A/N: I'm prepared for your reactions *sigh* Thanks for your love and support of my writing! You all feed my creativity, and I am beyond grateful! Xo

***

I feel a weight on my chest when I wake. My eyes flutter open to the image of Dakota lying across me, gently snoring. I smile to myself and run my fingers through her hair, undoing the tangles it's acquired overnight. The sun is peering in, glistening off the pool. Southern California has captivated me easily. As much as I miss the familiarity of London, I don't miss the rain. I'm grateful for this eternal spring, because Dakota and I can spend time outdoors doing activities we both love. But right now, like this, I don't mind being inside.

I wrap my arms around her small frame and cuddle her tighter. She nestles into my neck, kissing the side of it. I trail my fingers lazily up and down her back as she wakes. I feel her small breathy laugh against my skin before she rolls on top of me. She brings her hands under my back to hug me equally as tight.

I kiss the top of her head. "Good morning, beautiful."

She hums her contentment. "Morning, baby."

"Sleep okay?"

She nods. "I love this bed, and having you in it."

I chuckle, twisting my fingers in her hair to massage her scalp. "I was thinking the same."

"Can we lay like this forever?" she asks, kissing my shoulder.

"Yes."

So we do, continuing our embrace as we touch and kiss each other's skin in the early morning light. The rest of the world is scurrying about their routines, but neither of us has a single worry in this bed, our bodies intertwined.

She rubs her foot up my veiny calf. "What's on your agenda today?"

"This."

She giggles, her lips pecking a path across the side of my neck to my cheek before landing on my mouth. I hold her there, letting the kiss linger.

"Will you be home then?" she breaks us to ask.

"I can be, don't have anything major going on. My agent wants to get together before the end of next week, but no rush."

She moves her arms to rest them beneath her chin as she peers up at me, her blue eyes bright for a favor. "Can Mom drop Zepp off?"

Zeppelin has been staying with Mel since before we flew to London and Finland. It was easier for her to keep him while Dakota moved than have him in the way and confused. He was used to Mel's pets and house. It'd be interesting to see him adapt to this one.

"No problem, baby. I'll be here. Guess you're going out?"

She nods, sticking her bottom lip out. "Sorry to dump him on you, but mom is planning a girls weekend to Tahoe and I don't want to go get him in my Porsche. I promised Nick I'd meet him for lunch before he leaves to film."

"Nick who?" I furrow my eyebrows.

"Braun. You know Nick." I can tell she's trying to read my reaction as her eyes bounce between mine.

"Mmm." I lift my chin. "Who else is going?"

"Just us. Is that okay?"

I shrug. "Sure thing."

She sighs. "Convincing."

"What do you want me to say?" I ask.

"I don't know maybe, 'no problem, baby, have fun.'"

I huff. "No problem, baby. Have fun."

She rolls her eyes. "Don't make this an issue. I'm coming home to you, remember that."

"It's not an issue," I say. "But take into account how badly I wish I could treat you to lunch in public."

She pecks my lips. "I like what we have up here in our bubble for now. We'll want this peace back someday, let's enjoy it."

I can't help my smirk at her admission. "I plan to."

She squeals when I roll her over. "Jamie, don't."

I wrinkle my forehead. "Oh, that won't do."

"I have to get a shower or I'll be late." She pushes my shoulders.

"He'll wait for you."

She snorts when I tickle her sides. "Let me up."

"Fine, shower it is." I slide off of her and grab her wrist to drag her to our first destination.

***

I'm reading up on the various emails from my agent when the doorbell rings. Mel is nothing if not punctual. I set my laptop to the side and head toward the door. I open it to her smiling face, one hand holding a box, the other with Zepp on a leash at her feet, sitting there like a gentleman.

"Hey, Mel," I say, meeting her for a hug.

She kisses my cheek. "Hi, sweet boy. How are you?"

"I'm good. Come in." I step back to usher them inside.

"I won't stay long, I'm sure you're busy."

"Not at all actually." I chuckle.

She hands me the box before bending to unhook Zepp. "Stopped by my favorite bakery, figured you kids would like some donuts."

"Dakota's going to be sorry she missed these," I say, "because I'll eat them all before she gets home."

Mel laughs. "I won't tell her. Speaking of, where is that child of mine?"

Weird she wouldn't tell her mom the reason why she couldn't pick Zepp up herself.

"Lunch with Nick."

She nods. "Ah, I see."

I follow suit when she sits on the sofa. I can tell she has more to say as she stares me down.

"He's a good kid," she adds.

"I know. No problem."

She chuckles. "Honey, you don't have to put on a mask for me. I know it's weird seeing the person you love out with the opposite sex. No matter how liberal we think we are, it's still unsettling."

This woman can read me almost as well as Dakota can, and I have to wonder if it's a family trait. I haven't spent enough time with Tippi to know for sure.

"He's fine," I say. "I haven't hung around him at length. I mean, he was cool at your birthday party, but that's the most I've seen him."

She narrows her gaze. "He can get a little handsy. That night included. But Dakota's a pretty touchy-feely girl, as are most of her friends, so she doesn't see it like you might. He isn't a threat though."

I smile. "Am I that obvious?"

She shrugs. "It's obvious how much you love my daughter and want to make her happy. I know it's not easy what you guys are going through right now, but it'll be over soon. A pain in the ass currently, worth it later."

"Can you move in, too?" I joke. "Could use this daily advice."

We share a hearty laugh.

"Sweetheart, moms know best, and I know my daughter well enough to promise you she's yours. She has no interest playing with your feelings, so don't let your own get in the way."

"We've had this conversation before, haven't we? I'm working through things. This is a whole new world."

She leans in. "Look, you both may have fallen in love at the most inappropriate time, but I can forgive that because I believe in fate. And I don't think fate gives a shit where you are in life or who you're with. If your paths cross, they cross, and you can't let them get away. You've proven that to her, and to all of us. Trust me when I say this entire family is rooting for you two, her friends as well. Nick likely included."

I nod. "Thanks, Mel. Friends are friends, and I'd never try to control who Dakota interacts with. That's not who I am, even if my jealousy wants me to act as such."

She smirks. "Women get jealous, too. If you went to lunch with a female friend, I'd be having a similar talk with Coqui. I've been there myself."

I look down at Zepp who's resting on the rug in the middle of the floor, ignoring the conversation at hand.

"He's such a cool dog," I say.

"He's awesome. So are you for letting him move in with Dakota."

I nod. "He's her baby, and I'd never separate them. Dogs are fine, cats are a different story."

She laughs. "I won't tell mine how you feel then."

"Blame it on the asthma." I smirk.

"Well, I better be going. Unless you need help with anything?"

"No, I can handle it from here. Dakota set out his bowls and dog bed, so I think we're golden."

"Sounds good."

We both stand and hug. Zepp sits up to watch our exchange before following us to the front door.

"You're staying here," Mel tells him. "This is your new home. He's your dad now."

For some reason that makes my stomach flutter.

He sits at my feet like the genius he is. "Thanks for the donuts and advice."

Her smile is wide as she rubs my arm. "Anytime, call me. Seriously. Dakota won't mind. I'm here for you both."

"We appreciate it."

She blows Zepp and me a kiss before walking to her car. I close the door, looking down at him to see he's looking up at me.

"What now, bud?"

He turns and walks toward the glass door, sitting in front of it. I take that as his cue he needs to potty. I slide it open and he trots out.

"Not in the pool please."

He gazes at me as if trying to comprehend my accent and who the hell I am to boss him around. I trail behind, watching him circle the perimeter. He bends down to sniff the chlorine and I hold my breath that he doesn't jump in or Dakota will come home to a wet dog.

"Not many places to potty, man. I guess we'll have to buy you something."

Again he stares at me when I speak, and for whatever reason this makes me laugh. Probably because I'm talking to him like he can understand my logic. He hikes his leg on a bush and I shrug, good enough for now. My phone beeps from my pocket, so I retrieve it and sit on one of the chairs.

Do you care if I get my nails done? Then I need to run to the store. Want anything? Did Mom drop Zepp off?

He ambles over, sitting beside me, and watches a tree with chirping birds. Annoying buggers, hadn't noticed them until he did. I put my hand on his head to snap a picture for Dakota. He looks up at me when I remove it and I chuckle.

Of course you can get your nails done. You don't need permission. We're fine, except he has no place to potty. Any ideas?

I scratch his ears while I wait for her response.

I'll stop by the pet store on my way home and check what they have. See you in a few hours, love you both!

I smile like a goofy idiot at my phone. We love you.

"We should make your mum dinner, don't you think?"

He turns to eye me, knowing I'm talking to him.

"Not sure why I think you understand me." I laugh and he gets up to sniff around the patio again. I lean back, enjoying the light breeze.

I soon recall Mel has brought donuts, so I stand to head inside. I leave the sliding door open for Zepp to wander in if he pleases. I lift the lid on the box and the sweet aroma that invades my senses makes my mouth water. I grab a chocolate one with chocolate sprinkles and chow down.

While I stuff my face, I wander around the kitchen to fill Zepp's bowls. I run cold water from the refrigerator into one before setting it down. I wipe my sticky hand on a paper towel then grab his food to dump it into the other. That must be the magic sound, because as soon as he hears the kibbles hitting the dish he comes running in. I put it on the floor and he goes to town.

I laugh, attacking another donut. This one has nuts on it and is peanut butter filled. Heavenly. I'll be adding this bakery to our favorite spots. My phone goes off again in my pocket, and I assume it is Dakota.

Much to my surprise Evelyn's name appears. What could she want? I don't have any appearances or interviews due out. I slide open her message as the phone dings countless times. Each one with a picture of Dakota and Nick hugging or laughing while they sit at lunch on the patio. Easy paparazzi access.

She types out a response. Is this a new plan you guys didn't tell me about?

Evelyn is the sweetest person, so I can tell when she's peeved with me.

No plan, just lunch, I respond.

Then why is JJ's drafted headline, "Dakota Johnson cozying up with costar. Dating rumors aflutter in Hollywood as duo have romantic lunch?"

I sigh, closing my eyes briefly to reel in my reaction. We have a fucking deal with JJ. Why would they start that shit?

MY POINT! Does Robin know about her lunch date?

It's not a date. And JJ better correct it before publication or I'll break our contract.

She doesn't answer for a long minute and I'm about to call her when another comes through.

We're not breaking the contract. They've covered your ass on multiple occasions. But not okay if Robin's allowing this headline to be approved. We all need to be on the same page for this to work, Jamie. I'm trying to protect you both, but I can't do that with these types of headlines. You're too close to the finish line for her to be connected to some young, single Hollywood type. This'll blow up in your face. FIX IT.

She's mad, and because she is it's causing me to lose my cool. JustJared has been working with us for two years to give us appropriate coverage. I promised them my divorce exclusive, and together we promised them they could break the news about us in the future. But this won't do. Having her connected to Nick will derail our PR train. I'm half-tempted to call Robin myself.

I'll handle Dakota's side when she gets home. Please call them and offer a re-worded headline. Maybe 'proof men and women can be friends' or some bloody bull like that. Please, Eve. I know we put you through the ringer, but you're our hero. I'll have Dakota make sure Robin stays on board.

She responds quicker. Fine, I'll correct them. For some reason I don't think Robin is in on this. She adores Dakota and has known her family for years. That's her job and reputation on the line also. We'll figure something out.

I send her a long list of thank you's. Suddenly I wish Dakota would come home now instead of letting her gallivant around Hollywood while this headline hangs over our heads. Who in their right mind would approve JJ to print that?

***

I'm standing at the stove making stuffed peppers for dinner when I hear the door latch wiggle. Zepp cocks his head to the side from where he sits at my feet, and the moment Dakota appears he takes off toward her.

"Hi, buddy," she coos. "Mama's missed you!" I watch her bend to scratch him behind his ears as he returns the love with kisses to her face. She giggles before standing, and setting her bags on the sofa.

"Hey, babe," she says, walking up behind me.

"Hey." I stir the rice as she wraps her arms around my torso, her cheek pressing into my back.

"Did you miss me?"

"Always."

"Smells delicious in here." She steps back to slap my ass before moving to stand against the counter. I can feel her gaze.

"Thanks. Didn't know what to make. Zepp picked out the recipe."

She snorts. "Oh yeah?"

I shrug. "He put his nose on the screen when I scrolled through options."

"Has he behaved?"

"Like an angel."

She pats her stomach and Zepp stands on his hind legs. She holds his chin and makes kissing noises. He wags his tail, beating my calf with every swing.

"I bought him a faux grass mat for outside," she says. "We can just spray it off with the hose."

"Sounds good." The oven beeps, signaling dinner is served. "Nice timing."

"Sorry I was gone all day." She sticks out her bottom lip.

"It's okay. You had things to do, people to see."

She eyes me when I hand her our plates and silverware. "Are you grumpy?"

I smirk. "No ma'am."

"Then kiss me."

I lean into her lips, pecking her soft mouth. She tries to deepen it, but I pull away.

"Food first."

She huffs and rolls her eyes as she ambles off to the table.

"Wine?" I ask.

"Sure."

I sigh, pouring us both a glass of red and knowing I need to talk to her about today. Maybe the alcohol will help my nerves.

I carry the glasses over before going back to fetch the food. Zepp trails every step I take in hopes I'll drop something.

"Look out, bud," I tell him.

"Zepp," Dakota calls, "bed."

He tucks his head, running off toward the hall where she temporarily set his bed. She's trained him well. I chuckle and set the dishes down before taking a seat across from Dakota.

She digs right in, scooping herself a serving of peppers and rice. I wait while I sip my wine. She hands me the serving spoon and I follow suit.

"Nice nail color," I say, reaching for neutral ground.

She stops to admire it. "Thanks. I love this red violet."

I nod, eating the meal I've prepared.

"How's Mom?" she asks.

"Good. Talkative. She brought donuts."

Her face lit up. "I know what I'm having for dessert. Unless of course you've made us something."

"Didn't think to, sorry love."

She pushes around a chunk of meat. "Are you mad at me?"

Her sweet tone makes my heart clench. "No, baby. I'm not mad. Have a lot on my mind."

"Like what?"

I take a deep breath. "You're aware you were photographed today?"

She swallows her bite with a nod. "Yes, we sat outside in front of them."

"Did you call them to be there?"

She wrinkles her forehead. "Umm, no. It's LA, they're everywhere."

"Don't get defensive," I reply. "We both use them to our advantage, and I was only curious."

"Why are you suddenly bothered by my lunch with Nick?"

I scoff. "I'm not. I'm trying to figure out your angle."

"I don't have an angle, I have friends. And they want to see me, that shouldn't be an issue."

"See? You're getting defensive."

"What are you trying to ask me, Jamie? Come out with it."

I rub my beard, taking a swig of wine. "JustJared tried to publish a headline today about you dating Nick."

She stops chewing. "What? I never approved that."

I nod. "I know. Robin didn't either."

She narrows her gaze. "Then how the hell did it get back to you?"

"Evelyn messaged me. She saw it on the database, and jumped my ass for it. Thinking I OK'd you submitting such a headline."

"Then why are you mad at me?"

"I already said I'm not mad, baby. I'm frustrated with the situation."

"So did Evelyn fix it?" She chugs a drink of her wine, too. We're both trying to deescalate the situation.

"Yes, after convincing them to tell her who suggested the headline."

"And?" She raises an eyebrow.

I sigh, tearing off a piece of bread to chomp on. "Hayley did."

Her face turns red as soon as her name leaves my lips. "What the fuck? How did she get ahold of it?"

"Evelyn guesses she was snooping and saw your pictures were due for publication, so she emailed a headline suggestion. JJ swore they thought she still worked for me. Bunch of dumbasses. This is the exact shit she got herself fired over."

Dakota rubs her temples. "I can't believe she's trying to interfere this late in the game. You don't think Amelia put her up to it, do you?"

"I can't be sure, baby. Thank God Evelyn caught it, but this isn't good for our PR plan."

She narrows her gaze. "What isn't?"

I swallow my nerves. "You being photographed with other men."

She drops her fork, pushing her plate out of the way. "I'm not giving up my friends."

"I don't mean that."

"That's exactly what you mean. You don't want me hanging out with my guy friends, because it makes you jealous. What for, who knows? But you had an attitude before I even left this morning."

I laugh. "I didn't have an attitude. I don't give a fuck who your friends are. We can't have someone derailing what we've worked so hard for."

"Jamie, he can't derail anything, because we are just friends. Why can't you understand that?"

"I do understand it." I raise my voice in frustration, and have to reel in my temper. "It's the public that doesn't. You being seen with some attractive single dude doesn't bode well for our image."

"My image," she corrects. "It doesn't affect yours, because they don't know we're together. It's my image they'll talk about."

"Okay, let me protect you from that."

"By forbidding me from having male friends? So I can ask you not to be seen with another woman between now and next year, and you'll be able to manage that?"

I close my eyes, resting my face in my hands. "Dakota, you go out and get photographed with another man. The headlines tie you two together. Meanwhile, I'm here unable to be beside you in the daylight because of this fucking deal we've made with Universal and JJ. So fine, you want me to say it then I will. I don't like you being connected to someone else when you're mine."

"I'm yours!" Her voice escalates. "You just fucking said it, Jamie. I told you this morning I'm coming home to you. Why does it matter?"

"Because he gets to walk his happy ass around with your name attached to him like you're falling in love. Everyone will root for that. I'll have to read that shit for months."

She laughs. "Don't pull this card."

"Fine. I'm done. You want to be his friend then cool. Enjoy Matt 2.0."

I stand to carry my plate to the kitchen and she's on my trail. I drop it into the sink and it clatters. She does the same, crossing her arms to face me.

"Remember all those happy family walks I endured?" she asks. "Or should I bring up saved messages from my friends sending me the photos and asking if I was okay?"

I break her gaze, looking anywhere but at her hurt expression. "Forget it."

"No, you're mad because I may potentially be connected to a good friend when I sat around crying on my mom's shoulder for months while I watched you pretend to be in love with your ex-wife. Fuck that, Jamie. You don't get to say shit about who I'm photographed with. You played your games and I sat idly by, accepting my fate, and if I wanted this to work we had to do that. So I'm not going to listen to you lose your cool over me having lunch with an old friend. If your dick feels threatened, then that's not my problem."

I roll my eyes. "One step too far."

"Is it? Do I need to have sex with you right now to prove I love you? Because apparently all those months you played the PR game, me moving in, coming home to you, pledging my love, wearing your ring—that wasn't enough. Now I can't have male friends either. The only way you'll feel secure in this relationship is if I sell my house and only spend time with you."

"You've reached so far beyond the point that I don't even know what we're fighting about. Don't forget how much you encouraged the family walks. Telling me it'd be good for the girls to remember Mummy and Daddy were happy with them. We knew what we signed up for. Nick wasn't part of the deal. Matt is long gone, so I don't see the use in being photographed with men when you can choose to be discreet."

She starts to cry and every ounce of my anger dissipates. I've hurt her. I've let it go too far. I know she's cried over me before, but to see it in person as a result of what I've said crushes my soul. I feel defeated.

"Baby—" I reach for her, but she dodges me.

"Don't 'baby' me. You won't admit you're jealous. Instead you want me to look like a cheater after I waited for you for years, Jamie. Literal years. I'm done with this conversation. Nick is my friend and you'll either get over it or you won't. I don't care anymore."

"I'm sorry," I whisper, but it's not enough.

"Me too." She wipes her eyes and turns. "Come on, Zepp," she says, stomping toward the bedroom, and he gets up from his bed to trail along.

They leave me alone with the mess I've made.

***

Consider this my blanket statement of "I'm sorry"... Please don't forget to vote and/or comment if you're enjoying this story! Xo