Chapter Seventeen

Kate walked hand-in-hand with Rick into his penthouse. He had turned the day into something magical, and she knew she would never get enough of him.

He took the basket and blanket and set them by the closet. "I'll take care of this later," he said, then took her hand, leading her into the living room.

"Hey, why don't I make reservations for dinner tonight?" he asked, "This has been a great day, and I feel like celebrating."

Kate thought for a moment, then decided there was already too much thinking going on in her mind. "That sounds great, but where do you have in mind? I mean, if I need to change into something more appropriate..."

Rick smiled and his hands rubbed up and down the sides of her arms, "It doesn't matter to me. If you want to try some place more on the high-end side of life, I know people. I can get a table for two in almost any place in the city."

"And I bet you look nice in a tux," Kate added, while images of him dressed up filled her mind.

He laughed, waggling his eyebrows as he said, "That goes without saying."

She reached up, dragging her finger down the side of his face. "Make that one movie, then, I'll go home to change."

"I love the sound of that," he said, then showed her to the shelf with his movie collection. "Find something you like, while I make a few calls."

Kate perused his movie collection while he went into the kitchen . She didn't know about him, but she needed something ridiculous to balance the craziness of her life lately, so she chose a comedy.

Just as the movie started, he joined her on the couch with a huge bowl of popcorn. She curled up next to him and enjoyed the movie, and maybe his laugh as well. Before long, it was over, and she didn't want to leave.

Kate stretched and finally got to her feet. "I'll be back as soon as possible," she promised, with a kiss to his cheek.

"Take my car service," said Rick, "I called earlier and one is already waiting for you downwstairs. I've made arrangements for them to wait on you while you get ready, then bring you back."

"I can't do that-"

"Yeah, you can," he took her hands in his and smiled, making her cheeks grow warm. "Let me do this for you, Kate."

Rick pulled her hands to his lips and it didn't take long for her to decide. "All right. I will see you soon."

"And I'll be waiting," he smiled, "Be careful."

She nodded quietly, then left.

A few hours later, Kate returned to Rick's place, dressed and ready for the evening. When he opened the door, it was obvious how much he appreciated the dress she was wearing.

"See something you like?" she asked, loving the way his face changed.

"Oh yes, I most certainly do," he answered in what could only be his bedroom voice.

Kate rolled her eyes and thumped him on the shoulder, seeing as how his tie was a tangled mess. "I don't think you're ready."

"Well, you did show up about fifteen minutes earlier than I expected. Here," he grabbed her hand and took her to his office. "This is where most of my writing is done, or at least, where it used to," he chuckled, "Why don't you look around, make yourself comfortable, while I finish up?"

Kate nodded, and when he left his office, she did what he suggested and scanned the room, taking in the shelves full of books. She wandered toward his desk, knowing it was where all of her favorite books had been written, when something caught her eye.

One of the drawers was slightly open and a piece of dark fabric was half-stuffed inside. She stopped for a moment, knowing she probably shouldn't open it, but there was something about the material that was familiar. Quietly, she pulled the drawer open and took the piece out, picking up a folded paper that fluttered to the floor as she did so. She spread both out on the desk and her hand clamped over her mouth with the discovery.

It was... she couldn't put it in words. She scooped the mask and re-folded the paper, stuffing them back into the drawer, quickly making it look as close as it did before.

It should have all made sense earlier, never having any incidents when they were out. Also, the way both of them were stiff or their 'injuries' in the days after a confrontation.

Why hadn't she noticed it before?

Kate barely had enough time to pull herself together before Rick returned. "Sorry I took so long... Are you ready?"

"Yes! Let's go!" She exclaimed, and wanted to kick herself for acting so suspicious.

He laughed as he took her hand in his, "Someone's definitely excited."

"You know it," She said and leaned into Rick's shoulder, hiding her face to regain her composure before she totally lost it. Her heart was breaking, and she couldn't let it show.