by S. E. Lund
Kate sighed. "I've got to finish the canvas so I'll probably spend the day there and come back here when I'm done."
"I'm glad you're painting," I said and stood regarding her, wishing I had more time and could crawl back under the covers. "If the oncologist says Liam's in the clear, we're free to go to Africa but I'll have to wrap up my work on the board and at the Foundation."
"No, I understand." Kate smiled. "You're not trying to avoid me?" she said, her voice almost a whisper.
"What?" I frowned and pointed the toothbrush at her. "Hold that thought." Toothpaste dripped down my chin, so I ran to the bathroom, rinsing my mouth out. Then I returned and lay on the bed beside her, focusing on her.
"Ms. Bennet, I am not trying to avoid you,” I said, my voice firm. “Liam's getting tested this morning to see if the transplant is working and so my mind will be occupied with how it's going. I need to keep distracted all day. I have work to do and that will keep my mind busy so I don’t ruminate too much on all the possible things that could go wrong. As a doctor, I already know what those possibilities are and so you can imagine how my mind is working, imagining them all." I touched her bottom lip and leaned down to kiss her.
She pulled away and held a hand over her mouth.
"Morning breath," she said, offering me her cheek.
"Lazybones," I said and laughed. "That's why you should get up when I do and shower with me." I kissed her neck instead of her cheek, and then moved the strap of her nightgown so that her full breast slipped out. I squeezed her breast and took her nipple in my mouth, sucking softly for a moment. Kate groaned in delight.
"If I did, I'd get all aroused and want you to fuck me," she replied, her eyes closed.
"I said I would – on occasion."
"I'll hold you to it." She opened one eye, a grin starting on her lips.
I smiled back. "Ms. Bennet, you can hold me to it any time you want." I covered her breast once more and gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek, pulling her into my arms.
"Kate, I know this is a big commitment, coming with me to Africa. Giving everything up that you built here, even if only for six months. I know you're concerned about what our relationship will be. I'll tell you what it will be – you're collared. You're my life partner. There's nothing else short of marriage that’s as binding or as serious."
"I don’t really understand what collared means," she said softly. "I'm so new to all this."
"I know you are,” I replied, “but you have to know I'm serious about you. I want you and only you, from now on. I want us to be exclusive. Bound to each other."
"I want that, too."
I inhaled deeply. "Do you think you can trust me enough to tell me everything? Even things you think will upset me? I need you to trust me that much for this to work. I don't think you do yet."
"I want to," she said hesitantly. "But we've only known each other for such a short time…"
"I know, but it’s been enough time for me to know you're all that I want."
"You were so willing to think I'd cheat on you, Drake. That upset me."
I frowned, regretting how I responded. "It was foolish. I wasn't thinking straight. I know you'd never do anything like that. I had to work like a dog to get you to even kiss me that first night…" I grinned. "Most men would have already given up."
Kate laughed. "Not you."
I shook my head, remembering back to when we met. "I could feel you were different that night at your father's fundraiser. It was like you could change everything, if I let you in. That scared me, after my first disaster of a marriage. But I can't imagine a life with anyone else but you." Kate buried her face in my neck and at that moment, I felt my heart squeeze. "I love you, Kate."
"I love you."
I leaned down and kissed her, unable to get enough of her. Then I touched her collar and smiled.
"Gotta go," I said. "Or I'll be late for my meeting with the oncologist because of my not-so-small problem." I placed her hand on my erection and her eyes widened. She squeezed me and closed her eyes.
"You sure you don’t want to stay?" She opened one eye and peered at me.
"Katherine," I said, frowning. "On the days I can stay and you have that look in your eye, I will stay. I said I'd accept your amendment to the agreement and I meant it. Today is not a day I can."
"Sorry," she said, her face flushing.
"It's OK," I said and kissed her, pinning her down when she tried to avoid me. "I want to stay. Once I'm done, I'll text you. We'll do something special tonight."
She smiled and so I rolled off the bed and finished dressing. Finally I went to the hallway and pulled on my coat before returning to the bedroom, bending over to kiss her neck once more.
"I'll see you later, Ms. Bennet. Be waiting for me."
She smiled.
I closed the door behind me, eager to get my morning out of the way so I could return to her arms.
I dropped by the hospital and checked in with Liam’s oncologist, speaking to him between patients. He assured me that everything was going exceedingly well and that the transplant seemed to have been successful. So far, there were no signs of rejection and the team had high hopes that it would be tolerated. More than tolerated – Liam would be cured. On a whim, I broached the subject of visiting Liam once before I left for Africa. Luckily for me, he was agreeable and together, we went to speak to the nurses who would be on staff that night. They agreed to let me slip in and check on Liam once later that night.
Maureen had asked them to call police if I showed up, but none of them agreed with her orders.
Elated from the news about Liam and happy that I’d get another chance to see him before Kate and I left for Africa, I spent only a short time at the corporate offices of my father’s surgical implements business, for I had another errand to run that was far more important – at least to my mental state. I’d woken up in the middle of the night and lay awake watching Kate as she slept beside me. Mrs. O’s words came back to me and I thought about how I’d feel if Kate and I broke up and I learned that Kate was getting married to someone else.
I couldn’t imagine it. The very thought made my chest ache.
I knew what I had to do – what I wanted to do – and so after I signed some papers and made a show of attending to business, I sent Ethan an email asking for a meeting and he agreed happily.
I left the offices and drove to Ethan’s Park Avenue apartment. I thought hard about what I’d say to Ethan when I met with him. I was going to ask him formally for his blessing when I asked Kate to marry me. I felt a little knot in my stomach at the prospect of asking Ethan.
He welcomed me at the door and ushered me into his study. I sat down on a chair across from his desk and exhaled.
“So, tell me what you wanted to talk about. I’m all ears.”
I took in a deep breath. “Ethan, I’m here to ask for your blessing to ask Kate to marry me.”
Ethan had been sitting with his hands steepled, examining me with a pleasant expression on his face.
“Why?”
I frowned, and swallowed hard, not expecting to be asked why.
“Why do I want to marry Kate?”
He said nothing for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“Of course, you have my blessing. Good lord, man. I couldn’t be happier.” He stood up, extending his hand for a shake. “I’ve been wondering when you’d get around to this.” I stood and we shook hands across the desk.
“Oh, hell, this deserves a hug at least,” Ethan said and came around the desk to my side. We hugged, clapping each other on the back. I was smiling broadly, relieved that Ethan was taking my question so well.
“Thank you,” I said, my gratitude almost overwhelming me. “You don’t know how happy this makes me. I’m in love with Kate. I want to spend the rest of my life with her and make her happy.”
Ethan pulled away and nodded.
“You will. I have no doubt about it. I couldn’t be happier.”
&nb
sp; After Ethan and I said our goodbyes, I drove down Fifth Avenue in search of my next quarry.
Cartier’s Flagship store.
I spent an hour there, speaking with the sales clerk about diamonds, settings and choice of band. I wanted something unique, something a bit excessive, and something that would symbolize our unique relationship. When I finally found the right setting, the sales clerk smiled, obviously pleased with the price and her commission.
I felt sure that Kate would love it and hoped she’d say yes.
After I was finished at Cartier, I went to the Chelsea apartment and came in to find a pair of men’s boots by the door. The sound of Kate’s laughter filtered in from the back of the apartment – in the bedroom.
Kate came out of the bedroom with Keith behind her, a serious expression on his very Byronic face.
"Drake, you’re home," she said and came over and kissed me on the mouth. She turned and pointed at him. "Keith helped me with my canvas, bringing it over in his van and then helping me mount it on the wall in our bedroom. Come and see it."
She took my hand and pulled me towards the bedroom.
"That’s my cue," Keith said and winked at Kate. "See you later."
She smiled at Keith, and I felt a stab of jealousy that she would smile at another man – especially one who was a potential competitor but kicked myself.
Kate chose me.
“Keith again?” I said when the door closed behind him, unable to keep a note of jealousy out of my voice.
"Come on, Drake," Kate said. "I'd never be able to do it myself and I wanted it to be a surprise for you."
We entered the bedroom, and I stopped in my tracks, my jaw dropping when I finally saw it. A painting of me, naked.
"Kate…" I said, letting go of her hand, moving closer to examine it. It was really really good and very realistic, right down to my flaccid penis. "I had no idea this is what you were doing."
"I woke up early on a few mornings and sketched you, then I painted from memory. What do you think? Can you understand why I'm so aroused in the morning?"
"It's beautiful. The lighting, the shadows." I turned to Kate and pulled her into my arms. "But no one can see it. I don’t want people looking at my dick…"
She laughed and pulled me closer. "I did another one with the sheet covering you up. I think I'll do a series of portraits. A collection."
"I don't know what I think about that."
"Don’t worry," she said quickly. "None of the nudes will show your face. I'll do some with your clothes on, too, although that’s such a waste."
I hugged her, completely baffled and impressed at the same time. "Only if you agree to let me take some photos of you for a book."
She inhaled deeply. "I'd like that. A private book for our own enjoyment. I wouldn't want any pictures with my face to get out there as long as my father is running for office."
"Don't worry. My photographer’s very trustworthy and maybe we'll use a mask to hide your identity."
"You look pleased," she said, taking my coat and hanging it up. "You have good news about Liam?"
"The best. The preliminary tests show that his transplant is taking and there's no sign of rejection, either host-graft or graft-host. In a week, if things stay the same, he'll be in the clear. They'll test him every week for the first couple of months, and then, if he's still fine, every month for a year. I can come back to Manhattan if things take a turn for the worse, but as it is, we can leave next week. I've already booked our tickets."
"I'm so happy," she said and wrapped her arms around my neck once more.
I kissed her and then pulled her into the living room. After I sat on the couch, I pulled her down onto my lap.
"I have a mission for us tonight," I said. "I've spoken with the staff on the pediatric oncology ward. They're going to let me visit Liam again while Chris and Maureen are at dinner tonight. I want you to come."
"Drake," she said, frowning. "Do you think that's wise? The staff were instructed to call the police if you show up again."
"I spoke with Liam's oncologist and he cleared it with staff on the ward. They agree that as his biological father and as the one who gave him the donation, I have a right to just pop in – as a doctor – and see how he's doing. I won't identify myself except to say I was the one who gave him the donation. That's all."
Kate looked doubtful. "Maybe you should talk to my father first?"
I shook my head. "Don't want to include Ethan in on this. It's my decision. I've passed it by Liam's doctors. We're covered." I kissed her and then stood up, letting her slide out of my arms. "Now, go get dressed. We have a very narrow window of time to get there, get inside, and get out. Chris and Maureen are having dinner with her parents so they'll both be away tonight for at least an hour. One of the nurses heard their plans and let me know.
"If you really want to do this…"
"I really want to, Kate,” I said. “I want you with me. He's still in isolation because his immune system is still so new but we can both go in. I want you to meet him."
Kate nodded and went to get dressed, but I could tell she was reluctant.
We drove to NYP and went to Liam’s ward. I spoke with the nurses to make sure the coast was clear and was assured that things were all taken care of. Chris and Maureen were out and should probably be out for at least an hour.
We had to follow contact precautions before going to visit Liam. I led the way to Liam's room. From the anteroom, I could see Liam was sitting up in bed playing with a toy, watching the television. He wore a hospital gown in blue, which highlighted his blue eyes. He looked small and frail, but I could tell he was feeling much better than when I last saw him.
After we gowned up, we entered his room.
He looked up from his toy. "Hello."
"Hello, Liam," I said and went to the side of the bed. "I'm Doctor Morgan. We met a few days ago. I've come by to see how you're doing."
"I'm good," Liam said. Then Liam turned to Kate. "Are you a nurse?"
She shook her head. "Just a colleague of Dr. Morgan's."
Liam nodded.
"You know, I was the one who gave you the stem cells," I said softly. "I just wanted to come by and see if you were doing better. Your doctors said you were almost ready to go home."
Liam made a face. "You gave me the blood cells?"
I nodded. "We're a match so I did what I could to help."
"Thank you." Liam smiled. I extended my gloved hand and Liam took it and we shook like two men. I leaned closer and ran my hand over Liam's head.
"I'm so glad I was able to help." I was filled with emotion to see him doing so well. I finally let go of Liam's hand and pointed to the toy. "What's that?"
"It's Bumblebee," Liam said, and held the toy up for us to see. "A transformer from the movie. Did you see it?"
I shook my head. "No, I never did see that one. What does it do?"
"You transform it into a car, like this," Liam said and demonstrated how to arrange the toy so that it transformed from a robot to a car. "He works for Optimus Prime. He's the head autobot. They're from Cybertron."
"Wow," I said and took the newly-transformed car when Liam handed it to me. "That's amazing." I tried to transform it but wanted to let Liam show me how. "It's too hard for me." I handed it back to Liam, who transformed it back into a robot with a few quick turns of the toy’s joints.
"See?" Liam said, holding it back up. "Simple. Even I can do it. My dad taught me how."
I nodded, a stab of regret in my chest at the mention of Chris and the fact it was Chris who Liam saw as his father. Although I knew it was true and right that Liam considered Chris his father, I couldn’t help but feel a loss.
"That's cool. Your dad must be pretty smart to show you how to do that."
"He's an engineer. He makes things so this was easy for him."
I stood for a moment and watched as Liam assembled the robot once more into a car. He smiled and showed us the transformed robot, proud of his acc
omplishment.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. "I guess we better go. I'm glad to see you're all better."
Liam nodded, and in a few seconds, we were forgotten. Before we were even out the door, he was watching television. I took Kate’s hand and led her into the anteroom to remove our gowns and masks. We didn't stop by the nursing station, but I nodded to the nurse as we passed to let her know I appreciated the help getting in to see my son, despite Maureen’s wishes.
I pulled Kate down the hallway, and out of the hospital, wanting to leave as soon as possible so that we didn’t run into Maureen and Chris. The sun had set and the sky was dark, overcast. I stopped outside the rear exit where I was parked and closed my eyes, finally overcome with emotion from seeing how well Liam was doing.
"He looks really good," Kate said and squeezed my hand.
"He does," I said, forcing a smile. "He's happy. He has parents who love him."
I pulled Kate into an embrace, needing to feel her warmth. She slipped her arms around my neck and pulled me down. I nuzzled her neck, my lips pressing against her throat and beneath her ear.
Then, I pulled away and sighed.
"Let's go home."
We decided to stay at my apartment before we left for Africa so we could spend some time alone. Ethan and Elaine understood since we had a lot of planning to do, packing and repacking, and some decisions to make. I sent off boxes to the college for the class I would teach, including textbooks and lecture notes, as well as other paraphernalia I would need to teach robotic surgery. I also packed a few of my father's personal mementos, which I would ship before we left.
"I'm not sending any of this," I said as I sorted through my bondage gear. "Don't want it to be found by curious housekeepers or border security. We'll have to improvise when we get there. No cuffs, no spreader bars, and no butt plugs. Just me." I grinned at her and quirked an eyebrow.
"You're more than enough," she said and leaned down to kiss me, her arms threading around my neck.