Chapter 4

*Bzzzzz RING Bzzzzz*

James was currently passed out on the sectional in Apartment 2J. He had stayed up waiting for Chloe, just in case, but dozed off for a good half hour. The buzzing on his phone woke him from his stupor. Looking at his phone, James went on high alert seeing it was Chloe.

"Hey gorgeous! Are you back already?" James asked, heading for the door.

"James," Chloe breathed out in a hushed whisper. James froze, hand hovering on the doorknob at how Chloe sounded.

"Chloe, what's wrong? Where are you? What did Dak do?" James spat out. He made a grab for the keys and quickly exited the apartment. Chloe began to cry on the phone and James tried to calm her. His chest clenched as various scenarios raced through his mind.

"You were right," Chloe chocked out. "I thought t-that he w-was a good guy!" She cried. 'I swear if I ever see Dak Zevon again, I just might kill him', James thought as he started the car.

"Chloe, listen. I need you to calm down alright?" James pleaded. Chloe was quiet but her sniffling on the other end let him know she was still there. "Good. Now, where are you love? I'm coming to find you, just help me out,"

She hiccupped then spoke, "I'm at the Silver Diner on the corner of Ashbrooke and 32nd street; it's a few blocks from the pier."

"Ok, I'll be there soon. Just stay put…you can even stay on the phone with me if you would like," James said as he turned out of the Palm Woods' parking lot.

"I will, thank you so much James, I owe you one."

"No no, I told you to call me for anything, and I meant it," he said sincerely.

"And another thing James, try not to freak out when you see me." James' eyebrows scrunched up at her words.

"Why?" he asked, turning a corner, heading towards the pier.

"Oh, you'll see."

'Try to stay calm and don't freak' James thought as he entered the diner and his eyes landed on Chloe, the only person present aside from a few waitresses. Hearing the 'ding' of the door, the one closest to Chloe made a beeline for him.

"Hi, I'm Rachel. Are you James?" she asked and he nodded. "Great! I was afraid that you were…uhm, someone else." She stammered. "Anyways, if you please," she gestured for him to follow. James clenched and unclenched his fists with each step. He sat in front of Chloe and Rachel offered him a menu before heading back to the kitchens.

Once he knew they were semi alone, James placed his hands on top of Chloe's. She flinched at the gesture, but didn't pull away. She continued to look out the window, at what, James didn't know. Her body was so still, you'd think she wasn't even breathing with how controlled she was at that moment.

Unable to handle the silence, James was about to speak up when she sighed heavily…well, wheezed is more like it. "Remember what I said…try not to freak out."

"Look, I don't see any reason wh-HOLY SHIT! I'M GONNA KILL HIM!" James exclaimed once Chloe turned to face him. The right side of her face was purple and swollen with dried blood on her nostril.

"Hush!" Chloe whispered. Rachel rushed out of the kitchens with a big burly guy in tow.

"Uhm, ahem. Ready to order?" Rachel asked awkwardly.

"Just another hot chocolate and water please," Chloe replied quietly. Rachel nodded and disappeared into the kitchen with the burly man. "I should know better by now than to tell you what to do,"

"Sorry…I'm just so angry and I feel so guilty-"

"Please, you really shouldn't be sorry; I should've listened to you. I was so naïve to believe that some big shot like him was interested in me…maybe I should just go back home…I'm not cut out for this." Chloe stated sadly, hanging her head.

"Hey, you stop that alright? Nobody expected or believed this could happen," James paused, looking down at their intertwined hands, "and please don't think that all guys are like Dak…"

Chloe smiled slightly then winced, "it hurts to smile but thanks," she giggled and then clutched her side. "It seems that it hurts to laugh too,"

"Maybe we should get that looked at-"

"No! I am not going to a hospital this late at night!" She yelled back just as Rachel returned with their drinks.

"Sorry sweetheart, we tried that route when she first came in here. Heck, we almost called the police once we saw her limping," Rachel said as a matter of fact. Chloe sighed loudly then sipped at her cocoa. Rachel shrugged it off and turned back to the kitchens. "Holler if ya'll need anything," she said over her shoulder.

"Limping?!" James exclaimed. "What else is wrong?!"

"Well, he ruined my dress," she responded.

"I'll buy you ten more," she chuckled at this. "Show me."

Chloe stood up, swaying slightly and was able to give James a full view of the large rip that went up to her hip. There was also some dirt and gravel staining the dress. "I could probably sew it together…" she stated.

"And where are you hurt?" he asked next.

"Everywhere it seems," she rotated and awkwardly pointed at her back that was blaring red, "mostly around here it hurts…he, uhm, had slammed me against his car." Then she pointed at her side, where some rips were visible; the skin peeking through matched the shade on her face, "here was when I landed on the ground from the slap to my face, which doesn't feel as bad as it looks." She finished, sitting back down.

James' nostrils flared at her words and he was seconds away from leaving that diner and hunting Dak down. "I'm going to skin him alive," he said darkly.

"Please don't! I couldn't bear you going to jail over me," she pleaded, placing her hands on top of his. He brought his gaze to hers, holding it as she did him.

"And it would be worth it."

A few days had passed since that night and Chloe has gotten through it. Dak would text and call Chloe on occasion to apologize, but wasn't stupid enough to stop by the Palm Woods…especially after each of the guys threatened him whenever he called. Chloe's wounds healed quickly and she used make-up on her face till the bruise healed.

Each of the guys promised to stay silent only if she refrained from contacting Dak, and if he were to show up, let them handle it. She agreed and they dropped it from there; each of them had to stay focused…she had designs to finish for their upcoming music video and the guys had to make sure that this video was near perfection.

The name of the song for the video was called 'Confetti' and production for it was steadily approaching which left Chloe with little time to dawdle. She was currently camped out in the Palm Woods' lobby while the guys were recording. She figured she had a good half hour to kill before picking them up, but what she didn't expect was to see them and Kelly rushing towards her.

"Chloe!" He aunt exclaimed once she spotted her.

Chloe stood up fast, "Yes aunty? Is everything ok?" She asked then looked to the others. "Did I mix up the time schedules?" She asked as she reached for her trusty blackberry.

"No sweetie, the guys had finished early, and I needed to see you," she replied nervously. Chloe looked between them trying to read their expressions. "Guys, can you give us a moment?" Kelly asked. They each nodded and went around the corner to the elevators only to duck behind the nearby plants instead.

"Kelly, what's wrong? Don't tell me someone else died?" Chloe asked. Kelly's eyes darted around before opening her mouth. "Oh God, who died?!"

"No no! Sweetie, no! I just got a call from your mother…" she began. Chloe frowned at the mention of her mother. "She needs you back in Montana…they just drafted the wills and your name was mentioned along with your sisters,"

"Oh joy…" Chloe groaned. Kelly moved to give Chloe a hug.

"I know sweetie, but it will only be for a couple days. Think you'll be ok?" Kelly asked. Chloe gave her aunt a look then shrugged.

"As long as my personal buffer is present, then I should be fine," she sighed. "But what about the video? And who will manage the guys? This is my job first and foremost!"

"Sweetie, it will be only a couple days, and I truly don't mind taking over my former post. And just make sure to get the designs to me in first thing in the morning." Kelly replied as she continued to hug a frantic Chloe.

"But I need to check flight schedules-" she began.

"Gustavo booked a flight for you personally right after I received the call." Chloe opened her mouth to protest only to get interrupted again, "And don't give us any crap about it, he was happy to do it, and only hopes you will return back by Sunday."

Chloe nodded, frowning slightly. "Yes Aunt Kelly…"

Kelly smiled and squeezed her once more, "Good. Now that we are clear, go and start packing, your flight is at 6:30 am sharp." Chloe nodded and turned around to head towards the elevators then was stopped by the guys.

"Oh! My heart!" Chloe exclaimed, bringing her hand to her chest. "Were you guys listening the whole time? Wait, don't answer that…"

"Didn't I tell you guys to head upstairs? I barely come back to my original position and ya'll already disobey me? Lord, you boys…" Kelly sighed.

"Actually, a certain someone has something to confess," Kendall stated as he shoved James forward.

James laughed nervously and brought his gaze to meet Kelly's. "Uhm, Kelly? The great awesome and utterly fantastic-"

"Get on with it pretty boy," Kelly interrupted, already rubbing her temples.

"Well, do you remember that flash and the stinky smoke?" Kelly nodded. "Uh…well, when we heard about Chloe leaving, we decided-" *Ahem!* the other three piped in making James roll his eyes, "Ok, I decided that it wouldn't be right for Chloe to leave on her own so a certain change was made to the flight…"

"Oh James, don't tell me you did what I think you did…" Kelly began.

"Ok, that's fine! But in the meantime, let me take Chloe, and we'll go pack! See ya in the morning!" James said as he grabbed hold of Chloe and ran to the elevators with the rest of the guys in tow.

Once they were safely on their floor did James put Chloe down. Kendall, Carlos, and Logan went forth to their room while James shoved Chloe ahead to hers. James began rushing around her room and searching for a bag. With her hands on her hips, she glared at James.

"Don't just stand there! You need to pack missy!" James said over his shoulder. Chloe rolled her eyes before tossing a pillow at James. "As much as I like the idea of having a sexy pillow fight-"

"Gustavo is gonna kill you." Chloe interrupted then bent over to pull her duffle bag from under her bed. James brushed her statement aside as he moved to her dresser.

"No, he loves me!" Chloe ignored this as she typed out long apology message for Gustavo. "Oh my," James drawled, "Miss Martin, I didn't figure you to be a lacy type of girl." Chloe's head shot up and her eyes zeroed in on James who currently had a pair of her lacy boy shorts dangled from his fingers. Chloe blushed and snatched them away. "Please pack those!"

Chloe shoved them in her pocket then pulled James towards the front door. "I can pack alone, thanks." She stated.

"But-" James began but she had already shut the door in his face and locked the door. Ok, that may have been rude but so was invading her underwear drawer! She leaned against the door while James knocked his head on the other side. Even though he invaded her space, it was well worth finding out his innocent assistant had a naughty side in the form of lacy undergarments.

Chloe managed to finish her designs and handed them over to Kelly before they left for the airport. The flight was fine. Landing and gathering baggage was fine. Waiting for the rental car was also fine. The day was running fine…but it wasn't till they were driving to her parents' ranch that Chloe began to freak out. Luckily for her, James was driving.

"Sweetie, may I ask why you are nawing on your fingernails like it's your last meal?" James finally asked.

Chloe rolled her eyes and placed her hands in her lap, "I'm just nervous to be heading home is all…"

"Why? Do you not get along with you folks?" James asked.

"It's not so much my folks but my sisters..." Chloe almost groaned.

"And?" James pressed. Chloe sighed knowing she had to fess up eventually.

"I have two older sisters. We're each about four plus years apart. My eldest sister, Christine, is a married homemaker with one girl, twin boys and another on the way; my second eldest sister, Charlotte, is a high ranking Marine and graduated with top marks."

"Okay…? What are you getting at love?" James asked, still confused.

She sighed again, "then there's me! Do you not see why I'm stressing?" Chloe exclaimed. "Oh, turn left at the sign then drive to the end,"

James nodded, turning onto a graveled road, "Chloe, I don't have siblings so you're gonna have to elaborate further for me."

"I'm the runt of the litter. Sure, I graduated two years early, but I didn't do it for educational purposes like my mother wanted," Chloe said bitterly. "She wanted me to go into business since someone had to take care of the ranch one day since she had no other options," Chloe stated in an exaggerated tone.

"Uhm, Chloe-"

"But as soon as I brought up a career in fashion, I thought she would lose it! My dad was the only one who supported me! I love my dad and you'll love him too! Oh god, what's he gonna think when I bring you inside? Oh crap! They're all gonna flip out! Oh no, oh no no no!" Chloe was ranting now and it took James pulling off to the side to get her attention.

James quickly removed his seatbelt and moved in close enough to grab a hold of Chloe's cheeks, leaving her no other option but face him. "Chloe shut up and breathe." He said firmly. Chloe's mouth hung open in shock. "You aren't alone in this ok? I'll be right by your side as a friend, lover, or a personal flying monkey if you desire. I will be on my best behavior, I promise."

Chloe was gazing into his eyes, taking in the seriousness of his expression. She nodded slowly as James began to lean forward. His mouth hovered just above hers and she was able to breathe in the minty coolness.

Ever so slowly, James pressed his lips onto hers. James moved at a slow pace so not to frighten Chloe, who in turn responded eagerly. With new found confidence, Chloe wrapped her arms around James' neck and pulled him closer. James groaned into her mouth and reached over to unbuckle her from her seat. In one swift motion, James pulled Chloe onto his lap without breaking contact.

Something in Chloe's brain snapped and she pulled away, both parties breathing heavily. James moved to pepper soft kisses on her neck while she struggled to maintain self control. With every ounce of willpower in her system, she pushed James from her neck.

"As much as I'm scared, confused, and extremely heated by what's going on…" Chloe began, but was cut off a light peck from James.

"I know love," James winked as he moved Chloe back to her seat then restarted the car.

Moving further down the road, they were greeted with a large two story ranch style house. Warm earth tones and wooden paneling adorned the house with dark red shutters. Behind the house sat a wooden fence and a stretch of green land where some horses grazed. Beyond the fields, mountains took up much of the backdrop. James' mouth fell open at the sight, never seeing nature at its finest.

Chloe exited the vehicle first followed by James who grabbed both bags from the back. Inhaling deeply, a smile graced Chloe's lips as she moved ahead to unlock the door, thankful she had her old key. Swinging the door open, the familiar scents of vanilla and butter crème wafted in the air making Chloe's mouth water.

"Mamma! Papa! Anyone?" Chloe called through the house, not getting a response. Shrugging, Chloe closed the door and gestured for James to follow. "Papa might be out with the horses and I'm guessing Mamma went to the store, she's majorly into cooking," Chloe states as she stepped up the stairs with James in tow.

"Uh huh," James replied, looking around. Chloe moved ahead to the end of the hall and opened a door to her room. Not a thing was out of place much to Chloe's shock.

"Wow, she didn't touch anything…" Chloe said more to herself.

"Woah!" James exclaimed behind her. "So much yellow! And I didn't peg you for a Dr. Who fan," James said as he walked further into her room that was painted bright yellow with various Dr. Who posters on the walls.

"That is thanks to my papa. He watched the originals and I was the only one who showed interest in it," Chloe smiled, walking around her room. "I even designed a Tardis dress some years back for Halloween once; I don't think I ever saw him so proud..." Chloe smiled again, feeling tears forming behind her closed lids.

Sensing the change in the air, James moved to where Chloe stood and hugged her from behind. Chloe stiffened for a moment then relaxed in his arms. "So you've always wanted to be a fashion designer huh?" Chloe nodded. "You are a natural artist love and you shouldn't let anyone tell you different regardless if they are blood or not,"

Chloe smiled in James' arms and turned to face him, "I appreciate that, thank you…I'm really glad you're here even though it wasn't in the best way…well, I mean the way you went about it? Crap, what I mean is-"

James interrupted her with a hard kiss, swallowing her ramblings. Chloe moaned into the kiss prompting James' tongue into her mouth. Chloe squealed and sucked on his tongue with fever. For the second time that day, James lifted Chloe into his arms, keeping a lock on her lips. Laying her on her bed, James supported his weight on one arm and used the other to wrap Chloe's leg around his hip.

Unbeknownst to them, another person was walking up the stairs and walked down the hall to poke into the room.

"Hmmm, it looks like Clover's getting lucky," a voice spoke from the door. Chloe pulled away to gasp and pushed James off her body to the floor.

"Oh fuck!" James hissed from the floor.

"Ooooo, your boyfriend had a dirty mouth Clover. Doesn't he know about your virgin ears? Well, your virgin everything?" The person asked making Chloe pink in response.

Chloe's eyes narrowed at her second oldest sister who stood at the door, standing perfectly straight. Hair, also unruly like her own, was slicked and pulled back into a tight bun. Still in uniform, her sister oozed intimidation and Chloe felt ten inches tall in her presence.

"Hello Charlie, good to see you," Chloe clipped out. The female at the door, 'Charlie' raised an eyebrow at her tone.

"Not as happy as you were a moment ago," she smirked, watching James rise from the floor. Chloe blushed an even deeper shade of pink that stood out against her light caramel skin.

"James, this is Charlotte-" Chloe began.

"Or you can call me Charlie," she interrupted making Chloe sigh.

"Charlie", Chloe said through clenched teeth, "this is James, one of the singers in that band I assist to,"

"And you seem to be doing very well," Charlie winked.

James chuckled awkwardly and moved to shake Charlie's hand, "uhm, very nice to meet you," Charlie returned the hand shake.

"I'm sure," she winked. Taking a step back, looking directly at Chloe. "Mother is downstairs finishing dinner and pops just came in from the fields. I suggest you and your," she paused to glance at James, "friend come downstairs before they come up here," she finished as she turned on her heel and left the room.

Chloe let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and stood up to leave as well with James following close behind.

"Chloe?" James called softly.

"Yes James?" Chloe replied, not turning to look at him.

"Charlie is scary," Chloe chuckled at the statement.

"You have no idea."

If James had to put together a list of awkward encounters, this would be number one. It beat his very awful audition for Gustavo. It beat the time he succumbed to 'Hollywood fever'. Hell, it beat the time he tried to impress Lucy and he was at the top of his game! But this dinner put each thing to shame. If Chloe's mother wasn't such a good cook, there would be no reason for James to remain at that table; well, aside from Chloe.

Firstly, James was shocked by the resemblance between Chloe's mother, Kim, and had to stop himself from flinching at her voice or calling her Kelly by mistake.

Secondly, in between the eldest child, Christine (or Criss), constant talking of her children's various exploits and Charlie's bluntness about…well, how the world is going down the crapper, James was silently thanking the Gods that he was an only child.

Thirdly, James' heart clinched every time Kim or one of her sisters ripped Chloe of her choices which led her to keeping her head down most of the time; each time, James would grasp her hand under the table just to remind her he was present.

And lastly was having to avoid suspicious looks from her father while he continuously defended Chloe; that at the moment was causing tension to build at the table.

"All I'm saying is that we need someone to take over this ranch eventually! How can a fashion designer do that?" Her mother asked as Chloe sank even lower into her seat. Criss shot her sympathetic glances, but said nothing. Charlie on the other hand smirked across the table at her sister's distress. Their father was glaring at his wife while she remained oblivious to his gaze.

"Could we not do this right now? I mean dang, James probably thinks we're nuts now and won't ever come back," Criss sighed and Chloe smiled at her in gratitude.

"No, I'm sure Clover makes it worth sticking around, right James?" Charlie winked again.

"Uh…" James stammered and something inside Chloe snapped again for the second time that day.

"Maybe you should ask Gallows why she sticks around hmmm?" Chloe asked, loud enough for only James and her sisters to hear. Criss gasped while Charlie sneered.

"You shut your filthy mouth!" Charle hissed.

"Enough! Shut it and eat!" Anthony shouted. Everybody snapped their mouths shut and Charlie continued to glare across the table. "I'm sorry James for our hideous first impressions; our dinners usually aren't like this,"

"Cause we're aren't ever together…" Chloe snorted.

The next day, the house was quiet. First thing in the morning, Chloe, her sisters, and her father left early for the will reading leaving James with the mother. For most of the time, she ignored him and he was fine with it…he was allowed to let his mind wander about what will become of them when they leave the following day.

James stopped pacing to sit in the couch and thought hard. He liked Chloe, that much was certain, and judging by her most recent surge of confidence, she easily reciprocated. But even when he kissed her, she held back. Sighing to himself, he knew that he had his work cut out for him still…but deep down, he knew she was worth it.

Sometime later, James heard the sound of gravel crunching and slamming of doors. Within a few seconds, the front door was slammed open with a red faced Chloe entering first followed by the rest of the clan.

"…it's not fair! Why the hell does she get more than us? And their old farm! How messed up is that?!" Charlie shouted behind her. "Argh! I knew she was nana's favorite! I just freaking knew it!" Charlie snarled.

"Don't be greedy Charlie! We all got something from them! You should be-" Criss intervened only to get interrupted.

"Oh shut your hole! Next to her, you got just as much!" Charlie shouted.

Criss' eyes narrowed, "it is for my kids and you know it…"

"Oh bullshit! You went and got knocked up a few times, big deal! Maybe if I would've gotten screwed around a few times, I'd get a little extra!" Charlie sneered at the oldest sister whose eyes began to tear up. Realizing what she said, Charlie sighed, attempting to apologize.

"Nope, you've already said it…there's no going back from it…" she sniffled. She turned to gather her things and finally she noticed James who just sat by awkwardly. "I'm sorry James; you seem like a good kid…please take care of my baby sister," she paused to glare at Charlie who wouldn't meet her gaze, "her heart is fragile…" Criss drifted off as she exited the house, slamming the door behind her.

Charlie flinched at the sound and faced James as Criss did a moment ago, "don't judge me James." She said simply as she marched to the other side of the house.

"Wow, and here I thought my family was dysfunctional," James said aloud. Sensing the tension has dissipated, James went up the stairs to find Chloe. Hearing voices down the hall, James ceased movement and leaned against the wall.

"If she really wants the farm, she can have it! I'd rather take nana and grampy's muscle cars any day!" Chloe exclaimed earning a chuckle from her father.

"I know sunflower, but I'm sure they knew what they were doing when they drafted the wills," Anthony stated, hoping to convince his youngest daughter.

"I don't think they counted on my sisters hating me…" she whispered.

"Now now sunflower, watch your tongue." Chloe mumbled an apology. "Nana knew that Christine had her own family to take care of instead of what's left of the farm, so she left the trust funds behind for the kids. She knew that Charlotte would have the most patience and skill to take care of the camero and the mustang, thus leaving the remands of the farm to you, if you choose to keep it,"

"But it's not for me…nana knew that too…"

"She also knew you had heart and she believed in you which is why she left you the extra money…she believed in you enough to follow your dreams and your heart,"

Chloe shrugged, "you really think so?"

"I know so sunflower cause I believe in you just as much, maybe more…" he said before kissing the top of her head. She pulled him in for a sideways hug and he squeezed her tight.

"Thanks papa," she smiled.

"You're welcome sunflower," he smiled back then moved to stand and exit her room. Pausing at the doorway, he turned back. "Another thing sunflower, is James your boyfriend?" Chloe deadpanned while James struggled with a coughing fit.

Chloe began to stammer, "uh, he…uhm…well, James is in the band!"

"I know. And what else is he to you?" He prompted.

"Well, uh…he's uhm…uh, a uh…"

"Yes, I'm her boyfriend." James stated, walking in the room to save her.

"You are?!" They both exclaimed.

"Yes sir, James Diamond." He said as he stuck out his hand, feeling the need to re-introduce himself.

Anthony shook his hand firmly, "Ok boyfriend. I've given this talk to every male that has come near my daughters and I am jovial yet adamant about having to do so for my baby girl."

James gulped at his words.

"It's rather simple: if you break my daughter in any way, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional, I will break you and hide your body regardless if you are alive or dead." He said with a smile, pulling away from James and giving Chloe a peck on her cheek. "Sleep well sunflower," he said before leaving the room.

"I lied…your dad is the scariest," James stated, he voice cracking as he did so.

Chloe smiled up at him, "Told ya you'd love him! And he seems to like you."