“You’re daughter is upset with me.” Holly slid her hands in side of her front jean pockets. Brett, her ex-husband, had asked to have lunch with her while Holly’s mother took the children out to the zoo.

Brett walked beside Holly, while pushing the stroller that Oliver was inside of. The little boy was nearly on the brink of falling asleep. “Avery is upset with you? Damn, you must have really done something then.”

“I slept with a man whose daughter dances with Avery. Funny thing is we had sex at one of her recitals. We locked the door of course, but the girls dancing instructor sort of caught us, so instead of talking to the parents she told our daughters and banned Lily and Avery from dance for two weeks. You know for a child two weeks is like ten years.”

“Dance has been the only escape for Avery, Holly. You know that, so of course she’s upset with you because you helped take that away.” Stopping at the crosswalk, the two waited for the traffic to stop, and the light to go on allowing them to walk across.

“I know, I know and it just kills me knowing that. I’ve been just…not so great in the mother department lately. I fear I’m breaking into my old habits of just sleeping around again. The kids don’t deserve it, they need someone stable in their life and I just keep bringing people in to their lives then pulling them out. Ryder doesn’t care so much, but Avery takes it hard. Especially when Emma left, both of the kids were torn. Avery is still not over it.” The blond woman locked her arm with Brett’s as they crossed the street. The weather was dreary just like the weather man had predicted. It was supposed to rain after two in the afternoon, Holly just hoped on their way back they wouldn’t have to walk in the rain with Oliver.

“Look Holly, we’re all, well some of us are little white shadows. We sparkle and we glisten.” Holly seemed a bit confused, but Brett carried on. “You’re a white shadow because you’re heavenly. You could have any man, woman you wanted. You have a wonderful family, job, etc. Even the best of us have these shadows, problems that come and go. Some drag you down but you still sparkle and glisten no matter what because you don’t allow others to know that something is going on with you.  My point is, don’t get down on yourself about this. I know in my heart that you’re a wonderful woman. Hell, I was married to you and I was the one who fucked that up, not you. You can’t be perfect, especially with your children. They’re going to be upset with you, and they’re not going to be happy with everything you do, but not being real with them will hurt them in the long run. You forget that Avery remembers when you were sick. She saw you at your worst, and look at how she sees you. She sees you as her mother who loves her, who wants the best for her, who is now strong and not that weak person you once were, she’s mad because you let her down. She knows about your one night stands, but you didn’t need to flaunt it in front of her. That should be separate from your children, and instead of sleeping with some random, you should’ve been watching her dance. That’s why she’s upset, because you chose some random person than her.”

“Why did we ever divorce?” Holly grinned making light of it.

“You know that answer Holls. Apart from loosing Lily, and my unfaithfulness we were perfect for each other.” Brett kissed the top of Holly’s head. Holly reached out for the door of the restaurant and held it open for Brett. 

“I appreciate the time you took out of your day to have me over.” Samantha, Peyton’s mother-a little girl who was best friends with Avery, stood next to Holly. The table in front of them was filled with pasties of all sorts, as Holly was always welcoming others into her home. That was one thing her mother had taught her- how to be a good host to others.

“It’s no problem, really. I mean, I am a therapist, so if you need to have someone to talk to I am here. Normally I give advice to teens with mental disorders so it was a bit fun to listen and discuss actual adult problems.” Holly lifted her hand and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear as her eyes scanned the pastries, trying to figure out which one to choose.

“Well again, thank you.” Samantha reached for one of the pastries and purposefully grazed the side of Holly’s breast while doing so.

Holly froze but tried her best to ignore the gesture. Samantha had been married once before, and after her marriage failed, she began to date women. Holly and the other woman had brief relations a few years ago, but Holly never took it seriously. Ever since Samantha found out about her leaving Emma, she had tried and tried to peruse Holly, but the blond wasn’t really buying it.

Holly’s blue eyes watched the woman set the pastry on her plate then set it to the side. Oh Jesus her we go. Holly thought with a calm sigh. The blond continued to put her own desert on her plate, as she went to turn, the other woman took the plate from Holly and set it back down. “Listen, Holly, I know that you still must be hurt over Emma…” The brunette’s fingers lightly brushed up against the blonds arm giving her goose bumps. “but maybe I could help you get over her.” Sam’s eye brows slightly rose hoping the blond would get the hint. When Holly remained quiet, Samantha’s hand grazed down to Holly’s waist and leaned in closer. “It could be like old times.” She whispered quietly.

Samantha leaned in closer to the point where Holly could feel her warm breath against her lips. About to reject the kiss, Holly turned around to see a familiar little girl walk into the room. “Avery.” Holly grinned pleased that she was saved from kissing Peyton’s mother, but worried that her daughter had seen them.

“W-what are you doing mom?” Avery was confused as to why her best friend’s mother’s hand was resting on her mother’s hip. Once Samantha noticed Avery’s eyes watching, her hand fell down to her side.

“I-I uh, Peyton’s mom was just over for some help..” Licking her lips, Holly watched Avery move to a chair and sit down.

“What kind of help?” The little girl was smart. She had taken notice to Samantha touching her mother, and from how close it seemed that they were about to kiss, Avery was confused. She was confused because of her mother. Holly had once caught Peyton and Avery kissing. Then it was fallowed up by a deep lecture of possibly being a lesbian. Avery was nine, she didn’t know. Her eyes began to water and sting from the tears she was withholding. Avery had believed that Emma was the one for her mother. Watching Holly be around other people was beginning to take a toll on the small girl. “Is it the kind of help that you were giving Lily’s dad at the recital last week? Because, my dance teacher saw you two come out of the locked dressing room. She was angry she said for such behavior, and she banned Lily and I from dance for two weeks.” Avery’s bottom lip and chin began to quiver. A stray tear trailed down her cheek as she looked down at the floor.

It was like a blow to the chest to hear from your daughter that you as a mother had failed in some way. That, because of your own behaviors, your daughter is punished and banned from one thing that made her happy. “Ave..” Holly began, “I’m so sorry..” The blond bit the inside of her cheek walking towards her daughter seated in the chair. She kneeled down and rested her hands on Avery’s knees. “I will go to your teacher and talk with her about it. I made a mistake okay? I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

Avery sat up a little in the chair and nodded. “I just don’t want it to be like before. I don’t want someone to take us away from you again.” The girl began to sob. Shaking her head she whimpered trying not to cry. Holly frowned and gently wiped her daughter’s tears away and then wrapped her arms around her small frame. “I will never let anyone take you away from me again. Those days are gone Avery.” Kissing the side of the little girls head, Holly then stood up and held her hand out for Avery to take.

Sliding her hand into her mothers grip, the blond girl stood up from the chair and grinned over at Samantha then looked to her mom. “Ryder wants me to play Mario with him…” With that, she turned on her heel and made her way out of the room.

Holly watched the empty door way for a moment hurting from her daughter’s disappointment and fear. “You slept with James Westfield?” Shocked, Samantha chimed in. Holly, sighed ignoring the other woman’s comment. 

Ryder had recently taken on a new interest, karate. He hadn’t actually had any experience in the new hobby, but he had spent many hours pretending he was fighting super villains and what not. The boy had energy, and anything to get him to set his game controller down was plus in Holly’s book. She wished he would do something more musical, as the young boy was always humming a tune to himself-but he was only seven, he had plenty of life to have other experiences.

“Ry-man, come here.” Holly pulled her son by his shirt and spun him around. “You can hold off on fighting zombies for a few more minutes. Come here you have orange cheetos all over your face.” The boy groaned wiping his orange fingers on his white karate attire. Holly sighed shaking her head and pulled out a handy wipe. “How did you get it in your eye lashes??” Ryder shut his eyes tightly as his mother wiped off his face.

“Release the titans!” Ryder shouted shrugging off his mother and running around with the other boys. They all stopped abruptly as their instructor held the door open for them all to come in for class to begin. Holly, with the rest of the parents remained in the outside room, watching the class from the glass wall.

“Kids, they have no care in the world. Cute really, I miss those days myself.” A tall man with an accent pushed off the wall and walked towards Holly as she sat on a cream colored couch, watching her son on the other side of the glass.

A grin curled up on her face, her hands sliding up her legs from putting the now orange wipe into her purse. “Yes, I miss childhood as well, but I am so happy now that I can watch my own children have their carefree experiences.”

“That’s true.” He nodded glancing his blue eyes to the children. “How many do you have? That is if you don’t mind sharing. I have four..or five…maybe six. Whose really counting??” He joked.

“Fi- four I have four children. Two girls and Two boys. My oldest is nine, my youngest will be eight months.” She smiled adjusting her posture to sit up straight.

“So young, all of them. I have six children actually. Four young men and two young ladies. My oldest is sixteen, youngest is five. I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. The mother of the oldest four died in a car accident, tragic. So I had been with them for so long as a single father. Then I remarried and my wife, she’s hopeless..” He folded his arms to his chest and shook his head. “Pardon me for not introducing myself, before spilling my life’s details. I’m Isaac.” His hand extended for Holly to shake.

After shaking the man’s firm, yet soft hand Holly could feel his eyes wander along her legs. Ignoring it, she ran her slender fingers through her hair and smiled. “Holly. Don’t worry about it. I don’t have the perfect track record with relationships. I’m sorry to hear about your first wife though…” She bit her bottom lip as he took a seat next to her on the couch. Her eyes scanned the other parents in the room, but they had all been watching their children. “I was married once before. My first two children are from him..well three, I had given birth to a deceased child. Among unfaithfulness it brought down our marriage. My youngest daughter is from my ex-fiancé. I loved her…yes her.” Holly smirked, “but things didn’t work out. I blame myself for it all, but what are you going to do?” The blond shrugged her shoulders. “Then my youngest son is from someone who I am not with. You could say he was a ‘mistake,’ but I could never now think of him that way. I don’t regret it.”

Isaac pursed his lips in thought seeing that his past wasn’t as nearly complicated as Holly’s had seemed, but he wouldn’t push her to spill more. He had known Holly, at least known of her, but she hadn’t had the faintest clue who he was, but his knowledge of her would remain a secret. “This may be forward, but that’s how we English men are, but would you care to have dinner tonight? Don’t worry, I won’t try to pull of your knickers. I thought we could have dinner after practice, I am sure the boys will be hungry.”

Holly took in a sharp breath already finding it a bad idea to have any sort of dinner date with a married man. “I-I’m sorry but we’re actually having a family dinner tonight…”

“Are you saying no because you’re not interested, you really are having a family dinner, or you’re uninterested because I am married.” His arm draped along the back of the couch and his left hand lifted in between them. “Holly, I do not wear my ring anymore. In fact I haven’t in the past five years. My wife is a drug addict who I wish to play no part in my children’s lives. So please don’t see me as a married man..”

Holly shook her head unsure. Her eyes looked into his and a light sigh slipped past her lips. “I wasn’t lying about our family dinner tonight. I am not always attending my son’s karate classes while wearing stilettos and a fitted little black dress. Now, I was,…am a little concerned about your wife, but I was going to offer you and the boys to have dinner with us.” A small smile slid across her face. 

Hearing a whistle, Holly shifted her weight to the left side, as she leaned against the counter of the bar. “What are you doing here?” Holly beamed watching William walk inside. “I didn’t give you a key, have you heard of a wonderful thing called knocking?”

“Uhm no, that’s ridiculous. I was just testing your home security, which you lack because I just walked on through the door. Please tell me that you don’t leave your house unlocked all of the time.” His hand briefly grazed her cheek, when it dropped to her hip she bit her bottom lip trying to with hold her smile from growing.

“I left it unlocked hoping you would come over.” Her hand slid up his chest, feeling his muscles beneath his shirt. “How long are you going to keep me waiting?”

“For what sweetie?” His eyes softened pulling her a little closer. “Don’t worry about little Ritchie he’s already growing by just looking at you in those shorts.”

“What?!” Holly shook her head and playfully nudged William. “I am going to have to start dressing like a nun, seriously. How long are you going to keep me waiting before you kiss me, peel my clothes off, and bang me against this counter? Come on dude, I’m not getting any younger over here.” She smirked half jokingly and leaned in for a subtle kiss.

Pulling back from Holly’s lips, William sighed with a wide grin. “Before I do all of the above, I just wanted to talk about something.” He sighed, and wrapped his arms around the blond’s waist. “We’ve been sleeping with each other for quite sometime now. Im not complaining in anyways, but…I want..what if we took the next step?”

Holly’s grin faded quickly. “I don’t want to put another label on us right now. Okay?” She looked at him apologetically. 

It had been a long weekend away from the kids. Normally Brett wouldn’t have the kids this weekend but he and his soon to be new family were planning something to do together before the school year began. Holly had allowed Hannah’s daughter, Elle to baby sit Oliver, and Emma hadVictoriamost of the time.

Holly’s sister, Hannah was married to William McKinley’s brother, Elliott. He also had another brother, the youngest of the McKinley’s, Liam. This weekend Holly and Hannah had drove up to the McKinley’s family estate for a weekend trip. No one had been aware of William and Holly recently sleeping together and she didn’t want the news to get out of the bag either. They had drove up to the house together Friday night, and by the time they had arrived it was time to turn in for the night.

During the middle of the night, Holly had been interrupted by William. She scowled at him for sneaking in her room at his parents house fearing that the too would be caught red handed. When Holly woke up, William had been fast asleep at her side; she nearly had to pry his arm off of her in order to get up.

It was early morning and no one had come out of their rooms yet, except for Williams father Henry. Holly had made the two coffee, and they exchanged conversations as it had been years since they had seen each other. It was until the conversation transitioned to William and Holly, that the blond cleared her throat and slipped out the back door.

Sighing, the blond squinted her eyes from the brightness. The morning was warm and still. Birds flew from tree to tree chirping happily. Every now and then a calm breeze came through and brushed through her silky blond hair. Humming to herself, Holly held her coffee mug in her hands and walked around the wrap around deck until she came to the front of the house. Taking a seat on the steps, Holly lifted her mug and took a small sip. The warm liquid ran down her throat, and her eyes caught on to a squirrel running up a tree.

She was soon distracted by the youngest McKinley, Liam, walking up the drive. “Good morning!” The young man shouted. His walk soon turned into a slow job as he made his way towards Holly. “You caught me slacking. It was so bright and beautiful this morning that I took my morning jog. Truth is you saw me walking up the drive, because I got a little lazy at the end. I think it was those five donuts I packed on this morning.” Liam laughed patting his stomach before taking a seat next to Holly.

“I thought about running this morning, but your father was talking my head off. So I just came out her to get a taste of the fresh air before the day became cloudy. It’s supposed to rain.” Holly informed, tucking her hair back behind her ears. “I give you credit though bro, you’re not as lazy as most Americans, so kudos.”

“Thanks.” Liam laughed and ran his hand back through his hair. “What was the ol’ man chattering to you about?” Nosey, he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.

Holly shrugged, ‘Oh you know, this and that and then why I wasn’t in a relationship with your brother and yada yada.”

“Oh boy.” He smiled wide knowing that the topic of William and Holly made her uncomfortable. “That’s crazy though, you two haven’t been you know romantic since like high school and college!” He was oblivious to the fact that Holly had been sleeping with William, and she could see that William only told a few select people about the fact that William might have been the father to her son, but he wasn’t. She didn’t blame him for not telling anyone.

“Right.” Holly replied bluntly, taking another sip of coffee.

“I know this is crazy but I was always jealous of William because he had your eyes always set on him. You’re hot, and a great person. I know my brother can be an asshole sometimes, and I thought you always deserved someone…you know better..”

Holly couldn’t help but laugh. She covered her mouth to try and hide her laugh but it failed. Turning her head to look away, then finally turned to look at Liam. “What, what was that?? Someone like you, is that what you mean? That is the craziest thing I have ever heard.

“What? No it’s not. I’m serious Holly.” Liam leaned in and pressed his lips to Holly’s. After a couple of seconds, Holly slid her hand on Liam’s chest and pushed him away. He held his gaze with hers for a moment and shook his head. “I knew it I knew it I knew it! You’re sleeping with William! I know you well enough to know that if it wasn’t for my brother, you and I would be rolling around in some hay right now. Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone.” He snickered with a low chuckle and wrapped his arm around Holly.

“You’re such an ass Liam. We aren’t together by the way. He and I are just…it’s a little complicated.” The blond rested her head on Liam’s shoulder and sighed. 

“Do you have to bring that up again? That was in high school William. I probably had a gap in my teeth, holes in my jeans,..-“ Holly sat up on the man’s bed and began to button up her shirt.

“Come on, you were adorable! Don’t tell me you never thought of me. I know you did, especially in chemistry…well because that subject was all about us.” William sat up with his shirt open, his chiseled chest exposed. His fingers lightly caressed the woman’s back as she finished fiddling with her shirt and began to search the floor with her eyes for her pants.

“What?!” Holly laughed rolling her eyes. “You used to throw pencils at my head in that class when you were there. Half of the time you were skipping class to have a peep show in the girl’s locker room.”

“Yeah..I was just hoping that one day you would be in the girls locker room. You never wanted anything to do with me. You were always yelling at me when I was just trying to look down your shirt, jeesh.” William licked his bottom lip and brushed Holly’s blond hair out of her face.

Holly’s smile faded into a light grin. She turned around and straddled William’s waist, sitting in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Besides your pervy antics in High School you were always there for me, until you found out I was going to prom with Johnny instead of you.” Holly leaned in and brushed her lips against his in a light kiss.

“That’s not true…” William kissed the blond again, then slowly leaned back to lay on the bed. Holly still straddling his waist, looked down at him to continue. “Well, if I recall Jock strap Johnny was supposed to pick you up and instead he drove past your house making out with soon-to-be-butch Caroline. Then an amazing, wonderful, handsome young man came to your door step and swept you off of your feet.”

Holly’s smile grew wide across her face. “That amazing, wonderful, handsome, young man was you..” She smirked as the memory came back to her. She rested her hands on her bare thighs and drummed her fingers along them. “That night we had our first kiss.”

“Yes we did.” William nodded reaching for Holly’s hands that rested on her thighs. “This next kiss won’t be our last, hopefully, but you’re doing an awfully lot of talking. How about a little less conversation, and..” Holly placed her hands above his shoulders, and his fingers moved down to re-unbutton her shirt as she hovered over him.

“You don’t need to finish that sentence William.” Holly lovingly smirked pulling his silky red shirt down off of his arms. Her lips kissed warm subtle trails of kisses along his shoulder, up his neck, across his jaw line, and to his lips. The woman giggled as William rolled them over on the bed, so that he was now on top of her. His hand traveled up her smooth thigh and began to kiss her passionately. 

May I come in?” Holly knocked on the open door to William’s office. The blond had taken the day off from work, as they finished moving out of her apartment and into their new house. It had been a long time since Holly and William had even said a word to each other. Other than the brief moment’s they ran into each other during work they hadn’t said a word.

William’s dark eyes shifted from the magazine in his hand to Holly in the door way. Ignoring the child she held in her arms, he pulled the tooth pick out of his mouth, ‘Sure, why not.” Shrugging his shoulders, William returned the toothpick back into his mouth.

Holly walked in taking notice that he wasn’t wearing business attire. Instead of being behind his desk and working, he was lounging on the couch and reading material that was inappropriate for work. “I know we haven’t spoke to each other in a while…” She began, biting down on her lip. The tall blond stood next to the couch looking down at the man. Holly knew for a fact that William was never one for being a father, he was beyond irresponsible but once he found out that Holly had been pregnant-he changed. She knew that it was a rare opportunity for him to become a father and he wanted to be. He had hoped that he would be the father, but when the results came back that he wasn’t-that’s when the distance came between them.

With a heavy sigh, William slid out his tooth pick and tossed it on the floor missing the waste basket. “Is this him, the spawn of you and that other dude, what’s his face?” His hand shook in the air for emphasis that he didn’t care about whom the child belonged to.

“This is Oliver.” Holly introduced the little boy. “Look, I’m sorry about everything…you know what I am talking about so please don’t make me go into detail.” The blond looked down at William apologetically. Truth was she loved William, always did, but she felt they had missed their time. They had been tied to the hip since fresh out of high school, Holly watched him go through women, jobs, etc, and he went through the same with her. There was always a spark between them, many thought they were married from the way they always bickered to one another- but one had never honestly addressed the fact that they both loved one another. They new it, but never brought it up. Their timing was never right.

“Apology not accepted. It would be accepted if you had brought me those little chocolates from the corner store, or how about a brandy or scotch?” He held his gaze to Holly’s for a moment. “Are you and this guy together? Getting married? Whats the deal?”

“We aren’t together William.” She left it at that. A grin was easing up on the man’s lips as if her answer pleased him. When he found out that his contentment was showing, he frowned.

“Well then, single, have a seat.” William slung his legs around to allow the two to sit down. After patting the seat next to him, Holly sat down with Oliver on her lap. The small child sat quietly while sucking on a few of his fingers. “Apology accepted by the way…but those chocolates would’ve been appreciated.” He smirked warmly feeling better than he had been. He had always wanted to be with Holly. William had spent many nights lately thinking about them being a family, whether the children were his or not. He had an epiphany that he didn’t want to be alone for the rest of his life, and he knew that neither did Holly. 

“Mom, is dad coming?” Avery peered up at Holly with anxious eyes. It was the day of her dance recital, one she had been preparing over months for. The girl loved to dance and Holly loved to support her daughter. Among other support, Helen, Hannah, Heather and their guests had already arrived saving seats for their others. Holly’s brothers were supposedly on their way with Brett, Holly’s ex-husband, Avery’s father.

“Yes, Yes, he is coming. He had to pick your brother up from Brayden’s house. Don’t worry,” Holly’s hand rested on her daughter’s hair sprayed head. “He will be here.” She assured her daughter as the two stood back stage. “Now run along with the rest of the kids and practice one more time.”

Avery nodded squeezing her necklace, one that Holly had given to her when she first began dancing to calm her nerves. It was a necklace that Holly’s deceased father had once owned and passed down to her, and now Avery proudly wore it.

After a few seconds Holly kneeled down and kissed the little blond girls blushed cheek and watched her skip away with the rest of the dancers. “That’s some cute kid you’ve got there.” A heavy man’s voice filled the air around the blond.

Holly turned her head towards the man who spoke and forced a grin. She found his comment slightly creepy knowing he had to be watching them. “Thanks. Are you some creepy man who comes to child events and video tapes them to get off?” Protective the blond arched a brow waiting for his response.

“James.” He extended his hand out to Holly with a friendly smile. The blond slowly extended her hand and shook it. “No, I am not a pedophile creep.” He chuckled pulling his hand back and into his black slacks. “Matter of fact, my daughter there, Lily, is performing tonight.”

“Oh gosh I am sorry.” Holly lifted her hand to cover her mouth feeling embarrassed and ashamed for accusing a father of such a thing.

“No, no. Don’t worry your pretty little head.” He lifted his hands in surrender mode. “I understand fully. These are our children, we should be looking out for anything that may come in harms way.”

“Right.” Her smile was more honest now instead of forced. “James, I’m Holly. I have a brother named James, he’s the family’s baby…well he’s seventeen.” She laughed shrugging her shoulders. It was odd to Holly that the man’s name was James, like her brother, and Lily was his daughter, just like her daughter that had passed-but she didn’t spend too much time on it.

“Nice to meet you Holly…Holliday right? I have seen you around a lot of times at practice and what not. Your daughter hangs around with Samantha’s daughter, Peyton?” Holly nodded as James was correct. “Your family is always attending the recitals. Your husband and yourself must have your hands full with four kids?”

“Wow you must really take notice to things.” Holly lightly laughed running her fingers along her curled hair. “No, oh no. He’s not my uh husband or boyfriend for that matter.” Holly lifted her left hand to show that there was no ring. “Those are my kids though. Avery’s father comes to support her but we’re no longer together.” Not wanting to get into any details, Holly left it at that.

“Pardon me for assuming. Awful habit I have.” James flashed a charmed smile and glanced around the back stage area checking on his daughter. When he looked back at Holly with his hazel eyes, the woman pursed her lips as the silence sunk in. “If you need any help ever with getting Avery here or whatever it may be feel free to give me a call.” James reached into his blazer pocket and pulled out his wallet, then a business card.

Once Holly took the card, her eyes scanned over it. James Westfield. “Are you just trying to ease yourself into my pants?” Holly cut to the chase looking over his card again. He was an attorney officer.

James shook his head with a grin. “No ma’am, but if the opportunity was given I can’t say that I would pass it up. Apart from being a wonderful mother, you’re very gorgeous. A man would be insane to not want a taste of you…no pun intended.’ He shook his head again seeing how wrong that may have sounded.

Holly felt her cheeks burn. She wasn’t in a relationship, which was true. Thomas had left, but they weren’t together anyways. So, why did she have to think about him, what would he would feel towards it? It didn’t matter. “When does the show start again?”

“Six thirty, its going on six now.” James informed glancing at his silver watch on his right wrist. “Why?”

Holly smirked with a sly smile and stepped closer to the man. She allowed him to move in closer to her. “What if the opportunity to get a taste of me was presented to you right now, Mr. Westfield?” Holly whispered running her hand up his leg. Her fingers lightly teased over his forming bulge, and listened to him quietly whimper.

“I suggest that you close the dressing room door than Ms. Holliday.” Collecting himself, James closed his eyes hearing the blond shut the door, and then twist the lock.

Holly smirked again watching the man stand against the wall with his eyes closed. His breath was heavy and unstable against her skin as she leaned in to caress his lips with her own. As they kissed, her hand returned to his bulge and moved her fingers to his zipper. After it was undone, her hands slid under the band of his briefs. Holly’s fingers played along to James quiet whimpers; every now and then she would catch an escaped moan.

His tongue was warm against her own, and as much control over her body that the woman had, it was becoming unbearable to not want him. James moved in closer sliding his fingers over Holly’s butt, up her back to the top of her zipper. Pulling the zipper down the back of her dress, with a gentle hand, James brushed shoulder strap down her arm. “Step out of your dress.” His voice softly commanded. As Holly did so, James eagerly removed his pants and began to unbutton his shirt.

James kissed down along Holly’s neck sucking along her skin as he backed them up to the red couch misplaced in the room. His fingers slid along her waist, teasing his fingers along her inner thigh. He pushed her panties to the side and slid two fingers into her wet core. A pleased whimper came from the slender blond as it felt great, but she craved more. Lying on the couch, James crawled on top of Holly and looked down at her. “Fuck me.” Holly spoke arching her back, to push her hips up into him, making his fingers go deeper inside of her. Encouraged, James slid his fingers out of her, and replaced them with his throbbing cock in one thrust. Holly’s eyes closed instantly and her lips parted as her moans escaped with each thrust. Her hips began to rock against his. Her nails slid down his back and he let out a groan, her nails sunk into his skin as waves of pleasure beat through her body.

It didn’t mean anything, certainly not to Holly. There was just a sudden itch that she needed to have scratched. She wasn’t looking for someone to have a deep relationship with. Been there, done that. James was a fine man, but she wasn’t looking for anything more. If she wanted more, she would have already accepted Thomas’s proposal.

Hearing a knock on the door, fallowed up by someone turning the door knob to try and open it, James panted and after a few moments slid out of Holly and stood up. The blond lay on the couch brushing her some what curled hair out of her face. A few strands stuck to her from the sweat. “We’ll be out in a minute.” James said scooping up his clothes to put back on. Holly licked her lips thankful for the morning after pill as she was sure that she wouldn’t be having any more children. Birth control failed her the previous time, and since she was off of protection with James, she would need that little pill so it could work its wonders.

“I can see you watching me hot stuff. You missed a button.” The blond observed, and pushed herself off of the couch to put her clothes back on. “Can you zip me back up?” Holly asked after stepping into her dress.

She turned her back to James, and pulled her blond hair to the side. The hair on her skin rose, feeling his fingers brush against her skin, as he zipped her dress back up. “I almost said no. I enjoyed the dress being off.” He winked at her, and then leaned in placing a subtle kiss to her lips. “Ready? It’s six forty; we’re a tad bit late.” He smirked unlocking the door for them both. As the door opened, an unhappy woman stood on the other side and began to squawk about the door being locked. James made up some excuse and Holly ignored it and made her way into the auditorium to find her seat. 

Location: Outside of the movie theater 

Cast- Holly/Thomas

“It was nice for Heather to watch the kids. Don’t get me wrong Holls, they’re all well behaved, but they can be little rascals.” Thomas chuckled as the two walked out of the movie theatre from some romantic comedy the blond couldn’t remember the title of. Holly was never one for romantic films, she preferred the action packed films more.

“Ah, yes it was, but I am sure she is wishing to hell that she wasn’t babysitting them. Sure she loves her nieces and nephews but Heather is a workaholic, she doesn’t really understand how to handle children. It isn’t really in her comfort zone. I am just glad that my mother is finally off of my ass about having grandchildren. Now she is up Heathers ass about it. Poor Heather doesn’t even have one night stands anymore. I gotta fix her up Tom.” Holly tilted her head to the side and smiled thinking about her sister dealing with Avery, Ryder and Oliver. The only one that was missing wasVictoria. The little girl was growing so fast, and it hurt Holly that she and Emma hadn’t spoke since they parted.

“Look at that.” Thomas stopped along the side walk and pointed briefly to an elderly couple across the street. The couple held on to one another as they chatted lovingly to one another. Holly watched one speak and then they both laughed joyously together. I want that. The blond thought. Holly’s smile faded feeling Thomas’s fingers slide and intertwine in with her own. A heavy sigh slipped past her lips watching the elderly couple get into their car. “Remember when I asked you to be my wife?” Thomas’s soft voice whispered low into her ear.

How could one forget? Holly licked her lips and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Which time Thomas?” Her blond brows arched high like beams as she questioned him.

“The first time.” A wide, proud smile curled up on his lips. Thomas took a step backwards into the dark alley and tugged on Holly’s hand pulling her with. When he came to the brick wall of the theater, his free hand slid up on Holly’s hip.

“I remember Thomas. I remember every time.” Holly spoke quietly against the young man’s lips as he pulled her closer. Wrapped up in the moment, Holly tilted her chin up and firmly placed her lips against his. She went to kiss him quickly, but Thomas lifted his hand off of her hip and moved it to the back of Holly’s neck. His fingers weaved within her silky blond hair and began to kiss her slowly. Heat waved throughout her body, and as she slid her tongue passed his lips, her body leaned against his.

Thomas’s arms were warm and secure making the blond feel protected. Her eye lashes began to flutter open while her lips began to part from his. Oh no. The blond thought. She looked into the man’s eyes and shook her head. I know that look. Pushing herself away from him, Holly turned away and took in a deep breath. What are you doing? You have a man, the father of your child who thinks the world of you and you’re pushing him away. Her mind spoke against her actions.

“What is it?” Thomas asked sitting down on a crate. The light was dim, but the street light kept the light scattered in the alleyway. “Come on Holls, talk to me.”

“I see it. That look Thomas.” Holly’s hands wiped over her freckled face.

“What is it that you see? Do I have popcorn butter on my face or something?” He lightly laughed kicking a rock with his shoe.

“You love me.” Holly turned around, and walked towards Thomas seated on the crate. “You’re in love with me.”

“Yes I am.” Nodding proudly again, the young man smiled wide up at Holly who stood in front of him.  “Holly I have been in love with you since the day we went out to that farm for the school. You know what else I noticed that day?” He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I noticed that you loved me too. You slept with who, Shelby? That narcissist of a boss you have? You slept with them because you were drunk, and afraid. Afraid that cheating on a woman you loved wasn’t a mistake. You knew that you felt something with me, not them. You tried to fight it Holly. That moment I jumped in the shower you caved. You didn’t, you wanted to kick me out, but you didn’t. I don’t want to hear any crap about you not ready to settle down, because you are. You just weren’t ready to settle with Emma. You can stand in front of me and tell me again and again that you are allergic to commitment and love but I know for a fact that you’re not. You’re fighting yourself Holl. You are running away from what you want. I know you want me.” He stood up and wrapped his arms around Holly’s waist. Looking down at her, the woman remained quiet but didn’t resist his touch. “I know we aren’t together. I don’t know what we are because you want to continue to run away. We spend the night together constantly and don’t give me that bullshit on just being friends. We are more than that Holly. I respected you with Emma, but she isn’t around anymore.”

The two remained quiet. The only sounds were from those were came and went to the movie theater. “I uh.” Holly stumbled on her words trying to take in what Thomas had said. “I do love you…but I—.”

“Don’t. I don’t need to hear it.” Fearing rejection Thomas sighed resting his head on the blonds shoulder. “I’m heading out to Tennessee Holly. Just for a brief program. I am thinking about my life, my future. Oliver is a given that he will be in my life, but I want you in it too. Just know that I am not going to wait around forever, Ill fight for you, but I am not going to be treated like you did to Emma. You’re either with or without me, no games. Maybe me leaving for a while will give you time to think. I want lots of pictures of our boy though while I am gone. I mean it.” Kissing the tip of Holly’s nose he sighed not wanting them to go home with a pleasant night ruined. “Let’s get home before Heather loses her mind.”

Holly slid her hand back into Thomas’s hand as he led them back to her car. She had a lot to think about but wasn’t ready to face it all. Hell, she was turning forty one soon and still was running away from life. Her children needed and deserved stability. They had grown so attached to Emma thinking of her as their mother and now have a sister and Holly messed it all up. She tore their family apart, she was just afraid of repeating her same old habits. 

After getting out of the shower, Holly felt refreshed. It was one of those moments where you just feel so disgusting you can do nothing but shower, and that’s the moment Holly had. Walking out of the bathroom, the tall slender blond pulled one of Thomas’s baggy shirts on. It was an old raggedy shirt, but it smelled of the young man and that’s why she primarily wanted to wear it.

Thomas and Holly hadn’t been dating. Thomas had constantly begged Holly in many ways that they should be together for Oliver’s sake. “But I have other children too, and they don’t have their parent married to me.” Holly remembered telling Thomas. He had already proposed to the blond and it did warm her heart. It was sweet and romantic, but she didn’t want to jump into anything. It was too soon.

Walking into the kitchen, the blond quickly poured a cup of coffee. Not for herself, but for Thomas. He was still fast asleep with Oliver in Holly’s bedroom. Ryder and Avery had been with their father, and Victoria with Emma. It was quiet around their new house, but Holly missed the hectic mornings of tired kids running around.

“Good morning.” Holly beamed quietly entering the bedroom to see Thomas stirring in the blankets. “I got your morning cup of Joe, although I don’t see how you can drink it so black.” A light giggle came from her. The blond lifted her leg and sat on the edge of the bed next to Thomas.

“He’s a heavy sleeper like his dad.” Thomas noted at Oliver fast asleep next to him. He sat up and took the warm mug of coffee out of Holly’s hands. Feeling her finger tips brush against his, Thomas spoke. “So when are you going to marry me?”

Holly’s blue eyes rolled and as she was about to reject his proposal once again, Thomas leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. “I love you. We have a baby together. You don’t have to say yes, not right away. Think about it.” He gently tucked a strand of silky blond hair behind her ear. Holly bit her lip and quietly sighed letting her eyes linger on their son.