Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Thank you for all the PM's and reviews! Don't hesitate to do it again!

-Nina K.

The dinner went well that night. Kate was glad that Rick and her grandfather were getting along. After Rick left, though, she asked herself what the two of them were exactly. A couple or just friends with benefits? The truth was she didn't know and she wasn't going to ask him either. If he wanted to clarify their situation, he'd say something.

She woke up the next day, took a long, relaxing shower, changed clothes and descended to the kitchen, to have breakfast, but was taken aback by the sight of Rick, who was sitting on the living room couch along with her grandfather.

"Morning, Katie. Rick, here, was just asking me something that, um, concerns you. I'm more than okay with it, but now it's up to you."

Rick stood up and met her at the bottom of the stairs only to pull her to the couch and sit back on the spot he was before, but now with her at his side. "You know..." he said. "My mother has a house in the Hamptons, and we're going there in a couple of days. I was wondering if you'd like to come with us, and, you know, spend the rest of winter break there..."

"I'd like that. But it's okay with your mom, right?"

"Oh, mother is more than fine with it. She's the one who suggested it, actually." he confessed.

"Okay, I'd like that. It'll be good to be away for some time."

Phillip, who had left without either of them noticing, came back in the living room, announcing that breakfast was ready, and invited Rick to join them. They ate homemade bearclaws and drank coffee. Rick liked coffee, though he wasn't used to drinking it, but Kate seemed to absolutely love it.

"When are we leaving, exactly, Rick?"

"I wanted to go tomorrow, but mother will be busy. Her first day off will be in the day after, so that's when we'll go." she nodded and guided him to the front door. "Oh, and don't forget to pack your bikini."

"Why would I pack a bikini? It's winter! I'd freeze, Rick!"

"There's a heated pool, silly."

"You're trying really hard to see me in a swimsuit, aren't you?" she teased, biting her bottom lip.

"Maybe." he replied nervously."Oh, I almost forgot! The guys are going to the ice rink in the afternoon. Lanie asked me to let you know so we could go all together."

"Okay."

"I'll pick you up at 2." he squeezed her hand, afraid of what might happen if he kissed her in front of her grandfather, smiled and left.

"Rick! This is amazing! It's so much bigger than I thought."

"I'm glad you like it. I'll get you some skates. Wait a bit."

She did as he asked and watched all the families, that reminded her so much of her own, ice-skating. Her mother had taught her to when she was 5. She had said it was much easier for younger kids to learn new things. She had taught her Russian as well, for the same reason.

She could few the tears burning in her eyes and quickly wiped them. Right then, Rick got back. "Hey, I found you some skates. Lanie and the guys are a bit late and told us to get started."

They put on their skates and entered the rink."You never told me you skated so well."

"You never asked." she shrugged.

He reached for her hand and they swayed together. Lanie and Javi showed up in a few minutes, and Kevin and Jenny a while later. They continued skating until they got hungry, then they walked to the nearest diner, Remy's, and ordered burgers.

Lanie, who was sitting by Kate, leaned by her ear and asked. "Girl, what's going on between you and Rick? You look so... cozy."

"We've been kind of cozy lately. We've been spending some time together, as well. We even kissed, but I'm not quite sure of what we are."

"Oh. Don't worry. If he wants something serious, he'll come forward to it. Maybe he's just waiting for the right moment."

"Or maybe he doesn't want anything." Kate sighed.

"Girl, Imma smack you! Who wouldn't want to be your boyfriend? You're amazing!"

"Thanks, Lanie, but -"

"Hey, Kate! Fancy meeting you here." she lifted her head and faced the tall dark haired guy standing across from her.

"Will, what are you doing here?"

"My parents decided it was a great place to spend the winter holidays. Besides, I wanted to see you. Your dad said you were here, he gave me the address and everything." she was still staring at him, the one good thing of coming here - besides having the chance to meet Rick - was that she'd had gotten rid of him, but now he's here too! "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends, Katie?"

"Don't. Call. Me. Katie." she said through gritted teeth, punctuating each word.

"Oh, come on. We've known each other forever and you know I like you."

"Will, don't. I said no the first time you asked and my answer will be the same." she warned.

"But, Kate, I'm perfect for you."

"Dude, she said no." the three boys said in unison, standing up as to protect her, and Rick continued. "Leave her alone, she does not want to date you, can't you see it? Besides, she's my girlfriend. Mine! Now, back off!"

Girlfriend. That's how he saw her. Not just a friend, not just someone he could date from time to time with no strings attached. A girlfriend.

Lanie nudged her elbow on Kate's ribs "I told you, girl."

They didn't talk on the walk back to their building. At least, not until they were secluted by the walls of the elevator. "Kate, I'm so -"

"Don't worry about it, Rick. He was really pissing me off and I'm glad you did it. It was... sweet, actually."

"That's not what I'm talking about, Kate. I should've asked you first. I shouldn't have yelled at that Will dude that you were my girlfriend. I should've asked you."

"Well, do you want me to be your girlfriend?" she asked, teasingly.

"More than anything."

She approached him and wrapped her arms around his neck as his snaked around her waist. When her lips were only inches apart from his, she whispered "Good, 'cause I really want it too." before pressing her lips to his.