Kneeling before the refrigerator, Shane rummaged through the shelves pushing aside jars and cartons until he found what he was looking for. "Aha, just what I ordered!" he nodded approvingly as he held up the bottle of champagne that had been chilling on the bottom shelf. As expected, Hope had done a wonderful job stocking the refrigerator and pantry. When Shane had called at the last minute and requested her help, he had been very specific about what he wanted, right down to the bottle of Dom Perignon, vintage 1996. He was impressed Hope had been able to find it and in such a short time. It was an exceptional and often hard-to-find vintage.
Besides the champagne, Shane was pleased to find eggs, kippers, scones, jams and an assortment of fruits and vegetables. He had everything he needed to make a sumptuous breakfast tray and he was certain Kim would be hungry. They each had very little to eat while waiting at LaGuardia and later they found the meal served on the flight home practically inedible. Shane realized the last time they actually had anything substantial to eat was two days earlier, at the publisher's cocktail party celebrating the end of Kim's book tour.
New York City, two days earlier
The stooped, slightly balding and bespectacled man stood tapping his water goblet. "Ladies and gentlemen, a moment please..." There was a lull as more tapping on goblets hushed the handsomely dressed crowd that had gathered on the 36th floor of the Time Warner Center. The man's rather scholarly and less than commanding presence, made even more apparent by his bright red polka-dot bowtie and horn rimmed glasses resting on the tip of his nose, belied his importance. Jonathan Witt Taylor was one of the most powerful and highly regarded literary editors in the publishing world and Kim was forever thankful she had found him. Or rather, thankful he had found her.
Kim had still been living in L.A., hopelessly trying to save her failing marriage to Phillip, when she first met Jonathan. She had already authored several academic articles that had been published by a small university press when Jonathan approached her about writing a self-help book. She remembered it happened at one of the many Hollywood cocktail parties Phillip would regularly drag her to. At first, she thought Jonathan was only humoring her to get to Phillip. Even Phillip, never one to believe in or support Kim's writings, was skeptical, certain Jonathan's true intention was to have a movie produced of one of his already published books. But Jonathan was persistent, insisting it was only Kim's talent that interested him. After many persuasive lunch dates and meetings, Jonathan was soon nurturing Kim's writing ability and Phillip's scorn. Not surprisingly, the publication of Kim's first and very successful self-help book coincided with the return of Phillip's roving eye. That particular fact, along with the book's success, made it easy for Kim to agree when Jonathan encouraged her to try her hand at writing a novel. She eagerly accepted the challenge and soon had another literary accomplishment to her name. Kim knew she would never have achieved independence without Jonathan's unwavering support. He was a good friend and colleague arriving at a time when she really needed someone to believe in her. Kim often likened Jonathan's friendship to her earlier friendship with Neil Curtis, who too supported her at a time when she needed it most.
As much as she valued her friendship with Jonathan, the strained relationship between him and Phillip had continually made things difficult for Kim. Phillip's petulant behavior and demanding nature often forced Kim to put his needs before her own. Jonathan would patiently stand by trying to be understanding when all he wanted to do was punch Phillip and tell him off. But for Kim's sake, Jonathan repeatedly kept quiet. So it was not surprising that Kim was both thrilled and relieved when Shane and Jonathan hit it off immediately. Kim suspected it was their shared appreciation for Shakespeare and sonnets that brought them together, as well as Jonathan having a penchant for all things British. But really, it was their shared affection and admiration for Kimberly that truly united them.
Ever since first meeting Kimberly, Jonathan had been puzzled by what could have ever drawn her to Phillip. In an instant he could see they were total opposites, she so caring and compassionate and Phillip so selfish and demanding. Jonathan could never understand what would bring Kim to be with someone like that. His curiosity was piqued even more after meeting Shane, who seemed a perfect match for her. Jonathan had never seen a couple more alike. He had to admit they were both guarded yet, at the same time, so in tune to each other's needs. They were like bookends with one not complete without the other. He couldn't imagine what could ever drive them apart, that is until Shane inadvertently hinted at his and Kim's past. It happened late one night, after a few too many scotches. Kim had already gone to bed and Jonathan and Shane were having one of their usual late-night discussions on Shakespeare. This one was about King Lear when Shane uncharacteristicly broke into his own diatribe about regret. With his speech slightly slurred, he rambled on about deliberately hurting Kim and something about him being with Kayla who Jonathan knew to be Kim's sister. The next morning, Shane, now sober and contrite, was concerned about what he may have said. Jonathan, though surprised at the night's unexpected revelation, assured him all was fine but clearly could see that what tore them apart still haunted Shane.
With the book tour coming to an end, Jonathan was convinced Kim had more stories to tell. That was why just a few short hours ago and eleven stories below, she had been in his office signing a seven-year, three-book deal. She remembered her hands shaking as she signed the dotted line. Now they were still shaking as Kim watched Jonathan move to the front of the room. He raised his glass as the tuxedo-clad servers hurriedly passed out champagne to the one hundred or so guests who had come to honor her. "I'd like to propose a toast to our guest of honor on the completion of her extremely successful book tour." Jonathan nodded to Kim and all eyes turned to her despite the wall of windows and a beckoning view of Central Park on one side and the Manhattan skyline on the other competing for attention. Kim shyly glanced down as Jonathan continued his praise. "Kimberly, you are an incredibly gifted writer and we are so fortunate to have you agree to continue to be a part of our publishing family. To Kimberly …"
Like a finely choreographed dance, everyone spontaneously raised their glasses and repeated in unison, "To Kimberly." Shane, standing beside Kim, squeezed her hand reassuringly and she smiled demurely at him. Thank goodness he was next to her, Kim thought with relief. Despite month-after-month of interviews and parties where she was the guest-of-honor, Kim had never grown comfortable with all the attention. Having Shane by her side, though, did help ease the discomfort. But this actual moment of calm was short-lived. Almost immediately after the toast, it seemed everyone in the room rushed to her, eager to offer their congratulations with hugs and kisses. Kim tried to hold onto Shane's arm but it wasn't long before he was shoved aside by the throng of well-wishers and soon vanished into the crowd.
After way too many hugs and what seemed like a million kisses, Kimberly finally managed to escape all the attention, finding a quiet corner away from the celebrating crowd. Shielded by an overgrown fern, Kim glanced about the room searching for the familiar head of black waves streaked with gray. She couldn't see Shane anywhere, not at the bar which had grown five deep or at any of the buffet tables scattered about the room. She had no idea where he had disappeared to. Kim had grown accustomed to Shane always hovering about and found she liked that immensely. She wouldn't admit it but Kim welcomed his leaving the ISA. The risk and danger of his missions had taken its toll on her and she was relieved to at last have Shane all to herself.
Taking one final sweep of the room with no success, Kim momentarily abandoned hopes of finding Shane in the crowd. Sighing, she turned and gazed out the wall of windows, marveling at the magnificent view. It was then, with her back to the room, that Kim felt Shane's arms slip around her waist. Closing her eyes to the familiar touch, she covered his arms with hers and leaned back to rest against his body. "I really abhor all this attention," Kim confessed.
"I know you do." Shane tightened his hold on her, enjoying the closeness of their bodies. "But Miss Brady, you have little choice with all your talent and your many fans."
Kim smiled at his use of her maiden name. Although she had kept it professionally and heard it often, it always brought a rush of warm memories whenever Shane said it. Still smiling, Kim turned her head slightly to meet Shane's gaze. "All I want to do is go home to Salem and be with you."
"Well, you're in luck." Shane kissed the side of her forehead before continuing. "That's exactly where I'm headed. And I happen to have an extra plane ticket with your name on it."
Feeling his arms snug around her and his warm breath on her neck, she felt the familiar tingle come over her. "Oh, I know I'm lucky alright."
Shane raised his brow seductively. "Then, why don't we sneak away from this awfully boring party and have a party of our own. I just happen to have the keys to a delectable suite a few floors up."
**********************************************
Wrapping a kitchen towel around the searing hot handle, Shane carefully lifted the cast iron pan from the stove and slid the just-cooked omelet onto a plate, then squeezed it on a breakfast tray already laden with a basket of scones and jams, a bowl of fruit and a pot of Earl Gray tea. Satisfied with his efforts, Shane tied the sash of his charcoal gray striped robe tighter and lifted the tray for the short journey up to the master bedroom. He was determined to make this a romantic morning Kim would always remember. Whistling as he carried the tray from the kitchen to the foyer, Shane passed the bottle of champagne now chilling in a silver bucket on the entry table with the velvet ring box he had been carrying around for months sitting next to it. Just as he was about to take the first step up the stairs, Shane reached back and grabbed a pale pink rose from the bouquet Hope had arranged on the table, and placed it in a vase on the tray.
Reaching the bedroom door, Shane paused at the threshold, taking a moment to drink in the sight before him. Kim was still asleep, her steady breathing the only sound emanating from the room. Her hair fell in soft waves, framing her face as they cascaded down to her bare shoulders. Even from a distance, Shane could see her eyes softly flutter and her mouth curl into the slightest smile. Shane wondered what dream she was dreaming. Smiling to himself, he hoped it was about him.
After waiting a few more seconds, Shane gingerly stepped into the room and set the breakfast tray on the bench at the foot of the bed. Stepping lightly, he settled himself on the edge of the bed and leaned down to softly place a kiss on Kim's lips, like a prince awakening his princess.
The layers of sleepiness dissolved as Kim felt her arms instinctively encircle Shane's neck and pull him in for a more passionate kiss. Shane deepened the kiss until suddenly, and to Kim's surprise, Shane pulled back and assumed a rather uptight manner. "Please Madam, I am only bringing you breakfast."
Her startled gaze faded as Kim scooted up on her elbows and looked past Shane, casting her eyes on the breakfast tray. Deciding to play along, Kim responded in a coquettish manner, "Breakfast in bed, Sir? Exactly what I needed."
Delighted at her playfulness, Shane leered seductively at her. "I'm here to cater to all your needs."
"All my needs ..." Kim replied breathlessly. "But first, let me thank you for the breakfast." Kim leaned over and planted a kiss along Shane's jaw line eliciting a deep moan from him before grabbing the lapels of his robe and pulling him back down on the pillows with her.
Shane responded with a trail of nips and kisses that started just under her ear and continued down her neck and across her bare shoulder. After placing a soft kiss between her breasts, Shane lifted his head and briefly looked at Kim with one of those looks that expressed all the powerful emotions one man could feel for a woman. Then he seized her mouth again grasping hungrily as their tongues swirled around each other's. One kiss followed another and Kim matched every one with a passion of her own. Their breathing quickened as their bodies melted into each other.
After their sweet lovemaking, with their breathing still rapid, they savored their moment together, never taking for granted the pleasure of being in each other's arms. When at last their breathing had returned to normal, Shane reached up and brushed a damp strand of hair from Kim's forehead. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?" he asked.
Laying nestled in the crook of his arm, Kim turned and smiled at him sweetly. "Yeah, I've got an inkling."
Shane paused and looked deeply at Kim, hopeful at her last comment. He so very much wanted her to feel the depth of his love for her. Momentarily distracted, he grew silent as once again he thought about how much he wanted to be married to her.
Kim noticied his far-off gaze and turned her body to face him. "Hey, where'd you go Shane?" she said, interrupting his thoughts.
Turning his attention back to her, Shane put his finger under her chin and lifted her head up to meet his eyes. "I'm right here with you," he said earnestly.
"Good. Then how about that breakfast you prepared?" Kim asked as she sat up and slipped her pale pink satin chemise over her head. "Im famished."
Shane couldn't believe he almost forgot about the breakfast. "Oh yes, of course." He slid quickly from beneath the covers, slipping on his robe before reaching down to retreive the breakfast tray. "I have all your favorites. Eggs, kippers, blueberry scones –"
"Wait a minute," Kim interrupted. "Kippers are not my favorites."
Shane tapped his finger lightly against his pursed lips. "That's right, they're my favorites." Grinning, he handed Kim a plate already prepared without kippers, then slid back into bed next to her.
"Mmm, this is delicious," Kim declared digging into the breakfast, deliberately omitting the fact that the omelet was now barely lukewarm. But Kim was so hungry, she really didn't mind the cold eggs. Besides, she was touched by Shane's efforts. "So what are your plans for today?" she asked between bites.
Shane took a deep breath and tossed the last bite of his scone down on his plate. "Well, I thought I'd pay a visit to your baby brother this morning. Maybe he has some cold cases he'd like me to look over." Looking pointedly at Kim, Shane sighed and continued, "I can't live off your royalties forever."
Kim smiled at his comment. She did like being the breadwinner but knew Shane was getting restless. He wasn't one to sit by and watch others live their lives.
Shane took a quick sip of his tea before asking, "How about you? What are your plans for the day?"
"I think I'll work on the rewrites this morning. Then I plan to meet Hope for lunch."
Shane gestured towards the breakfast tray, now visibly depleted. "Be sure to thank Hope for getting all this ready."
"Hope did all this?" Kim looked at Shane a bit surprised.
"Well, not all of it. But I knew there wouldn't be any food in the house. So I called Hope before we left New York."
Kim shook her head. "It didn't even cross my mind to do that."
Shane brushed off Kim's admonishment. "You were busy. You had the book deal to negotiate … the cocktail party to prepare for … you had plenty of other things on your mind."
Smiling at his list of excuses, Kim tilted her head and then, without thinking, said, "You've become quite the househusband –" Kim stopped short. She couldn't believe she had said that. In an instant, with a slip of the tongue, the topic they had sidestepped for so long was suddenly out in the open.
This time, Shane wasn't going to let it slide by. "Not quite," he answered softly. "But I'd like to be."
"Please, Shane," Kim almost begged, "It's just a silly term."
"The term may be silly but the idea isn't. Kim, we haven't talked about marriage since Christmas," Shane said, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Now that the book tour is over, isn't it time for our wedding?"
Kim looked anguished. "Shane, it's not that easy."
"Of course it is. We love each other." Shane paused, momentarily finding the need for reassurance. "Don't we?"
"Yes, of course we do but –"
"We love each other and I want you to be my wife."
Kim spoke softly, choosing her words carefully. "Shane, things are good for us right now. We don't need to be married to be happy and together.
"Of course we don't need it," Shane reasoned, "but we should want it."
Kim proceeded cautiously, watching Shane closely. "I'm not sure I want it. I don't see any reason to change things, Shane."
Shane paused as the truth of the situation sank in. He felt his stomach churn as he realized the real reason Kim didn't want to marry him. He looked down for a moment and pursed his lips, then took an exasperated breath before looking up again. Shane didn't want to get angry or lose control. Gathering himself as he stood, he spoke firmly, almost fearful of saying the words out loud. "You still don't trust me."
"That's nonsense!" Kim immediately shot back as if the quickness of her reply could hide the truth.
"No it's not. You still don't trust me … and you don't trust my love for you."
Kim literally flinched at his remark. She wanted to say something, to tell him he was wrong, to reassure him, but she couldn't because Kim couldn't deny there was some truth in what Shane was saying. With her lips quivering, all she could do was look down at her hands, unable to meet his gaze.
Shane stood over Kim, staring at her, speechless and trying to process the magnitude of the situation. Despite his efforts, anger overtook him as he said bitterly and with resignation, "You don't trust me and you never will," before he turned and stormed out of the room.