~ The Three Truths Of Katie Talmadge ~

by

Teagan Oliver

“Don’t make me into some sort of knight-in-shining-armor, Katie. Believe me, I’m not any closer to that description than I am at being a gentleman.” Far from it.

He knew he was being impossible, even downright rude. Since leaving the hotel he’d let his silence be a punishment to her. But the truth of the matter was that he didn’t understand his feelings any better than he understood his heart-pounding, breath-stealing reaction to their kiss.

All he knew was that he wasn’t about to apologize for kissing her. The taste had been too sweet and the attraction too strong for him to even think about regretting the impulse.

Candlelight flickered off the curves and curls of her hair and reflected in her eyes. “The dress compliments you very well.” Her pale skin against the drape of black edging her shoulders made her look like a painting that had come to life.

“Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.” As Katie spoke, she tilted her chin upward. The graceful sweep of pearls at her neck caught the light and glimmered.

“It has been a long time since I’ve had a use for a tuxedo.” He reached out and grasped the coffee cup as firmly as he dared without shattering it or sending it clattering to the floor. Here they were, having a decent conversation in a public place and he was thinking indecent thoughts about a woman he barely knew.

He ached to do more than kiss her and the realization twisted his insides tighter. Katie wasn’t the type of girl for a one-night stand. And he wasn’t the kind of man who would want her to be.

The other patrons paid and left, leaving them alone in the restaurant except for the waitstaff who were busy preparing to close. With the night and the quiet it was easy to imagine that they were very much alone.

“You should know that my aunt is not going to give up. She’s more determined than ever to convince you to undertake those quests.”

The coffee cup in Katie’s hand stilled as her gaze met his across the table. “I know.” Her words trailed off and her hand shook as she set the cup back on the table.

“What I don’t understand is why she picked me? She didn’t even know me before a few days ago.” The candle on the table flickered sending a flame of gold across the delicate arch of her neck.

“I don’t know. My aunt’s intentions are not always what she makes them out to be. Sometimes even her best intentions get muddled and she confuses what she wants with what is best for other people.” He hesitated. “Especially, when what they want is not to be paired up with someone else.”

The problem was that since he held her in his arms he hadn’t been able to think of anything else. The whole night was beginning to feel all too much like a date, and too little like a couple of friends out for coffee.

And he wasn’t ready for this again. Not yet.

Besides, he still hadn’t told her about Carrie.

The waitress set the check on the table; a silent bidding that they leave. Simon took his wallet out his jacket and placed a few bills onto the table. “It would appear that we’ve outstayed our welcome. We’re holding them up and I’m sure they’d like to go home for the night.”

“Yes, I suppose we should leave. I need to be at the shop early in the morning. Saturdays are very busy for me.” Her tenuous smile broke the wave of tension settling over them and he smiled back at her.

It was time to call it a night.

Simon came around the table and held her wrap for her. His fingers brushed her bare shoulder and he fought the urge to pull back. These were old feelings stirring inside him and they were mixed with some very new ones. It had been a long time since he’d felt the touch of a woman or her skin against his. It had been a long time since he’d enjoyed just talking, but wanting so much more.