*edited as of 9/2017

Chapter 4

"A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment."
―Jane Austen,Pride and Prejudice

Isabella's POV

Jade Eyes.

Bronze hair.

Warm skin.

Soft kisses.

Hot panted breath.

Long talented fingers that play my body in rhythm like a metronome.

Two heated bodies, both in sync, erupting into flames and orgasmic bliss that created a symphony of neediness and lust.

Something I found myself longing to experience again.

But who was I kidding?

It was never going to happen again.

Because like a coward, I ran away in the middle night after having one of….no the best sex I'd ever had.

My body was deliciously sore but I ended up welcoming the sensation as it was reminded me of what me and MG had down the way he played my body.

After leaving MG in bed, I caught a cab around five am, ignoring the sly grin on the cabbie's face from my ruffled appearance. I stumbled into my apartment about thirty minutes later much to the chagrin of my furry children Pattinson and Stewart.

They were the only two men in my life sans Diego and my father who I dealt with and they were less than pleased to have me coming in disoriented and nearly stepping on them from my exhaustion.

I barely give the two of them a second glance as I head to my bedroom. I'm so exhausted that I ignore changing out of my clothes or showering and flop face first onto my bed.

I close my eyes for what feels like seconds but is really six hours, when I awake to the harsh barking of my dog and mews of my cat wrapped around my neck. The sound of rain pelting against the balcony glass showed a gloomy and overcast day that made me want to bury myself under the covers and never come out. I knew that wasn't going to happen, considering once I was up, there would be no chance for me to fall back asleep.

I lay there for a moment and let my mind wander to last night. I could still feel his touch over my body and the feel of muscle as it pulsed and flexed under my hands.

My skin still reeked of sex and while I should be disgusted it reminded me that I received not one, not two, not even three but four orgasms last night and that was just in round one.

It's enough to get my body alert and wet. I nearly reach for B.O.B but never get the chance when I see my phone light up with Diego's name.

Crap… I had forgotten to call him last night and let him know that I had gotten home safely. He was probably worrying himself sick.

I pick up my phone that's nearly dead and see that he had called me at least eight times along with several text messages.

I knew it was only a matter of time before he either a. broke down my door or b. resolve in calling my father which was ten times as worse considering he was a police chief and would have the whole Seattle PD down here in less than ten minutes.

My phone begins to ring again on the last legs of battery and I nearly break my face in my haste to get up; stumbling out of bed to grab my charger. I fumble sleepily with my screen until I somehow manage to hit the accept button.

"Sorry Di." I croak into the receiver.

"Do you know how worried I was last night? Anything could have happened to you and I got nothing?!" Diego rushes out, his Spanish accent becoming thicker as he spoke.

"Diego, I…" he interrupts me mid-sentence.

"I mean chica; you could have been in an alley for all I know." Diego sighs and I could tell that me not calling him last night had worried him deeply.

"Yeah I know." I grumble.

"Do you young lady?" Diego huffs. I roll my eyes. He could really be overprotective.

"Really Di, I already have a father. I don't need you reprimanding me either. I fell asleep." I lie.

"Well you still should have called. I was this close to storming over there to get your behind if you didn't answer."

"I think you worry about me far more than you should." I sigh. I brush my messy hair from my face. It was "too early" in the afternoon for me to be chastising me about my behavior.

If only he knew.

"I know, but Bella you are my best friend and I love you, so why shouldn't I worry? You do know that you deserve people worrying about you for once right?" He asks.

This is what I adored about my best friend and what many didn't understand about our relationship. To the wandering eye it would seem that we were a couple, especially with the way we were around each other but our relationship was strictly platonic.

We'd even kissed a couple of times as kids, which was quickly put to a stop as we both felt like we were kissing a brother or sister, which was ironic considering we were both an only child.

That didn't stop him from worrying about me though which was one of the things I loved and hated about him.

I loved it because it was nice to have someone in my life that actually cared for me. I could always rely on the fact that Diego would never screw me over. I hated it because I often felt like I was holding him back. Diego practically moved across country and back for me without complaint. The man was 30 years old. Diego was young and attractive, he should be out finding someone to settle down with instead of babysitting me.

I know he cared but I was adult and didn't need to answer to him 24/7.

"Diego, can we please not get into this any further? I'm sorry I forgot to call last night. I'll call you next time. End of story. Now ignore me… that's on the back burner. How did last night go with Bree?" I ask. Diego momentarily grumbles at the change of topic but lets it go.

"Bree is amazing." I can hear the smile in his voice.

"Oh really? Tell me about it!" I squeal and look over at Stewart who looks like he's having a seizure. I suddenly realize that I hadn't let him out yet due to me sleeping in. I tell Diego to hold for a second while I quickly take him out to do his business. Once he's finished I hurry back upstairs and lay out some food to keep both my babies occupied while I was on the phone.

"Ok back to it, how was last night?" I beam and begin to scavenge for something to eat; frowning at the fact that all I had was a lone stale bagel and expired cucumber. I needed to make a grocery run. The bagel was as good as it was going to get so I quickly throw it into my toaster to brown.

"Jesus, I feel like a girl gossiping here." Diego laughs.

"Diego I'm not getting any younger here!" I exclaim.

"Okay, okay. After I said goodbye to you, I met Bree outside and we walked over to her apartment which was a couple of blocks away. I was nervous and I can tell she was too, so we pretty much walked in silence but it wasn't awkward. It was nice.

I mean we spoke a bit while we were dancing, but it was nice to be away from all of commotion and people and really just interact with one another without interruption. I….Bells, Bree is just amazing. We made it to her apartment in twenty minutes and I walked her up afterwards to make sure she..." I cut him off.

"I hope you were a gentleman. " I tease.

"Aren't I always? Besides mi Madre would have my head if I disrespected her in any way."

This was true. Diego's mother Carmen was a woman to be reckoned with, especially when it came to her baby boy. She had grown up in a time where women came secondary to their male counterparts and were treated as nothing but objects. Carmen had made sure that that if she ever bore a son he would grow up respecting women. I'm glad to say that she taught him well, as Diego was one of the sweetest people I had ever met, all bias aside. Diego resumes telling me his story.

"I told Bree I would like I see her again outside of Freddie's to hang out. She gave me her number and even let me kiss her cheek. I feel like a pre pubescent teen going on his first date but fuck it I don't care!" Diego cackles.

"That's so great Di, I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks Chica, you know how much your opinion matters to me. One more thing…I was thinking that you and Bree could perhaps hang out some time? It feel like you guys could be great friends." he urged. I bark out a laugh.

"Diego are those pretty black curls too tight on your head? Bree hates me."

"She does not hate you."

"Yes she does."

"No she doesn't."

"So the full blown on death glare she gave me last night was her way of telling me she wants to be bffs? I think not." I snicker.

"Bella she was intimidated by you. You know how we are when we get around each other. She thought we were dating and was jealous." He defends.

"Di, we've been working at the restaurant for how many years now and she still doesn't get the message?" I point out. This was why I didn't have any girlfriends. They either wanted to befriend me to get to Diego or wanted to get some info out of me that in the long run ended up hurting me.

I hear Diego let out a deep sigh. "Bella, mi amiga… Bree is important to me and I really think you guys could be great friends. I wouldn't recommend it if I thought it wouldn't work." I mentally grumble to myself and ponder his words. Diego never asked much of me so the least I could do was stop was acting like a complete bitch to the girl he was potentially in love with.

"Okay I'm sorry. I'll try to be a little more friendly next time, but I make no promises."

"That's all I'm asking of you, but I have to go Bells. Take care and call me later. If you don't I'll call Charlie. "Diego threatens.

"I will, I promise." I end up grinning. Diego ran me crazy sometimes but I knew it was coming from a good place.

"Okay bye chica, love you."

"Love you too Di." I reply before hanging up my phone. I look over at Pattinson and Stewart who had long finished their meals and were curled around my feet.

"You boys love me too right?" I ask my little furry babies. I grin when I'm rewarded with a loud bark and soft mew.

"Well thank you." I laugh. It was nice to be loved by someone, even if it was by my pets. My stomach interrupted my musings. I had forgotten all about my bagel, which was now practically hard as brick.

I really needed to make a grocery run if I didn't plan on starving but I also knew I had to take a shower considering I still reeked of wine, food, sweat and sex.

I discard my skirt and shirt as I head into my bathroom; quickly stepping into the shower and turning the knobs to the hottest temperature possible without the risk of burning my skin. Steam quickly envelops me and my body nearly sags in relief at the hot water against my tense muscles.

If I thought MG's scent overwhelmed me earlier, it was nothing compared to now. In the enclosed space of the shower, his scent was everywhere and almost seemed magnified. I could feel him on my skin and taste him on my tongue. I could feel my body temperature rise and I knew it wasn't from the hot water.

As I began washing my body, I unconsciously found my hands trailing up and down my chest and legs as the memories from last night came to play.

My fingers began tracing gentle patterns along my stomach before working their way up to my breasts where I softly begin to massage the tender flesh. I could remember the way his large hands had gripped me firmly and yet was till gentle. I begin rolling my nipples in my hands imagining it were his.

I then envision the way he lowered himself onto me and the pressure of his body against mine as he pumped into me. Releasing one of my breasts, my hand travels lower until my fingers brush against soft curls and I remember the way his lips had almost reverently kissed and sucked along the tender flesh.

My fingers move lower until I reach my slick lips; where I gently brush one of my fingers against the swollen nub. My moan echoes off the shower walls as I imagine MG hovering over me; his hands moving ravenously all over my slick skin.

I can picture him clear as day; his jaw tight, muscles tensed as he claimed my body. My fingers move faster as faster, pushing me to the brink of oblivion when I visualize his eyes.

Dark, hungry and glistening with want. The sight of his eyes and their darkness is all it takes for me to come undone; bringing me to the best orgasm I'd ever had from my own hands.

My body slouches against the cool tile of the wall and it takes a couple of minutes for me to catch my breath. I'm overheated and my heartbeat was thumping so wildly in my chest that I feared passing out.

I couldn't believe this was happening to me. It was just a one-night stand and yet I couldn't seem to get him out of my head.

Once I'm sure I'm not at risk of collapsing, I resume taking my shower using cold water this time to cool myself down.

After I finish showering and drying myself off, I walk into my bedroom and get dressed. With the gloomy weather outside, there was no reason to put any effort (not that I tried anyways) and throw on my favorite pair of comfy jeans, a t-shirt and hoodie.

While putting on my sneakers, I mentally go over a list of the things I need to pick up from the nearby mart. I grab my purse, keys and umbrella before heading out.

Living in the city, I had little use for a car. It wasn't to say I didn't have one, because I did. My 68' red Chevy truck was son her last legs so I only drove her when necessary. Besides, with the onslaught of taxis and buses, you could pretty much get anywhere you wanted. The grocer I preferred was just a little ways down the street so it was no hassle for me to walk.

Naturally, living in Seattle, one of the largest cities in Washington there were people everywhere. People going to and from work; some from school, some even just standing around enjoying the scenery.

People watching was a habit of mine. I love to watch people of various personalities, genders, race and preferences move about and come up with a story for them.

The setting would always be against the Washington landscape and I would imagine the potential places they would travel to. I would come up with various scenarios of the kind of people they would meet and a plethora of other possibilities.

I guess in a way it was an invasion of privacy but what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

Of course with my history, I sought out couples.

Regardless of gender I would wonder if they were happy in their relationship. Had they fallen in love hard or was it a slow and monotonous process? Who sought out whom first? Did they meet at a lavish restaurant or in the recesses of a smoky club?

I would come up with these lavish tales that would put any Harlequin romance novel to shame but with a slight twist.

They never had a happy ending.

A car crash, illness, a lover on the side.

Everyday things.

I wasn't trying to be callous.

Just realistic.

Call it contemptuous if you must, but that's how it is.

I manage to make my usual thirty-minute walk to the grocery store in twenty minutes.

I say a quick hello to Mrs. Cope, the elderly woman who sits at the door as a greeter. Grabbing a little arm basket, I begin walking through the store to get what I need. Halfway through my shopping excursion, I could have sworn I saw of mop of coppery hair similar to MG. The possibility of that being him alone makes me stumble back and nearly crash into an old man trying to get some ice cream behind me. He eyes me dirtily for bumping into him and with a quick apology, I head up front to pay for my stuff.

After paying for my groceries I make the journey back home. The rain had stopped and although it was cloudy I could tell it was going to be a beautiful day.

I resume my people watching; making up more stories as I went.

One guy had gotten my attention in particular. He couldn't have been no older than seventeen and had his arms around a short petite blonde haired girl. I couldn't see her face, but I could tell that the guy would be considered pretty cute for his age. He was not my type but cute nevertheless.

That wasn't what drew my eyes to him though.

It was his eyes. Large and green. He looked at the girl with so much love and dedication that it kind startled me a bit for someone his age.

Instantly I was reminded of MG's eyes, which were so warm and inviting; a mixture of grass green, blue, and gold.

It was also at the same moment that the little teenybopper I was watching caught me staring at him and winked at me suggestively before making a hand signal to "call him". I was once again caught off guard that I nearly walked into a metal pole, much to my embarrassment.

Now why I should have been feeling self-conscious by nearly crashing into an inanimate object, I was suddenly angry.

How dare he make such a gesture to me when he was with another girl.

It was ridiculous.

See this is why men sucked.

Once I finally make it to my apartment, I put up my groceries and head back into my bedroom where I proceed to flop down onto my duvet and bring my pillow to my face.

Very Bad Move.

If my day wasn't trying to kill me enough with the onslaught of naughty thoughts about mystery guy and giving me things to remember him by, my bed was definitely picking up the slack.

Since I feigned taking a shower last night and waited until this morning, his scent was still embedded there. I knew there was a chance his scent would still linger but I didn't expect it to be so potent.

Bringing my pillow up to my face, I breathe in the delicious scent in causing my eyes to nearly roll back in my head.

First from pleasure and then from revulsion.

What was I doing?

Smelling a pillow like some addict trying to cop a hit. And look at me, practically porn star moaning.

I jump out of bed, throwing my pillows and sheets onto the floor. I would throw them in the wash later. I began scrubbing my face with my hands, tugging at a few strands of my hair.

This was affecting me way more than it should have and I couldn't find a logical reason as to why.

I had to get out of here.

I grab my keys and a leash to walk Stewart. I would have brought Pattinson along with me, but it was little odd to go out walking a dog in the park while carrying around a cat.

Stewart and I walk around mindlessly for about an hour until I find myself smack dab in the middle of a neighboring park. I continue walking for a bit, letting him play with a few other dogs, when I spot another head of coppery hair.

I was beginning to fear for my sanity. I was seeing this guy everywhere.

Of all the people to spot and places to go in Seattle, I somehow kept finding reminders of MG.

The mop of coppery hair belonged to a man sitting on one of the free benches; his legs crossed at the knee. He was dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a t shirt, along with a pair of red converse on his feet and a red beanie with said hair sticking out at the sides. The man looked so casual and carefree that I knew it couldn't be the same guy from last night.

But boy was I wrong.

He didn't see me, but I surely saw him.

Walking around a bit to see his face it was definitely MG. The same angular jaw with the five o clock shadow and those fucking green eyes of his that even at a distance seemed to pierce into my very being.

My breathing began to accelerate and my mouth began to water. The man that seemed to haunt me all day was sitting less than 10 feet away.

My feet tried to walk towards him, but I willed myself not to.

I mean, how would I even approach him?

"Oh hi, remember me? I'm your one night stand from last night who left after you gave her the best orgasm in all of her years of being on this god forsaken planet. Especially after being cheated on with guys who couldn't keep their dicks in their pants and I somehow can't get you out of my head. Oh yeah… did I forget to mention that I practically masturbated to thoughts of you in my shower this morning and trashed my bedroom? And now I'm being a creeper by secretly staring at you, wanna go out for coffee?"

That ramble alone would get me sent off to the loony bin.

The conflict in me arose again.

What to do? What to do?

Stay over here and stare like a creep or pull on my big girl panties and walk on over there?

I didn't get the chance to answer that question for myself as I watched MG abruptly stand up and turn in my direction. Thinking I was caught, I froze in place, but it wasn't me he had seen.

A tall, olive toned brunette began walking over to him, carrying something in her hands. I couldn't tell what it was from my vantage point, but I could tell that MG was excited.

And just as if my day couldn't get worse (obviously it had), I watched as he gave her a kiss on the cheek and the thing she had in her arms, happened to be an infant with the same mess of coppery hair as he had. The woman then handed the little squirming baby over to him and his face filled with joy.

My face on the other hand, probably showed shock, anger, hurt and maybe even jealously?

I couldn't believe it.

He had a kid!

Okay the kid (which was pretty cute) wasn't the issue. It was the fact that he had a girlfriend or perhaps a wife (I didn't see a ring) and I had slept with him.

Oh my God, what did I do last night?

I slept with a perhaps married man who had a kid.

I was a cheater… or was I the cheateree?

No that didn't make any sense as I wasn't in a committed relationship.

Oh my God again!

I was the other woman!

The one thing I despised the most. The one thing I never wanted to be. No one deserved that kind of hurt of being cheated on. Not even the woman who had his baby.

And as much as I wanted to storm over there and beat the living shit out of him for making me the other woman, my eyes began to burn with tears which frustrated me even more.

If I wasn't embarrassed earlier, I definitely was now.

How could I be so stupid?

I barely manage to get a hold of Pattinson on his leash before I high tail it home; forgoing my leisurely walk and catching a cab home instead.

Tears began to fall from my eyes and I luckily make it inside before I fully break down.

So much for enjoying myself for once without feat of repercussions.

This again was why I didn't fall in love or sleep with anyone.

It only led to more hurt.

Thoughts? Leave it in a Review!

xoxo Sylvia Cullen