* * *
His smile faded some, reading how polite she was. Katherine was being very diplomatic and careful in her response. Nothing alluding to her emotions or her personality in the phrase. If he read into it, the “keep in touch” was the only invitation there seemed to be. That’s okay, he thought, we don’t know each other and she’s playing it safe. I can respect that. Alex texted back a very quick “good morning” to see how quickly she would respond this time around. He had to admit he was a bit put off that it took so long to answer. He had never had to chase a woman since before he had his breakthrough in Hollywood. Since then, he was the one running away – literally.
* * *
Leslie flipped on the screen and put in Kat’s passcode in order to unlock it. Seeing this, Katherine rolled her eyes and made a mental note to change the code for Miss Nosy-britches. The last thing she needed was Leslie reading her texts if anything developed at all. “What does it say on my phone?” she asked flippantly and held out her hand.
* * *
Katherine saw the mischievous grin appear on Leslie’s face after a moment of typing. “Oh no! What are you sending him? Leslie! Give me that!” she practically shouted and grabbed the phone from Leslie, mortified at what could potentially be on the tiny illuminated screen. Katherine read the text and groaned aloud. “Really Les? REALLY?” she asked exasperated as Leslie continued to laugh hysterically, wiping her eyes.
* * *
Alex’s phone vibrated in his hand as he received a response within moments. He was trying to be cautious but couldn’t help feel a surge of excitement when he realized he had a returned text so quickly. Taking a large sip of coffee, Alex almost choked as he did a double take.
* * *
Well, it’s morning. Good would be if you were here.
* * *
Feeling a sinking pit in his stomach, Alex re-read the text again and realized that he must have misjudged her completely. That wasn’t a standoffish text; that was a blatant hint. That meant she must have been playing coy when they met. He felt his phone vibrate repeatedly and realized it was a phone call. Alex clicked the ignore button and sighed. He would have to get a new phone number yet again. Eventually, he would learn his lesson on trusting people. The phone buzzed yet again, signaling a text.
* * *
I’m so sorry about that- that was my friend, Leslie (Princess Leia?)
* * *
He was sure how he felt about the fact that, apparently, there were two women there holding the conversation. Any response would not be personal. Alex hesitated in his response. He could always call her back, but decided against it since it could be the friend that answered. The phone buzzed again. Glancing down, he breathed a sigh of relief. No new number would be needed as of yet and she realized that her friend gone too far.
* * *
I’m not alone, let me text you later- after I change my passcode on my phone
* * *
Alex texted back simply with a smile in response. He didn’t want to run her off if she was with her friend. That was something he missed and lacked right now…a friend. He did, however, want the conversation to be between the two of them if they were to even try to get to know each other. He didn’t want to wonder who it was he was communicating with.
* * *
Katherine let out her breath as she received a text back. She was a bit unnerved that he didn’t answer the call when she tried calling him quickly after Leslie’s response. Glad that the line of communication was still open, she put her phone on silence and dropped it back into her purse with a direct look at her companion for the day.
“No more ‘funny’ stuff. I will keep you in the loop but you can’t text for me, Leslie. I don’t need you to find me a boyfriend or set me up with a booty call, even with a celebrity. What if he changed his mind about wanting my number? What kind of gossip do you think boring old me can provide you?” Katherine left off gently seeing the crestfallen look on Leslie’s face at the scolding.
“Let’s finish our breakfast and talk about something else. Have you been to the outlets recently?” she asked will a false enthusiasm she did not feel. She wanted to go home and see why the actor wanted her number of all people. She wanted to close her eyes and relive that moment again in her mind, but it would have to wait as the two planned their day together.
Later, she promised herself.
8
Katherine slowly climbed the stairs to her condo. She felt more exhausted shopping the day away with Leslie than she had ever felt pulling a nine-hour shift but it had kept her distracted all day long as designed. Unlocking the door, kicking off her shoes and dropping down on the couch, she grinned at the bags that surrounded her. The two of them had put quite a dent in their wallets, snagging a few good bargains. Katherine peered at her new wallet she had picked up. Purses weren’t her thing, but she did use a zip-around clutch instead. And the leather one she picked up on clearance was screaming her name. Smiling, she transferred over her items to the new find and realized that she had not checked her phone again the entire afternoon after putting it on silent to keep it from signaling Leslie. Sure enough, there was one lone text from him.
* * *
Just landed and headed home. Talk to you later.
* * *
Grinning, she practically did a little dance as if to alleviate the excitement bubbling up in her. She handled adrenaline easily at work. Blood, crying family members and screaming were all part of her day and she became desensitized to it. Death, however, still got her and hit her hard.
This? This was hers. It was personal. This wasn’t work and wasn’t her best friend. This was mysterious and the unknown. Potential was there, potential for hurt or for fun. The big problem was that she didn’t know which would materialize. Personal excitement had been long gone and she didn’t realize it until she got that first text message from him. It was as if there was a small candle lit in a large, dark room, she was drawn to that candle regardless of whether it was warmth and comfort… or a burn.
Fixing dinner and changing into a large T-shirt, she wasn’t sure what to say or how to respond. Would he even respond in a timely fashion since it had been all day for her or had she missed her chance today due to the time difference? Wait! If it was, indeed, California, he would be three hours or so behind her. It’s barely six in the evening there. Realizing she was stalling, she took a deep breath and just texted back.
* * *
K: Hello, just got home myself.
* * *
Katherine did not have time to set down her phone from the text, when she saw three tiny dots appear at the bottom of her screen indicating he was typing back. Grinning from ear to ear at the quick response, she waited.
* * *
A: Hello yourself. Did you have a nice day out with Leia?
* * *
K: Yes, very much so. I don’t get off work very often, so it was a nice change.
* * *
A: I’m glad for you. My time off is in between takes and it can be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. What do you do for a living where you aren’t off work often?
* * *
Katherine hesitated. She couldn’t imagine what she would do with weeks off on end. The boredom would be numbing. Why did he want to know what she did for a living suddenly?
* * *
Why? she responded. Most people were intimidated at what she did and assumed it meant huge amounts of money and a glamourous lifestyle. What it actually meant was being alone, massive student loans to pay back, long hours but a huge sense of self-pride when you saved a life.
* * *
A: Small talk, that’s all. You don’t have to share; just thought I would ask.
* * *
Feeling like a heel, Katherine, realized she was being too defensive a bit quickly. Maybe there wasn’t anything behind it other than what he said: to keep the conversation going. Her protective guard was definitely up and she needed to let it down a bit, apparently.
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* * *
K: Sorry. Didn’t mean to be rude. I’m a surgeon.
* * *
Alexander did a double take reading the text. He was highly impressed. It took a lot of dedication to finish college, but going for a Master’s degree or Doctorate was something he didn’t have at the time. He had dropped out of college due to sheer boredom and failing grades. It wasn’t for him. He knew it and his heart lay elsewhere. He wanted excitement and travel…and got both when he was discovered by an agent.
* * *
A: What made you become a surgeon?
* * *
K: What made you become an actor?
* * *
Her quick response, or lack thereof, surprised him. She didn’t want to elaborate or talk about it apparently and had changed it back to him fast. Well, he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to spill the beans on his life either because it was in type and could easily be sold to the press if desired. Not that he believed she would do that, but he didn’t know her. And six months down the road, you never knew what could happen. Alex had to be extremely protective of himself and gave the standard answer.
* * *
A: I fell into it. I was discovered by an agent in Georgia and asked to audition. I got the part and here I am.
* * *
Hitting send, he debated giving more information. Let her make the next step, he thought. If she is a very private person, he didn’t want to run her off by asking personal questions. She had been a nice change to the clingy strangers who acted like they knew him. It made having people in his life hard. He waited patiently for a response and saw she was typing back.
K: Why did you ask for my number?
* * *
A: Why did you give it?
* * *
Not trying to be evasive, but it was an honest question for Alexander. That was not his “normal” routine to get phone numbers or “pick up chicks” while out and about. He had been solitary for so long. But something in the way he held her in that very moment called to him. His agent had emailed him the photo of the two of them and he had been moved by the look on her face. He felt correct in asking for her number when he saw the photo, even if the doubts lingered.
* * *
A: It’s my turn to apologize. I’m not being flip. Honestly, why did you give out your number? I’m curious.
* * *
Katherine had stared at her phone for a few minutes when he had bluntly responded back to her. It had been quick in coming and evasive, turning the tables. Why on earth did she give her number out to a stranger? She had been surprised by the security guard and barely hesitated, which surprised her.
* * *
K: I will answer, if you do, too. Why did you ask for my number?
* * *
K: I gave it simply because you asked. I was surprised and curious.
* * *
Staring at her phone, she grinned at her evasive response. Texting Alexander was like playing a mental chess game. He moved, she countered. This was the most fun she’d had in some time. While it was sad to admit that, it was truly engaging. She sat cross-legged on a sofa in her condo alone texting a stranger. Sad, but invigorating.
* * *
A: I asked because I wanted your number. Curious about what? I asked because I wanted to know you.
* * *
Surprised by his answer, she wasn’t sure what to respond. “Why?” screamed out in her head repeatedly. Giving in, she texted back and held her breath unknowingly.
* * *
K: Why? Why me?
* * *
A: Why were you curious? I think maybe you were just as curious about me as I was curious to get to know you.
* * *
A: I think maybe we are both a bit nervous.
* * *
K: I think maybe you are right.
* * *
A: Can I call you?
* * *
K: Yes
* * *
Katherine’s heart was pounding as her phone rang moments after sending the text. He was calling her! This was unreal and terrifying at the same time. Clearing her throat nervously, she answered it on the second ring.
* * *
“Hello?” she said attempting to be serene while she answered and failed miserably. She sounded like a cat that got its tail stepped on as her voice garbled. Katherine cleared her throat and excused herself quickly. “Hello there.” Good girl! Cool, calm and collected, she thought.
* * *
“Hello. I thought this might be better than just texting back and forth,” she heard his husky voice say as she held the phone to her ear. Practically melting at that tone, she knew that she was softening at his stupid voice and turning into a sap.
* * *
“Hey there. Yes, this is much better. Although you can’t hear my nervousness when we are texting,” she admitted and slapped her forehead. Stupid woman! She heard him chuckle in response as he confessed he was nervous as well and promised not to take too much of her time.
“So, hello,” she repeated once again, her heart pounding and cursing her foolishness as she heard him laugh again. His husky voice was making her brain and panties turn into a puddle. If there was grey matter leaking from her ears, it would not surprise her in the slightest.
“Katherine? May I call you Katherine? Relax. I promise I won’t bite, my character does – I don’t,” she heard him offer. Her brain instantly shut down as she thought of him biting her neck. Yep, definitely brain-dead, panties wet.
She laughed hysterically for a moment. “You are making me nervous. I don’t normally give out my number and I really don’t know how to answer your text.” She fidgeted waiting for his reply. Why in the world was he interested in her?
* * *
“The reason I asked for your number was because I wanted to get to know you. The girl who doesn’t watch my show. The girl who is real and honest with herself.” She heard him hesitate on the line for a moment. “I could use a friend and someone to talk to,” he admitted quietly on the phone. Stunned at the admission, Katherine knew it had probably taken a lot to open up. Heck, she was afraid, too!
“Well, you have someone now, don’t you?” she offered, the nervousness fading a bit. He needed a friend and she could understand that because, sometimes, she did, too. Sometimes she relied heavily on Leslie, other days she felt like it was too much to burden her best friend with if something was bothering her. Katherine didn’t have anyone else and knew what it was like to be lonely.
“I could use one as well,” she admitted finally. “Leslie is great but there are times when I can’t tell her things and I just need to talk,” or hide away from it all she thought. Maybe this could be therapeutic for both of them.
* * *
The silence was deafening for a moment. It appeared that neither of them was sure what to say next. And so many things were bursting from Katherine that she wanted to ask. Why me? He had already answered, but part of her was still questioning it. It was doubt and insecurity, she knew this, but it was eating at her.
* * *
“Did you see the photo, Katherine?” his voice had taken on a seductive timbre, or so she imagined. She would hear that voice in her head over and over again. The way her name rolled off his tongue was the stuff of dreams.
* * *
“Yes, I look like a dork,” she said with a groan. She loved and hated that photo. It was quite revealing of her inner self and what she was thinking at that very moment. Her body and soul had taken that moment to reach out for the unattainable as if a magnet was drawn to the metal filings on a piece of glass. Her goose bumps had even reached for him!
* * *
“You looked lovely and like you were happy to be there. I liked it,” he confessed. It was the best photo he had seen in quite some time. Alexander did not want to admit that it was now his wallpaper on his phone. Her body had felt amazing in his arms. It was like she fit just right against him and it was pure instinct that he had sent
security to follow her so he could contact her once again. It had physically bothered him when she walked away. He wanted to continue talking to her but didn’t want to scare her off.
* * *
“I’m glad I called. I wanted to hear your voice again and hope we can talk some more when we both have a bit of free time. Thank you for trusting me and giving me your number. I hope I can trust you with mine,” he said gently, not expecting an answer. Alex wanted her to know that he was opening up to her. He wanted to tell her he had been hurt before.
Romancing the Fangirl Page 5