Page 30 of Bonded

“No worries. You sure you’re all right? Digby didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No, I’m good. Look, you go. We’ll talk later.”

As he closes the door, she leans back against the desk and sighs. Again her moment of contemplation is interrupted—this time by the bleep of her phone.

Reservation for dinner is booked for 20:30. Can’t wait to see you again. Riley xx.

“Shit!” She sighs, rubbing her head. “What a mess.” After what happened with Darius, she’s not sure if going for dinner with Riley is the best idea.

Luna snaps and snarls angrily in her head, questioning her choices.What the hell do you think you’re doing?

“You know Luna… I don’t actually have a damn clue.”

Chapter 9

“Riley, I have to say that was delicious. I’m so full I don’t think I can eat another thing.” Kat smiles as she scrapes the last of the chocolate dessert from the plate. “This place is amazing, but please you must let me go halves on the check.”

“No, I invited you, it’s my treat. Besides, I had a really great time, and that doesn’t happen very often so…” he raises his glass, “thank you for the company.”

“You’re welcome.” She clinks with him before finishing up the last of her wine.

“Would you like some more? I can order another bottle?”

“No, I’m good, thanks. You know…” she checks her watch, “maybe I should order a cab? I’m sure I’ll have to get up earlier tomorrow, run off some of this food. It really was delicious, but it sure as hell won’t do my fitness much good,” she smiles.

“Okay… well, perhaps we could take a walk before you go and at least work off the dessert?” He smiles and puffs his stomach out. “I’m pretty full too.”

“All right, yeah, that would be nice and it’s not like I’m in any hurry to get back.”

She smiles as the waiter brings her jacket and they get ready to leave.

“Riley, this has been lovely and I’ve had such a great time. Thank you.”

“Well, maybe we could do it again? I mean if you want to?”

“Yeah, maybe, but can I let you know? My schedule’s pretty busy right now.”

“Well, the offer’s stands. Anytime, just call me.” He holds her coat, and she slides her arms in, then without really thinking, he takes a hold of her hand as they leave.

***

Walking, the street is quiet as they head towards the park. Kat stops and takes a deep breath as she looks up at the moon. “Four days…” she sighs, “until the full moon—there are four more days.”

“Oh, okay. Sorry, I didn’t know that. I guess it’s not something I take much notice of except sometimes… when I’m on a night shift then I might go up to the helipad on top of the hospital and look at the stars. It’s quiet up there away from the bustle of the ward and I’ll just sit there if I wanna clear my head.”

“It sounds nice.”

“Yeah, it is. I tell you what, if I get a chance I’ll go up on Saturday night and take a look. I copped for a double shift—swapped with someone so I could get tonight off.”

“Oh no, that’s not good.”

“No, it’s fine. The night off was worth it.”

It’s quiet where they stand at the edge of the park and faintly in the distance, they can hear the droning buzz of the nightlife. It seems far away—even though it’s only the other side of the large green space.

Riley smiles and taking a deep breath he looks at Kat and then apprehensively places his hands on either side of her waist and tentatively leans forward and kisses her. “Sorry,” he gasps. “I’m not sure why I did that.” He sighs, wondering if he will regret the forwardness of his actions.

“It’s okay,” she smiles, taking a moment to consider what just happened. “Look, Riley… I… well I don’t wanna rush into anything with you. Sorry, what I mean is I’m not looking for a relationship right now. But that doesn’t mean I’m not looking for a friend—a good friend. Someone to be close to, to talk with, or enjoy a nice meal with.” She strokes his face, looking at his beautiful features. The white glow from the moonlight makes him look so handsome. He’s such a nice guy, but it’s obvious how much he likes her and she’s suddenly filled with a pang of guilt about toying with his feelings. Kat likes him. They have so many common interests and she could talk with him all night, about anything—tell him anything and he’d listen to her. That’s probably why he makes such a great doctor. “Riley, I really like you but… I don’t want anything to spoil the friendship that’s building between us, and I don’t want to lead you on either.”

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