Title: Babysitting for Dummies

Description: Trench fic. Sequel to Bewitching Rendezvous. Rachel has come in terms with her feelings with Trent. Now our favorite duo has gotten into something that it is out of their league. Babysitting!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to the amazing Kim Harrison.

I fluttered my eyes open as I stretched my body. My hand bumped the warm body that lay next to me. Not wanting to wake him up I slowly turned to my side to face him. He was sleeping face down with his handsome face facing me. The white silky sheets were covering his behind, which I was compelled to give it a squeeze. What can I say he has a great tush! Besides he is vulnerable to any wickedness I might want to do to him. My gaze went up to his face. You wouldn't know the real Trent Kalamack by seeing him sleeping. He looked so peaceful. He startled me when he let out a snore which made me chuckle. I extended my hand and lightly with my fingertips I moved away a loose strand of silvery blond hair that covered his closed eyes. I brought back my hand and snuggled closer to him. I closed my eyes and I could breath in his scent. I began to breath in a combination of our scents; they had mixed with each other after our little activity. It brought me in a comfortable state.

That night, outside of Ashton's skating ring, I stood there watching his limo drive away. I could still feel the sweet sensation where his lips had been on mine. Get your act together Rachel. It was just one kiss, one…amazing kiss. The Turn! I had been kissed by Trent and here I was standing in the cold and still enjoying those lingering memories of it. The cold wind reminded me that I had been shivering not so long ago. Getting back into my senses, I quickly got inside my car and turned it on to get the heater running. What did this mean? That I didn't hate him? That he didn't hate me? I was getting confused and this was making me feel the first stages of a really bad headache. Somehow through this thick cloud of confusion I managed to drive home. Quietly I sneaked in. I didn't feel like speaking with anybody. I was still in shock that I would blurt out that I kissed that elf. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, and got ready for bed. I felt warm and secure in my bed. The last thing I saw before I drifted to sleep was the large blue gorilla and the goofy pink bunny.

The next day when I woke up I still didn't want to see anyone. Especially Ivy. I made my way towards the kitchen and standing before the counter was Ivy. She had her back to me and was leaning over documents within a folder as she took sips from her energy drink. She heard me coming because she put all her documents inside the folder. I did the first thing I always do; serve myself a cup of the brewing coffee. No one spoke. And that made me feel slightly uncomfortable. How can I tell my friend who had been ignoring me like the plague for the past two days that I had kissed Trent Kalamack? I took my cup of coffee and went on the other side of the counter to stand before her.

"Ivy-"

"Rachel-"

We said at the same time.

"Let me go first," she said. I put the cup on the counter and nodded. "Look, I have no right to comment on who you see. I hate to admit it but I read the note and I know you met Kalamack yesterday."

"I did."

"I don't mean to contradict myself but if you decide to have a…sort of fling with Kalamack, then…who am I to intervene?"

"Well, this is sort of unexpected. I'm not thinking of having a fling with Trent. But I appreciate what you're saying."

She nodded, a slight smile reaching her now calming face, "What did he want?"

"I guess I'm not the only one who's confused." Uh oh! I slipped too much information.

"What happened?" she asked, sounding interested.

"Huh…what happened? Well, we talked. And then, well," I scratched the back of my neck. I'm such a bad liar. "And we talked-"

"Yeah, you already said that."

"Right, well he doesn't hate me as much for…well putting up with him. And I do hope that might keep the elf away for some time."

She looked at me; clearly not believing my B.S. "Whatever you decide, Rachel, just know that if anything hits the fan you can always count on me."

I walked around the counter and gave her a hug. "I don't know about that but I'm glad to know we're cool with each other."

I was glad that things were somewhat back to normal with us. Yet as I let her go I felt a sudden pang of guilt for not being one hundred percent truthful. As much as it killed me, I actually did want to see that elf. Only to have a one to one conversation about where we stand. I promised myself that once I know for sure then I'll let Ivy and Jenks know the truth. That means I have to seek Trent. Gosh, that sounds odd for me. I have to go to Trent, instead of that elf bothering me with nonsense.

For an entire week I had visited Ceri in hopes to meet with Quen and plan a meeting with his boss. It sounded like an easy task but for some reason I always kept missing Quen. The thought of going to Trent's mansion did enter my mind. But I didn't feel like it. I kept hoping to receive from him some cryptic message to meet him. That didn't happen either. It's like Trent had disappeared! Why is it that when I need to see that elf, he is nowhere to be found? Two weeks had passed by and still no sign from Quen and Trent. As much as I would like to enjoy this peace it was killing me to get an answer to my question.

During this peaceful time things at home were better. Matalina was starting to feel a little better. At the end of the month, we even had a Run. All I knew from Jenks, who booked it over the phone, is that we have to retrieve a very expensive painting. It turns out that an angry business partner was given the boot and stole his boss' painting. And he doesn't want to give it back. Now it's our job to get that painting back to its owner. Despite that I was staying busy I was still feeling stressed. I blame that elf for kissing me! To the Turn with him! I don't know why it was bothering me this much but it was! It was late at night and I couldn't bring myself to go to bed. Ivy was out in a date with Cormel and Jenks was tending his still ill wife. I decided a nice drive around town would ease my nerves.

As I drove around town I started to feel better. Heck, I was even obeying traffic laws! While stopped at a red light, I was strumming my fingers on the wheel as I listened to some rock music. And in that instant I knew where I wanted to go. The moment the light went green I was like those drag racers. I pressed the accelerator and my red car zoomed through traffic. Once I again I was bad Rachel speeding through town. Hopefully I wouldn't bump with the I.S. I went towards the correct road that leads to my destination. I was amazed at how clearly I remembered the route to go up the hill. Thanks to my need for speed I nearly missed the dirt road. I stepped hard on the breaks, causing the car to do a screeching stop. I backed up and made a quick right into the dirt road. I was feeling more at ease. I reached the cliff area then I parked my car and walked out into the chilly night. It was so refreshing that it would be nice to be here during the daylight to see the beauty the day brought. Near the tip of the cliff I sat down on the grassy ground, I set my hands behind me to lean back. The night sky was not sparkling as much, but it was still beautiful. I leaned further back, resting on my elbows now. As one gust of wind blew over me the sensation of his kiss was sudden on my lips. A combination of the cold air and the memory brought shivers all over my body. I tighten my black leather coat over my sweater and continued to look at the night sky.

"It looks like I lost my favorite spot to you," a voice said from behind.

In that instant I cursed myself for not having my splat gun. I sat up quickly and turned around to see who it was. Trent stood there. It looked like he had just left a stressful meeting. His tie was loose and the top buttons were opened. Even his always-flawless silvery hair was a tad messy.

"I should have figured it was you. Based on those tire tracks you left on the road," he said, he flashed me a smile to show those pearly whites.

"It's not like you own the place."

He walked towards me and took a seat right next to me. "I probably should. I might call it Mount Kalamack."

I did a barfing face. "You just want to own everything, don't-cha?"

"If I can, why not?"

"Yeah, of course." Then under my breath, "Silly elf."

"I heard that."

I turned to see him and he was not annoyed at all. Instead he looked relaxed, more so than when he arrived. We didn't talk; instead we sat down and enjoyed the view. You could see part of Cincinnati and its own sparkling city lights. All were in different colors. It was as if the sky was in the ground. Now it was my chance to ask him the question since I had been looking for him. Ok, I'm being such a wimp. I couldn't bring myself to start the conversation. Take a breath. Here goes nothing.

"Trent…I have something to ask you?" I hated myself for not having better control of my voice because it trembled in nervousness.

He gave me the full force of his gaze. "What is it?"

I was like a gaping fish because the words were not coming out! I shut my mouth and cleared my throat. "It's, well, it's about…damn it, it's about that damned kiss!" I finally blurted out. "I want to know where the Turn we stand."

His gaze returned to the city before us and didn't say a word. He then scooted closer, "Well…if you leave things to me I know where I would take things."

He was too close for comfort. Yet I still couldn't believe those words had left his kissable lips. Rachel, concentrate. But I couldn't. I felt his warmth next to me, blocking some of the cold wind. He looked at my face as if trying to read my emotions.

"I take it that you don't agree with my idea?" He asked. Did I just hear a hurt sound to his voice?

"I'm having difficulty digesting this, that's all."

He began to lean closer. I could smell the mixture of his cologne and the leafy smell of the forest. It was such an intoxicating mixture I didn't realize I was leaning closer to him.

"The Turn with this, let's see where this goes," I closed the small gap and had to stretch up to kiss him first, this time.

He sat still, not returning my kiss. I thought I had made a huge mistake and I was about to pull away when he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me back. In his embrace he shielded me from the cool air around us. The kiss became more urgent; he tightened his arms around me while I held on to the front of his shirt. I held on to him almost as if he would disappear or be ripped away from my grasp. Slowly we began to lie down on the soft earthy ground. He leaned over me, kissing me slower. He pulled away; a few strands of his hair fell down around his face.

"I guess you're stuck with me?"

"You wish elf."

"Witch, will I ever be getting anything nice from your mouth?"

Before I could answer he leaned down to kiss me. On top of that hill things felt different. Instead of being hostile towards each other, it felt as if it was meant to be. Or I was intoxicated from his kisses. Sometimes I couldn't believe myself but after that night I kept seeing him. Although the way we went about it was not to my liking. We were practically sneaking like teenagers who do not want mom and pop knowing who they are meeting. Instead of meeting at each other's place we made plans to meet at certain locations. If I went to his place, Quen would figure out something was going on. He then would tell Ceri, Ceri would mention it to Keasley and Jih, Jih would most likely tell her father when Jenks visited, then the pixie man would definitely tell Ivy. Still, no one was the wiser. No one said one peep. I know, I know. I told myself that once I knew where I stood with Trent I would come clean and tell Ivy and Jenks.

The first week I started sneaking to see Trent I had planned to march towards them and tell them. For some reason I didn't. I wonder why? That's right, I was too scared about what they would say. I mean it is Trent Kalamack. Yet I still kept seeing that elf! Well, another week had passed and I still had not said one word. It was in my to-do list. I was trying to find the perfect time to let them know. That perfect time never happened because before I knew months had passed. I know I'm bad. I mean I had not even told my own mother who would call me once in a while wanting to know if I was dating Marshal. And I would continuously tell her no and that he is just a friend. I guess she took it the wrong way when I decided to make a small get together to celebrate his new job at the university. My mother was not the only one, though. Somehow Trent got wind of it as well. My guess? I'm not saying any names but maybe a certain elf with scars who is a soon to be a father might have told him. And boy was Trent jealous! Of course, I didn't help matters much because I couldn't stop laughing.

"Rachel, it's not funny." He said. His serious face had no effect on me. On previous occasions I would have gotten angry and snapped at him.

"Oh come on. It is funny. Just accept it Trent. You are just a bit jealous."

"I'm not. And if we are going to continue seeing each other it is only fair for us to be committed to each other."

"Gosh, you sound like we're getting married."

He gave me his best piercing stare that might make his business partners coward in fear. It didn't work. The only thing it made me do was laugh harder.

"You are too adorable." I said in between laughs.

"I'm not going for adorable."

"I know. But this whole ordeal is funny. You are jealous because I made a party for Marshal! He is just a friend."

He pulled a strand of grass and began to sulk like a little kid. The sun started to set down giving the horizon a dark orange hue in the sky. It was extremely beautiful being on top of the cliff at sundown. Which I might add that this was beginning to become our favorite spot. It helped that it was away from the city to hide those you didn't want to be seen. And that bothered me. I was beginning to get tired with us hiding. I leaned closer to Trent and let my head lean on his shoulder.

"Hear me out, you silly elf. If I wanted to date a witch I would have. Instead I'm here with you and there is nothing for you to worry. If it was ever over between us I will tell you in your face."

"Well, isn't that comforting," he said dryly.

He should think it's comforting because so far I had not found the day where I would tell Trent in his face that it was over. Still, we continued to see each other.

I was surprised when Trent decided to host a small party at his place. It was to celebrate Ceri and Quen's baby. Ceri had given birth to a beautiful baby girl. She had her father's olive skin, a tone lighter than his, and her mother's fair hair. Ceri and Quen decided to name their little girl Gwendolen Delyth Dulciate. It was their choice for the baby to have Ceri's last name. I'm guessing because Ceri is of royal descent. Everyone who attended the party was surprised by his generosity. Ceri was thankful and accepted his invitation. She was not willing to go alone that's how we went along with her. Yes, that means that Ivy and Jenks went too. Some of his kids were able to go.

At the party I didn't know what to do or how to act around him. I did the safest thing; I kept my distance from Trent. I know the party would have been a perfect time to let everyone know we were a couple because the guilt was killing me. I wanted to burst out loud and let them know! But I didn't. Oh, when they find out they are going to kill me for not telling them sooner, much sooner.

It was a small get together. We each brought our own gift for baby Gwendolen, or Gwenny as I started calling her. The rest of the gifts were all by Trent. What a way to show off how much money you have. On the plus side, thankfully, no one killed each other. Everyone was behaving. After 1 o'clock the first ones to leave were Ivy and Jenks. It was not meant to be an all day event. I had arrived in my own car with Ceri as my passenger so I told Ivy I would stay and help out. Lies and more lies! Truthfully I was hoping to stay after Ceri was gone. But let's keep that a secret, for now. There were too many gifts that they would not fit in my car's trunk. Trent was nice enough to let Quen borrow one of his vehicles. I helped Quen, since Ceri was holding Gwenny. We got all the brand new clothes, bottles, and rattles of all sorts in the back of the car. They even attached a brand new baby seat inside the car. She then went through the process to strap the baby in the car seat. Quen was about to get in the driver seat when he stopped and turned to me.

"Do you want a lift?"

"I brought my own car," I said pointing at it. "I'll follow you guys. Oh, but I just realized I left my bag inside. You two go on ahead I'll catch up."

"Sure, Rachel," he said it in a disbelieving tone. He winked at me and went towards the driver's side.

I had left my bag on purpose. And Quen seemed to suspect. I might as well tell them soon. As they pulled out I waved them good-bye then I made my way inside to get my bag. Next to my purse stood a lovely surprise. He stood there like a wet dream, just begging to be kissed on those exquisite lips of his.

"Going somewhere?" He asked.

"Just came back to get my purse…that is if you have something else in mind?"

"Actually…I do." He said making his beautiful face look like he was in a deep thought. "Follow me."

He took my hand and led me upstairs. I didn't question him where he was taking me. The thought that he would lead me to his bedroom or any of the other rooms made me feel warm all over. After Kisten I had not been involved physically with anyone. If something were going to happen with Trent, this would be our very first time. The anticipation that this would be a likely reality gave me shivers. He opened one of the double doors and led me inside an enormous master bedroom. White silk sheets adorned his King sized bed. It was like a mini apartment with a mini living room. He had a huge flat screen TV on top of a chimney. Pots of green plants adorned the room giving it a fresh look to all the whiteness. He continued to lead me further inside his massive room and stopped short from the bed.

"If you don't want to go through this just let me know," he whispered.

"I do, I really do," I said, feeling a loss of breath.

We started slow, kissing each other and everywhere. Soon our clothes ended on the white carpet, with us in between those silky sheets.

I snuggled closer and I felt him move. He was awake and he let me know by wrapping a hand around me and pulling me closer to him. A few of my wavy red curls were on my face. Gently he pushed them away. He leaned down to give me a quick kiss.

"You know, I was thinking-" I started.

"Now you are thinking?"

I hit his chest lightly, "Shush." That only made him chuckle, it was such a masculine sound that it made certain areas shiver with need. "Stop that. Just hear me out."

"Fine, I'll be good."

"Don't get me started with how un-good you can be."

"I am a good person! I help the community. I have hospitals I donate money."

"I meant with the other stuff."

That got me a serious look from him. "Rachel-"

"And we won't go over that, either. As I said, I've been thinking. And I really hate doing this sneaking around. I think we should get all of our friends, well my friends, and also include Quen and just let them know we are dating!"

"A sort of surprise party? 'Surprise! I'm dating Rachel Morgan.'"

"Don't mock me, elf!"

"I don't see the need to do that. I'm sure they already know."

"How do you know for sure?"

"I don't, but I could tell."

"Is this a way for you to get out of it? Are you that embarrassed of me?"

"Rachel, you are blowing this out of proportion. I'm not embarrassed. I just don't see a reason to do some sort of party to let them know. The most important thing is that we are both happy with the way things are going with each other. I'd say that matters more."

"Apparently being an underground drug lord has made you not have a conscience because I do! I feel so guilty when I see Ivy and Jenks. They don't have a clue I'm here banging you!"

"Rachel, I thought we were not going there about what I do behind the scenes. Besides…you want them to know you are banging me?"

"You know what I mean. And on the side note, I would definitely appreciate it if you'd stopped that the underground stuff."

He chose to ignore my drug lord comment. "Look, I'm not stopping you from telling your friends. If you want to then tell them. I just don't see the need to make a big deal about this."

"Fine, I will tell them."

"Ok then. Does this mean you are still mad at me?"

"Maybe. Just a bit."

"Is there something I can do to make that frown upside down?" He said wiggling his eyebrows in such a goofy manner. How could I resist him?

END OF PART ONE