Rising tension

Rising tension
(Bella)

I haven't been able to get Dean, the kiss out of my head, from one lewd thought to another and it pretty much unsettles me.

I'd like to think I've been ignoring him quite well and I'm sure he knows.

I must be a terrible person because I didn't even ask if he was okay now, if Doctor Raven said anything that'd be of concern.

I should ask but the urge to stay away from him was greater. And the next day we slipped into our co-parenting roles, and I try to keep away from him.

I see his efforts into getting us to talk though, I feel his scorching gaze but I paid no mind, making sure there's no situation that'll leave us alone in one setting.

Of what use will opening up to Dean or accepting my feelings for him be? It'll rile Judy and Ashley up, and then what?

I can't risk it.

They might be quiet now, staying off my back but I know it's only a matter of time.

If they see I'm not here for Dean, and that I only have my kid's best interest at heart, maybe they'll finally let me be.

Speaking of which, I haven't really thought about Dean's reaction when he discovered what his mother and Ashley did.

I didn't see the need to know anyways, and he didn't say anything either. Well, not like we've ever had a proper conversation though.

But then, to what end?

I'd rather not know. That way it doesn't mess my head further up.

But neither Judy nor Ashley has approached me with their bullshit. Did Dean threaten them?

I shake my head. I'm not letting this bother me, I already have a lot on my mind.

I slip into my gorgeous dress and wowed as I stared at myself in the mirror, it hugs my body like a second skin, bringing out every outline of my curves. My hair is curled and tossed over one shoulder, my makeup is minimal, decided to keep it simple.

I'm wearing the bracelet Dean got me, it has turned out to be my favorite, probably because I love the design.

I put on my heels and stared at the mirror one last time. Satisfied with the way I look, I grab my clutch and make my way out of my room.

So, today is another day where I avoid Dean, just like every other day but in a different setting. The project launch with Brenco is happening in less than an hour.

I sigh.

Another day to get past those gorgeous blue eyes.

Yeah, you heard that right.



(Dean)

Two days ago, my son had asked me a question that left me stuttering.

Bella had excused herself and I watch her leave till Javier's tiny voice pulls me back to reality.

"Daddy," he drags my attention and I turned to look at him, he has a tiny smile. "Do you like mommy?" He asks casually, like he didn't just drop a bomb on me.

I gasp, not sure why my soon-to-be five year old son would ask me that. "Uhmm, why— why do you ask?" I answer with a question instead, as I figured that's the best way out.

Isn't he supposed to be a kid?

He rolls his eyes like I've asked the most stupid question ever and then he shrugs. "You always look at mommy and smile when no one's looking,"

Wait, what? 

"No, I don't," I say defiantly and look away, trying to hide my smile.

That day, I managed to shift his mind back to his painting in a bid to avoid his question, and thankfully it worked.

Wow.

Have I been so obvious that even my kid could tell?



A warm smile crosses my face as I spot Bella talking away, the project launch has been nothing but a blast. I do not regret partnering with Clein one bit.

I keep my eyes on Bella the entire time though, waiting to spot her alone before I walk over to her.

And Calvin seems to be busy too, I haven't seen him with Bella either and as selfish as it sounds, it made me happy.

After a while, I see the woman who's been talking with Bella walk away and she's left alone once more.

Quickly, I walk my way to her but then, I hear my name from behind.

Goddamn it, not now.

"Dean," the voice calls out, I glance at Bella before pasting a smile and turning to meet whoever this is.

"Mr Thomas," I keep my smile, as he approached, he extends his hand and I take it.

"This looks promising, you both did a great job," he complimented and I nod, appreciative of his comment.

"Thank you Thomas," I say while stealing a quick glance at Bella.

I talked over a few things with Thomas and after a great deal of time, he finally excused himself.

I turned, my eyes searching for Bella and when I spot her she was still alone.

Great, I begin to walk to her, a big smile in place.

"Bella," came the voice of Calvin, just before I could reach where Bella is, he sidles up next to her and embraces her gently, before kissing her cheek.

I stop in my tracks, and my breath almost caught when Calvin's hand slithered around Bella's waist, drawing her closer while Bella beams.

A tightness burrows in my chest and my smile immediately drops as I watch that scene.

I see the look on Calvin's face, the way his face lights up, his eyes. I know that look all too well.

He likes Bella, he wants her, I can see it in his eyes.

I realize that the tightness in my chest can only amount to one thing, jealousy.

Yes, I was terribly jealous of Calvin, I see the way Bella is with him, he makes her smile, something I can only dream of.

This makes me sad, jealous, so much so that I wanted to walk up to them, and yank him off Bella but that would be extremely inappropriate.

So I had to grin and bear it as I talked with some of the guests, but not without stealing glances at Bella at intervals, Calvin still has his hand on her lower back. 

I just couldn't take it anymore, so I forced myself to stop looking.

I sure need something stronger than champagne if I'm going to get through seeing Bella with him.

I grab a glass of red wine and gulped all at once.

I really don't want to be here anymore, not with Bella in Calvin's arms.