14. Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Harrison
I laced my fingers through Kat’s, my head and tongue still buzzing with her taste. Despite intending to wait, I couldn’t resist once I saw her in that red dress. As I led her to my car, I stroked the back of her hand with my thumb.
She sighed happily. “So, what’s for dinner?”
I grinned. “I went to this restaurant that’s on the way to Milwaukee once, and it’s an entire experience.” Suddenly, I realized this place may not be new to her. She did live here after all. “Have you ever been to The Melting Pot? It’s this fondue place with multiple courses.”
She nodded as I opened the car door for her. “I have, but not for a long time. Good choice.”
My shoulders relaxed. “Well, you know, I try.” I shut her door and rounded the car, still not believing any of this was happening, and so soon. It was overwhelming. Taking a shuddering breath, I got in the car. If I let myself think about how hard and fast this hit, I’d be second-guessing everything. Kat was put in my path for a reason. She had to be. I had fallen, and she was mine. Tonight, I would fully convince her.
Before long, we arrived at the restaurant. Dim lighting and cozy booths with privacy on the sides added to the intimate ambiance as we were escorted to our table. Kat’s green eyes settled on me, the coloring almost more pronounced in the limited lighting.
She took a deep breath. “This is wonderful, Harrison. Thank you. I wasn’t really sure what to expect after I rushed out of your apartment.”
I shrugged. “That did throw me for a minute, but the phone sex helped.”
She pursed her lips.
“What is it?” I asked, reaching across the table to rest my hand on hers.
Kat shook her head. “It’s been a whirlwind. I’ve hardly had a chance to process any of this.” Even though her voice shook with uncertainty, she flipped her palm to interlace her fingers with mine.
“I get that, Kat. We’re moving pretty fast, but something about it feels right also.”
She nodded and smiled. “I’m relieved you feel that too.”
“So, why did you run away the other day?”
She sighed. “I used to date my editor, and I freaked out that I was making another mistake by sleeping with my interview subject. Neither of those things are exactly professional behavior.”
A pang of jealousy shot through me at the mention of an ex. “So why did you, then?”
Her eyes snapped back to mine. “Which part?”
“Both.”
She bit her lip, but after a deep breath, continued. “I thought Jamie loved me. He was too charming to resist, but it turned out I wasn’t the only one who thought so. I didn’t see it coming. And by the time I found out, it felt too late.” Reaching up with her free hand, Kat brushed a tear off her cheek, then glanced back to me. “And then with you. Well, the chemistry is off the charts, but our shared passion of archaeology made you irresistible . . . so much so that I was willing to risk it.”
“I can understand that. I never saw myself jumping back into a relationship . . .” I cleared my throat, not wanting to frighten her away by pushing that piece of it too fast. “Or whatever this is. I didn’t know if I’d ever be ready, but same, really. You’re not only gorgeous, but to find someone who truly understands . . . that I was not expecting, even given who you work for.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. “Writers do write about all sorts of things they may not love. I worked hard for this, and that’s why I won’t give it up, even if my ex is my editor.”
The idea of them working so closely gnawed at me. “Isn’t there anyone else you could write for?” Even as the words left my mouth, I knew I Dig It! was the best out there in the field of archaeology reporting.
Her eyes locked on mine. “I really don’t see him often, Harrison. I work from home. All communication is digital. You don’t need to worry.”
I blew out a breath. I couldn’t ask her to leave what she loved. That would be the same thing Sue had done to me . . . asked me to give up something I loved because she was worried what it would do to us. Unfortunately, as good as her intentions to keep us together may have been, they were the exact thing that pulled us apart. “Okay, but if he steps even one toe out of line—”
Kat grinned. “Okay, Professor. You’ll expel him. I get it.”
“You deserve to be happy, Kat. He doesn’t get to ruin your dream job.”
She shook her head. “He isn’t. He should know better.” Frowning, Kat took a sip of her drink. “Although . . .”
“What is it?”
“Never mind. Let’s eat and get over to Elvis.”
Once dinner was over, we made our way over to the theater. As I opened the door for her, the smile that lit her face let me know I’d made the right decision in bringing her here. I’m almost in love. The only question that remains is, am I ready?