A/N: I am back at it! Hope everyone enjoys this new chapter. Now that I'm back writing, I'll have more chapters up soon!

Kat moved past Mark to get to her door. "Would you like to have that drink? I think I could use one." Kat asked turning to look at him. She walked into her loft, throwing her purse on the table as she headed to the cabinet that housed the Jack Daniels. She didn't ask him a second time if he wanted a drink, just took two glasses from another cabinet and poured. Kat started to drink from her glass as she handed the other to Mark.

"Ahhh...Jack is a personal friend of mine too" Mark took the glass and drank the amber liquid down in one gulp. "I didn't mean to scare you away earlier, it just took me by surprise to hear that a beautiful woman like you didn't really date. If it makes you feel any better, I haven't been on a date since my divorce was final. That was awhile ago. Look, my last relationship ended because I found out she was cheating on me. I don't know what your situation is, but what I do know is that you're the most attractive, and independent woman I've ever met. I just want to get a chance to know you. Hopefully, things will get deeper, but if not, you can tell me get lost." Mark looked at her seriously, hoping that what he just shared would encourage her to open up to him.

As she listened to him tell his story, Kat couldn't imagine why anyone would cheat on him. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy. She hadn't had the opportunity in her life to meet too many of those. Dominic and Thomas were the only exceptions, and it wasn't like she was going to be dating either of them She didn't know if it was just being around him or the Jack, but part of her really just wanted to tell Mark everything. Kat had never verbalized what had gone on in her childhood to anyone but the shrink she had seen and to Dominic. Thomas knew bits and pieces, but she had never told him the truly gruesome parts. "I don't date because I have trust issues with men." She blurted out before she could change her mind.

It took Mark by surprise to hear it come out of her mouth. Trust issues with men. He repeated in his own head. He wasn't sure what to think, since that could mean anything. "Well I guess we're both dealing with trust issues concerning the opposite sex. Can I ask what happened? If you aren't comfortable with telling me it's okay." He took a chance and placed his hand on top of hers. He was really surprised when she didn't push it away.

She froze for a moment when she felt his hand resting on hers. She really wanted to run again, but she forced herself to stay and leave his hand there. "I was physically, mentally and sexually abused by my adopted father until I was 13." She watched his face change, she couldn't decide whether it showed more anger than compassion or the other way around. "I haven't told many people that. I'm not a hundred percent sure why I feel like I can tell you. That's all I can tell you right now, maybe if we know each other better, I can tell you more. Just not now." Kat glanced down at the floor, trying very hard not to lose control over her emotions. She was teetering on the edge of crying at the moment. Instead of showing that side of herself, she poured them each another glass of Jack.

Jesus I thought my story was bad and now I've really made an ass out of myself. I barely know this woman and yet I want to go find that guy and make him hurt as badly as he hurt her. Why is that? "I'm sorry. Shit That sounds lame and doesn't mean much to you. I had no idea, if I had I never would have pushed it in the restaurant earlier. You didn't deserve what happened to you, you deserve to be treated so much better." Mark reached over and gently lifted Kat's chin, so she was looking at him. "You don't have to be ashamed about anything around me Kat. All I see when I look at you is a tough and beautiful woman. That being said, I would really like it if you'd join me for supper again, maybe tomorrow night? Can I get a do-over?" He smiled gently at her, but held his breath while he waited for her response.

Kat looked at him for a moment, he looked as nervous as she felt. "Damn! I guess that accent really does get you whatever you want. I should be the one asking you for a do-over, since I ran out on you. Yeah, I think I'd like to go out with you again, Mark. Would you mind if we did breakfast though? I really do have to work tomorrow night." She smiled back at him.

"I can't think of a better way to start out my day darlin'! I'll pick you up around 8 a.m.?" Mark took his shot and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek before standing. "I better let you get some sleep, I can let myself out." He drank the second glass of Jack that she had poured him and headed out the door. "Hey Kat? You are one hell of woman!" He walked out the door, shutting it quietly behind him and headed for this truck.