Chapter 8 - Kristian Krengel
I wad up another piece of notebook paper and toss it in the trash. How in the hell am I supposed to put together a presentation without a laptop? Everything I write sounds more like an egotistical speech, rather than informative slides that could distract my audience from focusing on me.
There’s only one person I want the attention of and I have no idea where she’s at. Whether she wanted me to or not, I should have stayed, and finished off her small bottle of champagne. Leaving mine to pour over her pussy, and I could have lapped it off in slow even strokes and maybe a nip or two.
Instead, I’m sitting here scribbling down all the things that I would have shared in colorful slides, images, and videos. When my wrist begins throbbing, I drop the pen on the table, reach for my phone, and tap on my mom’s face. “Mother.”
“Who is this? It can’t be my son, because he said he’d call me back when he got settled but never did. So this must be a telemarketer or someone who wants to talk about my vehicle's warranty.”
Sitting back in the chair, I let her go on for a bit longer until she stops long enough for a breath. “Yes, I’m a terrible son, and you deserve better. If you’re done, can we talk about Christmas dinner?”
“Ham or turkey?”
“Is that even a question? Ham.”
“Sweet potatoes or mashed?”
“Both.”
“Sugar cookies, oh, or chocolate—”
Letting out a frustrated breath, I cut in, “When I said, talk about dinner, I didn’t mean the food, Mom.”
The line goes silent for a beat then her squeal nearly pierces my eardrum, and I pull the speaker away from my ear. “You’re bringing someone, aren’t you?” she asks, her tone an octave higher than normal.
“I’m thinking about asking someone. But if this storm doesn’t let up, I’ll probably be here for Christmas.”
“Why would you say something like that? We always have dinner here. I’ve already bought everything.”
Funny she’d say that, given her questions. Unless she already knew what I was going to say. Am I that predictable? After last night, I’d say not. “If you’ve already bought everything, then maybe I shouldn’t ask her,” I counter, hoping to get a rise out of her.
“Kristian Krengel, stop teasing your mother. Ask the girl, we’ll make room and you know we always have enough food,” Dad orders, it’s when I know I’m on speakerphone again.
I should be grateful, just like the cab driver had said, and I am. But this obsession with grandkids is something I’m not really on board with. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids. I’m just not ready for my own. The thought has my mind drifting to Holly. Is she?
“So tell us about the lucky lady.”
“She’s beautiful.”
Shit, did I say that out loud?
“Well, of course she is, we wouldn’t expect anything less for our doctor son.”
I did.
“What else? I want to know everything about her, Kristian, so I know if we have anything in common. Or if we don't. Oh, it would truly be disappointing if we didn’t.”
I could let them in on how I know her. I probably should because if she agrees to dinner, I wouldn’t want them making her feel self-conscious or uncomfortable about her scar, like she was with me. Not that they would say anything inappropriate, but being around my sometimes overbearing family could have that effect on even the most confident of people
Forcing her to undress and telling her how gorgeous she is a few more times should get the point across that she is just that.
When that realization takes hold, I can’t get off the call quick enough. “Mom, there’s something I need to do. Gotta go. Love you.”
She squeals again. “Okay, honey, let us know how it goes. Love you too.”
Dropping my phone in my pocket, I swipe the room key off the top of the dresser and head out the door, knowing just where she was going today.
The elevator is unusually full and extra slow today for going down. It makes me wonder if the roads have cleared and people are checking out. I’d expect some suitcases though. “Have the roads cleared?” I ask the man standing next to me.
“Not that I know of.”
“Any idea why everyone’s headed to the lobby?”
“No idea why everyone is, but I know why we’re going.” He nods to the woman next to him. “They’re doing some stupid Christmas lighting of the gingerbread house in the lobby, and the old lady wants to see it.”
“Hey!” she corrects, giving him a death stare.
He closes his eyes from what appears to be annoyance. “Anyway, I’d rather be at the bar.”
Looking between them, I decide she probably would rather he be at the bar than sharing a memorable moment with him too. Just because he seems like an asshole, I add to his misery, by making a suggestion. “You should check out the couple’s massages as well. I hear they’re amazing.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. Can we, Harold?” She bounces up and down, and all I think about is how her natural tits could use a little lift. “Please?”
“Thanks a fucking lot, man.”
I bite back a grin. “No problem.” Leaning in, I add one more tidbit of information. “Last time I had it done, it got me rock-hard, but if that’s not for you then maybe the Christmas lights will do the trick.”
“Sure, sweetheart. Let’s check on the massage first.”
She claps her hands and bounces some more. “Yay!”
No sense in not benefitting from doing a good deed either. “If you’re ever driving by Eastport General, and you want to have those lifted or firmed up, ask for Dr. Krengel.”
Here come the dollar signs, not in my pocket though, these are in the eyes of his wife or girlfriend the moment the title of Doctor is thrown out. I’m not offended, nor should she be. I earned this title and I’m proud to tell whoever will listen. Just not Holly.
If I’m planning on asking her to Christmas dinner at my parents’ place, I’ll have to tell her sooner rather than later what I do for a living, given they all know. I wouldn’t want any of them participating in my non-disclosure of information. Especially my nieces and nephews who will be there.
It’s settled, I’m telling her. Will she be pissed I hadn’t sooner, possibly. Will she remember me when I tell her I’m the one who sewed her up after the shattered glass reindeer antlers sliced into her neck from the top shelf at the department store? I doubt it, if she hasn’t by now.
When I reach the lobby, I see the crowd around the gingerbread house has grown larger than it has since I’ve been here and I’m curious myself at what it might look like all lit up, but I’m on a mission. Maybe tomorrow, Holly and I can watch with those damn bottles of champagne. Well, hers anyway, I have plans for mine.
Aaron is behind the counter again, looking rather ragged as he’s checking people in and answering questions. I don’t mind the considerable line leading up to him, instead I just step up to the counter. A mixture of groans and foul words are thrown my way, but I ignore them. “Man, you look like hell.”
He lifts his eyes to mine after finishing off the reservation for the last guest.“Well, not everyone has your perfect lips, strong cheekbones, and dreamy eyes now, do we?”
“Coming from you that is quite the compliment.”
Eyeing the crowd once more, he waves another one over. “What can I do for you, Kristian? As you can see, I’m kind of busy here.”
“The brunette, the one down here yesterday who wanted to speak with Andre, has she been to see you yet?”
He closes his eyes and runs a hand through his already disheveled hair, waiting for the person checking in to fumble through their wallet and get the stuff he needs. “Yeah, she’s been here, she talked with Andre. I don’t know what was said but she left here pretty upset, so I’m assuming it meant she didn’t get him to change his mind about the ballroom.”
“What’s the deal with that anyway?”
“Man, I know you’re a frequent guest here and I know the conference brings with it a shit ton of cash, but honestly, I don’t have time to explain. Maybe you can ask your Mrs. Clause when you see her. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” He turns back to the man, who hands him a driver’s license and credit card.
“Oh, one more thing. Which way...”
Aaron lets out a frustrated breath and points in the direction of the elevators.
But I just came from there. Apparently, I missed her. I take a step in that direction.
“One second, sir. Dr. Krengel,” he calls out, and I spin on a heel, hopeful he sees her in the crowd somewhere. “Her room has been checked out, so no sense in going all the way back up there.
Checked out. I gave her strict instructions to check the weather and the roads. I glance outside, expecting to see more flurries and inches of white powder, instead my heart sinks when I find a plow pushing snow outside. “You don’t have any idea where she might’ve gone?” Or why she wouldn’t have told me goodbye? I don’t ask the last part aloud because I doubt he knows or even cares.
He shrugs. “Maybe check the bar.”
I glance at my watch and find it’s barely 11:00 am. She must be pretty upset if she’s drinking this early. Texting her would be the smart thing to do, but I prefer the element of surprise. My legs cover a lot of ground as I make a quick pace across the lobby, determined to find her and place my lips on hers before she has a chance to say anything.
“Can I help you?” the woman at the hostess counter asks, a bit exasperated at the fact I just breeze past her and head for the bar across the room. There’s a bartender wiping down the top and drying off glasses, but no sign of Holly.
This time I do pull out my phone. There’s a small chance she’s headed back home, but I’m hopeful she hasn’t. The call goes to her voicemail, and I follow it up with a text.
Me: Meet me in the lobby
It’s not a request.
Not wanting to make a scene, my pace is much slower this time. Giving her time to get there from wherever she’s at and knowing the longer I wait, the more tortuous I’m going to be on her mouth.
My lips curve into a grin when I see her. She’s unknowingly walking toward me, looking at her phone, her thumbs tapping away at the screen. I don’t need to look at my own to know that message is to me. Her smile as she types is the best thing I’ve seen all morning.
When she’s close enough, I snatch the phone from her hand and take advantage of the gasp that follows, covering her mouth with my own. Her eyes find mine briefly before they close and she melts into me.
The music, the people, and everything but her fades to the back of my mind. The scent of her perfume has faded but the sweetness that is Holly Snow is a thousand times more desirable. When her arms wrap around my neck and her soft body clings to mine, my dick springs to life, pressing against my zipper right here in the fucking lobby of the Bella Rosa.
“I want you in my bed, Holly,” I utter against her lips.
“Mmm-hmm.” It may not be a verbal confirmation, but it’s enough for me.
I drag her arm from my neck and take her hand in mine, breaking our connection. Lowering my mouth to her ear. “Oh, the things I’m going to do to you, little one.”
Her breath catches, and it makes me harder, if that’s even possible.
“Dr. Krengel, is that you?” a masculine voice asks from a short distance away and my body goes stiff.
Maybe she didn’t hear it.
When she pulls back and her attention turns to him, I know she has.
“Sebastian? What are you doing here? How did you get here?”
“The roads have cleared. And I’m here for the conference. I see you’ve met Dr. Krengel.” His tone is a bit humorous as he points out the obvious.
“ Dr. Krengel?” she says it aloud as if clarifying things in her mind.
When her eyes meet mine, I know then she realizes. “You’re a doctor?”
I answer with a slight nod, and she takes a step back, still holding my hand. I can work with that. “I was coming here to tell you and ask if you...”
“Holly? Oh my God, are you okay?” A woman, whom I can only assume is the best friend she’d mentioned before disregards me, as she pulls Holly into a bear hug. The two women embrace while Sebastian, who I know as Dr. Bell, shakes my hand and watches the reunion.
After they’ve reconnected, the best friend turns to me. “So, you must be bossy Santa.”
I chuckle at the endearment and glance to Holly, who seems to be a bit overwhelmed by the entire situation. She just shrugs.
“Most call me Kristian.” I extend a hand to the best friend and she takes it, but when she meets my eyes, her mouth drops.
“It’s you!” she says matter-of-factly. “How is that possible?” She turns to face her friend. “Holly, do you not remember who this is?”
Her brows furrow, and she looks between us, shaking her head.
The friend flips Holly’s hair back, exposing the scar. “He’s the one who stitched you up. He saved your life.” Without any warning, the friend has engulfed me in her arms. “I don’t know if I ever properly thanked you for saving my best friend.”
I pat her on the back awkwardly, while meeting Holly’s stare.
The wheels are turning in her mind. She hasn’t yet realized what her best friend has told her is the truth. I’m unsure if I’ll be at the top of her list when she does.
“All right, that’s enough of seeing my fiancée with her arms wrapped around another man.” Sebastian pulls Bridgett from my body. “Let’s give them a moment alone.”
I don’t notice when they leave, my eyes are still locked on the beautiful, yet confused, woman before me.
After a beat, curiosity gets the best of her. “Did you know... or better yet, when did you know?”Opening my mouth to explain, I see the moment the realization hits her, and I close it again.“Dinner, you knew at dinner, didn’t you?”
Unable to resist, I reach out and drag my thumb lightly over her scar. Surprisingly, she doesn’t pull away, instead, she closes her eyes and leans into my touch. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
My compliment triggers her in some way and she takes a step back, adjusting her hair to hide the one thing that in her eyes keeps her from finding true love. “That doesn’t answer my question,” she counters.
“Yes, I knew at dinner.”
“Why didn’t you say something?
“Holly...” At this moment telling her my reason for not mentioning it to her sooner is only going to come across in an egotistical way.
Shaking her head, she takes another step back. “No, don’t Holly me. Tell me Kristian,or...should I call you Dr. Krengel?”
“Watch yourself,” I warn.
“That's who you are, Dr. Krengel, isn’t it?” There’s a split second of silence, not allowing me enough time to explain before she starts in again. “Wait, before you answer, there's something else I want to know first.” Crossing her arms over her chest, the position pushes her tits together, and unintentionally draws my eyes there. “What kind of doctor are you?”
This is definitely a question she’ll not want the answer to but I give it to her anyway, since we’re clearing the air. Maybe it will give us a chance of starting over fresh. I can only hope. “I’m a plastic surgeon, Holly.”
Her expression goes blank. She just stands there, staring. I’m not even sure if she’s still breathing.
Thinking she might pass out; I take a step toward her. “Are you all right?”
Shaking her head, she lets out a defeated sigh. “No. I’m not. Do you know why?”
“Maybe we shouldn’t do this here,” I suggest, taking yet another step, this time she puts up a hand, stopping me.
“I’ll tell you why. You’re a plastic surgeon and I’m a self-conscious girl with a fucked-up neck. So I’m just wondering, how many times while we were together had you thought about how you could fix this?” she says flatly, pointing to her scar. “You don’t think I’ve looked into it? One or two more surgeries, minimum. Which may require skin removal from other parts of my body, and that scares the shit out of me. And after all that, there are no guarantees I’ll ever look normal again. You obviously know all this. The problem with all of that is, Dr. Krengel, even if you could fix the physical part, it doesn’t fix the mental part. And no matter how good you are, it will never be erased from my skin.”
Tears build in her eyes, and I want so fucking bad to wrap her in my arms and just hold her. But she needs to get this out. Every last bit of it.
“As much as I wanted to get to know you better, I can’t be with someone where I’ll always wonder if they’re thinking about how or if they could fix it, fix me. Even if you tell me it’s the furthest thing from your mind. I’m sorry, Kristian, I just can’t.”
Turning on a heel, she heads toward the main doors of the hotel. Bridgett offers me a sympathetic shrug as she chases after her friend. She and Sebastian had obviously been watching the entire conversation. As were most of those in the hotel lobby, waiting for the lighting of the gingerbread house.
“Give her a couple of days. She’ll come around,” Sebastian says from next to me.
“I’m not so sure, man, I should’ve told her as soon as I realized. I knew that. But I’d been thinking more for myself than how it might affect her. Maybe as a couple we could have gotten past her wondering what I was thinking...”
He chuckles. “Yeah, a man’s mind doesn’t go much farther than thinking about tits, or pussy, even when we are successful doctors.” When I don’t respond, he shifts on his feet, clearing his throat nervously. “I’m sorry, go on.”
“The part she may not ever get past is me keeping something from her. And I agree.” I watch from a distance as she holds on to her friend, her body wracking with tears, though I don’t believe they’re all because of me. Like Sebastian said, she needs time.
“Hey, you got an invitation to the wedding, right?”
His question catches me off guard. “Wedding, whose wedding?”
“There will be a change in venue, obviously, because this place decided to line their pockets rather than honor a request, but Bridgett and I are tying the knot somewhere on Christmas Day.”
Her desperation is now clear. Sure, she’d mentioned her best friend, but I hadn’t put the two together. How could I when my attention was on her. It’s obvious now their friendship means a lot. “Maybe we can do something about it. Did they say who reserved the ballroom you were supposed to get?” I ask.
“They hadn’t at first, but Bridgett can be pretty persuasive when she puts her mind to it. I think the guy, Andre, said his name was Mr. Todd Hamilton and he’d reserved it for his daughter.” He takes in a sharp breath, and points a finger at me. “Hey, didn’t I hear an emergency call come in, I think the guy’s last name was Hamilton?
“Yes, motorcycle accident. I treated him for some severe road rash.”
“You think it’s the same guy?”
Swiping my phone from my pocket, I find Nurse Shelton’s number and give her a call.