Chapter 10 #3
Raising his head, he met her gaze. “No.” He touched his lips to hers, lingering to revel in her sweetness. A thousand emotions passed through her eyes as she watched him, trying to gauge his meaning. “I’ve already landed.”
In the morning, Reid woke Kate with the news that an incoming storm would keep them on the island at least one more day.
Since they had some extra time, he’d decided to go across to St. Kitts to deal with his belongings at the house and speak to his landlord.
He leaned over the bed to kiss her before he left.
“Rest, relax, and I’ll be back before you miss me. ”
“No, you won’t.” She hooked her arm around his neck to bring him down for a better kiss. “You’ll be back before the storm comes?”
“Long before.”
As she watched him get dressed, she was struck by the memory of watching him dress for a weekend business meeting he’d wanted to skip so he could spend more time with her. “Remember the time you were going to a meeting in the city and I asked you for a ride?”
His eyes lit up with mirth. “As I recall, you made me hideously late.”
She enjoyed revisiting that long-ago morning until she recalled the rest of what happened. “That was the day my dad caught us.”
Returning to the bed, he sat next to her and took her hand. “Don’t think about that now. It’s all in the past. Think about the future. Think about what kind of wedding you want and where you want to have it. No negative thoughts. Got me?”
“I got you,” she said, tingling at the mention of their wedding. “Hurry back.”
“I won’t be gone for one minute longer than I have to.” He kissed her again. “Love you, darlin’.”
“Love you, too.” Kate reluctantly released him and watched him leave the room. “Don’t forget to come back.”
He turned in the doorway, smiling. “Not a chance.”
Kate was lonely for him from the minute she heard the front door close downstairs. “You’re being ridiculous. He’ll be gone a couple of hours, and you have plenty to do while he’s gone.” Buoyed by her pep talk, Kate headed for the shower and then downstairs to find some coffee.
Bertha was in the kitchen, overseeing something on the stove. “Oh, you’re up. I was going to bring breakfast to you. Mr. Matthews told me you prefer egg-white omelets and wheat toast with fresh fruit.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“Coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
Bertha handed her a steaming mug and placed a carafe of cream and a sugar bowl on the counter. “You’re welcome to have a seat on the veranda, and I’ll bring breakfast out when it’s ready.”
“Thank you.” Kate took her coffee outside where the sky was darkening with storm clouds that so far were only threatening rain.
After a delicious breakfast and a peaceful interlude on the veranda, Kate decided it was time to return the flurry of phone calls she’d received from her family over the last two days.
Her recently satisfied stomach turned at the thought of speaking to her parents about the embarrassing video, but she couldn’t avoid them forever.
She started with Jill, who sounded like she might’ve been still asleep when she answered the phone.
“Are you actually sleeping in?” Kate asked.
“Didn’t you tell me to take a vacation?”
“I never expected you to actually do it.”
“I only got half a vacation, thanks to your antics on the island.”
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“I’ve been working the phones, and I’ve got a plan.”
“You’re too good to me, sis, but I’ve made some plans of my own.”
“What kind of plans?”
“I’ll talk to you about it when I get home.”
“And when will that be?”
“Tomorrow. We were going to leave today, but the weather isn’t cooperating.”
“So Reid is coming with you?”
“Yes.” Kate paused before she asked, “Have you talked to Mom or Dad?”
“Both briefly yesterday.”
Kate closed her eyes and braced herself. “What’d they have to say?”
“Oh, you know, the usual. How did your sister manage to get herself caught on video having sex? That kind of thing.”
“I’m glad you find it funny.”
“It’s not funny, Kate, but what do you think they said? They’re freaking out, especially since you can’t find the time to call them back.”
“What am I supposed to say to them?”
“Just tell them you’re okay, and they’ll be satisfied. You are okay, aren’t you?”
“I’m much better than okay. Reid and I are engaged.”
“Oh my God, Kate! When did that happen?”
“Last night.”
“I’m happy for you. I know how badly you hoped he’d still feel the same way.”
“He does. We both do. It’s even better than it was before, if that’s possible.”
“I’m glad for you.”
“Are you really?”
“I want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
Jill had been the one person in her life who’d never hassled her about Reid or the age difference the first time they were together. “Thanks. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“I think I have a small idea.”
“What’ve you been up to?”
“Not much.”
“Taking it easy, I hope.”
“Uh-huh. Nice and easy, until you forced me back to work.”
“Sorry again. I didn’t exactly plan to get caught having sex. Have you heard from Buddy?”
“Not directly, but I did talk to Ashton. He says Buddy isn’t happy, and Ashton shared a few ideas about how to get out in front of the story. That’s what I want to talk to you about when you get home. I’ve set up some interviews for you—”
“I’m not doing any interviews, Jill.”
“Hear me out—”
“Jill… No interviews.”
The comment was met with stony silence from her sister.
“I’m sorry. I know you went to a lot of trouble to set them up, but I’m going in a different direction.”
“Well, do feel free to share your new direction with your manager and attorney at your earliest convenience.”
“I want to talk to you in person.”
“Fine.”
“You’re pissed.”
“I don’t know what I am! I’m trying to do my job, but you’re not making it easy.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing. We’ll talk when you get home.”
“I appreciate all you do for me.”
“I know that. You don’t have to say it.”
“Yes, I do. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be here. Call your parents.”
“Doing that now. See you.”
Jill ended the call without another word.
“That went well,” Kate muttered, finding her mother’s number on her list of favorites before she lost her nerve.