Katie's Art of Seduction

Chapter Thirteen

Katie refilled the sugar dispenser and then added napkins to the holder before wiping down the table. She moved to the next table by rote and began the routine all over again. Glancing at the clock, she breathed a sigh of relief. It was ten minutes to closing. She finished the last table and took a quick look around, pleased when she saw only a single couple at a table in the corner. They had already paid for their order and looked as if they were almost finished their coffee.

Her mind drifted back to this past weekend, which had passed in a blur of emotion. It was hard to believe that only a few days ago, she was happily going about her life and anticipating spending a weekend with Cain. Instead, the last week had been an emotional roller coaster.

Lucas had plied her with pizza and two comedy videos he picked up on his way back to her place Saturday night. Katie couldn’t even remember what the movies were. She was just glad for his company. She didn’t know what had transpired between him and Cain. He hadn’t said anything and she hadn’t asked.

Lucas had shown up again early on Sunday morning and dragged her out to breakfast, insisting that she join him for pancakes and syrup. They followed breakfast with a long drive, stopping occasionally to shop at an indoor flea market, a thrift shop, and finally a bookstore. An early dinner had capped off the day and the sun had gone down for the day by the time Lucas had taken her home. She loved him for keeping her company and trying to take her mind off of her problems.

Scooting behind the counter, Katie emptied the last of the trays from the display case. Carefully, she transferred the remaining cookies and treats to a large plastic container. They would be bagged and reduced for a quick sale to the morning crowd. Before closing the container, she selected two cinnamon rolls and put them in a takeout box. She approached the couple in the corner with a forced smile on her face.

“We’re closing now, but I brought you a couple of cinnamon buns for the road.” Katie had long ago found that you could get rid of customers at closing if you offered them a free treat. She didn’t resort to this tactic very often, but today she was desperate to just go home.

As expected, the couple gratefully accepted her offering, tugged on their jackets and wished her well as they headed out the door. Katie called her goodbyes as they left, but was already ducked behind the counter, grabbing the closed sign from underneath. Katie shrieked as something cold hit her hand. Jumping back she hit her hip on the counter and cursed.

Sitting before her, totally unconcerned, was Gabriel. His tail was wagging, and in his mouth he carried a single red rose with a note attached. Her hand automatically reached out to pet him even as her eyes searched for Cain, but he was nowhere to be seen.

“Why am I not surprised?” she muttered to the dog. Still, she could not resist the flower and carefully took it from the dog’s mouth. Gabriel licked her hand as she did so, happy that he had discharged his duty.

Lucas stepped out from the back. “Are we closed?”

“Almost.” She smiled at the dog who was still wagging his tail happily. “We had a last-minute customer.”

Lucas scowled and glanced around the room. His gaze lit on the rose in Katie’s hand and the attached note. “Well, are you going to read it?”

“I’m almost afraid to,” she answered honestly.

Lucas’s eyes softened. “Do you want me to read it for you?”

“No, I’ll do it.” Taking her time, she removed the note from the envelope. It was simple and to the point. She read it aloud. “If you can find it in your heart to talk to me, I’ll be waiting.” It was not signed.

“What are you going to do?” Lucas’s voice was soft behind her.

“I honestly don’t know.” Katie felt so conflicted. Part of her wanted to race outside to find him, while another part wanted to run home and hide. But she had never been a coward and didn’t know if she could live with herself if she didn’t at least hear what he had to say.

“Yes, you do know.” Lucas came up behind her and placed both of his large hands on her shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

She reached up and touched one of his hands, silently acknowledging his comfort. “I hate it when you’re right.” Sighing, she stepped away and pulled off her apron.

Lucas gave her a little push towards the back. “Go get your coat on and I’ll finish closing.”

When she returned a few moments later with her coat and purse, Lucas had the storefront closed, the lights turned off, and the cash pulled from the register. The shop was dark, as the sun had already gone down, and the only light was the soft glow of the security lights. She walked over to him and he pulled her into his arms.

As he hugged her, he reached down to whisper in her ear. “One chance, Katie. But, if he hurts you again, I’ll beat him up for you.”

Katie laughed, as he’d known she would. “Thanks. You’re a good friend.”

“I know.” He released her and gave her a rare smile. “Call me if you need me.”

“Promise.” Pulling her purse securely over her shoulder, she headed towards the door where Gabriel was patiently waiting.

The moment she opened the door, Gabriel shot out of the shop and to the curb where his limo was waiting. Quentin was standing there, holding the door open, with a slight enigmatic smile on his face. Gabriel barked impatiently from the interior of the vehicle. Katie hesitated. She’d been expecting Cain.

“He’s waiting at home for you.” Quentin answered her unasked question. “I was to take you to your place if you didn’t want to see him. The choice is yours.”

Katie gave him a sad smile. “We both know I’m going.” She climbed into the back of the limo and rested her head on the back of the plush seat. Her head pounded, she was so tired. She’d hardly slept at all the last couple nights and was exhausted. It had taken everything she’d had today just to function properly and smile occasionally at the customers.

Gabriel placed his head on her lap and whined softly. “It’s all right,” she comforted him as she petted him. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax and not think about what Cain had to say. She’d thought they’d said it all the other night.

All too soon the car came to a stop. Before she could gather herself to open the door, Quentin was there. Grateful for his support, she took the hand he offered and climbed from the backseat. “Thank you, James,” she murmured.

“Just go right up,” he told her as he led her to the familiar steel door at the back of the stately, stone building and opened it. He nudged her elbow when she stood staring at the opening.

Katie forced her tired body to move across the private parking garage to the elevator. She was aware of Gabriel padding along next to her and of the outer door closing behind her. The sound of the limo driving away made her feel lonely even though Gabriel was next to her. James at least was an ally, Gabriel was Cain’s emissary. Not that she could hold that fact against such a sweet dog, but in the end, he was Cain’s pet.

She pressed the button to summon the elevator and stepped inside when it arrived. The ride to the top went too quickly. The door slid open and she cautiously stepped out into the hall. The apartment door was open, so she went right inside. “Cain,” she called softly as she stepped inside. There was no reply, and no visible sign of him.

Taking her time, she removed her coat and hung both it and her purse on the familiar coat rack. She tugged at her sweater as doubts assailed her. Maybe she should have gone home and changed first. She’d had a long day’s work in these clothes, and she felt grimy and sweaty. Gabriel nudged at her leg impatiently.

“What do you want?” Gabriel responded to her voice by trotting down the hall. She reluctantly followed him and it only took her a moment to realize he was leading her to the rooftop garden.

Katie stepped into the familiar garden and looked around. The air was alive with the scent of fresh earth and flowers. The lush foliage made the air slightly humid, but not uncomfortable. It was an oasis in the middle of the frigid, cold winter. Soft music played in the background and mingled with the sound of the water running in the fountain. The table was set, just like the last time, and two glasses of wine had been poured.

Katie sensed she wasn’t alone and her gaze immediately went to the far corner. The large shadow in the corner was one she knew intimately. She bowed her head as a wave of sorrow washed over her. He was still hiding from her after everything they’d been through.

“How did you know I was here?” His voice, low and sexy made a shiver run down her spine.

“I could feel you there,” she replied honestly.

Cain stepped out from the shadows. He walked straight towards her under the glow of the patio lights, never once trying to keep his face hidden. For the first time, his long dark hair was slicked back from his face and hung down to his shoulders.

Katie couldn’t tear her gaze away as he sauntered towards her. His arms hung loosely at his sides, but his hands were fisted and his shoulders were stiff, indicating that he wasn’t as relaxed as he was trying to portray. The raw emotion on his face almost made her cry out in pain. He looked ravaged.

Unable to stop herself, Katie took a step backwards. If he put his hands on her, she’d forget all about talking and fall into bed with him. This time, she was determined that they would talk.

Cain came to an abrupt halt in front of her. Anguish filled his eye as he held himself utterly still. Every muscle in his body was clenched tightly. “I guess I deserve that.” His voice was filled with pain as he spoke.

Katie relented instantly and reached out to him. Slowly, carefully, he took her hand in his. His grasp was firm and warm as she allowed him to lead her over to the table.

“Please sit.”

Katie sat and immediately picked up her wine and took a sip. Her mouth was so dry, she didn’t know if she could speak. Cain hovered behind her a moment. She could feel his heat and his uncertainty. Her shoulders tensed as she waited to see what he would do. He lightly touched her head with his hand before easing his body around the table to seat himself across from her.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Katie,” he began abruptly.

“I know.” She added nothing more, but waited.

Cain shook his head. “I didn’t think you’d make it easy.” His mouth quirked up in a half-grin as he teased her.

“Why should I?”

Cain sobered immediately. “You shouldn’t.” Getting up from the table, Cain began to pace, hands clasped behind his back, as if to keep himself from reaching out and pulling her into his arms.

Katie turned in her seat so she could watch him. He moved like a large jungle cat on the prowl, all sinewy muscle and grace. Darkness emanated from him that, she’d now come to understand, was simply part of his personality. He was like some dark, pagan god come to earth. He would never be an easy man to love, but if he would open himself up to her, she knew his love would be steadfast and forever.

Emotion rolled off him and again the sheer force of his presence struck her. He had no idea just how charismatic and powerful a man he was. Her eyes softened as she watched him gather his thoughts. As if feeling her stare, he stopped pacing and pinned her with his glare.

“I know I can be a hard man to live with.”

Laughter fell from Katie’s lips. Cain looked so disgruntled at her action that she laughed even harder. He scowled at her for a moment before smiling self-consciously. A moment later, he chuckled. “I guess you already know that.”

“I guess I do.” Katie managed to contain her laughter, but she couldn’t hide her smile. He was trying so hard to explain himself and that had to mean he cared about her. Even as Katie’s brain urged her to caution, hope was growing in her heart.

Cain stalked back to the table and went down on one knee in front of her. He cupped her face in his hands and slowly bent his face to hers, brushing his lips softly against hers. Drawing back, he released her face and took both her hands in his.

“I may not know what love is, but I need you like I need air to breathe. You are the light in the darkness of my life and when I drove you away I was in the dark by myself again. I didn’t like it. I want to talk to you, hear your laughter, and have you tease me, yell at me, and challenge me. I’ve never met anyone as genuine and real as you are. Everything about you fascinates me. I need you, Katie. Don’t let me go back into the darkness.”

Cain sat there at her feet, waiting for her to decide his fate. Never, she thought, had a man loved a woman as much as he loved her. For some reason he didn’t know that what he was feeling was love. But she knew and that was enough for her. She took a deep breath to reply and could feel the salt on her lips from the tears that slipped from her eyes. This man in front of her, making himself vulnerable to her, was her man, for better or for worse.

Mistaking her silence for rejection, Cain desperately tried again. “I’ll give you the building as a present. Just stay.”

Katie tugged her hand away from him and placed it over his mouth stopping him from saying more. She didn’t want him humbled and she didn’t want him to think he had to buy her love.

“No, Cain.”

“Please, Katie,” he pleaded.

“I don’t want your building or your money.” She hurried on before he could speak. “All I want is you.” He sat back with a stunned look on his face. Leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on his ravaged cheek.

He shuddered and buried his face in her lap. His arms banded around her waist, holding her tight. Katie ran her fingers through his hair, silently trying to comfort him. Cain suddenly pulled her from her chair and into his lap. His embrace was so tight that she could barely breathe. Rather than pull away, she wrapped her arms around him and held him close. She could sense the desperation in his actions.

“I knew you’d give me another chance when I saw the paintings,” Cain muttered as he began to cover her face in frantic kisses. “I’ll make you happy. I promise you.”

Katie cupped his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. “You’ll make me happy and sad. Just as I’ll do the same to you.” He stilled, all his attention focused on her, as he listened to her. “Cain, I don’t want you to promise me the impossible. That’s too much pressure for any relationship. It’s not your responsibility to make me happy. All you have to do is be yourself and share your life with me.”

“That’s all.” She could feel the muscles in his shoulders relaxing, his whole body practically sighing in relief.

“Yes.” She kissed him playfully on the nose. “That’s all.”

Reaching up, he brushed at the tears on her face. “I’m not really crying,” she reassured him.

“I know, honey.” He continued to run his thumbs over her cheeks and suddenly a smile lit his face. “But I’d have given you anything. You should have at least asked for a car or a house.”

“I already have everything I want,” Katie assured him. She wanted him to understand that her love was unconditional and did not depend on gifts given or offered.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’ve got you now and I’m keeping you.” Cain shifted her so that one arm was under her knees and the other around her shoulders. In an amazing feat of strength, he rose from the floor with her clutched tight in his arms. For a moment, he just stood there in the peace and quiet of the garden, giving her plenty of time to object to his actions.

Katie snuggled into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. Every muscle in Cain’s body tensed, and then he swore and spun around. Quickly, he strode from the garden and towards his bedroom, with her clasped safely in his arms. Using his booted heel, he kicked the door shut and moved towards the bed.

He hesitated for a moment before lowering her legs to the floor. When she was steady, he stepped away and turned on a light. It was low, but she could see him perfectly. Eagerly, she stepped towards him.

“Love me, Cain.” Her soft plea moved him to action.

Taking his time, he pulled her cotton top over her head and dropped it to the floor. Reaching behind her, he unhooked her bra and slid the straps down her arms. The bra landed on the floor next to her top. His breathing was labored but he made no move to touch her. Instead, he moved on to her jeans. The button was opened and the zipper tugged down and a second later he tugged both her jeans and underwear down to her knees.

Guiding her, he sat her on the side of the bed. One at a time, he pulled off her boots. Leaning forward, he rained kisses down her thighs and calves as he removed her jeans and panties. His breath was hot and moist on her already heated skin and she could feel her whole body clench in response. He noticed her reaction and nuzzled the pubic hair between her legs before sitting back on his haunches to look his fill.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” His voice was filled with an honest appreciation for her that made her blush from head to toe. Katie squirmed on the bed, and Cain, sensing her discomfort, pulled back the sheets and urged her under the covers.

Katie got comfortable and settled herself against the softness of the pillows. A quiet contentment filled her as she waited for Cain to join her.