Author's Note:

Hey everyone. I haven't forgotten about this story by a long shot. I know it's been a while and I am so sorry to those who really liked this story. For the better part of two years, I have had major writer's block for this story and it was hard to even write a sentence. But regardless, I'm going to make an effort to update the story and do the best I can although my writer's block has faded a bit.

I will be editing the story because back when I wrote this story, I was an amateur. So I will be correcting and changing some stuff in the story to make it better to read and understand. Since it's been so long since I've updated, I kind of forgot the direction the story was supposed to be in so any help from you guys would be awesome. Suggestions are very welcome and appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the story ideas

A Thing for Passion

Chapter 14

It wasn't until twenty past midnight that Kori finally got out of the shower and dried off, a part of her only staying so long to avoid being with Richard again. She was utterly confused. She wasn't sure what she wanted more, to stay away from him or to be with him. But she knew it was inevitable to stay away from a guy like Richard, especially when he pops up everywhere she went.

Putting on the clothes that were laid out on the bed early, she flung the towel in the hamper and folded the clothes she wore earlier before heading out the door. Kori headed downstairs, the sound of the laughter from the television flooding her ears.

She entered the living room expecting to see Richard lying in the couch but instead was met with emptiness. Where could he be? She thought as she looked around the room. Then from what seemed to be out of nowhere, Richard jumped from one of the corners, a goofy looking grin on his face. Kori, who was obviously startled, screamed and without thinking, punched him in the face.

He stumbled back a bit, holding his nose. "Ah, damn Kori! You didn't have to hit me. It was just a joke," he said messaging his now bruised nose.

"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you so hard. Why'd you just out at me anyway? You know I don't like to be surprised," she said as she took a look at his nose. Didn't hit it hard enough to bleed but she knew it still hurt.

"Ever heard of the word fun?" Richard walked over to the couch and sat down. Kori followed, hoping he wasn't mad at her.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked cautiously. He quickly shook his head, a smile spreading on his face.

"It's cool. I just don't understand why you're so damn strong. You have a mean right hook. You ever consider going into boxing?"

Kori laughed at the thought. Her? A boxer? That would never work. She playfully hit him in the arm and picked up the movie lying on the couch next to her. Her eyes brightened when she saw the title.

" The Hangover! I didn't know you had the movie. Can we watch it? I never did get a chance to finish watching it the first time."

He took the movie from her and placed it in the DVD player. "Neither did I. Do you want a snack or something while I'm up?" He walked over to the kitchen and opened the pantry looking for a pack of popcorn.

"Popcorn would be fine, thanks."

They stayed in there on the couch after the popcorn was finished and the movie was playing, laughing at the comedic events in the movie. For the first time that night, Kori felt comfortable sitting there watching the movie with Richard. It was surprising that he hadn't tried anything since she came back downstairs. It was sort of a relief.

Throughout the movie, Kori kept stealing glances at him, hoping he wouldn't notice. She kept wondering how life would've been if she had never left. She found herself regretting her decision. Would he have married her too? A tinge of jealously plagued her as she thought about Barbara and Richard together. Did he love Barbara like how he used to love her? After all, lust and love were two very different things and words were words.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she noticed Richard staring back at her, completely unaware that she had been staring at him the whole time.

"Why are you staring at me?" He asked, one eyebrow lifted in curiosity. God she loved when he did that. She quickly shook her head and turned back to the movie.

"Nothing."

He had his doubts. "You sure?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking that's all."

"Oh…okay," he said, also turning back to the movie but with a slight frown on his face. This wasn't exactly the kind of night he had in mind but after coming back downstairs, he had a change of heart. How many more times would he be able to sit down with her and have her in his company before she decides to leave again? Besides, it was late and this game he was playing with her would have to end sometime. It was time to be civilized.

"As much as it's an inconvenience that we got stuck here, I'm glad it was you I got stuck with." The words flew out of his mouth before he realized he even said it. Kori turned to him surprised that he would say something like that but warmed by his words.

Before she had a chance to say anything, he spoke. "Do you remember the first time we watched a movie together? It was March 3rd. The weekend after you said yes when I asked you out."

Kori could only sit and stare as he continued to speak. "I remember when you first kissed me after you thought I was leaving the country for good but it was just a business trip with Bruce." He chuckled a little and Kori smiled, reminiscing about that event.

"That was May 15th," he finished.

"And I remember the first time you said 'I love you'. It was Independence Day and we were on the Ferris wheel and you were looking at the fireworks and you accidentally said 'I love you' when what you really meant to say was—"

"'I love the fireworks'. Then when I realized what I said I got scared but I didn't take it back. But you just sat there, looking at me blankly. I was expecting you to say it back but you didn't so I got mad," Kori finished for him, laughing at the incident.

Richard nodded his head with a smile. "You ran off as soon as we got off and I couldn't find you. So I bought you a gift from one of the gift shops and searched for you all night until I finally found you at the park, crying. And then I said—"

"'You're my Star. I'll love you forever and ever'," Kori ended. She looked at him and they shared a glance for a moment before they looked away. They dipped into silence for a while before they spoke again.

Kori began, "Why are you telling me all this?"

Richard stayed silent for a bit before speaking. "I don't know. I guess I just wanted you to remember."

"I never forgot," she said looking back at him.

He looked back at her and said, "And neither did I."

They watched the rest of the movie, Kori eventually falling asleep on the arm of the couch. Richard cleaned up any mess left from earlier then turned off the T.V before picking Kori up bridal style and bringing her upstairs. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled into his chest sleepily. He smiled a little, remembering all the times that he used to do this and how his heart would beat so fast just being by her.

He placed her in one of the guest bedrooms, tucking her in under the comforters in the room. She snuggled into the soft pillows and it wasn't long before her breathing became even. Richard sat at the bedside staring at her as she slept. He tucked a hair away that had fallen in front of her face.

He missed those days when they could spend all the time in the world with each other and not care about everyone else. He missed the those passionate times they always had or the freedom they always had to be with each other. Things had become so complicated since she left. He was never quite the same after she left. It's like when she left, she took a part of him with her.

Glancing at the time, he decided it was time for a little sleep. He kissed her forehead.

"You'll always be my Star," he whispered before getting up and leaving the room. He went to bed that night, more confused and heartbroken than he felt in years.

Author's Note:

It's short but I hope you guys liked it. I hope to get the other chapters corrected as soon as I can but don't expect anything too soon. Please share your thoughts and review.