Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series (9 page)

“Wow, Daniel, that’s amazing. I know you’re a good guy or I would’ve never hooked you up with her. Last night Jess filled me in a little bit more on what happened to Kate. I’m not going to say much because it isn’t my story to tell, but that guy Michael is a real piece of work. Let’s just say if I ever run into him on the street I might just knock him out. I’ve known Kate for a year and she’s the most honest, trustworthy person I’ve ever met. This guy not only turned on her in an instant over something she didn’t know about, but he also told her that one day she would turn into a traitorous bitch because her father’s blood runs through her veins and she can’t escape it. If you think she could really be the one for you, I’m happy for you both. The whole time I’ve known her I have never seen her eyes as bright as they were this morning. I think she likes you, but I know she doesn’t do casual relationships, so be prepared. Daniel, just remember, if you hurt my girl I’ll have no choice but to kill you.”

I’m thinking about everything Connor just said. I can’t believe what a douche her ex is and how he could say those things to her. I just met her and already know she’s the real deal; she would never hurt anyone intentionally. I think I would do more than knock him out if I ever cross his path and I hope that day never comes.

“I would never intentionally hurt her so you can stop planning my murder. Connor, I know I don’t want to be casual with her. I’m going to try and not freak her out, but by the time I leave here tomorrow, I want to Kate to be my girlfriend.” Connor gives me a half smile.

“Can I tell you a secret that won’t be one for long? Last night I had sex with Jess and it was the most mind blowing experience I’ve ever had in my life. You
know
I’ve been with more girls than I can count, but none of them come
close
to what we shared last night. That girl is a motherfucking goddess; we had sex three times last night and talked all night into the morning. She’s so much deeper a person than I would have ever guessed, maybe because I don’t usually take time to get to know girls on that level, you know? They both grew up like we did, with money and nice houses, but neither of these girls had parents. They were both pretty much raised entirely by Jess’s Aunt Maryanne who is only fifteen years older than they are. At twenty two, when Maryanne graduated college, Jess’s mom hired her to be Jess’s full time live-in nanny. Jess calls her mama because she’s the only one that was ever around. Apparently, Kate’s dad is a self-centered bastard who never checks in on his daughter and only calls when something exciting happens in
his
life. That’s why they stick together; they’re sisters in every sense of the word. They met when they were six years old and have never spent more than a week apart from each other. There weren’t many family functions for them in their own houses. Well, Maryanne made it good for them but I mean parent wise there was nothing after Kate’s mom died. Only Maryanne cheering them on at gymnastics, cheer practice, and softball. It really made me realize how good you, Jake, and I had it growing up. Our families had money but they also had love; Jess and Kate grew up without it.

“So, anyway, back to my original point. I really got to know her last night and I can’t say I want to marry her but I
did
ask her to be my girlfriend. I think I’m ready to take that step; I’m tired of rotating girls. Well, new girls
are
nice, but I think for once I’m in a place where it’s nicer to have someone stable by my side. I’m seriously tired of all the parties and superficial people. I think I want things on a smaller scale for a while, you know what I mean?”

“Yeah, man, I know
exactly
what you mean. I think it’s great you’re ready for this. I also think neither one of us can afford to screw it up, especially since the two of them are so close; it might make for some awkward situations. We should go get ready. I’m starving and we don’t want to make the birthday girl wait.”

Connor has just given me a lot to think about. As we walk into the house, I can’t help but feel happy about the childhood I did have.

Chapter 6 – Kate

I managed to avoid the inquisition I know is coming on the way into the house. Jess was way too excited about our day and babbling about birthday plans to bring it up. Most likely it’s because she wants to have some time to drill me without having to take a break to shower. Jess showers in Connor’s room and I shower in the guest room. Since Jess and Connor had this planned out, I have an overnight bag with multiple outfit changes. I guess we’re starting off with breakfast and a trip to the Santa Monica Pier. It’s January, and even though the weather is nice, the high today is only supposed to be around seventy degrees which means about sixty-five or so at the beach, too cold for swimming.

I look through my bag, trying to figure out what to wear, and find a Victoria’s Secret gift box at the bottom with a card attached that says ‘open me don’t freak I’m pre-washed’. Leave it to Jess. I can only imagine what is in this box, but considering I have no panties and no bras in my overnight bag, I have a clue. I pull out the box and open it to find three new bras and six new pairs of panties. There’s also a really cute baby doll negligee that is blue and black and mostly see through. She is something else. I’ve never worn lingerie before, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to wear it now.

However, thinking of Daniel on top of me this morning, grinding on me, and the way he made my pulse race maybe I
do
want to wear this for him. I could give
myself
a birthday present by giving him me.
Ugh, enough thinking about sex.
I put on the black bra and matching black panties which are both a perfect fit, grab a pair of dark blue jeans, a lightweight black sweater, and throw on a pair of black boots.

Just as I’m getting ready to open the door to go put makeup on with Jess, Daniel walks in and jumps back quickly as to not bump right into me.

“Look at those cat-like reflexes you’ve got. Must come from all those years of football,” I say, laughing as he closes the door behind him. He grabs me around the waist and pulls me close; his touch makes me tingle all over. He puts his hand on the back of my head and pulls me toward him. Instead of kissing me, though, he nuzzles his face into my neck and slowly kisses up to my ear. This feels amazing.

He gently bites at my earlobe and whispers, “You look beautiful. I have never wanted
anyone
as much as I want you right now, but instead I’m going to take a
very
cold shower and take you out for your birthday. I’m giving you fair warning, Kate, if you decide to stay again tonight I don’t think I’ll be able stop myself from giving you a mind blowing orgasm for your birthday.”  With that proclamation he gives me a quick kiss, steps back, takes off his shirt and says, “Give me fifteen minutes and I’ll be ready to go. If you’re heading to Connor’s room I suggest knocking first.” He winks at me and heads into the bathroom.

I’m left standing in the middle of the room, stunned. That is
the
sexiest thing I have ever heard. I realize I would very much like an orgasm for my birthday, and maybe I’ll have a use for Jess’s gift after all.  His body— that chest and those arms are like sculptured works of art. There’s no fat, only muscle. Well-defined arms, washboard abs—the kind of body women drool over and pay to see dance naked in front of them and he wants
me
! He had some ink, too. That’s sexy as hell.  I love a man with tattoos. Too bad he walked away before I could get a good look at them. Maybe I’ll get the chance to explore them further tonight.

I haven’t been this happy on my birthday since the last one I shared with Michael. Thinking about him instantly makes me sad. I have to stop giving him power over me. I tell myself I’m over him and have to move on. I still love him, I will
always
love him, but I also hate him almost as much as I hate what my dad did to us. I still can’t comprehend how he was able to just cut me out of his life the way he did. I called him for days,
weeks
even. After he left me in the condo he never answered a single call. One day his phone was just disconnected. I know he changed his number so I couldn’t reach him. Jess tried to talk to him for me, and he flat out told her that not only did he want nothing to do with me, but since she was my best friend, and always would be, that he could no longer have anything to do with her, either. I know it hurt Jess more than she let on. We were like The Three Musketeers. Never once did Jess complain to me about missing his friendship, but that night I heard her crying in her room. I never told her I heard her crying because I knew she missed him, too.

Not too long after we moved into the condo, Jess made new friends here at school. Michael and I had all the same friends in high school. Since he left me and lives in town with all of them, I never tried staying in touch. It would have been pointless. I’m sure they would all have been on his side. I made some new
acquaintances, I wouldn’t really call them friends, and just pushed on as best as I could. Enough thinking about the past; today is for new beginnings and I’m really excited to have a fresh start. I take Daniel’s advice and knock on Connor’s door. God knows I don’t want to walk in on that!

“Come in.” I pop my head in with my hands over my eyes.

“Are you guys decent in here?”

“Ha
ha, very funny. Connor went downstairs to shower so that we wouldn’t hold things up, if you get my drift.”

“Oh, I get it all right. I can see your ‘I got laid’ glow from a mile away. So spill the beans, Jess, was it everything you always hoped and dreamed of?” Giggling, I flutter my eyelashes at her.

“Oh, Kate, it was so much more than that! We had sex three times last night and each time I had the most amazing orgasms I have ever had in my life! God blessed Connor with more than just good looks. He knows how to really make a girl feel everything. It was the best sex of my life, but more than that, we talked about life, love, our dreams, AND he asked me to be his girlfriend!!!!” Jess is squealing at decibels so loud I’m afraid the mirror’s going to shatter on her as she puts on her makeup.

“Wow, Jess, that’s fantastic,” I give her a big hug. “You don’t think it’s too fast though to be his girlfriend?”

“Nope. Life’s too short to worry about taking things too fast. It feels right so I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.”

“I’m sure that won’t be the
only
ride you’ll be enjoying.”

“Well that’s a given, but we’ll talk more about that later. Okay, done with my makeup. Natural day is always quick and easy. Now it’s your turn. Come let me make you even more beautiful than you already are, birthday girl. Don’t roll your eyes at me. Gloss, blush, eyeliner, and mascara and poof we’ll be done. So, tell me more about what we walked in on this morning, my friend.”

“Jess, if you hadn’t walked up I may have actually had sex with him outside in the open for anyone to see. I have no clue what I was thinking, but Daniel does amazing things to me. I don’t know if it’s because I’m out of practice, really horny, or if it’s just the fact that we have incredible chemistry, but I’ve never felt these kinds of feelings before. There is electricity with us—sparks, butterflies, fireworks, whatever you want to call it. When he just slightly touches me I feel it. When he kisses me, my stomach clenches. I’m scared, Jess, really scared. I like him a lot.
Too
much. I think it’s too fast. I don’t want to scare him away although we talked a lot last night and we’re really compatible. He asked me if I’m ready to let my past go and be with someone else. For the first time in three years I think I am, but I’m terrified of being hurt again. Does that make any sense?”

It takes her a minute to answer.

“Kate, of course it makes sense. It sounds to me like you had it wrong. Michael was
not
the one your mom was referring to in her letter. I’ve tried to tell you this the past few years but you just weren’t ready to hear it. Michael didn’t respect you or what you had. I know he was hurt in the end, but so were you. You lost Grant, Michael, Claire, in essence your Dad, but even worse you lost your child. I know how broken you were. As unexpected as the pregnancy was, you embraced it with love and hoped for a future.  Michael never once looked outside of his own pain to see the pain he was inflicting on you, it was like he got off on hurting you. I know he loved you, but he didn’t respect you or your relationship. If he had, we would be having a very different conversation right now. You
are
ready to move on, Katie Grace, and Daniel is perfect. Connor and I talked long and hard about setting you two up. The more he told me about Daniel, the more I just knew he could be the one for you. Once you step out of your comfort zone and stop being such a chicken you’ll find out exactly how compatible you are tonight when you put on that cute little outfit I bought you at Victoria’s Secret. You’re welcome for that, birthday girl; it’s my gift to you that hopefully will keep on giving.” With a big smile and a hug she declares me finished.

“Thank you for all the new sexy underwear, Jess. I like them all very much. That lingerie is definitely something I’m considering for tonight even though I feel like having sex this soon sets a precedent I’m not yet comfortable with. I was with Michael for over two years before we took that step and I had known him since second grade. This feels right, but way too fast to be right.” 

“Humph,” is Jess’s answer to that. “Kate, what did I just say about when it’s right, it’s right? GO with your gut, listen to your instinct. Of course you waited to have sex with Michael. It’s not like you can have sex in elementary school; sixteen was a good age to wait until. You’re a grown woman; you are twenty-four freaking years old and one year away from closing Michael and his bitch-ass mother out of your life for good. If you feel it with Daniel then go for it, because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. Now, let’s go eat. I’m STARVING!”

As usual, Jess is right. I’m so grateful that she’s in my life. I don’t know what I would do without her. The guys are waiting patiently for us downstairs. We all pile into Jess’s car and hit the road. Surprisingly enough, Jess let’s Connor drive her baby. No one drives Jess’s car but Jess—it’s her number one rule. She must
really
be head over heels for Connor. Daniel’s in the backseat with me. He reaches over, takes my hand, and kisses it. I could look into his brown eyes all day, but suddenly I’m brought back to reality by Jess calling my name.

“Kate, it’s our song! Come on, we
have
to!” With that she rolls down her window.

“Here they go, Daniel. You’re in for a show, my man,” says Connor, laughing. 

We launch into a sing-along of
Say My Name
by Destiny’s Child. We split the harmony, do the original dance moves as much as we can in the car, and give the boys a full on show. When we arrive at the restaurant, Connor turns off the car and the music. Between him and Daniel they’re laughing so hard I think I actually see tears in their eyes.

“That was quite the show. You two are good which really surprises me, most car singers are tone deaf. That was a great little rotation you had on the verses. How often do you do that?”

“Oh, Daniel, Kate and I have been singing that song since it came out. We even performed it in our talent show one year. We sing all the time, of course we’re good; you should never expect anything less from the two of us in
anything
we do. Perfection is our middle name.”

We get out of the car and head in to eat. Jess and Connor are in front of us holding hands and I’m so happy for them. It feels really good to see the two people I care about most finding love with each other. Suddenly, I feel arms wrap around me from behind. Daniel is holding on to me and whispers in my ear, “I guess I don’t have to worry about you being yourself in front of me. I’m glad; it’s a huge turn on.” He kisses my cheek and
lets go of me and then laces his fingers in mine.

The waitress is really cute and about our age. She looks from Connor to Daniel and back again, biting her bottom lip almost as if she’s trying to see which one she has a chance with. She seats us in a booth, me next to Daniel and Connor next to Jess, and hands us our menus. She tells us her name is Misty, takes our drink orders, and leaves.

Once she sees how we’re coupled off in the booth I think she realizes her chances are slim with either guy. A few minutes later she comes back with our drinks and takes our orders. We’re discussing our plans for the day when Misty comes back with the food.

All of a sudden she blurts out, “You’re Connor and Daniel, right?”

Of course Jess has to get the first words in, “Yup, they sure are, do you guys know each other?”

Misty flushes redder than red and says, “Yes we do, sort of. I was friends with Mike and he took me to Jake and Daniel’s graduation party.”

Daniel seems to remember immediately, “I remember you now. Sorry, that was a while ago. We haven’t seen you since I don’t think; you must have a really good memory.”

Misty flushes, “Yeah, well it’s kind of hard to forget when the guy you think is really into you just got to know you for a one night stand. Sorry, I guess I’m still a little bitter. I really liked Mike and wanted to make a good impression on you guys, but that boy has issues. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I hope you all enjoy your breakfast. Please let me know if you need anything else.”