They'd watched a movie – a random black and white western on the television - sitting hip to hip, her hand resting on his thigh. Isabelle wasn't sure how to feel about the infamous Mr. Gold seated on the couch beside her, jacket abandon on the old lounge chair and looking more relaxed than she'd ever seen him.
Nervous flutters attacked her stomach as he followed into her bedroom. Three years had passed since the last man had entered this room. That man ended up being jerk of the year. But Mr. Gold was different. He treated her and Bailey well, and that fact gave her the courage to curl up beside him as they nestled into her simple full-sized bed.
Isabelle awoke the next morning, rain pattering gently on the roof, to find Gold still beside her. He lay on his side, his free hand splayed over her waist, thumb teasing the outer edge of her belly, eyes closed. Isabelle rolled onto her other side, wishing to lay a good morning kiss on his lips. Gold had the same idea as he stirred, cracking one eye open to find her face inches from his, and he leaned over for a gentle kiss.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked, disappointed that the kiss didn't continue.
"Very well" Gold replied, absently stroking his thumb over her pajama-clad hip.
"Thank you for staying last night." Isabelle's voice sounded small and meek, almost a whisper. She couldn't resist the urge to cart her fingers through his wayward locks, smoothing them back behind his ear. "And not expecting anything beyond this."
A hint of a smile crossed Gold's lips, and he reached for Isabelle's hand, pressing a tender kiss to her palm. "I won't force you into anything. You set the pace, darling."
Isabelle nibbled her bottom lip, her heart swelling in her chest. "You are not who I thought you were," she observed, "and I am glad." Gold went still, his expression a mixture of shock and awe. Isabelle giggled. "Don't worry. Your reputation is safe with me."
In an instant, his bite was back. "No need, dearie. Let people think what they want to think."
"The last man I was involved with was not a good man," Isabelle started, feeling the need to tell him the story of her relationship with Greg March. Gold watched her intently, fingers fluttering tantalizingly over her waist. "I got involved with him when Bailey was 10. It was the first relationship since Bailey's father left. He was so handsome and strong and I was blinded by all of that. He treated me like a prize, and I stupidly went along with it. It felt great at first to be put on displayed, but the shininess quickly wore off.
"He kept persuading me that he needed me and told me how beautiful I was until I finally gave in again and again. When we laid together, it was always for him. We never did anything I wanted to try. Then one day I caught him bullying Bailey about being a wimp and how he needed meat on his bones." Ire flashed in her eyes. Anyone who mistreated her son had to face the terror of a Mama Bear. "Something snapped in me and cursed him from here to the tenth realm of hell. He never set foot in this house again."
Isabelle's cheeks flamed at the last two sentences, but Gold was beaming at her. "You deserved better, Isabelle. I'm not a good man, but I'll try to be for you."
"But you are a good man," Isabelle countered, cupping his cheek soothingly. She hoped to convince him that there was good in him. She could see it plainly with how well he treated Bailey, and how he'd taken to her with such humble respect. "I think you've been mistaken for a beast for so long, you actually believe you are one."
Gold cracked a sad, broken smile. "Thank you, Isabelle. I needed to hear that."
Isabelle leaned across the pillow, pressing a warm kiss to his lips. "Anytime," she breathed, their breath mingling, sending tingles down her body. She couldn't resist. They hadn't talked about being in a relationship as of yet, but being with Gold felt as if the world had righted itself again. He was the part of her she didn't realize she was missing.
Their innocent little good morning kisses quickly transcended into passionate as their tongues teased each other through parted lips. Gold wrapped arms around her waist, rolling her over onto him as he lay his back on the bed. Isabelle moaned into his mouth when she felt the hardening bulge through her pajamas shorts, white heat suddenly flooding her in places she hadn't felt in forever.
Gold slipped palms down her bottom, squeezing her rear playfully. Isabelle broke their connection, giggling like a schoolgirl and feeling as if she were floating. "Like that, darling?" Gold asked, baring his teeth in a sly grin.
"Touch me there anytime you wish," she tittered, pecking him on the tip of his nose.
"Watch what you give me permission to do, dearie" he warned teasingly, giving her rear another tantalizing squeeze, "I won't be able to keep my hands off you."
Isabelle attached his lips in a fierce kiss before yanking away, breathless. "Good."
They could have – mostly likely would have – stayed in bed the rest of the day, oblivious to everything except each other. But rain still pattered on the roof and a familiar sound cut through it like thunder rumbling. Isabelle suddenly snapped her head up, staying stock still for a beat before jumping out of bed.
"What's wrong, Isabelle?" Gold asked, pushing up to sit.
"Papa and Bailey are home!" she exclaimed, frantically searching for clean clothes in her dresser. She tossed his discarded trousers and dress shirt onto the bed. "I don't want Bailey to know you stayed the night!"
She faced the wall, pulling off her pajamas top and replacing it with a black bra. She was in such a hurry she didn't care if Gold saw a peek of her. He probably would have seen every inch of her anyway if her boys hadn't come home so soon. By the time she was finished, Gold was fully dressed again, tugging on his shoes as he sat on the side of the bed.
He found his cane and stood. "Is there a back door I can escape from? Because I think climbing out of a window will be a challenge."
Isabelle stared at him, bewildered, before he waved his cane, and she couldn't help but laugh. "I am so sorry." She hurried to kiss him in apology, straying for a moment to grasp his hand. "I wanted to make breakfast for you." She brightened at an idea. "What if we pretend you just arrived right before they did? You must think I'm crazy."
Gold chuckled. "No, you're beautiful and if you wish to try that, I'll play along."
She helped him down the stairs, hoping her Papa or Bailey hadn't come in yet. She could hear them, but they were in the front part of the building and Isabelle breathed a sigh of relief as she deposited Gold at the kitchen table. She'd just pulled out the eggs and bacon from the fridge when Bailey strolled in, droplets of water flecked in his hair.
"Hey Mama" he greeted then stopped short at the sight of his employer, seemingly delighted. "Mr. Gold! You're here early."
"You're Mama invited me over for breakfast this morning," he replied, and Isabelle smiled knowingly to herself at their little secret.
Moe wasn't too happy to see Mr. Gold seated at their table, but Isabelle was thankful he was at least courteous to their guest and didn't disappear. Her Papa would come around – Isabelle knew – one day, especially if her relationship with Gold progressed.
The boys had gotten rained out from their camping trip. The forest floor became very muddy during a rainstorm and Moe was worried the van would become stuck. Bailey didn't seem to be too distraught over it as he chatted with Gold about the short camping trip.
Isabelle watched intently as she peered around their small, round kitchen table. It seemed Gold belonged there, or rather, it felt as if he'd always been there. She could picture a table with the four of them eating breakfast together every morning. The image made Isabelle smile.
Breakfast was soon over and the rain had finally stopped. Gold had to be on his way. She walked him to the front door of the shop, grasping his hand as they disappeared from sight of the kitchen. "Thank you for playing along."
Gold shook his head. "No matter. I understand your reasons."
Isabelle licked her lips as they leaned into each other for one more kiss. "See you soon."
Gold flashed a smile she was quickly learning was just for her. "Oh yeah."