by Tiffany Snow
Blane’s hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin. “The how isn’t important,” he said. “As to the why – for you, of course. Merry Christmas, Kat.”
Something softened inside me and I reached up, pulling his head down to mine. Our lips met and it felt like coming home. I savored the familiar scent and feel of him.
His hands slid underneath my hair to cup my jaw, the rough pads of his thumbs brushing my cheeks. He deepened the kiss and I eagerly kissed him back. When we finally broke apart, my pulse was racing and his eyes had darkened.
I cleared my throat awkwardly, brushing a nervous hand through my hair as I stepped back. “Thank you,” I said. “That’s an amazing thing you did.”
He shook his head. “Thanks aren’t necessary,” he said lightly, taking my hand. Blane led me back outside to his car and drove us back to his home.
The sun was high in the sky now, about mid-morning, and we were greeted with the smell of bacon and coffee as we walked in through the door.
“Merry Christmas!” Mona said, stepping out of the kitchen. She wore an apron over black slacks and a dove gray sweater. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving,” I replied. “It smells wonderful, Mona.”
A familiar “meow” drew my attention and I looked down to see Tigger winding himself around my legs.
“Merry Christmas, Tigger,” I said, leaning down to give him a pat.
Blane helped me into the kitchen where we filled our plates and ate. Mona was a fabulous cook and I was glad I wasn’t living here permanently or I could easily gain ten pounds. She sat down with us, as did her husband, Gerard. They were in high spirits and chatted easily, telling me stories of when Blane was a child and his refusal to go to bed on Christmas Eve because he was determined to catch Santa.
I laughed, looking at Blane who smiled good naturedly with the teasing while he sipped his coffee. His arm was resting possessively on the back of my chair, his hand now and again touching my neck through my hair. One ankle rested on his knee and his whole body was turned fractionally towards me.
It was nice and I really enjoyed it. It had been several years since I’d had people with whom I could share Christmas, and before that, Mom had been sick. The kitchen was warm and cozy and smelled like a home. Gerard and Mona made me laugh and I could see the brilliant white snow outside glistening in the morning sunshine. I didn’t want it to end, but eventually my yawns could no longer be hidden.
“You need to take a nap, dear,” Mona gently chastised me. “You haven’t got your strength back yet.”
“No,” I protested, rising from my chair. “I want to help you clean up.”
“Nonsense!” she waved me aside. “Blane, take her upstairs, please. She needs to rest. We’ll have dinner at six this evening. Bob and Vivian are joining us.”
Blane led me from the room, his hand on the small of my back, gently guiding me.
“The Senator?” I asked.
Blane nodded. “He and Vivian often come for Christmas dinner, if they’re in town.”
“Is Kade coming as well?” I asked, trying to sound casual, as if I weren’t holding my breath waiting for his answer.
“He’ll be here,” was Blane’s curt response.
I didn’t say anything more until we’d reached my room. I sat down on the bed with a tired sigh. My leg ached and I was glad to be off it. I watched as Blane moved to the window, bracing an arm against the frame as he peered outside.
“Why would you think I was Kade?” Blane abruptly asked.
“What?” I was taken aback at the change of subject and the question.
Blane turned toward me, his eyes meeting mine. “Earlier,” he clarified. “Why would Kade be here?”
I scrambled for an explanation, knowing I couldn’t give the real one – that Kade had been here last night with me. It had been innocent, yes, but I knew Blane's possessive streak might not see it that way. “I was half-asleep, Blane. I don’t know what I said.” The fib felt sour on my tongue, but I wasn’t about to instigate something between Blane and Kade.
“He cares about you.”
I shook my head in denial. “Kade cares about Kade, Blane. He was just doing what you wanted him to – keeping me safe.”
His lips twisted into a slightly bitter smile. “Yes, ironic, isn’t it. I pushed him on you, and now I may pay the price.”
I tried to puzzle out what he meant. “I don’t know what you mean,” I finally said quietly. I passed a weary hand over my eyes.
“It doesn’t matter,” Blane said, coming to my side. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Get some rest. Do you need another pain pill?”
I shook my head as I climbed under the covers. “No, I'm done with those,” I replied. I didn't like how they made me feel. Bending down, Blane placed a light kiss on my lips.
“Don’t let me sleep through dinner, please,” I said as he turned to leave.
“I won’t,” he replied before exiting the room, the door closing gently behind him.
Blane’s words turned over in my head as I lay there. It almost sounded as though he were jealous, but there was nothing to be jealous of. Kade and I had grown closer over the past week, that much was true, but I knew nothing could happen between us. I refused to become a wedge between Blane and Kade.
The sexual attraction between Kade and me couldn’t be denied - I wasn’t stupid - but if my relationship with Blane had taught me anything, it was how very vulnerable making love with a man had made me. I'd been devastated when I’d seen Blane with Kandi, no matter that I believed the reasons he'd had for allowing it to happen. I wasn’t anxious to put myself and my heart at someone’s mercy again – not until I knew I could trust them. Blane had vowed he’d earn my trust back, that he wanted us to be back together. I wondered if he could - and if I would let him.
Eventually, I drifted to sleep, thoughts of Blane and Kade twisting through my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Kirk household dressed for Christmas dinner. Really dressed. I looked at the black velvet dress Blane had left for me and wondered if I’d be able to fit into its confines. Blane may have underestimated the exact size of my ass, I thought, as I regarded the dress skeptically.
I’d showered again and washed my hair, blowing it dry and curling it. It now lay in soft ringlets down my back. I’d applied a smoky gray shadow to my eyes and a red gloss to my lips. The makeup helped accentuate my blue eyes, which stood out sharply with my fair skin.
I stepped into the dress, pulling it up over the black bra and matching panties I’d put on. I had to wriggle a bit when it hit my hips, but then it fell into place. I pushed my arms through the short cap sleeves, smoothing the soft velvet over my abdomen. The dress clung to me, falling to mid-calf and covering my bandage. A slit in the back made it easy to move. Reaching behind me, I pulled up the zipper, but couldn’t get it all the way.
A knock at the door made me turn and I called out, “Come in.”
Blane entered and the sight of him momentarily robbed me of breath. He’d dressed in a black suit, the shirt beneath a blinding white, his tie a deep burgundy. The jacket stretched across his broad shoulders, making him appear even larger than he was.
His eyes took an appreciative path down my body and back up, lingering on the neckline which, with the help of the bra, displayed an impressive amount of cleavage right on the line between tasteful and tacky.
“Can you help me?” I asked, turning my back to him and lifting my hair so he could reach the zipper.
I could see his reflection in the glass of the window as he approached me. His fingers brushed the skin of my back and I caught my breath.
Blane took his time zipping my dress, easing it up millimeter by millimeter. He was so close, I could feel the warmth from his body at my back. I could barely breathe, my response to his nearness something I couldn’t control – as though I belonged to him and he could command my body.
I released my hair, only to have Bla
ne softly sweep it aside, placing his lips on the skin between my neck and shoulder. His arms slid around my waist, enveloping me. I felt small and protected in his arms, my eyes sliding shut at the touch of his tongue against my skin. The slight abrasion of his jaw made me shiver.
“You look gorgeous,” he rasped, lifting his head to meet my gaze in the window.
“Likewise,” I said breathlessly, my pulse racing.
The corners of his mouth lifted in an almost smile and I could see the glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes that he knew he was affecting me.
“Shall we?” he asked.
I nodded, slipping on a pair of black flats. Heels with my leg still tender seemed like a bad idea. Lightly placing his hand on my back, he guided me out the door and assisted me down the stairs.
The long dining room table I’d seen the first time I’d come to Blane’s house was now laden with china, silver and crystal. The candelabra in the center glowed with newly lit candles.
I expected to be seated at the table, but Blane kept us moving past the dining room.
“I thought it was time for dinner,” I whispered.
“Cocktails in the library first,” he replied.
I nodded, my hands twisting together in a sudden fit of nerves. Christmas dinner with my family had been jeans and sweatshirts and filling our plates in the kitchen to carry to the table.
We entered the library and I was surprised to see not only Senator Keaston and Vivian there, but also George and Sarah Bradshaw, Keaston’s campaign manager and wife.
“Good evening,” Blane said with a smile, guiding us to where they stood talking, drinks in hand. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you, Blane,” the Senator said jovially.
Vivian stepped forward and clasped Blane’s hands. “Merry Christmas,” she said as Blane placed a kiss on her cheek. She turned to me then.
“You remember Kathleen?” Blane asked.
“Indeed I do,” Vivian said with a gentle smile. “Merry Christmas, Kathleen. How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you,” I said quietly.
Blane had been drawn into the circle of men talking when Mona approached me holding a martini glass.
“Cocktail, dear?”
I gratefully accepted, hoping it would calm my nerves. I sipped at the cold liquid, the glass rimmed with festive red sanding sugar and garnished with three fresh cranberries on a skewer. I could tell the vodka was premium, slightly tinted with cranberry juice and a bit of vermouth. It was very good.
“I’m quite glad to see you again,” Vivian said to me. “You and Blane make a beautiful pair.”
“Thank you,” I said for lack of knowing what else to say.
“So many of Blane’s female friends come and go,” she continued. “I’m encouraged that you’re here this evening.”
I smiled tightly and nodded, my cheeks flushing. I didn’t care to be compared to the rest of Blane’s numerous flings.
“Yes, I agree,” Sarah said, joining our little group. “If he’s going to run for governor, Blane needs to find a woman he can settle down with.”
“Absolutely,” Vivian said. “Kathleen-”
“Tell me, Vivian,” Mona interjected, “are you still considering chairing the fundraiser this spring?”
They began talking about some charity thing and I gratefully eased away. I glanced at Blane, conversing with George and the Senator. Sensing my eyes on him, he looked my way, tipping his head slightly in approval, a smile curving his lips.
Walking to the window, I peered outside. I watched as snow fell softly from the sky, giving the scene a storybook feel. Lights from other houses twinkled in the night.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
I turned, a wide smile breaking across my face at the sight of Kade standing a mere foot away. He wore a black suit as well, but the shirt underneath was also black and no tie adorned his neck. The top two buttons on the shirt remained undone, showing the smooth skin of his throat. The suit was expertly tailored, encasing his shoulders and cutting inward to his lean waist and hips. His black hair and brows were a stark contrast to the piercing blue of his eyes, looking at me from beneath thick, dark lashes.
“You’re here,” I said, belatedly realizing how stupid that sounded.
Kade’s lips twisted in an amused smirk. “Stating the obvious. Let’s hope that bullet didn’t affect your brain.” His eyes dropped to my cleavage and lingered for a moment.
I flushed, but was too glad to see him to be bothered by his teasing.
“Looks like you could use another drink,” he said, taking my empty glass. “I know I do,” he muttered conspiratorially, glancing at the separate cluster of men and women talking.
His fingers threaded through mine, drawing me with him as he approached the bar on the sideboard. He set aside my sugar-coated glass with a snort of disgust, taking two highball glasses and filling each with ice, vodka and tonic before handing me one.
“To your continued good health,” he toasted, clinking his glass against mine. The twinkle in his eyes made me smile and I took a sip of the cold liquid.
“Glad you could make it, Kade,” Blane said, suddenly appearing next to me. His arm slid proprietarily around my waist.
Kade’s eyes didn’t miss the gesture. “Wouldn’t have missed it, brother,” he said easily, his eyes on mine as he took another swallow of his drink.
Vivian joined us then, giving Kade a hug before sliding her arm through his and leading him away, talking animatedly.
“Holding up okay?” Blane asked quietly.
I tipped my head back to see him properly. “Yes,” I said with a smile. “It’s nice.” I still felt a bit like an outsider, but it was good to be with people and celebrating one of my favorite holidays. I also knew that I was happy because I was sharing it with Blane and Kade. They had quickly become two people I cared about very much, and aren’t those the people you want to be with on Christmas?
Soon after that, we all went into dinner. Each course was served with a different wine until, by the time dinner was over, I was feeling very mellow indeed. Blane helped me from my seat, taking me into the family room where everyone gathered in seats by the fireplace, the ten foot tree in the corner twinkling brightly with its many lights and countless ornaments.
It seemed I wasn’t the only one whom the wine had affected. Both Vivian and Sarah laughed more easily and slightly louder than usual as they chatted. Their gaiety made me smile.
Blane sat me next to him on a leather loveseat, his hand clasping mine as it rested on his thigh. I listened to the conversation with half an ear, gazing at the tree and the fire dancing merrily in its grate.
“It's so nice to see you so happy, Blane,” Vivian suddenly said. She smiled indulgently at Blane and I seated together.
“Indeed,” the Senator added. “Though I have to say, it’s not often, ever actually, that I’ve seen you take the kind of risks you've taken lately, Blane.”
Blane's hand tightened almost painfully on mine.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Robert-” Blane began in a warning tone. That was the first time I'd heard Blane refer to Senator Keaston by his first name.
“I suppose he hasn't told you,” the Senator interrupted him, “but it took considerable effort on Blane's part to free your friend and her parents.”
My stomach clenched. Deep down, I’d known it hadn’t been easy for Blane to do, but had accepted at face value the brush-off he’d given when I’d asked.
“You may very well have placed yourself in an extremely vulnerable position,” Senator Keaston continued, speaking directly to Blane. “You now owe some very powerful people, Blane.”
“That's enough.” The tightly controlled anger in Blane's voice made me flinch, though it seemed to have no effect on the Senator. He merely took another swallow of his drink.
The sudden tension in the room was palpable. Blane's grip on my hand hadn't eased. It seemed no one knew w
hat to say. Except Kade.
“Now it's Christmas,” Kade deadpanned, handing Blane a glass with a shot of scotch glowing amber in its depths.
I grimaced, even as Mona chuckled and Vivian gave a small smile. Blane's body relaxed somewhat and I could feel the blood flowing back into my hand. Conversation resumed around the room.
“I didn’t know,” I said quietly so only Blane could hear.
“You weren't supposed to,” he replied stiffly. “It's nothing.” He downed the scotch in one swallow.
My mind processed what I'd just learned. Blane had put himself at risk for me, not only physically – willing to take a bullet to save me – but also risking his career. I hadn’t thought of the kind of influence necessary to free CJ’s parents from China, but it had to be considerable. The thought of Blane being indebted to an unknown person who wielded that kind of power made me cringe. What had I done? What had I asked of him?
“Play something for us, Blane,” Mona cajoled, her request abruptly breaking through my scattered thoughts.
“Oh yes, please do,” Vivian seconded.
Blane smiled easily. “Only if Kathleen sings,” he said.
My eyebrows flew upward and I immediately started shaking my head. “No, I can’t possibly,” I stammered.
“Of course you can,” Blane said, brushing aside my protest. “You have a beautiful voice.”
“Yes, she does.” This from Kade. My gaze flew to his and I realized both of us were remembering my rather risqué Britney Spears performance at The Drop on Halloween. His lips twitched.
“Come on,” Blane said, tugging me to my feet.
Going to the piano in the corner, he stood me to the side of the shining ebony instrument while he slid onto the leather bench. I was nervous at being the center of attention, everyone looking expectantly at us.
Blane played a few notes, glancing up at me. I recognized the tune and gave a tiny nod. He played the introduction more fully and I took a deep breath before launching into a slow, melodic rendition of The Christmas Song. My voice was still a little rough from my ordeal with Ryan, but it lent more of throaty quality to the pitch that went well with the tune.