Page 76 of Until Tomorrow Comes
“What’s on your mind, Lynx?”
“Now you’re really stretching with the cat names.” Kat chuckles, shaking her head as she smiles at me over the brim of her glass. “How do you want to introduce me this weekend?”
Her question has me pausing.
I have been so caught up in enjoying my time with her, and getting to know her in every way, that I didn’t even consider the elephant in the room.
My stomach drops a bit as I turn to look at her as a thought crosses my mind.
“I’m so sorry, Kat.”
Her brows furrow as she meets my gaze.
“I got so caught up in this, inyou, that I didn’t stop to think about if we were moving too fast.”
“What?” She questions.
“I should have had more control over my desire for you. I don’t ever want you to feel like you were forced into something or be the reason for any potential guilt. If I was a gentleman, I would have waited for your marriage to be—”
Kat reaches out, cutting me off with a shake of her head while placing her hand on my arm. Her thumb rubs in soothing circles as she holds my stare.
“You did not force me into anything. You checked in with me, multiple times, and gave me multiple chances to stop. Being with you was,is, just… natural. I don’t second guess myself or doubt what is happening.” She runs her hand down my arm and interlocks our fingers, staring at our hands as she continues.
“As for any guilt when it comes to that sham of a marriage… We were done the moment I packed my bags to leave. If not then, we sure as Hell were over the moment that the restraining order was signed after he left me beaten half to death for Alan to find.”
My teeth grind together at the mention of how badly he hurt her, especially knowing how deeply that pain actually runs.
“When I asked you how you wanted to introduce me this weekend, I simply meant it as, this is your family. And if they’re anything like mine, they’re going to make assumptions of their own unless we nip it in the bud.”
Forcing myself to relax, I stare out over the balcony.
“Guess we probably should have had the ‘what are we’ conversation before coming here.” I chuckle lightly, but knots form in my stomach at the uncertainty.
She doesn’t say anything right away and I don’t interrupt the silence, my own thoughts running wild.
When I agreed to let her stay with me, it was simply to help Alan out. Now, I can’t imagine going a single day without seeing her.
It’s not just her infectious smile or how kind and brilliant she is, inside and out. I’ve sat beside her on the low days, watching in admiration when she doesn’t let them win. She’s opened herself up to Doctor Davis, Thea, and myself, even when she has every reason to not trust anyone again.
Even after all the shit thrown her way, she doesn’t give up on herself.
“I don’t think we need to figure everything out right now. As long as we’re both okay with everything going on, I say we just get through these next few weeks and go from there. With the wedding and my soon-to-be ex-husband… I don’t want either of us to feel forced into anything.”
I nod in agreement.
“This is your family, but more importantly, it’syourex-wife. It’s up to you how we handle introductions this weekend. If you want me to put on all the charm and play into the role of yourdate, now that could be fun. If you want to say I’m a friend then that’s easy enough. Considering first and foremost, we are friends. I’m here foryouthis weekend because I care about you, and only you.”
My heart thuds heavily in my chest at her words and for a moment, I find myself completely speechless.
Here is this beautiful woman, putting me and my feelings first. Blinking rapidly, I break her knowing gaze. No woman has ever done that before. Clearing my throat, I try to think of something to say.
“Thank you.” I whisper, emotion coating my throat.
“You also don’t have to decide tonight. We could just wing it and go with whatever comes naturally tomorrow.” She smiles back at me, raising her glass in my direction with a wink. “We’re good at doing what comes naturally.”
Despite the chaos of emotions and uncertainty of this weekend, I laugh.
25
