To Love Twice

by McCoubrey, Heather

  “Is five-thirty ok? We’ll have dinner before the show.”

  “Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Edward leaned down and brushed a soft kiss across her cheek. “Until tomorrow,” he whispered.

  Kate froze and as she watched him walk away, her hand came up to touch her cheek. She couldn’t believe it, he’d kissed her. And he wanted to take her out again. It would be the third night in a row that they’d spent time together. She was getting spoiled.

  Kate sighed as he disappeared into the crowd. As she turned to cross the lobby to the elevator, she thought she saw the same body-builder man following behind Edward that she saw from the restaurant. She rose up on tippy-toes to get a better look, but they turned a corner and were out of sight. Shrugging her shoulders, she put it out of her mind and got on the elevator. Her life would be so boring when she got home, she mused. She’d be busy enough with Mary, work and her friends and family. But she was enjoying this time here, enjoying meeting a man she liked. Enjoying being romanced.

  It made her sad to think they’d lose touch, again, when she left on Saturday. She honestly couldn’t imagine he’d keep in touch for long, if at all. But oh, imagine the possibilities if they did.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kate woke on Saturday morning torn between happiness at seeing Mary in a few hours and slightly depressed at not spending more time with Edward.

  Their date the night before had been beyond compare. They had enjoyed a quiet dinner at Auberge in Waterloo before the play. They started with French baguettes and calamari. Kate had worked through lunch, completely forgetting to eat, and had been half starved when they arrived at the restaurant. Then they had moved on to their main courses. Kate chose the filet de saumon, Scottish salmon fillet with a white wine, cream and dill sauce. It was served with chive buttered new potatoes and steamed spinach. Edward had the Poisson parmentier, a fish pie of cod, haddock, prawn and salmon in a creamy sauce of white wine and leek, topped with mashed potato and cheese.

  Kate couldn’t believe the taste of the food lately. In the five years she’d been traveling to London, she’d never had food as good as she’d had all the nights she’d dined with Edward. She wasn’t sure if the company was what improved the food, or if she had been cheaping out. Either way, Kate was sure she was going home with a couple extra pounds. Usually she and Edward would share a dessert, but last night, they couldn’t agree on just one. Kate ended up ordering the crème brûlée, and Edward ordered the mousse au chocolat. In the end, they did share, and Kate was glad. His chocolate mousse was as delicious as her crème brûlée.

  “I am glad we walked,” Kate said to Edward once they’d finally finished their desserts.

  “Why?”

  “Because I need to walk off some of this food!” Kate sighed as she sipped her tea. “I’m having a delicious time, thank you!”

  Laughing, Edward rose from his chair. “That makes two of us. Come on, let’s get moving. We don’t want to miss the show!”

  They walked briskly to the theatre. The Old Vic was showing Kiss Me, Kate, which Edward thought was fitting. He’d given her a few pecks here and there, but there was nothing he wanted more than to sink into her lips. Edward reached for her hand as they strolled down the street.

  He glanced across the street and saw a photographer snapping their picture and watched as his bodyguard, Jason, moved the photographer along, discouraging anymore photographs being taken. Edward sighed but thanked his lucky stars that Kate was headed out tomorrow and would most likely miss this set of pictures being published. Sometimes he wished he’d become the lawyer his mother wanted him to be. His life would be his own, and strolling down the street would give him an anxiety attack.

  Edward knew he should be up front with Kate about his career. It was definitely some information she needed, especially where Mary was concerned. He wasn’t overly famous in America yet, but it was coming fast. And once it did, neither Kate nor Mary would be safe from the paparazzi. This was something that Kate would have to consider in being associated with him.

  He wanted normal for as long as he could get it. And he liked the anonymity of Kate not knowing who he really was. He could tell she liked him for who he was. She didn’t put on airs, didn’t expect him to lavish gifts on her, didn’t expect the best tables and restaurants to cater to her. She was such a breath of fresh air. He loved that she expected nothing from him but good company.

  It was something that was lacking in his life. He loved his mother and his sisters, but even they had come to expect the best. They weren’t selfish or demanding about it. Money changed people, and there were times he wished he could go back to before.

  Edward held the door for Kate and they stepped inside the theatre. He watched Kate as she openly gawked at the lobby. Thankfully, she was so busy taking in her surroundings, she didn’t notice all the people stop and stare at him. Fixing a ‘don’t come near me stare’ on his face, he guided Kate to their box. Settling her in, he took a seat next to her. “Have you seen this play before?”

  “No, and honestly, it’s my first play,” Kate admitted.

  “Are you serious?”

  Kate nodded. “Well, I’ve seen the productions the kids did when I was in high school, but I’ve never seen a professional one.”

  “I’m astounded,” Edward said. From the little he’d gleaned from her over the past few nights, Kate didn’t do or go many places. He wondered if that was by choice, or if she never had the opportunity. “I’ll be doubly interested in whether you like this or not, then.” Edward said.

  “Oh, I’m sure I will. Like traveling, this is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s hard to get away. But then again, I work so much that I really only want to spend my free time with Mary,” Kate explained.

  “I understand. What else is on your bucket list?”

  Kate laughed. “Oh so much, you can’t even imagine!”

  The lights dimmed and Edward watched as people rushed to their seats. He glanced at Kate and was amused to see she was still taking it all in. He settled back into his seat and decided the show he really wanted to watch was Kate. He could imagine what was on her list. He’d once had a long list of things he wanted to do and see. And he’d steadily crossed them off. He wanted to help Kate cross items off her list. He wondered if falling in love and getting married again was on her list.

  Trying to reign in his thoughts, he leaned forward and asked her if she’d like a glass of wine or some water. She chose water, so he excused himself and went in search of some refreshments. He’d learned that the best time to get drinks was after the lights dimmed, just before the show started. Most everyone was in their seats and he wasn’t usually bothered by people asking for autographs and such.

  Securing their drinks, he headed back to their box. He dreaded the fact she was leaving tomorrow. He’d enjoyed their evenings together and wanted to spend more time with her. She had told him she came to town about every twelve weeks. He wasn’t sure he could wait that long to see her again. Maybe they could exchange some phone calls between now and then. That would take some of the edge off. She seemed to be a little reserved, so he didn’t think that a trip to America would be happening anytime soon.

  As he entered the box, Kate glanced at him with a smile on her face. “I’m so glad you made it back. It looks like it’s going to start any second!”

  Edward passed Kate her water. “The lines aren’t long if you wait until the lights dim,” Edward told her.

  “Oh, you’ve been to a few of these shows, huh? You know all the secrets!” Kate laughed.

  “Indeed, I do,” Edward said. He wondered how she’d react if he just leaned over and crushed her lips beneath his. The temptation to do so was so strong, it took his breath away.

  “Ooh, look, Edward! I think it’s starting!”

  Sipping his drink, Edward sat back in his seat and concentrated on the show that was Kate Walker. He was sure he was in for a very interesting show.

 
; Kate could feel Edward’s stare while she tried to pay attention to the beginning of the show. He was so attentive and it was something she didn’t want to take for granted. She’d had love once and as time went by she realized that she’d taken it all for granted. That he would be there for her, to help her raise Mary, to share the highs and the lows with, to grow old with. She taken it all for granted. It was something that she’d promised herself she’d try to never let happen again.

  She never wanted to take anything for granted. Not Mary, Erin, Georgie, her job, her travels, or even Edward. She tried to always be in the moment and to cherish every memory, no matter how small and insignificant. If Kate had learned anything from Brad’s death, it was that those small insignificant memories were what kept you going when you didn’t think you could take another step.

  She’d only known Edward a short time, and she knew herself well enough to know that she wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge into a relationship, especially not a long distance one. But if she was going to choose anyone, it would be him. She couldn’t help but wonder if they’d stay in touch over the next twelve weeks or so until she came back to London. She wondered if he really was fine with just being friends with her. Maybe all he wanted was someone to have dinner with, go sight-seeing with, someone to hang with every few months. And she wondered how she’d feel if that was truly all he wanted. The thought depressed her a bit, and she was truly surprised by that.

  Just then, Edward shifted in his chair. She felt him lean closer and whisper into her ear.

  “What’s wrong, Kate?”

  Kate turned her head slightly. “Nothing, why?

  “You seem sad. Are you not enjoying the show?”

  “No, I’m fine,” Kate whispered. Liar! Her mind shouted at her. “And I’m enjoying the show very much!” Double Liar, you haven’t even been paying attention!

  “Look at me,” Edward demanded.

  Kate turned her head to look him straight in the eye.

  “You’re not watching the show, Kate.”

  Kate rolled her eyes. “How do you know that?”

  “Because I’ve been watching you the whole time. You’re staring into space, lost in your thoughts. And something you just thought made you unhappy,” Edward whispered urgently. “What’s wrong?”

  “I was just thinking that tonight is our last evening together.”

  “Does that make you sad, Kate?”

  “Yes.”

  Edward leaned closer and gently touched his lips to hers. She was surprised, but didn’t pull away. She had wondered what it would be like to kiss Edward, and he was surpassing her expectations. His lips were warm and firm. He didn’t pressure her with an aggressive kiss. He gently coaxed a response from her. She kissed him back and sighed softly against his lips.

  He pulled back slightly and whispered against her lips. “Me too, Kate. I would like more time with you.”

  Taking her lips again, more firmly this time, she felt Edward trying to convey his feelings with his lips. Kate knew just how he felt. She returned the kiss with equal fervor, wrapping her arms around his neck. She let her fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck and turned her head slightly to the side for better access.

  God! She’d missed this. The connection between two people. The attraction. The passion. She could feel herself sinking into him, falling into the sensations. If they didn’t stop soon, the theater-goers were going to get more of a show than they bargained for. A part of her didn’t care, though. Five years is a long time to go without this connection. And she was a person who needed, craved this connection. Why had she kept herself closed off for so long?

  Edward gently raised his head. “If we don’t stop now, we’ll be in trouble,” he whispered.

  Still a bit dazed at her reaction to him and his kisses, she nodded.

  He pulled his chair up next to hers and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He gently tugged her closer to him until she was leaning against him with her head cradled beneath his chin.

  They stayed that way through the rest of the show. When it was over, Kate was reluctant to leave his side. What was happening to her? Was she so lonely and deprived that she was going to cling to him? Maybe some time apart would be a good thing.

  It seemed Edward was in no rush either. He kept his arm around her and she silently watched as the people filed out of the theater. She wondered if he’d fallen asleep. She peeked up at his face and was startled to find his eyes on hers.

  “Ready to go?” she asked quietly.

  “Not even a little bit,” he said.

  “No, me neither,” Kate said and laid her head back on his chest. “But my flight leaves pretty early and I can’t miss it,” Kate said.

  “I know,” he sighed. He kissed the top of her head. “Alright, let’s get you back to your hotel. I don’t want to be responsible for a little girl’s tears because her mum missed her plane.”

  Edward took hold of her hand and held it the whole way to the hotel. Kate grinned inwardly, secretly happy that he was as attached to her as she was to him. She felt the same level of attachment.

  “Edward?” Kate said as she chanced a quick peek at his face. They were only a couple blocks from the the hotel.

  He returned her look. “Hmm?”

  “I think that twelve weeks is a long time. I wonder how you’d feel if maybe we had a few phone calls between now and when I come back?”

  She watched as a smile lit up Edward’s face and Kate knew she’d been right to suggest it.

  “Splendid idea! I was just trying to figure out how I was could suggest the same thing. I didn’t want to scare you off,” Edward said.

  “Truly?” Kate asked. This whole thing seemed too good to be true and she was a little afraid to trust it.

  He stopped and raised their clasped hands to his lips. Lightly brushing a kiss across the back of her hand, he nodded. “Truly, Kate. I would love to be able to talk on the phone with you over the next few months. Actually, I’d love to be able to spend time with you, but this is the next best thing. I’ll take it.”

  A huge smile broke out on Kate’s face and she heard Edward suck in a breath. “You are so beautiful,” he said just before he lowered his head and kissed her senseless again.

  Kate lost all sense of time and space. She felt dizzy when Edward lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. “We’d better get going,” he said softly.

  Again unable to form coherent words, Kate nodded her head. Edward grinned at her reaction and led her away toward the hotel.

  By the time they reached the hotel, Kate had herself pulled together. She felt a tiny bit foolish at her reaction to him, but at the same time she reveled in the feelings. Twelve weeks felt like a long time.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Mary, it’s time for dinner. Come, let’s wash your hands.”

  “Mo-om!” Mary whined. “I want to play!”

  Kate laughed. “We can play after we eat,” Kate said as she guided Mary over to the sink.

  It had been a month since she returned from England. She hadn’t spoken to Edward since their last “date” the night before she left. She hadn’t really expected they’d talk all the time, but was still a bit surprised that they hadn’t spoken yet. She was busy with Mary and she’d gotten a promotion at work. She was now in charge of all the marketing for the new clothing line. The days flew by too quickly.

  Mary’s birthday was coming up and Kate hadn’t planned anything yet. She made a mental note to pick up some invitations this weekend and get it planned. The phone rang as she was helping Mary into the booster seat at the table. Kate let it go to voicemail. Because Kate worked long hours during the day, she made sure dinner was a special time and Kate avoided distractions as much as she could. They typically rushed out of the house in the mornings, and Kate would try to have lunch with Mary at least twice a week. Kate made sure to spend as much down time with Mary as she could.

  It wasn’t until Kate was getting herself ready for bed
that she remembered the phone call. Curious, she picked up her cell. Her heart in her throat, she listened to the message. “Kate? Hello, this is Edward calling. I apologize it’s taken me so long to get in touch with you. I was called out of town Monday after you left and I just got back last night. I hope you and Mary are doing well. I’ll be in and out all day tomorrow, but would be honored if you’d give me a ring back. Take care.”

  She couldn’t believe it. He’d called. She felt like a giddy school girl with her first crush. Glancing at the clock, she quickly did the math. Ugh, four in the morning. She would have to wait until morning to call. Sliding between the sheets, she set her alarm and then drifted off to sleep.

  Kate’s morning dragged by. She had decided to call Edward on her lunch break and when it finally arrived, Kate grabbed her lunch out of the fridge and rushed up to the rooftop garden to make her call.

  She dialed the number and waited out the rings. Disappointment coursed through her when his voicemail picked up. “Hello, this is Edward. I’m unavailable to take your call right now. Please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able.”

  “Um, hello Edward? This is Kate, returning your call. I’m on my lunch break, so if you get this message in the next little bit feel free to call me back. Mary is usually in bed by eight my time, and I’m free after that. Looking forward to talking to you. Bye.”

  Hanging up, she set the phone down next to her. She took a bite out of her salad and relaxed at the table. She glanced around the garden, taking in the view. The roses were blooming, the air was clear and she could see across the city with ease. It was a beautiful day. She enjoyed the peace that came with taking her lunch on the rooftop garden. No ringing phones, no one poking their heads in her office, no deadlines. It was just Kate and nature. She relished the feel of the warm sun shining on her. Taking Mary to the beach this weekend would be a fun excursion, she thought to herself.

  Kate was packing up her leftovers when her phone rang. She quickly snatched it up. “Hello?” she answered breathlessly.