Rebound (28 page)

“Dr. Ariel?”

“You know she has red hair. Oh, never mind,” she chuckled.

“You can actually talk about him and her, together, without puking...interesting.”

“What’s, interesting?”

“Oh nothing, just interesting. So are you and Captain Climax going to be spending every second together until he leaves.”

“Captain Climax, I like that one… Anyway, I’m not sure. He probably needs a little space. It has gotten pretty heavy, so I imagine he will start to pull back a little, now that the end is nearing. You know the whole self-preservation thing we humans do.”

“And how do you feel about that?” Mads asked.

“What? The end or the pulling back part?”

“Both.”

“Well, of course I’m sad and a little scared.”

“About the end or the pulling back part?”

“Both,” Katrine said with a sigh.“Well Mads, you were right.”

“About what?”

“I am not a love ‘em and leave ‘em type of gal after all.”

“You know Katrine, for once I wanted to be wrong.”

They sat on the edge of her bed and hugged each other tightly, for quite a while.

Katrine took a shower and snuggled into her favorite reading spot. She wanted to relax and unplug from reality for a while. She had lost track of time, having lost herself in the story. It must have been late afternoon when there was another knock at her door.

“Jeeze, it’s like f-ing Grand Central today.”

She just opened before she had a chance to peek and found Xander at her door.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Sorry I just showed up, but I was missing you and I couldn’t help myself.”

He was wearing a very fitted white t-shirt and those hot jeans she loved, and yes, flops. 

“Now how could I possibly turn away someone as delectable as you?” He smiled and came inside.

“Well, I knew since you had been gone all weekend that you probably hadn’t had time to get groceries, since you do that on Sundays...So I was thinking that ravenous little tummy of yours would more than likely need some dinner.”

When he mentioned dinner, said tummy started to grumble.

They both laughed.

“Well your timing is obviously impeccable.”

She thought it was sweet that he knew she did her grocery shopping on Sunday. For women it really is the little things. Just to know they are heard goes a long way. Men could take that little fact to the bank.

“Let me throw something else on. I’ll only be a minute.”

He followed her back into the bedroom, and that minute became forty-five.

They decided to grab dinner at her favorite sushi joint, just around the corner from her house.

“You like sushi, don’t you?”

“Yes, in NewYork I do, and Japan for that matter,” he said smugly.

“Oh ye of little faith. Just wait until you try it. Have I steered you wrong yet?”

“No, no you haven’t.”

“Okay then, you must trust my highly refined palate by now.” 

He chuckled, “Yes, actually I do. I am sure it will be delicious.”

The place was dimly lit and there were only five tables. They sat at the bar, in front of all of the fresh fish and a single sushi chef. Katrine did not care for sake, so Xander decided to skip it and have a Kirin with her. After they placed their orders, the chef put the various small plates in front of them. Katrine watched as Xander arranged his little dishes and prepare his chop sticks. It was ritualistic and methodical.

“What?”

“You are so cute, how you get everything ready. I was just watching.”

“Sorry. I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan on business and they take their sushi very seriously. There is a reverence in the preparation and the eating. I guess it rubbed off on me.” He smiled a small shy smile.

“No, I get it. It’s like when I open a bottle of wine. I rub the bottle, then remove the cork. I pour it in my glass, swirl it around and sniff. Then I give thanks for the grapes that gave their lives so I don’t have to be in therapy...”

He laughed, “You are such a smart-ass.”

“I know. Sorry I just can’t help myself. I do get it honestly. I appreciate taking pride in what one does and showing respect for things, instead of taking them for granted. God is in the details, so they say.”

“How can you go from smart-ass to insightful in a matter of minutes,” he asked, shaking his head.

“I know. It’s unnerving, isn’t it.” She smiled at him.

“GOD! I am going to miss seeing you everyday!” he groaned.

“Ditto, handsome, ditto....” 

Four rounds of sushi later, they left feeling utterly stuffed and satisfied.

“That was really good, Katrine. I was impressed.”

“Told ya! You can put it away, Mr. Abbot. I like a man who can eat!”

“That’s because you would feel like a complete glutton otherwise, my mini-beauty.”

“Are you trying to say I eat a lot?” she said, with faked offense.

“That is exactly what I’m saying.”

She punched him in the arm.

“Ow, that hurt. You’re strong for such a little thing.”

“You’d be wise not forget it, buddy!”

They grabbed hands and walked back to Katrine’s place.

That night she fell asleep nuzzled into her spot on his arm. Katrine’s breaths were coming out soft and evenly. Xander couldn’t sleep. He was staring up at the ceiling, stroking her hair. He was trying to figure out what to do about this situation. He had never intended to fall for her, which he had, hard. Long distance never worked and he really didn’t know if he wanted to try. He wanted all or nothing, but he wasn’t sure how to do that yet. He only had a week or so to figure it out. The final papers were scheduled to be signed a week from tomorrow, then he had to go back.

Maybe they could work something out, but he just couldn’t shake this bad feeling. He was starting to freak out a little. He was in over his head, he knew it and  just wasn’t sure what to do about it. 

He kissed her head and then he tightened his arm around her. She sighed softly. Several hours past before he was able to fall asleep.

Chapter 33

Monday started out with a bang. There were problems with the contracts and all hell was breaking loose. 

“Damn it. Fix this John! We are supposed to finalize in one week. I don’t want to hear excuses, just make it happen.” Xander slammed the phone down.

“Damn it!”

She came in quietly. “Is there anything I can do? I could cross reference the previous drafts. Maybe that would help.”

“No. The problem isn’t an error. They’re balking about this one tiny detail. It’s a stall tactic. They’re either getting cold feet or they want more money, but it’s too late for either. They’re in too deep.”

“Well, you let me know if I can help, okay?”

He stood up and walked over to her.

“I think a kiss would help, a lot.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Well, I am nothing if not a team player.”

She put her arms around his neck and did her best to “help”.

“Wow, that certainly improved my mood, but it made my pants a little tight.” He gave her a lopsided grin and she laughed.

“Sorry, your pants are on their own!”

They had a long lunch together at this quaint hole in the wall place that served Colombian food.

“I don’t think I have ever eaten Colombian food before.”

“It is really good, trust me. Yummy grilled meats and you have to try these things called arepas. So good!”

“I know, I know, I should trust you and I will probably love it,” he said and smiled. 

And he did... 

At the end of the day they made a plan to meet up for dinner and have a little slumber party afterward. All they seemed to do was eat and have sex. That was just fine with her. 

Katrine knew she would have to workout double time after this summer was over. It was so worth it.

“Can we eat in tonight? I feel like getting in my jammies and just relaxing.”

“Jammies? Are you trying to be cute?”

“Nope, promise. It just comes naturally, I guess.”

He enjoyed the pajama party, despite his teasing. They ordered in from the Mediterranean bistro in the main hotel. Katrine had a tangy chicken souvlaki, with extra pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Zander had a classic gyro that came with fries and seasoned rice, which was equally delicious. She knew because she made him give her a bite, or maybe two. 

“Why do you always eat my food?” he teased.

“I don’t always eat your food! On occasion I like to sample.”

“Sometimes I think you tell me to order certain things because you can’t make up your mind. That way you get to have yours, not to mention half of mine.”

“Take that back. Two bites does not constitute half a meal!”

“Admit it.” 

“Ok, maybe I want you to order something that looked good to me so I can try it.”

“See was that so hard? Why don’t you just order two things?”

“I couldn’t do that, then I would look like a total pig.”

He laughed, he didn’t really see the distinction.

Tuesday morning came and the problem with the contracts had not been resolved.

“They are still dragging their feet. Katrine, please call an emergency meeting. Have our lawyers and Hal’s team here by 2:00 at the latest. No one leaves until this is under control.”

“I’ll get right on it.”

She called and they all said they would be there, not that there was an option. The acquisition was the most important thing on everyone’s plate, so if they had to cancel appointments and rearrange their schedules, then so be it. They were in the conference room until 8:00 that night. There had been a lot of yelling and tempers flared. But Xander was always in control of the room. Everyone, even men twice his age, deferred to him. Katrine had seen him in action before, but never like this. She was yet again impressed by his professionalism and his intelligence. Yes, it was a family business, but he deserved to be were he was, and everyone knew it. After they left, Katrine was cleaning out the conference room and getting everything back to normal. She went into Xander’s office and he was still working away.

“I have to say, Mr. Abbot, that you were very impressive today. In fact, if I may be so bold, I was profoundly turned on.”

He steepled his hands in front of his face and she had his complete attention.

“Turned on, you say? What did you do about it?”

“Well…I went into the ladies room and touched myself while I thought of you,” she said seductively.

His jaw dropped.

“Just kidding, but the look on your face was priceless!”

He wadded up a piece of paper and threw it at her.

“You suck,” he said.

“Well I could if you wanted...” she said as she sauntered towards him.

Now she really had his attention.

“Ha ha, got ya again! You are so easy!”

This time he got out of his chair and grabbed her.

“You are going to get it now.”

He tickled her and she started convulsing. He knew she was one of the most ticklish people on the planet. She was half laughing and half crying. When she couldn’t take another second, she started to beg, “Ok, please, please, stop!! Mercy please!!”

He stopped and let her go.

“Have you learned your lesson?”

“Yes sir, I will never trick you again...unless it is just too good to resist.”

She laughed while making a run for it and crashed into her chair. He ran out after her and bent over trying to catch his breath. 

“Damn, I need to get my ass back into shape when I get home.”

“I’m sorry, but I thought I was giving you the workout of your life. I’ll have to step up my game,” she teased.

“Well, I guess we can redouble our efforts for the reminder of the week.” 

He smiled a little, and she knew what he was thinking. Katrine could tell that he was not taking the impending end of their arrangement very well. She found that very interesting, since he was so cavalier about the whole scenario in the beginning. She knew they would figure it out. They just had to work out some details. 

Wednesday was a little less hectic than the day before since Xander had taken control of the contract situation. It looked like the deal would finally be closed on schedule. Katrine was grateful because she was ready to move on and apply to grad school. She was anxious to start the next phase of her life. Of course she was sad not to see Xander everyday, but she knew going into it that they would eventually go their separate ways. Now it was time to put her money where her mouth was. 

Are you strong or aren’t you? Can you handle this situation you willingly got yourself into, or can’t you? Are you going to wallow and succumb to yet another heartbreak or aren’t you?

 She was soon going to find out and she hoped heart break was not part of the equation.

That night, they went out to dinner at her favorite Mexican restaurant. Katrine introduced him to an exceptional margarita—with salt—and chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce. She had a delicious carne asada dish with tangy chimichurri sauce. After filling every square inch of their stomachs, they went to see a band Katrine liked. 

The venue was small and the sound quality was excellent. They could have been playing in her living room. She loved to see good bands before they hit it big. The only light was from the stage and the air was thick and steamy. She swayed slowly to the music with Xander at her back. She made sure to rub herself against him as frequently, and subtly, as possible. He had his arms around her waist, chin resting on the top of her head. 

He wanted to enjoy this moment for as long as he could, so he made every effort to commit it to memory. Her small body tucked in front of his, the smell of her hair, it was his idea of heaven. He was surprised at some of the things that popped into his head lately. Who knew that men could be just as affected as women? He had no idea. This had definitely been a learning and eye-opening experience.

He focused on the feel of her body. He grabbed her hips and pulled her into him as they moved together as if in a trance. In the darkness surrounded by strangers, they were seducing each other…