Fade to Black

by Unknown

  “Oh, okay,” she said, her eyes meeting Rich’s. She smiled weakly and reached out to touch his arm. “I’m going to move this and then I’ll be right in, okay?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  She waited until he was in the wheelchair before running around the vehicle and climbing in.

  “Wow, that girl cares a lot about you,” the guy said quietly as the chair squeaked through the hospital waiting room. “You should have heard the fit she threw trying to get someone to come out to you. How long have you been dating?”

  “We’re not.”

  “Could have fooled me.” He kicked the wheel lock into place. “Wait right here, I’ll be back in just a bit with a nurse.”

  “Thanks,” Rich mumbled. Interesting. Kate was freaking out so badly that she’d given them the impression he meant something to her. You do, moron…you’re her friend.

  But was that all it was, a concerned friend? Or was it possible there was something more? Did he dare hope?

  Yes, he thought, knowing that he would hold on to that hope with both hands.

  Chapter Eight

  For the past week, Kate couldn’t get Rich out of her head. It wasn’t so much his declaration that had her mind reeling. It was her reaction to his being hurt that had him on the forefront of her thoughts.

  The gash on the back of his head, that had her so worried and running around like a lunatic, was nothing more than a slight concussion and a simple cut that was all fixed up with some DermaBond and a Band-Aid. It was crazy how upset she’d been by the blood. The thought of Rich being hurt sent her into panic mode. She wanted to fix it, to make him better.

  She understood that he had feelings for her. He’d all but come right out and said those three little words that would change their friendship forever. Her feelings, however, were a mystery—a mystery that scared the hell out of her. Jesse was still very much the man in her life, but Rich was slowly seeping into her thoughts, and she feared, into her heart.

  “Hey, beautiful lady, you ready to go?”

  She looked up and met Rich’s intoxicating gaze. He already had his things with him, ready to walk out the door. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and blinked quickly. “Um, yeah, just give me two seconds.”

  “Where were you just now?” He chuckled. “It was as though you were a million miles away.”

  I wish! Being a million miles away from the guy—his tight blue Lucky’s, covering his muscular thighs and tight rear, and navy sweater that hugged his chest, his aqua eyes twinkled and light brown hair she wanted to run her fingers through—standing in front of her was exactly where she needed to be. “I was just thinking.”

  His lips lifted flirtatiously at one corner as his eyebrow arched. “About?”

  He was a little too cocky for her liking, and there was no way she was going to verify what he already thought he knew. She sighed deeply. “Jesse leaves on Sunday.” His face fell, and she felt a small stab of guilt for throwing Jesse at him. “I’m just going to miss him.”

  “Of course you will.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. The sadness in them made her consider telling him the truth.

  Instead she grabbed her laptop, shoved it into its bag and placed it over her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  Although, they had agreed that things wouldn’t be weird between them, they were. Kate felt like there was so much to say, but couldn’t bring herself to open up Pandora’s Box. Every time she got close, she thought of Jesse. Once she voiced how her heart was being torn in two, there would be no way to avoid hurting him. Ultimately, hurting herself.

  And Rich was married, which made him off limits. End of discussion.

  “You’re doing it again,” Rich said as he slid into the driver’s seat.

  She fastened her seatbelt and sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m…” I’m what? I’m torn. I’m conflicted. “Tired. I only got a few hours sleep last night.”

  “Oh,” he sounded deflated, and she realized how suggestive her statement sounded, but didn’t have the energy to clarify.

  “How are things with Shea?

  “Um, she’s looking forward to meeting you tomorrow night.”

  Kate laughed but not with humor. “Yeah, I’m sure she can’t wait to meet the woman she thinks has stolen her husband’s heart.”

  “You didn’t have to steal it. She lost it a long time ago.”

  “Rich,” Kate warned.

  “I’m just saying, besides I told her how much you love Jesse and that she had nothing to worry about.”

  “So she’s going to be watching for proof of what you told her?”

  “Basically.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles went white.

  “Well, isn’t that nice,” she said through her teeth. She hated that her relationship with Jesse was going to be on display. “You have nothing to worry about,” she snapped, “Jesse has no problem with showing his affection in public.”

  The muscles in his jaw worked as his teeth ground together. His eyes were focused on the road ahead, and even with his sunglasses on, she could tell that his look was fierce.

  She felt a little guilty for pushing him. Her mouth opened to apologize, but closed again without uttering a sound. She glared out the window at the passing shrubbery. She couldn’t go back and forth any longer. A choice needed to be made and she would have to live with the consequences. She hated that Jesse was leaving, just when she needed to have him here.

  The day dragged on painfully slow as did the silence between the two of them. Kate was just finishing up the copy for the ten when Olivia plopped herself on the corner of Kate’s desk. “So,” she said incredulously, and Kate tipped her head to let her know she was listening, “what’s going on with you and Rich?”

  “Nothing,” she responded, unable to look Olivia in the eye.

  “Um hum.” She raised an unbelieving brow. “I’d just like my story straight for Shea tomorrow night.”

  Kate’s blood boiled in her veins. “What the hell is the deal with that woman? I don’t care what she thinks.” She slammed her laptop closed, stood up, and shoved it into the bag. She glared at Olivia. “What do you think’s going on with me and Rich?”

  “Um…nothing.”

  “Good answer, Olivia.” With fists clenched, she stuffed her arms into her coat. “For the record, I am in love with Jesse. Just Jesse.”

  And with that declaration, her mind and her heart had their decision. She had roughly thirty-six hours left with Jesse before he was gone for two weeks, and she would enjoy every single second.

  As she walked through the parking lot, her thumb flipped open her phone, and she pressed the number two and held it to her ear.

  “Hey, KC.

  “Hi, I’m on my way home.”

  “Oh, good. Are you hungry? I was just leaving the shop. I’ll swing by and pick something up. What are you in the mood for?”

  “I’d love Chinese,” she said.

  “Done. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  The phone beeped, signaling another incoming call. “Hey, I’ve got to get that. I’ll see you in a few.” She switched over. “Hello?”

  “Kate?”

  “Hi, Olivia.” Anger raced through her bloodstream again. “What do you want?”

  “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m a horrible friend. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  Kate took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “It’s okay, Olivia. You’re forgiven.” Kate knew she’d been hard on Olivia when she’d asked the very question Kate had asked herself more than once.

  “Oh, good,” she said with a sigh. “Well, I’ll let you go. I just wanted to apologize for being rude.”

  “Olivia?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Why would you think there was something going on between us?”

  “Um…” Kate could almost see Olivia biting on her lip.

  “Olivia…please.”

  “It’s just the way you are together. And, he may have mentio
ned to Jordan that he has feelings for you. Don’t you dare tell anyone I told you that.”

  “I won’t.” So not only had he more or less told Kate, he’d come right out and told other people. None of that mattered because… “He’s married, Olivia, and I’m…”

  “Very much in love with Jesse. Got it.” She laughed. “It’s okay, Kate. If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

  Kate blew a breath out through her teeth. “Thanks. I guess I’ll see you guys tomorrow night at the party, then?”

  “Yep. See you then.”

  Kate opened the door to the apartment, but it was dark. Jesse wasn’t home yet. She walked into the bedroom to change clothes; a pair of workout pants and a t-shirt—braless, for Jesse’s benefit.

  “Kate,” he called as the door closed with a slam. “Where are you, babe?”

  “Right here,” she said as she walked out to meet him. “Mmm, it smells good.”

  He sat the cartons out on the counter. “I didn’t know what you were in the mood for, so I got a little of everything.”

  She laughed as the white boxes continued to multiply. “Did you leave any for anybody else?”

  “Ha ha,” he mocked, then grabbed a couple plates. “Dig in.” He filled his plate with the contents of the various containers. “What do you want to do tonight?”

  “Honestly, all I want is for you to hold me. To curl up in your arms, and maybe watch a movie or something.”

  His plate slid onto the counter and Jesse wrapped her in a hug. “Are you okay, KC?”

  Tears burned her eyes and she hated that she was going to cry. “I know you have to go, but I’m going to miss you so much.” She sniffed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to do this.”

  His strong fingers were gentle against her cheeks as he brushed the tears away. “I’m glad that you’re going to miss me. I’ll miss you, too.” He leaned in and pressed soft lips to hers, causing her to melt against his chest.

  **

  It was only a matter of time before Kate arrived, and the anticipation was surely going to kill Rich. Shea was on her best behavior so far. Over the last week she’d kept her opinions to herself with regards to Kate. He assumed she was waiting to see for herself how things went tonight.

  Nate had claimed a table, one big enough for four couples, off in a far corner of the banquet room that still had a clear view of the entire room. Kate had been on his thoughts all night. Rich knew that she was coming with Jesse—the man she loved—and dreaded her arrival as much as he craved it. And, then there she was.

  Through the doorway she appeared like an angel from heaven. Her black cocktail dress was stunning next to her pale skin. The halter top and low cut back were so tempting. Rich wanted nothing more than to run his fingers over her exposed flesh.

  “Don’t you think, Rich?” Shea asked.

  “Um, yeah…whatever,” he stammered, not taking his eyes off what was happening in the doorway. She was alone. His heart skipped a beat.

  “What are you looking at?” Shea hissed. “Is she here?”

  Her accusation snapped him back to his senses. “Jordan and Olivia just got here,” he informed her as, by the grace of God, they walked in behind Kate.

  They exchanged hugs, and then Jordan shook the hand of the man who came in behind them. Rich’s throat closed off and his heart constricted in his chest as Jesse threaded his fingers through Kate’s and lifted them to his lips. Kate looked up at him in the way Rich could only wish she looked at him—with total love and adoration. He smiled down at her, and mouthed, ‘I love you’ before leaning over to kiss her lightly on the lips.

  Rich tried to swallow the jealousy that crawled to the surface, itching to get out, as the four of them made their way over to where he and Shea sat with Nate and Roxy.

  Kate’s eyes met his for only a moment as she acknowledged all of them. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Jesse.” He smiled and nodded to the group as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned comfortably into his touch. “Jesse, this is Nate and Rich and…”

  “My Foxy Roxy,” Nate supplied proudly.

  All eyes fixed on Rich, though he only barely noticed.

  Had Kate not even mentioned him at all? The man, who arrogantly stood there holding the woman they both loved, didn’t even react to Rich’s name as it crossed her lips. Although Rich couldn’t say what he’d expected, a little semblance of jealousy would have felt good. He devoured Kate with his eyes, wishing she would let him simply stroke her cheek.

  Shea cleared her throat, and every muscle in Rich’s body tensed. “I’m Shea and you must be the infamous Kate I’ve heard so much about.” Her tone was politely venomous. Kate’s eyes widened and Jesse tucked her tighter to his side in a protective stance. “You sure mean a lot to my husband, Kate,” she snarled.

  Jesse stiffened. His face turned hard, his eyes angry. Interestingly enough, he was looking at Rich, not Shea. Olivia gasped. Roxy choked on her chardonnay. Jordan suddenly found the clock on the wall very fascinating, and Nate wrapped a beefy hand around Rich’s forearm to keep him grounded.

  Kate blushed, but in the subdued lighting of the banquet room, it was almost unnoticeable. She looked up at Jesse with adoring eyes and smiled weakly before glancing back at the group. “Rich has become a good friend to me, too.” She took Jesse by the hand. “I think we’re going to mingle. It was good meeting you.”

  As soon as Kate disappeared into the crowd, Rich turned on Shea. “What the hell was that?”

  “What?” Her blue eyes were filled with an innocence Rich knew she wasn’t even capable of.

  The four people around them quickly found other places they desperately needed to be, vacating the vicinity like rats off a sinking ship.

  “Don’t you play innocent with me, Shea,” he hissed, leaning closer to her. “You know damn well what you were insinuating. I told you there’s nothing going on between us.” He swallowed hard and continued, “Didn’t you see the way she looks at him? Does that look like a girl in love with me?”

  “No,” she said quietly, her eyes flashed, “but that doesn’t mean that my husband isn’t in love with her.”

  “Shea, please, no more theatrics tonight.”

  “Fine,” she huffed before standing. “I’m going to the ladies room.”

  Shea was right. What she’d said was spot on. Kate wasn’t in love with him. She clearly loved Jesse. Rich tipped back another swig of the amber liquid that burned all the way to his stomach. It was barely taking the sting off seeing Kate in the arms of another man.

  They were on the dance floor now, and Jesse held her close to his chest, his large hands slowly moved over the bare skin on her back. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear that caused her to blush and giggle before she melted into his embrace.

  As painful as it was to watch, Rich couldn’t bear to look away. His heart broke again and again as he witnessed firsthand Kate interacting with the man she loved. One song faded into the next and still he couldn’t bring himself to stand up and leave the room.

  Nate slid into the chair next to Rich. “Kate sure looks pretty tonight.”

  “Um hum,” Rich answered, but didn’t meet his gaze.

  “Rich.”

  “Hmm?”

  “Look at me.” Their eyes met. “Rich, what are you doing?”

  “What do you mean?”

  Nate snorted. “Dude, you haven’t paid attention to anything except Kate all night. You’ve got a serious case of pissed off, man. You’re wound so tight, I’m surprised you haven’t tried to start something with Jesse just to get rid of some of that frustration—or should I say jealousy?”

  Rich narrowed his eyes and tried to look innocent. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Listen, man, I get that you’ve got a thing for Kate, but I’m not the only one who’s noticed. At least pretend you don’t have feelings for the girl.”

  Well, that was easier said than done.

  Out on the dance
floor, Jesse wrapped his arms around Kate and lifted her up so that their faces were even. Their lips met ever so slightly then he set her back on her feet, his fingers playing with the curls at the end of her hair. He pulled her closer, not even leaving room for air between them. Dark eyes flicked over, remaining locked and unblinking on Rich’s even as Jesse smiled and leaned down to press those smug lips against her neck.

  “I have to get out of here,” Rich snapped. With each beat of his heart, jealousy spread through his veins like acid, consuming him.

  “Where are you going to go?”

  He motioned his head over toward the balcony. “Don’t let Shea know where I went, please. I really don’t need her attitude right now.”

  “I got your back. Take as long as you need.”

  “Thanks, Nate.” Yeah, Rich was sulking. His heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces as Jesse lived up to Kate’s promise of showing his affection in public.

  The door opened with a hiss and a blast of cold winter air hit him. There was a group of girls standing off to the side, huddled together, sharing a cigarette. “Hi, Rich,” Monica said.

  He tilted his head to acknowledge her. “I just needed some air.”

  “We’ll leave you to it. We were just finishing up.” She lifted the cigarette to her lips for another quick puff before dropping it, extinguishing it with her black patent-leather pump. She leaned in to her friend. “With any luck, there’s trouble in paradise. Do you think all of him is that perfectly…breathtaking?” Monica’s friends found humor in her statement and the group giggled like school girls.

  “Damn, that boy’s hot! Do you think Kate’d share?”

  Rich’s teeth clamped together and his hands curled around the railing. There was little doubt who they were referring to. It seemed that Jesse was going to haunt him no matter where he tried to escape.

  “Would you?” Another high-pitched round of laughter filled the night air.

  The door cracked open. Thank you! he thought, they’re leaving.

  “Hi, Kate,” Monica said.

  Kate, he inwardly groaned. Great, just what I need. A tug of war began within his body. He wanted to look at her, but didn’t. He kept his eyes focused on the street below and listened closely to the conversation going on behind him.