Chapter 14: Chapter 14

“Kat, I bumped into Tony a few days ago. He was asking about you,” Clara said. The color drained from Kat’s face, and both men noticed her discomfort.

“Clara, why would you entertain him after what he did to my sister?” Xander’s voice was laced with disbelief. “He came up to me, and I didn’t want to be rude. We didn’t share a drink or anything. He just asked about her and expressed regret for his actions.”

“What else did he say?” Xander’s voice was tight, his anger barely contained. “He wants to apologize to Kat in person.”

“Tell him that’s not happening. If you see him again, let him know I’ll ruin him if he tries to contact her.” Xander’s words were firm, leaving no room for negotiation. Kat, overwhelmed by the news of Tony’s return and his desire to see her, excused herself to clean the kitchen.

Once she was out of sight, Xander suggested it was time for them to leave. “I’ll let her know you said goodnight,” he said, escorting them to the door.

Kurt asked Clara to wait in the car, promising to join her shortly. Once she was gone, he turned to Xander. “She didn’t mean to upset anyone. Sometimes she just speaks without thinking.”

“Your wife upset Kat. I don’t appreciate that. I suggest you have a word with her, or I will.” Xander’s tone was icy. “I will. And tell Kat not to worry about that jerk. I’ll handle him and make sure he doesn’t bother her. Thanks for a lovely evening, and I’m sorry for how it ended.”

Entering the kitchen, Xander took the pan from Kat’s hand and pulled her into his arms. “I could throttle Clara for bringing up that man’s name.”

“Her words were a shock, but I know she didn’t mean any harm. I don’t want to see or talk to him.” Kat’s voice was small, her fear evident. “You won’t have to. I’ll make sure of it.”

“But he lives here now. He knows where I live. He could show up at any time.” Kat’s body trembled in his arms, a clear sign of her past terror.

Xander lifted her chin to meet her eyes. “You could move in here, like we discussed. He won’t be able to reach you here.” His words were a promise.

“But I’m just starting to feel comfortable going out and doing things. I don’t want to hide from the world again.”

He understood her fear. Since they’d started dating, he’d helped her overcome her anxiety. She was experiencing new things, always with him by her side. The next step was for her to venture out alone. But with her ex back in town, she was unsure how to proceed. “It’s late. Let’s go to bed, and we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

She nodded, exhaustion evident in her eyes. “I do feel drained.”

“I need to make a call. Go ahead, and I’ll join you shortly.”

“Isn’t it a bit late to be calling someone?” Her question was innocent.

“Not for me,” he replied, planting a kiss on her cheek.

He retreated to his office and dialed his PA.

“Munro, find Tony Davis’s number and set up a meeting for tomorrow morning. Tell him to meet me at Bryant Park, sharp at ten.”

“But how will he recognize you?” Munro’s question echoed in his mind.

“I’m sure he knows who I am.”

After ending the call, he headed upstairs. He undressed and slid into bed next to Kat. She was already asleep, her face peaceful. He watched her sleep, his heart filled with love and a fierce desire to protect her.

***

Morning came. Kat was making breakfast when he descended the stairs, dressed in a suit. It was unusual for him to dress formally when they were home. “Are you going to work?”

“I just have to step out for a couple of hours. When I return, we can do whatever you want. Those pancakes smell amazing.” He appreciated her lack of prying questions about his work. As he was leaving, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.

“While I’m gone, think about what you’d like to do today.”

***

He arrived at the park precisely on time, took a seat on a bench near the pond, and waited. It wasn’t long before a man in his mid-twenties approached. He recognized Tony from the file he had on him.

“Mr. West, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person.” Tony extended his hand, but Xander didn’t reciprocate. “Sit down, Mr. Davis. We need to talk.”

“I was surprised to hear that you wanted to meet. I know business is usually conducted in an office, but this is fine. I’d love to work with you. How can I assist you?” Xander took an instant dislike to the man. He radiated arrogance.

“We’re not here to discuss business.” Xander’s voice was cold. “No? Then why did you want to see me?”

“I’m here about Kat Reynolds.” Tony’s face registered surprise. “Kat? We used to date. Her sister-in-law told me she’s seeing someone.”

“That someone is me. I’ll cut to the chase; stay away from her.” Xander’s words were a clear warning. “I just want to apologize for how things ended between us. If you’re worried that I’m here to get back with her, I assure you I’m not.”

“I’m not worried about you. I know how you treated her, how you made her feel, the things you did and said. Then you cheated on her and made her feel like it was her fault.” Xander’s voice was hard.

“If that’s what she told you, then she’s a liar.” Tony’s words were defensive. Xander raised his hand to stop him from saying more.

“No, she’s not the liar, you are. You knew about her past and used it against her. I’m not here to discuss it, but to warn you. If you try to contact her, I will ruin you.” Xander’s threat was clear.

“Are you threatening me?” Tony’s voice was incredulous. “Consider it a promise. I know many of the companies you’ve worked for and are currently working with. Some of the owners are friends of mine. One word from me, and they’ll drop you. Your reputation will be ruined, and you’ll lose everything. No one will hire you again.”

“You wouldn’t do that.” Tony’s voice was shaky. “Try me. If you ever see her, turn and walk away. Do as I say, and you can keep your career. Have I made myself clear?”

Both men stood. “I will if we can do some business. I’m good at what I do and can be an asset to you and your companies.” Tony’s words were desperate.

“You’re the last person I’d do business with. Good day, and heed my warning.” Xander turned his back on Tony and started to walk away when Tony made a fatal mistake.

“Kat’s a little off her rocker, isn’t she?” Tony taunted. Xander spun around, his fist connecting with Tony’s face, sending him sprawling on the ground. He strode over, gripping Tony by his collar.

“Never speak ill of her again, or next time, it won’t just be a punch,” he warned. With a final shove, he sent Tony sprawling back down and walked away.

When Xander returned home, Kat was in the midst of dusting. His face was a storm cloud, and she guessed his meeting hadn’t gone as planned.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Everything’s fine. But why are you cleaning? I have people for that,” he replied.

“I was bored and needed something to occupy my time. You seem upset. Did I do something wrong?” she asked.

He shrugged off his jacket and pulled her into his arms. He didn’t want to burden her with the details of his encounter with Tony.

“It’s not you, just work stuff. So, what do you feel like doing today?” he asked.

“I’ve always wanted to visit a flea market,” she said.

“A flea market? You know it’ll be crowded, right? Won’t that make you anxious?” he asked.

“Maybe, but you did say I need to get used to crowds. I’ll be okay if you’re with me,” she assured him.

“All right then. Let me change out of this suit, and we’ll head out,” he agreed.

The market was bustling, more than she had anticipated, but his hand in hers kept her grounded.

They browsed through the stalls, picking up fresh vegetables and homemade bread for dinner. When he noticed her admiring a scarf, he insisted on buying it for her.

Before heading home, they grabbed hotdogs from a vendor. She wiped a stray drop of mustard from his lip, a thrill running through her when he sucked her finger into his mouth. His intentions were clear, and they were working.

Once home, he wasted no time in carrying her to their bedroom. Their lovemaking was passionate, leaving her spent and satisfied.

Lying in his arms, she sighed. “This week has been so wonderful. I hate to see it end.”

He stroked her cheek. “It doesn’t have to.”

“But you have to go back to work, and I need to finish the project you gave me,” she said.

“Kat, I don’t want you to leave. The thought of not seeing you every morning and night…it’s unbearable. Please, move in with me. Have you thought about it?” he asked.

“I have, but I’m scared. What if things change?” she asked.

“In what way?” he asked.

“What if you get bored of me? What if you regret asking me to move in?” she asked.

He rolled her onto her back, his gaze intense. “I could never get bored of you. Yes, we might argue sometimes, but that’s normal. I love you. Do you love me?”

“Yes, I do,” she admitted.

“Then take a leap of faith and move in. I promise to love and respect you,” he said.

“But I have issues,” she said.

“I’m not perfect either. I can be grumpy, I work too much, and I leave my wet towels on the floor,” he said.

She smiled at him. “So you think that’s all that’s wrong with you?”

“Is there more?” he asked.

“Um…yes,” she said.

“Like what?” he asked.

“You cut your pizza with a knife. Who does that?” she asked.

“I can stop doing that. Anything else?” he asked.

“You talk in your sleep, you hog the bed and the covers, and you never pick up your socks,” she said.

“Wow, I hope that’s it,” he said.

“Just one more thing,” she said.

He looked down at her, a smile playing on his lips. “And what’s that?”

“You’re always horny,” she said.

“Do you want me to stop being horny?” he asked.

She pulled him down for a kiss. “No, that one you can keep,” she said, giggling. “Good, you’re horny now. What are you waiting for?”