He laughs congenially, then replies almost immediately, “Aye, but she’s a very private person.”
What? Does he mean me or someone else? I’d hardly consider myself as someone special to him. He couldn’t even tell me last night what he wants from us. Besides all that, I’m not exactly a private person when I’ve lived most of my life in the public spotlight. It can’t be me.
It tears me apart to think there may be someone else from his past, and as the interview winds down, I excuse myself from his mother, saying I need to make a work call.
I walk outside and suck in some much-needed fresh air. We’ve got no other events today and don’t leave for Birmingham until late tomorrow. I only need to hold it together till I’m back in the privacy of my room.
Chapter twenty-four
Drew
What’supwithKatie?Back at the hotel after the interview, she couldn’t escape to her room fast enough. I didn’t follow her because I’d promised my mom that we would have lunch together before she and Rory went home. I was going to invite Katie to come with us, but she disappeared before I could even get the words out.
Lunch was booked at a fancy restaurant in the center of the city, and it lived up to every one of the excellent reviews I read online. It was the kind of place I never imagined I would be able to afford. It feels good being able to treat my mom and brother in this way.
Mom and I stand side by side outside the restaurant, waiting for Rory. He’s gone to get the car from the nearby parking garage.
“Ye know, my lad, I’m very proud of what ye’ve done,” Mom says, continuing to look up the street rather than at me. I’ve always known she was proud of all of her children, but I think this might be the first time she’s said it to me.
I put my arm around her slim shoulders and hug her into my side. “Aye, Mum. I know.”
Surprisingly, instead of hugging me back, she nudges me in the ribs. “Katie is a bonnie lass.” I’m amazed she’s waited this long to bring up the subject of Katie. I saw them sitting together during the interview, and they looked to be getting along really well. Just like I knew they would.
“Aye, Mum, I have noticed how beautiful she is.”
“Yer off yer head if yer don’t do something about her. I like her.” I smile. I certainly would be mad to not try to make things work between Katie and me.
“I’m working on it, Mum.”
She smiles at me, and this time when she leans in, I get a hug, not a jab. Rory pulls the car up to the curb, and I open the door for my mother. When she’s settled, Rory leans across and asks, “You sure you don’t want a ride back to the hotel?”
“Aye. The short walk will be good exercise for my leg,” I tell him, and he nods. Then with a final farewell, they drive off.
The truth is, I wanted the fresh air to clear my head before I go see Katie. It’s time we finished our conversation from last night. Mom is right. I need to stop stuffing around and do something to show Katie that she means more to me than just a good time. We’ve established our sexual chemistry is real, and now I need to prove that my feelings go deeper. It’s not going to be easy when, up until now, I’ve been eluding her. The first night, I snuck out of her hotel room, then in Cornwall, I sent her away. And even in New York, I left her in the dark meeting room. I’ve told her I want her, but I’ve never shown it.
I’ve been such a fucking idiot. It’s time I let her know in words and actions that I want to be with her.
Number thirty-six. Katie’s room at the hotel. It’s not hard to find since it’s right beside mine. I lift my hand and knock three times. She said she had work to do, so I’m assuming she’s in there. Although by the way she raced off earlier, anything is possible.
This morning before the interview, when I kissed her, it felt like the planets had finally aligned for us. I thought we were good. But by the end of the interview, her mood had shifted. I wish I knew what had changed. Then I’d be better prepared for this chat.
I rub my leg, impatiently waiting for her to open the door. And when she’s standing before me, all my prepared words fly out of my head. She’s gorgeous, as always, with her hair pulled back tightly into a ponytail and dressed casually in a tank top and leggings.
I step forward, not waiting to be invited in, even though I should. I guess it’s okay, because she steps back to let me pass. When the door is closed behind us, I turn and pull her into my arms. She doesn’t resist. I want to recapture the feeling of our kiss from this morning, but one look into her eyes tells me that she doesn’t want my kisses.
“Why did you run away so quickly after the interview?” I ask. It’s not what I planned to say, but it comes out anyway. I need to understand what’s going on behind her sad eyes.
She pulls back, and I instantly drop my arms. It feels like we’ve been here before.
“Drew, I can’t do this again without knowing … Has there been anyone else?” My mouth drops open. Of all the things I thought she was going to say, that wasn’t one of them.
With a finger under her chin, I lift her face to mine. “Katie, there has been no one else since our one-night stand. There could be no one but you. Don’t you understand? I wantyou.”
She stands statue still in front of me, her only movement the rapid blinking of her dark eyes as she searches mine.
I reach out to take her hands in mine. “Last night when I didn’t speak up, it’s because I hadn’t really thought much further ahead than us seeing each other. You made me stop and consider what comes next. I want to take you to dinner, then on other dates. See how things go … Whatever you want for us, I want it too.”
Katie breathes deeply as she continues to stare at me. I wish she would say something, because for once I can’t read what’s behind her tear-filled eyes. Are they good tears or bad tears?
