The Commitment(78)

There he was, looking as gorgeous as ever, and seemingly, still interested in giving me a chance. I had no interest in him – Drake was all I needed. Kurt was just a bad memory from my past that served to show how naïve I was back when I was with him.

I couldn't wait to get back to Drake, check on how he was doing, feeling somewhat guilty that I'd left him alone and had run into Kurt. It wasn't my fault he was at the fundraiser – I had no idea he was even back in the US – but it would have been much better if Drake had been with me to show Kurt that I wasn't available. I hoped it was the last time I saw him.





CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE





Drake was asleep on the couch when I got back, his head turned to the side, the blanket pulled up to his chin, a pile of used tissues on the coffee table. The television was on, set to a news channel. He looked pale as he lay on the couch, his nose red, and I wondered if the medicine he took prior to the procedure hadn't weakened his immune system. I hung up my coat as quietly as possible, shucked off my boots and tiptoed to the doorway to watch him from a distance, not wanting to wake him. I'd let him sleep and wake up when he was ready.

I went into the bedroom and undressed and then went to the bathroom to take off my makeup and brush my teeth. I slipped into my robe and nightie, then went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. I wasn't hungry, so I sat at the kitchen island and read on my eBook reader, my ear trained to the living room in case Drake woke.

He had slept for another two hours. Finally, about 8:30, I went into the living room to stand beside him. I listened to him breathe for a few moments, marveling that this gorgeous intense complicated man was mine – all mine. The floors creaked a bit as I shifted position and he rustled under the covers, his eyes blinking open. He stretched, trying to sit up.

"There you are," he said, smiling. "What time is it?" He looked at his watch and frowned. "Have I been asleep all this time? When did you get back?"

"I was back pretty early, but you were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to wake you."

He yawned and stretched his arms. "I missed you."

"I missed you, more than you can know," I said as I sat on the side of the couch. I leaned down and kissed him, my hand cupping his cheek.

"Why did you miss me, Ms. Bennet? What was it that you missed?"

"I wish you'd been there with me. I couldn't wait to get out of there."

"Was Nigel there at least?"

I nodded. "Yes," I said. "We had a nice visit, such as it was."

"Anyone else I'd know?"

I hesitated, uncertain whether to confess that Kurt had been there. No need to upset Drake or make him jealous over nothing. I didn’t care about Kurt. Drake didn't know Kurt. Kurt could only be a problem between us, so I didn't mention him.

"Captain Donnelly was there. You'd know him from Doctors. Dave Mills was, but I didn't speak with him. I'm sure the regular crew was there."

"Sorry I wasn’t up to it, but I'm sure your dad appreciates that you went in his place. It's good PR for his campaign to be seen giving away his money to a non-political social cause."

"I suppose," I said, wanting to change the subject. "What do you want for supper?" I didn’t want to go into any detail about who I spoke to at the event. I didn’t want to lie to Drake, but I didn't want to have to tell him about the uncomfortable meeting with Kurt. I'd tell him later, when he was feeling better. "Should I order in from Clair?" Clair was a local restaurant that Drake frequented and ordered takeout. "Something light – maybe some fish and vegetables? A salad?"

"Sounds great." He sat up a bit more. "I needed that nap. I feel like an old man falling asleep in front of the television."

"You're hardly an old man," I said, remembering what Kurt had said earlier. "You're in your prime, Drake. Prime Grade A Manflesh."

"My manflesh is still a bit sick tonight, I'm afraid."

"Just as well," I said and tucked a hank of his dark hair behind his ear. "I'm under the weather anyway."

"A bit hung over from the Anisovaya?"

I nodded.

"You should have taken some aspirin and drunk copious amounts of water."

I smiled at him and pecked his cheek. "Always the doctor."

I went to the phone and checked the number for Clair, ordering the fish and seasonal vegetables as we agreed.

Drake moved over on the couch and pulled back the blanket.

"Come and snuggle with me," he said. "I need some affection. And more Tylenol."

I was only too happy to get more Tylenol for him and snuggle into Drake's arms, my lingering guilt over speaking with Kurt making me want to give Drake extra attention. I was so glad the event was over. I'd refuse to do anything with DWB for my father until Drake and I left for Africa, not wanting to run into Kurt again.