Page 44 of Fractured

Chapter Fourteen

Nick

Standing in the lobby awaiting the arrival of the elevator, I look down into my scotch. Still stunned by Kat’s dismissal, I hope the burn of this pricey liquid can dull the pain. I left her room about thirty minutes ago dejected and returned to my suite. I didn’t have far to go as my room is on the same floor. I felt a little lightheaded and remembered I hadn’t eaten much today, so placed an order with room service. Deep down, I think my feeling ill is related to the sensation of my heart being ripped out,but maybe a steak will help. Waiting for the food delivery in the stifling silence of my room was driving me mad. Deciding to get a stiff drink, I headed for the bar.

As the doors begin to open, I contemplate whether I should down this drink and run back to the bar to ask for another. The offerings in the minibar do not appear strong enough to dull the ache in my chest. Deciding to push on, I enter the elevator nodding in greeting to the woman inside. As I push the button for my floor, I step back and lean against the wall behind me. I notice the woman has moved a little closer than I’d like, but I continue to stare into my drink.There’s no one else in this elevator, lady.

Looking for answers in a two-finger pour of scotch, I reflect on the evening. I bared my heart and soul to Kat, and she dismissed me. Granted, she thanked me first but sent me packing, nonetheless. I know I hurt her, but I thought she might be willing to forgive me if she understood why I behaved the way I did. I don’t blame her for being upset. She deserved better than the way I treated her. She deserves better than me.

I’m in a daze as the elevator doors open. Looking up to confirm it’s my floor, I begin to step out when I see none other than Katarina standing across the hall. The sight catches me by surprise, and I notice she’s eyeing the other passenger with me with a questioning gaze. I walk straight out to her, never looking back, so there’s no doubt I’m alone. My heart clenches at the sight of her. The adorable girl is dressed in tennis shoes, black leggings, and an oversized gray sweatshirt that says, ‘This is my Hallmark Christmas Movies Watching Shirt’ with her hair in braids on either side of her angelic face.Hell, I could eat her up right now.

“Hi,” she says quietly.

“Hi,” I return.

I notice she’s looking down at my drink. Feeling the need to explain, so she doesn’t assume I left her to go trolling for some company like men on business trips are want to do, I blurt, “I needed a drink.”

I watch a pained expression cross her features and wonder what she’s thinking. She stays silent, and I decide I can’t take this torture any longer. Shaking my head, I walk past her toward my room, resolving to take inventory of that damn minibar.

“Nick,” she says, again so quiet I almost miss it.

Glancing back, I look in her direction but avoid making eye contact. She slowly walks toward me, and I hold my breath, bringing my eyes to meet hers. As she comes to stand in front of me with tears in her eyes, she says, “I’m scared too.”

Before I can answer her, she’s on her toes, wrapping her arms around my neck. Not wanting to spill this much-needed libation onto her, I swiftly wrap my free hand around her waist and pull her into me. Burying my face in her neck, I take a deep inhalation to make sure this isn’t a mirage.

“Kitten, have you eaten?”

“What?”

“Did you eat dinner?”

“Um, I had a snack before I went to the bar.” She continues to cling to my neck, both of us whispering our answers into the other.

“Will you have dinner with me? In my room? I promise to be a gentleman. I just don’t want to let you go.” I feel her nod into my neck, and I let out a hesitant laugh. Changing my position to tuck her into my side, I walk us back to my room. “Baby, I need to get my key card. Can you hold my drink?” She looks up at me, appearing confused. “Well, it’s that, or you can get the card out of my pocket, but I’m not letting you go.”

I hear a tinkle of laughter escape her as she reaches for my drink. Reaching into my pocket for my key, I swipe it and usher her inside. I walk us to the couch and pick up the phone. “Yes, I placed a room service order about twenty minutes ago. Could I add a bottle of your best red wine and a large Caesar salad? Oh, and can you add a berry and cheese plate for dessert? Thank you.”

“Nick, you didn’t have to do that.”

“Well, I haven’t eaten much today.” I bend my head down to kiss her forehead. “I wasn’t that hungry after our conversation, but I’m looking forward to sharing with you.” I wink. “Can I fix you a drink?” I notice she looks at mine questioningly. “I needed something better than what was in the minibar.” I shrug.

“I’ll wait for the wine you ordered.”

Again, I kiss her forehead, trying hard to restrain myself. I don’t want to do anything to scare her away. “Kat?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you,” I answer, looking into her eyes. I’ve never been more grateful for a second chance. I pull her into my lap. “Can I hold you?” I watch as she nods, a slight smile crossing her face. I wrap my arms around her and crush her beautiful body to me. I feel her pull back from me and reluctantly let her.

She looks at me, seeming nervous. “Nick, everyone I’ve ever dated has betrayed me in some way. And I mean everyone. I’ve avoided relationships because I can’t bear getting hurt again. Then you come along. I tried to fight the way I was feeling. You already mean so much more than any of those others. I know if you hurt me, I’ll never recover. Sound familiar?” she pauses, looking down at her hands briefly. “But I put it all out there with you, and you just left.”

Overwhelmed with how much I already feel for this girl, I just nod, knowing what a coward I was. Knowing what a coward I still am, holding this secret back a little longer for fear of pushing her away for good. “Kat, I don’t know what’s going to happen. But I do know, for the first time, I want to try. I’ve never been as happy as I was that night of the party. It’s hard to grasp. Wanting something so much, knowing it could destroy you.” I cup her face in my hands, looking into her big brown eyes. “Can you forgive me? If you still aren’t ready to date, I understand. I don’t want to push you. But when you are, I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

Suddenly, she’s throwing her arms around my neck, leaning into me. Caught off guard, I fall back with her onto the couch. I can hear a little laughter right before there’s a knock at the door.

Kat

Rubbing my belly, taking a sip of some of the best Merlot I’ve ever tasted, I smile over at Nick. “Thank you. This was really good.” He shared his steak, potato, salad, and bread. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until he lifted that silver dome, and the succulent aromas spilled out. Grateful to be wearing such casual clothing, I’m suddenly aware he’s still sporting suit pants and his starched white button-down.

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