Maybe that too would fade if she opened herself up to someone new, which made her think of Ian. Something held her back from going down that road. It might sound cliché, but she didn’t want to jeopardize the friendship that had become so dear to her. So why was she so bothered by his new love interest? It wasn’t a surprise that Ian had started dating. Katrine knew things couldn’t stay in limbo forever. She wasn’t sure she wanted him that way, but she sure as shit didn’t want anyone else to have him.
With that thought lingering, she picked up her pace. Maybe the wintry air burning in her lungs would clear her head, maybe even cleanse her selfishness. She rounded the corner, wrapping up her eight mile run as Teddy got out of his father’s car. Running right up to her son, she engulfed him in a huge bear hug.
“Hi, baby, I’ve missed you! Did you have fun?”
“Hi, Momma, it was awesome! Uh, Mom, you’re kinda sweaty.”
“Sorry. Now let’s get you inside, your little ears are like ice cubes.” She glanced over at David, who was standing by the driver-side door.
“Hey, David, how ya doing?”
“Good, Katrine. Still running, I see.”
“Of course. I’ll run until my knees get other ideas.” She smiled at him and then kissed Teddy on the top of his head. She wouldn’t be able to do that much longer. He would be doing it to her in no time.
“Okay, champ, I’ll see you on Wednesday. Love you, bud.”
“Sounds good, Dad, love you too.”
“I’ll talk to you later about my schedule for the next few weeks.”
“Okay, just shoot me an email and we’ll work it out.”
They waved and she snuggled her son into her side as they walked up the steps to their place.
“Right hand, yellow.” Grunt, grunt.
“Uh, left foot grrrreeeen.”
“Aaaaahhhh.” Thud and giggles.
“Momma, I think we need more than two people to play this game. You can’t play and spin. You’re gonna break something.”
“Hey, I was doing pretty good until you stuck your little bum in my face.”
“Left foot green, Mom. Not my fault.”
“Okay, let’s retire Twister for a while and play cards. I think we’ll be safer.” Teddy put up the game as Katrine checked on dinner. The heat from the oven almost singed her eyebrows off, but it looked like the lasagna was right on schedule. She removed the foil and closed the door. “Should be done in about fifteen minutes, sweetie. Do you want to help me make the salad? We can play cards after dinner.”
He nodded eagerly. Teddy loved to help her in the kitchen. He had assembled tonight’s lasagna while wearing his man-apron. Katrine had found him a dark blue Yankees one online. He didn’t bat an eye about wearing the apron and wore it with pride. He was always game for things and she liked that in a person, kid or grown-up. She chopped and he loaded their bowls. “Ranch or vinaigrette?” He gave her an “are you kidding me” look.
“Ranch. Of course. How could I have been so stupid?” she teased, grabbing both. They sat side by side on the barstools. The white cheese pulled into a string as Teddy took his first bite. “Oooh, Momma, that’s so good.”
She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you like it. I put extra meat and baby bellas in the sauce.”
“I love portobello mushrooms!”
“That’s why I put them in there, squirt.” She winked and knocked shoulders with him, taking a huge cheesy bite for herself.
Life was good. Anything beyond this was just icing.
Chapter 8
Katrine plopped into her chair and by some miracle her coffee stayed in the confines of its white cardboard cup.
“Hey, Mila, how ya doing this fine Monday morning?”
“Good, I had the best weekend.” After a month of sitting together in class and working on the group project, her shy neighbor had really come out of her shell. She filled Katrine in on a great first date she went on and a birthday dinner for her best friend.
“Wow, that does sound like a great weekend.” Katrine smiled at her as she removed her notes from her bag.
“Who had a great weekend?” Hayden asked as he sat down beside Katrine.
“That would be me,” Mila said with enthusiasm.
It must have been some date.
Bet she got her some. Would like to get me some…
Katrine grinned and shook her head. “What’s so funny?” Hayden whispered against her cheek. He smelled like cold air and soap. She really smiled and turned towards him and whispered, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Would I ever.”
Sit around and pine for unavailable guy or have a little tongue fun with younger hottie? Umm, survey says, B.
Pining just wasn’t her style, so Katrine decided right then and there to give Hayden a chance. She wasn’t going to marry the guy, but she wasn’t opposed to hanging out. She knew Hayden could handle it. As for the handsome research assistant, alas, she was not his type. Or any woman, for that matter, she was disappointed to discover the week prior.
Their group conversed for a brief moment about the project assignments for the week as Professor Darwin took the podium. Katrine took a healthy gulp of her coffee, hoping the caffeine would fortify her for the next two hours of lecture.
“Katrine, wait up.” Hayden was jogging toward her on the sidewalk. She slowed and allowed him to catch up with her, then they continued towards the parking lot. “I was wondering if you were interested in being my date Friday night?.”
“Date to what?” She raised her eyebrow.
“My parents are hosting an event at a gallery downtown.”
“Oh? Who’s the artist?”
“My cousin Kimberly, actually. She’s a student at the Art Institute and a few of her pieces were featured in the school’s exhibition. When my parents heard, they wanted to throw her a party and display her art. Invite their fancy friends, etcetera etcetera,” he said, waving his hand around.
So far the two men she had met that came from wealthy families didn’t seem too keen on their parents. Well, one loved his mom… It made her glad she grew up in a middle class neighborhood. Her folks weren’t rich, but they were always comfortable. She and Maddie were always well dressed and totally content. But when she thought about it, Teddy grew up in a wealthy household and it was warm and loving, even after the divorce. So she figured it wasn’t money that made people assholes. Assholes were assholes, despite their monetary situation.
“Sounds fun. My son will be at a sleepover with his hockey team, so I’m free.”
“You have a kid?”
“Yes, is that a problem?”
“No, of course not. I was just surprised. You never mentioned him.” She found that odd.
“Teddy ring any bells?”
“Oh yeah, yeah, I’ve heard you talk about him. I guess I just missed the son part of the conversation.” He gave her a contrite smile.
“It’s okay, and don’t worry; I’m not in the new daddy market. He has a very dedicated dad, so rest easy.” She smiled and patted him on the arm, letting him know it was no biggie.
“So is that still a yes?”
“Hayden, that sounds like a perfect way to spend a Friday night.”
“Okay, so text me your address and I’ll pick you up around seven.”
She fastened the deep emerald buttons on the narrow cuffs of her dress. The silk material was a lighter shade of green, but just slightly so. The neck was high and hit right on her collar bone. The bodice was fitted, sash at the waist, and the hem hit mid-calf.
“Wish I had those emerald earrings right about now.” But her Mallarino gold chandeliers worked, too. She would more than likely never wear a pair of jewels like that again, but she was glad she had the opportunity for one night. Katrine shook her head and chuckled while slipping on her taupe heels that exposed her ankle with a delicate strap. Grabbing her taupe clutch with a gold latch was the last order of business and she was ready. She looked
classy and tall.
“Thank you, six inch heels!”
Hayden opened her car door, which was attached to a black Range Rover. Offering his hand, he helped her into the soft leather seat. They made pleasant small talk on the way to the gallery and he mentioned several times how amazing she looked. He seemed a little surprised, but in his defense she usually wore her glasses, hair in a clip, and jeans to class. He was getting the full-on glam treatment tonight.
“You clean up pretty well yourself, Hayden.” And he did, wearing a slate gray suit over a thin striped shirt, no tie. It was impeccably tailored and his cologne smelled crisp with a hint of pine. His blond hair was brushed back, but a small piece kept falling over his eye as he spoke. She found that very cute. The night was mild, so she decided to leave her cashmere wrap in the car. He offered her his arm and they entered the gallery.
The space was very sparse and industrial with the exposed pipes in the ceiling. Some of the walls were white plaster and some cement. There must have been close to fifty people milling about the small, brightly lit gallery. Hayden greeted various people as they made their way to grab a drink. She took a sip and was about to inquire after the artist when a tall, slender blonde bounced up to them.
“Hayden, you came!” she said, throwing her arms around her cousin.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss your big debut.”
“Well, I wouldn’t call it a debut, more like an over-priced show and tell.”
Katrine liked her immediately.
“Kimberly, this is Katrine. We’re in the grad program together.”
“Very nice to meet you, Katrine. Please call me Kim.”
“You too. Your work is amazing. Kim. Show and tell or not, you’re truly talented.” And she was, from what Katrine had seen so far. She worked in oils of vibrant colors, all varying subjects. The one she was admiring now was of a coastal landscape with cliffs covered in tall yellow grasses with angry seas below.
“Thank you. Most of my peers are into more modern interpretations, but I prefer landscapes. Travel is my other passion, so the places I visit are the source of my inspiration. This is the Western coast of Ireland,” Kimberly said with a spark in her eye.
“Well, whatever your inspiration, they are divine. I would hang them in my house.,” Katrine complimented. Kim smiled and took her by the arm, giving her a personal tour and description of each work. The like, was apparently mutual.
“Cuz, can I steal my date back, please.? My parents want to meet her.” Katrine flinched a little.
“Don’t worry. I told them we were just classmates, but they want to meet you anyway. Is that okay?”
“Sure, sorry. Knee jerk reaction.” She took his arm and they made their way over to a very elegant couple. His father was an older version of Hayden and his mother was a blond-haired beauty with a warm smile. Katrine found them to be lovely and wasn’t sure what Hayden’s problem was with them. Who knows what happened behind closed doors. Outward appearances were often bullshit., but her radar was picking up genuine kindness. Maybe Hayden was just a spoiled brat after all, creating drama for the sheer hell of it. Not her problem. He was cute and fun to be around, and that was the extent of their acquaintance. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t let him kiss her good night. He had a nice mouth and her lips were aching to be kissed. Her tongue felt thick and wet in her mouth from sheer anticipation.
She excused herself to find the ladies’ room. As she was drying her hands, her purse dinged.
What are you doing?
On a date, thank you very much.
What! With who??? Do I know this guy?
Chill, he’s the guy from my class.
The one who has the hots for you?
Yes, now let me get out of here. He’s gonna think I fell in. Don’t you have a girlfriend to woo?
She laughed and threw her phone back into her purse. Ian sounded a bit protective and that made her very happy. Maybe being a little unattainable worked both ways.
They made their finale rounds and hugged the lady of the hour, congratulating her again on her beautiful work. When they got back to the car, the fatigue set into her body. It had been a long week. When they pulled up to her place, Hayden opened the door for her once again and helped her out of the car. They walked up to her door and she just felt tired. The kiss she had been looking forward to could be right around the corner, only she wasn’t feeling it now, she just wanted to get into her bed. Hayden looked down at her.
“I had a great time tonight, thank you for coming.”
“I had fun, too. Hayden, I…”
“I know, Katrine. It’s okay, I like being with you. You’re funny and smart, and of course hot as hell.” He smiled. “But I get it. It won’t be weird or anything. I enjoy your company. Could we still hang out every once in a while?”
“I’d like that.” She kissed him on the cheek, letting her mouth linger for just a moment. She opened her door and before she went in, she said, “And Hayden just for the record you’re pretty hot yourself.” He gave her a huge smile, nodded, and said his final goodnight.
At last she was in her bed, luxuriating in her soft sheets. It was only 10:30, but she was fried. Her phone rang and she groaned, but answered anyway when she saw who it was.
“Hey, you stalking me now?”
“Can’t a friend make sure you got home safely? That classmate could be a serial killer for all you know.”
“Ian, he’s not a serial killer. He’s a very nice young man and we had a nice time.”
“Nice time, I like you as a friend… or nice time, put your tongue down my throat?”
“That is none of your business.”
“That’s evasion and I will not be deterred.”
“What are you doing, anyway? Shouldn’t you have your tongue down your girlfriend’s throat, instead of worrying about mine?”
Gag!
“I was just making sure you got home, no need to get hyper.”
“I am not getting hyper!”
“Okay, okay. Calm down. For your information, Amber is out of town this weekend. I’m all by my lonesome and thought we could hang out tonight. Little did I know you had a hot date.”
He sounded jealous and she loved it.
“So, I’ve been downgraded to back-up plan, huh?”
Pot, kettle on line one…
“You know that’s not true. Can we hang out tomorrow? I haven’t spent time with you in weeks. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the low sixties, a perfect day for a cruise in the jeep.”
“Teddy’s at his dad’s tomorrow, so that sounds really nice—you’re on.”
She fell asleep that night with butterflies in her stomach and a smile on her face. But she’d worry about that later…
The forecast was correct. The weather was sunny and mild. She was eager to enjoy it because they were calling for snow the next week. That was Texas weather for you. That’s why they had the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around. It’ll change tomorrow.”
Katrine put on a pair of worn jeans and a black scoop neck with long sleeves. She put on a little makeup and put her hair in a bun. It was nice, not having to impress him, but as she wiped her sweaty palms against her jeans, it hit her. She was nervous.
It’s official, I’m screwed.
As promised, he had taken the top off and she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. She just loved cruising around in his jeep. They hopped in and Ian turned the key.
“Maybe you should grab a jacket. I don’t want you to get cold.”
“I think I’ll be okay. I have long sleeves,” Katrine said, pulling the fabric to prove it.
“Okay, but I’ll put on the heater just on case.”
“Well, thank you.” She grinned at him. He was always taking care of her. He was just one of those thoughtful kind of people.
“Will you play that group I like so much?” Katrine asked.
“Which one?”
“I can’t ever remember the name, but it�
�s that group I love. The one you always play when we have the top down.”
“Oh, you mean Big Wreck. Here, I’ll pick a good one.” It started to play.
“Oooh, yes, I love this one. So dreamy.” She picked up his iPod and read the name of the song aloud. “I won’t forget next time.” Sunglasses on, good tunes in the air, destination unknown. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
After driving around town for an hour, Ian pulled into the parking lot attached to one of their favorite joints. It had a laid back vibe, an eclectic menu, and cold beers. What’s not to like?
“You hungry?” he asked, like he already knew the answer.
“Oh, I guess I could eat a little something,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
“If you’re not, then we can just do something else.,” he teased as he put his hands back onto the keys still hanging from the ignition.
She grabbed his hand. “We both know I’m always hungry, so cut the bullshit, buddy.” She gave him a light push on his arm and hopped out, her mind already leafing through the menu. Now that she thought about all of the choices, her stomach growled. Moments later they were sipping beers on the sun-soaked patio. The air was cool but there wasn’t a stitch of wind, so with the heat lamps, they were almost toasty.
“Maddie says she can’t meet us. She was being very cryptic as to why. Hmmm, I’ll bet she’s has a date with Shawn.”
“Who’s he? I thought she was seeing some dude named Wes.,” Ian said, looking confused as he set his menu to the side. “What are you getting?” Katrine had been looking at the menu for ten minutes and she was still torn between the eggplant and mozzarella sandwich or the Asian chicken salad. The waitress came and asked if they had decided. Ian looked at Katrine. “You ready yet? Or do you need more time? I’m in no hurry.”
“Yes—I mean yes, I’m ready. I think I’ll go with the fish tacos.” Last minute substitution. Ian ordered a fully loaded burger with seasoned sweet potato fries.
Resilient (Rebound Book 2) Page 6