By the time Kimberly stepped in the studio, she could feel the stress and high intensive energy of her workplace. It felt like the little particles of problems flew over her, just like the flu virus.
'Good morning, Anise.' Kim said, taking a deep breath.
'Great morning, Ms. Hart.' Anise said, quickly organizing a pile of papers on her desk.
'Hey, you never call me that, unless there is some kind of problem.' Kimberly said, sipping from her latte.
'I wish there was only one problem…. But… I'm freaking out!' She said, her voice rising.
Kimberly smiled sweetly at her faithful assistant. She had all the reasons to be mad at her since her mother completely blew her off the day before.
'I'm sorry, Anise. My mother shouldn't have done that.'
'No, yesterday was fine. I just need help now, with that freaking controlling mother from hell!'
'Mrs. Delaney?'
'No, Mrs. Luciano.'
'I always thought she looked like an angel.'
Anise smirked, sarcastically.
'An angel with horns and a tail, I assume.'
'Ha ha. Anise, calm down. There's nothing they can do. Their kids are already registered and they'll have to deal with our pace. We still have 4 weeks and we're almost ready.'
'I know we are. But since they have NOTHING to do in life other than shopping and bugging dance studio assistants, I have to deal with that cr… issue' Anise corrected herself as a beautiful five-year-old entered the studio with a chocolate boxes.
'Ms. Kim, Ms. Anise, mommy is outside but she had me come in and give you this box of chocolate. Thanks for the trophy!'
The little girl rushed out of the studio and back to her mom's car. Kimberly stared at Anise and smiled.
'Don't you smile now. This doesn't count.' Anise said, moody.
'Ha ha. See? Life ain't that bad, you know.'
'I guess…'
Kimberly hugged her assistant.
'Thanks for the wonderful job yesterday. I promise you that as soon as we get our money from the regionals' prize, which I know we'll win, you'll get a good raise.'
'No need for that, Kim. You know I love to help and you've been broke for years.'
'Well, things will change. I'm hopeful now.'
'I see Ms. Kim is such a good mood.' Anise said mischievously, crossing her arms and winking.
'Now YOU don't start.'
'I bet it has something to do with Mr. Hotshot.'
'Tommy. That is his name, Anise.' Kim said, sweeping the floor of the studio where the practice will be.'
'So… you were with him yesterday?'
'Yes. My mom has this bad habit of finding me a date.'
'May she continue with this habit because that man was … ow.. unbelieveable, those strong muscular arms…' She said, her eyes rolling up and fanning herself.
Kimberly smiled and gave her floor mats.
'Ok, so let's work now because practice starts in 10 minutes, no more chit-chatting.'
'Then we can go home!' Anise said, dancing around.
'Yes, and have our beautiful Sunday afternoon off.'
'And you and Mr. Hot… I mean, Tommy may catch up.'
'Don't know about that, I haven't talked to him yet.'
'Is that why you keep looking at your phone?'
'Anise, back to work right now!'
If only she could concentrate on her job, she wondered.
Yesterday had been incredible. She really deserved a break and with someone like Tommy. He had been so nice to her, taking her out to dinner, talking about his life. She couldn't believe that they had actually dance together just like they did in their high school prom… And that kiss had been amazing. She thought she may be crazy but she could still feel the taste of his lips on hers. The thought gave chills over her body. A group of kids rushed through the room and brought her back to reality.
Tommy woke up early that morning and went for a run. Running always made him relieve any worries or stress. He wasn't necessarily stressed but he the fact that he wouldn't stop thinking about Kim really made him uneasy.
The night before, after closing her door and walking down the steps of her small townhouse porch, Tommy struggled with himself. He wanted to turn around, to knock at her door again and tell her that he still felt something very special for her. He wanted to hold her tight in his arms and make love to her for the first time. But he knew he couldn't go so fast. He didn't even know how she felt about him yet. He had a feeling that she still liked him. The look in her eyes was amazing, especially when they were dancing together.
He truly didn't know what to do at this point. It was obvious that the flames were still there, maybe even more intense now that they were adults. But how would that ever work out? He lived six hours away from her, not that it was a big deal, but almost all of his free time was dedicated to his son. Tommy knew that a relationship was something that he didn't need at the moment. But on the other hand when would he ever be open to one anyway?
He ran his five miles and went back to hotel. He needed a hot shower. He needed to know what to do about Kimberly. One thing he had already decided: he would surprise her and show up at the studio. He had checked their schedule online and he knew that practice would be done by one. I wonder if she'll like me showing up there.
As Kimberly finished doing her last song with the group of eight girls, she felt her body relax. The cooldown was definitely the best part of it! She was tired, she just wanted to shower and go back home. But Sophie wasn't there. The thought saddened her a little but she knew that her little angel was having the best time of her life being pampered by grandpa and grandma. She focused on the practice again and helped the girls to relax their little bodies. That's when she spotted him in the mirror, beside Anise. He waved at her and smiled. She took a deep breath of relief. He hadn't forgotten about her. Anise announced the end of the session.
'Great job, girls. You're definitely serious about the competition now. Your moms are outside. Bye-bye.'
'Bye, Ms. Kim, bye Ms. Anise', they practically said in chorus.
Kimberly saw the little girls rushing out of the place just like little bees out of a hive. She smiled and then she looked at Tommy.
'Hey.' She said simply, picking her stuff up from the floor.
'Hi, Kim.' He responded, leaning on the wall.
'It's good to see you again.' She stood up and walked to him.
'Same here.'
Tommy tried to give her a hug but she placed her hand on his chest, stopping him.
'Sorry. But I'm all sweaty now.'
He completely ignored her and gave her a hug.
'You should see me after practice.'
'I can imagine.'
'So… what are you doing today?'
Anything with you... She blushed at her thoughts.
'Hum, nothing planned. Wanna do something?'
'Sure. Any suggestions?'
What about just making out?
'I'm bad with ideas… as for you, you have a great imagination. Yesterday was very fun.' She guided him out of the studio and said bye to Anise, fearing she would say something. Anise gave her a naughty wink and Tommy waved good-bye at her.
'Ok, now that we are out we can talk.'
'What's the matter? You didn't like I showed up at your studio?'
She gasped then smiled.
'Of course I did, I loved it. It's just that the walls have ears there.'
Tommy smiled beautifully and placed his hand on her shoulder as they walked towards nowhere.
'How long were you watching me?' She asked curiously.
'Long enough to get creepy.'
They burst out laughing at his silly comment and he fought the need of kissing her again.
'Tommy, will you accompany me back home? I need a shower. Then we can think of something to do.'
'Sounds good.'
'Hum', she said, thinking, 'maybe I should pay you back for yesterday and cook something for you.'
He didn't want to miss the joke.
'Oh… can you cook now?'
Kimberly hit his arm playfully.
'Sure I can, Mr. Oliver. You never tasted my food.'
'Yes, I did, in fact.'
'15 years ago doesn't count. Wait till you taste my shrimp scampi.'
'Sounds yummy! I'm already getting hungry.'
So am I… Stop thinking about that, Kimberly. She thought, mad at herself.
As Kimberly took a shower, Tommy walked around her place. It was actually very cute and organized. He could definitely see that she had remodeled it her own way. It was an old townhouse in a calm and old neighborhood of Chicago. Even though he could see that it was an old home, she did a great job with painting and decor. He knew she had done that herself. He could recognize Kimberly's hands on everything she touched.
He sighed at the thought that he still knew her so much. He wondered how their lives would have been like if they had never parted. He also saddened at the feeling that she didn't know a secret that he, Jason, and the others had kept from her. Jason and Kimberly had been hypnotized and turned into evil beings and fought against the rangers. She didn't remember that, for some reason. Jason said that when she talked to him the next day she said she had a weird dream about him and the rangers. Jason remembered everything but he asked Tommy and the others to never let Kim know. They knew how she would feel, but it hadn't been her fault. She was weak and easily influenced by the evil forces. Tommy had completely disconnected from those fights. His time was done and he trusted the new rangers. He needed a life and so did everybody else. But should he tell Kim about what happened?
He was lost in his own thoughts when she saw her standing in the living room, a towel in her hand, drying her hair.
'Anything wrong?' She asked with a worried look.
'Nah, nothing.' He smiled.
She approached him and sat by his side. He could smell her fresh after-shower scent and he wished he could hold her and never let her go.
'Tommy,' She called in a whisper. 'Just tell me what's on your mind.' She held his hand softly.
'You always knew how to read me, Kim.' He chuckled.
'Yes. And I know something is bothering you.'
'I just think that you would have wanted to know about that.' He paused and sighed heavily. 'Do you remember the day you woke up in NYC, when you and Jason went to that conference?'
'Yes… Something strange happened, I know that.'
'Exactly.'
He grabbed her hands tightly and looked deeply in her eyes. He told her the whole story and her eyes were unreadable, cloudy.
'Kim…' He called and he saw her eyes get teary.
'Why did you hide that from me?'
Without thinking, he touched her face, brushing her hair out.
'Because this is how you would feel. It was over, it didn't matter.'
'I tried to get you killed, Tommy. How did it not matter?'
Tears fell down from her face. He gently brushed them off with his thumb.
'Because it wasn't you, Kim.'
She took a long breath and looked down.
'Still…'
'I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Jason also wanted to protect you.'
'Ok…' She said wearily looking back to his eyes.
'Kim.' He paused and took a breath. 'I'm just curious, I know it's none of my business. But did something ever go on between you two?'
Kimberly's eyes widened in surprise.
'No, Tommy. Why do you ask?'
'I don't know. He always seemed to care too much about you.'
Kimberly took another breath.
'Well, it's good that we're letting things out. Actually, Trini told me that he cared for me in a different way. He was always around me. So when I knew about his feelings, I kind of stopped seeing him but we never actually talked about it. Then he started dating Caroline.'
'I just wanted to know, Kim. Even if something had happened, it was none of my business.'
Kimberly felt good after talking to Tommy, even though she still hated the fact that she had tried to kill him.
Tommy reached out to her face and pulled her close to a warm kiss. His kiss was more intense and passionate this time and she felt as if she was flying. He touched her knees and pulled them up, placing her legs on his lap. His whole body froze at the touch of their tongues. This time he didn't go slowly, he savored her lips intently, as if leaving his mark on her. His hands tightened in her waistline and he felt her lightness compared to his heavy body.
He broke their kiss but stayed close to her, their foreheads touching. He gulped.
'Kim…' He paused, closing his eyes. 'How I wish we had never parted.'
The strong emotion on his voice made her shiver. She knew then that he still cared for her.
'So do I, Tommy. I should have never left you.'
'Nah, you had to leave, you had to be with your family. But I should have fought for you.'
She smiled.
'Let's stop blaming ourselves. It's too late for that now.'
'I still have feelings for you, Kimberly. I didn't know until I saw you after all this time.'
She touched his face and gave him a light kiss.
'I also have feelings for you, Tommy. I always had.'
Tommy pulled her back to his arm, her cheek resting on his chest. He felt relieved and happy at the same time, even though he didn't know what he would do.
Kimberly felt wonderful after what had happened, but she was also worried about their future.
'What are we going to do, Tommy?' She asked, unwrapping from his arms.
'Right now, I guess we have to live the present. Carpe diem.'
She gave him a beautiful smile.
'I guess you're right.'
'Let this be OUR Sunday, the day when nothing else matters.' He said smiling and kissing her again.
'Yeah, and the day that I have to prove that I'm a great cook.' She teased, standing up and walking back to the kitchen.
Tommy smiled as he saw her leaving. He felt inebriated by her aroma and softness. She was still his Kim. But now she was smarter, mature, and super, super sexy. Gosh, he couldn't stop thinking about her sweet curves and her body. What would it feel like to touch her naked skin with his? Easy, Tommy, easy.
'Want some help?' He got up from the couch, trying to focus on something else.
'That'd be lovely. You can start cutting up the vegetables.'
'I always knew you loved my abilities with a knife.'
'Indeed.'
Kimberly got the shrimp out of the oven and it smelled wonderful. Tommy had left a while ago to go get some wine. She felt stupid she didn't have any alcoholic drinks in her house but she actually didn't drink much, unless there was a special occasion. And Tommy was special. The way he looked at her while he cut the vegetables was breathtaking. He smiled while he told her stories of his life in Springfield and how his career was consuming him and he also needed a break.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her mom's call.
'Kimberly, sweetheart, I think I'll never give you this angel back. Ha ha.'
'Don't even joke about it, mom. She's mine.' Kim responded, grinning.
'She's just like you when you were little, it's impressive. Can you believe she decorated the whole tree house inside with candles and pictures? Who did she get that from, huh?'
'She took after me on that, not Austin.'
'Where is Tommy?'
'Huh. He'll be here soon. I'm cooking something for us.'
'Jesus has been listening to my prayers.'
'Mom, we'd better not talk about this right now.'
'Just, please, don't get pregnant.'
'Mom! What did I just say?'
'Well, you weren't careful when you were with Austin. But that was meant to be, I suppose. Otherwise my little princess would never be here.'
'Tommy is at the door. Guess I'll see you on Tuesday, when you bring MY princess back.' She smiled.
'Hum, yes, if you're a good girl.'
'I'm not sixteen anymore, mom.'
'So don't make the same mistake again.'
She heard the phone disconnect.
Tommy grinned as he entered the house, placing the wine bottle on the table.
'So, was that your mom? How is Sophie?'
She was glad he seemed to care.
'Great. She's decorating the tree house.' She responded smiling and placing the dish on the table.
'So like you.' He said in a contemplating tone.
'Yes. She's a troublemaker just like her mom.'
They laughed and got ready to eat. Tommy poured wine in her glass and they sat down.
Tommy closed her eyes as he tasted her food.
'This is… amazing.'
'Yes!' she said cheerily, 'I knew I could prove that I can cook perfectly.'
'What can't you do perfectly, Kim?' He said sexily, holding her hand.
She came closer to him and said in a whisper.
'Relationships, apparently.'
Tommy chuckled loudly at her honesty.
'Well, we're even then. At least you're not a 32-year-old divorcee.'
As they had their meal, her stomach felt tight with tension. She knew what was coming. Every cell of her body ached for his touch. And it wasn't because she hadn't been with a man in a long time. She ached for him, only. She had the chance to go out with other guys but she wasn't interested. But from the very first moment when their lips touched again she knew there was no way out. She wanted him. And now she knew he wanted her, too. Was it normal that she was nervous?
'Are you alright?' He asked, holding her hand.
'Yes. I just can't eat much of my own food.'
'Well that's a shame because this is heavenly.'
She smiled sweetly.
'I'm so glad you like it.'
'I would like anything you made even if it didn't taste good.'
She gasped and laughed.
'Really? So how do I know if it really tastes good?'
'Trust me it does. It just doesn't taste better than…' he came closer to her and whisper on her ear. '…your lips.'
Kimberly gulped and felt embarrassed for a moment.
'God, I love it when you blush…' He said, laughing.
She gasped as if she was mad face but she smiled too.
'Not fair…' She tucked her hair behind her ears again and he stared at her for a long time.
Tommy helped her clean up and do the dishes. He felt great being beside her and doing trivial things together. He poured more wine in her glass and they sat in the couch. He could sense her uneasiness.
'Kim,' he called, touching her face with his thumb. 'My turn to ask now. What's on your mind?'
She breathed deeply and smiled.
'I guess you also read my mind now.'
'I always did, just never told you.'
'Again: not fair…' She smiled but her smile slowly faded. 'It's just too much going on lately and now us… Wow, too much to handle.'
'Kim, we don't have to do anything other than getting to know each other again.'
'This is not it, Tommy.' She shook her head.
'What is it?'
'I know it's fast, but I don't want to wait any longer…to be with you. I also don't know what's going to happen afterwards but I should listen to my heart at least once in my life without thinking of consequences.'
He approached her and placed their glasses on the coffee table.
'And what does your heart say, Kim?'
'That I want you, Tommy.'
He gasped lightly and smiled tenderly at her, cupping her face with his hands.
'I want you, too, Kim. I always did.'
'Really?' She asked, relieved.
'Really. Can we continue what we stopped fifteen years ago?'
Her breath trembled and Tommy noticed she was nervous.
'…only if you want, Kim. We can take it easy and we don't have to anything yet if you don't want to. I'd be more than happy to just kiss you the whole night…'
His lips closed on hers and she felt as if she was losing her breath again.
'Tommy…' She whispered sensually in his ears and that turned him on even more.
He kissed her with passion and his lips moved down to her neck. I want more than just a kiss, Tommy Oliver, she confessed to herself.
Her body had a floral and sweet scent that inebriated and drugged him. He just couldn't get enough of her. He just wanted to rip off that red top she was wearing and her jeans but he ignored the want for now. He would go slowly with her. She had been lonely for a long time and it would feel strange to have rough sex with a man that was basically a stranger to her in that type of relationship. He would give what she wanted in her own pace. If all she wanted was to kiss him, he would kiss her the whole damn night. If she wanted to make love to him, he would be the happiest man on Earth that day.
Kim stood up and he did the same, without breaking the kiss. Tommy tenderly moved his hands over her sweet body and stopped them on her hips. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she stared at him intently.
'I want you, Tommy.' She said reinforcing her words this time.
His eyes shone at her words. That's what he longed to hear.
'I want you, too, Kimberly.'
His lips moved to her neck and rested there while she explored his body with her delicate hands. He cupped her bottom with his hands and she took the chance to hop on him, wrapping her legs against his waist. They felt like they were both on auto pilot, not capable of controlling their actions. They just wanted to be with each other.
Tommy slowly carried Kim into her room and placed her on the bed, not parting their kiss for a while. As he lay atop of her, she opened her eyes to see his beautiful smile.
'Am I going too fast?' He asked, concerned.
'No, Tommy. Please, do what you want to do. I'm all yours.'
He hesitated.
'I don't have protection. Damn it…' He was getting ready to leave when she pulled him back to her.
'Don't worry, Tommy. I'm always on birth control. It stops my cramps and I can dance better.' She smiled and kissed him.
He felt relieved going back to her arms. He wanted to go nowhere.
They explored each other with eager hands, their breaths heavier at each touch. Kim helped Tommy take his shirt off and she eyed him intently. He was still so beautiful and the sight of him shirtless made her breathless. They sat on the bed for a while, exchanging meaningful glances. He slowly unbuttoned her top and sighed as he smelled her freshness.
'You're so pretty.' He whispered with profound admiration.
Kimberly just smiled at his comment; she wasn't in the mood to speak right now. She rose her body up and he kissed her neck and grabbed her waistline, feeling the softness of her skin. They both god rid of their pants and stared at each other for a long time. He slowly placed his body on top of hers again and kissed her softly on her parted lips, feeling her breath coming out. His tongue teasingly brushed her mouth as he tasted her. She grinned as his kisses went down to her neck and to her chest. She rose her body up on her elbows and eyed him intently. His fingers moved behind her back and she could feel her bra being unclasped.
The first sight of her nakedness made him tremble with want. She was so beautiful. He tenderly kissed her breasts and she let her body heavily drop back on the bed. She was on flames. The feeling of his thumb on her nipple was driving her crazy with need. Then He sucked them lightly and Kim moaned his name almost inaudibly.
It was a matter of seconds till they got rid of all clothes. He placed his body on hers lightly, afraid he could hurt her since he felt so heavy compared to her petite frame. Her hands cupped his face and then embraced his neck. They eyed each other firmly as if they were talking. She nodded and grinned, saying she was ready.
She closed her eyes and felt the tip of his arousal brush her center lightly. She took a deep breath, but she felt relaxed. Little by little he filled her, his lips never parting from hers.
He was absolutely amazing, perfection. Making love to Tommy was what she had always believed to be a dream. He was gentle, passionate, and sexy at the same time. And he definitely knew how to please a woman. His thrusts were getting more intense and she thought she was about to lose her mind.
Damn, Kim, you're my downfall. He thought to himself, grinning at the beautiful woman underneath him. She was the most perfect creature in the world that moment, as she lay there, completely open to him. What a great surprise she had been… I'm losing it…
Kim felt a powerful burning sensation on her feet rising up through her whole body. She smiled as her strongest release ever swallowed her like a wave. Tommy's thrusts became deeper and faster and in a few seconds he dropped his body on hers, moaning her name. She hugged him tight as he released inside her.
They remained hugged for a long time. Tommy remained inside her, and he didn't want to move. The world had apparently stopped, and that's how they felt. Their heartbeats slowed down little by little. A stream of sweat connected their bodies and they felt intimate and satisfied.
He rose his head up and looked at her, brushing her hair out of her pretty face. He could see her eyes were a little damp, filled with emotion and passion. He smiled sweetly.
Kimberly pulled him to a light kiss. She could wait no longer. She had to say it again. Her heart screamed to release it.
'Tommy,' she called in a faint whisper. 'I love you.'
please review! ;)
