Disclaimer: Not mine. Sucks to be me.
A/N: Sorry this is taking so long. Had a case of writer's block. Seems I've worked it out. Hope you all enjoy it.
The Long Road
Chapter 4
The house was filled with the delicious aroma of garlic and onions. There was steam rising from a pot of water that wasn't quite boiling. A salad was waiting in the refrigerator and bread was ready to go in the oven. Catherine was stirring the gently bubbling sauce when the doorbell rang. Wiping her hands on a towel she hurried to open the door.
"Hey, come on in," she said with a smile as she stood back to allow him to pass.
Warrick surprised her by placing a soft kiss on her cheek as he walked past. "Hey yourself." Sniffing the air appreciatively, he asked, "What smells so good?"
"Spaghetti. It's the one thing I know I won't screw up." She smiled over her shoulder as she led him through to the kitchen. "I hope you're hungry."
"Starving," he assured her. "Where's Linds?"
"She's in her room."
Walking over until he could feel her body heat, he teased, "Is she now? Does that mean I could steal a kiss?"
"I…uh…I need to check the sauce." Catherine stepped back, something akin to panic in her eyes, and turned toward the stove. "Would you like something to drink?"
Warrick studied her profile before saying, "Sure. What do you have?"
"Water, beer, wine, iced tea and soda. Just look in the fridge." Catherine put the bread in the oven and began breaking the spaghetti noodles into the now boiling water.
"What are you having?" Warrick asked.
"Wine," Catherine nodded at the glass on the counter, "but have whatever you want."
Warrick opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. Twisting off the top, he asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Would you give Lindsay the five minute warning? Second door on the right," she pointed in the general direction of the bedrooms.
"Sure," Warrick said and headed off in search of Lindsay's room. He returned a minute later with Lindsay in tow. He was laughing at something the teen had said and she wore a smile that Catherine hadn't seen in a while.
"What are you two laughing about?" she teased. When she received a chorused 'nothing' and practically identical innocent looks she realized just how easily Lindsay could be hurt if something went wrong. Her stomach clenched and her hands trembled as she watched them together. She had never realized how well the two got along until now. And without Lindsay's outburst last night she might never have considered it. The problem now was what to do about it.
Catherine was quiet during dinner, content to allow Warrick and Lindsay to carry the conversation. She caught Warrick giving her an odd look or two but just smiled and gave a slight shake of her head. When dinner was over and the table cleared, they settled in to watch the movie Warrick had brought. As soon as the credits started to roll Lindsay gave both Catherine and Warrick a hug and went off to her room.
Alone with the man of her dreams, Catherine felt a shiver of panic skitter down her spine. She made herself busy ejecting the DVD and returning it to its case, straightening the pillows on the loveseat where Lindsay had been and gathering up their dirty glasses. Her eyes were everywhere except on the man in the room. She chattered at him about the movie, making inane comments that were met with silence. Escaping into the kitchen, she braced her hands on the sink and blew out a steadying breath.
"Catherine," Warrick's deep voice made her jump, "what's wrong?" When she started to protest he said, "Don't. I know something is bothering you. What is it?"
Her eyes searched his face and something she saw there caused her to relax. "How about some coffee? And we'll talk."
"Sure. Sounds good." His eyes were warm, if a slight bit confused. "I need to use the restroom if you don't mind."
"Oh, sure. It's across from Lindsay's room. Help yourself." She busied herself making coffee while waging a silent debate about what to do. Having wanted him so long she was loathe to turn away now. But her daughter was more important than a fleeting relationship. And what about her own heart? What if he didn't feel the same way?
Warrick stood in front of the sink, splashing cool water on his face. He had a feeling that whatever Catherine was about to say couldn't be good. She was definitely making him nervous. He had come here tonight with every intention of making a move but he was being shut down before he ever got started. Using the hand towel to dry his face he heaved a deep sigh and opened the door.
When he reached the kitchen Catherine was pouring coffee into the two mugs on the counter. He added cream to the cup she passed him and took a sip. "That's good. You steal this from Greg?" he joked.
Smiling, she shook her head. "Starbucks. Life's too short to drink bad coffee."
He chuckled and took another sip. Lowering the mug he said, "Okay. Spill it."
"You sound like Sara."
Giving her a quizzical look he said, "You talk to Sara about me?"
"No. Not about you. About Lindsay." Catherine paused for a moment. "Do you want to sit outside?" Before he could answer she was leading the way out to the pool. She curled up on a lounge chair and gestured for him to take a seat. Slowly, choosing her words carefully, Catherine told him the story of her fight with Lindsay. Starting with catching her with Blake and ending with the punishment she had decided upon. She didn't leave out any details. He sat quietly, absorbing what she was saying until the words ran out.
"Wow." he said, scrubbing his hands over his face. "That's got to be tough. I'm sorry."
"Sorry? For what?" Catherine's voice dripped with sarcasm. "It's not you who has set such a bad example for a child."
"I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry that she said those things. I'm sorry that my taking you to dinner caused her to lash out like that. I'm sorry that I didn't ask you out before Tina. I'm sorry for a lot of things." Catherine remained silent, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Warrick stood and moved over to sit beside her. Cupping her cheek in his hand he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips; a kiss she felt all the way to her toes. Pulling back he watched her eyes flutter open. "Maybe I should go."
Finally, Catherine spoke. "I just don't want to ruin our friendship with this. What if it doesn't work out? What about Lindsay?"
"Who are you really trying to protect? You or Lindsay?" Warrick's voice was low and calm but his eyes held a hint of fire.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean? You think that this is about me?"
"I don't know what to think."
"Well, let me give you a clue. Lindsay is more important that anything. I haven't always done things the right way but I'm trying. I can't set her up for a broken heart. If she gets attached to you and this falls apart," she gestured between the two of them, "she'll be hurt. I can't take that chance."
Losing his patience and his temper, Warrick stood and walked a few steps away. Turning back he said, "I can't believe this. We have danced around this for years. Years. Until you asked me out I had accepted the way things were. You're the one that changed it. But this isn't just about being attracted to you. This is about something much deeper." Turning his back he ground out, "I'm going now. Call me when you're ready to see me as more than just sex."
Catherine's protest was covered by the slamming of the door. Quietly, holding back her tears, she gathered up their cups and carried them inside the house. When the doors were locked and the lights out she got ready for bed and crawled between the sheets. Only then did she allow the hot tears of regret to flow.
