Page 50 of Scooter's Endgame
“It’s awesome she got it. Definitely something to celebrate. Let’s make a plan to get together and do that over the weekend.”
“For sure. I’d like that, and I’m sure Kay will too.”
“Speaking of. What are you intending to do about ‘Kay’?”
“That, right there, is the million-dollar question.”
“As a friend – a brother if you will, rather than your team leader — I say this because I care about your happiness. Tell her how you feel. You’ve had feelings for her for years. If there’s ever going to be a time to speak up, now’s that time.Tell her how you feel.
“Lay it all out for her and take your chances. We’re not getting any younger, so when we have a chance at love, I say we grab it with both hands. So, I repeat – tell her how you feel.”
Knight’s sentiments echo my own. Just a short while ago I was thinking exactly the same thing. Tonight’s the night.
“Yeah, you’re right. And I think tonight’s as good a time as any. In fact, she’s invited me to hang out this evening.”
“Sounds good. Let me know how it works out, yeah? And Scooter, you know I’m here for you anytime, right?”
“Yeah, I know. And I appreciate it. I hope you know that.”
“I do. Now go get your girl. I’ll chat with you soon.” Like always, the line goes dead, and he’s gone, leaving me to mull over our conversation while I finish getting done.
* * *
A bottleof wine in one hand, I lift the other to ring Kathleen’s doorbell. Out of nowhere, a case of nerves like I’ve not experienced in a long time hits me square in the chest. What if she doesn’t feel the same as I do? Worse, what if she says she’s not interested in me like that, but wants to stay friends?
A sheen of sweat forms on my forehead, and I feel like I’m about to embark on my very first mission again. I drop my hand back to my side and just stand there, staring at the door. Out of nowhere, I hear Knight’s voice in my head. “Deep breaths, you’ve got this. I know you can do this. You just need to believe you can.” The very same words he said to me on that first mission, standing in front of another door as I prepared to breach it.
I reach up and wipe the sweat from my brow, take a bracing breath and, before I can change my mind, I jab the doorbell. I hear the gentle peal of the bell, and then moments later, the soft tread of Kathleen’s footsteps.
She opens up, and my world tilts on its axis. Gorgeous. That’s the only word that comes to mind right then.
I have no idea what the hell she’s done to her eyes, but they’re huge and smoky, and oh so seductive. My body reacts, before I’ve even taken in the rest of her. Headed south, my eyes take in the drapey T-shirt that manages to cover but accentuate at the same time, and the curve-hugging jeans. She’s swapped her sneakers for flat, blingy sandals that show off her cute, painted toes.
Damn, this woman is fire.
“Hi, come on in,” she invites, standing aside to make space for me to pass.
It takes me a minute to find my voice. Clearing my throat, and mind, I step inside. “Hey.” I hand her the bottle. “I’m not sure what’s for dinner – smells incredible, by the way – so I hope this will pair with it.”
Kathleen checks the label, then nods. “Yep, it’s perfect actually. Thanks.” I see her look over at a clock. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Shall we eat? Or would you prefer to wait a while?”
I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something in her voice that makes me study her just a little closer. I was so caught up in how incredible she looks I completely missed how nervous she seems.
Curious as to why, I ask, “Everything all right?”
“Yeah, why?”
“No particular reason. Just checking in on you. It’s been a stressful few days, after all.”
“Isn’t that the truth. But yeah, I’m good.” Her words and vibe don’t jibe, but I decide to leave it for the moment.
“Okay, as long as you’re sure?” She nods while I study her for a minute longer. “Well, in that case, let’s eat. I’ll open the wine while you get everything set out.”
“Thanks,” she replies, turning toward the kitchen. I have to clench my fists to prevent myself from reaching for her as Kathleen leads the way, hips swaying seductively in those snug jeans.
“Where will I find a corkscrew?”
“Top drawer of the island.” She opens the oven door, and the most delicious smell wafts out. “I hope you’re hungry, ’cause I made plenty.”
