Chapter Text
It's a gorgeous day in Brentwood and you are rushing into your newly renovated office space. Yes, you are a novelist but something about working from an office really got your creative juices flowing. You decided along with being a Romance writer you would jump head first into murder mystery and your first mystery trilogy was just purchased by a Universal Production studio. You also were looking for material for new projects and want to help young women and men POC’s to get their feet in the door.
"Mark! I'm so sorry I'm late." You whisper yell as the elevator doors open up.
Mark Vasquez, your personal assistant jumps up and takes the box from the mail room out of your hands.
"I got this! You look fantastic." He says looking up and down your body.
"Ahh! Thanks they let me keep it. This new life is nice."
You give him a little spin to show him the full look.
You had just left your third photo shoot, along with the purchase of your book they also tapped you to write the screenplay.
You were wearing a Dolce & Gabbana Floral Tulle Ruched Midi Dress.
"Bertie, your 1:30 is here......" He says beaming at you.
"I have a meeting? Since when?" You ask trying to look through your office blinds.
"Oops....so glad you look like this today and not your normal look."
"You're an asshole. Who is it? He's looks hot from the back."
You both look towards your office again.
The brunette sitting on the chair in front of your desk is looking at his phone, but you can see his broad shoulders and muscular back in his suit jacket.
"He just told me to say, 'Trust your heart and trust me.' That's some sexy shit....doesn't Conner say that to Alia in your first book?"
"Oh no. You cannot be serious! He can't see me." You say trying to figure a way out.
As if on cue, he turns and sees you both he smiles and waves.
"Oh my damn. I think I'm pregnant. How on earth do you know Chris Evans?"
"Its a long story....I'm really considering firing you."
You can do this. You're Bertie Paulson, you are a bad ass. A pretty strong Black woman. You have written 5 books, your trilogy just was purchased by a movie company. You are not worried about this super sweet and handsome neighbor from 20 years ago.
You put your Naomi Campbell walk on and head straight into your office.
He immediately stands to greet you.
"Well, Ms. Paulson I can honestly say you have not aged a day. Still just as beautiful as you were 20 years ago."
This handsome bastard.
"Well, thank you Mr. Evans, I can say the exact same thing about you. It's actually quite annoying, you look better now then when we were younger."
There is an awkward moment before you both go in for a hug.
I should not have done that.
Is he holding your a little tight?
He lets go of your slowly and you head over to your desk.
"Please sit. What's up Evans?" You say sitting down and trying to be professional.
"Right to it, I want you...to help me write a book."
You try to not have a reaction to his pause after saying 'I want you'.
"Like an autobiography?" You say very pleased with yourself for not jumping over this desk and mounting him.
"Not quite, have you heard of my company A Starting Point? I started it with Mark Kassen I want it to be more like a how to get involved with your passion project."
"That sounds amazing but that's not what I write. I can get you the number of one of my colleagues..."
"Ro, I want you. You're the only person I'll do it with."
"I can't even remember that last time I've heard that name." You say trying not to get emotional.
He just gives you that panty dropping smile.
"Ughhhh. Why can't I say no to you? Fine. I'll help but I'm not writing this whole thing by myself. I'll expect you to follow my strict timelines. Are you ready for hard work?"
"For you? Always." He says smiling at you.
"I'm serious. Chris, I'm treating you just like I would treat everyone else." You say trying to convince yourself.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
"You are going to have to stop that."
"Stop what? I'm not doing anything." He gives you an incredulous look.
"That...your face and that smile and that really annoying freckle on your cheek."
He just laughs and does his infamous boob grab.
You just roll your eyes and against your will start to laugh right along with him.
Mark knocks on your office door and walk in.
"Did I miss something?"
"Nope. We are just laughing about his dumb handsome face." You say through your laughter.
"Got it. Sorry to bother you but Dexter is here with Cavan."
"Oh shit I almost forgot about my baby! Thank you."
"Baby?" Chris asks out loud.
You get up walk out meet them.
"Hi guys! Oh I missed you!" You say as Dexter unhooks the baby carrier he is hold your six month old son in.
"We're here a bit early. You know how Doug is about airports....."
"I do know. One of the many reasons we are divorced. Make sure he calls when you guys get checked in."
You and Dexter walk towards the elevator.
Behind you Mark is giving Chris the Cliff Notes version of your life.
"They got divorced 2 years ago and then one crazy night 15 months ago Cavan happened. They already shared custody of their two kids so nothing changed. She had him and added him to their custody arrangement. She isn't seeing anyone.....that's Doug's younger brother, their Manny they do that share the house thing. They both have other places she has huge condo in the Hollywood Hills. They are taking Kiki and Miles to Chicago for the week, she'll have Cav, he is still nursing. Can you believe that body just six months after having a kid? Did I mention that she's single?"
"Umm wow. That's crazy they didn't get back together after she found out she was pregnant? You did mention it....twice."
"He wanted to, he even tried to propose."
"Is she happy?"
"I've known her for 5 years and I've never heard her laugh they way she was laughing with you. I want her to be very happy, she deserves it. That and good sex, somebody as fine as she is needs to be cuming every night."
"Holy shit......ummm, yes I agree.....with all of it not just the.......cuming part."
You have the feeling you are being talked about.
You turn your head and see Chris and Mark talking.
You just know that your nosey ass assistant is telling him all of your business.
"We will see you next weekend. Bye Cav. Bye Mark and bye……..Chris......Evans....why is Chris Evans in your office....Holy shit, that's Chris Evans."
"You are correct that is Chris Evans and his is writing a book. Don't be late, Doug will never let you live it down."
"That's awesome. Bye Chris Evans. I cannot wait to tell Doug." He pushes the elevator button and it opens immediately he walks in and waves bye as the door closes.
You put Cavan on your hip and walk up to Chris and Mark.
You look between the both of them neither one of them has a good poker face.
"You told him everything?"
You look at Mark
"Uhhh.....just the highlights.” Mark blurts out.
You look over at Chris.
"I didn't tell him anything."
Mark gasped.
"Wait....I knew it! How long did you two date and when was this? That ‘trust your heart’ thing is sexy AF."
“Mark, really? He didn't need to know. It's none of his business."
"Sorry......he's weirdly very easy to talk to."
"Trust me, I know."
The phone starts to ring and Mark reluctantly goes to answer it.
"Hello, this is Mark Vasquez."
"I don't want to be to forward but would you like to go to a late lunch with me?"
"Umm sure.....it'll be us two." You say pointing to the baby on your hip.
"Of course. I'll make reservations now."
He heads back to your office and grabs his phone and makes a call.
"Lunch?" Mark says from behind you.
"Stop doing that!" You say jumping.
Cavan just laughs at you being silly.
"You know I can babysit....I know you haven't had any since..."
"I have had sex since I've had Cavan.....once."
Chris clears his throat.
You close your eyes and wish you could disappear.
"Who was that on the phone?" You ask Mark.
"It was Kevin Martin his wants a meeting next week, Wednesday to be exact."
"OK. Put it in my calendar. You are good for the week. I'll see you Monday."
"Seriously? Awesome." He says as he grabbed his stuff and practically runs to the elevator.
"It was nice to meet you, Mark." Chris says.
"Girl.....my offer stands. Byeeee." The elevator doors close.
"Ignore him. He's crazy. So lunch?" You say as you turn around.
Sweet baby Jesus....
He had loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his collared shirt.
"I got a table at Toscana, that Italian place."
"You are something else, Evans. You know Deena owns that place now."
"I know. That's why we are going. Not sure if they are having their ‘first date’ special anymore."
"Let me grab my purse and we can go. I might have to feed him before we eat." You say looking down at the little hand in between your breast.
"Is that him giving you a hint?" Chris says smiling.
"This is his nice version he normally tries to pull a boob out."
"Listen, I get it. Here let me take him for you. I know he can smell you and that makes it worse."
You just stand there shocked that he even knows that, you snap out of it and hand him Cavan.
Cavan immediately put his hands on Chris's face, touching his cheek then his beard.
You walk into your office and pack up your computer and turn off your iMac. Clear your desk and turn off your lights.
You walk past Chris and Cavan and check the empty office two doors down.
You head back to where the boys are and you're pretty sure you just ovulated.
Cavan was nuzzling his cheek into Chris's chest as Chris was rubbing his back slowly and singing to him.
"You got to stop that, my ovaries can't take it."
Chris chuckles lightly.
"Who are you telling? I'm about to burst into tears. He is the sweetest baby."
You grab your purse and work bag.
"Would you mind..."
"Keeping him forever, nope I don't mind." Chris says as you walk to the elevator.
"Don't tempt me, it would be great to have you bring him to me in the middle of the night."
"Count me in." He says as the doors close.
"I didn't mean......like....that......I....uhhh....meant.......why is this elevator taking so fucking long."
Chris leans close to you as he presses the garage button.
"I haven't seen you that flustered since your parents showed up that Saturday morning." Chris says breaking the silence.
“Oh my God! I forgot all about that. They didn't even know you were white! Didn't you answer the door shirtless?"
"I was just wearing boxers. Does your dad still hate me?"
The doors open and you lead the way to your Lincoln Navigator.
"Are you kidding? That man is probably the president of your fan club. Every time I see him he asks me how you are."
"Really? I might have to call him. Do you want me to put him in his car seat?"
"I need to feed him first. Can you hold him until I'm ready to feed him? You can get in the car."
You get in the backseat and Chris walks around and gets in on the other side with Cavan.
You grab your nursing cover and put it on and get ready to feed him.
"OK, I can take him."
He hands him over and starts to get out.
"You don't have go, if....."
"Oh I just assumed. I'll stay." He says closing the door.
Cavan latches on quickly and is living his best life.
"Mark told me about your living arrangement, I think that's so awesome. Well, until one of.....nevermind." He quickly looks out the window.
You know him and his is cursing himself out for saying that out loud.
"Christopher, its fine. We both now it will change and when that happens we will do what's best for the kids. Don't beat yourself up about, you are always so hard on yourself." You put your left hand on his and rub the back of his hand.
He takes that hand and brings it to his lips and kisses it softly.
"Thank you. I'm glad you agreed to lunch."
You just smile at him.
Knowing that if you said anything you might just scream out 'I've never stopped loving you’.”
Cavan yawns loudly.
You look down at him and he is smiling at you sleepily.
"I can take him." He says reaching for him
"I just need to switch sides."
You hand Cavan over to Chris as you adjust your dress and get the other breast out.
Chris had turned to hand you back Cavan before you put the cover back down.
He just closes his eyes.
“Shit, sorry. I should have asked first."
"Its fine. Not like you haven't seen them before."
Cavan quickly latches on and eats.
You both sit in silence.
The soft snoring of Cavan breaks the silence.
"Think he's asleep." Chris says.
This time you hand Cavan to him without him asking, he grabs his burp cloth and starts to burp him.
"Thank you."
You grab a couple of wipes and clean up. You finish up and are ready to eat yourself.
You look over just as Cavan burps then farts his Chris's arms.
"Oh my God. He must really like you."
You both laugh as Chris puts him in his car seat.
"Do you mind if we ride together? I'll drop you back here to your car."
"Of course. I was just about to ask you the same thing. Let me just grab my bag from my car."
It was a short drive and Deena was waiting at the back door when you pulled up to the building.
"Well, this is sight I'd never thought I see again." Deena says as she hugs you both.
You both exchange a quick glance.
"Congratulations on buying this place." Chris says walking past her.
"Ma'am....what is this? You and Evans, again. You two trying it again?"
"Lunch, its just lunch."
"Lunch my ass. He is carrying your baby and he looks fucking gooood holding a baby." She whispers as you walk past her.
"This way please." Says a brunette waitress as she leads you to your table.
"Thank you."
You sit as Chris puts Cavan's carseat in the sit holder.
You just smile at him sweetly.
"My mom has everything already prepared for you, it'll be out shortly."
"Did you request this table?"
"Maybe. OK......I'm just going to put myself out here."
"OK?"
"I've missed you. A lot.....like missing a limb. You may get used to it being gone but you'll never forget what it felt like."
"I knew it!"
You both jump at Deena shouting.
She even woke up Cavan
Chris immediately turns to Cavan to calm him down he unbuckles him from his car seat and starts to walk him in front of the table.
"Sorry. I knew it. I knew that you two are meant to be." She whispers.
"Shush woman and pour the wine then go."
Deena much to your surprise listened and disappears quickly.
Cavan had fallen back asleep and Chris was buckling him back in his car seat.
"I know exactly how you feel. I've missed you. I'm so used to missing you that it's a little weird being back in your presence." You say picking up exactly where he left off.
"Good to know that feeling is mutual." Grabbing his glass of wine.
You two didn't mention it again.
You hadn't laughed this hard in years and by your third glass of wine you realized Deena is getting you drunk.
"I see your feeling good over there."
You had laughed so hard you snorted.
"Oh no, she's getting me drunk. That whore."
"I can take you both home....make sure you are safe and happy." He says with a flirty smile.
"Good, I was trying to figure out how to get you home."
"Wow....just as forward as ever." He says getting out waitress attention.
"I'll take the check and an espresso for her."
"Will do."
"Can you have an espresso while breastfeeding? I'm sorry I should have asked first." He says quickly.
"Technically not really, but I'm going to have to pump and dump later anyways. Sorry that's weird to mention at lunch."
"It's perfectly normal, that's what breast are made for, they just happen to look great while doing it."
"God, you're so sweet and hot. Like super duper hot. I need to stop talking." You say then quickly put you head in your hands.
The waitress bring the espresso and you drink it quickly.
"Deena is a mess. That bottle of wine was six hundred dollars."
As you are getting ready to leave Cavan woke in the best mood.
"He's going to poop. I know that happy mood."
A few minutes later a not so friendly scent is coming from your sweet baby.
"There he is, Mr Stinky Pants."
Cavan just laughs at the high pitch voice you used.
"I got him."
"You don't have to change him. Doug won't even do that…..”
"Well, I hope that's one the many things I'll do that Doug won't do." He says as takes Cavan out of his car seat and his diaper bag and heads to the bathroom.
"Please tell me you are going let that man have his way with you tonight." Deena as she sits in his chair.
"SIS! You have no idea. I'm trying to act chill. But no lie, I'd fuck him right here on the table."
"I'll have to charge you extra, by the way I didn't charge his card. This on the house, you're the reason I even own this place. You'll always be more than a friend, I love you Bertie. Dang it, I'm about to cry."
"Aww D, then you'll make me cry. Love you too. Even after you tried to get me drunk."
You both stand up and hug each other.
You both turn to the sound of a fussing baby and Chris talking.
"See there she is, she is the most gorgeous person in this place."
"Hey guys did somebody miss their momma?"
Chris walks up very close to you gives you a sweet smile then hands you Cavan.
"How was the food?" Deena asks
You both tell her it was amazing, she and Chris get in a teeny argument about the check, he demanded that she let him pay. She told him in the kindest way to go fuck himself and that his many millions aren't good here, but if he wanted to pay for her gas bill he could.
She walks you back through the kitchen area and to your SUV.
"Don't be a stranger. We have all come far from the Garden Oasis."
"We really have. Those were some good memories though." Chris says putting Cavan's car seat in the backseat.
"I remember when you two threw that huge party." Deena says as you get in your car.
"I remember that, VIVIDLY."
"Be safe you two." She taps the hood and heads back inside.
Chris gets in the driver seat and starts the car
"I am good to drive so I can take you to your car."
"I already told you I'm taking you home. So buckle your seat belt."
He opens the navigation on your car and presses the home icon and pulls out of the driveway and heads to your house.
"Where's your baby?" You ask him as he stops at a stoplight
"With Shanna's family, this was one of his 'l'm not coming moods' normally when he sees me packing he starts bringing his stuff for me to bring." He says glancing over at you.
"I feel D man on that. I absolutely hate book tours and interviews. I was so jealous of your Marvel ones...the whole cast. It's a lonely word for a writer."
"They really were. That's something I definitely miss. Congratulations, on selling your series. It's a guarantee trilogy?"
"Yep, doing LOTR style, I'm fucking terrified. I got to write these things too! I mean I know what happens but it a little stressful."
He had pulled up to your security gate.
"Passcode."
"Not a chance Evans."
You unbuckle your seat belt and crawl over him and lean out the window to enter the code it's six numbers that you hope he would recognize.
"Telling me would have so much easier." He says to your ass that's in his face.
"Would it have been?" You say as you come back through the window.
Your hands are on the door and your knees are on the center console.
"How do you plan on getting back in your seat?" He says leaning back enjoying the view.
"I didn't think that far ahead."
"I'm going to pull in so the gate doesn't close. Hold on."
He puts his right hand on your hip to steady you as he drives forward and parks.
“Now, would it be easier for you to get in my seat or back to yours?"
You tried to push yourself back but the dress wasn't letting you.
"This is going to be weird but I'm coming over to you. Hold me."
He just nods.
You slowly turn so you are facing him then you move your left knee down on his thigh.
"I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot."
"Its fine. Just be careful." He says looking into your eyes.
You are finally able to get fully into his lap and his hands naturally go to your hips.
"Thanks. I haven't seen you this up close in a while. Is that grey in your beard?" You say smiling.
"Not a problem. My view is even better. Wooow, fuck you." He says while looking down at your chest.
"You looking for something in particular?"
"Maybe." He says then he licks his bottom lip.
"Oh you're a monster. Keep that tongue in your mouth."
"Says the woman sitting on my lap with any underwear on."
"How can you tell?"
"A few ways...." He says as he rubs his thumb where your pantie line would be.
There is a tiny sneeze in the back seat that brings you back to reality.
"We should get out of the car."
He turns off the ignition and the driver seat moves back a reclines.
You both just laugh realizing how much easier it would have been to have done that in the first place.
You crawl off of him and get out and he follows and helps you grab all the crap you need to bring in. You unlock the front door and Chris follows you in and puts down Cavan. You take off your heels and head to the kitchen.
"You can take him out and put him in his playpen in the living room." You shout.
A few minutes later he and Cavan walk in, Chris took off his jacket and tie and rolled his sleeves up and untucked.
You grab a glass of water, hoping it will calm the heat rising from your core.
"Hi guys. I was so very thirsty." You say as you wink at him.
"I know the feeling, I'm not sure water will do it for me though." He says as he puts Cavan in his playpen.
He walks up to you and you hand him your glass of water he takes a sip then puts it down.
He takes another step towards you and puts his arms around your waist and pulls you against him.
You just melt is his hands.
"Would now be a bad time to tell you I saw your gate code?"
"You did? Do you recognize the....nevermind you probably don't." You say looking down.
"030201....I'll never forget the day you said yes to my proposal."