Chapter SIX

Maybe it was because she knew what was waiting on her at home but the day went by quickly at work. Thinking of her new place in that sense, as home, made her smile and Kimberly waved goodbye to Melody before she slid into her car seat.

It had been three weeks since she had moved in with Bobby and Marley. Routine had set easily between the three of them with her preparing breakfast in the morning and helping Marley pick out her outfit for the day while Bobby showered and got ready for work. They would sit and eat together, Marley always saying grace, and when they finished, Bobby would make sure he kissed her goodbye before taking Marley to the daycare center.

At first there had been arguments over the bills. Bobby was stubborn when it came to money, her money especially, and it had taken several days and some behind-closed-doors yelling before he agreed to let her pool their money together in an account at the bank for bills. Jeremiah and Angel both heckled Bobby as loving brothers did about becoming an adult and being whipped but Bobby took it in stride, always smiling as he threatened to beat them into oblivion. She had been concerned at first that it would be awkward or difficult especially with Jeremiah around but it was like they immediately concerned her family.

Despite concerns by some members on the city board, Jeremiah's loan and paperwork for the Four Brothers Construction project was approved and construction began next week. She could see the satisfaction on all of their faces and felt a sense of pride flare up inside for them. It was their mission to do quality work for the city and its occupants and they deserved success.

Random newspapers occasionally ran stories on her and her involvement with the project as well as her personal involvement with Bobby. Her lawyer Victor laughed at her each time she threatened to sue; telling her as soon as she did, several other stories would pop up in its place so eventually she let the subject slide altogether. As soon as the project was complete and they repaid their loan in full, they would have no other connection to her and people would lose interest. In the end it came down to the same old song and dance; another day, another dollar.

Driving, Kimberly was satisfied to realize that the ride home would take less time than usual on account of the fact that she had left early and that she was driving ten over the speed limit. Singing along to the music blasting from her CD player and tapping on the leather steering wheel to the beat, she pushed down harder on the gas pedal.

A sudden flashing red light in her rearview mirror burst her bubble. She ground her teeth together but slowed the car to a stop on the side of the road and began to dig out her ID and her proof of insurance. As soon as a shadow fell across her lap, she looked out the window. "You have got to be kidding me."

Darius made a gesture with his hand that he couldn't understand her and with a playful roll of her eyes, she let down the window. "Evening ma'am."

"You even think about giving me a ticket and I'll make you regret it."

He chuckled and leaned against the door. "I saw you flying by and thought I'd say hello." He waved away her paperwork. "I would slow down through in this area. My boys like to catch people here all the time."

She shoved her ID and insurance card back into her purse. "Duly noted."

"I see things with the Mercer project went well."

"It was approved last week which is good, maybe now they'll stop hounding me."

"It was quite a risk to take Kimberly; even for this city." Darius's soft eyes studied her. "I hear you moved in with Bobby."

Her eyebrows rose. "And where exactly did you hear that?"

"Word gets around especially when it concerns a wealthy businesswoman and a Mercer." He shrugged and glanced around casually as cars passed them. "I take it you didn't look at that folder I gave you."

"I already told you I wasn't interested in anything defamatory you had. Who knows, I might get interested later to see more of his background when he was growing up and I still appreciate the concern but really Darius, I know what I'm doing." She reached out to pat his hand. "Did you forget that you're friends with their family?"

"I still consider myself on friendly terms with them Kimberly but I'm careful. I adored their mother; Evelyn was a kind soul that did a lot of good for this city."

"She raised good sons Darius. Whatever the past is with them, it's staying that, the past." Kimberly readjusted her seatbelt strap. "I really hate to cut this short but I need to go."

He nodded and straightened up. "You still have my card?"

"I also still have your number in my cell phone."

"Great. If you ever need me, call day or night." He cleared his throat before leaning back down so they were face to face again. "The annual city fund raiser is next week. It's not really my thing, it never is but are you going by any chance? If you were, I thought…"

"Are you asking me to your date?"

He looked slightly uncomfortable and he shrugged. "I doubt it's something Bobby would be interested in so I just thought maybe we could go together."

"Darius, that's really sweet but I... I don't know if I'm going yet and if I do, I know Bobby won't care to go but I just…" She squeezed the steering wheel nervously with both hands. "I just don't think it'd be a good idea." She shot him a weak smile. "I'll see you there though right?"

"Right. Yeah, of course you will."

"Good. You better save me a dance."

He cleared his throat and stood up again. "Count on it." He tapped on the top of her car. "Be careful Kimberly."

"You too Darius." She smiled at him again before rolling up her window. Silently she watched him walk back to his car and once he was inside, his engine cranked again, she threw on her blinker and pulled back out onto the road.

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The Mercer house was active as a beehive by the time she pulled up and she entered to hear the sounds of television playing in the background mixed with Marley shrieking gleefully. She shrugged off her jacket and hung it up before moving towards the living room, briefcase in her right hand.

Hearing a wolf whistle, she rolled her eyes as she spotted Angel lying sprawled out on the couch. "And hello to you too."

He grinned and muted the television. "What's up foxy lady? I have to tell you, briefcases have never been so hot before."

"Oh shut up." She blushed and set down her briefcase by the doorframe. "Where's-"

"Kimmy! Kimmy home!" Marley was a blur of movement as she ran into the living room and launched herself at Kimberly. She was dressed in her pink princess costume, a plastic tierra was on her head and she held a matching wand. "Kimmy!"

Kimberly scooped the small girl easily up into her arms and settled her on her hip. "Well hello Princess Marley."

"Missed you."

"I missed you too." She kissed her temple. "Did you have fun at day care today?" She smiled as Marley nodded. "Good. Where's Daddy?"

"The phone!" Marley waved her wand around. "He yelling." She paused to gaze at Kimberly. "It bad?"

Kimberly chuckled and shook her head. "Daddy just doesn't know how to use it and he gets frustrated." She tickled Marley and smiled as the little girl squirmed and giggled. "Why don't you sit with Uncle Angel and let me go see how long Daddy is going to be?"

"Okay!"

"Come here Princess." Angel motioned with his hands and he grunted as seconds later Marley launched herself onto his stomach.

Still smiling, Kimberly excited the living room, unbuttoning her top jacket as she went. She frowned as she heard Bobby's loud voice floating from the backyard. She was silent as she approached the back door, seeing it open but the screen door still in place.

"You're fucking kidding me." Bobby paced back and forth in the yard. "Natalie, how long ago was this? Is she okay?"

She paused from opening the door, her hand freezing on the handle.

"And Anita? She's okay?" He sighed. "No, no, you called so you obviously think I need to be there. No! I'm not staying here. Fuck that!" He paused. "Yeah, I'm aware of that. I'll bring her with me."

Kimberly almost cleared her throat but the sound died as quickly as it started.

"Marley will want to see everyone again. No, I can get away as soon as possible. Nothing in the world is going to stop me from dropping everything and coming there, nothing. I want to see Anita."

Her hand dropped away from the handle as Bobby let out a ragged sigh.

"I know this isn't about Anita, Natalie. Stop talking like that. Alright." He rubbed at his forehead. "As soon as I get off the phone, I'll look up the earliest flight. I promise I won't. I won't…Natalie." He sighed. "I promise. Okay, love you guys too. Bye."

As soon as he shut his cell phone, he turned to head back into the house and Kimberly quickly slipped back into the hallway. She flattened herself against the wall momentarily, her eyes closed, but at hearing the backdoor open and shut, she inhaled deeply and pushed away to straighten to her natural height.

"Daddy!"

"Marley!" He chuckled. Kimberly listened as he paused. "Isn't that Kimmy's?"

"Kimmy home!"

"Is that so?"

"She went looking for you." Angel informed. "Can't see how she missed you, you're the size of a bus. Hey! Stop that! I'm trying to watch the game!"

Bobby chuckled. "Let's go find her baby."

"Okay Daddy!"

Hearing Bobby's footsteps approaching the hallway, Kimberly kicked off her shoes and slid them out of the way. She slid off her jacket to reveal the white dress shirt underneath and tossed it on the banister just as Bobby appeared with Marley in his arms.

"There you are. I wasn't expecting you for another hour."

"Kimmy!"

She smiled at Marley before she focused on Bobby. "I decided there was no need to stick around the office today."

"Is everything okay at work?'

Her stomach continued churning as Bobby leaned it to brush his lips against hers and she clasped her hands together. "Everything's fine." She cleared her throat. "Where were you?"

He kissed Marley soundly on the cheek, causing the little girl to giggle before he lowered her onto her feet, and she scampered off back into the living room, Angel grunting again a few seconds later. "I was on the phone outside." Bobby reached out to take her into his arms. "The reception in here can be shitty."

"Anything important?"

"Why don't we talk about that later?" He rubbed his hands up and down her back. "Baby, you're so tense. Are you sure everything is okay? You're still not having problems with those assholes at The

Detroit Daily are you?"

"No, I said that's fine." She cleared her throat and stepped back. "It's just been a long day, that's all."

Bobby leaned back, his eyes catching hers again. "If something was wrong, you'd tell me first right?"

She nodded and he pressed his lips against her forehead. "That's my girl."

Closing her eyes, Kimberly leaned into him. "Is that true?"

"What?" He leaned back again.

"Am I your girl?"

"Of course you are; what kind of question is that?"

"Can't I just be curious?"

"No." He responded immediately. "You shouldn't have to ask me something like that."

She pulled away from him completely. "You're right, I shouldn't." She grabbed her jacket and bent down for her shoes. "I'm going to put my things up and fix dinner."

His eyes stayed locked on her face even as Marley came running back and began to tug at his jeans.

"Daddy? Spongebob?"

"Just a minute baby. Kimmy…"

"Can you set the hamburger out while I change? I was thinking about making us spaghetti."

"Spetti!" Marley bounced. "Want spetti!"

"Good, spaghetti it is." Kimberly smiled at Marley and ignored Bobby now frowning at her, his eyes dark as he stared at her. "I'll be right back."

"Kimberly."

She paused with a hand on the banister and her right foot on the bottom stair. "Yes Bobby?"

"I…" He swallowed. "I'll start defrosting the hamburger."

Her stomach churned again but she merely nodded before continuing up the stairs to their room.

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The sky was dark and cluttered with stars by the time she finished scrubbing clean the last dish. Kimberly rinsed the plate clean, methodically taking the time to dry it before sliding into the cabinet to her left and shutting the door softly.

Just as she did every night, she walked softly to Marley's room. The little girl was already asleep, tucked comfortably in her sheets with her collection of stuffed animals strewn out on either side of her. Her Tinkerbell nightlight glowed softly from the corner of her room and for a minute Kimberly watched Marley lose herself in the mercy of what she hoped were pleasant dreams.

Even knowing there was no way Bobby would leave any detail not taken care of, she still checked to make sure the baby monitor was still turned on. When she was satisfied, she left the door cracked and entered the room she shared with Bobby.

He glanced up from the laptop computer located on the desk by the window. "Did you do the dishes?" When she nodded, he let out a short sigh. "I told you to leave them for me; you've done them every night this week."

"And I told you I don't mind. I actually find it relaxing at the end of the day." Kimberly unzipped the back of her skirt and made her way over to the closet. She quickly pulled it past her hips, the fabric pulling at her feet. Unbuttoning her shirt next, she slid her arms lose and hung it carefully back inside the closet with her other shirts. Now clad in just the matching black bra and panties set she had purchased weeks ago, she stepped out of her skirt in order to hang it up as well but then Bobby was behind her, his hands gently grabbing her hips.

"I can think of something else that's relaxing at the end of the day."

Unable to resist, she leaned back against him and closed her eyes as the feeling of his lips brushing across her right shoulder. Bobby nuzzled his face against her neck and he inhaled deeply as he pulled her so her backside was touching his front completely. His left hand shifted to press with splayed fingers across her stomach, his right reaching across her shoulders in order to tilt her face towards his.

Kimberly turned in his arms and brought her hands up to rest on the back of his neck. He didn't kiss her like she expected he would, instead pulling her close in order to hug her with his face buried in her neck, his hands flattening against her back. When he said nothing, she closed her eyes and together they stood there.

After several minutes, Bobby pulled away and brushed his lips against her forehead. "Let's go to bed."

"I thought you wanted to relax."

He chuckled as he dipped his head to kiss her lips next. "Who says we can't relax in the bed?" He released her and stepped away. "You mentioned earlier it had been a long day and you've been unusually quiet tonight so I think some rest would a good idea."

She wanted to argue but suddenly she couldn't see the point. No matter what she did he would deny or avoid and when it came down to it, she really had no reason to accuse him of anything. When he wanted to be honest with her, he would be. She couldn't; no, she wouldn't be like all the rest and try to force him. Bobby would simply have to come to her on his own and when he was ready to finally open up completely. She only hoped he didn't wait forever and let the opportunity slip through his fingers.

"Let me just get some pajamas."

"Sleep naked."

Kimberly managed a small smile and turned back to the closet. "As tempting as the idea is, you and I both know that Marley has been waking up before us and coming in here. The last thing she needs is to see us completely naked and in the same bed."

Bobby stepped backwards to perch down on the edge of the bed. "Marley is perfectly aware that we're together and that we have our own grown up time. She doesn't mind and if her coming in here is the problem, I can talk to her."

"There's no need to do that Bobby." She bent to pick up her skirt and after hanging it up opened the dresser to slip on a pair of cotton shorts and a tank top.

"There's no need or you just don't want me to?"

"I don't want to fight with you over something so trivial, that's what." Kimberly shut the dresser drawer with her hip and walked to her side of the bed. She lowered herself on top of the comforter, busying herself with opening her nightstand so she could take out her lotion bottle. "I just want to go to sleep."

It had become routine in the past few years to unwind at the end of the day by either taking a scented bubble bath or lather her limbs with Sweat Pea lotion from Bath and Body Works. At first Bobby had teased her, especially about the bath but after she had conned him into taking one with her, she caught him occasionally sniffing her bottles when he thought she was around or looking. The sudden image of Bobby with his hair full of suds and laughing as he sat between her legs in the tub flashed through her mind and she caught her smile before it slipped out by clamping down on her bottom lip.

Bobby remained where he was with his back to her and he stared down at the floor for a few minutes before he began to pull off his boots. When he had flung them into a corner and rolled up his socks, she watched stand up from under her eyelashes. He pulled off his black tee shirt and tossed it in the basket beside his boots. His jeans followed and dressed in his boxers and a white muscle tank he came back towards the bed.

Kimberly concentrated on finishing the lathering of her legs but it was difficult when Bobby sat back down on the edge of the bed again and sighing ran his hands through his hair. She capped the lotion bottle and out of a sudden swell of frustration, she threw it into the tiny dresser and slammed it shut. The lamp shade rattled, the chain clanking against the metal base, but she kept her eyes locked on his backside, watching and listening as he popped his knuckles before resting his elbows on his knees.

"I have to go Los Angeles for a while."

She licked at her suddenly dry lips and somehow managed to quietly clear her throat. "May I ask why?"

"I've got some business I need to take care of there."

"Would this business have anything to do with your ex Anita?"

Bobby stood up to face her. "Even if I told you no, it doesn't sound like you would believe me."

She shifted back the comforter and covered her legs with it. "I would believe you if you told me the truth. That's all I've ever asked from you Bobby."

"Kimmy…"

She broke eye contact with him to stare down at her hands. "When are you leaving?"

"I don't know."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know that either."

Clutching at the comforter, she raised her chin to stare at him. "Well, what do you know?"

"I know that there's something wrong with you." Bobby snapped. "You're angry at me and I don't have a fucking clue as to what I've done."

"I heard you talking to Jack's wife on the phone tonight."

He blinked as if he hadn't heard her correctly, the information taking a few minutes to sink in. "Natalie called to tell me that someone I know is in trouble."

"Anita?"

"No." He responded quickly. He ran his hands over his hair again. "A friend of Anita's, someone she cares a whole lot about, is in trouble and Natalie called to see if I could help."

"Why you?"

"I'm part of their family."

"You're part of a family here." She whispered.

His face softened and he reached out to take her hand in his. "It's not like I am going to be there forever."

"That's not the point Bobby!"

"I was thinking about taking Marley so she can see her Uncle Jack and his family." He ignored her trying to tug her hand free. "I want you to come too."

"I can't go."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't." She finally freed her hand. "I have obligations here, responsibilities. I can't just pack up and follow you across the country all because you want to play the white knight in shining armor."

Bobby frowned and slowly lowered his hand back into his lap. "This isn't about me being a knight or whatever the fuck you want to call it. I can help, I want to help!"

"No one asked you to help!" Kimberly snapped. "Natalie called to tell you, Natalie, not your ex."

"You're making this all about Anita!"

"And you're not?"

He stood up quickly from the bed. "Why don't you just fucking come out with it Kimberly? Say what you want to say."

"There's nothing to say. You've said it already."

"What the fuck does that mean?"

"Please lower your voice."

"I fucking will not." He retorted. "You're in my fucking bed basically accusing me of shit Kimberly! It's like déjà vu all over again."

She grabbed the comforter with both hands and squeezed the material hard between her fingers. "I have never accused you of anything."

"Sure you didn't, you're always innocent." Clearly frustrated, he ran both of his hands through his hair. "Where is this coming from Kimberly? What have I done? I thought… I thought I treated you well, I thought I gave you what you wanted and now you're acting like I just want to disappear on you or something all because I want to go to Los Angeles."

"If you want to go, go."

"Oh so now it's go?"

Kimberly shrugged and slid lower between the sheets. She readjusted her pillow and turned onto her side. "If it's what you want, I can't stop you."

"I'm not doing this because of my ex."

"Okay."

"Kimberly, look at me." Bobby lowered himself onto the bed again at her side. "Please look at me."

Slowly she rolled onto her back. "They're my friends."

"I understand that." She answered emotionlessly. "And I hope they realize how lucky they are to have someone who will always care about them and would do anything at the drop of a dime for them." She rolled back onto her side again. "If you want I'll pack Marley's bag tomorrow and see what I can do about getting you discount tickets through my office."

"How about you pack our bags and I'll handle getting us three tickets."

She blinked quickly to stop the collection of tears beginning to gather in the corners of her eyes. "I told you, I can't go."

"You won't go."

"I can't." She whispered. "I can't leave. I'm sorry but I'm not changing my mind. I have obligations."

"What kind of obligations?"

She inhaled sharply and it was beginning to sound like a sharp, annoyed sound. "I have to be here to look over my business, there are meetings I have to attend, I have a charity event I agreed to attend, I still need a dress and now I need a date." She grumbled. "Obligations, if you need more help with the term I suggest you look it up."

Much to her amazement, he actually laughed and she closed her eyes at the feeling of his fingers touching her shoulder lightly. "You need a date now? What event?"

"It's not important."

"It seems to be. What event Kimmy?"

"I'm not going to talk to about it when we're in the middle of a fight." She murmured. "That's now how this works."

"Then how does this work? You're behind the wheel, you tell me."

"Behind the wheel?" She opened her eyes and twisted in the sheets to stare at him. "How am I behind the wheel?"

"Kimmy…"

"I'm angry at you!" She interrupted. "And I'm going to be angry for a while so I think it's best you save the charm for a time when I want it." With a huff, she flopped back onto her side. "I am so angry at you right now."

Bobby chuckled and moved so slide into the bed behind her, his arm finding her waist and he nuzzled the back of her neck. "You're something else baby."

"This isn't funny."

"You're absolutely right baby, it's not."

"If you're smiling, I swear to God Bobby Mercer you will regret it."

He chuckled and pressed his lips against her neck. "I'm not smiling Kimmy. I'm being as serious. You're something else. I mean that."

"I can feel you smiling! You stupid asshole!" She twisted around to slap at him but he was ready for her, twisting her until she was on top of him, her wrists being held by his hands. He was laughing as she tried to hit him but wasn't even coming close and finally when he had gone long enough with seeing her struggle much to his amusement, he rolled them so he was on top, his body fitting comfortably between her legs.

"Bobby!"

He smiled and framed her face with his hands. "Are you still angry at me?"

"I'm furious."

"This is what furious looks like on you?" He cocked an eyebrow and chuckled as she slapped his arm, the contact making a loud pop. "You're gonna have to hit me harder than that if you want me to feel it Sweetheart."

"Oh, I'll hit you alright." She squirmed between them, moving down the bed and he watched in amusement, both eyebrows raised.

"What are you-" Bobby hissed as she grabbed the section of skin right above his knee and squeezed the bone there. "Fuck!" He wiggled to get away from her, Kimberly actually laughing now and by the time he had freed himself, she was shaking hard from uncontrollable laughter. "What the fuck did you just do?"

Chuckling still, she let a nonchalant shrug roll off her shoulders. "My mother used to say that's how a mule eats corn."

"Whatever the fuck it was, it wasn't pleasant." With a growl, he moved to cover her body with his again. "And if you tell anyone I reacted like that…"

"Your secret is safe with me Bobby Mercer."

He cupped the sides of her face again. "Please change your mind about coming with me."

"I already told you I can't."

"Why?"

"It's not any of my business Bobby and I'm not going to involve myself in something that I have nothing to do with in the first place."

Bobby released her face but remained with his weight comfortably crushing her. He lowered his head onto her chest. "I want you to come because I hate the thought of not being with you."

"Solve that by staying here."

"There's a part of me that wants nothing more than that Kimmy but I care about these people. They were a big part of my life for a while and I just can't turn my back on that. I have to go. Please don't be angry at me."

"I'm not angry at you Bobby."

"You said you were." He grumbled. "I'm furious were the exact words you used."

Kimberly closed her eyes, her hands sliding up his back to grab his shoulders. "I'm not angry at you Bobby, I couldn't be angry at you, I… I…"

"You what baby?"

"I… care about you so much and I just don't…"

His eyes met hers, Bobby shifting to rest his weight on his arms by her sides. "Tell me the reason why you're really upset at me Kimmy. Tell me the truth."

"I'm going to miss you."

"Is that it?"

"I'm going to miss you a lot."

It startled her when Bobby reacted to her statement by simply sighing deeply and lowering his head back down on her chest again. He said nothing for several minutes and she blinked away the tears in her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you too baby."