The silence on the line was deafening. “Katherine, I really miss you and would love for you to visit again,” he said gently. If she wouldn’t say it, he would. The last few weeks had been numbing and he wanted her in his life.
* * *
Cupping the phone against her face, she wished she was touching his beautiful visage. “I do miss you. But I can’t this week because I go back on rotation tomorrow. There is a three-day weekend coming up in a few weeks that I am off,” she suggested quickly and stopped. Three days they could see each other over a two-month period was sad. While it seemed so far off, she would at least have something to look forward to.
“Princess, let me check my schedule and see what I can do about us arranging something,” she heard him promise. “I miss you. Text or call me more often, okay? Or answer the phone when I call you.” His voice hesitated. “Please?”
“Yes,” Katherine answered with a lump in her throat. She felt ashamed he had to ask her to answer the phone and that she hadn’t before now. Feeling like she should apologize again and afraid she had almost blown things with him, she whispered “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, Princess. Just don’t shut me out, okay?” she heard him ask in a tone that struck her as pleading. Maybe she had misread him and hadn’t realized how much he missed her, too.
“I won’t, I promise. I will call you tomorrow.” Katherine wanted to say more, but wasn’t sure how to just yet.
“I will call you tonight as well,” she heard him promise on the phone and grinned. Alex was going to make sure that the lines of communication stayed open between them. He wasn’t going to let her slip away again. And this time, she wasn’t running.
* * *
For the next two weeks, Katherine awoke each morning and faithfully texted Alex regardless of the time difference between them and found each evening he called. Some nights, she was able to answer the phone. Others, she had to call him back because she was working. She made sure that he knew her schedule and vice versa. Alex had sent her roses several times as well as a large gift basket full of all sorts of bubble bath and scented lotions. The card on the massive basket was simple:
* * *
Take care of yourself, Princess- Alex
* * *
When she had arrived home, she found it inside of her condo which meant Leslie had probably put it inside if it had been left outside the door. Opening it, she started a bath and poured a glass of wine, determined to get some heavy sleep tonight. The lavender and vanilla smelled heavenly and so very inviting. Climbing in the warm water, she set her wine glass on the edge of the tub and grabbed her phone from the floor nearby. Taking a photo of her bare shoulders, holding the glass of wine and smiling, she texted the photo to him as a tease or a promise.
* * *
K: Thank you for the bubble bath. It smells divine! I’m trying to relax now that I’m off work. Miss you & wish you were here
A: Never thought I would say I was jealous of bubbles… but damn, I definitely am!
A: BTW, you can send me a pic like that anytime you like ;)
K: I bet! :P
A: Ohhhh tongue! Naughty girl <3
K: You know it <3
* * *
Katherine found herself laughing out loud to his silly comments and her chest swelled with happiness at seeing him put a heart on the screen. She found it so easy to respond in kind. It was so much easier than saying “I love you” via text. That just struck her as wrong. Something so intimate and personal like that she wanted to say to his face.
* * *
A: What are you off this week?
K: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. I have to be on-call Halloween. Weirdos out there!
K: Why?
A: Just curious, we are still filming off and on. Did commercial today
K: Want me to call?
A: Can’t yet, I’m still on set
K: Gotcha ;)
A: I will call you soon <3
K: I’ll be here <3
* * *
Katherine soaked for quite a while, until her fingers and toes were starting to prune. Heaving a big sigh of contentment, she stepped out of the bath. She smoothed herself liberally with vanilla-scented lotion that had been a gift as well. Wrapping herself in the large towel, she lay down on the bed and waited patiently for the phone to ring as she watched TV.
Nodding off, she awoke chilled and realized she was still wrapped in the towel and Alex hadn’t called as of yet. Surprised, she texted again and asked if he was still on set with no answer. Looking at the clock, Katherine noticed that it was almost midnight her time, which meant it was nine PM where he was.
She set an alarm and changed from the chilled towel to a T-shirt and panties. She climbed back into bed, lying there for either sleep or Alex to call. Katherine’s phone lit up and chimed. She grabbed it quickly thinking it might be Alex. Instead, it was Leslie asking if she was home or working.
* * *
K: Home, in bed. What’s up?
L: Got you something, want me to bring up?
K: Can it wait? Tired
L: Not really. Stay where u are sleepyhead- I will let myself in and drop it off
K: Sheesh, I’m up
K: You are pushy, you know
L: Ya luv me
* * *
Groaning, she threw back the covers and walked over to the front door. Hearing Leslie knock, she opened the front door and gasped. Leslie stood behind Alex, who was grinning from ear to ear. Stunned, she stood there staring at him before her mind comprehended that he was here! Actually here in Chicago!
“Princess, I love the way you open the front door but it might not be appropriate for everyone,” he quipped and caught Katherine as she flew into his arms bodily. He held her warm, scented body as she wrapped herself around him and kissed him repeatedly with enthusiasm.
Leslie laughed, delighted, giving Alex a push inside. “You are welcome, Kat. Have a good night, lovebirds,” she sang as she pulled the door closed and locked it behind them.
17
“I can’t believe you are here.” She grinned and kissed Alex again to make sure he was real. It was overwhelming how happy she felt seeing him in her home and having him hold her once again.
“I guess you missed me, huh?” he teased playfully as he grinned widely. Holding Katherine’s light frame, he was a bit dismayed by how thin she felt but there was nothing better than having the woman you love with you. Cupping her bottom, he swung her around the room happily, making her laugh.
“Just a bit,” she said, pinching her fingers together playfully. His gorgeous eyes had the sweetest crinkle at the edges when he smiled at her. She loved how his features looked so peaceful when he was happy.
“I think maybe you missed me more than a bit, my sweet princess,” he said, nipping at her fingers playfully.
“Maybe a lot more,” she confessed shyly. “I missed you a lot.”
Alex swallowed and nodded. He understood and there was no need to elaborate, missing the one you cared for was hard. “You sure do make a T-shirt look amazing,” he said as he carried her into the bedroom. Katherine laughed as he tossed her onto the bed she had just by lying in. She watched him strip off his clothing and was elated to have him with her once again.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she whispered as he kissed her gently.
“I’m glad that you are, Princess. I’ve missed the taste of your lips, Katherine,” he said, groaning as his body throbbed knowing she was near. “I couldn’t resist coming to visit and I wanted to surprise you so I contacted Leslie,” Alex explained, yanking off her T-shirt and revealing her body to him. “I’ve missed those beautiful breasts,” he whispered huskily. “Trick or treat, my love,” he played.
“It’s not Halloween yet! But I’ve a sweet tooth so ‘Treat’, I guess,” Katherine mocked with a dramatic sigh.
“Oh I think you are making fun of me,” Alex teased dramatically with one hand over his chest. “My feelings are so hurt
!” he said with a mock pout that turned into a wicked smile. “So I think you are gonna get both tonight, baby. A trick and a treat,” he said with a gleeful laugh and yanked her legs up over his shoulders. He wanted to wait to be with her, but he needed to connect with the woman that owned his heart. There would be time to savor her later. Alex plunged himself into her eager body. Both groaned at the intense sensation and sense of completion that they had missed over the last few weeks.
“I’m not hurting you?” he asked in all sincerity, afraid he had been too rough.
“Nope,” she said playfully. “Now show me this treat you bragged about.”
“With pleasure, Princess,” he whispered breathlessly as he made love to her.
* * *
Katherine lay in his arms exhausted. “My goodness, that was the best Halloween present I believe I have ever received. To Hell with marshmallow pumpkins and candy corn,” she decreed mockingly. “I’m up for that anytime,” she said with a wink and rolled over, pushing herself up onto her elbow. “Seriously though, how long are you here for? I had no idea you had time off coming.”
* * *
Alex grinned. “One word: Tom.”
“What? What did he do?” she asked, surprised that his businesslike agent would agree to giving in to Alex’s wishes. If it didn’t bring in more money, fame, or business, Tom was “out”.
* * *
“I offered to do another interview as long as the media location was Chicago and I could get out of filming for a few days. So, with Cassius in a cast and the fact that we had practically wrapped up all we could get done for the time being until he is able to walk on his leg again, it was easily arranged. Friday when you have to work, I will be downtown answering questions and doing a bit of publicity for Bloodbath. I have to head back to L.A. on Monday for filming again Tuesday. So we have the weekend to ourselves or at least most of it,” he said happily and laughed uproariously as he heard Katherine squeal excitedly in response to having him the entire weekend.
* * *
Alex awoke Friday morning feeling refreshed and satisfied. He and Katherine had made love repeatedly throughout the night until he insisted that she get some sleep since she would be working this afternoon. At least he didn’t have to worry about her being out and about. She would be safe at the hospital and he would be waiting for her.
Calling for a limo, he showered quickly and found coffee to brew in the kitchen as she slept. Unfortunately, interviews typically ended up being before dawn broke in order to get aired the same day and that was the case this time. Because it was a vampire television show, having an interview on Halloween was an excellent marketing strategy. He dressed in a crisp, red, tailored shirt and black slacks, moved to the bedroom and kissed her forehead gently. “Sleep well, my love.”
Katherine smiled sleepily. “Mmm, love you,” she mumbled, rolling over.
Alex smiled affectionately. “Love you, too, Princess.” This was the first time she had said anything about love and he wanted to shout it to the world. He was bound and determined to make this work between them regardless of the miles and distance.
Alex had decided from the first moment she gave herself to him that there would be no other. She was extraordinary and no one else would ever be able to fill his heart like she had in such a short period of time. Feeling his phone buzz, alerting him that the limo had arrived, he slipped on his shoes and headed quietly out the front door, pushing in the lock behind him.
* * *
Hearing the annoying buzz next to her head, Katherine slapped at her phone and pressed the snooze button. She was having the most amazing dream that Alex had told her that he loved her. Her eyes shot wide open as she realized that it wasn’t a dream and she had said it to him. So much for picking the perfect moment, she thought as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. I mean, how far could you get from perfect if your hair looks like you used glue for mousse and there is a drool trail on your chin? she thought.
Flipping on the TV, she checked her phone and saw that he had texted simply a heart to her. She replied in kind and hopped in the shower in order to grab the subway on time. She listened to the news lazily as the hot water cascaded over her, waiting for Alex’s husky voice to come over the speaker. When it did, she hurriedly rinsed off and ran back to the bedroom to catch the interview.
He certainly was gorgeous to watch as the camera panned over him, introducing him as well as the television show he was there to promote. They broke for commercial and Katherine hurriedly blow-dried her hair. Once again, she saw him on the screen and listened as they asked about the series and then his personal life.
* * *
“Alexander, tell us a bit about you.”
* * *
“Well, Jane. There isn’t much to say. I’m a very private person but I will share that I adore the outdoors. Fishing, golfing, hiking, swimming. Just anything to be outside in the sunlight. Which is ironic because of my character. I love portraying Giovanni and I believe he suits me well. Isn’t that ironic? I bring a bit of sunlight to Giovanni just as he brings a little charm to me,” he teased and winked at the camera.
* * *
“Then how about your recent affair with the lovely Dr. Katherine Drake?”
The host smiled, flashing photos of Katherine on the screen behind them. Katherine was on Alexander’s arm on the red carpet, as well as a photo of the two of them inside the charity event at their table. Their heads bowed low together, talking. There was a distinct, intimate feeling to each of the images that flashed across the screen. Katherine sat stunned as she listened to Alex puff up with pride and talk about her:
* * *
“Isn’t she incredible? She’s an amazing woman. Caring, nurturing, patient and brilliant. She puts up with me at my goofiest moments. In her line of work, she is one of the best and I don’t see how she handles it all with grace and poise. I’m humbled by Katherine. She’s the love of my life and I can’t imagine not having her with me.”
* * *
“There’s quite a bit of distance between you two, isn’t there? You have a home in Hollywood and she is based here, correct?”
* * *
“That’s true. But there is no amount of miles that I wouldn’t cross to be with that woman as long as she will have me.”
* * *
“Sounds like there may be a wedding in the future?”
* * *
“Sounds like we need to get back on topic there, doesn’t it, Jane? Bloodbath season two will be starting January fifteenth and I can’t wait for you to see it,” Alex said smoothly, putting the interviewer back into place easily. He didn’t mind sharing but he wasn’t about to reveal anything until he had plans set and laid out.
* * *
“Well, thank you so much for joining us. Let’s have a hand for the mysterious Alexander Weber from Bloodbath. Alexander?”
* * *
Alex took a deep bow and smiled gracefully as he pulled his microphone from his shirt. There was no way he was going to answer anything else off or on camera after that line of questioning. He knew for a fact that, sometimes, actors were still recorded and it was released later on gossip magazines. Tom had warned him about “hot mics” early on in his career and he had heeded it carefully.
* * *
Katherine sat stunned by the candid admission that he loved her and what he thought of her personality and profession. She knew his phone was away from him and couldn’t help herself. He had proclaimed to the world that he loved her. Picking up her own phone, she texted him.
* * *
K: I know you are busy and I’m headed in to work… but I just had to tell you that I love you dearly and can’t wait to see you tonight. XoXo <3
18
Riding the “L” into town, she saw glimpses of the interview on the monitors and pulled her baseball cap down low over her head as to not get bombarded. She was proud to be with Alex but hated being surrounded and crowded in. Katherine had been intensely relieved that he h
ad told her about the rush and crowds at the charity event or she might have bolted. She grinned to herself picturing what a story that would have created.
* * *
Stepping inside the familiar walls, she threw her things into the locker and allowed herself to be whisked into the first operation. Reviewing the files, she groaned. Another gunshot wound to the abdomen. Those absolutely had to be the worst.
She could handle any other gunshot wound, but dealing with twenty-five feet of intestine that had been punctured or lacerated was hard to handle. You had to be very meticulous in the cleanup and repair. Any mistake could cause the patient to go septic or have them bleed out. In westerns, a gunshot wound to the abdomen meant a slow death. Nothing had changed other than she could prevent it with diligence and skill.
For Katherine, it meant hours of agonizing detailed stitching while checking and rechecking all your work repeatedly. It also meant that she would more than likely only be doing this surgery today during her shift. Scrubbing down, she carefully gowned up and donned her facemask as the room was prepped. Stepping in, she greeted the team that would be aiding her and stopped as she saw the victim.
Romancing the Fangirl Page 13