Disclaimer: I don't own.

A month later, we came back to that place and made love under a nearby tree. It was dark so no one could have been able to see us if they were to walk by.

I have to say though; I didn't really want to have sex with him. I didn't object verbally but I just wasn't into it. I was still sore from having Bella a little over a month before. Plus, something just didn't feel right with him.

I went back to my apartment that night to find Derek asleep on the couch with Bella sleeping on his chest. Derek babysat for me once a week when I went out with Caleb. It would have been more than that if Derek would have let me work. But he strictly forbid it. He said that I should take some time off. So he was working two summer jobs and using that money to pay for my rent and food. Sometimes that boy just amazed me.

Quietly I crept over to them and picked Bella up. She stirred but fell right back to sleep when I put her in her crib. Derek was still sleeping when I got back in the living room. It was a Friday night so he wouldn't have work the next day. After I undid his shoes and pulled them off, I pulled a blanket over him.

I changed and got ready for bed. I was dead tired and Bella was bound to wake up in a few hours. So I laid down to get as much sleep as I could before she would wake. My seemingly restless mind finally eased and I drifted off to sleep.

The sound of baby cries brought me to an abrupt state of half-consciousness hours later. I groaned and started to stand but someone pushed me back.

"Go back to sleep Case. I'll handle this."

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and looked up at Derek. "You sure?"

"Yeah. Go on. Back to sleep." I thanked him and laid back down. While I was falling asleep, I could hear Derek whispering to Bella as he changed her.

"We're gonna let Mama sleep. She's absolutely exhausted after takin' care of you all day. But we all know she's the happiest she's ever been with you. She really loves you, you know. And I love you too."

I fell asleep smiling. He was going to be a great father some day. That night I dreamt about him. He was holding Bella in his arms. Warmth surrounded me. Derek kissed her head and looked down at her with love. Only the love of a father could feel as strong.

"Daddy!" a shrill happy voice called out. It was coming from Bella. She wrapped her arms around Derek's neck. "I love you Daddy."

"I love you too Bell." Suddenly they both turned to me. "Come over here Casey."

"Yeah Mama. Come sit with Daddy and me." I smiled and walked over to them. Derek wrapped his arm around my waist and Bella threw her arms around my neck.

Caleb and I were what one would call the 'perfect' couple. We agreed on everything it seemed. Never fought once. Everything was wonderful (if you could call the monotony that was our relationship wonderful). Well, except one time…

"I think you should get a new babysitter." He said to me suddenly while we were eating ice cream in the park.

"What?" I gave him a curious look.

"Get a new babysitter." It was almost a demand. Almost.

"Why?"

"I don't like him."

Anger sizzled deep inside of me. "He's my stepbrother. Why don't you like him?" I asked trying to keep my voice level.

"The way he looks at you." Caleb said simply and took a big bite of his cone.

"The way…?" I stared at him as though he was crazy. "Caleb what are you on? He looks at me the way a brother looks at a sister..." I couldn't really bring myself to believe that.

"He looks at you the way a love-struck teenager does. I don't like it. Get a new babysitter."

"No, Caleb, look, I can't afford a babysitter and I trust Derek with Bella. He loves her." My anger started to boil over.

"I'll give you the money for one." He negotiated.

My eyes widened. "So you'll give me the money for a babysitter because you think my stepbrother is in love with me or something," I stood and glared down at him. "But you wont help me with my rent?!" I growled in anger and frustration before stomping off. He didn't even try to come after me.

My anger was raging as I walked home. Why would he do that? How could he accuse Derek of having any other kind of feelings for me than that of a brother? How could he then tell me, no, demand me, to get a new babysitter when he knew full well that I couldn't afford an actual sitter? Like Derek could ever love me. I mean, what's to love? He could have any girl he wanted. He could never want me. It was ludicrous.

I was still steaming when I came in the door. Derek sat on the couch rocking Bella. My teeth ground together and I ran my fingers through my hair trying to calm myself down. Derek silently stood and took Bella to the bedroom. A moment later, he came back in and gently shut the door.

"You're home early. What happened?" he walked over and placed his hands on my shoulders trying to look me in the eye.

"He told me to get a new babysitter!" I exploded. I started pacing back and forth in an aggravated manor.

"Why?" he asked and out his hands on my shoulders.

"Because he's paranoid." I growled and walked into the kitchen. I leaned over the counter and sighed. "He told me he thought you were in love with me…or something like that."

"It's more then he does." He muttered to himself.

"What?" I asked the as though I hadn't heard.

"Nothing. Just forget about him. Please Casey. I don't like him."

I spun in fury. "You guys don't have to like each other! He's my boyfriend and you're my brother!"

"Stepbrother." He corrected.

"Whatever!"

"Casey, please," He advanced on me. "I don't have a good feeling about him."

"How can you say that? We're perfect for each other." I couldn't believe I was fighting with Derek about Caleb right after I got done fighting with Caleb about Derek.

"There's just something about him that I don't like."

"Too bad. You're not the one dating him so don't worry about it." I seethed.

"You've seen it too."

I froze. Never in a million year would I verbally admit that he was right. "Get out."

"Don't stay with him."

"Get out." I felt like I was living in my mother's house again. Being told who I could and could not date.

"You don't want me to leave." He said confidently.

I pushed him toward the door. He didn't struggle till about halfway there when he abruptly turned around and I slammed into his chest. A shiver ran through my stomach when he put his hands on my waist to steady me. I wasn't sure what came over my but I suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled him forward. No, I didn't kiss him. Mearly tried to pull him to the ground.

A look of fear set in his eyes and he tried to straighten us up but I used all my weight to bring him down. My back hit the ground and his body pinned me. He blinked in surprise then moved to roll off but I held strong on his collar and rolled with him so I was on top.

I straightened up and straddled his waist. My hands were in his chest and his were on my thighs. Without realizing it, I lifted my hand and brushed his cheek. I slowly brought it behind his ear and down his neck. He visibly shivered. I leaned down and cupped his cheek in my hand. I brought swiftly my lips to his when suddenly a baby's cries met our ears.

Hey guys. As promised I'm updating.

Oooo…the plot thickens.

Review please. I'm sure if the story's very good.