Page 39 of Degrees of Innocence
He looks mischievous. “All in good time, Baby,” he says. We find a table overlooking the water. “What are you thinking, Katarina?” he asks.
“We’ve known each other for a week and we met in this very bar. Is that why you brought me here, tonight?”
“It’s one of the reasons I brought you here. I enjoy this bar and meeting you here just makes it that much more special. I didn’t want to take you upstairs just yet,” he says, gauging my reaction.
“So you brought me here to prolong my agony?”
“I thought it was pretty well suited since you wouldn’t stop tormenting me today,” he says.
“I don’t like this punishment very well,” I say, pretending to pout as the waitress brings us our wine.
“Baby, you’re such a delight. It’s a punishment that will provide you greater pleasure in the end,” he says.
“I’m not sure about that. I need to go to the restroom,” I say.
“Can I come and watch?” he asks softly.
“No, I think you’ve done quite enough already,” I retort, smiling as I head toward the ladies restroom. Jay is standing by the far wall appearing to look at a tourist pamphlet. As I make my way back to the lounge area, I almost stop dead in my tracks as I see Mark at a table with other members of the event team. I recall Chase gave them the choice of flying back to the states or staying on the island until the event resumed. Mark notices me right away and leaves the table to come and talk to me.Be cool, I admonish myself.Do not show that he intimidates you or he will sense it.
“Hey, Mark,” I call out as he reaches me.
“Kate, I didn’t expect to see you around until Monday. We were told you were in an altercation on the beach. Hope it wasn’t anything too serious,” he says, appearing sincere and friendlier than normal.
“I took a pretty bad hit to the head and I’m banged up a little, but feeling much better.”
“I don’t know how much you overheard the other night, but I had been drinking for almost an hour and was just blowing off some steam. I’m sorry if you heard something inappropriate,” he says, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
“Mark, I’m not quite sure what you’re referencing. I was in such a rush to go for a run that I’m afraid I wasn’t paying much attention.” Chase is standing at the door glowering into the room at the two of us.
Mark appears to visibly relax. “A few of the physicians flew back to the states and will travel back in, but the rest of us took Chase up on his offer to stay at the Ridalgo until the event resumes. We were just going to order another round of drinks if you would like to join us,” he says.
“Thanks for the offer, but I believe Chase just ordered a drink for the two of us, but maybe a different night,” I say before heading towards Chase, who meets me halfway into the room, puts his arm around me and guides me back to our table.
“What did he say to you?” he asks as we reach the bar.
“He said he wasn’t sure what I overheard the other day and apologized for any inappropriateness,” I reply.
“Katarina, do you really believe he is sincere?” he asks.
“No, I don’t. Right now he doesn’t know what I heard or what I’ve said to you.”
“You shouldn’t have been talking to him alone like that.”
“Jay was right outside the hall and obviously texted you the moment he saw Mark approach me or you would not have come rushing in like that. Am I right?”
“Katarina, what am I going to do with you?” he says. The quirky smile that is becoming so familiar appears.
“Chase, you’re going to have to pretend you don’t know anything about Mark. He isn’t sure if I’ve told you and I don’t want to give my hand away.”
“I’ll think about it, Baby,” he says.
The band begins to play an island rendition of a well-liked song and Chase takes my hand, leading me onto the dance floor, holding me close to his body and skillfully weaves me among the other guests. My head rests comfortably on his chest and I can hear the sound of his heartbeat as we dance to several numbers.
“Let’s go upstairs for the night, Katarina,” he whispers as another song comes to an end. He nods to Jay as we head to his room and we’ve barely entered the room when he pulls me into his arms, capturing my lips gently with his own.
“Does it turn you on to walk around and dance in public with no panties on?” he asks. I feel the hot blush on my cheeks.
“I’m sure I should be punished for such brazenness,” I tease.
