Between Us ➳ [J.B]

Chapter 9: Smart Cookie

Justin's POV

I held onto Arielle's hand in my right palm while holding onto the steering wheel with my left hand.  We drove down the very familiar road that led to Arielle's gated community to the home that belonged to her and Mark.

The car was silent as the radio played in the background and Esther's silent snores were heard as well.

"Is Ryan picking up your car from the pet shop later?" Arielle interrupted my thoughts clearing her throat  mid sentence to get rid of the rasp.

I simply nodded and gave her a genuine smile to inform her that I wasn't upset just too deep in thought.  As we got through the gates and approached her two story house I saw her mom's car in the driveway and tensed up.

Arielle must've felt it and responded by pulling my hand up to her lips and pecking it a few times.  I parked next to her moms car and turned off her Range Rover awaiting for the next move.

She calls the shots now Bieber

Arielle's face showed just how much she was contemplating what to do, both of us being aware that her mom's presence will only make this process harder to get away with.

I felt my favorite honey eyes on my face as I stared ahead at the front door for any sign of what could possibly be going on in there.  I snapped out of my trance at the click of Arielle's seatbelt unbuckling and the doors unlocking.

"I'll be right back babe." She leaned over and gave my cheek a gentle warm kiss then pulled away and carefully grabbed Esther and placed her back on her seat trying not to wake her up.

She slammed the door quietly before I could even say anything and left me a little flustered by just a sweet kiss on the cheek.  I may not be innocent but that girl sure as hell has me rapped around her little finger.

Arielle's POV

I looked down at my feet smirking to myself at how pink Justin's little cheeks got just from a simple peck.  I tried to refocus on my mom's presence which in all honestly, made me more nervous than I may seem.

I searched through my keychain as quietly as I could and inserted the key into the bottom lock twisting the door open in what seemed like slow motion.  Slowly walking in through the massive corridor, all that could be heard was the tv playing in the background in the further end of the house making it sound like more of a hum.

"Hello?" I spoke loudly and heard nothing but an echo and the clash of my keys as I placed them on the kitchen counter. 

I looked around to see if there was any evidence of recent activity.  I was quickly getting impatient and filled with anxiety as I headed towards the living room and still finding no sign of life. 

"They have to be around here somewhere." I muttered to myself in a low whisper collecting any baby hairs that fell out of place during my search. 

I continued on outside and opened the glass French doors to where I finally spotted Mark and my lovely mother towards the right side of the pool, grilling what smelled like burgers on our recently bought grill.

"El baby girl! You look so pretty, how are you?" My mom gushed in an overly enthusiastic tone reaching for my hand to grasp onto it.

I gave her an awkward smile and reassured her I was doing much better now which may or may not have a double meaning.

"Do you want me to throw another burger on the grill babe?" Mark interrupted our awkward interaction and for once I was glad he actually spoke.

I studied his actions carefully watching as he came over to peck my cheek then continued flipping the nearly ready burgers.