Page 14 of Unruly Kris

“Yeah well, I’m a movie star, we practically invented the word,” he pointed out then deepened his voice, doing an exceptional imitation of an announcer. “She’s strict, he’s wild, she’s Army, he’s Armani, will they have what it takes to survive? It’s the feel-good rom com of the summer!”

“Jerk,” she said laughing, giving him a playful swat as he dodged expertly away.

“Tell you what, let’s make a deal.” He softened his eyes and gave her an innocent looking face. “50/50 split, you let me spoil you 50% of the time, I’ll let you be frugal, and Army sharp the other 50%.”

It was hard to say no to him when he looked so genuine, so instead she mean mugged him and raised a finger in warning. “30% spoiling, 70% frugal and you have a deal. Also, I reserve the right to secretly like things but act annoyed. Let me have that, okay? I think I might need it to keep my sanity.”

“Done.” Kris took the finger and shook it. “By the way, what's your ring size again? And do you prefer sapphires or diamonds? Just for future purposes.”

“Ha-ha, very funny.” Cath frowned at the doorbell. “Are you expecting someone?”

Kris checked his phone as the bell sounded again. “That’s probably the driver I scheduled. We have to head out soon.”

“Why did you get a car?” Cath protested. “I’m perfectly capable of driving us. We can take the Lamborghini.”

“Not tonight, you’re taking the evening off.” Kris’s tone was firm. “No more work, no driving us places, no stress. Just two of us out for the night.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to point out that for her walking blind into a possible A-list event was the epitome of stress, but she bit the sarcastic comment back. He grudgingly accepted it earlier in the day when she insisted on finishing her paperwork, on the condition that she took frequent breaks, showing up at her office door and glowering at her until she did so. She retaliated by making him go through the gambit of physical therapy activities the physical therapist had given him. He insisted she eat lunch in the kitchen away from her computer. She only agreed to that if he took a decent rest in the afternoon. He agreed…as long as she did. The afternoon ended with them falling asleep wound together on the sofa until dinner.

This is what happens when two stubborn fools try to take care of each other.It was like the War of the Roses with self-care, tactical reports and extension bands included.

They headed downstairs with Cath grabbing her purse and jacket as they sailed out the door. Parked in front of the house was a sleek black and red Bentley and standing close by was a sandy-haired gentleman Cath had never seen before. As they approached, he opened the passenger-side door and waited for them to slide into the backseat before returning to start the car.

“Evening Darren,” Kris leaned over and patted the driver’s shoulder in amicable familiarity.

“Evening Kris,” He gave a nod of welcome and respect to Cath as she settled in her seat. “Lieutenant Colonel Black, nice to finally meet you ma’am.”

“Nice to meet you as well.” Cath chuckled, threw her seatbelt on, and leaned in close to Kris. “I like him already.”

“One of us, one of us, one of us.” Kris chanted softly as he settled his free arm around her and hugged her close.

“Don’t push it.” Cath leaned her head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of his aftershave, and feelingly slightly euphoric.

“Don’t worry, the indoctrination is painless.” He gave her a mischievous grin and kissed her head. “You’ll get your membership certificate to the Rodeo Drive Club and a matching credit card in the mail in the next few weeks.”

“Okay, Iwilldrive myself.” Cath made like she was going to undo her seat belt. “Give me the directions and I’ll meet you there.”

“Darren, quick, start the car before she escapes.” Kris dodged as she took a playful swipe at him. “And make it speedy, if she leaves bruises, I don’t have time to do make up.”

“On it, sir,” Darren gave Cath a wink, turned the key in the ignition then began to navigate out of the driveway. “Get comfortable folks. I’ll have you there in plenty of time for the fun to start.”

As the car began to move, Kris leaned over and traced a path with his lips along Cath’s neck, starting at the base where her skin met her sweater and moving along until he was ghosting her jaw and the sensitive skin of her ear.

“What are you doing?” she said with a giggle, playfully pushing him away.

“Showing you what the best part of having a driver is.” Kris returned to his machinations contentedly, brushing his lips over hers lightly.

“And that would be?” Cath undid her seat-belt and turned, sliding one of her legs over his and inviting him closer.

“You don’t have to wait until you get where you’re going for the fun to start.” With a devilish grin he pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and nipping her lower lip.

“Well, who am I to argue with infallible logic like that?” Cath smiled against his lips and let him show her exactly how much fun they could have as the car whisked them away to the city.

12

A very well spent hour and a half later, the Bentley pulled up in front of an antique looking three story building in downtown Los Angeles. Cath recognized one of the massive upscale department stores, the kind that seemed slightly out of place amongst the boutique stores that lined the block but who’s devoted clientele had kept the doors open and the lights on for a century or more. The large bay windows were beautifully decorated with a flowing winter scene, a mixture of green forest and white snow showcasing a range of winter sporting gear as Christmas gift ideas. Hanging like stars across the top of the scene where ice blue Christmas bulbs acting as falling snow.

The building was surprisingly quiet looking, given it was the height of the shopping season and while the lights were shining bright and Cath could see people moving about through the windows, it seemed less than full capacity. Kris hadn’t lied about it being casual, there was no one outside and if there were press, they were in the building. If this was what the evening was going to be like, she might just make it through with it without any battle scars.

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