Chapter 12

After walking down the streets aimlessly to clear my mind, I came home late to avoid facing Nate but he was already waiting for me in the living room.

God, I felt like I couldn't have my own space. Maybe I should move out. This was definitely not working out for both of us.

"Becca," he started.

"Nate, please. I'm exhausted and I don't want to have another argument," I tried to walk past him but he stopped me by standing in front of me.

"I just want to talk, no arguments I swear," he held up his hands and I let out a huge sigh.

"Fine, go on." I folded my arms in front of me and he took a deep breath.

"I was genuinely surprised when you said that you liked me and I realized that, us," he gestured between us, "sleeping together should have made it worse for you,"

"No shit, Sherlock!" I muttered under my breath.

"I'm so sorry for not seeing it," he had a pained look on his face and I gave him a small smile.

As usual, an apology.

"I'm past it and it doesn't even matter anymore,"

There was an awkward silence between us and neither of us spoke a word.

"Also, I was thinking that maybe I should move out," I mumbled under my breath.

"What? No way. Becca, don't do this." he ran his hands through his hair and I shook my head.

"I need to do this Nate. This hasn't been working out for both of us, right from day one and I think it's best if I get my place. Please respect my decision,"

"You know what? Fine, go ahead. I'm going to bed," he left the room angrily and I let out a huge sigh. This was for the best and I think I have had enough drama for one day. I went to bed and fell asleep right away.

The walking did help after all.

The next morning, I woke up and got ready for the day, wearing my jeans and a black off-shoulder top. I was going to meet Xavier at the coffee shop where we met the other day and mentally made a note to ask him to help me get a place of my own.

"Becca," I heard Hannah's sweet voice as soon as I stepped inside the coffee shop and my face instantly lit, upon seeing her. She was jumping up and down in her seat and I noticed Xavier right next to her with a huge grin on his face. I walked towards them with a shy smile and sat down on the opposite seat.

"You look so beautiful," he winked and I cleared my throat, pointing my eyes at Hannah.

"Yes, Becca. You look beautiful and we match," she giggled pointing to her black skirt.

"Yes, we do and I missed you so much, Hannah." I smiled at her warmly.

"I wanted to bring you some cookies from grandma's house but dad ate it all in the morning," she face palmed herself cutely, making me laugh out loud.

"Hey, I had no idea she saved it for you and my mom makes really good cookies. I just couldn't resist it," he chuckled, scratching the back of his head, looking so darn cute. I noticed that he was wearing a grey t-shirt that showed off his biceps, making me drool instantly.

"Maybe you can get me next time," I winked at her and she nodded, continuing to eat her pancakes.

"I ordered for you. I hope you don't mind," he pushed a plate of pancakes in front of me and I smiled at his thoughtfulness. We started to eat and I suddenly felt his stare on me. I looked up at him and raised my eyebrows in a questioning manner.

"I miss you," he mouthed the words and I blushed, shaking my head with a small smile. Once we were out of the shop, we got in his truck and were on our way. I had no idea where we were headed.

"Where are we going?"

"There is a children's park nearby. We could hang out there for a while."

"Sounds great," I smiled and turned my attention to Hannah who was showing me some of the pictures that she drew.

"Stay nearby and don't fight with the other kids for the swing. You will get your turn," he bent to her level and spoke to her patiently while she nodded and ran off to join the other kids. The park was fairly crowded with kids running around happily.

Man, life was so much better as a kid.

"Hey you," he finally turned his attention to me and I grinned widely.

"Hey, daddy." I grinned and my eyes went wide at what I just said, "Fuck, I--I didn't mean it in that way," I stuttered and groaned in frustration.

Why the hell do I keep doing it?

"You could say that when we are alone. God, I wish we were somewhere else so that I can kiss you." he whispered as he slipped his arms around my waist.

"Umm...how does this work, around Hannah?" I asked out of curiosity and he just smiled at my question.

"You know something, Hannah was always the deal-breaker when it came to dating and after some point, I just stopped trying because she was more important to me," he paused and I looked at him, urging him to go on, "Then I saw you and I was attracted to you instantly. I was worried that you might find Hannah as a deal-breaker too but then, watching you with her, I knew you were different from others. So to be honest, I don't mind if Hannah knows about us,"

"Oh wow," I blushed, not knowing what to say to his response.

"I know you said you wanted to keep it casual and I'm willing to wait however long it takes because you are totally worth it," he smiled, making me melt against his arms instantly.

Okay, time to play it cool!

"You know, Hannah might be the only reason I agreed to go out with you," I teased, making him raise his eyebrows.

"Oh, is that so? Because I remember you moaning my name all night. Admit it, you fell for my charms and come on, you couldn't resist this body,"

"Yeah, whatever." I rolled my eyes and he started to tickle me. I laughed, pushing him away from me. I felt so carefree and happy around him. We were having so much fun, talking and teasing each other but the question about Hannah's mother kept popping in my mind and I wasn't sure if I could ask him already. I mean, I should respect his privacy and it was not like I was going to run away if I come to know about it so I let it go, hoping he would bring it up on his own.

"Xavier, I need some help finding a new place. I'm kinda moving out from my friend's place," I spoke as we were walking down the streets to find a place to have lunch.

"Why suddenly?"

"Uhhhh...its...Ummm..." I tried to think of something as I was not ready to tell him about Nate just yet.

"You don't have to tell me if it's something personal, I get it."

"No, it's just that...it's not working out and I feel like I need my own space," I replied which was true and he nodded in understanding.

"I know a guy who is in real estate and stuff. I'll help you out, don't worry." he smiled and we walked inside a burger joint.

The rest of the day went by in a daze and we went to his house to watch Finding Dory as Hannah kept nagging him but halfway through the movie, she fell asleep on my lap. I kept stroking her hair gently and smiled at how cute she looked.

"Let me take her," he stood up, lifting her gently and walked towards her room. I went inside the kitchen to pour myself a drink and walked outside, looking at the pictures that were hanging on the walls.

"Finally, I got you all alone." he hugged me from behind, making me gasp and started nibbling my earlobes.

Christ, it felt so good.

"Mmmm...you are so dirty when Hannah isn't around," I chuckled and turned around to meet his gaze. He took my lips between his own and kissed me deeply, making me go weak in my legs.

"God, you are so irresistible." he groaned, kissing down my neck and I let out a soft moan, caressing his huge biceps. I was so lost in him that I started moaning a bit louder as he squeezed my ass and I pushed myself against him rock hard body, feeling his hardness, pressing against my jeans.

"Dad, stop hurting Becca." We both froze and looked down to see Hannah rubbing her eyes sleepily.

Holy crap!