Kisses and Warfare

Driving down my street, I see a car parked out the front of my house, and I know who it is automatically and look to my phone. I see Mitchell’s tried to call.

Shit! Was I meant to meet with him today?

Stopping the car and grabbing my things, I get Annabelle out of her car seat. Mitchell smiles when he sees me and offers to grab some of the things from my hands, which I let him.

“I tried to call. I’ve purchased some things for Annabelle, which I was going to just drop off, but then I saw your car…” he trails off with a smile.

“Oh, thanks.” I look to my porch to see nappies and baby food in a box.

“I asked the lady at the counter what was popular food, she suggested that, so I hope it’s okay. If it’s not, let me know and I will buy exactly what you need.”

Walking inside, he picks up the box and brings it in.

“Look, Mitchell, I’m tired. Really tired. But thank you.”

“Oh, you worked last night?”

“I did.”

He looks around, and there’s a very happy Annabelle who doesn’t seem the least bit tired.

“I can stay if you like. Maybe watch some movies with Annabelle and just play while you sleep. We won’t go out the front or do anything other than stay right here.”

His offer is tempting, and I’m about to say no when Annabelle walks over to him, smacks his leg for him to pick her up, and smiles when he does.

“It will be no issue. I was hoping to spend some more time with her anyway.”

“I don’t know if I can trust you,” I say to him.

“I have signed that contract. It’s my only way to show you straight away that I don’t want to mess with what you have.” He turns, looking to Annabelle, smiling. “I’m here for her, Kat. I want to get to know her, and for her to know me. You will be no more than a few steps away, and I can wake you if I need you.”

“I just need an hour’s rest. So, I suppose…” I look up to my room.

“Rest. I know how to work a television, and we can play with her toys. We will stay right here.”

Mitchell takes her to the couch and sits down with her. I watch for a few minutes before I walk up to my room and crash on my bed, not even bothering to change.I wake to male voices, which is weird considering I’m in my own house. I get up quickly and look at the time.

Shit! It’s almost four in the afternoon.

How long did I sleep?

I haven’t slept that long for ages.

“Momma,” Annabelle says as I walk down the stairs, now with my heels off and in bare feet. I scoop her up and kiss her cheek as I turn to find Mitchell with my front door open and Blaze standing there.

“What are you doing here?” I ask Blaze.

“Work starts now.”

I walk over, pass Annabelle to Mitchell, and step outside, closing the door behind me. “Leave. Now.”

He scrubs his face. “I was drunk.”

“I don’t care. Leave. I quit. Have fun running the place without me.” I turn to go back inside.

“Come back to work, please,” he says.

“No. You run it since you seem to know everything.”

“Who’s that man?” he asks. I turn to face him again. “I know you’re a single mother, and the father isn’t in the picture. So, who is that?”

“That is none of your business.”

“Didn’t think you to be a whore, but I guess we’re all proven wrong on occasion,” Blaze says, walking away.

My blood boils at his damn words.

How fucking dare him.

My hands clasp the potted plant next to my door and I throw it, aiming for his head, which it hits.

“You fucked this whore, asshole. Remember it! Because it’s the last time you ever will.”

Blaze turns angry and rubs his head.

Luckily for him it was plastic, but not so much for me.

“I’ve killed for less,” he says through gritted teeth.

I wave my hands out. “Try it!”

He laughs and gets on his bike with no helmet and takes off like a shower of shit.

Fuck.

Fuck.

He’s fucking with my head in more ways than one, and I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.

“That man loves you,” Mitchell says, walking out without Annabelle. “I didn’t come back in hopes of getting back with you, but to say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind would be a lie. But now I see…” He shakes his head. “You like him too. And I’m in no position to say anything about that. But be careful, Kat. I haven’t been here for long, but I know who they are.” Mitchell pulls his jacket on and walks down the stairs to his car.

Looking back, he speaks, “If you need any help, especially with work, let me know.”