Darker: Sequel to Harder To Breathe

Practice Makes Perfect

*Adam's pov

I carried Molly up the steps and rang the bell unable to open the door. Bella looked surprised to see me when she opened the door. "Oh," she smiled and stepped aside. "Go put her down, I'll heat up dinner" she said shutting the door behind me. I carried Molly upstairs and laid her down pulling the covers over her. I smiled and kissed her head before going to the kitchen. "Thanks Bella" I smiled seeing the warm plate. I eyed her eating at the breakfast bar instead of the table, "you don't have to sit up there Bella, you can join me. This isn't a typical boss employee relationship, you've been around for years, you're more of a friend than an employee" I said. She smiled a little and came to sit with me. We ate quietly, not finding it necessary to talk. I placed our plates in the sink before making eye contact with her. Come on man, step up. Jesse was right I need to take a chance. "Bella, I've uh been thinking about my other promise to Jaz" I started. "Oh, do you want me to call my friend?" She asked. I shook my head, "no you see" I sighed, "I haven't done in this in a long long time. Uh would you... Would you like to get dessert with me?" I asked. She eyed me, "like a practice date?" She asked. Shit, no.

*Bella's pov

Shit! Did he just ask me out? No he wouldn't, why would he want to take me out on a date? He must want someone to practice with. "Like a practice date?" I asked. He looked down, "y...yea" he said. What was that tone? Nervousness maybe? "Okay" I said staring. "I'll call James and Ali" he said and went into the living room. I sat for a minute, "get a grip Bella, it's a practice date it means nothing. Don't over think it" I whispered and looked up to see him coming back in. "They should be here in a few minutes. Where would you like to get dessert?" He asked. "Uh, I don't care, surprise me" I said smiling. He smiled and sat with me. "So tell me why would you give up teaching to watch Molly?" He asked. I shrugged, "she's sweet and well you needed someone. I've been with you for 4 years. I have a strong relationship with Molly like I did with Jaz. I can't leave now I couldn't imagine stopping just because I got a teaching job." He nodded, "I see. Well I'm glad Molly really loves you and I know Jaz did too." "Jaz was like a mother to me, I loved her very much, and I love Molly too" I admitted. "I noticed you left me out both times" he pointed out. "You're right" I said. "Why's that?" "Well we never really spent much time together, you were always at the studio or the tattoo shop." He nodded, "right but we still knew each other you were always here" he said. He caught me, "right well uh..." The bell rang and I jumped to get it. "I'll get it" I said. Saved by the bell... For now. "Hey James, hey Ali" I smiled letting them in. Adam came up behind me, "thanks for coming, we won't be too long" he said and rested his hand on the small of my back. Breathe, it's just a practice for him.

He opened the car door for me and I got in enjoying the last moments before he asked me again. "So" he said. "You're not gonna let me out of this huh?" "Nope" he smirked. "Fine, I've always had a thing for you" I said sighing. "Really?" He asked and he seemed shocked. "Yea, it sucked when Maroon 5 broke up. I heard less about you and the guys and it was depressing. Wow um that makes me sound like a stalker" I said and giggled uncomfortably. "It's okay I get it, go on" he chuckled. "Well I was thrilled to hear Jaz was looking for a full time babysitter. I was still working toward my degree and the café wasn't working well, so I went for it. It was a shot in the dark. When she gave me the job and I first met you I was..." I shook my head, "I was ecstatic. Then I mellowed but getting to see the real you, not just what the magazines said I kinda fell for you even more" I admitted shyly. "So I guess in my head it's easier to leave out the thoughts of a married dad to make life easier" I said. "What about a widowed dad?" He asked and pulled into a parking spot at pink berry. "Same thing" I said. He turned off the engine and got out opening my door. Man I'm intimidated. I shouldn't be though I've known him for a long time, and we've gotten even closer. And this isn't even a real date. "Different thing" he said and helped me out.