The Commitment(85)

He was silent for a moment. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm fine."

"If you say so, but I am a doctor."

"I know you are. I'm fine."

I stood at the vanity looking in the mirror for a few moments, until I felt in control again. Then I ran the water and splashed it over my face. I let the cool water run over my hands for a few moments, the flow soothing. Then, I smoothed my hair, which was already smooth, and adjusted my clothes and took in a deep breath.

I opened the door and there Drake sat at the end of my bed, his legs spread, his elbows resting on each thigh, his hands clasped. His face was unreadable. Just calm. Patient.

He had to know.

"Why are you in here?" I said, my voice shaky. "You haven't finished lunch yet."

"I was concerned about you. You don't look well."

"I'm fine," I said, walking past him to the door. He grabbed my hand and stopped me, pulling me back so that I stood in front of him, between his legs.

"What is it, Katie?" he said, his voice so gentle, as if he was dealing with a child. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing," I said, forcing a smile, but I could feel tears bite at the corners of my eyes. "I'm just tired and stressed out over everything."

"As long as you're OK," he said. He brushed my hair back from my face, touched my cheek with the backs of his fingers, and the gesture was so sweet and loving, I felt my heart melt for him.

"Drake, we really need to talk," I said, feeling a desperate need to confess.

"Shh," he said, kissing me. "We'll talk later. I love you, Kate."

"I love you," I said and couldn't stop from slipping my arms around his neck, kissing him. His arms went around my waist and he pulled me tightly against his chest as he kissed me back, softly at first, then with more urgency. When the kiss ended, I rested my forehead against his and enjoyed the feel of his arms around me.

It was in each other's arms that my father found us when he popped his head into my room.

"Hey, you two lovebirds," he said, his gravelly voice filled with humor. "Your food's getting cold."

Drake looked up at me and smiled. "What do you say we go back and have lunch now that it's settled?"

"What's settled?" I asked, frowning a bit.

"That we love each other," he said, a grin starting on his lips, an impish look in his eyes.

I nodded and smiled back. "Sounds like a plan."

He rose and took my hand, pulling me along with him out of the bedroom and down the hall following my father. When we were seated again, Elaine brought Drake's and my plate back after heating the pasta up in the microwave.

"Feeling better?" she said as she sat back down.

I nodded. Drake took my hand under the table and squeezed. I turned to look at him, and his face was so calm and gentle. Did he know? Was he hurt that I hadn’t told him? Was he worried that I was somehow still attracted to Kurt?

I thought he'd be really angry. He said he was very jealous and so I expected that he'd get really mad and want to punish me.

Finally, he turned back to his pasta and took a forkful. I turned back to mine and together, we ate while holding hands.



I felt completely at ease the rest of the meal and afterwards as we had our tea and some cookies Elaine had made that morning. We chatted about my father's campaign and Drake's donation, Liam's prognosis and our trip to Africa. It was very nice and relaxed and I was so relieved. I still wasn't certain that Drake knew, but at least we'd had a nice time. I'd tell him once we were back home and were alone. I was hoping he wouldn't get too upset and would understand my reluctance to say anything about my encounter with Kurt.

I should have told Drake right away about the meeting, so that when the picture appeared in the paper, he'd be prepared and would see it for what it was.

Nothing.

If he had seen the picture, he'd be upset that I didn’t tell him sooner – as if I didn't trust him with the truth.

I'd deal with it when the time came. For the moment, all I wanted was to get through lunch without any scenes.



We drove back to the apartment, the atmosphere still relaxed and pleasant. Drake took my hand as we drove and we talked about the corporate work he had been attending to. As we drove up to the building, and parked in the parking garage, anxiety started to bite at the corners of my consciousness.

How would Drake react if he hadn't read the paper? Would he be angry? Would he brush it off?

I had no idea.

Butterflies filled my stomach as we took the elevator up to the penthouse. For his part, Drake confined me against the elevator wall, brushing hair off my face, his expression only one of warmth and affection.

"How are you feeling, Ms. Bennet? I'm a bit sleepy after that heavy meal. What do you say to a bit of a nap? You said you were tired."