Two Halves Make A Whole (Rebel and HighlandAngel2)

On a street in a city in Somewhere, USA, there was a young man in an old Honda Civic pulling into a parking lot. Not just any parking lot in particular, this was the parking lot, this was The Blue Moon Strip Club and Bar, parking lot. Something like this might have been nothing strange under normal circumstances, however the young man wasn't alone in the vehicle... In the backseat sat a pretty little blond girl of no more than four or five years old. Why would a man come to a stripclub with such a little girl you may ask? It's because he didn't have any other choice.

This young man was named Cyrus, and the girl Lilly. Cyrus was twenty two years old, but the tired look in his eyes made him appear like he was aged beyond his years. Bags under his eyes, long messy brown hair coming down to the nape of his neck, a hoodie and sweat pants, and a fair bit of stubble on his chin. Normal stuff clothes wise, but his height of 6 feet probably drew a few eyes if nothing else. Lilly on the other hand was wearing a small dress, with her blonde hair pulled back into twintails, it'd taken Dad a while to get that one right.

Getting out of the car and picking up his daughter in his arms, Cyrus entered the back of the club through the employees entrance. The young man worked here as one of the bartenders, he had an agreement with the owner about letting Lilly stay there. It was pretty easy to get sympathy as a single father trying to work your way through college...

Walking into the green room where the girl's didn't necessarily prepare, but just waited to go on, Cyrus dropped off Lilly. The girls just adored his daughter, and Lilly loved her "Aunts". Cyrus personally was so thankful that his co-workers were so accepting of his daughter, he couldn't afford daycare, and there wasn't anyone he could leave her with. Next year Lilly could start school, which would help a bit but for now this is where she stayed while he worked in the afternoons and evenings. Sitting his little girl down on the couch Cyrus leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Daddy will come check on you in a little bit sweety, be a good girl for your aunties while I'm gone okay?"

Giving a smile and a nod to her father Lilly reached up to hug him around his neck "Okay Daddy! I love you!" Chuckling a bit and patting the girl on her head Cyrus said "Love you too kiddo, see ya in a bit." Before standing up and starting to walk out the front to head to the bar. Hoping he'd run into one girl in particular before either of them would start their shift... the one he kept an eye out for a bit more than the others, the newest girl that had only been there a few months.

Jen sighed as she looked at the strip club. She had never anticipated showing up here but with no money and no high school education, her idea of an ideal job was limited. She had worked at fast food, waitressing, but nothing had worked out. After moving around with her parents and losing them in a car accident, she had tried to do her best. Nothing had worked out. It had come down to this or prostitution. Or so it had seemed. The funny thing was that she was a virgin but that was just a technical term for having a hymen. She worked her body on poles and on stage, showing parts guys wanted to fuck and for what but a few hundred bucks a night just for food in her belly and a roof over her head.

Stepping from the car, she fixed her outfit then tugged a coat over herself before stepping inside. The atmosphere smelled like beer and cigarettes. Men were already watching one of the girls, "lovely" on stage. Jen herself was an attractive girl, her body toned from the exercise the pole gave her. She had modest b cup breasts, long dark red hair and eyes the color of emeralds. Her stage name was Ireland because of her pale features, freckles, red hair and green eyes. She stood about five six which wasn't terrible and the heels she wore gave her an extra three inches.

As she headed toward the back to clock in, she saw Cyrus and smiled. "Hey," she greeted then fixed her coat. She wasn't ready with her makeup or hair and still looked like Jen, not a girl named Ireland, that danced naked for dollar bills.

Cyrus gave a smile and a nod as his personal favorite of Lilly's "Aunts" greeted him at the entrance to the green room. Jen was the newest addition to the little family that made up the strip club, well, the girls, Lilly, and himself at the very least. Many of the other guys that had been hired at the club had decided that it was just the perfect chance to get to fuck a stripper, Cyrus on the other hand was just concerned with his daughter, his education, and... well, keeping the girl's safe. Occasionally a patron would get a little too friendly with the girls, and that would generally result in Cyrus having to jump the bar and remind the guys of the look no touch policy.

"So, how are you doing today Jen?" Cyrus asked, with a bit of concern in his voice. Yesterday Cyrus had to do a little reminding yesterday during on of the redhead's dances. A big guy had been reaching and brushing against her leg while she was on stage, leading to him already keeping an eye on the man, and as soon as he saw the man actually grab at Jen Cyrus was already having his fist connect with the man's face. Now he was just worried about how the girl was holding up, it had been her first encounter with such a thing in the club

"Fine...." She cleared her throat then shut the back entrance door behind her. "I knew the dangers I was getting into when I started working here. At least it was just a leg grab. Better that than what could have happened..." She said then smiled, putting a hand out and giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "I am fine. I promise...thanks though." She hugged him then drew back and started to walk toward the dressing room. "Where's my favorite girl?" She asked referring to Lilly. Since she had started, that girl had been her eyeballs. So sweet and innocent and the cutest little thing.

Jen had always wanted little sibling a but never had gotten them. Life had thrown her a few nasty curves but she was doing the best she could. She wasn't he smartest or the prettiest but she was a survivor. "I got her a little something and I want to give it to her before I go on stage," she said, reaching in her purse and pulling out a small pink teddy bear with a purple bow at its ear. "You think she will like it. I know how much she likes teddy bears so I thought I would give her one. It is small but I plan on getting her a bigger one eventually." She smiled, just thinking about how Lilly's face might light up made her feel so warm inside.

"Still though, someone like that jackass had no business putting his hands on you. I'll try to keep a better eye out in the future to see if anyone tries some funny business so it won't have to go that far again." Cyrus said, hugging the younger girl back. "No problem, I gotta look out for the newbie right? Can't let anyone be getting rough with Lilly's favorite Auntie now, can I." He said with a smile as they went back to meet with the little girl. "The bear is cute by the way, I'm sure she'll love it, probably more just because it's from you."

"Oh, Lilly! Aunt Jen is here, an she has a present for you!" Cyrus called to his daughter as he and the redhead entered the green room. As soon as the duo entered the little blonde girl was off the couch and rushed forward to hug Jen. "Auntie Jen! What'd you get me, what'd you get me!" While the girl was acting so excited, her father gently tapped her on the top of the head with his finger. "Remember your manners kiddo." The reminder being enough to get her to calm down "Can I have my present please Auntie Jen?"

Jen laughed and nodded then gave her the bear. "Here you are. You get to pick her name. Isn't that cool?i will let you play with her and then I will come back after I dress up okay?" She asked then leaned down, kissing both of her cheeks before standing up. "I know you will take care of me Cyrus...you always do," she mused then smiled and walked to the dressing room. Inside, Diamond, Siren and Lovely were back there. All of them had been in the business longer than Jen had and were pretty good at their jobs.

"Cinnamon on stage?" Jen asked as she sat her bag down and Lovely nodded.

"Yep...fair warning, there is a fat prick sitting close to the stage. He likes to touch..."

Jen nodded then took off her jacket. Her costume was a plaid mini skirt with green bra and thong underneath her heels were green and tall and she wore make up to highlight the colors of her eyes and her outfit and added three stick on jewels to each side at the corner of her eye, making her look more feline. Apparently cat eyes were attractive. She put on shiny lipgloss and then clipped her hair up off her neck. After putting in her belly button ring, she sighed and fixed the plaid Velcro vest that showed off her midriff. All done, she moved to the waiting room, waiting on Cinnamon to finish. She sighed, putting herself in the zone, trying not to think of what she was doing and just do it.

As her stage name was announced, Jen started up the steps, putting on a sultry expression and began dancing to the sultry music.

Lilly gasped as Jen pulled out the pink teddy bear, hugging it to her chest as the woman handed it to her. "Wow, thank you so much Auntie Jen, I love it!" The girl hastily said before hugging her aunt again in thanks. "I'll try to come up with a good name by the time you and Daddy are done working." While his daughter was lauding over her present Cyrus couldn't help but feel a smile take over, it felt great to see his daughter looking so happy. He'd have to make sure to thank Jen later, for now though they both had to get to work. Bending down to hug his daughter goodbye once more he went into the men's employee restroom to change into his actual bartending outfit.

Coming back out dressed in black shoes, black pants, black vest and tie, and a white shirt. Looking more like a professional rather than just wearing his comfortable clothes from home. Heading out front to the actual club to catch the end of Cinnamon's strip routine. Giving the woman a nod as she left back behind stage. According to schedule that meant that Jen would be coming out as Ireland in just a minute. Tagging out the other barkeep Cyrus was already pouring drinks for the customers while there was a lax in the entertainment. The girls would come out and dance, leave, and the men would hit the bar for drinks, then the girls come back and it all repeats.

As the redheaded woman came out Cyrus couldn't help but gaze at her half naked form. The single father was attracted to his younger co-worker, though to be fair he was attracted to nearly all of them, but Jen was special. She treated Lilly like the girl was her own daughter, or little sister. He'd contemplated asking her out more than once, but ended up never following through, between studying, working, and Lilly there just wasn't enough time for romance, unless.... Well he could ask her once their shifts were over with. For now though he was just mesmerized watching her dance

Jen stepped on stage as the music blared her strides long and her body moving. She paused in the center and dropped to her haunches, letting her body roll as she came back up and she slowly undid her vest, letting her bra get revealed. She gave come hither looks to the patrons, dropping to her knees and flipping her head back and loosening her hair. She was in a mental zone of just doing and not thinking about how slutty or fuckable she looked. Bills were already being thrown on stage and she gathered them up, putting them on her vest. She got up again, going to the pole and twirling then leaning back against it, spreading her legs and sliding down.

Her hips swayed provocatively and then she came back up, twirling and then taking off her skirt before swinging around the pole and then arching her back, rolling and grinding against it then doing one of her tricks by using her upper body strength to pull her body up, her legs wrapping around the pole and gripping it as she leant back, slowly sliding down and tumbling right side up on her knees. More bills came but she ignored them and strutted the stage, undoing the clasp on her bra so she was only in her thong. There were catcalls and derogatory remarks and she just smiled and winked like she liked their attention then moved to her knees and slowly did a small bit of dance in front of each one close to the edge of the stage. She saw the fat guy trying to reach for her but stood up before he could and watched him toss a hundred dollar bill on the stage. More shimmying, more hips rolling and more pole grinding, the song ended and she smiled and bowed, gathering up the money littered all over the floor and then moving toward the back, clothes gathered in her hands. She sighed as she got back to the dressing room, putting her bra back on then quickly counting her tips. Fur hundred bucks. Not bad at all.

Slipping the money in her purse, she put on her skirt then walked out after reclipping her hair to serve drinks from the bar. She smiled at Cyrus. "Got a tray for me? Jello shooters? Any drink special?"

Even though Cyrus was enamored with Jen's dancing, his protective mind was still at work. Noticing that the one fat guy in the front row was reaching up towards his redheaded charge. The bartender was just about to go remind the man of the look no touch rule, but Jen had already taken care of it herself. Making it look like part of the show as she got away from the grab happy man. 'That's my girl, don't give em what they want so easily, you're better than that. You don't deserve to have to work in this kind of place....' Cyrus thought as he watched the girl dance on stage. While he scowled at the derogatory remakes that were occasionally made by the crowd, he couldn't do anything about that. It was just part of the business even if he wanted it or not, which he most certainly didn't.

Once Jen's routine was done Cyrus went back to actually working, cleaning glasses before the crowd would come for their next round of booze. At times the young man wished he could take a shot or two himself to get through the day, but something like that just wouldn't be possible. He had to look after the girls, let alone his own daughter Lilly. Cyrus wouldn't trust himself even slightly buzzed, it was either take a drink at home or nothing at all. Breaking free of those thoughts when Jen came out dressed to the bar. Giving the girl a smile and a pat on the shoulder Cyrus said "Great performance Jen, you looked stunning up there." It wasn't often that he actually talked about the girl's dancing, but he felt like she'd done a spectacular job today. "Yeah, a tray of shots heading over to table six. It's not the fatass so don't be too worried, I'll deal with that one myself." Deciding now might be as good of a time as ever he asked before the girl left. "Hey... Jen? Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Lilly and I would love to have you, and I'd like to pay you back for the bear. Think it over a bit, you don't have to give a answer right now or anything.

Jen looked at him, grabbing the tray. "Yeah?" She asked then smiled. "Sure...sounds good. Looks like we both got lucky...I...I get off at seven tonight...but I will be working nine pm to two the rest of the week...and you don't have to repay me for that bear. I wanted to give her a gift. She is a real sweetheart," she smiled then slowly turned before glancing back at him and smiling. She faced forward then brought the shots to table six. "Here you go..."

"Mmm...damn girl, you looked so sexy on that stage," one mused, his voice a little slurred. She smiled but didn't comment then put the rest of the shots down then felt one of the men pull at her skirt and tuck money into the waistband. She got up quickly then went back to the bar, putting the money in the tip jar for the bartender before grnbbing an order book and pen. She made the rounds at the tables, taking orders then watching as her boss came in wearing his suit. He was a guy that had dibs in the porn industry and owned two other 'gentleman' clubs in the area. He was rich and was looking to cast his new film. He was a real slime ball but given her lack of education, she was lucky to have this job at all.

"Ireland...looking sexy as usual," he laughed, tapping her ass.

She sighed. "Thanks Mr. Williams," she sighed then went onto the next table, taking their drink orders before feeling Williams right beside her.

"Given anymore thought to my offer?" He asked and she sighed.

"As I said before, thanks but no thanks. I don't do that...I do have a little bit of self respect..."

He chuckled and she ignored him as he walked off and she headed back to the bar, handing off drink orders to Cyrus. "Here you go...as nice as Williams is, sometimes he can be such a sleaze..." She sighed. "I will serve those drinks and then go check on Lilly if you want..."

Cyrus gave a smile as Jen walked away, happy that she'd accepted his offer for dinner. No doubt that will make Lilly happy as well. As more orders were coming in for the bar the young man went back to actually mixing drinks rather than thinking about his kinda-sorta-not-really date with Jen tonight. Doing a few tricks he'd picked up from experimenting to grab some tips from those that actually came to get their drinks. Cyrus could pride himself on his barkeeping, after doing it for a while it was a fun job, but he'd still rather have a career over this.

Seeing the owner of the club come in and talk to Jen, he knew exactly where their conversation would be heading. Mr. Williams, or Jack as he had Cyrus call him, had been trying to get Jen into the adult industry for a while now. Despite the girl's constant refusal he didn't seem too keen on taking no for a answer. Cyrus was really starting to feel like he should step in on the situation, Jack had treated the single father well, like he was a son or a favored nephew at the very least. So maybe he could get some pull with the man to ease off.

"Ah, thanks Jen." Cyrus said as he studied the drink orders, simple enough stuff. "Jack isn't so terrible, I mean yeah the guy isn't a saint or anything like that but he's not terrible. I'll talk to him about the industry stuff if you want me to Jen, he'd listen to me, I'm sure of it."

Setting down a finished drink Cyrus placed his hand on the redhead's shoulder and looked into her eyes. "Jen... please, you don't ever have to do anything remotely like what Jack wants you to. If... if money is a problem or anything like that just let me know, you're too good to do what Jack wants."

"You keep saying that. This job gets the bills payed enough that I don't have to worry about money. And you don't have to talk to him. I guess he thinks I will eventually but...I won't ever do that sort of thing. He can ask all he wants but it's not gonna happen. And you need your money Cyrus. You are smart. You are going to eventually get out of this place with your degree and your baby girl will have a daddy to be really proud of." She smiled and blushed. "I just I never even finished high school you know? This is probably as good a job I am going to get." She smiled. "But you...you have a bright future ahead of you...I know it, I see it..."

She took the fixed drinks. "If anyone is better than this place Cy, it's you..." She grabbed the tray and went to serve more drinks. She did a dance every two hours and had two more to go before knocking off. It was going to be a long afternoon.

"My future won't be nearly as bright if I spend it alone..." Cyrus muttered as Jen walked away again. The young man knew that once he had his actual graduation and found a real job things would pick up for he and Lilly by a huge margin. A real house instead of an apartment, a relatively new, but still probably used, car. It would be incredibly different compared to their lives now, but that meant he'd no longer be at the club, unable to see the girls every day... especially Jen.

Giving a sigh he just went back to work. This was gonna be a long afternoon he could already tell.....
___________

Hours later however, back at the two bedroom apartment Cyrus and Lilly lived at, the single father was currently fretting in the kitchen. He'd planned on Italian, just some basic spaghetti and garlic toast, but he didn't eve know if Jen liked that kind of stuff or not. "Damn it I should have asked rather than making whatever..." It was too late to change however, Jen would be arriving soon and the food was nearly done anyways.

While Cyrus was fretting in the kitchen, Lilly was hugging her pink teddy bear while sitting at the table, legs swinging back and forth beneath her, watching her father. "Don't worry Daddy, Aunt Jen will like it. Everybody loves your cooking!" She said with a smile. "Nobody ever eats my cooking but you and me kiddo, so we really don't have a basis for that." Walking over and kissing his daughter on the forehead while she giggled "I do appreciate the vote of confidence though."

Checking the clock on the wall Cyrus could see that Jen would arrive soon. 'Man I shouldn't be freaking out so hard over this... I can't help it though, it's Jen!

After knocking off work, Jen had gone home to change. She had taken a quick shower, pocketed her tips in her safe she kept hidden under her bed and bolted to the floor and had changed into a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt. Her hair loose, her make up minimal, she was out the door, getting into her little Chevy Cavalier that really was on its last leg. Driving to the apartment complex where Cyrus lived, she smiled. He was a really sweet guy and his daughter was adorable. She had never really dated but had gone through a stage after her parents death of drinking, some drug use and blowing guys just for a hit. But when she had turned eighteen, she had known she had to get her act together and while she had no high school education, she had street smarts.

After locking up the car, she moved up to his apartment and knocked on the door then stepped back, fixing her t shirt. She doubted he had ever seen her in clothes outside the slutty outfits she wore on stage and at work. She still had her belly button ring in and it showed through the material in a faint outline. "Cyrus?" She called through the door.

When Cyrus heard the knock at the door he was already up and rushing away to get it, leaving his daughter behind giggling at how silly her Daddy was being. Calming down and smoothing back his hair into place he opened up the door to see Jen standing there, somehow seeming even prettier than normal at the club. Something about the girl just wearing her normal clothes compared to the skanky ones at the club was an amazing sight. Realizing he might be staring Cyrus quickly averted his gaze, a small blush showing. "Hey Jen... come on in, dinner is just about ready."

Leading the girl into the kitchen where Lilly was still seated, though as soon as the girl saw her aunt come in she was already up and hugging her around the waist. "Hi Aunt Jen! I'm happy you came over, not as happy as Daddy was though." She said then snickering. "Lilly!" Cyrus said, embarrassed that his daughter had revealed that kind of thing to their guest.

She was blushing too and slowly walked in to his apartment. She had never been here before but the apartment was a modest one Barbie movies sat next to action flicks on the shelf and schoolbooks were alongside children's books. "Is that so?" Jen asked at Lilly's comment then grinned and lifted her up, hugging her tight before setting her on her feet. Jen glanced at Cyrus and smiled, blushing as she fixed her t-shirt. "Well I can tell you I am absolutely starved...do you care to show me around Lilly?" She asked, glancing around at the pictures on the wall. One picture that struck her was Cyrus holding Lilly when she was a baby. Looking down at her like the happiest guy in the world. It was no secret he loved his daughter and wasn't a deadbeat like a lot of guys his age.

"And you have to tell me the name of the bear I gave you...and show me your room," she smiled then glanced at Cyrus and smiled before looking back at Lilly, letting her be the tour guide.

"Sure!" Lilly smiled happily, grasping her aunt's hand to bring her along to the girl's bedroom. "I named her Rosie, it's a pretty name." She said, referring to the bear the girl still carried in her arms. In the bedroom Lilly made sure to point out everything she considered important to Jen, toys, clothes, etc. Happily wasting time while her father continued in the kitchen. "Wanna know a secret Aunt Jen?" Lilly said comically quiet. "Daddy really likes you. He won't even tell me, but I can tell it~"

"Dinner's ready!" Cyrus called out from the kitchen. He had just finished setting the table, three plates stacked with food sitting there ready to be devoured. He'd contemplated for a while what exactly to give their guest to drink, before just settling on some of the wine Jack had given him from work. Pouring a glass of the red liquid for each adult.

Jen smiled and was about to say something but ended up closing her mouth as Cyrus' voice cut through the air. She walked into the kitchen/dining room area and saw the spaghetti and the wine. She smiled at him. Even though she was nineteen, a glass of wine was tame compared to what she had done before. She helped Lilly into a chair then slowly sank down. "I love spaghetti..." She smiled then sat down and took a deep breath. It almost felt like a date. Was it a date? She had never really dated before. Never had a steady boyfriend. She took a sip of wine then sat it down, Lilly looking quite pleased with herself.

Slowly, Jen looked at Cyrus again as she grabbed a fork and a few pieces of the garlic bread. "It smells really good...." She added.

"I'm glad..." Cyrus said in response to her appreciation of the food. "I didn't really know what kind of food you enjoyed so I just went with something the kiddo likes." Referring to Lilly, who was nodding her head and already eating. "Daddy is a great cook! I like whatever he makes, but his spaghetti is the best!" Patting his daughter on the head after her compliment, Cyrus started to eat his own portion of the food. He was aware that Jen was only nineteen, but considering the girl's line of work he'd figured that a glass of wine wouldn't be a problem.

"There's enough for seconds, if either of you want any."

"Thanks..." Jen smiled and started to eat her fill. After dinner was over, she got up, deciding to help Cyrus clean up. She took the leftovers and covered them then grabbed the dishes, walking to the sink and began to rinse them off. "You are a good cook. It's better than the boxed Mac n cheese I would have been eating when I got home." She glanced at him and smiled then looked to Lilly as she watched her cartoon shows, looking close to passing out.

Smiling, Jen looked at him then rinsed off the dishes. "You have a nice place too...you know Lilly was telling me all these little secrets..." She blushed and looked at him then looked away. "She really is precious."

Once dinner was over with Lilly had been excused from the table while the adults started to clean up. Cyrus was washing while Jen dried, and together they made quick work of the dirty dishes. "Thanks, it's always nice to have someone compliment my cooking. Just not too often anyone aside from Lilly does though."

At the mention of his daughter telling secrets though, he glanced at the girl, seeing that she had fallen asleep on the couch. "She's my whole world... the reason I'm going to college. If I can get a good job and give her a better life I'll be happy..."

"Though, what kind of secrets was she telling? I love Lilly but the girl just can't keep a secret for the life of her."

Jen smiled. "That you really like me...even if you won't say so...she is so cute." She paused and looked at him. "Cyrus...why...why did you invite me to dinner? I mean...I...the way Lilly spoke, it's like you...wanted this dinner as something more than just two friends...I..." She blushed and then put up the last dish. She glanced at him. "What I do on stage..that isn't me..." She mused. "I haven't ever really dated you know? He'll...never had a boyfriend. I have done a lot of things I regret though...if you want me...don't...I am not a girl you need to be with...you deserve someone smart...not a girl that makes a living stripping her clothes off and dancing naked in front of guys for money...."

She sighed and looked down. "I am not worth a guy's time. I am one step away from being a prostitute...."

Cyrus let out a groan as Jen explained what Lilly had told her, a hand falling over his face in embarrassment. The single father couldn't believe that his daughter had actually told the object of his affection something so important. "I... the bear was just an excuse for it. For a few weeks I've been trying to figure out a way to ask you over for dinner." A blush forming on his face as he spoke. "You... I dont know Jen, I'm just... drawn to you for some reason...."

Stepping forward Cyrus tipped Jen's chin up with his finger. "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, so what if you didn't finish school, you've got a good head on your shoulders. The only reason you even strip is because you got into a bad situation right?" Stroking the girl's cheek with his thumb while staring into her eyes. "Don't say you aren't worth my time... That won't ever be true."

Looking down at the redhead Cyrus made a decision he knew could completely ruin the relationship he had with Jen, but it just felt right. Lowering his head down to meet hers he planted a kiss on the younger girl's lips.

She closed her eyes as he kissed her then brought her hands around his neck, sliding them up into his hair as he kissed her. She moaned softly. It was explosive. Like everything was right in the world. She pressed against him then drew away after a moment to draw in breath. Then her lips met his again, kissing him like he kissed her. Her hands came down and then drew back again, pressing her forehead to his.

"Wow..." She whispered then looked at him. She smiled and blushed then pressed her lips lightly to his then turned to glance at a sleeping Lilly. "Maybe...she should be put to bed. Do you need help?"

Cyrus passionately kissed Jen back once she initiated the second locking of their lips, his heart was pounding as his hand wandered into her hair to brace her head against his onslaught. Going in again and again as they released their bent up feelings towards one another. Rubbing the girl's back as he drew her into a hug after the second kiss finished and their foreheads touched.

"Yeah... wow..." He whispered back, looking back at the girl. Enjoying the more relaxed kiss they were now sharing. "Yeah... She needs to be changed into her night clothes and tucked in. Shouldn't take but a minute." Cyrus said as he reluctantly stepped out of the embrace he was sharing with Jen. Moving over to pick up his daughter he carried her off to her room.
_____

Less then five minutes later Cyrus came back out of Lilly's room, shutting the door behind him. "Now.... can we sit down and just... talk about us a bit Jen? I just... can't get those kissse out of my mind."