These were the thoughts she’d been replaying in her mind ever since he’d asked her to join him and his friends after the pet therapy fundraising event a few weeks ago. Normally she would have turned down such an offer, but she had been lost in his smile.
What she thought would be a short after-party lasted several hours. The room had been filled with some of the biggest egos, normally not approachable, but that night it wasn’t about business, they were gathered as friends. By the end of the night, she had made some new friends. She’d even heard from a few of them since then. What had he been waiting for? They had exchanged numbers by the end of the night, and she had hoped to hear from him. She wished it wasn’t true, but there was no denying the disappointment she felt when his call hadn’t come. KJ hadn’t had troubles securing male attention. Yet this one hadn’t called.
Jill’s situation provided the opportunity to reach out to him without actually being the one to make the first move, not that she normally cared about such petty things. She prided herself in knowing what she wanted and not being afraid to go get it. Good thing I like the simple life.
But Drew hadn’t been like anyone she’d met before. Yes, he was hot and sexy, and she could get lost looking into his eyes, but he was also laid-back and relaxed, and she envied that. At times, she felt as though she would never feel like that again—relaxed, at peace. When she’d talked with him at the event, and then again on the phone, she had felt the tinge of it creeping back in. It had felt . . . wonderful. She couldn’t stop thinking about him during the rest of the week. And his curls, mmmm . . . She could picture running her fingers through that hair while he made love to her. Wow. Easy girl. He is only coming by for dinner. You hardly know him.
The past few nights had been filled with detailed dreams of him holding her, loving her so passionately she’d woken filled with an ache both physical and emotional. How could even a dream make her feel so . . . alive? It was something she wasn’t sure she would ever feel again. It felt good and terrifying all at the same time. Am I ready for this? Her heart beat quickened as she was filled with panic. Why did I invite him here?
It had been more than two years since she’d been intimate with anyone. That night had only been to hide from the overwhelming pain she’d felt at that moment: a need to be held by someone, anyone, so she wouldn’t break down and let her emotions take control. Thankfully there had been ample men to choose from on the base where she’d been stationed in Herzegovina, Bosnia. One of the MPs she had befriended had been more than willing to oblige. Her poor choice for an intentional one-night stand still bothered her. It was a different time. I was a different person. She had been at her breaking point at that time. Never had she acted so rash, even though she had been deployed overseas for longer periods of time. Foolish behavior.
It had been a night she wished she could forget for many reasons. She had received her weekly call from her sister, whose last two calls had been shorter than usual, and it had been obvious something was up. Katherine had hoped it was a boyfriend monopolizing all her sister’s time, but her hopes quickly shattered. “It’s not good. I really need you. Please find a way to come home.” One moment she knew who she was and where she was going; her life in the Marine Corp was as far as she could see into the future. In the blink of an eye, her world as she knew it crashed down around her. The words written on her reenlistment paperwork, sitting on her desk waiting for her final signature, became a blur. What she thought was going to be her life’s career, one she wasn’t going to ever let anyone come between, suddenly changed. Everything changed.
When she returned home to care for her younger sister, there hadn’t been time for anything other than what she needed medically and emotionally. Katherine never understood why she had hidden her illness from her. To this day, the oncologist’s words echoed in her mind: “There’s nothing further we can do.”
Three months. Three awful months watching her sister’s health deteriorate so quickly that there hadn’t been enough time to face the reality of what was to come. After she had passed, Katherine was left all alone, numb and emotionally shut down. Unfortunately death was something she had experienced more than a person should over her years in the Marine Corp. It would be a lie if she said it hadn’t taken its toll on her. But losing her baby sister? That pain went deep to the core, and she still struggled with it daily. I miss you so much, Sis.
Blossom was trained to sense Katherine’s change of mood. Getting off her doggie bed across the room, she came and laid her monstrous head on KJ’s lap. Good girl. Wrapping her arms around her bull mastiff’s huge neck and pulling her closer, the tears flowed. First for the loss of her sister, which felt like it was only yesterday, then for the feelings of not belonging, as she struggled to fit into her civilian lifestyle. Why were these feeling coming back to her now? For almost two years she had successfully suppressed them. It wasn’t a healthy choice, but it had been hers. She sobbed. Why now? Over the years she had cared for so many soldiers facing a loss of one form or another. She knew exactly what she needed to do: face it head on. That was much easier said than done. Somehow meeting Drew at the Wounded Soldiers fundraising event opened her emotions all over again. He’d made her laugh, smile. It had been a nice change. Can’t feel the good without feeling the bad. The words she herself had spoken many times to the injured as she encouraged them not to give up. Always easier to give advice than take it.
Understanding the issue wasn’t helping any. It was like removing a Band-Aid: you know it’s going to hurt, and you have to take it off, but you tell yourself you’ll leave it on. Maybe it will fall off on its own in the shower tomorrow, and then it won’t hurt much—if at all. The more she got to know Drew, the worse this internal pain was going to get, and he, naturally, was clueless. How was she going to explain her emotional roller coaster? Should she tell him, give him some sort of heads-up? Not unless you want him to run. What was she going to say anyway?
“Hi, I’m KJ, and I have emotionally shut myself down so nothing can ever hurt me again.” Not really prime first-date conversation. No, this was something she was going to have to figure out for herself. Alone. God, she had learned to hate that word. When will things go back to normal? The truth was, what was once normal no longer existed. She would need to find a new path, a new direction in life, and through that, somehow find her new normal. And maybe, just maybe, some happiness again.
Not only did she miss her sister, she also missed the day-by-day purpose and direction. She’d always been so driven, so active. She didn’t excel at civilian life, which only made accepting it as her life that much harder.
Blossom didn’t move until the last tear was shed and wiped away. Only then did she raise her head and sit by KJ’s side, leaning against her. Rewarding her with a scratch behind the ears, she said, “What would I do without you, girl?” She wouldn’t allow herself to dwell too long on that subject. She knew too many who had those same struggles and lost the battle.
The clock on the mantle chimed, one, two, then three. Oh God, I better get to the store. Drew was expecting dinner tonight. The choices were limited. Blossom’s kibble or the only human food in the cupboard—a can of tuna. Grabbing her purse, she bolted out the door searching for ideas of what to make tonight. Three thousand miles was a long way to travel for a sandwich.
Chapter Three
‡
A quick shopping adventure somehow turned into stocking her condo as though she actually cooked there every day. This is one night. I must be losing my mind; I like take-out.
It had taken her almost an hour to put the groceries away before she could even begin the food prep. Since she wasn’t sure what his tastes in food were, except for dessert, she opted for surf and turf—lobster tail, a petite filet mignon wrapped in bacon, and a side of steamed asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. Just because I don’t cook doesn’t mean I can’t. When she’d purchased her bungalow more than a year ago, she made sure she’d also picked up everything she needed to make it
a home, including a full set of china and crystal. Those had at least been opened but still sat waiting patiently in the cabinet. Blossom’s not a fan of fine-dining. The pots and pans, on the other hand, were still in their original boxes in a closet. Time to break them in. It wasn’t long before her kitchen smelled absolutely amazing. Maybe I should do this more often.
Then she looked around the kitchen: disaster. It appeared she’d used every pan she owned, and they were stacked on top of each other, overflowing the sink. Thank goodness we are eating in the dining room. She laughed softly to herself. There was only one thing left to do—wait.
Thankfully she didn’t have time to second-guess herself. Blossom announced his arrival even before the doorbell rang. Let’s get this over with. Taking off her apron, she laid it on the counter and headed for the door. Her heart skipped a beat when she opened it and found him holding a large bouquet of orange tiger lilies out to her. Unusual. Beautiful. “Thank you, Drew. They’re lovely. Please, come in.” Don’t be so nervous; it’s only dinner. “I hope you’re hungry because dinner is ready.”
As he entered the living room he replied, “I wasn’t, but something smells fantastic and suddenly I’m starving.”
Let’s hope you enjoy it. “Follow me. You can sit in the dining room while I bring everything out.”
“Let me help you.”
“No,” KJ said sharply, her hand on his chest stopping him from following her. You’re not entering that kitchen. In a softer tone she added, “I mean I have everything under control. You’re my guest; sit and relax. I’ll only be a moment. If you’re bored, you can open the wine while I’m gone.” Leaving him alone, she trotted off before he had time to argue with her. Nothing like biting his head off in the first five minutes. Great job, KJ.
Quickly she carried in both plates. They looked wonderful, but she was now questioning her choices. Does this say I’m trying too hard? KJ almost dropped the plates as she noticed Drew had not only poured the wine but had also lit the candles from the living room and placed them on the dining room table. He’d also moved his place setting next to hers. Was that his subtle way of telling her he was in charge? You’re going to be sadly mistaken if you think that’s the case, Drew. Choosing to ignore it, she handed him his plate, then took her newly relocated seat next to him.
“Aren’t we missing someone?” Drew asked.
Oh goodness. Had he invited someone else? Had I missed that bit of information? “Who would that be?” Hope they aren’t hungry because I only cooked enough for two.
“Your roommate.”
Puzzled at first, she caught on. Oh, you know how to play this, don’t you, Drew? No matter his intentions, it did calm her nerves. “She is lying on her doggie bed and won’t come until I need her.”
Drew looked around then turned back to KJ. “I’m not sure I ever met a dog so well trained. Was she a Marine too?” he teased.
KJ laughed. “She probably could’ve been. I never had a dog before Blossom, so I don’t have anything to compare her to, but I have to admit, she is pretty awesome. I know why they say a dog is man’s—and woman’s—best friend.”
Drew nodded and said, “If my lifestyle was different, and I was actually home more, I might consider getting one.”
“They do need a lot of attention, but the payoff is worth all the time you put into them. I wouldn’t want to be without her.” She’s all I have in the world. KJ needed to change the subject before the easygoing mood of the night was lost. “Hope the food choices are okay. I should have asked you earlier.”
“You’re an amazing cook, Katherine. Full of surprises, aren’t you?” Drew had sampled the lobster earlier and now cut into his steak, taking a huge bite.
She wasn’t sure what he meant by that. KJ knew she was easy to read. Even back on base she wouldn’t play poker; she lost every hand. She wasn’t about to ask him what he meant because she was worried what his answer might be.
“Tell me about yourself.”
Keep it simple. Direct. “You know all there is to know. I joined the Marines when I was eighteen and got out when I was thirty. Currently, I’m a nurse in the local hospital. Not much to tell.” She watched Drew eat the last bite of his steak then lean back in his chair. He was eyeing her carefully while chewing. His gaze made her uncomfortable, like he was able to see what she’d purposely hidden. Breaking eye contact, she looked down at her plate and proceeded to cut her steak into even smaller bits. Coward.
“Somehow I doubt that. Your eyes tell an entirely different story.” Drew smiled. When she opened her mouth to dispute his accusation, he raised his hand and said, “No need to tell me now. I’ll enjoy finding out for myself.”
KJ didn’t miss the sexual innuendo in his tone. She wanted to shout, in your dreams, however, her own dreams were troubling her. Even now, looking at him dressed in a pair of jeans and a form-fitting T-shirt—biceps stretching it to the max—was causing turmoil within her. Wonder what the rest of him looks like. KJ tried avoiding eye contact, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away. There was a burning hunger deep within her. How easy it would be to give in, but what then? What about tomorrow? Don’t go down that path, KJ. Responding would only encourage him further. Turning the topic away from her and back onto him, she said, “I hardly know anything about you.”
“There is so much to tell. I would probably need to spend the night to get through even a quarter of it.” He winked at her and continued, “But I’m not sure you’re ready to know me quite that well yet. But if you would like, I would—”
I bet you would. “No. That’s okay, Drew. I get the hint.” Shaking her head, she added, “I bet you were voted class clown in school. You don’t appear to take much seriously.”
For the first time, he became quiet. Had she crossed the line, said something that offended him? It had only been her perception, but that didn’t mean it was accurate.
When Drew finally spoke it was the first time she heard his tone flat, dry. “I am surrounded by people who take life too seriously, feel the need to run around in a suit all the time, and would rather die than leave home not clean-shaven. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m not one of those. I live my life in a way that makes me happy.”
It was one of the things that had attracted her to him; he wasn’t a carbon copy of anyone she knew. It’s refreshing. “It’s a good way to live. I wish I felt so comfortable.”
“Why do you think you don’t?” Drew’s expression was full of disbelief.
Whatever he thought he saw in her, he was wrong. She was a rule follower, everything neat and orderly. All he would need to do was look in her bedroom drawers and closet, and he would see for himself. She may not have reenlisted, but that was where her heart longed to be, where she felt comfortable, however she couldn’t return as long as she still felt broken inside. No, she needed to fix her own personal emotional injury before she would be able to fix anyone else’s.
“I don’t know about you, but I am ready for dessert and from Jill’s text message to me earlier this week, I believe you may have earned the chocolate cake you asked for.” KJ quickly scooped up both their plates.
“Can I give you a—”
“Sit, I got this.” KJ retreated through the door and into the safe haven of the kitchen before he could protest. Remember, this is just one night, so don’t let him get to you.
That’s odd. She left the room so quickly and with an expression that almost looked like he may have upset her in some way. I don’t think I said anything inappropriate, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t. Pushing himself away from the table, Drew decided he better go and apologize now. I hope she’s not in there crying. I don’t do tears well.
What greeted him on the other side of the door stopped him dead in his tracks. Holy shit! Katherine was bent over searching for something in the refrigerator. Cocking his head slightly to one side, he enjoyed the view of her beautiful round ass, now barely covered by her short skirt. He had no idea what she was struggling
to get off the bottom shelf of the fridge, but he couldn’t bring himself to offer to help. Not with this view. It was so tempting to sneak up behind her and grab hold of it. Damn. His body instantly reacted to hers but standing there watching her wasn’t his style. No, he wanted her, but when he made his move, she was going to see it coming and want it as badly as he did.
Clearing his throat, he attempted to announce his presence without startling her. Unfortunately, the total opposite happened. Katherine stood up and turned so quickly she lost her grip on the chocolate cake she’d been taking out of the refrigerator. As it tipped forward, Drew moved into action, reaching out and hoping to save the day with a phenomenal great catch. He was able to stop it from falling to the floor. However, he must have spent too many hours playing volleyball, as it looked more like he was trying to spike it over a net than catch the damn thing. Drew’s large hands tipped the edge of the platter sending the double-layer, chocolate-frosted cake back in Katherine’s direction, landing plastered against her neck and chest. That didn’t work out.
Katherine stood wide-eyed, her mouth gaping open in shock. “I . . . You . . . What . . .”
Taking hold of the plate, he took the now smashed cake from her hands and placed it on the nearby counter. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Or ruin the cake. He proceeded to assist her in removing chunks that still clung to her.
She stepped back and said, “I can do this myself if you don’t mind.”
I don’t mind at all. The chocolate melting against her warm flesh now dripped down her neck, following the path he wished his lips could take as they entered the crevice between her breasts. He could picture licking the frosting right off her, but by the tone she’d used, there was no chance that was happening. At least not tonight.
The Billionaire's Jackpot: Betting on You Series: Book Four Page 2
