by Danielle Lee
“Here,” he said, taking off his coat and placing it around her shoulders. “You must be cold.”
She smiled and thanked him. Cold? Who was he kidding?
The trio made their way to Warren’s car. He had a black Eddie Bauer SUV. The inside was tan and had all the bells and whistles that went along with it. He placed her three suitcases in the back along with her overnight bag, then held the door open for her and her sister to get in. Her sister immediately crawled into the back seat and winked at Kat, as she was made to sit in the front passenger seat. Warren’s seat was back further than hers was. His legs stretched out in front of him and his right arm lay over the top of her seat in habit as he drove.
“Sorry,” he said. His face reddened slightly as they made the left turn into her parents’ driveway.
She smiled as they pulled up. Her brothers were all there with their families in the driveway, and the front yard was filled with children running amok. A beach ball made its way to the grill of Warren’s SUV.
“Oh, God, I’m sorry.” Kat winced, then smiled at her nephew that was running toward her vehicle. “He knows better than to—”
Warren’s hand covered the top of Katherine’s. “It’s okay. He’s a child. Plus, this wouldn’t be the first time that happened, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” Warren smiled at her.
That’s right, he was a family friend. Funny, she’d never heard of him. Who knows how many times he had been there before? She felt slightly taken aback. She didn’t know that her father’s doctor was that important in their lives. It wasn’t until now that she wondered what was really going on with her father. It must’ve been a lot more serious than she originally thought.
Karen opened her door and got out while Warren and Katherine still sat in the driveway. His hand still covered hers, and she could feel his quickened pulse. She silently wondered if he could feel hers. His touch did something to her. His eyes, still on her, turned downward as he realized he was still touching her. “I…” He seemed to forget what he was going to say.
She would finish it for him. “I need to get out there. I’m sure my parents would like to see me,” she said nervously. “Thanks so much for coming to pick me up. I’m sure my sister appreciated your company.” Why would she say that? What would she mention her sister for? She already knew this wasn’t goggle man.
“You’re welcome, Kat. I mean Katherine,” he said nervously.
“It’s okay. You can call me Kat. All of my friends call me that,” Katherine replied as she opened the door of the truck. “Thanks again.”
“I don’t want to be just friends,” Warren muttered softly when she was out of earshot.
It was going to be a long two weeks indeed. With a woman like her around, he would have to keep himself busy. Bill wasn’t kidding: she was perfect for him.
***
“Kitty Kat! I’m so glad to see you! Come give your papa a kiss!” Her father had his arms extended as she walked over to him.
“Hi, Daddy,” she said happily. “How’re you doing?”
“Katie!” William Jr. said.
She turned around and her eldest brother ran over to her with something behind his back.
Her father gave him a knowing look. “Billy!” he scolded.
Billy laughed. “Well, Katie, as you know, we prepared a hell of a meal for you tonight, a welcome home dinner. Mom made chicken alfredo. I thought this was in order.” He handed her the item from behind his back: a bottle of cabernet. What a jackass.
“You are such a—”
“Katherine, language!” Gail Daniels interrupted as she slapped her oldest on the side of the head. “Bill, I will deal with you later.”
Her other brothers and sister laughed good-naturedly.
“You guys finished having your fun?” Kat asked heatedly.
“Don’t get your panties in an uproar. You know your brothers. If they didn’t say something stupid, they wouldn’t say anything at all.” Her father grinned and continued. “Now, come give me a hug, and tell me where Kelsey lives. Tommy Jones swears he has a baseball bat with his name on it.”
Kat rolled her eyes playfully. “Tommy Jones couldn’t hit a T-ball if he wanted to. But I’ll make sure to thank him for the offer.”
Bill and Gail laughed as a tall, nice-looking man came around the corner.
“How exactly are you thanking me, Kitty?”
“Oh, God, you guys really do take in anyone, don’t you?” Kat laughed. “How ya doing, Tommy?” Kat asked.
Warren came around the corner now, joining in on the fun. He brought a plate of food to the large picnic area in the backyard. From the moment he walked back from his car she caught his eye, and he smiled and sat down, listening to the banter going on between her and the illustrious Tommy.
“I don’t know exactly—maybe I’ll think of something.” Kat winked and wriggled her eyebrows up and down. The crowd around them oohed and ahhed. She smiled wider, playing along with the group.
Tommy’s face reddened and was smug. “I have an idea, baby…Why don’t we go to the movies?”
Katherine’s face contorted in anger as her fists went to her sides. “Tommy Jones, I hate you!” she yelled. His smile fell as she lunged herself toward him, wrapping her hands around his neck.
“Whoa, hold on, Kat,” Tommy laughed as he tried to catch his breath. “I didn’t know you were so wild. I should never have broken up with you, damn!” He chuckled even harder as he fell to the ground with her on top of him.
She started to laugh as she loosened her grip.
“Damn it, Tommy,” she laughed, “I…I broke up with you!” She laughed even harder as she sat up, clutching her side.
Warren and the rest joined in with the laughter. A few moments later, Tommy leaned over and planted a big wet kiss on her mouth. Her eyes widened as she realized what was happening. “Oh, God…”
“Tommy,” Warren said sternly.
Everyone stopped laughing and turned to face Warren. Bill’s eyes twinkled as he looked at him. Gail put her hand up to her mouth as if to stifle a laugh, and Karen and her brothers exchanged glances.
“What?” Tommy said, still laughing. “Oh, geez, Warren. Kat knows I’m just joking. Besides, I’m after the other sister—she’s still young.”
Karen rolled her eyes as everyone laughed.
“Well, that makes sense. I’m not sure if he’s a step up or down from the scuba diver,” Bill said gleefully.
The whole crowd erupted in laughter now as Kat looked at Warren, obviously missing something. She shook it off as she stood up, holding her hand out to Tommy.
“Truce, Loverboy?”
“Why not?” He took her and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “I think Doc’s got the hots for ya.” Then he walked away, leaving her to turn a bright red, standing by herself.
***
As the day went on, Kat visited with nearly everyone at the family get-together that her parents held for her. The food was great. Her mom prepared all of her favorite dishes as well as some of her famous desserts that she made for the restaurant she worked for. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves as they told stories of the past—most of them from Kat’s awkward high school dating period, courtesy of the infamous Tommy Jones.
As the night approached, she kissed her nephews goodnight as their families left for home. The only people left were her sister, Karen, Warren, and her parents. When the bonfire died out, she stood up and began collecting dishes with Warren and Karen as her parents sat at the picnic table chatting.
“Damn, Mom is a good cook isn’t she, Kat?” Karen said happily as she patted her stomach.
Kat looked down at hers and laughed. “I’m afraid my buttons will pop! I haven’t eaten like that in a long time. Thank God I’m in New York. I wouldn’t be able to resist chez Gail.”
Warren smiled as he brought in the last of the dishes and placed them in the sink. “Your mother really outdid herself this time.”
Karen looked a
t Kat as Warren picked up a towel to wash the dishes. She motioned with her hands toward his butt, then placed her hands up toward her face and fanned herself theatrically. Kat laughed aloud as Warren turned around.
“What? Karen, what are you doing?”
Karen’s face was red as he looked at her. “Nothing…I…I’m going to go outside. Kat, won’t you dry?” she asked, then winked and threw a towel at her as she walked out the door.
Warren smiled and turned to look at Kat. “You don’t have to do any of this, you know? You just got in, and I’m sure you’re tired.”
“The plane ride was what, an hour?” Kat laughed. “I would feel pretty guilty if I didn’t help out. Besides, Karen insisted. I know damn well she won’t do it. She never helped out much when we were kids, and if I leave, you will be here all night.”
Warren didn’t think that was such a bad idea. Sure, he had seen pictures of her thousands of times, but in person she was a knockout. Her personality was great; she was a spitfire with Tommy. He could just about imagine what she would be like in bed. “Well, I appreciate the help then.”
The door to the kitchen opened a few minutes later as they were in mid-conversation about her work with High Fashion. Warren quoted a few of her articles and she laughed at some of the advice she gave. Bill Daniels walked in and put his arm around the both of them. “My two favorite people, this is nice,” he said, smiling.
Kat looked back, the light bulb finally turning on, and she turned around to glare at her father.
“Wait a minute here,” she said as she pointed to her father’s chest.
His face broke into a wide grin, with both of his hands coming up in the surrender position. “What, Kitty? Ah, I missed you so much.” He leaned in for a hug as she awkwardly stood there with her finger still poised.
“Not you too?” she whispered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, dear. Now, Warren here tells me that he used to take a creative writing course at UCLA. Didn’t you take something like that?”
Katherine shook her head, not believing the conniving old man. “Yes, of course, but…”
“Katherine, Warren’s our guest. You really don’t know much about him. Besides, I don’t know how much longer I can stay up. I’m getting a little tired.” He faked a yawn and then turned to look at Warren. “Tell her about the creative writing course, Doc. She can probably help you out.” Katherine’s father smiled and nudged the young doctor in the shoulder, making a few grunts here and there while he left the kitchen for his bedroom.
A few minutes later, she heard the soft sounds of Sinatra coming from the backyard. Her mother walked into the kitchen, smiled, and mouthed “what” when she saw Katherine's face, then walked back toward her bedroom.
“Warren, I’m sorry, I don’t know…”
“It’s okay, leave it. Besides, I love Sinatra.” He smiled, then put his hand on hers as she went to turn toward the backyard. The dishes were almost finished; only a few were left in the sink now.
She looked down at their hands and swallowed. “I’m going to go outside and sit on the dock. I need some air.”
Warren removed his hand as she walked toward the door. “I’ll come with you.” He grabbed a bottle of merlot off the counter, with two glasses.
The backyard was lit with little tiki torches that led down to a pond in the very back. Her father and brothers had built the dock while she was in high school. They had paddleboats and a canoe tied to the side of it. Warren sat down on one of the Adirondack chairs that sat next to the dock. He placed the bottle of merlot and the glasses on the table that was between the two chairs, then looked up to see her hug her arms around her chest.
“This place is great, isn’t it?” Warren picked up the wine and poured them each a glass.
“Yes, it’s nice. I had a great childhood. Do you live around here?” she asked, now turning toward her chair to sit down.
Warren handed her a glass of the merlot, and then took a seat beside her.
“Thanks.”
Warren nodded. “Yes, actually I live within walking distance. I have a house about a mile away from here, but I love the pond. Your dad and I sit out here for hours sometimes, just talking.”
“Really? I didn’t know Dad was doing so badly. I had no idea that you saw him so much.”
“Oh, not professionally—although your dad should be more careful with his health, he’ll be just fine. I, on the other hand, think I need him more than he needs me. I was never able to talk to my parents the way I can talk with him and Gail. He seems to know me better than I do…at least knows what’s good for me.” He smiled, then looked up to find her staring at him. He glanced back down immediately.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever had that kind of relationship with my dad. I can talk with him, but I guess I close myself off. Now my mom, on the other hand…We have shared some secrets.” She chuckled, thinking of all of the times she and her mom laughed about men.
“Yeah, Gail’s great. I had a few bad days in the past month and your dad brought me out here on the water to clear my head.” Why was he telling her this? He hadn’t so much confided in his own mother. He seemed like a faucet around her, pouring out his thoughts.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. My dad used to bring me out here to fish when I was younger. It’s peaceful, helps with the thinking. I hope you’re doing well now?”
“Yes, much better, thanks. Hey, would you be interested in going out there for a little while?” He gestured to the lake.
“Well, I…”
“You know, it’s okay if you don’t want to. I just thought all this talk about the water, you know…Forget it.”
“I think it would do me a little good. I’m coming off a bad week myself. Wanna go get some poles? I’ll untie the boat.” She smiled as she stood up, stretching and taking in the cool night’s breeze.
“Sure.” Warren stood up and went up to the house to collect the poles and tackle box.
As he made his way down from the house, she noticed his hands shaking slightly. He seemed nervous.
“I brought some mosquito repellent, too…” He sounded like such a dork.
“Thanks, I was hoping you would bring that. I used to get bitten to death out here.”
He dropped the stuff down into the canoe and reached up for her hand as she shakily stepped in. The boat rocked slightly, and then she fell into his arms.
Arms that felt so good to fall into.
The heat inside her started to well up as she steadied herself for more deadly waters. She looked up and saw him staring back down at her lips. It was then that she knew he was going to kiss her. He tilted his head lower and brought his hands up to her jaw, bringing her lips to his. His tongue outlined her mouth, then he took her bottom lip in his and kissed her.
Her lips were soft, inviting, as he took in the sweet taste of her. She didn’t want to pull back, but something made her. She looked up, wondering if it felt just as good for him as it did for her, and then she saw him smile.
He could still feel the way her lips felt against his, the way she felt when they touched. He was still touching her, holding onto her tightly. Then a light shone in the distance, breaking the hold that he had on her, and he realized it was a porch light.
Her heart beat quickly as she stood there, thinking about what had just happened. Warren put his hands to his sides as she slowly backed away.
“Maybe this was a bad idea.” Her face turned pink as she climbed out of the boat. “Thank you for the kiss…I mean the boat, the…Thank you.”
Warren smiled. She was flustered, and he got her that way. He felt it too. He bent down to sit in the boat, feeling the back of his neck with his hand. He shook his head. He knew from the months that he had known her father that she was a special lady. Her father talked about her likes, dislikes, her schooling, then recently he told him that he was worried for her in the big city. And, somehow, so was he. New York certainly had its ups, but had a lot of downs, too
. As far as crime went, it was everywhere. But now that he had met Katherine, he could tell why Bill had been so worried. She was nothing like he had ever known. She was something else.
He decided that he now needed that boat ride more than ever. From the moment she got off of the plane and walked with him and her sister, he’d felt like he’d been hit by a Mack truck. The woman that he’d dreamed about for months was finally there, and she was everything that Bill said she was and more. After kissing her, he knew that he had to do it again. He sat on the boat for a few hours, thinking of his strategy for just that. Once he felt confident that a good plan was made, he stepped out of the boat and drove home.
Bill Daniels watched the doctor from his bedroom window. He saw him in the boat, he saw the kiss, and smiled. It wouldn’t take much to get those two together, he thought. All it needed was a little push. Katherine was a tough egg to crack; they’d butted heads a lot when she lived at home, but God how he loved her. She was the only one of his kids that he felt confident would survive outside of the home. Bill shook his head and laughed as Gail turned her head from her pillow.
“What are you doing up this hour, Bill?”
“Oh, the boy just kissed her. I didn’t think he would ever make his move. Thank God I didn’t tie that boat securely to the dock the last time I went out. You should have seen it. She practically…well, she did. She fell into his arms, and what did I tell you…fate. Those two are meant to be together. A doctor, Gail!” He wiggled his eyebrows like his daughter, and happily cried, “Free health care!”
“Oh, God, Bill. You’re as bad as Aunt Tilly. Let the girl fall in love with who she wants to.” Gail smiled, then made her way to the window. “Where is she now?”
“Ah, she went to bed. She came in after the porch light went on.”
