I wasn’t sorry for what happened. I could have said no at any time. I slept with Kat because I wanted to. It was selfish, and I deserved to lose her forever because of it. “I want to get past this. I’m sorry, Branch. I know you hate me. Can we try to be friends while I’m there? It’s the only way I’ll be able to get on the plane today.”
“Fine. I’ll be nice. Maybe I’ll even give you a hug, but don’t think for a second that I’m letting my guard down. What you did can never be forgiven.”
“I understand. I guess it’s final then. I’m getting on a plane to come home.”
“I guess so.”
When we hung up I didn’t feel anymore excited about seeing Branch. I half expected him to tell me to stay away. Nothing was more clear to me than knowing this was Kat’s idea. For some reason it made me smile. I just had to be on my best behavior.
Chapter 10
While on the plane ride to Washington, DC, I had a ton going through my mind. My first initial gut feeling was telling me to avoid eye contact with Kat. If I didn’t reconnect with her in person than everyone would assume I’d moved on and gotten over it. I was certain Branch would have a skeptical watch over me, but actions speak louder than words. I had to make it seem like I held no interest in Katy Michaels. My family depended on it.
I think my nerves were at extreme levels when I climbed into the cab that was taking me to the hotel. I was about to come face to face with the woman that I’d put on a pedestal. I knew she was going to take my breath away. Hiding that sort of excitement wouldn’t come without effort. I might be able to fool half the people in the room, but none of the ones who truly knew me. I wondered how I could hide the only thing I’d never been able to deny. How could I look into her eyes and not want to hold her; to make up for all the time we’d spent apart, from all the mistakes I made that pushed her into my brother’s arms? How could I face what breaks me down, lowering me until I’m riddled with pain?
As we pulled up to the entrance of the lavish hotel I wondered if I’d be able to will myself inside. That’s when I saw her, standing right in the lobby. As far away as she was, I knew it was her. Waves of heat overwhelmed me as I handed the driver some cash and stepped out of the vehicle with my bag thrown over my shoulder and my eyes still fixated on the prize. She couldn’t see me checking her out, finding all the things that had changed about her in a matter of seconds.
Her beauty had only accentuated with time. I worried she wouldn’t feel the same about me. In that moment, when I walked into the building, nothing else mattered in the world. I’d forgotten about the promise I’d made to my brother, or the fact that anyone could have seen this reaction as a threat. My only focus was to get to her, hold her, and contemplate never letting her go.
I never would have expected her to react the way she did, and it only made our connection more consuming. My arms wrapped tightly around her body, while I took in the fragrance of her hair, remembering back when we still lived under the same roof. I had to keep holding her there to prevent her from seeing the tears that I was fighting back. She’d never understand how much I’d wished for this. For as many nights as I could count, I dreamed of this moment with her; one that was mutual and more endearing than any letter or phone call could provide. “I missed you so much,” I whispered, barely able to get words out.
She backed away and took in my appearance. I wondered if she liked me being in my fatigues. Did she notice any changes in me?
“It’s been a long time.”
What did that mean? Was she disappointed? Couldn’t she come back into my arms for a little while longer?
I had to remain calm. This was much harder than I expected it to be. “You look great, Kat.”
“Can I help you, sir?” The lady behind the desk interrupted.
For a second I had to look away even though I didn’t want to let her out of my sight. “I’m here to check in. The name is Valentine, Brooks Valentine.”
Before I had the chance to hug her again, or even consider what else we could talk about without me losing my cool, I heard my brother’s voice. He was in the room with us, and it was the first time we’d seen each other since he’d found out I’d slept with Kat.
“Well look at what the cat dragged in.” Branch came walking in with his arms full of boxes. He sat them down in a chair and walked over to greet me. I knew right away that this was all an act. “It’s real good to see you, bro,” He said loud enough for everyone to hear. Then, in a low whisper he spoke only to me. “If I see you putting your hands on her again it’s going to get ugly fast.”