Smitten

By J G Cooper

Was it just a night of lust, or was it more? Katie wanted more but what about Andrew? If his past history was the gauge to judge by, then Katie was in for heartache. Would he be compelled to change his ways for someone as exceptional as Katie? There was a reason why he only had casual relationships in the past, and a mental set of rules, for women. Andrew being a man so strong and confident in other aspects of his life, he had never had a reason to examine the underlying selfish choices that he had made to stay safe. While Katie is left wondering how to move forward, Andrew had a painful, yet, humorous journey ahead of him; humorous for us, not him!

• Language: English
• Publisher: J G Cooper
• Release date: Jun 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311482877

J G Cooper

My husband and I have written this book together. After starting it myself, my husband thought that Andrew's views needed to be told and I will admit he has a much better sense of humour than I do. Andrew's Confused Thoughts are very amusing at times. We estimate that there will be at least three books in this Series for all to be revealed. We hope you enjoy their story.

Book preview

Smitten

The Hodgers Series

Book Two

By J. G. Cooper

Copyright © 2013 J. & G. Cooper

Smashwords Edition

This is the second book in this series. Please read Arousing Innocence before reading Smitten.

Smitten is the professionally edited and revised story, previously published as, Confused Minds.

A special thankyou to our friends Shireen Mathers, Judy Cook and Niece Jen Clarke

for proof reading and editing. The final results never would have been as good without you all.

Cover art by http://SelfPubBookCovers.com/Daniela

All Rights Reserved This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold, or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The Authors acknowledge the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

PROLOGUE

Katie had said that she wanted to take Helen ice skating, however, to me, there were still security issues. The person, or people, responsible for Nicholas’s death were still out there. I was not comfortable with having Katie in an uncontrolled environment, where crowds were the norm. A private skating session was a far safer option in my opinion, and with some help from Chantelle, I thought I had found the perfect venue. Sky Rink had public skating, but they also did skating lesions and private functions. A private function for three would be perfect.

Hello, Sky Rink complex, you have Melody, how may I help?

Melody it’s Andrew Childs calling. Please forgive my familiarity but what a beautiful name you have. It’s a rare pleasure to hear such a lovely appellation these days and my morning is the better for hearing it.

A little bit of charm, or sleaze, never hurts when you want something!

Cut the crap, Andrew! What do you want?

What did she just say?

Excuse me! Have I caught you at a bad time, Melody?

Just tell me what you want, Andrew. I know you can do that.

I was either missing something or that was the worst phone manner I had ever heard.

I’m very sorry but you have me at a disadvantage. Do I know you?

Apparently not, given that you didn’t call or even return the message that I am disgusted with myself for leaving. Try ‘Mel you are so pretty you could be a dream’ or ‘your legs are a gift from heaven Mel.’ Don’t worry about, ‘I’ll call you next week Mel,’ because you never called. It’s at least three months since I’ve heard from you.

It wasn’t going well.

Melody, Mel, I’m sorry. I didn’t put the two together because I didn’t know that you worked at Sky Rink. I really do apologize, for everything.

I do believe I did tell you that I worked here, in among the dinners and sex. In fact I know I did, but clearly your dick doesn’t have a good memory. Now you obviously haven’t called to talk to me Andrew, so what have you called for?

It wasn’t going well at all but at least she hadn’t called me any bad names.

Well it’s all a bit awkward now…

Good! she hissed, cutting in, However, the past is over and done with and I am here to run Sky Rink for the owners as a commercial enterprise. Let me start again. I apologize for my lack of professionalism Mr Childs, how may I help you today, Sir? she said laboriously.

What the hell was I supposed to do with that? Although…I had nothing as it was, so I decided to give it a try.

Mel…

My name is Melody, thank you Mr Childs.

Yeah! This is going to be easy! I thought sarcastically, rubbing my fingers firmly across my brow.

Melody, I was intending to enquire as to the possibly of booking a couple of hours on the ice for a private function this Saturday. Early is preferable but not essential.

That is very short notice Mr Childs; however, without needing to check, I can tell you that we only have one window this Saturday. 11am until 12:30. That would be one and a half hours, if that would be acceptable.

Doing the quick calculation in my head, that would still allow me time for my plans for the rest of Saturday.

Yes, thank you that will be fine. You are very helpful.

Catering may be an issue at such short notice, Sir. May I ask what number of guests you expect and the type of function you have in mind.

Catering will not be necessary; I simply wish to hire the facility for a private skating session. There will only be two adults and one infant, including myself.

An interesting function Mr Childs! she replied, with a bitter coldness to her voice.

I thought about how that must have sounded to her.

Melody, I am not married and the child is not mine. Helen is the little sister of my girlfriend.

BOOM!

OH, but I thought you were married you bastard! And I thought your wife was a fucking computer!

What do mean by that, Melody?

You know exactly what I mean? she hissed viciously.

No I don’t. Now please calm down Melody. I have never been married nor was Katie my girlfriend when you and I were dating.

Dating? You bastard! We never dated; we ate dinner, fucked and you went home every time. Not once did we date. Do you remember the last night that I saw you? NO, don’t answer that! Of course you don’t, but I do… I should have just terminated the call, but she had a right to get it out of her system. …when we should have been cuddling in the after glow, you were getting dressed. Very romantic! When I said I needed more, like a real relationship, you looked as though I had slapped you. All I asked for was for us to spend a night together, occasionally, snuggling and talking the night away instead of just meeting for sex. That was when you said, and I quote, ‘Oh if only, if only I could have a real relationship, it would be with you Babe, but I’m married to my job and it wouldn’t be fair on you. Look at me; I can’t even stay now, when you know I want to, but no, I have a report to finish tonight for an early meeting in the morning. No, I couldn’t do it to you. I dread the thought, but you need a better man. Until then though, we should have some fun, what we have is good, let’s just enjoy it while we can. I’m sorry Babe but I really have to get going. I’ll call you next week Mel.’ And you were out the door! Oh, and by the way, asshole, if you were married to your job, then your wife would have to be a fucking computer wouldn’t she? That’s what I meant before and I guess her little sister would be a damned iPod or some fucken thing!

Melody, I’m sorry. I truly am, but I wasn’t with Katie back then. Katie and I just happened. I had no control over…

ANDREW STOP! You’ve completely missed the point and I don’t want to hear your crap! You have a nice life, Mr Childs, FUCKING YOURSELF!

Well that went well and at least she was professional. I thought, after the loud slamming noise and the beeping started on the line. She didn’t actually say if I had the rink for Saturday or not, but I took it as a, NO!

CHAPTER ONE

KATIE

Before I opened my eyes, the memories of the night at the Charity Dinner and what Andrew and I did between cuddling, and dozing through exhaustion, the previous night brought a smile to my face. As I opened my eyes and looked at Andrew, he was leaning on one elbow with his eyes running over me. I went to pull the sheet up to cover my breasts because it was just draped over my hip, and my bravado of the night before flew out the window. Andrew put his hand on mine.

Don’t do that, you are so beautiful, I just want to look at you.

I dropped my hand but put my face into the pillow. He wasn’t having that either and he lowered his face to mine, turning me to face him. The kiss that followed had my toes curling once again. He only kissed me twice though and then leaned back, depriving me of his lips, only caressing my body with his eyes and one finger tip. I was a little confused at first, where was the passion from the night before?

It did feel nice having his finger tease me with a touch as soft as a feather. Running his finger across my lips, he then made a wandering path all the way down eventually to the sheet on my hip. It was stimulating, but I wanted more. My nipples were aching to be touched, however, he avoided them, only running his finger over the top of my breasts and around to the very sensitive underside; I needed MORE! Why did he tease me so? Squirming, trying to push my body harder to his finger, my thigh pressed against his hot very hard erection.

With passion overcoming my shyness I growled, Please…I need you now Andrew! and I was sure I saw him smirk before he softly said, Soon, almost sounding like a sneer.

Don’t you know what you’re doing to me? I wanted to say but was struck mute by the intense gaze in his breathtaking eyes.

I didn’t want soon, I wanted NOW! I pushed my thigh harder onto his magnificent erection, which pulled the sheet and exposed my inner thighs. Andrew’s wonderfully frustrating teasing finger was straight there but it just teased more and didn’t touch like I needed. Had he forgotten what I liked? Taking him in my hand I squeezed tightly, which I believe got his attention. I began to stroke him and the feel of his hard throbbing shaft sent a wild fire burning through my senses. Considering there is no actual bone in an erection, I couldn’t understand how it could be so hard. Rolling onto his knees he brought his lips to mine. His breathing and throbbing hardness indicated he was ready, however, his finger only continued to very gently tease around the now, very wet folds.

Passionately kissing his delightful lips my body was screaming for more and I was ready to scream at him. He lifted his head and I could feel the heat of his eyes on my skin, then as his mouth plunged to my nipple, his finger firmly slid between my aching folds up to the pinnacle of pleasure.

OH MY GOD My entire body burst into flames. It was like an instant orgasm, just add lips and fingers.

He knew what he was doing alright.

He knew exactly how to take my inexperienced and delightfully shattered psyche to a new summit of ecstasy. With Andrew still touching, teasing, sucking, licking and kissing, I was lost in a labyrinth of sensations.

He then moved between my tingling thighs. With a wickedly sexy look in his hypnotic eyes, he rolled on a condom. The sensations he aroused by teasing me with just short shallow movements was incredible, before one swift push and every inch of my needs were abundantly fulfilled.

My body pulsed and the strained whimpers that came from his mouth between kisses made me wonder how much more of this either of us could take. I was, however, more than willing to find out and time seemed to drift. Andrew lifted a little just looking at my face, as an intense orgasm erupted sending my body into uncontrollable spasms. I believe I saw a little smile from Andrew just before a loud groan, then moan, as his gorgeous hard body reacted to his release. After just a couple of minutes he rolled us to our sides with him still holding me as we both tried to catch our breath. My body pulsing with ecstasy, I was exhausted and contented beyond belief, drifting somewhere in the clouds or above. My mind went numb and everything went hazy.

I must have dropped back off to sleep for hours, because when I woke, I looked at the clock beside the bed and it was already after 1pm. Well I didn’t get much sleep through the night. Andrew was nowhere to be seen and his clothes were not where he had dropped them. Well at least he didn’t run off anytime through the night, so I didn’t feel used and discarded. Then I noticed the note on the pillow beside me. It read.

Katie,

I have to leave because I have an appointment that I cannot miss.

I would like to cook dinner for you tonight.

If that is okay, I will get Mick to bring you over to my house at 6:30.

Andrew.

I wasn’t sure about the note. Maybe I was just over thinking things. He wanted to spend more personal time with me, but, it somehow felt a little cold. What was I expecting, certainly not ‘love Andrew’ or ‘can’t wait until I see you again.’ I don’t know! Was I setting myself up to be hurt? Chantelle did warn me that he didn’t do relationships. Did he really have an appointment, on a Sunday? Surely he wouldn’t jump out of my bed and head off to someone else.

Surely he wouldn’t have had the strength after the last 14 hours!

I had to stop thinking about it or I would have driven myself crazy. The night had been amazing. I would not ruin it!

After having a spa to help ease some of the aches that I had, I filled in the rest of my day doing some more work on the aid project, sending some e-mails. Maggie had helped me find some organizations willing to donate furniture and we had arranged for it to be shipped out as soon as we knew for sure that the sale was going through. I knew I could have just bought the furniture, however, in the bigger picture, I believed it was better to get as many people as possible involved; to help and think along the right lines. Besides, this project was only a start. I didn’t feel guilty giving Maggie work to do on it because we had the pharmaceutical project well under control and Hodgers was in good hands with Andrew. Being out of his way gave him more time to get his work done.

Alan was in negotiation on a price for the Lodge and he was confident about the outcome. It was going to be perfect. A new orphanage in a more settled area that would be safer, just over the border in Kenya, and about a day’s journey from where I had been located the past two and a half years. I was feeling very happy about that. Alan had managed to get word to, Jake, who was going to get in touch with Folmai and Obi, to see if they were willing to relocate and transport the children already in their care. The facilities of the old orphanage were barely liveable and it would have been too hard to renovate where it was located. I knew they would agree with the move, because they had mentioned, once or twice, that it would be good to have a more secure location but I still needed to hear from them for confirmation before the purchase would be finalized.

Still thinking of the short note Andrew had left, instead of calling him, I text him to tell him I would go to dinner. I also let Mick know that I would be ready to be driven to Andrew’s at the appointed time.

ANDREW

I woke at 8:35 and I wasn’t positive, however, I thought I still had a smile on my face. I definitely had a smile when I looked sideways and saw Katie. She was asleep; completely naked and the sheet was below her knees. How could a day start any better? They say the most genuine look a person can have, is when they are asleep; in which case, Katie was genuinely gorgeous and sweet. There are world renowned beauties that have a team of people to take care of their looks, which will never look as good as Katie did… and she’d had a big night, believe me.

Lying there on my side admiring every inch of her, I could not understand how the night’s events had been completely dissimilar to anything I had experienced or felt with any other woman. The process of sex was the same, well almost the same, so how could the pleasure and satisfaction be completely different? Why did I feel so content, or even euphoric?

My mind drifted back to everything that had happened between us, in the few weeks that I had known her. It actually felt like so much longer. Katie was obviously not the type of woman to have sex just because she had nothing better to do with her time, so why hadn’t I picked up on her interest before? Had she been sending signals that I wasn’t familiar with? Or had she been hiding it?

Why would she hide it? Is it me she has doubts about, or what she wants? What does Katie want? I questioned, squeezing my eyes shut, trying to block her out momentarily so I could think.

Is she the same as me and caught up in something that she doesn’t understand? What the hell do I want? I know I want more but how much is more? How much exceptional sex does it take for exceptional to become normal…and what do you do for exceptional then?

Then the real problem struck me; yes she was gorgeous, yes I wanted to touch her all over, yes I wanted to do that right then. That was not the problem. The problem was, that it was the things I couldn’t see or touch about her that truly fascinated me…I cared about her!

What have I done…how many of my rules have I broken…and why the hell do I just want to keep breaking them???

Some rules are just not meant to be broken!

It’s amazing how the human brain works though. Mind and stomach tied in a knot of confused anxiety; I tried blocking any thoughts, reverting back to the more pleasurable stimulus of running my eyes over her again. While admiring Katie and her soft hair, long sweeping eye lashes and beautiful skin, BAM, up jumped Kalvin Grice’s face! That was not a pretty sight first thing in the morning. It was just me reminding myself I had an appointment at 12.

I had forgotten, what with better things to think about and all. But why would I remember that when I was looking at Katie?

Feeling tired and drained, both physically and emotionally, I could have gone back to sleep for a little while, but why would I, when I had an angle to admire? Propped up on my elbow I watched her breasts rise and fall, her nostrils flare a touch as she breathed, her breasts rise and fall, her adorable sweet looks, her breasts rise and fall, the way her beautiful hands were lying, her breasts rise and fall. I imagined her beautiful hands stroking me again, her wonderful rising and falling breasts jiggling as her hands stroked me again.

I pulled the sheet up over her hips because if she was completely uncovered Katie would probably be embarrassed if she woke, which was quite likely, because I had just gently caressed her nipple and was lightly tickling her ear. I was sure I was gentle enough that she wouldn’t wake unless she subconsciously wanted to though.

Maybe just one more touch of her nipple. I thought as my greed got the better of me.

Ah! Look at that, Katie’s waking up. How lucky is that?

She went to pull the sheet up further and I put my hand on hers asking her not too.

Her shyness had obviously gotten the better of her, as she tried to hide her beautiful face. Not wanting to miss out on that either, I turned her face back to mine and kissed her. Kissing her again, I just wanted to consume her, however, I recalled a fantasy I’d had one of the nights I spent with her just for comfort and quickly devised a plan. Katie had been teasing me since the night we met, not deliberately, and I didn’t believe she even knew she was, however, tease me she did. This would be very pleasurable pay back.

Admiring Katie, I started running one finger tip all over her gently. At first the twitches and flinching of her muscles to my touch were involuntary reactions. Soon though, the wiggling and squirming started. That’s what I was looking for. That’s what she had been doing to me for weeks! I ran my finger across her delicious lips and her big bronzy brown eyes sparkled with a hint of gold. Then down her neck and between her breasts, it felt like I was running my finger over warm pulsating silk. Around her ribs, twitching stomach, in and back out of her belly button after a circle and then tracing the edge of the sheet, where it lay across her very lower abdomen, only just revealing the two slight valleys where her gorgeous legs began.

I started to wonder if I was torturing myself or teasing Katie. I so wanted to push that sheet down her legs but patience was required. I wanted her ready to explode as I knew I already was. Her nipples were prominent, standing fully erect and possibly the biggest I had seen them. They drew my finger towards them. Teasing over her breasts I didn’t think I was trembling as such. What felt like trembling was the muscle resistance, trying to stop myself from flicking her nipples with my finger; staying only on the sensitive breast skin not touching her nipples at all. I think I found out just how much restraint I could muster up, if I really tried. I needed Katie so much and in every way. The only thing that gave me the strength I needed to keep denying myself, or her, was seeing her squirming trying to push herself harder against my finger. I had her exactly where I wanted her; ready to beg for it!

Then she did, Please…I need you now! she hissed with a demanding growl. A pulse ran through my body and ignited a wicked streak in me. "Let her wait some more," a voice scorned in my head and I don’t believe it was Mr Nancy Pants nice guy either.

Soon, I whispered, hoping it sounded a little sinister.

The manipulating little vixen pushed her hot thigh against my throbbing hard on; OH GOD! That felt good but I didn’t crack, continuing to deny her what she wanted. Then I noticed her maneuver had pulled that annoying sheet and exposed everything to halfway down her thighs. My finger made a bee line for the honey pot and it took a great deal of restraint, preventing myself from dipping straight in. I could, however, feel there had been some honey spilt; sliding my fingers playing in it around the edges and at times coming perilously close to the jackpot.

Katie grabbed my aching shaft impatiently and squeezed hard with her sensuous strong hand setting my body ablaze; then she began to stroke, fanning the flames to burn hotter. Seeing her body squirming, breathing heavily in staggered gasps and her sweet mouth whimpering and moaning was a stunning delight. I wanted to feel her breath and moans in my mouth. Rolling onto my knees, breathing her breath, kissing her hot lips and still playing around the honey pot, her stroking of my roaring hard-on changed to more of an open hand slide, with her thumb over the top and finger nails teasing my erection’s two nutty companions.

I realized that if this had turned into a battle to see who could hold out the longest, she would win. I was ready to shoot all over her wrist and the supple skin of her arm all the way up to her gorgeous shoulder. Lifting my lips from hers to cast my eyes over her irresistible body once more, her spectacular towering nipples were calling to my mouth. As if someone had just clenched the back of my head and shoved it down, her pointed breast filled my mouth, with my tongue running round her delicious nipple. From the bottom of the honey pot my finger firmly slid in deep, running up to the wet pouting button of pleasure at the top. Two seconds of quivering contact and Katie let out a gushing loud moan, as her whole body shuddered and her strong hand squeezed, painfully tight on my shaft with her nails digging into the taut ruffled skin below the base. Having the circulation cut off and the pain, I think was the only reason I didn’t lose it right then. The pain was pleasurable pain…I thought?

Nevertheless, it did leave me in a state where I could continue. Lifting both of her knees so I could slide my folded knees under her trembling thighs, it was time for some more teasing. I’ll show you who the teasing champion is, I thought to myself resolutely as I forced a rubber over my bulging veined shaft. Pressing in and out of the honey pot playfully with just the head, I watched her gorgeous, euphoric face as she bit her bottom lip.

Allowing my eyes to wander down her shimmering body I was stunned… then mesmerized, by the way her taut, wet, fleshy skin hugged my head as I teased.

OH GEEZ!!! That’s incredible may have escaped with a breath through my lips.

I knew the tadpole catcher pocket thingy on the end of the rubber would be full real soon, if I didn’t stop that!

OK, okay you’re the champion of tease, I surrender! I thought driving all the way in. Katie’s body reacted instantly with a flexing of the hips and arched torso. Her sweet mouth flew open, allowing a heavy, deep gush of breath to escape, almost sounding like a person who had just had a knife pushed into their ribs.

Not a good analogy, other than the fact that Katie had just been impaled with a shaft pushing deep into her body.

That may well have been the perfect position; it certainly had the perfect view. With my arms under her supple thighs, hands grasping her hips and thumbs firmly in place inside the folds formed by the tops of her thighs and hips, I had excellent leverage and could see from her shins up to the most beautiful face. I could see myself entering her body, however, that was more of a remarkable feeling thing. The more elegant and certainly the more enticing view was of her contorting upper body, jiggling breasts verging on a fluent bounce, her at times strained and changing expression and her ever glorious fluttering eye lids. Although, I couldn’t reach her lips like that and I did need mine on hers so, sooo badly. Lifting her hips so I could slide my legs back without breaking rhythm, Katie wrapped her legs around my hips locking her ankles…I thought, over my ass as I lay her down again.

Kissing Katie’s hot welcoming lips, our tongues took turns visiting each other.

With maximum penetration, I felt her soaked plump flesh, pushing against the naked skin around the base of my thrusting erection. I knew I couldn’t take much more. Hoping I was reading or feeling the tingling messages from her body correctly, I lifted myself for the crescendo. My body was begging for mercy but there would be no reprieve until I saw that look of ecstasy take hold of Katie’s captivating face. Delighting me once again, she screamed my name, her glazed eyes flashed beneath fluttering eye lids as her entire body shuddered in full blown orgasm, taking every inch of my elated body with her.

I’m going to have to drink a bucket of water after last night and now this, just to avoid dehydration.

Collapsing back on the bed gasping for breath and still moaning, I was sweating and Katie was glistening, again.

Oh Geez, that’s the way to start a day, my mind moaned.

With that slight pressure or low humming thingy you get in your ears and little bubbles floating in my vision, I was mesmerized by every tiny movement and sound that Katie made as she quickly drifted back to sleep with a smile still on her beautiful lips. I admired her for some time before deciding, I should get up, otherwise I could have just snuggled into her for a sleep or woke her again. That really could have killed me!

I took a shower, feeling a few muscle strains I hadn’t felt for a long time and had a cup of coffee, with the occasional trip back to the kitten’s den to cast my eyes over her.

It was 10:05 and Katie was sleeping deeply. I decided to leave a note because I needed to get home and change before meeting Kalvin.

Dear sweet Katie.

I am…

Dear Katie…

Katie.

I had to go for a meeting I cannot miss.

I can’t tell you how much I hate to leave or how special our night was to me.

Please have dinner with me tonight at my house.

Mick can drive you at 6:30

Love Andr…

No I can’t leave that for her.

Sweet Kitten

Sorry I had to leave

I have a meeting at 12

Would you please have dinner at my house tonight?

Mick could drive you at 6:30

Thinking of you until then

Andrew.

Oh damn it! That sounds mushy. How can a simple note be so damned hard? Surely she knows how I feel. I’m running out of time anyway, I thought in frustration.

Katie,

I have to leave as I have an appointment that I can not miss

I would like to cook dinner for you tonight.

If that is ok, I will get Mick to bring you over to my house at 6:30.

Andrew

Putting the rest of the evidence in my pocket for disposal, I placed the note on the spare pillow. Gently kissing Katie on the forehead with my hand on hers, I begrudgingly left.

Bear was waiting in front of his door when I was leaving, not looking very comfortable either, I might add. Knowing how he felt about me being involved with Katie, I wasn’t sure I had time for the conversation that may ensue, so I just said, Morning Bear, I’m in a bit of a hurry, I have to meet Kalvin at the hangar at 12.

It won’t take long Andrew; just two things. Firstly, you didn’t have to arrange lunch Friday. I would have called Kelly, but I do appreciate the thought. Kelly called it sweet; I will stick with something a good buddy would do. Thank you Wiz. The second thing is not so easy. I assume it wasn’t just comfort last night, so please tell me it was Katie’s decision, not your persuasion and that you will consider Katie’s feelings please.

Not that I had to explain anything to Bear, but he was my best and closest friend. He was also just concerned about Katie.

Bear, it was Katie’s choice and I did even check a second time. You have no idea how happy I am and I have realized how much Katie means to me. I care about her feelings very much and I don’t want to hurt her anymore than you want to see her get hurt. I am not physic though, so I can’t see into the future, but I can tell you I will always care about Katie’s feelings… Umm, speaking of the future, could you drive Katie to my house if she accepts my dinner invitation please?

Still not looking completely comfortable, Bear replied, Well that’s the best we can hope for I guess. Thanks Wiz…umm, the dinner thing, is she still thinking about whether she will go?

No, she’s sleeping; I left a note asking her.

Ah, yeah no problem. I’ll see you later no doubt, Bear replied with a lack of expression.

I must admit, Bear’s fears and the future, did play on my mind as I drove home, even as elated as I was at that moment.

Everyone seems to care if I hurt Katie, which I had no intention of doing, but would Katie hurt me? Had anyone thought about that? I may not always show them, but I do have feelings too!

Although I could hardly blame people for thinking I had no feelings. I didn’t show them and even I was only just seeing some of them myself.

What am I doing? Why did I do this? I thought, just before my mind went fuzzy.

Surely this can be consensual intimate sex between two adults who care for and respect each other. We’re adults, we have choices! Why does either of us have to be hurt? When it’s over, if we are adults and can respect each other, why do I have to be hurt? Surely enjoying it while Katie works out what she wants has to be better than not having it at all. Maybe she might find out this is what she wants! … Is it what I want? … Well, it’s what I want … but for how long? How long will this arrangement last? Is it an arrangement? … It doesn’t really feel like an arrangem… OH FUCK!!! NO! No, no, no. Have I entered a relationship? How the fuck did that happen? She said yes, yes it was what she wanted…nobody said anything about a relationship!

My head didn’t clear until I pulled up next to Kalvin’s car. I quickly looked myself over. I had trouble remembering actually going home and getting changed but I obviously had.

Our inspection of the hangar security equipment showed a few flaws; however, with Kalvin’s suggested angles and points for positioning as well as a combination of fixed and movement activated tracking cameras, we could rectify the problems. Thanking Kalvin for his time and apologizing for my impetuous reaction on Friday, hence taking him away from his family on a Sunday, he simply replied, Hey you pay me by the hour plus expenses, and I may have to add a little for Sunday work.

I took five hundred dollars from my wallet and handed it to him saying, That sounds perfectly fair to me, and I do appreciate your time. Maybe you could do something good with the family this afternoon.

Kalvin reluctantly accepted the bonus and we were both on our separate ways.

KATIE

At precisely 6:30pm Mick and I were on our way to Andrew’s. Mick seemed a little awkward which was strange because lately he had been very happy, so I asked him if anything was wrong.

Katie… this is hard for me to say, because I feel like I am betraying Andrew. You know that Andrew is my best friend and he’s one hell of a guy. He really is. He has stood beside me and we have had each others backs more times, and in more ways, than I can tell you. You, however, have also become very important to me. Now I know my job is only to keep you safe physically…but the thing is, I care about you more than that. I am afraid that you might get hurt. Andrew has never had a serious relationship with a woman. He tends to have three or four women on the go at any given time… he took a deep breath, …or at least he has in the past. Those women, I believe, are not like you Katie. They enjoy his company without the hearts and flowers and the things you deserve…I just hope you know what you’re doing. All I’m saying is, please keep your heart guarded Katie. He paused with an anguished look and then added, I hope I haven’t stepped over the line.

No! Of course not; I value your friendship and your concern for me. I was pre-warned and I do know not to expect a long term deal here. Hopefully I too can enjoy his company and that it won’t have any adverse effect on our working relationship. I replied, trying to cover my true hopes and desires for Andrew.

Maybe the dinner wasn’t such a good idea. Maybe I should have just kept Saturday night as a very enjoyable memory and left it at that. I knew I wanted more of him though. Would I be able to stay away? I felt as though I was already in love with him even before our night of passion and that just showed me how wonderful it was being with him. I would have to try to control things if I was going to survive Andrew Childs. It was already too late to do anything about that night’s plans, because he would have already gone to so much effort with dinner.

Although, his note did say he was going to cook, so maybe it’s just something simple. I speculated.

The thing was, if I was honest with myself, I was already feeling all warm and tingly just thinking of what might happen. Would we have a repeat of the previous night? I certainly hoped so. I felt myself blush and looked sideways to make sure Mick didn’t notice. Maybe with enough of Andrew I would become immune or find out that I was simply infatuated with him. Surely,