Hello everyone,
This chapter was not what I had planned for the next one but we must ride the wave where it takes us sometimes. I hope you enjoy it because I actually loved writing it.
Since I wrote it last minute I didn't send it to a beta. Please forgive any oversights.
Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following.
Please review … if you are interested you can come to join my group on Facebook. Look me up at JM Gaff
"Jackson!" Bella growled fiercely as her brother bounced from his seat at the dinette back in front of the tv. She grabbed the remote and turned off the television. "I need you to finish eating and get ready for school. If I have to tell you again you will be grounded from the tv for the next three days."
"You are so lame," he told her, sticking his tongue out in her direction when she turned her back to him. "You're not my mom. I don't have to listen to you."
"Oooow. Jackson is sticking his tongue out." Darla wiggled on her chair as if it was the biggest news she'd ever known. "My sister isn't lame, you are!"
"Tattletale," Jackson called, yanking one of Darla's pigtails as he took his seat. Scrunching his face at Darla, he taunted, "You can't play with my trucks tonight. Tattletailer."
Bella let out a deep breath as she decided how to deal with Jackson. Closing her eyes she counted to ten, and then twenty, before focusing on Darla who'd begun to cry, and Jackson slushing cereal all over the table. "Alright. That's it. When we get home tonight, Jacks, you can stay in your room without any of your toys. How about that?"
"I can't watch tv?" Jackson cried, more appalled by that idea, than eating, most days.
"No. And you won't have anyone to play with either until you can learn some manners." Sometimes Bella felt as if she could just get on a bus and drive straight out of here. If she ever saw Charlie again she'd wring his neck.
"Fine, I will be good." Jackson turned his attention to devouring the now soggy cornflakes. "Is that better?"
"No." Bella hurried through the apartment gathering their book bags and school supplies. "The time to be good was before you yanked Darla's hair. You're grounded."
"I don't like you very much," Jackson yelled, kicking the chair. "Someday I will just run away. How about that?"
Bella sighed at Jackson's mocking expression. She loved them so much, but sometimes she wondered if she was doing the right thing. She wasn't qualified to be anyone's parent, and more times than not, the kids hated everything she attempted to do.
Standing strong against the fury in his dark blue eyes, Bella's lips set in a firm line. "It's okay, Jacks. You don't have to like me, but you do have to listen. So, that means you are grounded. Understand?"
"Whatever," Jackson replied with a roll of his eyes. "I wish Dad would come back and rescue me from this nightmare."
Her eyes briefly clouded as she faced her brother. Me too, Bella silently agreed, but she simply turned her attention to Darla. "You are okay, Dar. You don't want to go to school with swollen eyelids. Cheer up, baby."
Darla hiccuped, running her small hands across her eyes. "He's so mean."
Bella hugged her sister and rubbed her back to comfort her. Kissing the top of her head, she patted her. "Guess what?"
"Huh?" Darla sniffled, her wide blue eyes searching Bella's.
"You get to come to work with me after school. Rose will be there." Darla's whole demeanor changed and a big smile pulled at her lips. "Can I do her hair?"
Bella laughed at the prospect. "I don't know. You will have to ask her."
"Yay!!! Jacks, we get to go to Smelly Belly's work." Darla clapped, the tears drying immediately.
"I don't care, Dar," Jackson grumbled, chomping his cereal. With the last spoonful, he shoved the bowl away. "I'm done."
"Good," Bella nodded, grabbing their things before checking the time. "We better get going. Traffic is a nightmare at this time of day."
Quickly, they left the apartment building behind to navigate the streets of Brooklyn, weaving in and out of traffic as they made their way to the school building. Bella didn't breathe a sigh of relief until she kissed her sister and brother goodbye, standing back as they raced up the stairs to school.
She was about to turn away when Darnell caught her attention. "Hey, Ms. Swan, can I speak with you for a moment?"
She knew what this was about as she faced her brother's PE teacher. It was the same thing it always was. Jackson was a menace and acted up in class. If there was one thing Bella felt in this particular moment it was annoyance. With a curt nod, she pivoted on her heel to face the teacher.
"Sure." She attempted to smile, she really did. The problem was she didn't feel remotely happy.
When she awoke this morning with Rob on her mind, she'd smiled until her cheeks ached. As soon as the children had left their bed, the sweet thoughts of Robert fled, replaced with anxiety of dealing with her unpredictable life.
Impatiently, she batted her lashes as the well of frustration grew with each breath. "What's up?"
"Jackson has been …"
"I know Mr. Smite. He is a handful and we are working through issues at the moment. I will start looking into …" she was going to say she'd be looking into programs to deal with the children when Darnell cut her off.
"Look, Ms. Swan, his attitude and his energy are battling to be released. I know your dad ran out and left you one hell of a handful. You are doing the best you can." Darnell plucked at the whiskers on his chin. "Lately, I have been watching him play basketball and with some coaching, he could get the attention and discipline he needs. It will keep him occupied and keep him off the streets. I was just wondering if it might be something you would be interested in."
The suggestion was so unexpected Bella had tears welling in her eyes. Ignoring the kids and parents littering the sidewalk, she bit back the cry of relief. Swallowing the emotion threatening to choke her, she stepped closer to Darnell. "What exactly would I have to do? And what would the expectations be?"
"How about we talk more about it later. He will have to go get a physical, make sure he is healthy enough to endure the rigorous training. He will have to attend practice four times a week after school and game day would be Friday afternoons."
This man, this PE teacher had just solved a number of her problems in one swoop. She wouldn't have to worry about a babysitter or picking him up after school. The training would teach him responsibility and give him direction.
"J-just tell me where I have to sign up." Quickly she brushed the corner of her eye before a tear could fall. "T-thank you."
"I try to help out when I can." Darnell backed away as the bell rang. "I will send some forms home with Jackson for you to sign. If you need help getting him to and from the doctor, I can have Ms. Jessica take him after school. I will plan on having him on the court by Wednesday."
She was dumbstruck. No one had offered to help her in over a year, with anything. Having this teacher express interest in Jackson took a huge weight off her shoulders.
She stood there until Darnell disappeared through the dark brown double doors. For the first time in a long while, she let hope blossom.
Things were on the up and up. Maybe, just maybe her life was turning a corner. With an extra pep in her step, she hurried back home. She was almost to her apartment building when her cell buzzed.
"Good morning."
When Rob's name appeared on the top of her screen she couldn't withhold a grin. "Good morning."
His handsome face teased her as she climbed the stairs to her apartment. With a sigh, she went straight to her room and collected the outfit she'd chosen. Black leggings and a criss-cross top with a matching bra and panty set Rose bought her for Christmas. She hopped in and out of the shower, dressed, and did her makeup with a rejuvenated spirit as the phone buzzed again.
"Can I walk you to work? I will buy you a cup of coffee."
It was in the tip of her tongue to refuse, but how was a woman supposed to say no to that dreamboat. Despite her better judgment, she typed. "I would love to have you walk me to work."
"What time should I pick you up?"
"In twenty would be great." Brushing her teeth, she grinned as another text vibrated her phone.
She glanced at the screen and read his reply. "See you soon."
Spritzing perfume on her blouse, she went to work on styling her hair. Her heartbeat accelerated as the minutes ticked by, nearly burning herself half a dozen times with the curling iron.
Arranging long spiral curls around her shoulders, an excited spark darted down her spine when a knock signaled Robert's arrival.
She tried to hold back the cheesy grin, really she did, but felt it creasing the corners of her mouth as she adjusted her clothing, making her way down the hallway to the door.
Her breath stuck in her throat as she came face to face with Robert. His features lit up, his molten gaze locking with hers and the familiar thrill she was beginning to associate with his shot to her core. "Hey."
"Hey," he dipped his head in greeting, his pupils dilating as they locked on hers. He pulled the ball cap from his head and tucked the sunglasses into his shirt. His jaw clenched as a jolt of sensation zipped across his skin.
She looked stunning, and Edward had this urge to bury his hands in her hair and see if it was as soft as it looked. The idea of his fingers diving into her thick tresses had other urges coming to life. Like wrapping it around his hand as he… He couldn't complete that thought without his cock reacting, and so he stopped it. "You look … look … hot."
A wicked heat simmered as she stared back at Robert, letting her gaze wander down his lean form. Tipping her head as a tingle slid down her neck, she resisted the desire to reach for him. "You look perfectly edible to me."
Whoa, whoa, Bella, she inwardly scolded when she realized what she'd said. The flirty grin sliding across his lips let her know he hadn't missed her comment.
"Edible?" Without realizing he was moving, he took a step forward, his focus dropping to her glossed lips. Just hearing she returned his interest encouraged him to push this thing forward. The grin dropped from his upturned mouth, a serious glint entering his eyes. "You can eat me any day."
Since the kids weren't home, she stepped back, letting him into the apartment. She was tempted to take him up on the offer, yet she broke the trance before she did something stupid by jumping him here in the doorway.
Clearing her throat, she attempted to sound normal as she headed further into the apartment to retrieve her bag. "I just need to get my things. So, are you always this sweet? First, it's pizza in my hallway, and now, walking me to work. Do you do this for all the women you're interested in or is it just me?"
Bella followed the direction of his gaze when she turned to face him. He'd been staring directly at her ass—which had been the source of the heat she'd felt on her bottom. Chewing the inside of her cheek, she lifted her brows. "My eyes are up here, Mr. Pattinson."
That got his attention. Edward's jaw came unhinged as if he were going to say something before snapping shut. For a moment his forehead creased, and he looked slightly confused, he said, "Who?"
"Pattinson. Isn't that your last name?" It was Bella's turn to be perplexed. She could've sworn that's what he'd said during their speed date. "I don't know. I'm sorry. I might have misunderstood."
Way to go, Bella, the first time you attempt to flirt and you get his name wrong.
Then unexpectedly he seemed to snap out of wherever his mind zoned. A hesitant smile tipped his lips, his eyebrows drawing tight. "Yeah, I just forgot I told you what it was."
Bella was still a little taken aback by his reaction. Every time she thought it was safe to let her guard down there was always something lurking around the corner.
He seemed to notice her hesitation. Throwing a thumb over his shoulder, he murmured, "We should go. I wouldn't want to make you late for work."
He'd fucked up. Shit. How could he have forgotten what he'd told her his name was? He shoved his fingers through his hair as a wave of nerves overtook him. Quietly, he walked beside her, trying to determine the best route to take.
He just needed to come clean. Right now, he should just tell her who the hell he was. Edward didn't want to sound conceited but he would also like to know how she wasn't aware of his existence. The words hovered on the tip of his tongue, and his steps faltered when stepped out onto the sidewalk.
On instinct, he pulled the ball cap over his head and dropped his sunglasses in place. Keeping his head at an angle, he paced beside her, his hand coming up to rest on her arm.
"Bella …"
"Shit, watch your step," Bella yelped, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards her until his arm collided with her shoulder.
He looked down belatedly to see dog poop in the middle of the sidewalk. His feet worked quickly to avoid the fresh pile, his arm wrapping around Bella's midsection as his balance wavered.
They both stumbled until she was pressed between him and a brick wall. Neurons beneath her skin crackled and popped when his mouth lingered a breath away.
Bella swallows hard. She could simply rise on tiptoes and sample those full lips. Her blood hummed as the idea took hold and refused to relent. Then she furthered her agony, lifting her gaze to his, noticing they were apparently thinking the same thing.
He caressed the slip of skin exposed below her top, inching closer, his body heat seeping from his form to hers. His nose dropped, the tip skimming the bridge of hers, his warm breath puffing against her lips. Robert's jaw clenched as if he were resisting the urge to kiss her, and undeniable chemistry crackled holding them spellbound.
Bella's lips parted on a gasp as his finger slipped under the hem of her shirt. All thoughts of confessing fled, and all he could currently think about was the way she must taste. Hints of peppermint sifted beneath his nose. His temple pulsed, contemplating diving into her silken depths.
Things were spiraling out of control. If he was to kiss her, the last place he wanted to do it was on the street. He had this feeling, once he started, he wouldn't want to stop.
With a great deal of willpower, he pushed back, adjusting his sunglasses and the bill of his hat. "I want to kiss you more than anything but the first time won't be on the street."
"When will it be?" Bella flushed as she blurted the question. She hated to sound desperate but she also hated that he'd pulled back. She wanted to kiss him, probably more than the next lungful of air.
Before Edward could take the words back and kiss her where they stood, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down the sidewalk. "As soon as you agree to go on a date with me."
Maybe she was still under the heady influence of his almost kiss, but her fingers laced through his, and she pulled him back until his back was pressed against her breast. Since he was taller than her, she couldn't reach his ear, but she whispered against his shoulder instead. "You know, really this could be considered a date."
Edward chuckled, liking the way she pressed her body into him. Staring at her through the tinted lenses of his glasses, a smirk tinged his lips. "Oh really. So you don't need a fancy dinner and dancing? A simple walk to work and a cup of java?"
"Yeah," she whispered against his shoulder, letting his warmth deep from beneath his shirt into her lips. "It's sweeter than some lousy fake dinner. This is real. No pretenses."
Edward's pace slowed. Her words just punched him right in the gut. This was who he was. He might live a glamorous life, but really he was as simple as they came. He wanted love … real love. Emotion is not influenced by diamonds and pearls.
His fingers squeezed hers, his forehead dipping close to hers as they walked. "Where the fuck have you been all my life?"
"Right here in Brooklyn." Stars lit her eyes as she returned his gaze. Unable to resist, she nipped the thin cotton of his T-shirt. She pulled back before she could maul him on the sidewalk. "Now, about this cup of coffee. I need caffeine before I die."
Still holding her hand, he wrapped his arm around her waist, wanting her closer. Nuzzling her neck, he inhaled her scent loving the drunken buzz enveloping him. "Wanna see if you can get that babysitter? There's a club I'd like to take you to."
Her heart leapt. It had been ages since she'd cut loose. The thought of spending the evening drinking and dancing inspired a wealth of exhilaration. "A club? God, I love to dance. Do you dance?"
"I do a little of everything." He pressed his lips to her ear, liking the excitement in her voice. "Will you dance for me?"
The question was completely innocent, yet the implication behind the words held a different meaning entirely. Biting her lip, Bella shivered. "Only if you dance for me back."
"Oh, I will dance for you. Clothes on or off?"
She threw her head back and laughed. She could just see Robert dancing to her in the buff. "Fuck, either."
"Shit, yes." He hollered, laughing with her.
They were literally walking on cloud nine. Both lost in the other. When they came to the coffee shop, Edward slipped inside and came back with a cup of coffee for each of them. A flash of disappointment seized Bella when the salon came into view.
"Thanks for the coffee, and for walking me to work. I am going to try and get my friend Rose to babysit for me. If I can, then I will text you."
Edward pulled her to a halt in front of the salon. He didn't want to chance going inside and having someone recognize him before he had a chance to tell her the truth. Instead, his fingers tightened around hers, stalling her.
Damn, he really hated for their time to end. Stepping closer, he pushed a curl off her cheek, his head dipping low. Unable to resist, Edward dropped a quick kiss to her nose. "Don't forget to bring the kids by for a muffin."
"I won't," she whispered. Biting her lip, she groaned as the need to kiss him took over.
Before he could put space between them, she cupped his cheek and lifted on tiptoes. His breath rushed out on an exhale as her lips skimmed his, lightly at first, and then, a little firmer. Holding the wisp of her hair between forefinger and thumb, he applied pressure when she would've withdrawn.
In tandem, their lips parted, and he snuck a quick taste, his tongue slipping over hers. Feeling dizzy from the simple connection, he forced himself back a step, his gaze never wavering from hers. "I will see you after work."
Please review ... join my group on Facebook under JM Gaff. Hope to see you there:)