I am sorry for the delay but I have been looking for a job and that has kept me busy and also had writer's block. Well not writer's block but finishing things block (** looks at unfinished Linked Chapter*). With that being said, please check out my other fics, I have two separate ones regarding Anthony (Last Chance) and Benedict (Balance).

Anyway, should focus on the three main fics, this one, Linked and Balance but.. yeah. Just wanna say lastly, that I think Colin Bridgerton is my fave character in this.

P.s. This took 6.5 hours to write and I am sorry for you know who coming back in this one.

Ps2. I am disheartened by the 'recent' revelations regarding S2 of Bridgerton and by the PR but I have ranted enough about that on social media so far (also why I am not writing because I waste too much time ther) so I am gonna shut up here.

"Edwina... If this is about-"

"It is not".

"Are you sure because you called earlier and-"

"Kate" interrupted Edwina sighing.

"I'm not calling you about Anthony I just want to discuss something with you. About something that's bothering me, I mean it" she said seriously and suddenly Kate felt worried.

"What's wrong?".

"ANTHONY BRIDGERTOON KISSED YOUUUUUUUUUUU!" Edwina screamed before bursting into laughter.

"I fucking hate you. I'm going to hang up".

"Noooo. Noooo. Please don't," an amused Edwina pleaded.

"You worthless git. Leading me on that something is the matter only to then spout this nonsense-"

"For what it is worth, I do feel better now that I've said this" Edwina stated sincerely.

"Again. I hate you".

Edwina just laughed; not caring about Kate's words.

"No, you don't. You love your baby sister who only teases you a little. Hey but all kidding aside; has he called you yet?".

He hadn't yet and it was almost 1.5 days later after the kiss that had turned everything upside down. Not that she was counting no. Not that she was playing a reel in her head that continuously replayed the moment. Not that she couldn't sleep at night because she could only imagine his soft lips on hers again and therefore literally got warm.

But he hadn't called yet, to her disappointment? Was it disappointment that she felt at this moment? She didn't know how she should feel. Of course, he had no obligation to call her, but on the other hand, it would also be weird if he didn't. And of course, she could contact him too; it was the 21st century after all but... something prevented her to reach out to him, her pride perhaps but nonetheless she wasn't going to reach out to her, also because she didn't have his contact info.

"No not yet" she admitted to her sister, a little shyly.

"Oh... well he'll call" replied Edwina optimistically...

"Right..." said Kate but it didn't come out very believable.

"He will, Kate believe me... Well, I have to hang up now, I'm about to go back to class so bye" and with that she hung up without Kate being able to say a word back.

Two hours later Kate lay in bed trying to get some sleep as she was going to be working a night shift later in the day, but she couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned to the left, then did it again but to the right but it had no effect. Damn. She had to get some rest, or she was going to be on a night shift from hell. Damn that Anthony Bridgerton. She hated this, feeling so vulnerable and this was nothing like or her; to ' wait' for someone to call her. Damn her too for just jumping into his arms, well not just like that, after he had. admitted that he was. her... Before she could finish the thought she was disturbed by her buzzing phone. Unknown number. Only one thought went through her mind. It was 100% Edwina; around this time her lectures would be over, and she was 100% sure that she had now borrowed a phone from her friend to do the same as earlier in the afternoon, so she reacted rather piqued when she answered.

"Edwina, your pranks are not funny and unoriginal might I add. Stop it. Do I really have to be so childish now and go tell mother? Do I really have to be so lame because seriously because I've really had it with you and-".

"Uh, no I'm not Edwina. ".

She froze. Quite literally, well not literally but you know what I mean.

"Hello?" he said after he hadn't heard anything for a while.

"Uh... hi."

"Hi" he greeted kindly and even though it was a small word she heard the warmth in his voice and because of that she also got warm suddenly.

"How are you?" he asked.

"Fine thanks you. and you?"

"Good.. Good.." he replied a little nervously before clearing his throat.

"Listen um... I should have called you earlier but... I didn't have your number."

"I understand, it's okay." Kate said quickly.

"I finally got your number from Colin, so I thought I'd give you a call".

This process of getting Kate her digits had not gone entirely smoothly and threats had been made from Anthony's side. After the latter had recovered the next day from the intense moment he had shared with Kate at the exhibition, he knew he had to contact her.

Anthony knew that Colin would be leaving the day after the exhibition on a city trip to Stockholm with friends, and by the time Anthony knew what to do, Colin was already there. He knew from his brother that especially when he was abroad, he didn't pay attention to his phone and barely reacted, so it was no surprise that he only got a text back in the evening. The conversation per text was as follows:

"Hey.

"Yo".

"You guys in Stockholm? ".

"Yep" and to demonstrate this, Colin sent photos of the Götgatan street where he and his friends were.

"Nice pictures.. Hey I was wondering if you have Kate's number?".

"I do."

"Can I have it?".

"Of course, but why?".

"What do you mean why?".

"Why do you want Kate's number?" Colin texted back.

"Because I want it."

"Not a sufficient explanation if you ask me. Rather brief too" replied the younger Bridgerton to the irritation of the old Bridgerton.

"Are you kidding me?" asked Anthony irritated.

"I am not."

"Colin, give me her fucking number".

"Will do if you give me a good reason."

At that moment Anthony knew for sure that besides spending time with his girlfriend, Colin Bridgerton had two other pastimes he enjoyed which consisted of eating all throughout and making life miserable for his eldest brother.

"Is my foot up your arse when you get back a good enough reason?".

"Hhhm. Let me think about it... " and Colin pretended that he was indeed thinking by not responding for a moment.

"I have pondered on it and my reply is negative" he finally texted back.

"I swear to God as soon as you're back I'm going to get you. In a painful way, Colin. Very painfully if you don't give me her number now-".

"Fine. Fine. No need to threaten me, brother. Ever so hot-tempered you are. Wait." Colin conceded with an emoji, sticking his tongue out at Anthony.

Fifteen seconds later Anthony received a text stating "Kate Sheffield.'

"Thank you. "

"You're welcome and oh Anthony...".

"What Colin?".

"I know it's a bit premature to say perhaps but I'm happy for you, it's good to see you moving on since breaking up with Sienna".

And if that weren't just typically Colin.. For one moment you could strangle him and then you could be moved again by the fact that, even though he liked to tease Anthony, he didn't have a malicious bone in his body.

"Thanks, I appreciate that".

"Love ya bro".

"Love you too. Have fun there".

Anthony had saved Kate's information, but it was now too late to call. The next day he had hearings far into the afternoon and he would not be able to call until he was in the car before returning to his employer.

"So that's why I'm only contacting you now; not before that" Anthony commented apologetically in conclusion.

"I understand" said Kate only not knowing very well what to say.

"I um... I was wondering. The reason I'm calling you..." Kate waited tensely for what he would say, almost holding her breath.

"Would you like to have dinner with me?".

Silence. Long silence and Anthony almost began to wonder if he had done the right thing and should retreat because he had misread the situation in its entirety, and she had regrets kissing him all together.

"I apologize.. It was a stupid idea, forget about it okay-"

"Gladly" she said abruptly.

"I beg your pardon?".

"I'd like to have dinner with you" said Kate timidly, forcing the words out of her throat. She had recovered from processing his request, but it still was somehow difficult to speak.

"Oh okay, good" said Anthony relieved hoping she wouldn't notice just how relieved he was.

"Are you working this Saturday?" he wanted to know.

"No, I have to work a night shift Friday but I'm free Saturday evening.".

"Perfect. Shall I'll pick you up around 7pm?".

"7 is fine".

"I don't have your address so you would text that to me that would be rather convenient" Anthony joked.

"Uh sure, I'll do that in a minute." Kate replied.

"Perfect" he repeated not really knowing he had used that used word once more. His vocabulary certainly exceeded more words than this one for stating his approval.

"Then I'll see you Saturday. I am looking forward to it," he stated warmly and again Kate felt warm all over.

"Me too" she replied to which Anthony wished her a good day and then hung up.

Kate laid down and stared at the ceiling for a while until she somehow, to her surprise, fell asleep and was woken up groggy by the alarm going off. She stumbled out half-asleep to the kitchen where she met Edwina who was busy cooking. Her preference was for fusion cooking, often mixing different cuisines, with varying results. Kate glanced at what Edwina was making and that was enough for her to decide to grab a quick dinner at the hospital.

"What, don't look like that. It's delicious" but Kate doubted that. Edwina picked up a plate and put some of Italian/Spanish/Asian fusion food on it, grabbed a fork from the cutlery drawer and handed it to Kate.

"Taste it."

Kate didn't really fancy it but did her sister a favour and took a bite and to her surprise, this Spanish paella with vegetables, with Italian ravioli with cheese and Asian spiced chicken.

"Told you so" laughed Edwina contentedly and then sat down opposite Kate with her own plate. The two Sheffield's ate in silence, at least until Kate dropped the bomb.

"He asked me out to dinner. Saturday." Edwina looked up at her with wide eyes and got a big grin on her face and then looked offended.

"Kate. We've been sitting here for fifteen minutes and you're only telling me this now!."

"So, he called you" and Kate nodded shyly.

"Ooooooooh. A date. How exciting. You know; something tells me that this is the start of something beautiful for the two of you.".

"That's a bit premature I think ", Kate replied wisely.

"Maybe but it feels that way" replied Edwina with a grin but Kate made a shrugging gesture with her shoulders that wasn't very convincing at all.

"Oh, come on Kate. You like him. You don't have to pretend" to which Kate rolled her eyes and to her irritation she turned a little red.

"Shut up Edwina" she rebuked shyly to which Edwina chuckled.

"Oh Miss Kate. I am sorry to inform but it is obvious that you like Mr. Bridgerton quite much for you have been smiling ever since you mentioned the date."

"I am beginning to regret telling you but if you continue to pester me, I will tell you nothing more. Never again."

"Oh but how I survive you not speaking to me" Edwina melodramatically commented.

"Fine, I will stop teasing you only, because you have to tell me how your date went" concluded Edwina but a mischievous twinkle in her eyes remained.

But no matter how she tried, she could not do it today and several 'blobs' of black appeared on her eyelids until she gave up. Why was she so nervous? She gave up and instead put on her mascara and her silver earrings and then reached for her phone. It was time. Ten minutes to seven, another ten minutes and she felt herself getting more nervous by the minute. Why had she said yes? She had been out of her mind, obviously.

Her phone rang. It was him... No chance to back out now.

"Hey... I know I'm early but I'm outside". Already? But she still had ten minutes. Ten... arrrghh.

"I'll be right out."

She stared at herself in the mirror for the last time, grabbed her bag and went outside to the lift where her heart felt racing and pounding. She had to get it together and fast. The pinging sound alerted her that she was on the ground floor. She swallowed and then walked outside where her eyes briefly searched and found him.

Holy shit. He stood there in front of his car with his coat open in a grey blazer, white shirt, and dark jeans, looking handsome. As soon as he saw Kate he walked towards her with a smile and they both stood still in front of each other.

"Good evening" he greeted her while he bent down to kiss her on the cheek, well it was intended to touch her mouth but to his disappointment she had turned away last minute so he ended up uncoordinated on her cheek instead of her mouth but well he pretended that this had also been his intention.

"You look beautiful" he complimented her.

"Thank you. You too" she replied until she realised her error "I mean you look... handsome".

"Merci, merci.. Shall we go?".

Kate nodded. They both walked to his car, a beautiful BMW which Kate would have to work quite a few night shifts to afford, and he opened the door for her. And then they were off.

The restaurant was nice, Kate found, and Anthony was wonderful, charming, and sweet. He was. He asked polite questions about how she was doing, about her job, about Edwina and her mother. Kate in turn asked about Colin among other things.

"He's in Stockholm now for a city trip."

"That must be nice" replied Kate in the spirit of her answers so far. Anthony didn't know what it was but... she didn't seem very at ease, replied concisely without elaborating and he wasn't too sure how to manage the situation. Fair enough he might have reacted a bit presumptuous by wanting to snog her, his bad but it now seemed like he had made a big mistake. Not with him, but with her, because it seemed as if she wasn't having an enjoyable time at all, and this disheartened him. And then...

As if the evening couldn't have gone any worse, out of nowhere Sienna walked in with a couple of friends who were also in her band. He lived in London, not in some hamlet, so why did he have to meet her here? His face immediately twisted even more when they made eye contact and this was seriously one of the most awkward moments of his life, made worse by the fact that Sienna walked in their direction to say hello. He didn't know why, maybe because she wanted to be polite.

"Hello. This is quite a surprise, how are you?"

"Hello Sienna. I am good, thanks and you".

"I am alright. Funny to see you here".

"Yes indeed"; said Anthony even though it wasn't funny at all. Not at all.

"We have to perform at a wedding like this. Must start small again, the concert halls aren't exactly jumping for bands yet. We've lost our way though, so we thought we'd ask here." And she turned around to see that her friends were being shown the way by the manager.

"Ah, I see. Glad you guys are performing again. Sienna... Let me introduce you to Kate Sheffield" and he looked in Kate's direction. Kate wanted to get up, but Sienna gestured not to. She smiled and held out her hand; albeit a little cautiously and with a look of sadness that did not escape Kate's notice. She was friendly though, Kate thought and talked to her briefly.

" Well... let me not disturb you any further. It was lovely to meet you, Kate..

"You're not.. disturbing at all" said Kate reassuringly.

"Kind of you to say but I have to go anyway. It was nice to meet you, Kate. Have a nice evening together". Sienna nodded briefly to Anthony and then walked away, struggling to hold back her tears.

After that, the evening could be written off in its entirety, at least, as Kate and Anthony, even after the latter's repeated attempts to start a conversation, fell into silence and they consumed their food in silence. Both opted not to have dessert, so he asked for the bill.

He gallantly helped Kate into her coat; put on his own and, facing the cold evening, went to his car and got in. Anthony knew that there was not much point in asking if they wanted to go somewhere else for a drink. However, he knew he had to say something to her.

"Sorry about.. just now..." he therefore spoke apologetically, and she looked at him a little surprised at first, not understanding what he was referring to until she was reminded of Sienna.

"It is okay," she said sincerely, but it did not come across that way to Anthony. It felt as if she was placing him somehow.

"No, it's not. Listen... this is not how I imagined this evening to be" he said with a slightttttttly annoyed tone in his voice

"Oh, how did you imagine this evening?" Kate genuinely wanted to know.

"Differently," he answered gruffly.

"What an elaborate explanation," Kate remarked sarcastically, at which he looked at her irritably.

"And this is coming from you.." he exclaimed incredulously.

"Pardon me?" she asked raising her voice slightly.

"You heard me. I just think that that is rich coming from you because you've hardly opened your mouth all evening, Kate."

The jerk. Fine, he had a point, she hadn't spoken much. Fine her nerves had been playing tricks on her, somehow, she didn't know why either. She wasn't good at this dating stuff anyway, James and she worked in the same profession so that had been an advantage for her because that meant they didn't go out much and they often met up at James' place. But she was not with James now, she was with Anthony who had just called her out and that pissed her off.

"Maybe it wasn't me but the company" she sneered back. Anthony scoffed.

"How nice of you to say" he replied in a way that came across as hurtful and she also felt guilty because it didn't make sense of course. She had just planned to apologise but quickly retracted it upon hearing his worries.

"Then I think we'll stick with this date since you're so disturbed by my company. Don't you think? ".

A wave of disappointment passed through her, but she didn't let it get to her.

"Sounds like a clever idea to me," she said as harshly as he had done, looking at him angrily. He exchanged a glance with her, and his eyes lingered on her for a moment. His gaze seemed vastly different now; softer and he wanted to say something but bit his lip at the last minute. They had arrived at the building where she lived, and Anthony stopped in front of it. She fastened her seatbelt, mumbled something of a thank you and wanted to reach for the handle of the door but couldn't. She had to go to the bathroom.

He had grabbed her by the arm, halting her in her movement.

"I'm sorry." She shook her head but didn't look at him, also because she didn't want to show him her eyes with tears welling up in them.

"I didn't mean it... Kate...would you look at me please?". She turned to him slowly, with difficulty, restraining herself, and then her vulnerable gaze met his, he couldn't help himself. He bent down and, after a moment's hesitation, pulled into his arms; hesitantly, every second expecting her to pull away.

Instead, she snuggled into his arms to Anthony's relief, even if it was gently.

"It is safe to conclude that this date was not successful," Kate chuckled at this, "and we should schedule another one soon. What do you think?"

"I think you're right."

"Good" he said, pulling her closer to him even though the position he was in wasn't exactly easy.

"I really like you, Kate. I really do", he admitted.

"That... goes for me... too."

"You really like yourself too?" he quipped and at this she pulled them back to face him.

"You know what I-"

"Yes, I know" he interrupted with a grin. "I'm just teasing you." he stated softly, looking at her attentively, upon which his gaze darted back and forth to her lips, and he had to ask. Had to.

"May I -?" but even before he could fully ask his question she answered him in the affirmative with a nod and that was all the confirmation Anthony needed to reach for her, placing both his hands on either side and pressing his lips to her. Finally. Finally, he could do what he had wanted to do all evening, since the beginning when he had picked her up. It was a timid kiss at first, with the two of them slowly turning to each other again before things changed completely.

The more he kissed her, the closer he wanted to feel her, to let his fingers slide over her back and sides, ever upwards until he reached his desired destination. When he cupped her softly and worked her neck and sides with caresses, there, he heard her take a deep breath and make a sound of rapture that affected him to his very toes. Not changing his hold on her, he decided to shift his attention from his mouth to the other again and engage her in a fiery kiss until they were both out of breath and had to stop...

He had to because otherwise he would have taken her here now, in his car and that didn't seem particularly decent, and it wasn't appropriate now either to extend things at her home since she didn't live alone.

"I um... call you? Yes" he suggested completely flustered and out of breath.

"Uh-Uh" she replied.. Uhuh. Like an idiot.

"Shall I walk with you?" he suggested but she declined as the entrance was only a few metres away.

"Well, good night then," and he concluded the words with yet another kiss, which soon turned into something else until both of them were gasping for air once more, Kate's hands planted firmly in his hair as a way of holding on.

"I should go," Kate reminded with a husky voice.

"That would be smart yeah," and with these words they retreated. Kate got out and walked away, towards the entrance but just before she was about to go in, she turned once more to wave briefly.

He smiled, waved back and then started the engine, made a gesture that he would call her and then drove off. When Kate wanted her legs to work again after staring at him for so long, she went inside and into her house, her heart pounding and feeling as light as a feather.