"I'm surprised that you chose to spend your lunch hour here, JR." Katherine said with an amused smile on her face.
JR and Katherine were both in Katherine's office at the Wentworth Tool and Dye building. They were both seated on the small sofa near the back of the room. Across from them was the large oak cabinet that had once belonged to Katherine's father when he still ran the company. When Cliff had taken over, he had moved it to the store room. But now that Katherine was running things again, the cabinet had been returned to its rightful place in the office. Sadly, it had gotten some scratches from how roughly Cliff had handled it when he had carelessly shoved it in the storage room. But Katherine had told JR that she didn't care how it looked. It was here for sentimental value.
"Well, I thought that this might be easier for you than coming to my office. I didn't think that you would want to run into Bobby so soon after what happened last weekend." JR said.
JR couldn't help thinking just how hard this was for Katherine. Even though he was confident that Katherine had feelings for him, JR didn't know if she also still felt something for his brother. If she did, then it was easy to understand how hard it was for her to see Bobby openly choosing to be with another woman like this.
"That's really considerate of you, JR. But you don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. And I honestly believe that this is a good thing for both of us. All of that time I was spending with Bobby really hurt you, and that was something that I promised that I would never do to you again…" Katherine explained.
"But what about you? I mean do you still… love him?" JR asked hesitatingly.
Katherine looked thoughtful. "I've had time to think about a lot of things, and I've come to realize that I haven't felt anything like that for Bobby in quite a while. But it took me a while to realize that because a part of me was using him as an excuse to not have to think about you. But I'm through with that now. I've decided that even if Bobby does want to spend time with me again, then I just won't do it anymore. I can't keep running away from my feelings forever." Katherine said.
JR could hardly believe what he was hearing. It sounded too good to be true. After all of this time, could he finally be getting a real chance with Katherine!?
"So, does this mean that there is a chance for us now?" JR asked hopefully.
"I can't say for sure yet. But it is something that I am considering. I'm sorry that I can't give you a better answer than that, JR." Katherine paused for a moment before continuing. "You must be so sick of this by now…" She said almost to herself.
"Katherine, I know how hard all of this is for you. Even without your fears, it would be a big change in your life if you decided to start a relationship with me. It's not an easy decision to make. Besides, this is the farthest that I've gotten with you now. It means a lot to me that you are actually considering this." JR said softly.
"Thank you for being so understanding, JR. I promise that it won't take me too much longer to make a decision." Katherine said.
Katherine took JR's hand in hers and leaned against him. JR could tell that she wasn't trying to be seductive. Katherine was just enjoying being close to him. Ever since they had kissed, it was as if some kind of physical barrier between them had been broken.
"Well, now that we're done with the more serious talk, I do have some news that I think you will be very pleased to hear." JR said with a smile. He started to casually stroke Katherine's hair.
"Oh? And what exactly is that?" Katherine asked in interest. She seemed to be enjoying JR's casual gesture of affection just as much as he was.
"It was a while ago, but I haven't forgotten my promise to make sure that all of the shares in your company belong to you. You'll be happy to know that I am now currently working on a little project that will guarantee that that loser brother of yours will give back those shares to you." JR said with a devilish a smile.
"Do go on." Katherine said with a seductive edge in her voice.
JR couldn't help grinning. This was what was so great about Katherine. She loved hearing about all of the devious plans that he had and was even able to offer ideas for them when she could. JR had never really been able to share this part of his life with Sue Ellen. While it was true that his ex-wife had found JR's devious side a turn-on, he had always known that there was no way that she would have been comfortable with even half of the things that he did to get ahead. But Katherine had no problem with giving JR's worst deeds a seal of approval. He loved being able to tell Katherine everything like this.
"-so he will have no idea that all of that oil had been right under his nose the whole time! And by then it will be too late. That weasel will have to say goodbye to that so-called Barnes-Wentworth that he is just barely managing to keep open as it is!" JR finished gleefully after explaining the plan to Katherine.
"You know that Cliff has no idea how to run a company when he starts using Pam as a poster girl to soften up other businessmen! It's disgusting, and I'll be glad when he loses everything! "Barnes-Wentworth", my foot! I have nothing to do with it! Your idea is fantastic, JR!" Katherine said excitedly.
"Why thank you, my dear! And the best part about it is that he will be so desperate to keep things running that he will most definitely be willing to sell your shares back to you! Of course, I will provide for the costs of it." JR said.
"JR, we've been through this already. I can pay for things myself!" Katherine said in exasperation.
"No, I insist this time. You shouldn't have to buy back the shares of your own company, Katherine! It's ridiculous!" JR said bitterly.
"Well, when you put it like that, I understand where you're coming from. Thank you, JR. You really are good to me…" Katherine said quietly.
"You deserve only the best, Katherine. Which brings me to the other reason for my visit…" JR said.
"What is it?" Katherine asked curiously.
"Well, I'm sure you're aware that it's almost time for the annual Oil Baron's Ball. After all, you're an important member of the oil community yourself. I was wondering if you'd like to go with me. It doesn't have to be a date if you don't want it to be. I just thought it would be something fun for us to do together. Will you go with me?" JR asked. He was nervous. The last thing JR wanted was a rejection, but he knew that he had to try asking Katherine.
To JR's surprise Katherine smiled radiantly at him. "I was wondering if you were ever going to get around to asking me that! I was starting to think that I would have to ask you myself! Yes, I'll go with you, JR!" Katherine said happily. JR couldn't believe it. This was working out better than he had thought.
"I waited for a while because I thought you might want some time to yourself after hearing about Bobby and Jenna. I didn't want it to look like I thought I could just automatically win you over with Bobby out of the picture." JR admitted.
"That was very thoughtful of you, JR. I really appreciate it." Katherine said gratefully.
"Well, it was risky too. I'm sure you've had plenty of other men asking you to go with them!" JR said.
Katherine made a face. "Some. But they don't really want me. They want Katherine Wentworth. But you're not like that, JR. And that's why I want to go with you. I know that it will be different with you…" She said.
"That's right. I just want us to have a good time." JR said.
"I know that we will. After all, I'm sure you're quite a dancer!" Katherine said flirtatiously.
JR chuckled. "You'll see soon enough!" He said.
Later that day, JR couldn't stop smiling as he worked on some papers at his desk in his office. Everything was working out perfectly. He still couldn't believe his good luck at having Jenna Wade show up. Thanks to her, Katherine had finally given up on Bobby. Not to mention that Jenna was also keeping Bobby away from a possible reconciliation with the Barnes woman. JR was finally making some real progress with Katherine. Based on her behavior today, JR had a feeling that it wouldn't be much longer until Katherine said yes to him. But in the meantime, JR couldn't wait to go to the Oil Baron's Ball with her. They would show everyone there that they were the real winners.
