Ch 3

Bella paced around the bathroom checking her outfit for the millionth time. She felt like a fool for worrying so much about picking what to wear. She deeply sighed heading out into the bedroom.

"Whoa what are your plans? You haven't dressed up like that in ages," Hunter said seeing she was wearing her favorite v neck short slip on red dress with matching heels. He was surprised to see her long blonde hair was curled cascading down her back.

"Ummm I'm meeting someone for a drink," she said, not looking at her brother.

"Who?" he asked, moving in front of her so she had to look at him.

"I'm meeting Mark," she said, seeing the surprise on Hunter's face.

"Taker? You're going out with Taker?" he exclaimed.

"We are not going out. I'm just meeting him for a drink, it's not a date or anything like that," she said quickly.

"You're dressed like it's a date," Hunter said as grabbed her purse and gave him an annoyed look. "Relax, I'm not giving you a problem. I'm just surprised who you're going to meet. I like Taker. I have no issues except he is alot older than you."

"I don't care if he is older. Like I said it's not a date I just enjoy talking to him. There is nothing wrong with starting a friendship with him, is there?"

"Friendship is fine. I just don't think beyond friendship is wise," Hunter said knowing better to say anything more. "I hope you have a good night, you deserve a night out. Have fun," he kissed her cheek as she headed out the door to the elevator. Bella couldn't help feeling slightly annoyed at Hunter for bringing up the age difference. She just wanted to spend time with Mark. The butterflies engulfed her the moment the elevator doors opened and there Mark was looking breathtaking handsome dressed all in black with his hair pulled tightly back.

"Good evening Bella," he said, smiling at her, loving how she looked in red.

"Hi, were you waiting long?" she asked as they made their way to the bar.

"No, just got down here a bit ago," he eyed the room, seeing a table in the back where no one else was around. He motioned her towards it. "Did Hunter have a problem meeting up with me?"

"Not really, he was his normal protective self," she said, sitting down understanding why Hunter was protective and she never judged him for it. In the last few years, he had been a very patient understanding brother as she worked through their parents' passing. There were days she didn't want to get out of bed till she heard Samantha's laughter reminding her there were many reasons to battle her demons. She looked up into Mark's eyes as he seemed to be studying her for a moment. She couldn't help wondering if he may become another reason she wouldn't let her demons win.

"What are you thinking about right now?" he asked, holding her stare.

"Hmmm not sure how to put into words what I'm thinking without sounding crazy," she softly sighed.

"How can we become friends if you won't just say what's on your mind?" he smirked. "Tell me Bella."

"I've had a lot of rough days since my parents passed away. Thankfully I have Hunter and Sami to help give me reasons to keep working through the grief," she paused looking down and then back up into his captivating eyes blushing. "I was thinking how it would be nice to have you to talk to. One more thing to look forward to on the bad days."

"Well if I can help you on the bad days I will," he smiled, touching her hand softly.

"Thank you," she smiled, liking the electricity that his touch gave her.

"Let's have a drink then take a walk. I want to show you something, ok?" he asked, not removing his hand. She nodded in agreement as they started to talk about what kind of drinks and foods they liked then the conversation turned to movies they had seen. A few hours passed in a blink of an eye as their conversation just flowed easily. Taker was surprised to see the time and how long they had been talking when the waitress brought the bill and he paid it. Bella thanked him as they left the bar. Taker pulled on his coat as they stepped out to take a walk around outside. They walked in silence for a few minutes taking in the city lights. Taker noticed Bella slightly shake as a chilly breeze blew.

"You're shaking, are you cold?" Taker stopped her.

"I'm a little chilly but I'm alright." She wrapped her arms around herself feeling foolish for not grabbing a coat.

"You're not ok," he took off his coat and put it around her slender shoulders, "is that any better?"

"Yes, thank you." His coat was so big on her it felt like a warm comfy blanket. He smiled as they started walking again. "Aren't you going to be cold?"

"I'll be ok, don't worry," his smile made her feel all warm inside. They entered a park and found a bench right near a beautiful moonlit garden to sit on. "This is one of the places I found to unwind after the shows."

"It is peaceful here, how did you find this place?" she sat down and pulled his coat closer around her.

"One night after a show here I was worked up and needed to clear my head. I went walking and found this place, stayed here till almost midnight thinking." He looked sad for a moment as if he was thinking of something else. "Hey, are you still shivering under that coat? I better get you back to the hotel." He stood up as she grabbed his hand, taking him by surprise.

"Not yet, please just a few more minutes." She lightly pulled him back and he gave in sitting back down next to her.

"Ok, tell me when you're ready to head back," he lightly caressed her cold hand as he looked into her eyes, mesmerizing her again. "I have another idea on how to warm you up but I have to show you. Willing to give it a try?"

"Ok, what do I have to do?" the curiosity of what he had in mind intrigued her.

"Stand up, I'll do the rest, just trust me," he let go of her hand. She stood up and looked down at him smiling. He stood up slowly cautiously reaching out caressing her cheek, "Trust me Bella, I won't hurt you." He gently took his coat off her shoulders, as she felt the night air against her skin the shivering got worse. He surprised her by picking her up and carefully sitting back down on the bench holding her tightly. He took his arm out from under her legs so she was sitting on his lap while he took his coat and covered them both. She felt the warmth right away from being against his chest and his arm around her back felt like fire. He whispered into her ear, "Is that better?" His breath on her neck gave her goosebumps. He started to lightly caress her arms. She felt like she was in heaven with every stroke of his hand. "Much better", she said softly to him. Getting lost in the moment she ran her fingers along his broad chest wanting to make sure he was real and this moment was really happening.. He shivered under his touch. They sat in silence for a while just enjoying the feelings and being together. "You feel so good in my arms. I don't know why this feels so right" he whispered near her neck, giving into the moment not thinking about anything but her. "Bella, how do you feel at this moment?" he lifted his head to look into her eyes.

"I feel the happiest I've felt in a long time. You make me feel safe."

"I'm happy to hear that. Not sure what is going on with us," he softly said, never feeling the way he did at the moment with her in his arms. It felt like she belonged there.

A loud noise broke the moment, as Taker looked cautiously around. "It's getting late, let's head back to the hotel." He stood up lifting her effortlessly with him before putting her down gently. He wrapped his coat back around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. " Do you want to keep exploring our friendship ?" he took her hand as we walked back to the hotel.

"Yes, it will just be nice to have you in my life," she saw a big smile appear across his face.

"There is something about you Bella Helmsley that makes me think this is the start of a very good friendship. I want to get to know everything about you," he squeezed her hand gently. "I'm hoping you can come to more shows so we can spend more time together," he suddenly stopped for a moment as his head decided to overstep what his heart was feeling. "Bella, you know I travel a lot and my career runs my life right?"

"Mark, I understand I'm not trying to complicate your life or mine. I know how important your work is and how demanding it is. I told you before I'm helping raise Sami and she is my focus right now. I also want to have a say in the business my parents built so that takes time too. I understand we are both busy. I just want to get to know you not expecting anything just your friendship," she said trying to hide from him that he had sparked in her feelings that were making her think about more than a friendship down the line.

"Ohh don't think you ever are a complication," he smirked trying to relax her feeling the tension in her hand. "Thank you for keeping me company tonight. I look forward to seeing you again," Taker stopped before the hotel doors.

"I'm looking forward to it too," Bella smiled, letting go of his hand and giving him a hug, taking him by complete surprise. His heart took back over holding her close for a few moments feeling a peace he never felt before. "I hope to see you soon," she said against his chest.

"I think you will, Bella," he leaned down, kissing her cheek, giving her one more tight hug before letting her go. They walked into the hotel. They both took their time saying goodbye hoping they would be seeing one another soon.