by C. C. Gibbs
‘Hell yeah, it might,’ he drawled.
‘No way.’
But she was smiling. ‘Two games out of three?’ he said.
‘I set the rules.’
‘Go for it. You still don’t have a chance.’
Her face flushed. ‘We’ll see about that.’
‘After everyone leaves,’ he said, pleased he’d averted another outpouring of tears. At least for now.
Although, he knew neither could ever forget their irretrievable loss.
But they didn’t have a chess play-off that evening because once everyone left, Kate was too fatigued. Nana kissed her goodnight and left with Max who was driving her back to the house. Mrs Hastings and Martin saw that the suite was cleaned up quickly and quietly before leaving. Then Dominic helped Kate get ready for bed and held her until she fell asleep. He still had two calls to make before they could leave London, so he waited until she was sleeping deeply and then he slipped from the bed and walked out into the hall.
Justin picked up on the first ring.
‘I need your help with Katherine’s contract at CX Capital,’ Dominic said. We’re leaving London in a day or so. The good news is that I’m married as of five hours ago. The bad news is we lost the baby. We’re at St Mary’s Hospital. The doctor says Katherine can go home day after tomorrow.’
‘I’m sorry about the baby. It must hurt like hell.’
‘Yeah, it’s killing me.’
A silence fell, thick, dry as dust.
Measurably nervous, Justin spoke first. ‘If I’m not out of line to say it, congratulations on your marriage. I know Katherine is …’ he hesitated, rejected words having to do with love considering Dominic’s history, ‘important to you.’ Under different circumstances, Justin would have made a quip or two about Dominic and marriage.
‘Thanks, appreciate it,’ Dominic said, as if Justin’s agitation wasn’t vibrating through the phone. ‘I’ve been wanting to marry Katherine for quite a while. Now, if you need our attorneys to step in at CX Capital, let Roscoe know,’ he said, crisply, back on topic. ‘If you need more than attorneys to clear this up, if I have to talk to someone, let me know.’
‘I don’t expect problems.’ Justin quickly adjusted to Dominic’s business-like tone. ‘Bill’s a good guy. I’ll explain the situation to him. It’s completely understandable. And if there’s anything else I can do to help with – whatever …’ His voice trailed off.
‘Thanks. That’s all I need at the moment.’ Dominic suddenly sounded tired. ‘I’ll give you a call later, make sure everything went smoothly. Ciao.’
When he spoke to Joanna, her response to news of Kate’s miscarriage was wholly female; she offered sympathy without inhibition and restraint. ‘Oh, how awful! Are you sure Kate’s all right? Does she want someone to sit with her? How terrible for you! I can’t imagine anything sadder when you were looking forward to the baby. Just tell me what I can do to help.’
If he wasn’t so wiped, Dominic might have considered smiling at the gender differences. Instead, he said in as friendly tone as he could conjure up under the circumstances, ‘Thanks, Joanna, but we’re both semi-managing the pain. We were married a few hours ago though so there’s pleasure in that.’
‘Married! How wonderful. And I won’t make the cliché remark about a future family, but you know what I’m thinking.’
‘I do. We’ll be leaving London in a day or so. I just wanted to let you know. Katherine’s sleeping now. It was a long day for her. I’ll tell her I talked to you. She gave me permission to speak to you about her leaving. Are we good?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘I’ll tell Katherine you’ve been considerate about her circumstances. Please accept my appreciation for your understanding.’ He paused briefly and his exhaustion was evident in his voice when he added, ‘You can expect some new clients from time to time. And I’m not doing it to be nice. You’re good.’
‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you. But before you hang up, I’d like to come and see Kate if she’s up to it.’
No don’t in case you screw this up. ‘I’m sure she’d like to see you,’ Dominic said instead because Katherine was his wife now; he could deal with anything knowing the permanence of that bond. ‘I’ll tell Katherine you’ll be over.’
With those two necessary calls accomplished, Dominic returned to the suite and spent another hour on his emails. Then he found pyjama pants and a T-shirt Martin had packed, put them on, and opened the rollaway bed he’d had brought in.
He stood motionless for a moment, his gaze on Kate, debating whether he’d disturb her if he joined her in bed. He smiled faintly. What the hell – it was his wedding night.
A yogi couldn’t have done it better; he moved each muscle with slow, exquisite restraint as he climbed into bed, put his arms around Kate and gently drew her against his chest. She sighed once as she snuggled closer.
He smiled. Jesus Christ, that was an improbably beautiful sound.
A second later, he was sleeping.
CHAPTER 19
Kate was feeling so good the next morning that she was ready to leave. But Dr Fuller insisted on one more day in the hospital.
So Dominic settled in, not in the mood to let Kate out of his sight, not sure he’d ever be in the mood after having nearly lost her. Quinn brought in their breakfast, Martin came in with casual clothes for both of them, and Nana and Leo arrived shortly after ten.
‘I came in to say good morning and to see how you’re feeling,’ Nana said.
‘I’m feeling like I’d like to get out of here, but the doctor said no. Tomorrow though,’ Kate said from the bed, ‘I’m free to go.’
Nana glanced at Dominic. ‘And then?’
‘The plane’s on the tarmac. I’m just waiting until Katherine feels strong enough.’
‘I’m good,’ Kate said. ‘Whenever.’
‘Why don’t we see how you’re feeling tonight? I’ve been beat up enough to know the aches and pains get worse as the day progresses.’
‘I can sleep on the plane.’
Dominic smiled. ‘You sound ready.’
‘I am.’
Nana shot a look at Dominic, sitting next to the table with their breakfast remains. ‘You staying here all day?’
He nodded.
‘Wheels up tomorrow?’
‘Maybe. Depends on Katherine.’
‘I’m guessing tomorrow then,’ Nana said with a grin for her granddaughter. ‘In that case, if you don’t mind, Katie, Leo’s going to take me on a rush tour of the museums. He claims he can do it in four hours.’
‘Take your time, Nana. Dominic will entertain me, won’t you?’
He smiled. ‘I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.’
Five minutes later, they were alone again and Dominic glanced up from pouring himself another cup of coffee. ‘Want some? No?’ He dropped in four sugar lumps, and leaned back in his chair. ‘Nana must like museums if she’s doing the whirlwind tour.’
‘It’s the teacher in her. She sees it as an intellectual obligation.’ Kate smiled. ‘I’m not saying she doesn’t like art and culture, but the duty part comes first. If there are five museums in town or ten, Nana’s going to see them. Are you sure Leo doesn’t mind?’
‘He doesn’t mind. He paints in his spare time so he’s a great tour guide.’
‘Leo paints?’
‘He’s pretty good.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Seriously. He had his own show last year in Sydney and he sold out.’
Kate grinned. ‘You bought them all?’
‘Uh-uh. I had to fight off two people just to buy one. He paints meticulous landscapes – photo realism stuff. Really impressive. The painting I bought is in the dining room in Hong Kong.’
‘I didn’t see it.’
‘The small dining room.’ His brows flickered. ‘Mother requires the formal one.’
‘Ah – I see.’
He grinned. ‘So polite, baby.’
He laughed. ‘So I should stay alert.’
‘Not you, your mother. You need someone to protect you.’
‘And you’re taking on the lioness role.’
‘You betcha.’ Cupping her fingers and miming claws, she playfully growled.
Dominic grinned. ‘Now that little scene is definitely on my wish list. Should we invite Mother to our wedding reception back home?’ At Kate’s sudden grimace, Dominic’s expression sobered. ‘Don’t worry, baby. I won’t let her near you. You’ve led too sheltered a life to take on the wicked witch. Leave her to me.’
‘Maybe if I had Nana at my side,’ Kate said, offering up a tentative smile.
‘You don’t need Nana, baby, you’ve got me. No one, including Mother, will ever hurt you.’ He didn’t say, I’d kill for you, because he didn’t want to freak her out. But there was no question in his mind. ‘So what do you want to do?’ He lifted the remote from the table and raised a brow.
‘Take me for a walk down the hall. I’m tired of lying here.’
She held Dominic’s arm and they walked to the gift shop where Kate bought some magazines and candy bars.
On their way back to the suite, Dominic gave the bag a little shake. ‘You must be feeling better. You have enough candy bars for—’
‘Me?’ She shot him a quick stare. ‘Is that what you were going to say?’
He laughed. ‘For you and Miss Bossy both.’ He winked. ‘Glad you’re back on form, baby. But if you’re feeling generous, I’ll take one of those pecan things.’
‘Things?’ she said in a little hum. ‘As in you never eat candy?’
‘I don’t much. Is that a problem?’ He grinned. ‘Remember who the real boss is before you answer.’
She swung her arm and punched him hard.
‘Ow, ow!’ he yelped. Flicking his glance sideways to a couple who’d come to a stop at his sharp cry, he turned to Kate with a private little smile. ‘Playtime, baby?’ Then he swept her up in his arms and rolled his eyes at the open-mouthed couple. ‘Sorry. She’s off her meds again,’ he said as he strode past them. ‘It happens every time.’
‘You’re such an exhibitionist,’ she hissed, hugging him hard, giggling against his neck.
‘Always, baby,’ he murmured, dipping his head and nuzzling the warmth of her hair. ‘So don’t fuck with me in public.’
‘Maybe I don’t care.’ She looked up at him with a smirk. ‘What do you think of that?’
That flicker of teasing in her eyes never ceased to make him think of how lucky he was. How the odd, magical evening in Hong Kong had changed his life. ‘I think it sounds like a match made in heaven,’ he said, softly. ‘You and me together.’
Her eyes filled with tears. ‘Kiss me,’ she whispered. ‘Right now.’
‘Because somehow we found each other in this spectacularly messed-up world, right?’
Choking back her tears, she nodded.
He stopped and kissed her in front of the elevators with a dozen people standing by.
But he didn’t notice.
Nor did she.
Because Katherine was his world, and he was hers.
Their kiss ended to a round of applause.
Dominic looked around. ‘We just got married,’ he said with a smile.
‘He means I finally caught him.’ Kate grinned. ‘And it wasn’t easy.’
‘She likes to kid. I had to kick her boyfriend’s ass and haul her off,’ Dominic said, walking away.
‘Young Americans,’ someone remarked, matter-of-factly.
An elderly man was smiling as he watched Dominic’s departure. ‘I envy the young chap. A Californian I’d say with that accent.’
‘That explains the complete lack of manners,’ a thin, pursed-lipped woman observed, not amused. ‘And the sandals.’
‘You’re in big trouble,’ Kate quipped. ‘Embarrassing me like that. Is it too late for an annulment?’
‘It was too late six months ago, baby. Look surprised. I was too. But what can I say … Cupid’s arrow hits and it’s all over.’ He grinned. ‘Want me to write a song?’
‘Not if Cupid’s in it.’
‘I could pay someone to write a song.’
‘Or you could just keep smiling at me like that and I’ll forget about you embarrassing me.’
This was where he could have argued about who started what. ‘Thanks, baby. I appreciate your understanding.’
‘OK, now I’m worried. What do you want?’
‘You permanently right here.’ He shifted her slightly in his arms. ‘Nothing much,’ he said, pleasantly. ‘One simple request. All the rest is negotiable.’
‘OK, yes.’ No hesitation, a big wide smile.
His eyes creased with pleasure. ‘Smart girl.’ Because none of it was negotiable, not really.
After they reached the suite, it turned out Kate wasn’t as strong as she thought she was, or perhaps she’d become over fatigued yesterday; she spent a good part of the day napping. Dominic worked on his laptop, looking up to check on her breathing every few minutes because he still hadn’t gotten over the frightening events in the operating room. He wasn’t sure he ever would.
Nana and Leo returned that afternoon with glowing commentary on the various art shows they’d seen, Max arrived shortly after with some reports for Dominic, and Joanna stopped by after work. When Quinn brought in dinner, Joanna stayed and ate with them. It was a festive evening, the food exquisite, Dominic’s wine cellar superb, going home the topic of conversation. Joanna was completely circumspect about the details of her agreement with Dominic. And when she gave Kate a cheque equal to half their business, Kate took one look at the sum and said, ‘Heavens no. That’s too much. Tell her, Dominic,’ she added, showing the amount to him. ‘I couldn’t possibly take that much.’
He glanced at it. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course I’m sure. I know what we had in the bank.’
Dominic’s gaze was bland when he spoke to Joanna. ‘Why don’t you send another cheque later?’ He turned to Kate. ‘Is there some sum you think appropriate?’
‘A third of that.’
Dominic smiled at Joanna. ‘Simple enough. And I know better than to get into an argument with Katherine over money,’ he said with a significant lift of his brows. ‘She’s the authority on those matters.’ He glanced at both women. ‘Is everybody happy now?’
Since Max had delivered Dominic’s cheque to Joanna he was well aware of the dynamic playing out. Nana wasn’t a participant in the game, but she hadn’t been born yesterday or even last year and she knew somehow Dominic was involved. But since he obviously was seeing that Kate wasn’t obliged to stay in London, she was on board. When it came to having Katie back home, she and Dominic were equally selfish.
If Katie had wanted to stay in London, Nana wouldn’t have interfered.
Fortunately, that wasn’t an issue.
CHAPTER 20
The next day, Dr Fuller was delayed in making her rounds. After they’d been waiting some time, Dominic checked with the desk and was told the doctor was dealing with two emergencies. ‘She’ll be in just as soon as she can,’ he explained to Kate on his return. ‘Some crisis came up.’ He frowned and pointed at a chair. ‘You’re not allowed to pace.’
Kate wrinkled her nose. ‘I feel fine.’
‘Sit, damn it. I don’t want any problems.’
‘You’re not the boss of me,’ Kate said with a grin. ‘Or at least, not yet.’
‘Jesus, Katherine, you’re not feeling that good.’ He gave her a startled look. ‘Are you?’
‘Remember, the doctor mentioned the resiliency of youth. I feel great. But I’ll sit down if you’re going to scowl like that. In the interests of—’
‘Pleasing me?’ he said, smoothly.
‘I was going to say not pissing you off when I want to leave London.’
Dominic laughed. ‘What was I thinking? Alt
hough it sounds as though I have leverage for a while.’
‘For a limited time.’ But she sat, folded her hands in her lap and smiled up at him. ‘Enjoy it while you can.’
He raised his hands, formed his fingers into a picture frame and grinned. ‘Let me savour the moment. Big innocent eyes, submissive pose, even Martin inadvertently conspired by bringing you that little white blouse and flowery skirt.’ His grin widened and he dropped his hands. ‘Are you sure you’re feeling OK? Not feverish or anything?’
‘Very funny. Can’t I be practical or sensible?’
‘Really?’
‘Is that so hard to imagine?’
‘From my temperamental darling?’ Then he saw her swallow hard and added, ‘I can imagine it just fine, baby. Really.’
‘I want to go home, Dominic,’ she whispered.
The sadness in her eyes tore at his heart. ‘Oh God, I’m sorry.’ Quickly closing the distance between them, he sank to his knees and folded her hands in his. ‘I shouldn’t be teasing you. As soon as you have the doctor’s OK, we’ll pack up and go.’ Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek. ‘Now let’s find something to do until Dr Fuller shows up. Take our mind off’, he paused, ‘all the bad stuff.’
She didn’t answer for so long, he was beating himself up for being so bloody unfeeling.
‘Sure,’ she finally said and his heart started up again.
‘Want to look at some magazines?’ His voice was ultrasoft, afraid he’d startle her if he spoke too loudly with her gaze focused somewhere over his shoulder. ‘Or maybe watch TV, or would you like to see some of my reports? Max brought over a couple of—’
‘Show me the reports.’
She was looking straight at him, the bruised spirit in her eyes plain to see, but she was unmistakably back in the world and he felt that restless spark of electricity and joyful possibility he always felt with her. ‘You sure?’ he said gently because he’d fucked up once already and he wasn’t going for twice in two minutes.
‘You said you’d teach me how to be a cutthroat business woman.’ A current of sadness still resonated in her voice. ‘If you’d said hard-assed I would have said, too late.’ She almost smiled for a second. ‘But cutthroat? I need lessons there. If you have time.’
