Guardian Angel

Chapter 1

Addison Montgomery, also known as Addie to her friends, pulled her hair into a twist and then added a clip. She looked in the mirror. Staring back at her was a beautiful face with sorrowful eyes. She had left Seattle with a heavy heart hoping that her life in Los Angeles would bring about new opportunities and a better streak in the love department. Not that she was looking for anyone at the time; she liked keeping her options open. In the past, she rushed from one man to another, seeking affection to replace the intense feelings of loneliness that accompanied a break up. She promised herself that next time she was going to take things slow before she jumped into bed with a man. As tough as it seemed, she knew that it was time for her to make a change. This new life of hers was going to give her a chance to strive for new goals and dreams. This was going to be a new adventure and she was more than ready for the ride.

She jumped into her car and headed towards the clinic. She had only been working there for two weeks and noticed a huge difference in her stress level already. She enjoyed the pleasant rays of sunlight as she drove along the highway. The morning sun seemed to do a great deal to improve her crestfallen spirit. Her personality had loosened up quite a bit since coming here. She laughed more and noticed that she was smiling more. She turned into the parking lot and pulled up to an empty parking spot. Right beside her the local quack doctor, also known as Pete, pulled up in his jeep. He was already sporting a mischievous grin on his handsome face.

"Good morning beautiful." He was standing next to her in mere seconds. Addie liked him, a little too much but she promised Sam that she would stay away from him. He has lost his wife eight years before and had trouble committing.

"Good morning Pete." She rolled her eyes and tried walking faster.

The ever persistent ladies man followed close behind. "Oh look, we're going in the non aphrodisiac elevator at the same time and it looks like we'll be alone." Addison momentarily considered taking the stairs but decided against it. I'm not going to let him get to me, she thought as she watched the elevator door close before them.

Pete leaned back against the wall and looked over at her. She could feel his eyes on her. It wasn't an uncomfortable, creepy stare either. It was an 'I know you want me so why don't you admit it stare' that drove her crazy.

She took a deep breath and looked his way. He was an incredibly sexy man who could probably have any woman, why on earth is he so insistent on getting me, she thought to herself. It must be the thrill of the chase. That's always an ego boost for a womanizer. She smiled back at him feeling the redness creeping into her cheeks. She was usually pretty calm and collected around men. She knew what power she could have over men if she truly wanted but realized it wasn't worth it in the long run. The door to the elevator opened and she rushed out, eager to get away from the temptations forming in the back of her mind.

Chapter 2

The day had gone by fairly quickly with no major problems developing in her department. She turned out the lights to her office and closed the door. Naomi, Sam, Violet, Cooper and Pete were all standing around chatting. She walked over and put her arm around her best friend.

"Addie, we're all heading over to Mackey's for a drink, would you like to join us. Or should I say please join us because Violet and I will be outnumbered by these fools."

Addison laughed, "Sure, I'll come out for a drink but I don't want to stay out too late. I still have to look for an apartment and the rest of my stuff from Seattle will be here at the end of the week."

The six of them stepped into the elevator. Addison, of course, got pushed back up against Pete. She instantly detected the intoxicating scent of his cologne caressing her senses. She prayed the elevator would come to a stop soon before she gave into her temptation to push him against the wall and kiss him. Her prayers were answered as they filed out of the elevator and through the exit doors into the parking lot.

She agreed to follow Naomi to the cocktail lounge because she needed to start learning her way around. They all left the parking lot of the clinic, eager to put work behind them for the evening.

Two hours later, they were all sitting around laughing about Cooper's internet adventures which weren't as embarrassing to him because he was drinking.

"So I opened my front door expecting to find this voluptuous brunette with this huge set of…" He stopped short and looked around, "earrings." The five of them exchanged humorous glances. "So I open the door and the old coot hits me with her purse. I swear, she's got to be about eighty years old and she looked like she was wearing a moo moo. Nice rack 69 my arse." The six of them laughed, picturing the look on Coopers face when he realized his internet date had fooled him.

Addison looked at her watch, "Sorry guys, I'm going to have to head out. I have some charts I need to look over and I want to get the resources for my clients updated." She grabbed her purse and stood.

Pete jumped up seconds later, "I'm going to call it a night myself. My sister called me the other night; I think she plans on coming by for a visit. I need to call her and see what her plans are. Come on Addison, I'll walk you to your car." Addison hugged her friend's good bye and walked towards the exit with Pete.

The crisp breeze of the ocean greeted them as they walked through the parking lot. She noticed that Pete had grabbed her hand and was walking right next to her. For a minute, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to give him a chance.

"Well, here we are." He reached out and gave her a hug as they reached her car. He lingered for a moment before letting her go. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

She nodded and thanked him for walking her out. As she drove off, she sighed as she noted the small trace of his scent lingering on her blouse.

Chapter 3

The phone rang shortly after she arrived. She wondered who on earth was calling her at this time of night. She prayed that no one was hurt.

She picked up the phone, "Hello"

"Addison? Look, I'm sorry to bug you right now but I was hoping you could come by. It's kind of urgent."

"I'm not sleeping with you if that's why you're calling. Nice try, I didn't have that much to drink." She dropped her purse on the counter and walked over to the fridge.

"No, I'm being serious. I have this um problem, not what you are thinking and I need your help."

Addison pulled the cap off of the bottled water and took a sip. She was going to commit murder if she drove all the way to his place for him to try and seduce her.

"Okay fine. I'll be there in five minutes." She grabbed her purse and headed out the door. Whatever this is, it had better be good, she thought to herself as she pulled out of the driveway and headed towards his place.

He answered the door on the first knock. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

Addison followed him into the house, envious of the location. It was right on the beach and although it wasn't a very big place, it was cozy. "So what's this big emergency Pete? I'm warning you, I will murder you if you are trying to get me into bed."

"Let me show you that this emergency has nothing to do with getting you into my bed." He walked into the bedroom and came back out carrying a beautiful baby girl. She was wrapped in a pink blanket and was wide awake.

"Um..kay? I don't get it?" Addison noticed that the baby was looking at her. She had beautiful blue eyes and dark hair.

"My sister apparently dropped by when I was out. This is her daughter, Amber." He gently placed her in the car seat on the couch.

"So where is your sister?" Addison looked around for luggage or a jacket that would indicate she was around.

"That's the thing, she's gone. She left a note apologizing for the surprise, saying she couldn't handle a baby right now. She's twenty eight for goodness sake but acts like she's eight." He walked over to the diaper bag and pulled out a bottle.

"I figured she'd do this. She wasn't sure she wanted a baby to begin with but decided to keep her. She started working a night job while an elderly neighbor would keep an eye on Amber for her. She was doing so well and I was starting to think maybe things would turn out okay for the both of them." He started pulling out the clothes and diapers, inspecting them like they were foreign objects.

Addison watched the baby stare at her uncle with curiosity. She was very alert for a four month old. Her cheeks were rosy and plump. "So do you think she's coming back for her? Is this only temporary?"

Pete shook his head, "No, Mindy doesn't know how to be responsible. She was spoiled rotten as a kid and it's made her completely irresponsible." He sighed, "I know you probably think I am horrible talking about my own sister this way but I've pretty much had to deal with all of her issues, as she likes to call them, through the years. I'd give her money for school and she'd spend it on drugs. I thought this pregnancy might be the only event in her life that could change her for the better." He looked down at Amber and gently touched her tiny hand.

"She's beautiful. Can I hold her?" She reached out as he placed the baby into her arms. Inquisitive eyes stared back up at her. Addison smiled down at her and was delighted to see her smile back. "So what is it that you need from me?"

"I guess I just freaked out. I don't know how to take care of babies and I automatically thought of you so I called." She could see the wheels turning in his mind.

"So what are you going to do? Is there any way you can track down your sister?" She heard the soft rhythmic of the babies breathing and realized she had fallen asleep.

"She didn't leave a number and I'm pretty sure she's not planning on coming back. My parents are both dead so I'm pretty much all she has." He dimmed the lights so Amber could sleep. "She looks pretty content there with you." He paused for a minute, "So I was thinking, you're looking for a place to live and this is a three bedroom."

Addison's eyes widened at the thought, "Are you suggesting that I move in here?" She would have laughed but stopped herself for fear of waking the baby. "We both know that is not a good idea."

He walked over and sat on the arm of the chair facing her. "This isn't some ploy to get into your pants Addison. I honestly can't do this alone. If Melanie were alive, I would be able to rely on her. She was always great with infants." She thought she saw his eyes tear up for a moment. "Please, I can't do this alone."

Addison thought about it for a moment. He was sincere about needing her help. It was pretty obvious that he didn't have much experience with infants. "Okay fine, I'll do it but only until you get comfortable and get things in order."

He bent down and kissed her forehead. She didn't know what she was getting into but something in the back of her mind told her that she was getting in over her head.

Chapter 4

The morning sun filled the room with a blinding light that signaled the beginning of day. Addison rolled over to check the time on the alarm. The first thing I need to do, she thought as she threw the covers off of her, is get some really dark curtains to block that dang sun. She headed towards the guest room to check on Amber. She had slept really soundly through the night. Pete had gone out during the night to buy a crib and put it together so Amber would be comfortable. Addison looked down at the angelic face of the baby. She had dark hair like her uncle and beautiful blue eyes. A heartbreaker, Addison thought as she walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Pete had picked up a few toiletries while he was out to get her through the night. She was going to go to pick up her clothes and some of her things at Naomi's house this afternoon after work. After telling Sam and Naomi about her plan, she could tell neither was thrilled about her living arrangement. She appreciated that her friends were looking out for her but she knew what she was doing. This baby needed her and she wasn't going to abandon her with a man who obviously had no idea about how to care for an infant.

She walked into the kitchen, desperately searching for a coffee maker. She heard a noise behind her and turned to see a shirtless Pete walking into the room. Addison tried her best to avoid looking at his body but it was difficult with him standing right in front of her.

"Good morning gorgeous," he said as he walked over to a corner of the kitchen and pulled out his coffee pot.

Addison blushed, "Good morning yourself." She sat on a stool near the breakfast bar, trying to avert her eyes from his arousing body.

"She's sleeping hard huh?" He pulled two mugs out of the cabinet and set them on the counter, adding steaming hot coffee to each.

"Yeah, she's a good baby." Addison yawned as she reached out and grabbed the mug he handed her. She went to work adding the sugar and cream to her cup. "So what are you going to do with her today?"

He cautiously sipped his drink, "I'm going to bring her in with me. I'll start making phone calls for sitters when we get in. Maybe Naomi could give me some names."

He has such a genuine smile, she thought to herself as she sipped her drink; and he makes damn good coffee.

The sound of a tiny voice filled the air. "I'll get her," Addison jumped off of the stool and rushed to the room.

Amber was looking around flailing her arms and legs. When she saw Addison she stopped crying and stared. Addison reached down, lifting the baby into her arms. "Hey there princess, how did you sleep last night?"

She carried her into the living room and put her down on the couch. The baby just continued to curiously stare at Addison. Poor dear, she's probably frightened with the new faces and atmosphere. She pulled a diaper out of the diaper bag and started to change her.

Pete walked over to observe. "So that's how you do that huh?"

Addison looked up to see him staring, "Yeah, it's actually pretty easy. Get down here so I can show you."

Pete stepped back, "No way, I don't do diapers."

Addison rolled her eyes, "You have no choice. You are an honorary daddy now and you need to learn so get over here."

Pete watched as Addison changed Ambers' diaper and put her outfit on. "So now what?"

Addison held the baby out to him, "Now you take over while I head back to Naomi's to get my stuff. I have to shower and get dressed so it's all you now."

His eyes widened, "You can't just leave me here with her."

Addison laughed, "I can and I am. I need to get to work. Now be a big boy and get yourself dressed while she's content and then give her a bottle before you leave for the clinic. She'll be okay until you get to work. I'll help you out more when you get there."

She walked over to the baby, kissed her on the forehead and rushed out the door. Pete stood there looking at the baby and silently hoped she would save all her poopy diapers just for Addison.

Chapter 5

Addison knocked on the door to Pete's office. He was sitting in a chair talking to Amber. He apparently hadn't heard the knock because he just kept talking to the baby. "So what do you think? Do you think I have a chance?"

Addison cleared her throat, "Have a chance at what?"

Pete froze for a second and then recovered. "A chance to find um, clothes for her. I'm new to this whole baby clothes size thing."

Addison walked over and pulled back Amber's shirt. "She's wearing six month clothes right and their fitting her pretty big. I think six months would be a safe size to purchase."

Pete stared at her as if she was speaking a foreign language. "Yeah, um… can you… um come with me when I pick up clothes for her? I don't want her to look like a clown."

Addison smiled, "Sure, I'll come with you. I don't want her looking like her uncle dressed her either. I have most of my stuff packed in my car so we can go now if you'd like."

Pete walked over to the car seat and put Amber inside. He was already starting to get the hang of strapping her in although the straps did get a little twisted in the process. "Okay so I guess we're going baby shopping."

They headed towards the elevator and out the door. Addison watched as he secured the car seat inside of his jeep. "Something tells me I am going to be buying a new vehicle in the near future." He got inside the jeep and drove off with Addison following closely behind.

They arrived at the store minutes later. Addison unbuckled Amber from her car seat and pulled her out. "Add stroller to the list," she said as she shielded the sun from the baby's eyes.

"Got it, that's item number fifty two on our list." He folded the paper and put it in his pocket.

They walked into the store and looked around. This was the first time Addison had been to a department store specifically for babies. It was weird buying for a baby she was taking care of rather than buying for friends who were expecting. The sales lady walked over and smiled so big it looked like her face was going to crack, "What a beautiful family," she leaned over, exposing her scary grin to Amber.

Addison shook her head, "Oh, we're not a family. This is his sister's baby."

"Well you and your boyfriend came to the right place to buy the little one what she needs." She looked over and winked at Pete who looked like he was ready to bolt. "How can I help you guys?"

Pete reached into his pocket and gave her the sheet of paper. "Here, we need this stuff."

She looked over the list. "Well, I'll get a shopping basket and we'll get this done." She walked off to find an empty shopping cart as Pete and Addison exchanged smirks.

An hour later, they were loading up the little room that was left in Addison's car and Pete's jeep with baby stuff. Amber had barely made a noise while they were there. She looked a bit frightened when Weird Sales Lady would come around but Addison would pull her close and talk to her, instantly soothing the baby.

Addison opened her door, "Well, I guess I'll see you at home." She got into her car and watched Pete strap the baby into her car seat. Home; this was going to be my home for the next few months. She had two people depending on her now and suddenly she didn't feel so lonely anymore.

Chapter 6

It had been three months since Addison moved in. She was surprised at how well the situation worked for all three of them. She and Pete were no longer in the awkward, not knowing each other stage. They had become a team, taking care of Amber and making sure she was loved. Addison's love for the baby grew with each passing day. She cried the first time she watched Amber crawl across the floor. She could only imagine how it would make her feel when she started walking. They had hired a nanny to take care of Amber during the day while they were at work. Rose was a gentle older woman in her early sixties. She had forty years of experience taking care of babies and Amber seemed to really like her.

Pete walked into the house, "Hey there Rose how's my girl?"

Rose looked up from her television show, "She's wonderful. Right now she's taking a nap but she should be awake any minute."

Pete walked to the back bedroom to check on the baby. She lay curled up in her crib, sucking her thumb. Addison walked into the room behind him, whispering. "I didn't think she could get any more beautiful but somehow she manages to melt my heart every time I see her."

Pete turned his head and looked at Addison. "She's perfect. How can something so small make you feel so much love?"

They locked eyes for a moment, their eyes wondering to each others lips. Amber coughed and slowly opened her eyes. Her face lit up when she realized who was standing over her. Her chubby little hands automatically rose up in the air, just begging for someone to pick her up.

Addison reached down and picked her up, kissing her on the cheek. Amber laid her head on Addison's shoulder and held her hand out to Pete. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. The three of them walked out into the living room. Rose had packed up her belongings and was ready to head home. "She's a terrific baby. If I didn't know any better I'd say you three look like a family from where I'm standing." She winked and headed out the door.

Pete walked into the kitchen and came back out with two glasses of red wine. "Here you go."

Addison accepted the drink and watched as Amber crawled over to the bookshelf, pulling a book out of its place and then banging it on the wall.

Pete turned on the stereo and adjusted the volume. The late afternoon sun cast an orange glow through out the room. "So what would you like for dinner?"

Addison thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, maybe Chinese?"

"Chinese it is," Pete said as he dialed the number to the restaurant.

The door bell rang. "Either they have a jet pack and got here in lightening speed or we have company." Pete walked over to the door and opened it.

"Jessica! What are you doing here?" Addison looked up to see a pretty blond haired woman wrap her arms around Pete's neck.

"I want you back Pete. I've missed you and I want to work things out." She looked over at Addison and froze.

"Oh… I see you have company." Her icy stare didn't go unnoticed as Addison stood up to shaker her hand.

"I'm Addison Montgomery, Pete's roommate." She watched as Jessica's eyes wandered over to Amber.

"What in the hell is going on here Pete?" She glared at him with a vicious glare.

"Jessica, Amber is my niece and Addison is living here so she can help me take care of her." He seemed embarrassed by the scene unfolding in front of him.

"I need to talk to you… alone." Jessica linked her arm with his and looked over at Addison.

"Why don't the two of you go out to dinner? I'll be okay alone with Amber. It sounds like you have a lot to talk about." Addison tried her best to hide the disappointment in her voice. She couldn't remember Pete ever mentioning this woman.

"No really, we can just talk out back." Pete started to usher Jessica towards the back door but Jessica stopped short.

"Pete, if she's agreed to watch the baby, then we can go and talk somewhere else. We need privacy and I have a lot to tell you." She pulled him towards the front door.

Pete looked over at Addison, "Are you sure? I mean, we could always talk out back."

Addison shook her head, "Go ahead. We'll be fine."

As soon as they left, Addison rolled her head back and tried her best to fight the feelings of helplessness she felt for a man she was surely not interested in…..

Chapter 7

Four hours later, Pete walked into the house. He looked over to see Addison asleep on the couch with Amber lying beside her. They were both so beautiful. He fought back the urge to kiss Addison awake. He knew where she stood on their relationship. They were friends and roommates, nothing more. He bent down and scooped Amber into his arms. Addison stirred in her sleep but did not wake. He walked into the bedroom and put Amber in her crib, softly closing the door as he left the room. He sat down at the edge of the couch and gently tapped Addison's shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around. "Where's Amber?"

"She's okay. I put her in her crib."

Addison sat up. The two of them were inches apart, gazing into each others eyes. Their faces moved closer, closer… Addison jumped back and cleared her throat, "How did it go with Julie?"

"Jessica?"

"Whatever," Addison rolled her eyes. She couldn't help but have a strong dislike for the woman although she couldn't pinpoint exactly why.

"We talked things over. She wants to try and work things out but I'm still not sure." He ran his hand through his hair, "She's nice and all, but she's got a jealous streak that is borderline scary."

Addison tried her best to sound composed. "So I guess you told her you'd have to think about it."

"Yeah, I mean she's really great when she's not staring down other women. We're going out to dinner tomorrow night. If you can't keep an eye on Amber, I can get Rose to do it."

Addison felt her heart sink, "I don't mind. I was just going to sit back and watch Grey's Anatomy, that show reminds me of something I just can't quite put my finger on it though." She was trying her best to hide her disappointment. She didn't like the idea of him giving this Jessica person another chance. She could tell Jessica was the type of woman who was trouble with a capital T.

"Okay then, I guess that it's settled. I guess I'll see you in the morning." He got up and switched off the television. "Thanks again for keeping an eye on Amber. Sweet dreams."

Addison watched him head into his bedroom. It took all she had not to follow him into his room and show him what it was to truly be with a real woman. She sighed as she turned off her lamp, sweet dreams my arse.

Chapter 8

Another month went by and Addison was still living with Pete. She tried to tell herself it was because he and Amber needed her. The truth of the matter was, she was comfortable and happy there. It was almost like they were a family, with the exception of Jessica staying over almost every night. She knew the woman didn't like her. She had a fake smile and the shrillest voice. Addison, on many occasion, found herself fighting the urge to choke the living crap out of the loony girl.

"Good morning, coffee or tea?" Pete had prepared both because Jessica insisted on having hot tea ready for her in the morning when she woke.

"Coffee, thanks." Addison took the mug from him. Their hands touched as they both reached for the sugar at the same time. Neither moved as currents of heat streamed through their bodies. They couldn't take their eyes off of each other at that moment. Addison felt her heartbeat quicken as Pete moved closer…..

The moment was interrupted as Jessica came out of the bedroom dressed for work. "Good morning honey." She walked over to Pete and threw her arms around him like she hadn't seen him in years. She gave Addison a superficial smile as she pulled his face to hers. "Did you tell her yet?"

"Tell me what?" Addison looked at Pete who started fidgeting uncomfortably.

"We're getting married. I proposed last night." The smug look on her face told Addison that it was more of a threat than anything else. She may as well piss on him like a cat does when marking their territory.

Addison's heart sank, "Congratulations." Her hands were shaking at she slid off of her stool.

"So obviously this means that you are going to have to move." Jessica looked over at Pete as if checking to see if he agreed with her or not.

Pete shook his head, "No, she's welcome to stay here as long as she'd like. She's helped me out with Amber a great deal and Amber adores her."

Jessica glared at him and then over at Addison, "I told you last night that she can't stay here!" She looked at her watch, "I have to get to work. We'll talk about this later." She slammed the door as she walked out.

Pete turned towards Addison, "I'm sorry, she's so insecure. You don't have to move. This doesn't change anything."

Addison felt the tears threatening to spill at moment. "It changes everything Pete. I was only supposed to be here until you and Amber got settled. You guys have Jessica now so its time for me to leave. I've been looking at this new condominium complex they are building close to the clinic. It should be done any day now." She turned to walk off as he grabbed her arm.

"I don't want you to leave. This doesn't have to be uncomfortable. We've all been living together for a month now and it's worked out so far. Please don't leave me."

Addison sighed; he was standing so close to her. She felt her breath quicken as he moved his face closer to hers. Her entire body burned with ecstasy as their lips met. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer. He pushed her back and lifted her against the wall, nibbling and sucking her neck. Tiny jolts of electricity rolled down her spine as he kissed her harder. She felt her breath being taken away from her as he ripped open her silky pajama top and moved his mouth down to her breast.

The sound of the answering machine brought them back. They heard Jessica's shrill voice, "Pete! Why aren't you picking up! I tried calling your cell. I know your home! Pick up or I swear I am coming over there."

Addison pushed him back, "Go get the phone, I have to go." She could barely look him in the eye as she hurried to her room. Once she was inside of the shower, she let the tears that had been building up slide down her face as she silently prayed for the intense feelings she was experiencing to go away.

Chapter 9

The day was long, the clients were cranky and Addison felt like running away. The events of the morning were still fresh in her mind. Her thoughts kept wandering to Pete's kiss and what would have happened if Jessica hadn't called at that moment. By the time she left the house he was already gone. She dreaded seeing him at work. She did her best to avoid him but they kept running into each other in different areas. The first time was when they both ended up in the lounge for coffee. The awkwardness between the two of them was apparent to Naomi who kept raising her eyebrow in question. The next few times were when they were checking their messages with the front desk. This time it was Sam who caught on to the uneasiness. Addison went around her office, making sure patient files were secure and her pager was set. She walked out of her office towards the elevator. Just before the doors closed, Pete appeared. He stepped in and stood next to Addison, looking at her. She tried her best not to think about how his kisses took her breath away and made her forget her loneliness.

"Addison, look at me." Pete stood facing her, his hand caressing her cheek.

She looked up at him. "I think I'm going to move in with Naomi until I find a place of my own."

"I don't want you to go. Amber and I need you." His voice slightly cracked.

"You have Jessica now. The two of you are going to be married and Amber will learn to love her. I don't think that Jessica has much of a maternal instinct but hopefully she'll come around."

The two of them stood there in silence. "Did you two have a lovers quarrel?"

Pete turned and looked over at the camera. "No Tilly, Addison and I are fine. Thanks for looking out."

"I hear you're getting married to PsychoBarbie. She's got a loony look in her eye. If I were you I'd sleep with one eye open, one fist bawled behind my back because you never know when she's going to strike."

Addison laughed; Tilly always had a way of lightening the mood. Pete grinned and thanked Tilly for the advice. The elevator door opened and they both stepped out. Pete walked next to Addison, saying nothing. She dug in her purse and pulled out her keys.

Pete reached out and grabbed her hand. The pleasant tingling sensation returned. "Please don't leave Addison. Would you at least agree to stay until Jessica gets used to Amber? She doesn't have much experience with babies. You could teach her how to care for her."

Addison thought about it for a minute. If she left now, she would be abandoning Amber with the walking time bomb. "She shouldn't have to learn how to love that beautiful baby." She paused, "Okay fine, I'll stay but only until I see that Jessica can take care of Amber on her own. After that, I'm moving out."

Pete sighed, "About this morning…."

Addison cut him off, "I don't want to talk about that. I have to go; I'm meeting Naomi for drinks."

Pete slowly released her hand, disappointed. "So then I'll see you at home later?"

Addison pulled her car door shut. "I'll be there." She smiled softly and drove off.

Chapter 10

Addison and Naomi sat at the bar, "So she obviously feels threatened by you if she's insisting you move out. I knew I didn't like her. Why is Pete agreeing to marry her anyway? He was completely against it last time they dated. That's why they broke up." Naomi looked like she was ready to kick booty. "Addie, you can't let this hooker run you out of Pete's life. You were there for him when he had no one to turn to. That baby deserves better than her for a guardian."

Addison drained the last of her drink. "I'm not letting her run me out of there, no way! I was there first but I just figure I may as well leave because I was going to have to do it eventually anyway."

"Addison, I know there's something you're not telling me. Spill it sister."

They sat there in silence for a moment and then Addison spoke up, "He kissed me. This morning he kissed me when I told him I was leaving. It…. was… I don't know." She sighed, "It was frickin hot as hell." She took the drink the bartender handed her and swallowed it in one gulp.

Naomi smiled. Her friend was not only getting drunk but she was finally starting to acknowledge her feelings.

"So what happened after he kissed you?"

"Well, I kissed him back. Mmm….. he had me pinned against the wall and then he ripped my top off." She mimicked ripping with her hands, "Cute hippy boy can kiiissss." Her face was flushed but her eyes held a dreamy far away look.

"If I didn't know any better I'd think you were falling for him."

Addison chewed on her bottom lip, "I'm not falling for the Quack, get serious. It's just been awhile since I've had sex. I'd probably get turned on if Pee Wee Herman kissed me… wait scratch that, that would be sick, porny pervert boy, ewww…"

Naomi was amused by her friend's intoxication. She knew that she'd end up having to drive her home so she didn't argue when Addison ordered another drink.

"Okay, Miss Denial, you go right ahead and deny your feelings but bottling them in is only going to make things worse."

"Okay fine, I care! Okay? I freakin care about him. I think about him all the time. I hate his psychotic fiancé. I love his niece like she's my own child and I have never been so happy and miserable in my entire life!" She took a deep breath, "It doesn't matter anyway. He's getting married and I just make him horny."

"What makes you think that he doesn't care for you also?"

Addison shrugged, "He accepted her marriage proposal right?"

Naomi rolled her eyes, "See, that's what I don't understand. He broke things off with her because she wanted to get serious and now that they are back together, he's accepted her marriage proposal?" Naomi knew Pete wasn't in love with Jessica. He was all about his glorious bachelorhood until Addison showed up and suddenly he was a family man.

"Addison, you need to tell him. Don't let him marry her thinking that you don't care about him. He probably just thinks you won't ever give him a chance so he's just settling."

"I can't do it. Please don't ask me to. If he wants me, he'll be the one to tell me. I'm done telling the men in my life how I feel and then watching them walk away." The fat, bald guy next to her who kept purposely bumping into her all night looked over. Addison could feel his eyes looking her up and down. She sniffed the air and looked at him, "Dude, get yourself some deodorant because that cologne is not hiding your B O." She wrinkled her nose dramatically. The man looked at her and then sniffed his under arms.

Naomi's eyes grew wide. "Dude?" She laughed, "You've been hanging out with Pete way too much." It was time to leave. She dropped some cash on the bar next to the bartender and dragged Addison out of there before she added bar brawl to her list of crazy things she's done since she's been to LA.

The two of them giggled as Naomi drove Addison home. "Look, I won't bug you about him anymore but I really wish you would just swallow your pride and say something."

She pulled the car into the driveway. Addison pulled open her door and came around to Naomi's side of the car. "I'm done chasing. If he wants me then he'll come to me." She leaned in and hugged her best friend. "Thanks for the ride and for knowing me better than anyone else. I'll survive this, I always do." She turned away and walked into the house wishing that life wasn't so darn complicated.

Chapter 11

As Addison stumbled towards her room, she glanced over in the living room. Pete was asleep on the couch holding something in his hand. As she walked over to investigate, tripping over Amber's tickle me Elmo in the process. Pete stretched and opened his eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." She sat down next to him as he sat up.

"Its okay, I couldn't sleep so I came out here. Jessica stayed at her place tonight and Amber fell asleep early." He paused, "I noticed your car wasn't in the driveway and I got worried." His hands were still holding on to what looked like a picture album.

"What's that?" She pointed to the book, curiosity taking over.

"This is my wedding album. Sometimes when I can't sleep, I sit here and look through it. Here, let me show you." He opened the book on his lap as Addison scooted closer.

"This is from our wedding in Hawaii. She had always dreamed about going there when she was young. She grew up in Colorado so obviously she longed for sunny beaches. When I proposed, I asked her to marry me in Hawaii and then I pulled out the tickets right after I showed her the ring." He grinned mischievously, "I knew she couldn't resist my charm so I had no doubt she was going to say yes."

Addison laughed, "Well you did offer her tickets to Hawaii."

He turned the page. Addison looked down at the happy couple. Melanie was very pretty and the two of them looked so happy and in love. She had always wanted someone to look at her that way…

"This was our tenth wedding anniversary. A few days later she was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas." He paused and took a deep breath." "She only lived a few months and died on Thanksgiving."

His closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. Addison could tell it still hurt him a great deal.

"She was beautiful Pete. I'm sure she died knowing that you loved her and would have done anything to save her." She knew there wasn't much she could say to ease the pain. She didn't want to imagine ever having to lose someone she loved so dearly.

"I still wish that I would have caught on earlier that she was sick. She had been so tired all the time and she kept insisting it was because she had forgotten to take her vitamins." He rubbed his forehead, "I should have brought her anyway because maybe, just maybe if we would have caught it earlier on she would still be here today." He closed the book and placed it on the coffee table.

Addison reached out and grabbed his hand, "You can't live your life feeling this guilt. You're going to have to acknowledge that there was nothing you could have done. I may not have met her but something tells me she wouldn't want you to feel like it was your fault."

He squeezed her hand, "She would have liked you."

Addison smiled, "What makes you say that?"

"You don't put up with my crap and you are unselfish. That was her pet peeve, selfish people."

"I wouldn't say that I was unselfish but I would say that coming here has healed me. You know something; I probably would have liked her too."

They sat there in silence, lost in their own thoughts. The two of them,