Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Her words erase all the discomfort and irritation. It feels good to have her tell me what she thinks in such crystal-clear terms. She starts to lean back but I catch her hand and thread my fingers through hers.
“I think you’ve got a pretty face and amazing bod too.”
“So poetic,” she teases.
“They’re your words!”
She frowns like she’s taking absolutely no responsibility for them and I shake my head, trying not to laugh.
“I like how you handled that bump in the road back there.”
“Yeah, anyone would think I’m a pro at this dating thing,” she says.
“You’re not?”
“Well, if we don’t count Basil, then no.”
I close my eyes and scrunch up my face. “Please unsay that.”
“He’s an amazing lover. Wears his cap in bed.”
“Stop.” I rub my hands over my face. “You’re the worst.”
“I’m kidding about Basil. But not the stuff I said about you.” She looks at me, her gaze soft but purposeful. “I’m sorry. Did I fuck this up?”
I shake my head. “Never.”
Our waitress comes over with our food and wine.
“Speaking of Basil, it seems like it’s impossible to keep a secret around here,” I say. “Michael and Basil knew we were having dinner tonight.”
“And tomorrow morning, people might put two and two together.”
“Does that bother you?” I ask. I’m not sure how I’d feel if everyone around me knew everything about my life.
“I mean, we’re not doing anything illegal. These people care about me and want me to be happy, so no, but I could imagine there might come a time when it might.”
“When I’m with my cousins, it’s similar. Everyone’s in everyone’s business and it doesn’t come from a bad place. And it’s nice, because you feel part of something, but I have the luxury of disappearing if it gets overwhelming.” I sit back in my chair. “Huh. I never actually thought about that. I’ve always felt like I’m on the periphery when I visit them.” The prickling on the back of my neck has returned. “They’re very welcoming and I definitely feel like part of the family, but obviously, I’m not their brother or their son—I’m always slightly removed. But maybe I put myself there. It’s always felt…I’ve always felt like a bit of an outsider. I guess that’s why I ended up at medical school.”
Kate’s eyes widen. “Wait, you’re a doctor?”
“No, I dropped out. I was making investments, even back then, and struck lucky a couple of times. I realized medicine wasn’t for me.”
“Wow,” she says.
“I’ve always loved my cousins. I wanted to live with them in the UK—I’d spend summers here and hated going back to the States. I wanted to be just like them, and they’re all doctors. Well, two of my cousins aren’t anymore. But I saw studying medicine as a membership card.”
“If it makes you feel any better, you didn’t seem like an outsider when I saw you all in the tea shop.”
“They’re great. They would never deliberately treat me differently. But I’m their cousin. Their nephew. That’s just a fact. I’m actually going up there in a couple of weeks. You should come with me.”
“Where?” She looks like I just told her JFK walked into the Golden Hare with Marilyn.
“To Norfolk. My aunt and uncle are celebrating their wedding anniversary. They’re having a family celebration. I’m going up to see them.” Suddenly, I realize why she’s shocked—not because I’m asking her to go away with me, but because I’m asking her to leave Crompton.
“Think about it,” I say, trying to soften the invitation.
She nods. “I will.”
“It’s not a big deal if you don’t want to leave Crompton.”
“With you,” she says.
“With me.”
“I don’t know if I can,” she says. Her voice a whisper. “But I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to more.”
My heart crashes against my ribs. I want to gather her up in my arms and promise to keep her safe. It’s not a sensation I’m used to, but there are lots of things about Kate and Crompton that are extraordinary.
TWENTY-FOUR
Kate
It’s not like I don’t see the long stares or hear the open-ended questions. I just don’t respond to any of it the morning after my date with Vincent.
It’s nice to have people care. But no one needs a front-row seat for what’s happening between us. Because it’s casual and fun and he’ll be leaving soon.
Except…being with him feels better than I’ve ever felt with someone before. And I don’t want to admit that to anyone. Not even myself.
I scoop up my laptop and notepad and stand. “Is Vincent in the boardroom?” I ask Michael.
“I think so,” he says.
I’ve not seen him this morning—well, not since I left his bed anyway—but that’s not unusual. And it’s better in a way. Because if he was in the office, sitting at the desk opposite me, I’m not sure I would be able to concentrate. It’s bad enough as it is. I can still feel him all over me from last night. His teeth on my neck, the press of his hand on my bottom, the drag of him between my thighs. At least with him in the next room, there’s half a chance I’ll get something done today. But first, I need to get his decision on something.