Chapter Three

I disclaim

Dave and the girls spent the next few weeks with Leila and it felt comfortable for all of them. The girls loved Leila and how she included them in everything. Dave appreciated how she treated them as her own and with respect. His girls were 16 and 14; they could read anyone and knew if the person was being fake. They'd seen that with their Dad's 2nd wife. One afternoon when Dave was at therapy, Leila took the girls to the mall. Abby and Maggie opened up to her about their mom and Angie. Angie expected Dave to give the world to her daughter. She wanted her daughter to go to a private school and wear only top of the line name brand clothes and shoes. Her daughter had all the new electronics and gadgets and Angie wanted Dave to buy her a car for her 16th birthday. "She buys us crap from Target or Walmart." Maggie said disgusted.

Leila stopped walking. "I understand how you feel, but do not ever criticize things bought for you from places like Target or Walmart. There are children and families who have to save their money to buy things from those stores. Yes, you have a right to be upset, however, keep it to the selfishness and discrimination aspects and leave out the locations. Deal?"

Both girls looked at Leila stunned. Abby spoke first. "You're right. We shouldn't put down Target or Walmart, they do have cute stuff. It has nothing to do with the dollar value spent; it's the point of consideration and favoritism. Look at it from our point of view. My Dad allegedly makes millions of dollars a year and she buys us clothes from Target while Princess Hanna and Queen Angie wear designer clothes. We get made fun of in school because they think Dad makes millions because he's on tv and they know this dress or that shirt comes from Target."

Leila found a bench and sat both girls down. "How do they know it's from Target? Takes one to know one." She let this sink in and then continued. "I do not condone your behavior and condescending attitude. I do however understand and see your point. Have you spoken to your Dad about this? Did your Dad buy the car? Has your father stood up for you? And one last thing to thing to think about. Is he still with Queen Angie?" Leila watched them hang their heads. "You are two amazing girls with great personalities, beautiful faces and independent minds. Don't let the shallowness of Angie bring you down. They separated a year ago; this shouldn't even be an issue. Where does your Mom shop for you? Where does Dave let you go? What do you want to wear?" Maggie looked at her with tears in her eyes.

"A year ago or a week ago, it still hurt us, Leila. We felt like Dad valued a kid not even his own over us. The clothes didn't matter, the price didn't matter; it was how we felt. How Angie made us feel." Maggie wiped a few tears that fell.

"Margaret Grace. You, my dear, are such a caring girl, so gentle and kind. Beautiful inside and out. Nobody can make you feel any way. You decide how you feel. You allowed those feelings to happen as a reaction to her behavior. She didn't make you feel anything. You made you feel. I know it's hard to be the more mature one, to be the one holding her head high when it seems like someone is intentionally trying to bring you down. But honey, you know how not to behave. You know what it feels like and you know not to treat someone else like that. I know it hurts and you're right, it was cruel and wrong and selfish and mean. Did you ever stop and think maybe Angie was jealous? Maybe Angie wanted her daughter to be equal to you and Abby. Maybe Angie felt left out. You two share a special bond with Dave. His whole world revolves around you. He would never tolerate anything or anyone hurting you. Including his wife. Dave's eyes dance and sing when he talks of you two. His emotions bleed all over him when he talks about how smart you both are and how much ambition you have. Mr. Tough Guy isn't so tough when it comes to his baby girls." Leila hugged them both and they got up to continue shopping. Her phone rang and she looked at the caller id. She wasn't taking any calls when she was out with Abby and Maggie, but she'd take this one. "Speak of the devil!" As Leila talked to Dave the girls took a few steps to the side.

"You know what Maggie? She's right. It was over a year ago and Dad's not with Spamgie anymore. There's more to that story than we know and we'll probably never know. The important thing is we are still here with Dad." Abby hugged her little sister tight.

"I really like Leila, Abs. Do you?" Abby nodded. "She treats us so different than Spamgie did. Hey, have you seen how Dad looks at her?" Both girls giggled and continued their talk.

"We are at the mall, David and we're having girl time…actually I'm learning a lot…we just talked a little about Angie and their interpretation of what we've already talked about…they still hurt from it and I think maybe you should talk them…I agree they don't need to know the details but it would be nice to hear how much you truly value them and chose them over her…outside of the doctor of course…they know more than you think…ooh, you're making dinner?...do we need to get anything?...do we need to dress up?...take the hint, Dave…well then we'll just have to pick out something nice to wear…okay, we'll be another hour or so…okay, bye." The girls were staring at her with animated faces. Dress up catching their attention. "Ladies, we need new clothes for dinner tonight and as any girl knows, that requires new shoes too." The two teenagers squealed as they headed towards one of the trendiest stores in Tampa. Leila didn't buy into the whole designer label thing for teenagers, but she knew these girls needed a boost and who was she to be a hypocrite? She herself had several designer items in her closet and had paid ridiculous prices for shoes. She had a rhinestone studded Versace t-shirt that cost $375 and she still was shocked at her own impulse to by a 375 dollar t-shirt. It's a t-shirt for chrissake. A t-shirt! The girls tried on several things and neither could decide which one they wanted so Leila bought them all.

They arrived back at Leila's with a huge load of clothes. Dave was shocked to say the least. The girls were so excited and showed Dave everything. When they were finished they both hugged Leila and thanked her again. They ran upstairs and got ready for dinner. "Leila, why did you spoil them so much?" Dave hugged her and she felt the same electricity. They hadn't kissed since the day in the garage, but they did go back to the comfortable ways they shared. Leila looked up at Dave and wished to the heavens he would kiss her again. She loved the past few weeks and she felt so relaxed with him, but she was dying inside for some sort of emotional and physical release. Dave moved his hands to her face and caressed her jawline with his thumbs. He was mere inches from her face. "Thank you again for what you did for the girls today and the past few weeks. I really appreciate that." Leila smiled up at him and tip-toed up to him as he lowered his head.

"Daddy, what time's dinner?" Maggie yelled from the top of the steps. Leila giggled and Dave rested his forehead on hers. "Daddy, what time is dinner? Hello, Dad."

"What time is dinner, Dad?" Leila teased. Dave smiled and kissed her quickly and groaned. Leila went upstairs and got ready with the girls. Dave also went upstairs and changed after putting the finishing touches on dinner. He wasn't much for putting on a suit especially at home, seemed useless, but his girls loved to make things fun and special. He would do anything for them. He actually beat the girls back downstairs and went to check on dinner. He set the table, lit some candles and went to the bottom of the steps. He was about to yell up at them but his girls appeared at the top. The walked down like models and he had to laugh at them and how fun they were. When Abby and Maggie reached the bottom they kissed Dave.

"Don't mess this up, Dad. She's the best one yet." Abby kissed him again. "Wait until you see her." The girls stood back and waited with Dave. Leila came stumbling out of her bedroom trying to put on her shoes. Dave and the girls stifled laughs as she cursed and practically fell. She composed herself and stood regally at the top of the stairs. They all burst out laughing and Leila came down the stairs. Dave locked eyes with her and his heart jumped to his throat. Both of them suddenly froze and Dave fought his asthma. He reached out for her hand and she placed hers in his.

"Leila, you look amazing." Dave whispered. "You're so beautiful." He kissed her hand and led her to the dining room.

Everyone had a great dinner and they each thought to themselves how comfortable they were and relaxed. Dave couldn't remember the last time his girls liked the same girl he liked. He should have taken a hint when they didn't like Angie before he even married her. They never liked the girls he dated and always compared them to their Mother. They hadn't compared Leila to Michelle, wife #1, so far. Of course he wasn't dating Leila, yet. It actually felt like a family to him, he felt at home. He loved watching his girls with Leila, it was like confirmation for the feelings growing inside him. He was going to call Paul tonight. He knew he had no game and wanted to make sure he wasn't doing anything wrong or moving too fast or too slow. After dessert was finished and dishes were cleared, they all went to change. Dave took this opportunity to call Paul. He shared everything that had been happening and Paul couldn't have been happier. He told Dave to continue what he was doing and remember to get in that quality time he had been doing before the girls arrived. Dave had to admit house hunting became less important lately, he just wanted to be with Leila and he knew if he found a house he wouldn't see her everyday.

"Steph, I'm not fuckin kidding, he has to go." Dave walked up and saw Leila on the phone in her kitchen. Who in the hell could she be talking to at 2 am? She was in her kitchen leaning against the island and eating ice cream straight from the tub. She was wearing boyshorts and a tank top his daughters could have worn when they were six. He got a good shot of her curves and the muscles in her legs and arms; he could feel himself being drawn further in and wanting to step up his actions. "Steph, seriously, I can't do this anymore…he either has to get out of my house or we need to have sex…I cannot be near him without thinking I want to rip his clothes off and fuck him on the kitchen counter…Steph it's not just the desire to have him physically, he feels comfortable. His girls are fun and energetic and just delightful. Just genuine and good girls…well, it feels like they've always been here, it's only been what, a month and it feels like years…we just hang out, watch movies, go to the movies, we've all made dinner together, cookies together, pizza, just real family stuff. Tonight the girls wanted to dress up for dinner. We didn't go anywhere, Dave made dinner, we all dressed up and it was fun. I never thought Dave would do something so silly, but he'd do anything for the girls and I thought it was so surreal…It's crazy, I know…hell no he has no clue how I feel…don't you think this is too fast? I am falling in love with him and his girls. I knew he was fabulous when we had that time together before the girls got here, but seeing him as a Dad, it just solidifies how I feel. I could never imagine treating him the way Angie has, it's crazy…I'm sure he has his moments, we all do…I can't imagine being deathly ill and having my husband stand right by me only to leave him for someone else…he could've left, he was on his way out the door anyway but only a good man chooses to stay…I've spent the last month with him 24/7 and I just don't think he's difficult to live with, he's actually very helpful…I have a confession, I've been showing Dave houses I knew he wouldn't like so he'd stay and not move out…I know, I know…did you tell Dave? Don't tell him about that, Steph, that's way too personal and I'm not ready for him to know…you told him? Shit Steph he'll think I'm crazy or clingy or desperate…You know how I feel about that subject, I don't want to talk about it, ever…we have to hang up I'm about to polish off a pint of ice cream…what do you mean what flavor? There's only one flavor made by one company…are you serious? There's more than chocolate?...not in my world…give Paul hugs and kisses…love you too" Dave continued watching her as she finished cleaning her mess. He didn't want to startle her so he coughed as he walked all the way into the kitchen.

"Do you always talk on the phone in the middle of the night?" Dave smiled at Leila as he grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He smiled wider as her face flushed. She had the look of a deer in the headlights.

"Steph texts me every night to see if I'm up and if I am I call her back. The baby wakes her about this time and we just chat for awhile." Dave stood as close as he could without being right on her. He purposely invaded her personal space to upend her. He took several big drinks from the bottle not letting his eyes leave hers. My stars he is beautiful, why does he walk around like that? It's on purpose I just know it. I never thought mens underwear was sexy, but that's the best looking pair of boxers I've ever seen. The way the moonlight dances on his skin, I wonder what he'd do if I just licked him from his neck to his belly button. Oh shit he's got a slightly hairy chest, never noticed before. I could just trace that hair line with my tongue and see where it leads me.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Dave asked her knowing exactly what was running through that beautiful head of hers.

"Not a chance Batista." Leila's eyes met Dave's and held them. She found a set of balls, cajones, grapefruits, whichever you prefer, from somewhere and reached out for his bottle of water drinking the last of it. "How long were you standing there eavesdropping?"

Dave got another bottle of water handing it to her. He watched her drink again and then took the bottle from her. "Since hey, how's the baby." He drank from her bottle this time. "Nice panties." Leila's eyes flew down and realized she was in her sleepwear. Oh well. "Very sexy." He gave her ass a playful spank and he walked to the family room. She squealed and watched his ass. "Quit looking at my ass, you'll burn a hole in it." Dave commented without even turning around.

"I wasn't. I, umm, yeah, shit." She buried her face in her hands and took a deep breath. She heard Dave turn on the tv and change the channel to music. They both preferred DirecTV's music channels since there was a good mix. Plus he could find his hair band stations. All hair, all the time. She laughed as Def Leppard's Love Bites came on. Dave wasn't a big fan of Def Leppard, but Leila loved them. She walked in and just watched him. He had lit a few candles and just sat on the couch. He leaned back and propped his feet up on the coffee table. Leila stood in the doorway and leaned against the wall. Their eyes were glued and neither looked away.

I don't want to touch you too much baby

Cuz makin love to you might drive me crazy

I know you think that love is the way you make it

I don't want to be there when you decide to break it

Dave patted a spot on the couch beside him and Leila shook her head. She motioned for him to come to her. Dave stood and slowly walked to Leila. She met him halfway and their bodies stopped just short of touching. Eyes still holding the other, their bodies began to sway a little to the song. Must be ballad night. Warrant's Heaven began to play and they continued to sway.

I don't need to be the king of the world

As long as I'm the hero of this little girl

Heaven isn't too far away

Closer to it everyday

Dave's arms wrapped around Leila and he pressed her to him. He leaned forward and lightly touched his forehead to hers. All of their emotions could be seen in their eyes and Dave turned his head slightly and his lips grazed hers. She rested her hands on his chest and he took her face tenderly in his hands. Delicate kisses were shared as their bodies moved to the music. Definitely ballad night. As the music played and their bodies swayed, the kisses got a little more emotion behind them. First it was finally being able to kiss eachother like this. Enjoying the feel of the other's mouth, tasting and teasing, tongues intertwined in a lover's battle for more pleasure. Dave's left hand snaked to the back of her head and gripped her hair, his right wrapped around her waist and rested on her lower back. He gently pulled her hair exposing her neck to him and his mission. Light kisses and intermittent appearances by his tongue provoked a slight moan from Leila. Suddenly the kitchen light went on and they heard Abby singing to herself. They both separated like two teenagers busted by parents. Dave stood behind her to hide the bulge in his pants and Leila knew she'd need new panties.

"Goodnight Leila, goodnight Daddy." Abby said with a giggle. They stood there for a second before they both chuckled. Dave's bulge died out the moment he heard his daughter's voice. He wrapped his arms around Leila's waist and kissed her shoulder before resting his chin on it. She let her head fall back and turned into him. She took a deep breath loving his scent. She kissed his cheek and put her nose where she kissed him as if nuzzling him. Dave broke away and turned the tv off. He took her hand and led her back upstairs. He stopped in her doorway and kissed her firmly.

"Goodnight Pretty Princess." He said as he kissed her nose.

"Pretty Princess? Where have I heard that before?" Leila whispered.

"The girls think you look exactly like one of the Bratz dolls and on the cartoon they call her Pretty Princess. Which suits you too." Dave kissed her a few more times before breaking the connection for the evening. "Thanks for the dance." He smiled at her and turned toward his own room.

"Dave, wait."