A/N: Thank you again for all the wonderful reviews. Just a reminder, from here on out this story is going to be AU (alternate universe) but still after movie. For those who haven't read Wildflower, Jackie survived and meet his current wife Natalie (that'll be explained in this). Also this story is set several years after the movie so things have changed drastically for our favorite brothers. I hope you continue to enjoy. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Chapter THREE

"I moved your four o'clock to tomorrow at three and then I-" Melody paused and looked up from her planner. "Kimberly?" She sighed as she caught sight of her boss behind her desk with her elbow on the desk and her chin resting against her open hand. The woman's gaze was settled to the side and she looked worlds away. "Kimberly!"

Kimberly shot up straight, blinking as she finally focused. "I'm sorry Melody, what were you saying?"

"Where are you right now? Because it's not this office I can tell you that." Melody chuckled and shut the planner. "Thinking about Bobby again were we?"

"Oh shut up."

"You were! I knew it!"

Kimberly blushed and fidgeted with the papers on her desk. "Sorry, I just…" She leaned back in the leather desk chair. "I think I'm going to take the rest of the day off." She watched Melody's jaw drop. "What?"

"You're not serious."

"I'm the boss; I can do what I want." She replied defensively. She checked her watch. "It's almost three and according to you, I no longer have any more appointments so let's close down for the day."

"I can go home too?"

"No, you have to stay here and slave away all night; of course you can leave." Kimberly began to clean up her desk and she followed the movements of her hands, aware of Melody still staring at her with a look of shock on her face. "Quit looking at me like that."

"You're in love with him, aren't you?"

Her head shot back up and it was her eyes that were now wide with shock. "I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"I am not."

"Yes," Melody laughed. "You are. I can see it all over your damn face! You're in love with Bobby Mercer!"

Kimberly's mouth moved for several seconds before she spoke again. "Don't be ridiculous." She shoved papers into her desk. "Bobby and I have been only been on two real dates over the last couple of weeks!"

"Face it, you're in love. It's cute." Melody giggled. "Hey, look at it this way, at least the feeling is mutual."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Melody!" Kimberly shut the desk drawer. "I wish you'd stop doing that. You know, you never fully explained that whole incident three weeks ago." She taped her fingers on the desk. "I promised I wouldn't fire you but I can make your life a living hell."

"Fine." Melody crossed her arms over her chest. "That night at Johnny's, I knew who Bobby was. He's kind of a local legend around here. I mean, you'd have to live in some hole to not know who…" She paused at the look that crossed Kimberly's face. "I didn't say anything cause I never thought you'd actually go home with him."

"Not that it's any of your business, but we didn't go to his house, we went to mine. How could you not tell me?"

"I didn't think he was your type!"

"Obviously you were wrong!"

Melody couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her mouth. "Obviously!" She grinned. "I knew you wouldn't even give him time of day if you knew his last name but then I saw how you two were looking at each other…"

Kimberly rolled her eyes but felt the blush creep onto her face again. "And this mutual thing?"

"You must be blind." Melody snorted. "Bobby has been in love with you since you spilled beer on his boots."

"You made me do that and don't be ridiculous."

"Maybe I helped you a little but no, I'm not being ridiculous. My eyes work perfectly and I see it every time he comes into the office. It's all over his face just like it is yours."

Kimberly leaned forward and as Melody watched, she rested her head against the desk. "No one falls in love this fast; this is crazy."

"Love is crazy but it doesn't change facts. You love him." Melody giggled as she stood up. "I'm going to go shut my computer down. Are you headed home?"

Kimberly sighed as she sat up, rubbing at her forehead. "I don't know."

"You should call Bobby and see if he wants to do something."

"Like what?"

"I don't know." Her friend smiled. "You?"

0303030303030303030

Sitting in her BMW, Kimberly dialed Bobby's cell phone and only had to wait a matter of seconds before he picked up.

"Hey Sweetheart." His warm voice floated into her ear and sent tingles down her spine. "I wasn't expecting you to call so soon. Aren't you at work?"

"I decided to close early today."

"Want me to come get you? We can go to dinner or something. I'd like to actually talk to you about a couple of things."

"Actually…" She tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. "I was thinking about coming to you if you… if you want."

There was noise in the background and it sounded like Bobby shifted the phone before it grew quiet again. "I'm at my house with the rest of my family."

"What's the address?"

"Are you sure about this?"

She inhaled deeply. "I want to see you and I'd like to meet the rest of your family."

Bobby cleared his throat and she closed her eyes to imagine the smile that she hoped was on his face. "We're at 1405 Gardner."

0303030303030303030

The driveway and the street was filled with cars as she pulled up. She clutched her purse as she got out, eyes on the lit house. She could hear the sound of music. The air was turning chilly and she pulled her coat tighter across her chest before making her way up the stairs to the porch door.

Purse held at her chest, she knocked on the door and waited. Seconds later it swung open to reveal a voluptuous Hispanic woman with long, dark hair. Both women stared at each other when finally the woman opened her mouth.

"You must be lost."

"I'm not lost."

"Are you sure? There isn't a Macy's on this side of town."

Kimberly shifted nervously, more aware now of the fact that she was standing there in a black pinstriped business jacket and skirt. "I'm Kimberly and I…" She yelped as the woman reached out to grab her arm and jerk her inside the house.

"Kimberly? Kimberly Carter?" The woman let her go and shut the door. "I know you."

"I'm afraid I don't know you."

"I'm Sofi, Angel's wife." Sofi smiled brightly. "You're the woman Bobby's been seeing." She glanced over her shoulder as if looking for someone. "How was the picnic? That was my idea."

"Um, it was nice."

"Want me to take your jacket? It does come off right?"

She nodded and let Sofi take her purse in order to strip off her jacket and reveal a classic black tank underneath. "Is… is Bobby around?"

"He's in the living room. Come on." She grabbed Kimberly's hand before she could object. "Bobby! Your girlfriend is here to see you!"

She was pulled into the living room and Kimberly blinked in surprise at the amount of people that filled the room. Jeremiah was there with a woman she assumed was his wife. Beside them on the couch was Jack, Angel was sprawled out in the lounger. Bobby was nowhere to be found and she found herself wrapping her arms around her torso in a protective maneuver.

"Kimberly, hey!"

"Hey Kimberly!"

She smiled shakily as she glanced between them. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Don't be silly." Sofi grinned. "We were just watching TV. We had dinner, are you hungry?"

"I'm fine, I-"

"Camille brought over a great big pot roast. You should have some; put some meat on your bones."

"Maybe you should give her some of yours La Vida Loca." Bobby stepped out from the hallway behind them. "You've got enough to share don't you?"

"Go to hell Bobby."

He chuckled ignoring her as he spotted Kimberly. "Hey Princess." He wrapped his arms around her shoulder and pulled her close, kissing the top of her forehead. "I'm glad you're here."

Trying hard to ignore everyone as well, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. "I'm glad I'm here too."

He pressed his lips against her ear. "I missed you today."

"I missed you too."

"Awwwww!" Angel cooed from where he sat stretched out by the television. "Why don't two get a fucking room?"

"Yeah, take the Pod person with you."

Blushing, Kimberly pulled back and glanced over his clothes. "Did you go shopping?"

"He spent all day at the mall yesterday." Angel spoke up as Sofi plopped down on his lap and slung her arms around his neck. "He even got new boots."

Bobby rolled his eyes and he flipped Angel off, his left arm around Kimberly's shoulders. "I had some extra spending money. Big deal."

"Whatever." Angel leaned over to hit Jeremiah on the arm. "I saw him eying the Ralph Lauren shirts."

"You know you can't afford Ralph Lauren, what is wrong with you boy?"

"I can fucking afford Ralph Lauren, I just didn't like any of the styles on the shirts. Stop giving me shit; at least I don't wear suspenders."

Jeremiah laughed and thumbed his suspenders. "These babies will always be in style and that's something we know you ain't got."

"I wrote the fucking book on style." Bobby pointed towards the couch. "Kimberly, you've already met Jeremiah, that's his wife Camille, and you just met La Vida Loca unfortunately." He ignored Sofi as she spat a curse word at him.

"It's nice to meet you."

Kimberly smiled again, more confident as she felt Bobby's hand slid into hers, their fingers intertwining. "Nice to meet you too." She glanced around and couldn't help but notice the looks everyone was giving each other or the fact they were staring at her hand in Bobby's.

"We're going upstairs." Bobby shot Jack a look. "Make sure you clean up the kitchen before you pass out."

"There's no way I'm cleaning your shit up. Not only do I not live here anymore but I certainly didn't make any of that mess."

"What are you guys gonna do upstairs?" Angel grinned as he glanced between them. "Why don't you stay down here and watch The Sopranos with us?"

Bobby glanced over at Kimberly as he felt her squeeze his hand. "What would you like to do babe?"

"You should spend time with your family."

"We," He squeezed her hand back, "should spend time with my family." He caught Sofi staring at him and snorted. "What?"

"Have you been drinking at all tonight?"

"What the fuck are you-"

Kimberly pulled on his hand. "I could use a drink." She squeezed his hand urgently. "Please?"

Bobby exhaled through his nose but nodded, lifting her hand to kiss the back before he let go. "Have a seat Sweetheart, is beer okay?"

"A beer would be great, thanks." She smiled as he turned and walked into the kitchen. Clearing her throat and clasping her hands together nervously, she immediately noticed everyone staring at her. "Wow…" She laughed softly. "If you listen, you can hear crickets chirping."

"How did you do that?" Sofi stared at her in amazement. "It was like you hypnotized him."

"Sofi, knock it off." Angel chuckled patting her thigh. "Have a seat Kimberly, there's some room on the couch I believe."

"Actually, you can have our seat." Jeremiah rose with Camille's hand in his. "We need to be going; the babysitter is only being paid to stay until eight." He shook Kimberly's hand. "It was good seeing you again."

Kimberly nodded. "You too. I'll have Melody schedule another appointment with you soon."

"Wait. This is the woman that is helping you finance your luxury lofts?" Camille glanced at Jeremiah curiously and he nodded. "And she's dating Bobby? How in the world did that happen?"

"Yeah, explain that!" Angel laughed, everyone else laughing as well.

"Did you lose a bet?"

Kimberly shifted nervously. "It's a long story actually."

"We look forward to hearing it later."

Bobby grunted as he came back out with two beers and he handed one to Kimberly. "How about we leave Kimberly alone?"

"We're just asking a few questions; don't get your panties twisted."

"Screw you Angel."

Jeremiah laughed and clapped Bobby on the back. "See you both later."

"Night."

Kimberly sipped at her beer and took a seat on the couch, Bobby beside her and he slung his arm over her shoulder to bring her close. She tried hard to focus as the episode of The Sopranos played on the television but everyone kept looking at them curiously and she shifted on the couch to move closer to Bobby. She glanced over to find Bobby smiling at her and her breath caught in her throat when he leaned over to press his lips to the corner of her mouth. "Bobby…"

"What is it baby?"

Beside them Jackie chuckled under his breath.

"Nothing." She sighed as he nuzzled the side of her neck. "It's just…" She buried her face into his arm, "I feel like I'm on display at the moment."

"Ignore them."

"Easier said than done." Kimberly froze as he leaned over again and brushed his lips against hers. He didn't pull away as she expected and though shocked, she didn't try to stop him as he kissed her again. His tongue slid easily past her lips and she sighed into his mouth, giving him access immediately. Her left hand clutched her beer, her right moving to grab onto his shirt and she released a small sound of pleasure from her throat the second he pulled away.

Bobby smirked down at her. "Did that make it easier?"

"Damn, ya'll really do need a room." Angel burst out laughing as Kimberly's face turned red. "It should be pretty chilly outside right now if you need to go cool off Kimberly."

"You watch your mouth when you talk to her." Bobby shot Angel a stern look. His arm was still around her shoulders and his fingers were stroking the soft skin of her upper arm. "Don't make me come over there and teach you a lesson."

Angel smirked as he stroked Sofi's thigh. "I'd like to see you try Old Man. You probably can't even get off that couch right now anyway."

Kimberly glanced between the two slowly, spotting the smile on both of their faces and she looked over at Jack to find him smiling as well, his eyes still on the television. Slowly, she cleared her throat and slid her hand down Bobby's chest. "Bobby?"

He didn't remove his eyes from Angel's. "Yeah baby?" He scowled as Angel's smirk deepened. "I am five fucking seconds from rearranging your face."

"Bobby…"

"Hey, you know where to find me. I'm sitting right here Honkey."

"It might take me a few minutes to find you, the chair's dark so you're blending in." Bobby shot back. "Wait, I see a flash of white, it's your teeth. You still using those strips Sofi bought two months ago?"

Sofi rolled her eyes. "I never bought whitening strips you moron; that was wax."

"Oh that's right; you needed them for your upper lip."

"You are such a bastard Bobby!" Sofi screeched. "Puta mierda! Beso mi asno!"

Bobby didn't hold back his laughter as she continued rattling on angrily. "I'm sorry; are we in Mexico? I thought I was speaking English. Keep talking La Vida Loca; I don't understand a word you're saying. Burrito! Enchilada! Taco!"

"Fuck you! Do you understand that?"

"Yeah and no thanks. I want to remain disease free."

Angel sat up straighter in the chair as Sofi slapped him on the chest. "Man, don't fucking talk to my wife like that! You ain't got room to talk anyway! You're the one that dated that skank from Third Street a few years back."

"She did not have a disease! That was a rash."

"There are diseases that come across as rashes."

"Well, thank you Doctor fucking Phil." Bobby glared at Sofi. "What'd you do, look that up on the internet? Or was that something you learned down at a Mexican clinic before you crossed the border?"

"Bobby…"

Bobby turned his head to glare at Jack. "What the fuck is it Jackie?" He followed the direction Jack pointed and cursed at the sight that Kimberly was gone. He hadn't even noticed her slip out from under his arm and he stood up from the couch at hearing something rattle in the kitchen. He pointed at Angel and Sofi. "We'll finish this later."

"Count on it." Angel shot back with a smile. He leaned in to whisper something into Sofi's ear and she giggled, ignoring Bobby completely as she whispered something back.

Bobby slipped out of the living room and entered the kitchen, spotting Kimberly at the sink. He approached with soft steps and slid his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her left shoulder, watching as she methodically cleaned the plate in her hand. "You don't need to do those, Sweetheart."

"Someone has to and I don't think it's fair to make Jack do all of them by himself."

"Jack's used to it." Bobby pressed his lips against her neck, frowning as she continued to stare down and wash the dishes piled into the sink. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Kimberly, baby…" He shifted back and turned her sideways, moving around to lean against the sink and stare down at her. "What's the matter?"

"I told you, it's nothing." She sighed as the back of his knuckles stroked her cheek. "What… what happened in there, it's just not what I'm used to, that's all."

"We can get a bit rough but we're just playing around Kimmy. It's harmless fun."

She nodded then smiled slowly. "Kimmy?"

Bobby smiled back just as slowly. "Kimberly's a sexy name but I think you need a nickname."

"Like you do, Michigan Meanie?"

"Michigan Meanie?" Angel spoke up from the doorway. "Say what?" He burst out laughing and glanced over his shoulder. "Jackie, she just called Bobby the Michigan Meanie!"

Jack's laughter floated from the living room followed by Sofi's and Kimberly couldn't help but laugh at the frustrated look that crossed Bobby's face.

"You guys fucking suck."

"Oh that was cold Michigan Meanie!" Angel was laughing as Bobby came towards him and he dodged the fake blows thrown at him, still laughing. "Cold blooded you meanie!"

Bobby growled and landed a couple punches on Angel's arm before he managed to get the taller man in a choke hold. "Shut up!"

"Michigan Meanie, you're hurting me, stop!"

Kimberly tried to smother her laughter with her hand but she found it impossible. She laughed as the two mocked wrestled before Angel was released, stepping back to straighten out his shirt as Bobby smoothed back his hair.

"Come on, leave the dishes." Bobby smiled at Kimberly. "Let's go upstairs."

"But, the dishes are-"

"If you want to do them that badly Kimmy, I'll make sure Jack leaves them there." He grabbed her hand and started to pull her out of the kitchen. "Let's go upstairs baby. I want to show you something."

"Better rethink that plan brother." Angel chuckled. "She's probably still scared from seeing it the last time."

Bobby's retort was lost as Kimberly burst out in loud laughter.