Chapter 29

~Daddy Issues~

Jimmy holds Bella close, whispering against her hair. She nods, heading toward the house, and he pats her on the ass as she's walking away. Bella turns and swats at him, laughing. When her gaze meets mine, her smile freezes, and she hurries into the house.

Jimmy stares after her with a slight smile, and I'm thankful he's looking her way because I'm not sure what my face might show. My lips still burn from her touch, and some of her words run through my mind on a loop: Sometimes you suck all the air out of a room. You make me feel like I can do anything. You're like an avenging angel.

Before I could respond to any of those gems, she shut me down with a hand over my mouth, the ghost of which torments me. Whatever you were going to say, don't. Please, just don't.

Now I know Bella has feelings for me, but the knowledge is a bitter pill. She's not mine, and I'm not hers, but Jimmy is important to us both.

"Wake up, Cullen!" Jimmy punches me in the arm, startling me. "Where were you just now?"

I swipe a hand over my forehead. "Lost in the mire of the day. Sorry."

He stares me down for a moment. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were thinking about a woman. Leah maybe?"

I shake my head. "No. There's no one. I just have a lot on my mind."

His expression turns pensive. "Me too. Let's take a walk."

He leads me through the back field to a narrow path that winds through the woods. Taking my cues from him, I don't speak as we walk in companionable silence. The dirt path leads out to a small lake and continues around it. Wildflowers grow in clumps along the edges of the lapping water.

"This is killer. I didn't know this was back here."

"This property has lots of nooks and crannies to explore. I might actually buy the place." Jimmy's smile fades, and he jams both hands in his pockets. "Ed, I got a call yesterday. My father is coming to visit."

"That's great!"

Jimmy grimaces, and I watch him carefully. "Not that great. Let's just say I've had a difficult relationship with my father. He's a hard man to please."

"Okay . . . are you worried he won't like Bella? Something else?"

"He'll approve of Bella. It's me that's the issue. He m-makes me feel inadequate, like nothing I could ever do would be good enough." Jimmy just stuttered. I've never heard him fumble over words before, not even when I grilled him about Bella.

"You're a grown man now. Successful. Accomplished. And do you really need his approval? If you're satisfied with your life, that's all that matters."

Jimmy huffs a laugh. "See, that's why I wanted to talk to you. You give it to me straight, Ed. I need you to do something for me."

My stomach rolls because the last time he said those words, I ended up in charge of Bella. "What is it?"

"Father will be here tomorrow—we're having him over for dinner—and I'd like you to come."

"Okay." Seems benign enough, almost too easy. Then again, Jimmy felt the need to take me for a walk to discuss his father. I'm a bit out of my depth here, but I'm sure a psychologist would have a field day with it.

"Thank you, man!" He stops and grabs me in a bear hug. "You are the best friend a guy could ask for."

Guilt floods through me. I'm not that great of a friend. I want your woman, and she wants me too. My control is hanging by a thread.

When we return to the house, the mouthwatering smell of dinner fills the air. Bella serves fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. We eat in the dining room; Jimmy sits at the head of the table with Bella to his right and me to his left.

At first, we're busy passing platters and filling our plates. Jimmy keeps up a litany of small talk, engaging both Bella and me. Frankly, I'm relieved because the conversation keeps dinner from becoming awkward.

"And that reminds me—how is Little Wolf coming along?"

I swallow the bite I'm chewing too fast, and it goes down hard. Clearing my throat, I take a sip of water, washing the clump of food farther down. "Great! She's apprenticing with Jasper, and I expect to hire her soon. Seth too. He's turning eighteen and has really impressed us with his pieces."

Jimmy nods enthusiastically. "Wow, Ed! That's great news. Any issues with you and Leah? Because . . . you know."

On the periphery of my vision, I notice Bella's fork still in mid-air. I don't want Jimmy to notice, so I answer quickly. "There's nothing between me and Leah."

"No?" Jimmy's eyebrows rise, and he seems almost incredulous.

"No. We . . . had a moment, but I . . ." I flounder, unsure how to explain it.

"But you want something more, something real."

"Yes." I can't control the urge to glance at Bella. She's watching me, an unreadable expression on her face, fork still suspended halfway to her mouth.

Jimmy slaps my arm. "You're a better man than I ever was. It's got to be lonely—just you and whatever fantasy you dream up."

His words bring a particular moment flooding back, when Bella was in my bed, and I was in the shower, watching fantasy Bella take every inch of me into her mouth.

My face burns, and I glare at him. "I'm not comfortable with this."

"No problem, man. I didn't mean to overstep." Jimmy takes Bella's hand in his. "Someday you'll strike gold, just like I did. I'm sure of it."

"Yeah."

"I'm getting a brewski. You want one?"

"Sure."

He looks at Bella. "Baby? Can I get you anything?"

"No, thanks."

Once Jimmy is gone, Bella puts her fork down. "No Leah? I thought the day I found her in your bed . . ."

"You didn't find her in my bed. That apartment is there for whoever needs to crash." My tone is clipped. And why am I explaining myself to the woman who is warming my friend's bed? In my ire, my gaze locks with hers. "I don't see how it's any of your business."

Her warm, brown eyes fill with what looks like a mix of insecurity, censure, and . . . jealousy? "You're right. It's not my business. I just—" She breaks off, gazing at her lap.

"Just what?"

"I didn't think Leah was . . . your type." Bella's voice is small, and she continues looking down.

"Oh, so what's my type?"

Bella flounders with that one, but I never do hear the answer because Jimmy returns with his too big personality, and I find the rest of dinner to be status quo and entirely unsatisfying.

Jimmy tries to convince me to spend the night, but there's no way I'm putting myself through that again. It's bad enough I have to sit through dinner with Jimmy's father tomorrow.

I'm pensive on the way home. So much of my life has been upended lately, and I'd like to get back to normal. Normal? You mean boring. I bang my hand on the steering wheel and imagine my inner monologue bound and gagged. This brings me a small, satisfied smile. You know I'm not really tied up, right, Einstein?

"Fuck off," I mutter, stomping on the accelerator.

I arrive home, and my apartment feels lonely. I stand by the kitchen door and remember Bella dancing around and singing off key while she made me dinner. We had a really nice meal and some great conversation out on my deck that night.

"Lonely? Get a fucking dog," I mutter.

When I get in the shower, fantasy Bella and her pouty, pink lips join me. When I wake up in the middle of the night hard as a rock, she's there again, beckoning me like a siren. I shove a hand in my sweats and grasp my cock, pumping up and down my length, pretending it's her thumb grazing the head. The shame I feel afterward is only rivaled by waking during the night as a teenager and jerking off to a wild cheerleader fantasy.

oOo

The next evening, I don charcoal slacks, a pale green button down, and a charcoal patterned tie. I stop at Simona's Bakery and ask the woman behind the counter for a box of the best pastries to show up to a dinner with. She tilts her head and smiles as if my ineptness is cute. A few minutes later, I walk out with a heavy pink and white box tied with ribbon and a receipt with "Janice's" phone number on the back. I'm flattered, and the flirtation puts some spring in my step, but I'll never call her. Apparently, meet-cute moments that make epic stories for the children and grandchildren aren't in the cards for me.

When I arrive at the farmhouse, there's a pristine, white BMW X5 parked next to Jimmy's Porsche. A discreet sticker on the back window says "Luxury Loaners." I roll my eyes and heft the box from Simona's, making my way to the front door.

Jimmy greets me, relief evident in his expression. "Hey, man! Come on in. We're in the study."

"You have a study?" I murmur, handing off the pastries. Jimmy hurries into the kitchen to drop the box off and returns quickly. He strides down the hall, past the guest room, and turns a corner. Warm, golden light spills from the wide doorway ahead of us. Jimmy leads me into a room that could be on the set of a movie: hardwood floors, polished to a glow with strategically placed area rugs; floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books and knickknacks; a huge, wooden desk with a Tiffany lamp; and an elegant stone fireplace with a grouping of expensive furniture surrounding it.

A fire blazes in the hearth, and Jimmy's father reclines on a puffy leather couch. He rises to his feet and steps forward to greet me, speaking before Jimmy has the chance to.

"Ashland Hunter." He thrusts his hand out, and I shake with him. "You must be Edward. I know a lot about you."

His wording strikes me as odd, but I let it go. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Hunter."

"Call me Ash."

I nod. "Ash."

Jimmy hovers at my side and hasn't spoken yet.

Ash snaps his fingers sharply. "James! Get Edward a drink."

"Yes, of course."

While Jimmy pours my drink, I take a seat across from Ash Hunter, using the opportunity to take him in. Father and son have such similar facial features they could almost be brothers, but Ash has icy blue eyes to Jimmy's light brown. Ash is a few inches taller than Jimmy and exudes power from every pore. His wavy, sandy hair is close cropped, and his Armani suit fits him like a glove.

He catches my eye and raises a brow. "Are you finished taking my measure, or shall I give you more time?" His intense gaze unnerves me, and I understand why Jimmy gets so twisted up.

"I'm good."

Jimmy hands me a glass and sits beside me. He emanates tension, and this makes me uncomfortable because I'm used to Jimmy always being so sure of himself. I swirl the amber liquid around before taking a sip.

"When James told me he was investing in a tattoo parlor, I was less than enthusiastic." Ash shoots Jimmy a look. "But he defied my advice and did it anyway. I have to admit, I'm impressed by the growth of your business."

My mind reels. Ash just said Jimmy defied his advice—as if his "advice" was more of a decree. It seems Ash is a man who expects to be obeyed.

I nod. "Thank you. The business is doing well."

"Yes, despite your recent troubles. A shame about the break-in. But at least you had a solid alibi for the night The Vault was torched. That could have been an ugly legal mess."

I side eye Jimmy and realize by his expression that he's not the one who reported this information to his father. "You seem to know a lot about recent events."

Ash throws his head back and laughs. "Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable, Edward. I keep my finger on the pulse of anything that affects family and business."

I meet his amused gaze with a hard stare. "Then perhaps you can tell me who broke into the shop or who the arsonist is."

His eyebrows go up. "I'm not a soothsayer or a detective, but I'd lay odds it was personal. In fact, I'd bet money the two events were related, maybe even perpetrated by the same person." He turns to Jimmy. "What do you think, James?"

Jimmy nods his head slowly. "I had the same thought."

Honestly, it feels right when I hear it said out loud. "I agree."

"Follow the motive. Who would benefit from the break in and the fire? Has anything else unusual happened recently? I recommend considering all odd occurrences."

"I'll do that, thanks." I sip my drink and decide to find out more about Jimmy's father. "So, Ash, where do you call home?"

He waves a hand. "Here and there. I have several estates. I've just come back from Italy. You should join us there sometime. The views at the vineyards are spectacular, and our wine is delicious. I'll send you a case."

Bella's voice comes from the doorway. "Hunter Wineries. Jim, you didn't tell me that was your family!" She looks my way. "Their wines are exquisite. I highly recommend the Merlot."

Bella looks and sounds like a different person, sophisticated and self-assured. Her hair is swept back from her face, fastened by fancy barrettes, the rest falling in soft ringlets down her back. An elegant wrap dress hugs her curves, and a pair of peep-toe, strappy high heels complete the look. She moves with grace and an almost regal bearing; there's no sign of the frightened woman who usually looks to a master for direction.

Ash smiles. "Thank you, Bella! I'm happy to hear you've had a taste."

Bella puts an arm around Jimmy, caressing his shoulder. She tilts her head, smiling coquettishly. "Dinner is ready if you boys would care to join me in the dining room."

Ash rises fluidly to his feet. "Well, we don't want to keep you waiting. Lead the way."

Jimmy kisses Bella's hand. "We're right behind you, darling."

Bella sashays from the room. Jimmy beams after her, and I'm left flabbergasted. I've experienced a few different sides of Bella, but this is new.

The dining room table looks like something from a magazine spread. Ash seats himself at the head of the table, which seems presumptuous. Bella sits to his right with Jimmy beside her, and I sit across from Bella. I steel myself for an awkward dinner; instead, I feel as if I've entered the Twilight Zone. Bella works the table like an expert. We feast on bacon wrapped filet mignon, rosemary potatoes, and garlic asparagus. Bella is charming and flirty, drawing all of us into easy conversation. She seems to sense when a subject is about to become awkward and deftly leads us to lighter topics. Ash debates with her a bit on politics, and Bella holds her own.

After coffee and dessert, Ash wipes his mouth and lays his napkin aside. "Well, this has been a most enjoyable meal. James, you struck gold with the lovely Bella. And let's not forget how wise you were to invest in Edward's business."

"Thank you, Father." Jimmy gazes at Ash like a young boy hungry for approval. "Will you be staying with us?"

Ash shakes his head. "I already have a room booked at The Grenville and a full schedule of meetings tomorrow. I'm leaving on Sunday. Maybe we can have drinks before I go."

"That sounds great."

Ash looks at Bella. "And I expect to see you there as well."

Bella smiles. "I wouldn't miss it, Ash."

Ash shakes my hand and then kisses Bella on the cheek.

"Walk me out, James." He heads for the door without waiting for a response, clearly used to being obeyed.

I realize I haven't learned anything about Ash tonight. He has numerous estates, one of which is in Italy, and runs a vineyard that produces obscure wines that Bella is familiar with even though she wasn't aware Jimmy's family owned it. I've also heard some of his political views, found out he approves of Bella, and that he knows a fuckton of information about me.

Jimmy walks him out, and Bella starts clearing the table. I watch her for a few minutes, expecting her to say something. She doesn't. I follow her to the kitchen, but the conversation is relegated to wrapping food and where things go.

"Bella."

"Yeah?" She responds but doesn't stop what she's doing at the kitchen island.

I stand behind her, close enough to feel the heat of her, to smell her. "What's going on?" I touch her shoulder, and she turns to face me.

"What do you mean?" Her expression is impassive.

I place a hand on the island to either side of her, caging her in, and look into her eyes. Bella stares back at me boldly, arching a brow.

"You're behaving differently tonight, not like yourself."

She places a hand on my chest and skims her nose up the side of my neck. The heat of her breath brands my skin, and my heart beats faster. "What makes you think you know me?" she whispers. Her lips graze my earlobe, and I feel it all the way to my soul.

Just like that, Bella has turned the tables. I'm physically caging her in, but I'm the one held captive. I want to back away, but something inside won't let me. She leans away from the island, pressing her body against mine, and I'm instantly hard. There's no hiding it.

"Naughty boy," she murmurs against my neck.

I let go of the island and step back. Bella moves with me, and now I'm pressed against the stove with nowhere to go. "Bella, stop."

"Is that really what you want, Edward?" Her voice is sexy and breathy.

"No." My voice is gruff, and I swallow thickly, wishing I could take back my answer. I also know if Jimmy wasn't right outside, I'd scoop her in my arms and take her to bed. And she'd let me.

~oOo~

Sorry for the delays in posting. I've got a lot going on right now, but I'm here, and I'm trying. Thanks for being here with me.

What do you think of Ash and his influence over James? Edward has been fighting his feelings for Bella, but he's losing. Bella is so busy being whoever she needs to be depending on the situation that she's not sure who she really is. I'll say it again . . . this isn't a pretty story. There's a lot of tough times and raw emotion and references to abuse, grooming, and trafficking, but this will be HEA.

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