A/N: Thanks again for the reviews. Here is where it starts to get tricky and takes an AU twist. Background has been provided and will continue to be in future chapters. I hope you enjoy it and please leave any suggestions or comments. And here… we … go.

Chapter FOUR

Bobby squeezed her hand as he led her down to the end of the hallway. He stopped at the last door, turned to face her, and cleared his throat.

When he didn't say anything right away, she shifted nervously on her feet and managed a soft smile. "Is this where I kiss you goodnight and go home?"

Her question made him laugh and he leaned in to brush his lips against hers. "I'm going to sound like a whipped bitch right now but the fact you can make me laugh is one of the things I adore about you."

"Bobby…"

"I know we've only been on a couple of dates and things are moving kinda quick so I wanted to share something very personal with you before we go any further." He cleared his throat again. "I have to share this with you and let you decide from here if you want to keep seeing me."

"Share what Bobby?"

"I haven't lied to you but I haven't been totally honest with you either Kimberly."

She frowned and slowly crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against the doorframe. "What do you mean you haven't been totally honest?"

Bobby moved to open the door and her eyes went wide at seeing a child lying asleep on the small bed in the room. The little girl was small and petite with mocha skin and curly black hair, a thumb in her mouth as she slept with a teddy bear clutched to her chest.

Kimberly swallowed as she gazed around the room that was decorated with drawings and pictures. Toys were piled neatly into one corner beside a dresser and there was a wooden rocker on the other side. She leaned back to almost slump against the doorframe. "Is she yours?"

"She's mine but I'm not her biological father."

"I'm… I'm sorry. I'm not following."

"Her name is Marley." Bobby whispered softly as he gazed down at the little girl. "About three years ago, I went to visit Jackie and Natalie in LA. I met my ex Anita. It was…. a whirlwind type deal and we tried really hard to keep it together but we were just too different." He stared at the little girl. "While we were… taking some time apart, I slept with someone else." He didn't look over to see Kimberly's reaction. "After Marley was born, her mother decided she didn't want anything to do with her so I told her I'd take her even though it was obvious I wasn't her biological father."

"Why would you do something like that?"

"I grew up in the foster system Kimberly. I didn't want Marley to experience the same thing."

"Most men wouldn't have chosen to do what you did Bobby. Most would have been thankful they weren't tied down or obligated to take on such a responsibility and to do it willingly…"

"I'm sorry for not telling you sooner but it's just not something I mention right away when I met someone new. I can't tell you how many times I've been rejected just because I have a kid."

Kimberly reached out to grab the doorknob and softly pull the door shut. "People can be narrow-minded and selfish, not willing to make change at all." She sighed and rested her weight against the doorframe again. "While I understand why you did it, I'm not happy with the fact that you hid this from me Bobby. I can already tell you love Marley and that she's important to you so there should never be a reason for you to not mention her first thing."

"I'm not ashamed of my daughter but I wanted you to get to know me first before I introduced you to her."

"When we, whatever this is, started out Bobby, it wasn't meant to go anywhere."

"To you maybe but I changed your mind didn't I?" In a move unseen exhibited by him before except in the last couple of minutes, Bobby shifted nervously again. "I want this to work between us Kimberly. I want you to get to know me, to know Marley and my family. I want to be in your life." He reached out to stroke the side of her face. "I want to be more than just a memory to you."

She felt everything inside of her flood, including her heart as it melted, and she reached out to cup the sides of Bobby's face with both of her hands. "You know what I want right now Bobby Mercer?" She smiled at his questioning look, apprehension still obvious in his gaze. "I want you to show me where your bed is."

040404040404040

It was early, barely seven thirty in the morning, when Kimberly slipped free from Bobby's arms and dressed for work. With her shoes in one hand and her purse in the other, she managed to close the bedroom softly as to not wake him. She leaned against the doorframe in order to straighten out her clothes and froze at the sight of soft brown eyes curiously watching her.

His daughter Marley stood half-hidden behind the door, her little hands holding onto the side, and she shifted nervously as she caught Kimberly noticing her as well. Kimberly placed her finger against her lips and smiled as the small child nodded in understanding. After a moment's hesitation, Marley started began to walk towards her.

"Hello Marley." Kimberly whispered as she lowered herself slowly onto her knees. She smiled and extended her hand. "My name is Kimberly."

Marley's small hand slipped into her own. "Kimbly?"

"You can call me Kimmy." She squeezed Marley's hand gently. "I'm a friend of your Daddy."

"Daddy sleepy."

"That's right, he is." She chuckled. She lifted her hand to stroke the top of Marley's head and she smiled as the little girl leaned into the touch. "Tell you what Marley, I was going to head straight to work but I think I'd like some breakfast first. Would you like something to eat?"

Marley nodded enthusiastically. "Daddy says piss and wash."

Her eyes went wide and she clamped down on her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing. "Daddy's right. We should use the restroom before we eat. It's very important to have clean hands." She stood up, the little girl's hand still in hers. "Can I help you since Daddy's still asleep?"

"My friend?"

"I'd love to be your friend Marley." Kimberly felt her heart melt as Marley smiled and began to tug her towards her bedroom.

040404040404040

The house smelled wonderfully of cooked bacon, fresh pancakes, and scrambled cheese eggs but it was the sight of Kimberly holding Marley that had Bobby staring in amazement. He stood in the doorway of the kitchen completely silent as his daughter let out a happy squeal.

"More!"

"More?" Kimberly chuckled. "Are you sure?"

"Yes!"

"Yes, what Ms. Marley?"

"Yes, pwease!"

Bobby felt a wave of pride flash through him and he cleared his throat as Kimberly reached to add more cheese to the eggs in the skillet. "It smells great in here."

"Daddy!" Marley wiggled excitedly until Kimberly lowered her onto her feet. "Daddy awake!"

"That's right Pumpkin." She leapt at him and he scooped her up. She laughed as he swung her into the air and with a smile, he cradled her against his chest, his eyes moving to focus on Kimberly. "Good morning baby."

"I baby!"

"Yes, you are." Bobby pressed his lips to Marley's cheeks. "You're both my babies."

"Kimmy my friend." She snuggled against his chest. "Pretty Kimmy."

"Very."

Kimberly blushed and cleared her throat. "Morning." She moved the skillet off the cooling eye and motioned to the set table. "Marley wanted to make you breakfast."

"Hungry Daddy!"

"Me too Pumpkin." Bobby kept his eyes on Kimberly's. "I'm starving."

She didn't look away even as her body flushed. "Well lucky for you, there's plenty to go around." She paused as her cell phone began to ring on the counter. "Excuse me." Clearing her throat, she swiped up her phone and slipped out into the foyer. "Kimberly Carter."

"I really hate to be calling you so early," Melody stated quickly, "but Anthony Vasser called demanding we switch his appointment from three to nine or he'll pull out and go elsewhere." She sighed. "I tried to reason with the irritating little French man but he insists on seeing you right away."

"Why am I not surprised?" Kimberly sighed and glanced into the kitchen, smiling at seeing Bobby laugh while Marley pressed kisses all over his face. "Make some coffee and order some of those small doughnuts from the shop next door and make sure his folder is ready by the time I get there. I shouldn't be long."

"Okay; I'll do that right away." Melody paused. "I'm really sorry if I interrupted something."

"It's not your fault Melody. You did the right thing by calling. I'll see you soon." She snapped the phone shut and leaned against the wall at her back with a sigh.

"Is something wrong?"

She turned her head to gaze at Bobby, surprised momentarily at not having noticed his presence the second he came out of the kitchen. Marley was no longer in his arms and she glanced over his shoulder to see she had been fastened securely into her high chair. "I have to go to work."

"Now?" Bobby looked down at his watch. "It's only 8:30."

"I know."

His hands reached out to rest on her shoulders. "You're the boss; I'm sure Melody can manage without you for a little while longer."

"I can't do that Bobby." Kimberly cleared her throat as his face went neutral and she immediately recognized the guarded look that hovered underneath. "Something has come up at the office and I'm needed before Melody ends up starting a war with the French." She chuckled at the puzzled expression that crossed his features and leaned in to brush her lips against his. "Enjoy breakfast with your daughter."

"Fine but you owe us lunch."

"Deal." She drew back with a soft smile. "Call me and I'll meet you somewhere."

040404040404040

The first thing she noticed as she stepped onto her floor of the building was that Melody looked completely frazzled. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of her secretary's hair sticking out randomly in disarray as if she had been yanking on it.

"Mr. Vasser arrived a few minutes. He brought his father for support!" Melody flopped down into her desk chair. "And believe it or not, he's still as arrogant and annoying as the last time we saw him."

Kimberly smirked and accepted the folder Melody extended. "You're just upset he hasn't asked you out despite your numerous flirtatious advances."

"That's not the point, he's still completely exasperating."

"Been playing Scrabble online again I see." Kimberly muttered as she flipped open the folder and scanned the insides. "Be thankful Melody, he's not worth your time."

Melody snorted. "That's easy for you to say, you've had the chance to go out with him."

"And I loathed every second of it." She snapped the folder shut and stuck it under her arm. "My father and his thought us to be compatible and that was the farthest thing from the truth."

"Too bad nobody gave him the memo."

"He's hard to avoid when he wants to be the center of attention, as you can tell." She glanced at the closed conference doors. "This shouldn't take very long. Mr. Vasser just likes to be reassured his son isn't dragging his company kicking and screaming into the bowels of Hell."

"Why he ever let his son take over half of his company I'll never know."

"His father may be old fashioned but unfortunately Anthony cares nothing for tradition, only furthering his reputation at the same time he lines his pockets."

"Well, good luck in there. Page me if the desire to throw coffee on him becomes unbearable." Melody grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "I'll bring you a fresh pot."

040404040404040

Louis Vasser was a handsome older man with gray hair and matching gray eyes, his features sharp but attractive. His son took after him in the angles of his cheek bones but his eyes were a sea green shade, his hair a dark black. His father French, his mother was Italian, but it was clear who he took after most as he sat next to his father, both of them looking apprehensively towards the assortment of powdered doughnuts Melody had placed in the center of the table next to the coffee pot.

"Good morning gentleman." Kimberly slid easily into the seat opposite of them and lowered the folder onto the table. "What brings you both to my office so early that it couldn't wait until our previously scheduled time?"

"My son has become quite concerned as of late that the development of our project is lagging behind schedule." Louis eyed his son. "I warn him against being too ambitious but I'm inclined to question when I see funding has taken longer than usual to accumulate."

"It's important to keep in mind that your contract is one of the largest financial projects Detroit has seen in recent history. Not since Trevor Hamilton broke ground with my father back in 1992 has there been a project of this size brought to the city board's attention." Kimberly leaned back into her seat. "I informed your son months before even agreeing to support the funding of your project that it would take time to acquire the necessary amount." She glanced over at Anthony. "Ambition is admirable, impatience however is not."

"Until I receive complete funding, I can't even lay a single brick!" Anthony snapped. "Had I known you were going to take your sweet time, we would have taken our business elsewhere."

"In two months time, you'll have not only proper funding and the support of this company but also the support of the city board at your fingertips." She directed her attention to Louis. "However, if you are unsatisfied with progress thus far, you are more than welcome to take your business to another company."

"And set back not only our project but your own security as well? Are you joking?" Louis scoffed. "Your father would never have suggested such a ridiculous idea!"

"This company no longer belongs to my father, it belongs solely to me, and I'll run it as I see fit. I respect you Louis, I respect the relationship you had with my father, but I'm finding it very hard to respect your son." She ignored Anthony's sputter of protest. "I went into our agreement with the understanding we were both in this to do business in a way that would benefit us both. Perfection is an ideal that cannot be rushed. My company continues to exist because I understand that." She clasped her hands together. "As my father used to say, slow is fast…"

"…and fast is smooth."

"Exactly." Kimberly finally glanced at Anthony again and smiled thinly. "Two months Anthony, then you can lay all the bricks you want but if I'm forced to prolong for whatever reason past that date and put not only your father's reputation but mine on the line as well, I'll be forced to increase my percentage on your quarter earnings to compensate the loss."

Anthony's jaw dropped and she smiled as his father chuckled.

"There will be no need for that Kimberly." Louis slapped his son on the back. "I imagine my son will have come to discover a new love for patience after today."

"Let's hope so." She rose to her feet at the same time they did. "And let's hope we stick to meeting at expected, scheduled times in the future as well."

040404040404040

"Kimberly?"

She leaned forward to press down on the intercom button. "Yes Melody?"

"Victor's here to see you."

"Tell him I'm asleep." She smiled as static came over the line, sounds of an innocent struggle were muffled, and Victor's deep voice immediately followed.

"It's still way too early in the morning for me Kimberly. I have a headache, your coffee sucks and we need to talk."

She chuckled and hit the automatic lock to her door; the signal beeping loudly as it opened, and second's later her attorney for the last five years entered her office. Victor Sloan was a man that towered easily over anyone he encountered standing at an impressive six feet two inches. His shoulder length hair was always tied back, his handsome face always clean shaven, and while he looked intimidating, his charming smile made anyone forget exactly how dangerous he could be when he set his mind to achieving something.

"Good morning Victor." She rocked back in her chair with a wide smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you without lawsuit papers in your hand?" She narrowed her gaze at the hand that held his briefcase. "Did I speak too soon?"

"No lawsuit today." He sat down in front of her and dropped his briefcase onto the desk. "Maybe tomorrow. I am however here because of today's paper." He clasped his hands together in his lap. "You do read the paper still don't you?"

"Of course I do." Kimberly paused to fidget with the papers on her desk. "Just… not today."

"Well, let me help catch you up to current events." Victor unlatched his briefcase and tossed a newspaper down in front of her. "The Detroit Daily has found a sudden interest in you and your new boyfriend." He watched her stare down at the article and the black and white photo of her attached to it. "Imagine my surprise when I discovered that your new boyfriend is also a partner in the luxury loft project you just agreed to finance."

"My association with Bobby is completely free from my association with Jeremiah's project."

"Is that what they're calling it now, an association?"

"Oh come on Victor!"

He laughed. "Let's say you're right. Let's say you're financing this project because you believe it will make good revenue for not only the both of you but this city as well and you decided all of this before even meeting his additional partners." He tapped his long fingers against his chin. "But Candace Walker from The Detroit Daily is pretty certain that the only reason you're financing Jeremiah's project is because you're sleeping with his brother. It's quite clear in this article Kimberly that she's telling her readers you're exchanging financial assistance in exchange for sexual favors."

Kimberly looked back down at the article. "Well, she's wrong…" She frowned. "And she's slandering not only me but Jeremiah's good name without substantial evidence." She looked up again quickly. "Is it my day to sue?"

"You could…" He shrugged. "Or you could actually stop sleeping with this Bobby Mercer and avoid more fallout and speculation as the days pass."

"I appreciate your advice Victor. You're a fantastic lawyer, and you've been a good friend to me for many years but do not sit in my office and tell me how I should spend my personal time."

"So you are sleeping with him."

She rolled her eyes. "If I am or if I'm not isn't any of your business and it certainly isn't any of Candace Walker's. Kindly inform her if she doesn't retract her statement and issue an apology I'll make sure she not only loses her job and that no one will ever touch her again in the media industry but that I'll also make sure The Detroit Daily closes its doors for good."

"If you are sleeping with him, he's not doing the job because you are cranky as Hell."

"Shut up."

Chuckling, Victor stood up, bringing his briefcase along with him. "Shall I type up your request or simply make a phone call?"

"Do whatever floats your boat Victor."

He smiled. "Phone call it is. I'll tell them we expect the retraction by Friday."

"Not soon enough, tell them by tomorrow."

"I'm not sure this is the smartest way to go about this. Candace Walker's column is a reader favorite because ninety-five percent of the time, it's based on fact. Perhaps we should go about this in a nicer way."

"Fine. Tell her if she doesn't retract her statement I'll make sure she never works again period, not even at a gas station."

Victor scratched at his chin. "I believe that's the exact opposite of what I just suggested."

"Really? Hmmm." She shrugged and began to focus again on her paperwork. "I guess I can extend the deadline to tomorrow evening instead of tomorrow morning."

"How gracious of you Kimberly."

"Eh, I have my moments."

040404040404040

It was barely past eleven when she entered the small coffee shop and greeted the owner from his position behind the register with a wave of hello. He nodded back and with a smile, she continued towards the back, not stopping until she approached the last booth.

"Darius." She continued to smile as Green rose to his feet. "I apologize for not calling you back sooner; it's been a busy morning."

"It's been a busy morning for us both. I went ahead and ordered you a latte." They both took a seat and he pushed a Styrofoam cup towards her.

"Thank you." Kimberly scooped up the cup and sipped, nodding in contentment as the taste of vanilla filled her mouth. She cleared her throat. "It's good to see you again so soon Darius. I'm surprised in fact. Last time I checked, you were a rather busy Lieutenant."

"It has been quiet, that's for sure." Darius pushed a folder towards her next and watched as she opened it to gaze down at the contents. "I thought this might be of some interest to you."

After a few minutes, she snapped it shut. "What is this about?"

"I thought that would be obvious."

"What is this about Darius?"

He leaned on the table with his elbows, hands clasped together. "After I read The Detroit Daily this morning, I figured you'd like to be able to put all your cards out on the table."

"So you thought printing out everything there is to know about Bobby and the Mercer family would help me do that?"

"I know you like the guy Kimberly. Hell, even I like the guy, but you have the right to know exactly what you're getting yourself into here. It's not all rainbows and butterflies with the Mercers. It never has been and it never will be."

Her fingers slid back and forth over the folder as she kept her eyes on his. "You told me before about some of the things he did in the past. It hasn't changed my opinion of him or his family. Everyone makes mistakes and when you come from a background those men did, mistakes are bound to happen."

"I just want you to be careful Kimberly. Bobby's kept his nose cleaned lately but it wasn't six years ago he was under investigation for the murder of Victor Sweet."

"No one ever found Sweet. There was no evidence to suggest he had been murdered, he just disappeared, and if he dead, no one's going to say where he's buried." She pushed the folder back towards him. "As far as I'm concerned, good riddance. The man did nothing but dirty this city and abuse its citizens."

"I don't disagree with you about Sweet but we're talking about murder here Kimberly. We investigated Bobby for Sweet's disappearance as well as the murders of two associates of his as well. Murder, Kimberly; cold blooded murder and as much as I like and respect the guy, I can't help but believe that Bobby is capable of it." Darius reached out to take one of her hands. "We've known each other since college Kim and the last thing I want is to have to be told that you…"

She reached out to cover his hand with her left. "Please don't finish that sentence Darius."

"I've lost a lot of people, friends and family alike over the years. I'm tired of losing people."

"I'm sorry. I know you're just watching out for me." She squeezed his hand. "You've always looked out for me but I can make my own choices. I know what I'm doing." She sat back and pushed the folder towards him again. "I don't need this."

Darius immediately shook his head and pushed it back towards her. "I want you to take it with you when you leave. Throw it away, burn it; I don't care but look at what is written on the sheets inside. You deserve to know everything." He rubbed at his chin. "It's not all bad. There's a lot in there about Evelyn Mercer and photos of the boys growing up. Take it with you Kimberly. What you do with it is your business."

Her gaze was drawn to the folder but her response was lost as her cell phone rang. "Excuse me." She dug it free from her purse. "Hello?"

"Kimmy!" Marley's voice was filled with excitement. "Hi Kimmy!"

"Well, hello Marley." Kimberly smiled and she paused as a minute later she heard Bobby's chuckle.

"Sorry about that, the second she heard I was calling you, she wanted to help. Did we catch you at a bad time?"

She excused herself from the table by lifting a finger to Darius who nodded and with the phone she rose to gain more privacy in the hall near the bathrooms. "Of course not."

"Are you busy? Marley and I were wondering if you wanted to go to lunch."

"Um, actually…" She chewed on her bottom lip. "I'm not at the office. I can meet you somewhere but I might be a little late."

"Where are you? We can come by and pick you up."

She let her gaze linger on Darius as he sipped his coffee before her attention wandered to the folder still in the middle of the table. "How about I meet you at the McDonald's down from your house in twenty minutes?"

"Alright." Bobby agreed. "Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of it."