Ch9

Kate sat straight up and looked at Tony wide eyed. He stared at her back just as wide eyed and he realized she heard what he said.

"Tony…um…..I had..I had no idea."

"Kate I'm sorry. That slipped out. I shouldn't have said it. I thought you were asleep. It wasn't the right time for me to say it. "

"I love you too."

"Now I understand if you don't feel the same way. I mean your sister died and you just came back from her wake and..wait. What did you just say?"

Her heart beat faster but she smiled.

"I said I love you too Tony. I have for a long time."

He smiled and put his hand to her cheek and rubbed his thumb back and forth and she shivered at his touch.

"Why didn't you ever tell me Katie-girl?"

They laid back down again and she put her head on his chest and he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed the top of her head. She sighed.

"Honestly Tony I was scared. I hate to say it and I don't want to sound mean but you don't exactly have the best track record with women."

She felt him cringe and she felt horrible for saying it.

"Tony I'm sorry."

She looked up at him and he smiled down at her and she melted.

"Don't be sorry Katie. You are right. Do you think I liked going from one woman to another? I really didn't, but believe it or not I was scared too. Scared of commitment. Ever since Wendy broke off my engagement. That changed with you. The first moment I laid eyes on you all those years ago, I thought of how beautiful you were and you still are. I thought to myself Anthony shes the one. You want to know what kept me from saying anything? Well rule twelve for one thing. However I think that just went out the window."

He winked at her and she giggled and he kissed her forehead and continued.

"I was scared too Katie just like you. Hell even I knew I didn't have the best track record with women. You were so special I didn't want to do that to you to, but I cant hide it anymore Kate. I cant deny my feelings for you any longer. Its going to be different. With you I promise its going to be different. I know I said it before but I'm going to say it again and I never said it to ANY of those woman. I love you. I love you baby."

Kate looked at him shocked that he opened up to her like that and she felt she had to do the same. She looked up at him and he looked down at her and cupped her chin. His hand then moved to her cheek and he left it there as she spoke. She loved feeling his hand there.

"Tony I feel the same way as you, and if theres anything Rachels death taught me is that life is too short and like you I couldn't hide my feelings for you anymore. When I first saw you on Air Force One, my heart skipped a beat. I thought you were the most gorgeous, sexiest man I have ever laid my eyes on. True you may have acted completely obnoxious and like a goof ball most of the time(he smiled at her and she smiled back and continued) but there is also this side to you that I just absolutely love. You are so caring, you have a big heart, and you are one hell of an agent. I love it how you always have my back and I know you always will."

He rubbed his thumb across her lips and she shivered and he noticed. He smiled and leaned in.

"That's right baby. I will ALWAYS have your back no matter what. If anybody tries to hurt you they have to go through ME first. I love you baby."

She leaned in closer.

"I love you too. Very much."

He kissed her gently on the lips and she kissed him back. She loved feeling his lips on hers. They continued to kiss until they heard a loud "AHEM!"

They quickly pulled away and looked towards the doorway at her parents who had little smiles on their faces. Kate sat up.

"Uh Mom...Daddy…how long have you two been standing there?"

They walked in and over to the bed and Tony jumped out with a guilty look on his face. Jack walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Relax Tony. Yes we heard everything and believe me we are very happy for you two. I know you will be good for my daughter. Don't hurt her though or you will be answering to me you got it?"

"Daddy! Please!"

Jack smiled to show Tony that he was half kidding and shook his hand and Ellen walked over and hugged Kate and then pulled away.

"We don't mind if you two um…sleep in the same bed. Lord knows my Caitlin is going to need you tonight, but don't forget you ARE under our roof still. No funny business if you know what I mean."

"Oh Mom please! We are barely dating!"

Tony turned red and then turned to Jack and Ellen.

"I understand how you two feel, but you have my word, my promise that I will NOT hurt Kate. I love her very much and I know I can make her happy."

Kate walked over to him and he put his arm around her and they stared at her parents and Ellen spoke.

"We know Tony. We know how good you will be to her. We are very happy for you two."

She turned towards her husband.

"Come on dear. Lets leave them alone."

They walked out and Tony and Kate turned towards each other.

"I'm sorry about my parents Tony. "

"Don't be Katie. You are their daughter. They are just looking out for you. Its understandable."

She put his arms around him and put her head on his chest as he held her close and ran his fingers through her hair. He pulled away and she tugged at his t-shirt.

"You know, I think I like you much better without this."

"Ah your wish is my command my Queen."

She watched as he took it off and she got weak in the knees looking at that chest. She put out her hands and he took them as she led him over to the bed. They laid back down and Tony immediately took her in his arms and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

"You're my girl, and I love you very much."

"I love you too Tony. With all of my heart."

They kissed and Tony regretfully pulled away. They had to think about tomorrow. He rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand.

"Get some sleep Katie-girl. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. I'll be there with you every step of the way."

He was right, so she put her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Right before she fell asleep she said it one more time.

"I love you."

He kissed the top of her head.

"I love you too baby. Get some sleep."

Soon her breathing slowed as Tony watched her sleep. He vowed right there he would never let anything happen to her. He would die before anything happened to her. He too fell asleep with Kate in his arms.