“I swear they are like those cheesy TV couples. It’s adorable and terrifying all at the same time.” He opens the passenger door and waits until I’m inside before going around the front and sliding in behind the wheel. “But I think I want that for myself. I can’t imagine being with someone for the rest of my life that didn’t show any sort of affection.”
The words are a punch to the gut. He didn’t mean to direct them toward me, but it hits me all the same. He deserves someone who will love him the way he says his parents love each other. I just don’t know if I can be that for him. I mean, it’s all fun right now, but I’m also keeping him a secret from all our friends and coworkers. How is that fair to him?
“Hey, are you okay?” He glances at me as he turns on the car and puts it in gear.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just been a long day,” I slide my hand into his, “I’m ready for it to be over.”
He gives my hand a tight squeeze. “We don’t have to go out if you don’t want to. I can take you home and let you get some rest.”
“Do I look that exhausted?” Gah, I hope not.
“Not at all, you just sound defeated,” he puts the car back in park. “If rest is something you need more, then you should take it.” Turning his entire body toward me, he lifts his free hand and runs it along my chin. “I don’t want to be a reason you don’t get the rest you need or deserve. I will be fine, and you don’t have to worry about us.”
The feeling he puts behind those words make my heart melt. That is how I know he deserves someone who can love him the way he needs. There aren’t many people who will put their needs and wants aside to make sure someone else is okay. Hell, even my own parents don’t do that. He truly is one of the best people I know.
“Are you sure? I know we’ve had this planned, but right now I kind of want to go home and go to sleep.”
“Absolutely,” he nods, “do you want me to drive you home? It’s a little windy for you to be walking. Being sick on top of dealing with brides who don’t know what they want isn’t exactly the best combination.”
“That would be great.” How did I get so lucky? Though if I wasn’t seeing him, I wouldn’t have anyone to vent to other than my brother and friends. They would tell me to suck it up and get over it. Well, maybe not Caroline or Emily, but the other two would for sure.
I lean the seat back and stare out the window. The drive won’t take very long, but it’s nice to not have to worry about getting home. The wind is whipping through the trees and the light poles seem to be bending the slightest bit. Xander was right to suggest brining me home. I need to get over myself and drive more often, but I can’t justify it when I live so close to the shop.
Within minutes we are pulling into the parking lot of my apartment. He parks next to my car and puts his in park. “Do you want me to walk you up?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” I move the seat back into sitting position and lean over the console to give him a kiss. He lifts his hand to gently cup my cheek and now I wish more than anything we were going out. But I can barely keep my eyes open. His lips are a whisper against mine. The tenderness is completely opposite from any other exchange we’ve ever had. Even our kissing has been full of passion and fire, but this is warmth and love. Something I’m starting to feel to my very core.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’ve got it.” Before he has a chance to open the door for me, I do it and step out of the car. “See you tomorrow, Xan.”
“Night, Kate.” With that I close the door behind me and trudge up the stairs to my apartment.
The tree is still lit up with Valentine’s decorations in the corner of my living room. Guess I forgot to turn it off last night. I drop my bag on the floor, lock the door behind me and head to my room. My first priority is a shower to wash away the day’s frustration. I still can’t believe a bride came to me without knowing anything about what she wants. Those meetings usually only take about an hour, this one took three. Kai was getting antsy waiting for us to leave his sanctuary in the office.
I don’t take a long shower. I’m honestly too tired for that, but my stomach grumbles and I really need to eat something. As I’m walking into the living room, there’s a knock on my door. Xander is the only person it can be. My heart skips a beat that he didn’t take no for an answer.
Glancing through the peephole, the butterflies in my stomach come to a halt. It’s not Xander, but a person holding a box is standing in front of my door. I unlock it and open it partially. “Can I help you?”
“Yeah, uh, you’re Kate, right?” He glances at a piece of paper on top of the pizza box in his hands.
“Yes,” I draw out, “but I didn’t order anything.”
“Xander called in the order and wanted me to make sure you got it.” Always thinking of my well-being. He may not have shown up in person, but he has his ways of showing he cares.
“Oh,” I open the door wider to take the box. It’s cold outside, and I’m only in a robe. “Thank you. Hold on, let me grab some cash from my bag.”
“No worries,” he holds his hands up, “Xander took care of all of it.”
“Thanks. Be careful in that wind.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I close the door as soon as he turns. I’m nowhere near old enough to be called ma’am. It’s a respect thing, I know that. But at the same time, does it really need to be said?
Grabbing my phone from my bag, I shoot off a text to Xander.
Kate
Thank you.
