The Journey Home

The second I opened the door, I recognized him. I stood there staring at the bastard.

I heard Maddie behind me. “Andre? What are you…? How did you know I was here?”

Andre gazed between me and Maddie. “I have my ways.” He said, giving me a wink.

Fucker.

Maddie pushed past me, walked into his arms.

“I’ve missed you, Bella,” he said.

I rolled my eyes, turned and walked away as she told him how much she’d missed him, too. She wasn’t missing him two minutes ago when I had her against the wall.

“Actually, you told me you were staying here with Monica. I looked up Cale’s name, and when I stopped by your house and found it empty, I figured you were here.”

Maddie let out a nervous giggle. “Wow, you could be a detective.”

Andre laughed. “Well, now that I’m here, gather your things, Bella. Let’s go home.”

I sat down on the sofa and turned on the TV, waiting to hear her response.

“Um, Andre? We talked about this. I need another week to help get things settled.”

I glanced over at them. Andre was glaring. “Well, from the smell of alcohol on his breath, I’d say some things haven’t changed.”

I stood and began to approach him. “Listen here, you prick. You can’t just show up on my doorstep and—”

Maddie stepped in front of me. “Cale, please go sit down.”

I smiled at her. Her cheeks were still flushed. I lifted my fingers to my mouth and her eyes grew wide. I dropped my hand and walked back to the sofa.

“Andre, you can’t just show up and expect me to leave. I can’t to do that to Lily.”

He leaned in close and whispered to Maddie. “Is this for Lily, or for him?”

“I’m not even going to answer that. I’ve never pegged you as the jealous type, Andre. I asked you for one more week. After Saturday, you’ll have me all to yourself.”

My stomach turned—I felt sick.

“Bella, this is not your responsibility.”

I heard Maddie sigh as the front door opened. They stepped outside, the door closing behind them. I smiled.

If Maddie did what I was hoping she’d do, I’d have six more days with her. Six more days to show her how much we were meant to be together. Six more days to show her she didn’t have to be afraid of her feelings for me.

I SHUT THE door and turned to Andre. I glared at him. I was so pissed that I couldn’t think straight. I was almost madder at myself, for being pissed that Andre interrupted what was happening between Cale and me. In a moment of weakness I’d let my guard down. As much as I claimed I didn’t want to sleep with Cale, I was shaking mad that I’d lost my opportunity.

“How dare you! How dare you show up here and pull this stunt after I told you I needed more time? I’m so pissed off right now, Andre, I don’t even know what to do.”

Andre grabbed me and pulled me to him. He pressed his lips to mine. What once got me hot and bothered now seemed flat and boring. I attempted to show interest, moaning a little and tugging his hair. When he pulled his lips from mine he was panting. Clearly the kiss had affected him more than me.

I closed my eyes, feeling like a tramp. I’d been letting Cale kiss me and finger-fuck me while my boyfriend stood on the other side of the door.

“I’ve missed you, Bella,” Andre breathed. “I’ve missed you so much. Please forgive me. I do have a jealous streak, and I’m so very sorry.”

I smiled, placing my hand on his cheek. “You have to trust me.” Guilt swept over me as I made a silent vow to resist Cale as much as possible for the next week.

“I’m staying here until Saturday. Cale needs my help.”

Andre sighed and nodded. “Okay, Bella. I’ll leave you be. But, come Saturday, I’ll be waiting for you at your house. I’m going to take you to heaven and back. Multiple times.”

I smiled and nodded. “Deal. I’m sorry you flew all the way down here for nothing.”

He raised his eyebrows and my heart pounded. “We could go back to your house, Bella. A quick fuck from behind, like in Italy. You look like you could use one.”

I swallowed hard, trying to push my mixed feelings away. There was no way I was going back to my house to have sex with Andre after what had just happened between Cale and me.

I pouted and shook my head. “I can’t, Andre. I’m so sorry.”

A look of disappointment washed over his face, but he quickly smiled and pulled me closer. The feeling of his hard dick against my stomach excited me, but I was so confused. Was I turned on because of Cale or Andre?

“Something to think about during the next six days,” Andre said. He kissed me lightly and let me go as he walked away. I watched as he got into his car and drove off.

“Oh, Jesus. What is happening to me?”

I sat on the porch swing and tried to gather my thoughts. I’d never felt like I did when I was with Cale. It was so powerful and so strong—it scared me to death. Wanting and needing someone as much as I did Cale had me thinking back to our first night together.

I’d been so scared when it hit me, when I’d realized that I loved Cale. I’d only been with him for a few hours, but we talked like we’d known each other for years. The instant bond we’d shared scared the piss out of me. The easiest thing for me had been to run.

Like I’m doing now, I thought.

The door opened and I looked up at the only man I’d ever loved. I was beginning to think he’d ruined me for all other men. He looked into my eyes and smiled. “I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to keep my hands to myself.”

I sat there, stunned. I wanted to jump up and beg Cale to make love to me, but all these things were running through my head. I opened my mouth, but Cale started talking again.

“Good night, Maddie.”

He shut the door, leaving me alone on the porch. I leaned back against the swing and let the tears fall.

I WALKED INTO the kitchen and started the coffee maker with one hand as I held Lily in my other arm. I smiled as she looked up at me. “We got this, don’t we, baby girl?” She yawned and I laughed—my charm clearly wasn’t going to work on her. I took out a coffee cup and set it down as I retrieved one of her bottles and heated it on the bottle warmer. My baby girl waited patiently as I made my coffee and her breakfast.

“Daddy’s getting pretty good at this stuff, isn’t he sweetheart?” Lily made a bubble with her mouth and cooed. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

I took a sip of coffee and set it on the table, then tested her milk on my wrist. “You know it’s coming, don’t you?”

I put the nipple up to her mouth and waited for the normal pattern. The feel of it on her lips made her start kicking her feet until you placed it into her mouth. She did it every single time.

Her feet started moving as she opened her mouth and waited. “There’s my morning show! Enjoy, Lily Rose. Daddy made it just for you.” She closed her eyes as if she wasn’t the least bit interested in what I had to say right now.

“Hmm…my charming skills clearly need to be honed.”

“Do you make a habit of talking to yourself in the kitchen?”

I looked up to see Maddie leaning against the doorjamb, smiling. Her smiled faded as she raked her eyes over my body. I was only wearing a pair of linen pajama pants. No shirt. I liked holding Lily close to my chest in the mornings. It felt like we bonded more. I only did it when we were alone, though, since Maddie had made it very clear she was not interested in anything but friendship.

“Holy shit,” she whispered.

I tried not to pay attention to her as I reached for my coffee and skillfully took a sip while holding my daughter and balancing her bottle at the same time.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She walked slowly into the kitchen, she reached up to get a coffee cup. I’d purposely put them up higher, just so I could watch her reach with all her might. Usually it gave me a peak at her midriff.

I grabbed a cup

for her, making sure I kept my body away. I could see the disappointment in her eyes.

“Um…what are your plans for today?” she asked.

My heart sunk as I thought about my to-do list. “I’m interviewing nannies today.”

She spun around and looked at me. “What?”