The gorgeous Hawaiian looked at the crowd and said, "He's been waiting years to do that!" before sending the man back to his seat with a good-natured wave of her hand.
Impressed with her friend's composure, Katrina gave her a thumbs-up when she returned to the table. She could never have pulled that off.
William spoke at length about the company, his friends who'd made his success possible, and his gratitude towards Robert LaSalla who had so graciously agreed to step in at Dodd and Company. He mentioned how he looked forward to spending a few months living as a gypsy, up and down the east coast. He finished to a round of applause. Waiters served dessert and coffee before the revelers went home.
Her friend pulled Katrina aside as she walked from the dining area.
"I've got to stick around and help sober Chuck up. He shouldn't be driving. Can you grab a table in the bar and wait for us there?"
"Sure, Kiki. But I'm not up for a late night, okay?"
"Of course. I just want to get a couple cups of coffee down him, then call a cab to take him home."
The bar area still hopped with urban professionals, but the crowd had thinned. She'd never been here this late and didn't recognize any of the patrons. Katrina chose a small round table in the corner, hoping no one would notice them with Chuck, and ordered three coffees without Baileys. She leaned against the wall and tried to make out the music that played over speakers. She caught the lyrics, Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend. She guessed the staff switched off the normal smooth jazz at nine.
Soon, the receptionist appeared with Manning on her arm. Poor Kiki! To her horror, Robert LaSalla trailed behind, carrying Chuck's briefcase and a box of decorations belonging to her friend. He set the items on a neighboring empty table and pulled up a chair next to Katrina, making it a foursome. As the group huddled around the tiny table, she felt her new boss's leg against her own, producing a trill of electricity that ran up and down her body. Sitting close, she became aware of his scent. Kate's mind went back to Manning's crude statement earlier in the evening. She could slap the ignoramus.
A waiter arrived with the coffees, and she gestured to Robert, letting the waiter know he should have the third cup. The college-aged boy held up a finger and mouthed, One more? with lifted eyebrows, and she nodded. LaSalla then tried to pass his drink to her, but she shook her head and said, "Mine's coming."
"Gee, Kiki, you didn’t tell me this was a du—du—double date," Chuck stammered.
Now Kate understood how the receptionist got Mr. I've-Had-Too-Much-To-Drink to pass on his speech. She must have told him she wanted to speed things up so they could share a nightcap together. Clever girl. The three chose to ignore Manning's remark, and Robert changed the subject.
"Kiki, that was some dance move you pulled off in there," LaSalla said with mock astonishment. "Didn't you get dizzy?" he added.
"Nah. I'm not surprised John did that. He's been asking me out for years."
They chuckled while their drunk companion stared off into space.
The receptionist and acting managing partner carried the conversation. She couldn't stop thinking about the way he handled her pearls and how his breath felt against her neck. She sipped her coffee absentmindedly, without noticing when the waiter provided refills, and lost track of time. Chuck's raised voice brought her back to reality.
"I want to know a—about this whole dating thing that went on b—b—between you two. The company has a policy about that k—kind of stuff, you know."
They did know. Interoffice relationships, past and present, were allowed, but had to be revealed to Human Resources. Katrina never considered time spent with Manning dating, and most of the time they did share involved company events, so Harriet Reynolds knew all about it.
"It's simple, Chuck. I asked Kate out, and she turned me down cold. End of story."
"Excuse me, but the cab you ordered is here," their waiter announced. "Would you like me to show the gentleman the way?"
"Yes. Yes, that would be wonderful. Come on, Chuck, it's time to go," Kiki said with a smile.
The receptionist grabbed Manning by the elbow and walked him from the restaurant, escorted by the helpful waiter. She looked over her shoulder and mouthed, I'll be right back.
Katrina wanted to leave too, but decided she first would put this dating thing to bed once and for all. She scooted her chair away from her new boss and began.
"Look, you never asked me out. I don't know why you continue to say such a thing!" she said, her tone reflecting the intensity she felt whenever around Robert.
Her intentions to portray an attitude of indifference failed whenever she looked at the man. She found herself eyeing his flint-like jaw and struggled to keep her gaze off his lips, or worse still, his muscular chest.
"Oh, yes, I did, and I can't figure out why you continue to deny it."
"You did not!" she exclaimed, her impatience with the man intensifying.
"I did," he responded, his voice calm and deep.
"Robert, you must have me confused with one of the countless bimbos who flock about you!" she spat, her exasperation evident.
His unruffled demeanor annoyed her beyond reason. She wished she could take the words back as soon as they left her lips as she witnessed a satisfied smile spread across his face, breaking at last into a full grin. Insufferable! She wanted to get up and leave, but felt she needed to wait to ensure Kiki returned safe and sound.
LaSalla crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair, looking like the cat who swallowed a canary. Infuriating!
"Besides, you turned me down a second time at the library." He held up two fingers. "We have to have full disclosure. You know that. Throwing it out there protects us both," he added in a whisper, leaning in towards her, still calm and collected.
"Just what are you implying?" She couldn't control the quiver in her voice.
Before he could reply, Katrina's cell buzzed. She snatched the phone from the table where she'd placed it earlier, and saw Kiki's name flash across the screen.
"Excuse me," she said in a huff, tapping her cellular. Her mother ingrained good manners in her from an early age, and taking calls or messages from mobile phones at the table was a definite no no.
Decided to call it a night. You kids have fun. - K
"Everything okay?" Robert asked.
Now what do I do? His question didn't register as she wondered how to extricate herself from the bar without it looking like a retreat.
"Katrina! Is everything all right?" He raised his voice, a concerned look replacing his grin.
"Yes, yes. Kiki's gone home. I'm going to follow her example. I really am beat. Have a nice weekend."
She got up and walked from the bar, not looking back. She fought the urge to run from the building but maintained a slow, proper gait instead. The cold evening air felt wonderful against her skin after being cooped up inside all night. A rule follower, she punched the Walk button at the intersection and waited for the light to turn, even though there wasn't a car on the road.
Drawing long, deep breaths of oxygen into her lungs, she looked up, hoping to see some stars in the clear night sky. The city's brightness all but obliterated any heavenly bodies. Katrina remembered viewing a dark velvet universe carpeted with twinkling pinpoints of many colors on a camping trip to Yosemite. Frigid temperatures required coats and blankets, but her mother still insisted they join the evening ranger walk. James had crept up behind her on the trail, prompting a scream when he grabbed her from behind, the scalawag. She'd never witnessed a sight like that before or since. Kate could detect red, blue, and yellow in the light cast off from the stars, and they filled the sky to the extent that it appeared more twinklers existed than inky black empty spaces.
Lost in thought, she didn't enter the crosswalk when the light changed. By the time she became aware of red lights flashing at her, she determined to push the button again and wait. She didn't hear the man approaching from behind.
"Where you headed a
ll alone?"
The cold tenor of his voice alerted her to real trouble. How foolish she'd been, standing around on the street. She told herself to stay calm, not to show any fear.
"The lady's not alone." She heard Robert's voice, hard and threatening, before she had the chance to address the stranger. She released a sigh of relief and turned to face the men.
A hooded, short figure stood sideways between her and LaSalla. Short but with a muscular build and visible tattoos on his neck, he frightened Kate. He could be armed. She watched as Robert took a step towards him.
"Move on," her new boss commanded.
The man glanced from Katrina to LaSalla, and Kate caught a glimpse of his hate-filled eyes. She prepared to scream for help.
"Hmph," the man puffed and walked away at a slow pace.
Robert advanced on Kate, putting himself between her and the would-be attacker. He placed his arm around her and asked, "You all right?" without taking his eyes off the man.
"I am now."
When the stranger disappeared around a corner, LaSalla turned his attention to Katrina.
"What were you thinking, standing around here at night, daydreaming? You could have been hurt, or worse!" The angry tone in which he addressed her made Kate shrink from him.
"I was thinking about the stars in Yosemite and—"
"Good God, Woman!" he interrupted. "Where's your car?"
She realized how foolish star gazing must sound here, in downtown LA, late at night on a deserted street corner. He must think her an imbecile. Robert grabbed her elbow and manhandled her across the street.
"The car's in our garage," she managed to say, her voice small and meek.
The comment seemed to abate his anger a little, and he loosened his grip on her arm. She could hear his ragged breathing coming in short gusts. Her own heart pounded with the nervous energy one experiences after a close escape.
"I would have walked you out, you know," he said, his tone controlled but gentle.
She figured he wanted to yell at her like a drill sergeant. Didn't he say he'd spent time as a Marine? She couldn't remember.
He continued, "But you bolted out of there like a house on fire, and I had to pay the bill. Thank the Lord I decided to check on you."
"Oh, I guess we did stiff you," she replied, pausing to look at his features.
His granite jaw loosened as he broke into a chuckle, and she laughed too, the nervous, raw giggle one produces after a crisis has passed.
"It's all right. I don't do Dutch, even on a double date. But, I will be collecting from that rascal, Chuck."
They laughed again, and Robert shifted his hand from her elbow to her shoulder, draping his arm protectively around her. When he caught sight of her car, he asked for the keys and opened her door. All at once, Katrina began to tremble, the night's events hitting her hard. She braced herself against the auto's frame, willing the shaking to stop. He stared at her intently while she averted her own gaze, embarrassed.
"Come on. Get in the passenger seat." He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her away from the vehicle. Walking her around the car, he added, "You're not fit to drive. I'm taking you home."
Chapter 6
-Make Coffee, Not War-
Kate didn't protest as he helped her into the car, closed her door, then jogged to the driver's side.
"Thank you," she whispered as he drove from the garage.
"Hey, don't fall asleep on me now! You've got to give me directions."
A ten minute drive with no traffic, the trip took even less late at night. Seven minutes later, he pulled her car next to the curb and insisted upon walking her to the apartment.
At the door, he said, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"No. I can't trust what you might offer up at the next department meeting."
"What if I give you my word not to mention it? It's late, and I could use a cup of coffee before I drive home."
"Well, I do have a machine, but I don't know how to use it, and—"
Before she could finish, he slipped by her, saying, "Where is it? I can teach you how to brew coffee."
She followed him inside and realized he'd already located the kitchen. She could hear him laughing.
"What's so funny?" she said, joining him.
"This," he said, pointing to a single cup coffee maker. "You really haven't learned to pop one of these little cups up here, push down on the handle and press brew?"
"I'm glad I can provide you with some amusement," she said, smiling.
"Why did you buy it if you didn't intend to use it?"
"A gift from my dad. I do intend to use it. I've just never gotten around to it."
She watched Robert's features as what looked like a wistful expression passed across his face.
"Where are your cups, and what about cream? My stomach can't take black coffee anymore," he said.
"I don't have any cream, but I think there's some milk in the fridge," Katrina said as she stretched to pull two mugs from a high cabinet.
She didn't see Robert's eyes admiring her backside, but she sure felt them.
"Got any food in this joint, Kate? I'm starving."
"Didn't you eat at dinner?"
"No, I was too busy worrying about how Chuck might screw up William's tribute party."
"All I've got are some old saltines and chocolate."
She pointed to a cabinet next to Robert.
"That will do," he said, reaching for the crackers and a candy bar.
"Here's the milk and sugar, if you'd like that."
The coffee machine made a noise as if it was letting off steam. He removed the cup, stirred in a hefty amount of milk and sugar, and handed the drink to Katrina. Then, searching through her mini cartons he chose a flavor for himself and started the process again.
"See, you put the water in back here," he instructed as he filled the machine from the tap. He added, "Go sit down, and I'll join you in a minute."
Kate followed his orders, taking her place at the small kitchen table she'd purchased for the apartment. When Robert joined her, carrying the cracker box and pieces of chocolate, he smiled ear to ear.
"You gave me a scare tonight, Katrina. Promise you won't daydream so much when you're out and about."
"I'm not a day—" she protested, but he interrupted.
"And I never asked you out. I know, I know."
Why is this man forever getting under my skin?
He continued, "Let's agree to disagree on the dating issue, all right? Can I just put that to bed?"
He held up a piece of chocolate, as if it would be a reward for her obedience. She could only nod. His low voice sent shivers through her entire body, and the way he said bed thrilled her.
"Good. And you'll be more careful?" he asked, reaching for her hand.
Katrina nodded again. His calloused fingers skimmed hers before he turned her hand over and gave her the candy. He allowed his thumb to trace over the fleshy part of her palm as he took a gulp of his coffee. The corners of his mouth curled down into a Not bad expression as he pushed his eyeglasses back to the bridge of his nose. Then he crammed several saltines in his mouth. Katrina's breath grew uneven, but her new boss didn't notice.
"So, tell me about what you've been doing since you left Wood and Associates," she asked, after composing herself. Her curiosity got the best of her.
Robert looked pleased, if his smile was any indication, and continued eating the crackers.
"Well, after getting my CPA license, I went back to grad school for an MBA. Then, I went to work for an investment bank before joining my dad's company."
"What kind of business was that?" she asked.
"Dad had a boutique advertising agency. Small but mighty client base, that sort of thing. Mostly old school guys."
"Oh."
"I enjoyed working with my father, but some of the things I witnessed while serving in the Marines kept calling me back to other parts of the world. Dad was nearing retirement age, and
knew my heart wasn't in the business, so he decided to sell. After that, I traveled for two years with an organization called Peace Workers. I spent time in Haiti, rebuilding an orphanage destroyed by that terrible earthquake, and constructing a church and a small hospital in South America. I traveled through parts of Asia on my own, as well."
"Where did you learn the construction business, Robert?"
"Oh, here and there as a teenager with summer jobs. And of course, I got a lot of experience during my four-year stint with the Marines."
"Where did you serve?"
"All over. Our military is stretched pretty thin these days, so I didn't stay in one place for more than six months."
"Did you see any active duty?" she almost whispered. She knew from discussions with her brother than not everyone cared to discuss these experiences.
"Some." He left it at that, then drained his cup.
Katrina decided there was more to this man that met the eye. And what meets the eye is a lot!
"Sorry, did you say something, Kate?"
She realized she'd mumbled her thoughts aloud.
"Nothing. You've led, uh, an interesting life, Robert."
"I hope I didn't bore you," he said, raising an eyebrow.
A Solitary Romance: Book 1 in the Only Love Series Page 6