressing so no update this week. Sorry guys but it's only a week and if I don't pass this test, I have to take the class over. (Not trying to take that class over. I hated it the first time) Anyway… 15 reviews=update. I hope you liked it :) Review please and thank you… Chapter 53 coming soon…