A/N: I love your reviews! They really put a smile on my face

Norma had just dropped the boys off at school for the day and decided to head to the grocery store to pick up tonight's dinner. As she put her last item in her basket, she made her way to the checkout.

"Hi, find everything okay?" The cashier greeted with a smile.

"Yes, thank you," Norma smiled back while placing her items on the conveyor belt. The cashier scanned all her items while Norma dug into her purse for her wallet.

"Okay, $21.48 Miss."

Norma put her card in the kiosk and waited for the transaction to complete when there was a beeping noise.

"Uh, it doesn't look like it went through. Do you want to try again?" the cashier asked.

"Okay…" Norma squinted. She tried to put her card in again and after a while, it beeped.

"I'm sorry, do you have another card you can use? It says this one is declined," the cashier tried to whisper so the customers behind her wouldn't hear.

"Oh… I don't, let me see how much cash I have," Norma said and dug into her wallet only to see she had $8. She sighed. Sam never remembered to transfer money to her card for groceries and she hadn't bothered to check her balance before coming to the store. She looked behind her to see the line full of annoyed customers.

"I'm so sorry, can you take some of this stuff off?" Norma asked.

"Okay, what would you like me to remove?"

"I got it," a deep voice pitched in.

"Deputy, nice to see you," the cashier grinned.

Alex smiled and then looked at Norma who seemed shocked to see him there.

"Is that okay with you?" He asked, holding his debit card in hand.

"Um, that won't be necessary."

"Well, looks like you need all these ingredients for whatever you plan on cooking. Don't worry about it," Alex assured. Before Norma could deny further, Alex inserted his card into the chip reader and paid for her items. The cashier handed Norma the receipt and wished her a good day.

"Thank you, but you didn't need to do that," Norma said as she took her shopping cart to the area by the doors.

"It's fine."

Norma looked him over, seeing the dark jeans and plaid shirt he was wearing. She figured he was off today.

"You following me again?" She joked.

"No, I actually needed to pick up some medication at the pharmacy and saw you at the checkout line."

"Hmm," she muttered. She knew he had been watching her if he knew she was having trouble paying for her items, but she didn't say anything about it. She would let him slide this time.

They stood there awkwardly before Norma smiled and headed out the door. She told him goodbye and soon, Alex was left alone.

Truth was, he saw her when she first entered the store. He wasn't sure if he should greet her while she was shopping, so he waited until she was headed to the check out. He watched as her card got declined twice and overhead a customer bickering about her holding up the line, so he decided to intervene.

He was grateful that she didn't make it seem as if it were a big deal that he offered to pay for her items, as some people would be too embarrassed to allow someone to help them. He smiled to himself as he remembered the way her blue eyes lit up with gratitude.

*deviatedrift*

Alex was lying down in his bed. It was nearly 12 AM and he couldn't sleep for the life of him. His mind was too occupied with the Bates woman. Alex found her immensely attractive and he has never been so taken with a woman before. It was complicated however because she was married. He could tell the marriage wasn't a good one since she had come on to him that night at the bar and avoided talking about her husband like the plague. He remembered she mentioned his name before when they were at the beach. Sam.

He had yet to run into the man at town. Alex wondered what he looked like. What Norma's type was. He also wondered if he would be considered Norma's type. He didn't know that much about her, but he could already tell she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Thinking about her personality, he also started to think about her physical features too.

Her eyes. They were different from other blue eyed people. Her eyes were like art. He knew he could stare into them all day and night.

Her lips were a natural pink, and Alex wondered if they were as soft as they looked. He wondered what it would've been like to kiss her that night at the bar.

Her skin was beautiful as well. She usually wore makeup all the times that he's bumped into her, but he knew she had natural beauty as well. Alex thought about the way her body was shaped beneath her clothes. She had curves that made it hard for him to not stare at her. Maybe it was the birth of her two sons that gave her just the right amount of curviness and deliciousness she possessed. The night the bar, she was wearing a deep navy, body hugging dress that made all the men drool around her. Even when she stormed off from him, he couldn't help but notice her backside.

Alex's breath grew heavy as he continued picturing the woman who invaded his mind. He could feel the stirring in his loins began, and ran his hand over his abdomen. He thought about what it would feel like to touch her, to run his hands up and down her body. Alex closed his eyes before snapping them open again.

He told himself that he should not be fantasizing about a married woman. However, he couldn't help but do so.

*deviatedrift*

"Dylan, please get your backpack and let's go!" Norma yelled at her son.

Dylan let out an exaggerated sigh and grabbed his backpack from the kitchen table angrily. His behavior wasn't getting any better ever since she had to come down to his school because of the BB gun incident. She didn't know what to do, as no one ever really taught her how to be a parent. It was just something she had to figure out. She hoped the program he would go to next week would help.

Norma ushered Norman out the house after Dylan had already exited the house. She locked the door behind her and made sure her kids were strapped into their seats securely. Driving to the school was a silent travel. When they finally arrived, Dylan hopped out first without saying so much as bye. Norma shook her head and hid her anger at the rudeness her eldest son could display. She then turned to Norman and gave him a smile, wishing him a good day before he made his way into the school.

After the boys were dropped off, Norma pondered what she would do that day. Staying at the house could get very boring all by herself. With Sam at work and the boys at school, she was left to her own thoughts which she wanted to avoid as much as she could. That's why she spent so much time cleaning and making sure the house was in order. It helped ease her mind.

Instead of going back home, she found herself driving to the Sheriff's station. She wanted to thank the kind Deputy for his help at the grocery store the other day, although she had already done so. Maybe it was just an excuse to see him. She came onto him at the bar for a reason. He was very handsome and she found him charming the more they talked. Even after he denied her and she felt embarrassed, she still found herself willing to engage in conversation with him if they ever bumped into one another, which happened quite frequently.

She entered the station and looked around for him through the glass window. When she didn't see him, she went up to the window and smiled at the woman sitting on the other side.

"How can I help you?" the woman asked.

"Hello. I'm here to see Deputy Romero," Norma replied.

"Name?"

"Norma Bates."

"Do you have an appointment with him?" she continued.

"No, I just wanted to see if he was in."

"Okay. I'll go let him know. He's somewhere around here. Have a seat and please help yourself to a cup of coffee or water," the woman smiled.

Norma thanked her and grabbed a cup of water from the machine and took a seat. She noticed a few of the deputies looking at her, and she could tell they were most likely talking about her. She had no idea why, but she wouldn't let it bother her.

It took five minutes until Alex finally appeared and she smiled once they caught each other's eyes.

"Norma," he greeted. He seemed surprised she was there and looked around the station before looking back at her. Guilt plagued his mind as he remembered what he had done last night thinking about her. She was a married woman and he fantasized about her. Alex scolded himself inwardly, but made sure to keep it together in her presence.

"Hi," she said, her voice pure and lovely as ever.

"What can I do for you?"

"Um, I wanted to stop by thank you again," she said. "Are you busy?"

"No. I was actually just getting done filing some paperwork."

"Oh, good. Well, um… would you… is it okay for you to get some breakfast? I would like to talk to you about the the program for my son. I mean, you've probably already ate so it's o-"

"Yeah. That's fine. Let's go," he nodded and lead her out the station. He turned to her once they were outside and gave her a once over.

"We could walk to the donut shop down the street if you'd like," he said.

"Okay. Lead the way," she smiled and strolled next to him. After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the donut shop and took a seat at one of the empty booths.

Alex asked her what she would like and she just told him he could bring her an iced coffee. He ordered that and and brought half a dozen of assorted donuts for them to share as well.

"How is Dylan doing?" he asked once he sat down in the booth again. He opened the box of donuts and indulged in a chocolate covered one. Norma reached for the glazed one and nibbled on it.

"Not so good. He's just been really angry lately. I really hope this program will help him because I'm not sure what else to do with him. I feel like a failed mother…" she admitted quietly.

Alex gave her a sympathetic look and fought the urge to touch her hand that was resting on the iced coffee she was drinking. He looked at the ring that sat comfortably and then back at her.

"It will help him. I was in something similar to the program when I was a teenager and well… I turned out alright. And it really did help me and it helps a lot of kids here too."

"Oh, good. That's very reassuring," she smiled.

Alex nodded and continued to look at her. She was so beautiful, it was almost annoying. He couldn't stop staring.

"Thank you so much for helping us Alex."

He loved to hear his name come out of her mouth. It made him feel like he was a little bit important in her life, even if they hardly knew one another.

"Yeah, it's my job," he downplayed.

"Is it?" she asked.

Alex glanced down at his hands. "What do you mean?"

"You got my son into this program without me having to pay a dime. You paid for my groceries. I don't know… it just seems like you're just granting personal favors to me and my family when you don't have to…"

He was ready to deny, but Norma had spoken again.

"And I really, really appreciate it."

Alex looked at her again to see her smiling with her sparkling blue eyes. He sighed and gave her one back. His eyes went to her wrist, noticing the bruises were beginning to fade slightly.

"You're welcome."

"Do you have a personal number… Um, if that's alright with you?" Norma asked.

"Yeah," Alex answered immediately with no hesitation. He gave her his number and watched as she typed it into her phone. He didn't ask for hers, as he assumed if she wanted him to have it right then and there, she would've gave it to him.

"Ok. Great," she said.

*deviatedrift*

It was the first day of the program for Dylan and Norma woke him up early to make sure they had gathered everything he would need. After some arguing with Dylan and making sure Norman was dressed and ready, they headed out the door and made their way to the station.

Norma had agreed to meet up with Alex at the station and he would then drive them to the recreation center at the edge of town where most of the program would be held at.

She parked her car and saw Alex standing on the sidewalks where the parking lot was at. Her and the boys exited the car and walked up to him.

"Hi," she greeted. "You remember Dylan right? This is my other son, Norman."

Alex raised his eyebrows and glanced at the little dark haired boy. "Norma and Norman?" he said.

"Yeah," she smiled and brushed his hair back.

"Okay. Well, hey Norman and Dylan. I'm Deputy Romero. Or if you want, Alex. Dylan how are you feeling about starting the program."

Dylan shrugged and ignored Alex's question. Norma frowned and scoffed lowly, shaking her head at her son.

"I know it might not seem that interesting to you, but trust me, you're gonna' be thankful that you were put in it. Now, you'll be doing a lot of community service and social activities, but there are a lot of things that you'll learn and you'll do it with people like you," Alex explained.

"Whatever," Dylan replied in a low voice.

Alex turned to Norma and gave her a looking telling her it would be okay. She seemed to relax under his gaze and Alex then ushered them to his police cruiser. Since school was still in session for this time of year, Dylan would be attending the program every weekend and every day after school for the next four weeks. Alex had even told Norma he would pick him up from school if she wasn't able to make the drive to the edge of town, although it was only about 20 minutes.

The boys were in the backseat entertained with a handheld game system Norman had brought along for the ride. Norma looked over at Alex's profile and smiled cheekily at him.

"I know I've already said it, but thank you so much for all you're doing."

He quickly glanced at her before focusing on the long paved road again.

"Yeah. Don't mention it."

Norma glanced in the backseat and saw the boys had their earphones in, so she faced Alex again. "Uh, I never brought it up… but that night at the bar when we met…," she paused in thought while Alex grew curious.

"I'm not that kind of woman. I mean… I just had a weak moment. I don't go to bars to get drunk and look for men," she whispered.

"It's fine Norma."

She nodded and looked out the windshield. "Why did you turn me away?"

Alex shot her a look. "Excuse me?" He asked.

Norma shrugged and licked her lips, something that didn't go by unnoticed for Alex. He quickly looked away from her so he wouldn't get pulled underneath her spell.

"I am honestly not used to rejection. So I just want to know why you didn't… give in to me."

Alex peeked through his mirror to see if the boys were listening to their conversation and luckily, they were engrossed in the video game with headphones on.

"Because I noticed your ring and figured you were married. And I didn't want to be that guy that makes women take the walk of shame in the morning."

"Oh? So you would've taken me to your home?" Norma questioned boldly.

He sighed. Why was she asking such inappropriate questions? Why did she even care? Although he wanted to talk about something else, he answered anyways.

"I don't know. Maybe if you would've let me."

She let out a deep exhale and her eyes became heavy as she imagined what it would've been like to go with Alex that night. She frowned to herself once she realized what she was doing. How could she even think about that? As a married woman, she took vows and made a promise to the man she called her husband. However, their marriage was in shambles. Sam was abusive and didn't give a shit about her. Norma also knew Sam was probably seeing some other woman as he came home one day smelling of a sweet fragrance that wasn't familiar to her.

She had cheated on her first husband John with Sam, but she was so young at the time and thought she was in love with Sam. After her divorce with John, she immediately married Sam. Their marriage wasn't always so bad. He treated her nice and brought her gifts and she thought he even loved her. But then the monster showed its true colors and she had been stuck in the situation with Sam for years.

The night at the bar when she met Alex was the first time she had gotten tipsy enough to boldly make a move on a random man. She was thankful that he didn't think of her as anything less than what she was.

Norma said nothing else and Alex didn't either. The conversation left a weird feeling for the both of them. They finally arrived at the recreation center and Alex led them to the room where Dylan had to be signed in at. Norma held Norman's hand while placing a gentle hand on Dylan's shoulder. She was happy he didn't brush off her gesture and figured he was probably getting nervous.

"So just sign him in and then they're gonna' take him to the gym where the other kids are at," Alex instructed.

She bent down to be face leveled with Dylan and fixed his shirt and straightened out his hair. "Please give this program a chance Dylan. I love you so much and I want you to become something more than I ever was. I need you to change your ways honey," she pulled him in for a hug and kissed his forehead. Dylan didn't hug her back but he allowed her to embrace him.

She let him go and signed the clipboard that the employee handed to her and watched Dylan being ushered to some other room.

"Mommy, how long does Dylan have to be here?" Norman asked timidly.

"We're going to pick him up in a few hours sweetheart," she smiled down at him. Norman followed Dylan everywhere, and that was also part of the reason she hoped Dylan would change his way. He was such a big influence on his younger brother Norman and Norma didn't know if she could handle if Norman started acting out like Dylan.

Alex rested on the wall waiting for Norma to get done talking to one of the employees. Once she got all her questions answered, she approached him and told him she was ready to go. Alex drove them back into town and offered to take Norma and Norman out to lunch. She agreed and they went to the pizza buffet.

After Norman's belly was stuffed, he asked Norma for some coins so he could play on one of the arcade games. Norma dug into her purse and handed him some quarters and watched him walk a few feet to the game. She sat at the table contentedly with Alex and studied him. He was currently on his phone looking at something while she sat there gazing at him. He looked up when he felt her eyes on him and put his phone in his pocket.

"Sorry," he apologized.

"Oh, it's perfectly fine," she waved off.

"So uh, do you work anywhere around here?"

Norma shook her head and sat up straighter and she began to indulge in the conversation he was initiating. "I just stay at home and tend to my kids. It gets a little boring since they're both in school and I'm just at the house all day alone until I have to go pick them up."

"What does your husband do?"

Norma didn't want to talk about her husband. She almost wished Alex didn't even know she was married.

"He sells insurance."

"That's good…" Alex offered.

"Is this your home town?" Norma asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah. I was born and raised here. I've been a deputy for about five years. I joined the marines straight out of high school and was enlisted for four years."

"Oh wow. That's amazing," she praised.

"I guess it is," he smiled lightly. Norma enjoyed talking to him. She liked to look at his very handsome face and liked the small little smiles he would give her. It was crazy how she had cursed him out a few weeks ago and now she felt as if they were starting to build a friendship.

"Do you have a wife?" she asked. She knew he wasn't married, as he didn't wear a wedding band on his finger, but she asked anyway. Maybe he was separated and just didn't wear his band anymore.

"No. I've actually been divorced for four years," he shared.

Norma raised her eyebrows at him. "Oh really?"

He nodded and didn't say much else about it. Norma wanted to ask him what happened, but she knew it was too personal, so she didn't pursue the subject any further. She glanced at Norman who was still happily playing the arcade machine.

"What's your favorite dessert?" Norma asked him.

"What?" Alex muttered, although he heard her clearly.

"You heard me. What is it?"

He watched the smile stretch upon her face. "Why do you want to know?" Alex returned.

"Because it'll be my way of thanking you. I feel like saying it verbally isn't enough. So I'm gonna' make your favorite dessert and give it to you. I'm a good cook."

"Oh," Alex chuckled. "That isn't necessary Norma."

"I insist. Please Alex. Tell me," Norma persisted. Alex found her amusing at the moment. And he was curious as to just how good of a cook Norma was.

"I like chocolate cake."

"Do you?" she smiled.

"Double fudge chocolate cake," he corrected.

Norma laughed at him and sipped out of the straw in her drink while keeping his gaze. It was an intimate stare between the two and Alex could feel a weird feeling in his belly. He brushed off the idea that it could be butterflies because there was no way anyone could make Alex Romero get butterflies in his stomach. But, the more he continued to look into Norma's eyes, the more intensified the feeling became.

Oh boy was he falling in deep.

"Consider it done," Norma stated.

*deviatedrift*

Norma spent extra time and care making the double fudge chocolate cake for Alex later that day. She had even looked up the best recipe to make sure it would be perfection. This would be her way of giving him thanks for all he's done for her and her family the past weeks.

Once the cake was complete, she smiled to herself at how delicious it looked. It was layered with extra chocolate frosting and the fudge ran down the side, a mouth watering combination. She hoped he would enjoy it when she took it to him at the station tomorrow. Norma put the cake in the corner at the end of the kitchen counter and placed it in a covered pan.

To pass the time, she went into the living room where Norman was at and watched a movie on the TV. Sam was out somewhere and Norma didn't care where. She just hoped he wasn't out with some woman. It wasn't that she jealous of another woman having her husband, although she did find it despicable. She just hated the possibility of Sam bringing STDs home with him after his time of cheating. Norma always made sure to go to her doctor's appointments and made frequent clinic visits for that reason.

She hadn't enjoyed sex in a really long time. She didn't know if she had ever in her life enjoyed it. It was always a one sided game, with the men in her life just getting the pleasure they wanted without caring if she was satisfied. Her mind started to wander to Alex again. She wondered what it would be like with him. To have sex with him. How it would feel when his hands roamed all over her body. Shaking her head, she reprimanded herself for thinking such thoughts about a man that wasn't her husband.

"Jesus…" she whispered to herself as she was lost in a daydream while Norman was laughing and at the movie they were watching.

*deviatedrift*

"Norman honey, let's go pick up your brother," Norma announced two movies later. She lead him out the house and drove to the recreation center to pick Dylan up. When she and Norman arrived, they waited in the lobby for Dylan to appear.

"Dylan!" Norma chanted once she saw him. She approached him with a wide smile and lowered herself down to hug him.

"Mom please…" he said as he pushed her off him, looking around to make sure no one else noticed the affection.

"So how was it? What all did you do?"

"I had to listen to a lot of people talking so it was boring," he answered.

"Well, hopefully you learned something."

She took her sons home and started on dinner. Sam still hadn't made it back from wherever he was, so they started eating without him. Norma made sure to leave him a plate in the microwave.

She told her boys goodnight and kissed their heads before retreating to her own bedroom. She lay in bed trying to rest her eyes. It was only 30 minutes after 9 PM, so she wasn't as tired as she would be later.

She pulled out her phone and scrolled to Alex's number, pushing the text message button next to his contact name.

I think you're going to like this cake

She hit send and waited eagerly for his reply. Cooking was something she truly enjoyed and she loved cooking for others also.

Three minutes later, her phone buzzed and she opened the message.

Norma?

She smiled as she forgot to mention it was her.

Yes. It's me

Oh hey. Yeah I'm looking forward to it

Norma giggled to herself as she started blushing at the thought of Alex enjoying her cake she made for him.

I can bring it by the station tomorrow morning after I drop my kids off

Alex replied back.

Actually, why don't you come by say 12:30? That's when I take my lunch. We can eat it together

Se read the screen with a smile and her phone buzzed again.

He sent another text.

Only if that's okay with you

Yes. I will see you at 12:30. Goodnight

She placed her phone down on her nightstand and pulled the covers around her body.