| Ariel | 

"Oh sweetheart, you are going to be so missed, and not just because of your amazing blueberry muffins my dear!!"

I laughed whole heartedly at the other woman's comment, holding my phone between my cheek and my shoulder. We had to be at the airport in an hour and a few minutes ago I had just updated my Sweet Little Treats  website, allowing people to know that I was moving back to New York and I would no longer be local in the Colorado area.

As soon as I posted the update, Mrs. Adler, a sweet older lady in her 50s, who lived on the first floor, was ringing up my cell phone. I smiled as soon as I saw her name, knowing she would be heartbroken. Every week for the past four years she has ordered a dozen blueberry muffins with lemon icing to last her through the week. Her and her sweet husband raved about them every time I dropped them off at her doorstep. Little did she know I had a surprise just for her.

"Your too sweet Mrs. Adler. I'll miss you too, I have no idea who is going to rave to all of New York about how delicious my muffins are."

She gave a little laugh "Oh you're too humble sweetheart, you will have them eating out of the palm of your hand. Literally." She sighed and I could almost see the sad smile on her lips "Wont be long before you have you own bakery store front."

I smiled at the thought, I had told her a few times how much that was my dream and how I had to work hard while I was at the bottom in order to one day become that huge success. I don't want a fancy, giant sized bakery just something homey and sweet. Something on the smaller side that made quality goodies, a place where people could sit down and talk with a cup of coffee and a warm sweet treat.

"I hope you're right Mrs. Adler."

"Ariel, how many times must I tell you to called me Addison? It's only been four years honey." She scolded me softly before moving on "You know Greg and I won't be the only ones missing your treats. Hope and her daughter Addy will be so upset."

Greg was Mrs. Adler's husband and Hope was her daughter, her granddaughter, being named after her is Addy. I sighed clearly upset that I had to leave them. They were my best clients, apart from all the college students rushing to work and wanting a sweet treat or dozens of cupcakes and cake pops for a sorority party.

"I know but I promise I won't forget you guys and every week I will send you a dozen muffins, next day air. Hows that sound?"

"Oh honey I couldn't ask you to do that, the shipping alone would be more than — "

"Don't worry about the shipping Mrs. Adler, you've helped me a lot with my business the past four years."

She sighed defeated "Well if you insist, at least allow my to pay for them in double?"

I rolled my eyes with a smile "Well then what's the point of free shipping?"

She laughed whole heartedly "Exactly."

I shook my head at her antics and finished up wrapping the white bakers box, filled with blueberry muffins, with blue and white twine. I looked at my watch to check the time and I was pleased to see I was right on time. Even with having to rush to get ready for our flight, I still had enough time to bake these babies for her.

"Im sorry to cut this short but I really do have to head out."

"Oh alright," she did truly sound upset, I wonder if I made that much of an impact on her with just bringing by my pastries the past four years?

"Don't sound too upset now. In about 30 minutes or so I want you to check your front door."

She paused "Now why in the world would I — " she took a slight pause and I giggled at the wondering expression she may have on her face. "Oh Ariel, you shouldn't have! How did you find the time?"

"Couldn't leave you high and dry, a whole week without blueberry muffins? The horror!" I exclaimed in mock terror.

She laughed and thanked me, overjoyed with the little surprise. I put the box to the side and said my goodbyes to her before hanging up.

"AHH!" A voice shouted in my ear making me jump, followed by a loud laugh. I groaned and rolled my eyes, I knew exactly who it was. Before I got the chance to even turn around, his arms wrapped around my waist, hugging me and he placed a chaste kiss on my cheek.

"Ricki you're scared the crap out of me!" I laughed with a shake of the head.

He shrugged, letting go of my waist and hopped up on the counter next to me "Thats the point. Its in my job description as best friend."

"He's right ya know." Lena and Emma came from around the corner where the previously were in the living room.

Emma smiled, her eyes landing on the bakery box beside me "I still can't believe you found the time to bake before we left."

"I know! 12 frosted blueberry muffins in under an hour, that has to be some kind of record, no?" Lena questioned taking a seat on the kitchen stool.

Ricki turned to face the two girls "Oh you guys have no idea, she's a pro when it comes to sugar and a whisk."

"I wonder what else she's a pro at..." Damons smooth, deep voice was heard coming up from behind Emma and Lenas backs. The goosebumps that ran up my spine made me physically shiver at his tone, a smirk played upon his lips taking notice and I did everything I could to look away.

Ricki scoffed at the object of my desire. "Hard to say, that bitch Drew had no idea what to do with this girl. There were days she would come to me whining how he couldn't — "

My eyes widened and before he could finish, because I knew where he was going, I slapped his arm and glared his way "RICKI!"

"Ouch!" He gasped and lowered his eyes to me "Whhhatt?" He whined, clueless.

Lena and Emma tried hard to hold in their laughter but failed and it came out even stronger than expected.

I finally allowed my eyes to find Damon. I expected him to have a smirk on his face and be amused by Rickis almost slip up of my sex life but he wasn't, it was the total opposite. His arms were crossed over his chest and his eyes were spitting fire. He looked pissed.

"I never want to hear that assholes name or anything concerning him again. Ever."

Ricki held his hands up in mock surrender "Shit." He mumbled "I didn't mean too, I was just saying..."

I smiled toward him sympathetically "Its okay Ricki." I whispered.

Emma cleared her throat and glanced over at Lena, then at Ricki, then at myself. An awkward air of silence hit us before Emma finally stood and spoke up "Well we should get Ricki's car all packed up with our luggage. It's about half an hour to the airport."

Lena nodded, following Emma out of her chair. "Right." She looked over at Damon "You coming?"

He nodded their way "Yeah, I'll be right there."

Ricki jumped off the counter "I'll start helping until then." He smiled my way before walking behind Emma and Lena to help pack up.

I looked up at Damon, feeling a bit more nervous now that we were alone. It seemed every time we were alone, something always drew us so close together that air eventually became a necessity.

"Ricki wasn't trying to get you mad Dae, he's just a goofball and sometimes he doesn't think before hitting the punchline of a joke." I smiled with a shrug. I wasn't mad at Ricki for bringing up drew. I felt safe enough that saying his name wouldn't hurt me. I felt strong enough that I can talk about my horrid experience with him. I didn't like it but I could do it.

Damon nodded unfolding his arms from his chest "Ah, I know that princess. I just cant stand hearing about the shit he did to you or said to you." He walked around the kitchen counter to stand beside me, when he did he leaned against it, a couple feet away from me.

"I feel safe Damon."

He smiled. A genuine smile. Not a cocky grin or a teasing smirk but a boyish smile. I loved it, it made my heart melt. "Its because you're going home."

I bit my lower lip and looked up into his eyes. My eyes searched his a moment before speaking "I think there's another reason too."

I noticed his breath catch in his throat, maybe it was me being too observant but it seemed like my words effected him. He took a few steps closer, closing the distance between us and without one word, leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to my temple.

My heart jolted out of my chest, not because it was sensual, not because it was erotic but because it was loving and sweet. It was the type of kiss you give someone you care deeply about. It was the type of kiss where you reassure someone how much you care.

That simple kiss had my insides bubbling with affection and sent a warmth through my veins. One silly temple kiss had me feeling more emotions than I felt all the years I spent with Andrew.

How is that possible?

His voice thick and low was what brought me out of my thoughts. "You really have a passion for this, don't you? You care."

I snapped out of my trance and noticed he was now on the other side of me, his fingers fiddling with the blue and white bakers twine I had wrapped around the white box. I knew right away he was talking about my love for baking and all things sweet.

I smiled up at him "I do."

"Whats in this one?" He questioned nudging the box.

"Blueberry muffins with lemon icing."

He licked his lips and a slow smirk formed on his face. Oh boy, what was he thinking?

"Maybe I can get the pleasure of tasting these one day?"

I had no idea where he was going with this because I genuinely would love to bake for him. If he wanted I would make him a batch as soon as we got to NY. I nodded "Of course, you let me know when."

"In the morning."

I tilted my head in curiosity "Morning, Why? When?"

His smirk never faltering, he shrugged "I just think we would have worked up quit an appetite the next morning."

I gapped at him like a fish out of water, the insinuation very clear. He began to walk away from me but I wasn't having it, not without having the last word.

"In your dreams Damon!" Okay that was a lame comeback but it worked.

He glanced back at me and winked "See you there princess."

Ugh! In that moment I was more than tempted to throw the box of blueberry muffins at his devilishly handsome face. I hated that face. No, Im totally lying, I loved it.

*

*

*

| Damon |

I watched from a few feet away as Ricki held Ariel in a tight bear hug and spun her around, lifting her off the ground, screaming how much he was going to miss her.

I could feel the muscle in my jaw tick. I know I had no right but if it was any other straight man, his hands would have been broken and he would have been writhing on the floor in pain. I hate the thought of another man touching Ariel, even if it isn't intimate and again, that scares the shit out of me. I shouldn't care so much but I do.

I cared to bring her back home to safety.

I cared to go to the extent of paying her early termination fee.

I cared to want to beat that scumbag ex of hers six feet under. I care so damn much about her that it scares me. It will not turn into anything, it never does and I will not allow it. Not ever again.

Love is a lie. Ive recited that line in my head so many times over the past week, I think Im getting sick of hearing it.

Ricki finally had her feet firmly planted on the floor and I swore I could see tears brimming his eyes. Damn he was a good kid. I had to give it to him, he took care of Ariel the whole time we weren't there. He's a real one in my books.

"I wish you would come back home with us." I heard the plead in Ariels voice and knew she would miss him too.

"I would Ari, but someone has got to watch over things here and," he cleared his throat, looking away. Was that blush he was trying to hide from her?

Ariel narrowed her eyes and bent to his level trying to get a good look at a suddenly shy Ricki. "And what Ricki?"

He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and I grinned, I knew right away he was embarrassed about something.

"I, uhm," he sighed "You remember that cute, young professor I had in my last semester?"

Ariel eyed him cautiously "Yeah..."

He smiled and I saw his blush again. I wanted to laugh, the kid was pussy whipped. Or cock whipped in this case?

"Well I couldn't leave him alone. I mean, now that we're dating."

Ariel squealed and brought him in for a tight hug, Emma and Lena followed after.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" Ariel hissed with excitement, slapping his shoulder.

He shrugged "You had so much going on, I just didn't want to rub my happiness in your face."

"Ricki! You idiot! I always want you to tell me everything, Do you hear me?!"

He chuckled and nodded "Yeah, Yeah, I got it."

"Good." She giggled again and hugged him tight.

I hated to break it up but I had to, we would be late for our flight. I looked at my watch and saw we only had an hour before we boarded.

"Guys, we're going to miss the plane. Let's go!"

They all rushed to give one last goodbye hug and began walking my way as Ricki stood and watched, giving one last goodbye wave. As we began walking to get our bags checked in, I felt a small hand wrap around my forearm. Ariel stood on her tiptoes and gave a soft kiss to my cheek.

"Thank you Damon, for all this." She whispered, her eyes looking shyly up at me. I fucking adored when she did that look.

I winked playful her way and responded "No thanks needed."

She rolled her eyes at my wink but sighed, he hand still gripped to my forearm as we walked towards baggage check — and I cant say that I minded it.

"I cant wait to be back home." she sighed and I couldnt wait just the same, as long as she was happy so was I.

In that moment, with that last thought a gnawing feeling chewed at my insides. I wanted her to be happy, I would do anything to make this girl happy.

I looked down at her clutching onto my arm and we walked through the busy airport.

I need to get a grip and remember who she was. My sisters best friend and very quickly mine as well. I had alot of friends, aquantinces even, but none I cared this much about.

Fuck. I needed to focus and get my head on straight.

*
*
*

We arrived back in New York about three hours later. Between the hustle and bustle in JFK airport, and the cab ride back home; dropping off Emma and Lena, it was at least four hours before we stood in front of Ariels childhood home.

After removing our luggage from the trunk of the cab I paid the driver and sent him on his way. It crossed my mind, as I watched Ariel wait for me at the front steps, that I wouldn't have minded taking her back to my apartment and keeping her comfortable and safe until she found a place of her own but I knew that was overstepping boundaries for both her and I.

Never have I had any woman other than my mom, my sister or Lena step foot into my apartment. I'm sure if Ariel would have been here she would have been inside once or twice and knowing her, I'm sure she would have loved it. Especially the views it had.

I had an itch inside me to take her home and be the one to make sure she was safe but damn it, it wasn't my responsibility to share my home with her, sure I cared about her but no woman would ever be so important that she would be in my home with a ring on her finger and my baby inside her.

I gulped as a sudden image invaded my mind. Within seconds I shook it right back out and recited the mantra back in my head. Love is a lie.

I turned my attention to Ariel seeing a smile turn on her lips which made me smile back. Walking up to her on the porch steps I took in a deep breath.

"Happy to be home?"

She nodded, a bag of luggage in her hand while the others surrounded her feet. "More than you can imagine." She looked around the porch absorbing the moment. "It feels so surreal to be back."

Lifting her hand she finally knocked on the door. She had called her dad before we took off, at the gate, to tell him she was coming home early and she would be home in a few hours so we were sure he was still waiting up for her. 

"Are you going to tell your dad about..." I paused "Everything."

She chewed on her bottom lip. A sign I knew all too well, she was either embarrassed or nervous and right now it was the latter. She shook her head "No I dont think so. Not yet at least."

The door swinging open cut off any words I would have said to her. Her dad, Henrys frame came into view and a huge smile was on his face.

"There she is!" He laughed and brought her in for a hug. Their relationship was actually something every dad should reach for. Their bond was so strong and despite not having a mom since being a toddler, it didnt seem like she missed out on anything.

"How was your flight sweetheart?" He began questioning her.

"As good as it can be." She scrunched her nose. Ariel hated the rush and hustle in airports and she wasnt fond of planes either -- being up that high.

"Damon." Henry finally looked my way and gave a genuine smile. "Thanks for bringing her home son."

I nodded and shook his hand as he brought it out for my to take. "Its No problem."

"Well you guys must be starved!" He exclaimed, opening the front door wider.

Ariel giggled "You read my mind!" She groaned in frustration "I hate airport food!"

Henry laughed at her response "I know you do sweetheart." He then turned to me, raising a brow, giving me a questioning look. "Damon are you up for a late night snack? You can join us?"

My lips parted to speak but my phone notified me of a new text message. I excused myself to quickly check the message. I wasnt sure if it was Uncle Eric or my mom since I told them when our flight would land.

As soon as I unlocked my phone and checked the message, I regretted it. A part of my really didn't want to leave Ariel just yet.

(718)-259-3327: Hey Damon. Its Haley again! I know it's short notice but me and my girls, I think you've met them a few times after our spin classes? Anyway we are hitting up a few bars tonight. Thought I'd extend the invitation. I'd love to see you and maybe I can take you up on that date? Let me know!

I'm not going to lie and say I wasnt contemplating it because I was. In my mind, going out and drinking and dancing with a girl would take my mind off all these new feelings I was getting exposed to with Ariel being so near. These new feelings were twisting my mind around and I needed to remember who I was and exactly what I wanted out of life. Love wasnt it.

As I was about to type my answer, her sweet voice lured me away from temptation.

"Uhm, no dad, I'm sure Damon has alot of things to do, now that hes back home."

I looked up at her and her eyes were looking anywhere but mine. At the floor, inside the house, even at the trees but never at me. I felt something coming from her and I couldnt place the emotion but all I know is I wanted to hold her. Take her to me and wrap my arms around her.

The implication of all the things I had to do, didnt fly over my head, I knew exactly what she was discreetly hinting at. I no longer wanted to respond to the girl on my phone. I shoved it back in my pants pocket and looked up at the two.

"No, theres nothing important right now. Id love to