Chapter 37

**Angela’s POV**

“You have everything?” I asked for the hundredth time that morning. “You picked up your lunch right?” I inquired again and Harvey gave me an understanding smile.

“I am not missing anything.” He bordered on amusement. I inhaled deeply.

“I will pick you up later.” I called as he opened the door and made his way into the school building.

“Sure. See you.” He called before he fully disappeared. I was nervous. And I had no reason to be but every time I dropped Harvey off at school I felt a longing that would only go away once he was safe at home in the evening.

Releasing I was staring at the school even after no student was left loitering, I drove away.

I was completely aware that Brad was coming home today, well tonight I assume. He had called every night that he had been away. First to ensure I had indeed moved into his room and I did and then to check on Harvey. It was warming that he accepted him, something I would have thought impossible for Brad.

I pulled up in front of the café, a quaint place, but it had always been a favourite of mine. I climbed out of the car and made my way in doors. My eyes instantly locked with Emilia. She was my best friend and I hadn’t seen her in what felt like years. She smiled at me and I made my way to her.

She stood and embraced me, I hugged her back revelling in the comfort I always felt around her.

“What time are you supposed to work?” I asked amused as we took our seats.

She smiled, “Technically, now but work will still be there. You on the other hand I feel as if you're slipping away! I haven’t seen you in so long!” Her eyes turned soft as she held my hands in hers and squeezed.

‘I know I am so sorry. After that awful day with Rose, I just...” I sighed unsure how to explain how I felt.

“I understand. You don’t need to explain yourself to me.” Her eyes shining.

“So what’s new?” She instantly perked up and I smiled. She was the happy one, no matter the situation she kept her cool. In short we were complete opposites.

“Well, I am...I have a kid now.” I replied self -consciously, my mind instantly conjuring up images of Brad.

Her eyes widened. “Did you and Brad...?”

“I am not pregnant, we adopted.” I clarified, feeling my skin heat and I knew she saw the blush. Why in God’s name did I blush!

“You slept with him?” she asked slowly and I was sure I was crimson.

“You did!” Her jaw dropped and she smiled excitedly.

Only she would have this reaction!

“How was it?” She blatantly asked in a lowered voice.

“I-I uh.” I hadn’t the words.

“Okay, I see you’re still shy about that, but I can only guess that’s because it was good.” She commented half to herself.

“How did it happen?” She questioned and I burst into the events that lead to it. she smiled and instantly it faltered.

“Is Rose out of the picture?” She turned serious.

“Yes.” I answered confidently. I believed Brad when he said I would be the only one, well until he decided he wanted another that is.

“Great!” She exclaimed favourably. “ I am sure this will solidify your marriage.” She seemed content.

“Did you not hear what I said before? This is just until his attraction for me fades.” I countered and she stared at me in disbelief.

“Brad has always been blind to you and let me assure you; once he gets a taste of how amazing and fulfilling you make his life. His attraction won’t fade, I mean look at you! You're beautiful and you have that extra something to keep him on his toes.” she was convinced and I shook my head. Arguing with Emilia would be futile.

“So what’s your kid’s name?” She questioned her eyes turning dreamy. She adored kids and had her three boys to prove it.

“His name’s Harvey.”

“When will I meet him?” She inquired.

“Soon.” I assured. “So tell me, how is your husband and you kids?”

“Oh, they are fine! They kids ask for you though.” She indulged and began in a flurry about all the things I had missed.



*****

I pushed open the door; it was midday when I finally got home. I felt better having spent some time with Emilia. I forgot how much I needed to unload. I walked into the kitchen and my hand bag plopped devastatingly on the floor. I stared as if the image was not real. Emotions I didn’t want to decipher coursing through me, pinning me to where I stood.

He looked to the fallen bag, the contents spilled and his gaze found mine. “That was not the reaction I was expecting...or hoping for.”

My eyes misted and I hadn’t time to curse myself for such foolishness. Brad closed the distance between us his hands circling me and pulling me into his arms and in an instant, his lips were on mine ravishing and demanding. I staggered backwards, legs unable to support my dazed state. He held me tighter.

His hand cupping my nape, holding my face and in essence my lips rigidly against his.

“God, I missed you.” He whispered against my lips, he dragged me further into the kitchen. His hands moving to my waist he lifted me and I gasped. I was now sitting on top of the table. His lips found its way to my jaw where he nibbled and I tightened my grip around his neck. He pushed the formfitting dress up my legs as far as was allowed and he nudged my legs apart, stepping between them.

Feeling the need to have him closer I tangled my legs around his. He removed his lips from my jaw and stared at me, his chest was heaving and I was sure mine was too. He let his gaze warm me and then he reached up and undid my hair. The tendrils falling around my shoulder. I hid behind the curtain my hair presented. It has been so long since I felt the lightness of my hair surrounding me and I suddenly felt self-conscious.

He moved the pieces blocking me face and stared at me. “You look beautiful like this.” His voice was rough and breathless and grew so lost in the way he regarded me.

He was moving closer to me, I licked my lips in anticipation.

Buzz.

He stilled, our breaths were already mingling, he closed his eyes and backed away.

“Horrible time for company isn’t it?” He joked and helped he down from the table. I straightened my dress and ran my fingers through my hair hoping it wasn’t evidence of what was occurring.

“You better get it. It will be a few minutes until I am physically ready to greet company.” He smiled and I walked to the door.

I pulled it open and the smile I adopted froze. My gaze fell to the woman standing at my door and Harvey, his head down.

“What’s wrong?” My gaze focused on Harvey, he avoided my gaze and his hands were clenched at his sides.

“Good day, Mrs Regal. I am the vice principal...”

“I’ll be inside.” Harvey interrupted and pushed his way past me. “Harvey?” I spun around and watched him disappear. I turned my attention back to the woman in front of me. I raised my eyebrows, an indication that she should explain before I lose my patience.

She sighed. “He’s been in a fight.” She explained.

“A fight?” I repeated incredulously.