Chapter 1 part 2

Bella POV:

"Are you serious? How many times must I tell you to stop coming early?" I asked, frustration lacing my words, my hands instinctively reaching to strangle him with my scarf. But he swiftly snatched it from my grip, his eyes dancing with mischief. In one smooth motion, he tied the scarf around my wrists, leaving enough space to loop it over his head. My hands were now bound behind his neck, and a mischievous smile curled my lips. He had pulled a slick move, and I couldn't help but be impressed.

"And how many times must I tell you to keep your scarf on?" he whispered, his voice a low, seductive murmur as he leaned in, his lips tantalizingly close to mine.

"I actually can't remember," I retorted with a cheeky tone, fully aware of the effect I had on him.

"Should I slap your ass red again for you to remember?" he growled, his grip tightening around my waist, pulling me closer. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, his proximity electrifying.

"God, you're so foul," I teased, throwing my head back with a playful chuckle. When I looked back at him, his eyes had grown hazier, desire burning in their depths. Before I could comment, he seized my face, crushing his lips against mine. His kiss was intense, igniting a fire between us. My lips parted slightly with a gasp, and he seized the opportunity, slipping his tongue inside my mouth. I yielded, allowing him entrance, the heat between us palpable. Pressed against the car, his hands roamed my body with a frenzied passion. I had been cold before, but now I felt like I was wearing too many layers, heat pooling in the pit of my stomach.

"Fuck, Bella," he groaned, his frustration evident as he couldn't feel my ass through my jeans. Suppressing a smile, I pecked his lips.

"Come on, I'm starved," I said, a playful glint in my eyes. He rolled his eyes, scoffing, but he couldn't hide the desire still burning in his gaze.

"I'm the one who's starved," he said, his eyes locking onto mine as he unhooked my hands from around his neck. I grinned at him, thoroughly enjoying our playful banter. He untied the scarf around my wrists, his fingers brushing gently against my skin before he placed it around my neck. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned around, opening the car door with a polite gesture. Stepping inside, his scent enveloped me, heightening my senses. I loved the way this man smelled. He leaned in, pecking my lips softly before closing the door, leaving me sighing happily. He walked over to the other side of the car, getting in himself.

"Your food is in the back," he said, starting the car. I couldn't contain my excitement as I looked at the backseat, finding a plastic bag of Chinese food waiting for me.

"Ahhh, please tell me it's dumplings," I practically begged, and he just nodded towards the bag. My heart raced with anticipation as I opened the bag, the delicious aroma of pork pot stickers making my stomach grumble. With a moan of satisfaction, I took out the container, placing it on my lap. Popping the lid off, I grabbed the chopsticks and eagerly picked up a dumpling. Closing my eyes, I savored the taste, letting out a loud moan of delight. When I opened my eyes, I found Daniel gripping the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. I couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, almost choking on my food in the process.

"What's got you so worked up today?" I teased, putting another pot sticker into my mouth.

"You, Bella. It's always you," he replied, his words sounding almost like a plea. His confession made my heart swell with happiness and contentment.

Daniel and I weren't officially dating; it was complicated. But this casual arrangement, these casual moments, felt right for us at the moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness about our situation. Isn't it great?

When we arrived at his modern stone-walled house, he parked the car and turned to me.

"What?" I asked with my mouth full, studying his expression. He took the car keys, tapping them against the steering wheel, clearly deep in thought. Swallowing, I watched him closely.

"The reason I fetched you early today is that I have an event to go to in the next hour," he explained.

"But it's 5," I said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Yeah, it starts at 6:30, but there's a frozen lasagne and those tubs of ice creams you love so much in the freezer," he said.

"Jerry's?" I asked, and he nodded, his gaze still fixed elsewhere.

"Yeah, that. There will be my men around the perimeter, so you can read in the hammock or go for a late swim," he continued, his voice low and reassuring. I just nodded, understanding the situation.

"Okay, well, are you coming inside?" I asked, opening the car door.

"I have to swing by Xavier's," he replied, and I nodded, taking my belongings out of the car without bothering to say goodbye. I loved Daniel's house, but every time I'm here, he's never home.

"See you tomorrow," he called out behind me as I walked away. A wistful smile tugged at my lips. Yep, never home.