Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Kurt dialed her number that afternoon, his mind filled with concern. He’d noticed a change in her demeanor ever since he got back from Texas, and it was bothering him. After ending the call, he made up his mind to swing by her place after work, just to make sure she was okay.

She was in the thick of dinner preparations when Kurt showed up unexpectedly. She needed to get him out of there before Xander made his appearance.

“Why are you here?”

“I’ve been worried about you. I thought I’d stop by and see if everything’s okay. Are you expecting someone?”

There was no way she could lie to him, not when the evidence was right in front of him—a table set for two and a roast nearing perfection.

“Yes, a friend is coming over for dinner. I need you to leave.”

“Who’s this friend?”

“Just a woman I met recently. You wouldn’t know her.”

He could tell she wasn’t being honest. Plus, she had this telltale habit of twining her fingers together when she was nervous.

“There’s no woman coming over, is there? It’s a man, isn’t it?”

“What if it is?”

“Kat, there’s no need to be defensive. If you’re seeing someone, you can tell me. I’d be glad to know you’re moving on, as long as it’s not Tony.”

She rolled her eyes at his comment.

“Like I’d ever go back to that jerk. Yes, I’ve met someone.”

“When’s he coming? I’d like to meet him, make sure he’s good for you. I don’t want you getting hurt again.”

“Kurt, it’s too early for introductions. Please, just leave.”

“Okay, I’ll go. But if this guy sticks around, I want to meet him. If he gives you any trouble, you call me, okay? Can you at least tell me his name?”

She shot him a glare, and he raised his hands in surrender, understanding that she wasn’t ready to share that information.

“Just call me if you need help getting rid of him.”

She let out a sigh of relief when he finally left, praying that Xander wouldn’t arrive before Kurt was out of sight.

***

Half an hour later, Xander walked in, greeting her with a tender kiss.

“Dinner smells amazing. You seem a bit off, Kat. Something happen?”

“Kurt was here. He wanted to know who was coming over. I told him it was a female friend, but he didn’t buy it. I hate lying to him.”

“Then don’t. Tell him about us.”

“It’s too soon.”

“We’re not doing anything wrong, Kat. We can’t hide this forever. What we have is beautiful, and I want everyone to know you’re mine.”

“Please, don’t rush me.”

He gently cupped her cheek with his hand.

“I won’t. But maybe your brother will be glad to know you’re with me.”

“No, he’ll be furious. He’s always been protective of me. I’m afraid he might even hit you.”

“He wouldn’t dare.”

“I’ve seen him do it to Tony.”

“What did Tony do to you that made Kurt so angry he punched him? I want to know everything.”

As they sat down to eat, she found herself opening up about her past with Tony.

“Tony was my first boyfriend. He was so sweet and caring at first. I trusted him and gave him my virginity. But then, he changed.”

“In what way?”

“He started belittling me, making me feel small every time we went out, which wasn’t often. I’ve always struggled with low self-esteem and anxiety, and I was just starting to overcome it when Tony changed.”

“Did he ever hit you?”

“No.”

“Good. Because if he had, I’d make him pay. I still might, for what he did to you. How did you two break up?”

“He told me he was seeing someone else. He said he was tired of me, of how I was. He said our sex life was boring, that I couldn’t satisfy him.”

As tears welled up in her eyes, he got up and pulled her into his arms, gently stroking her hair.

“Kat, that man was a fool to hurt you. You’re better off without him. Let me tell you this: you are a beautiful, sensual woman. You satisfy me in every way, especially in bed. I’ve never been with a woman who satisfies me the way you do.”

“Really?” she asked, looking up at him.

He traced her chin with his finger, smiling into her eyes.

“I know you can tell how much I enjoy making love to you. I would never treat you the way Tony did. I know you have issues, but I’m here to help you overcome them.”

“That could be a full-time job.”

He lifted her chin and kissed her.

“It’s not a job when you love the person. Don’t look so surprised. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“Xander, I don’t know what to say.”

“I know it’s hard for you to trust again after what Tony did. I don’t expect you to say you love me back yet. But I’m willing to wait until you’re ready.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling safe as he held her close.

With dinner half-eaten, they abandoned it as he carried her to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them.

***

Over the next few weeks, she kept herself busy proofreading for Xander and her other clients when he was tied up with work.

Then, one night when he was free, he took her to his place. He cooked a romantic dinner for them and later, they made love.

“Kat, I’m going to visit my parents in a few days. I want you to come with me. I’ve told them about you, and they’re eager to meet you.”

She lifted her head from his chest and sat up.

“I don’t think I can do that.”

“Why not?”

“It’s too soon. How would I explain to Kurt where I’m going?”

“We’ve been together for almost three months now. I think it’s time to tell him.”

“Not yet. His job is going really well, and this will only upset him. Please, just give it a little more time, and then I’ll tell him.”

“Okay, but not much longer. And you’re still coming with me to meet my parents.”

“But…” she started to protest, but he cut her off.

“I have a client in Switzerland who needs to discuss a contract. I’ll send Kurt and his wife there to handle it. They’ll be gone for a week.”

“Shouldn’t you be the one to do that?”

“It’s not like he’s doing anything wrong. It’s part of his job to charm the clients into signing. Plus, Clara will probably be over the moon about it.”

“You really do think of everything, don’t you?”

“Of course. So, will you come with me to Florida?”

“I’m a bit anxious about meeting them.”

“Don’t worry about it. They’re going to adore you. My mom always said it was high time I found a nice girl.”

“But what if they don’t?”

“They will. How about you climb on top this time?”

She let out a soft giggle and rolled over him. Their lovemaking was always thrilling, with him teaching her new ways to express their passion.

***

The next day, Kurt dropped by to see Kat, informing her that he and Clara would be away for a week.

“I hate the idea of leaving you alone for a week, but this assignment is crucial. It’s the perfect opportunity to prove to Mr. West that he made the right choice in making me CEO.”

“I’m a grown woman, Kurt. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you still seeing that mystery man of yours? When do I get to meet him?”

“I am, and you’ll meet him soon.”

“He must be good for you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You’ve changed. You’re more confident, happier. You deserve that happiness, Kat. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“You’re a great brother, Kurt. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But you need to focus on your own life, on Clara. I know we’re not close, but I know she loves you.”

“I love her too. Sure, she can be a handful and she loves to shop. Hey, why don’t you come with us? You’ve never really taken a vacation, and this could be a good experience for you. You could bring your mystery man.”

She had her back to him, and she froze at his suggestion.

“Kat, what do you think about my idea?”

“Um…I don’t think that’s a good idea. This should be a time for you and Clara to bond, just the two of you.”

“You’re probably right. It would be good for Clara and me. We haven’t had a vacation in forever. I only need a couple of days with the client, and then we can relax.”

“Yes,” she replied, guilt gnawing at her for lying to him.

As he was about to leave, he pulled her into a hug.

“I’ll call you and keep you updated. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“Yes, now go and have a great time.”

Xander couldn’t see her that night, but he did call.

“Hey babe, are you missing me?”

“Maybe. Kurt came by. He’s excited about his trip to Switzerland. He even asked me to join them.”

“What?”

She couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction. It was as if he thought she might actually consider it.

“Calm down, I told him no. Besides, how could I when I’ll be in Florida with you?”

“I think you enjoy teasing me. When Kurt gets back, we’re telling him about us. No more delays.”

“I agree.”

“Good, you’re finally seeing reason. Oh, and make sure you pack a swimsuit for Florida.”

“I don’t have one.”

“Then I’ll get you one.”

“No, you won’t. I’ll go shopping tomorrow and get one.”

“Get two.”

“Why would I need two?”

“One for when we go to the beach with my parents. The other, a sexy bikini for when it’s just us.”

“You’re awful.”

“Yeah, but you love me anyway.”

When she didn’t deny it, he knew she was close to admitting it.

“It’s okay. I didn’t expect you to say it, but you will soon. I have to go, but I’ll see you the day after tomorrow. We’ll take my jet to Florida.”

After hanging up, she sat there, mulling over his words. She was in love with him, but found it hard to say it out loud. The last time she confessed her love to a man, he shattered her.

***

Later that afternoon, she went shopping when it was less crowded. She picked out a swimsuit, but it was quite revealing, and she wasn’t sure if she would ever have the courage to wear it.