Studying herself for the last time in front of the full length mirror, Kate tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. For the most part she was satisfied with what she saw, but she still wished she had a curvier shape with bigger breasts, despite how often Jack told her that they were perfect. She frowned for a brief second, instead she would have to be satisfied with the little bit she had.
It was a painstaking process, but she was pleasantly happy with her choice of dress. For the other five graduation parties she attended, she wore one of the two trendy little black pieces that she owned. But for Claire's event, she knew she had to wear something special.
Kate must have visited two dozen stores before she found it. A delicate ivory lace dress with a high mock neck collar and capped sleeves. It was short, falling a few inches above the knee, but its full, ruched skirt gave it a very modest silhouette. But, what really caught her eye was her favorite feature of the dress, its back. She chose it specifically with Jack in mind. It was completely cut out in a diamond shape and the collar was held closed by a pair of silk pearl buttons. She knew how much Jack loved the skin of her bare back and enjoyed tickling his fingers along its soft curves and muscles. She added a pair of open toe black sandals that were adorned with a few tiny studs and a single seductive ankle strap. They had almost a rockstar look and she thought it offset the demure style of the dress just perfectly. She was definitely trying to channel a modern day Audrey Hepburn for this party.
Kate had straightened her hair, but left the ends with large bouncing curls. She placed a large barrette high on the crown of her head to hold some of it back. The final touch was adding her mother's antique earrings that were passed down for generations from her scandinavian ancestors. It suddenly dawned on her that she had never preened before a mirror for so long.
"Cinderella, it's time to get you to the ball!" Sam shouted from the bottom of the stairs.
"I'm coming Dad!" She moved her hands down the fabric of the fitted bodice to flatten an invisible wrinkle before grabbing her cocktail purse to join him.
A few tears welled up in his eyes as Sam saw his daughter carefully walk down the steps, holding firmly onto the railing, still unsteady on heels she was unaccustomed to wearing. She looked so beautiful, it took his breath away. She reminded him of Diane at that moment and how he thought he had seen an angel when he first met her all those years ago.
It was on Kate's seventeenth birthday that it finally dawned on Sam that his little girl had grown into quite a beauty, it seemed as if she had blossomed almost overnight.
But, also, much to his discontent, he had noticed, how men, young and old, turned to stare at her when they were out together. Sam then laughed quietly to himself … but Kate was Kate … god bless her. With her bookish habits and lack of interest in boys and dating - she was oblivious to it all.
Although, over the last few months, he did notice that Kate seemed to take a more subtle interest in her appearance. She was a little fussier with her outfits and started wearing make up more often. It was bound to happen, he thought. She would eventually meet someone and want to date. It was only natural.
Sam whistled and Kate's cheeks reddened, "I must be the luckiest man in the world, because I know that no guy will have as gorgeous a date as me. You look stunning, Katie."
With a wide and toothy grin, Kate smiled back, "You don't look so bad yourself, Daddy." Which was true, Sam was handsome in his navy sports jacket, perfectly ironed khakis, black loafers and Brooks Brothers tie. Kate had been surprised when she opened the mailbox and saw two formal looking invitations addressed to each of them. She didn't expect that her father would be invited, but she appreciated the kind gesture, although her stomach was twisted in knots about the inevitable. Sam would finally meet Jack and vice versa. As for Christian, she had managed to avoid him for the most part since his discovery of their relationship. She made sure to visit Claire only when he was at work or away on business. But they did bump into each other once and Christian, to his credit, treated her no differently and gave no hint or sign that he knew.
As they turned the corner to enter the street of the Shephard residence, they could already see what a grand affair Christian had planned. There were valets outside to assist the guests with parking. The landscaping had been changed since she was there last, she noticed that there were some large new trees planted and flora was everywhere.
"This looks like a pretty big shindig, huh?" He winked at her.
"Yeah…." Kate drifted off before realizing that she had to stop nervously chewing at her just professionally manicured fingernail.
They were ushered to the side of the house and onto a pathway that led to the large backyard. Kate could hear the classical music of a string quartet playing in the background and they were almost immediately greeted by a server holding a round tray and offering flutes of champagne. Sam accepted one and after a pause of hesitation, reached for a second and handed it to Kate. Conspiratorially, he whispered into her ear, "I won't tell if you don't."
"That's a deal." She winked back.
He held up his glass, "To my brilliant, funny, beautiful … and college bound daughter. Cheers, my love." He clinked the edge of the flute against hers before they each took a sip. "Mommy and Henry would be so proud of you, honey."
A brief wave of bittersweet sentiment came over them, but they both knew that today was not the day to dwell on sad memories and what 'could have beens'. And promptly, as if reading her mind and trying to lead Kate back to happier thoughts, Sam broke the silence with his typical humor, "Promise the old man that he gets the first dance."
She laughed, "Daddy, I'm pretty sure my dance card will be open the entire night. I think you'll be my only dance partner."
"Nope. Not the way you look today." He said with confidence. And Sam was right. Kate did look particularly beautiful and the dress only enhanced her already near perfect features.
The cocktail hour had begun at 4:00 pm and even though it was only twenty minutes past the hour, the soiree seemed well underway. There must have been around one hundred and fifty guests. The size of the event was akin to a wedding ceremony, but at this point, Kate had become accustomed to the ostentatious LA events. Claire's graduation party seemed stead compared to a few of the others they had attended. One of their classmates was a son of a renowned recording agent and he had a famous rap artist perform at the party. Claire had told her that a DJ was coming at 9:00 pm and that the evening would then be handed over to high schoolers, so the fun could really begin. Kate knew that most of the senior class planned to attend the after party.
Kate noticed that no detail had been overlooked. Each table held a beautiful floral arrangement surrounded by tealights, the ceilings of the tents were adorned by soft strings of lighting, dangling globes made of paper mache and lanterns. The supporting tentpoles were wrapped with garlands interspersed with freshly cut flowers whose scent mingled with the aroma of the food and perfume worn by most of the women. An army of catering staff maneuvered around, offering delicious hors d'oeuvres at almost every turn.
Sam and Kate weaved around the guests, and soon they were surrounded by a few of Kate's fellow students, leaving Kate with little space to look around. Kate made the brief introductions to her father before she began studying the crowd again. She tried not to look too obvious … or desperate as she scanned the party scene hoping to find him. She bit her bottom lip sulkily. Unaware of his daughter's thoughts, but recognizing her slight look of frustration, Sam asked, "Is there someone you're specifically looking for, Katie?"
She realized then she appeared impatient and that she needed to rein it in a bit. "Oh yeah. I'm looking for Claire and Dr. Shephard." She lied.
Under one of the large open tents that were pitched in the yard, Jack was folded away in the company of Christian and a few colleagues. Engrossed in professional talk they chatted on, but Jack was distracted. His eyes always glancing over one of their shoulders, hoping to find Kate. He wanted to see her, he needed to see her.
Since that afternoon, he had only seen her a couple of times, in class and then finally at the graduation ceremony. It took all his strength to not allow his thoughts to linger on what they did to each other that day. Her raw sexual energy so unexpected that it rendered him nearly incapacitated. They unleashed a deep seeded and fierce hunger in one another such that he knew there was no going back or any other woman for him.
"Jack?"
He refocused his eyes, his father's voice having brought him back to the conversation,"Yeah Dad?"
"It looked like we lost you there a second. Dr. Costa asked about your course load for the fall. I mentioned that you were considering whether to accelerate the program and try to graduate in three years rather than four."
Jack reluctantly began to speak and found himself dragged back into a conversation he had no interest in having and then… he saw her. He almost had to pull his eyes away, the sensation was almost blinding, as if he were looking directly at the sun. She looked… there were no words that could accurately capture what he was thinking… what he was feeling. The dress was made for her and its length accentuated the toned legs that he loved to have wrapped around him. Even from the distance he could see that she was glowing. The features of her face almost angelic. The steady blend of background noise of classical music, people talking and glasses clinking seemed to be drowned out by her image.
She was standing next to a mature gentleman, whom he presumed to be her father. He observed her release one of those deep and hearty laughs, the kind where her head falls back from the sheer strength of it. He loved the sound of them. He wanted to be the one making her laugh right now.
He began to walk towards her. Christian grabbed his son's elbow, surprised by his son's uncharacteristic rudeness. He then followed Jack's gaze and saw the reason. The girl was beautiful, Christian had to admit to himself. And with almost a sense of boastful macho pride, he wanted to pat his son on the back for managing to catch someone like her.
Quick to recover from social blunders, Christian deftly looked at his company, he let out a charming laugh before telling them, "Although a bit ... curt, Jack does have a point. We've enjoyed your company so much that we've been neglecting our other guests. So, if you'll excuse us…"
They walked side by side in the direction of Kate and her father. They were stopped a few times by a guest's invariable compliment on the party or appreciation for being invited.
"You were rude back there Jack. Those are some of the most esteemed surgeons in their respective specialties and your head was drifting in the clouds or perhaps on something, or should I say, someone else."
"Slow down Jack. You look a little too eager and obvious. Two things that you don't want to appear like in front of her father. Aren't I right?"
Swearing under his breath, Jack had to acknowledge that his dad was onto something. So he slowed down and tried to act like he wasn't deliberately moving towards her and rather try to make it look like they would accidentally bump into one another.
They lingered a bit and shook hands with a few couples. Christian looked at Jack and studied his demeanor, "That's much better. Now let's say hello to "Sergeant Major Austen and Kate." Jack turned to face his father and shook his head in wonderment. Christian's ability to remember the tiny details about people always set him apart. It was integral to his charm and way to win over … or manipulate people. He could have been a politician.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw them approach her and Sam. Both armed in blue sport coats and khakis, the apparent uniform of the country club sect. On instinct she pulled back her shoulders and stood a little straighter. She looked at Jack and their eyes met, and she saw the subtle change in his expression and dragged her gaze away from his. She looked at Christian and decided to focus on him. It was safer. She couldn't let herself slip up and give any hint to her father, that she and Jack were anything other than teacher and student.
"You must be Sergeant Major Austen. I am Christian Shephard, Claire's father and I'm delighted that you were able to attend the party. And most importantly, I'd like to extend my gratitude for your service and sacrifice for our country."
Kate's father accepted Christian's hearty handshake and said, "Please call me Sam. And on behalf of Kate and I, thank you for the kind invitation. It's a lovely party. And, it's my honor and pleasure to serve our nation." With admiration, Kate looked up at her father. And she loved witnessing the way in which he had with speaking to people. It came from years of practice and Sam has been in almost every social situation one could imagine. He even shook hands with a couple of Presidents.
"Sam, I'd like to introduce you to my son, Jack." Kate carefully watched the exchange and she couldn't stop herself from staring at her father shaking Jack's hand. Jack tried to be appear cool and was exceedingly polite, if not also slightly nervous. Sam felt Kate tense slightly next to him and it made him momentarily curious. Sam studied Jack briefly. He would describe his as tall, handsome and strapping, he seemed like a nice young man.
Christian turned to Kate then, "Kate. You look lovely. Thank you for attending. I believe Claire and some girls are near the pool if you feel like joining them. Well, at least that's where they were when I last saw them."
"Thank you, Dr. Shephard." Her throat was dry and wished she hadn't finished that glass of champagne, so she could take another needed sip.
"Please call me Christian, Sam. Your daughter is such a lovely girl and I can't impress upon you enough, what a good influence she's been on Claire. But you must have found it a quirky coincidence that Jack was Kate's Physics teacher, no?"
Sam looked at Kate quizzically, "Katie, I don't recall you mentioning that."
Kate's eyes widened, "I'm sure I did Dad, during the first week of school, you probably just don't remember." She answered a little nervously. Sam tried to read her then, but as if on cue, Christian asked Sam to join him at the bar for a drink, which Sam politely accepted.
Jack and Kate stood there silently for a moment, carefully taking each other in. He flexed his hands in his pockets before hastily reaching out for a glass of champagne by a passing server. He took a hard determined gulp, as if it were a shot of tequila, leaving the flute nearly empty by the time he was finished. He had no idea that meeting Sam would stress him out so much.
"You look… you look beautiful, Kate. I love that dress on you." He said quietly.
A wide smile grew on her face and she whispered, "You don't look so bad yourself." She was about to reach out and straighten the knot of his slightly crooked tie, but stopped herself - with frustration. A gesture way too familiar for a teacher and student.
Jack looked around furtively, before whispering, "I can't stop thinking about you. About us." She knew what he meant. She couldn't shake the images out of her mind either.
He sucked in his breath again, "Kate…."
"Soon Jack. Soon. Just like we discussed. You and I will 'accidentally' bump into each other on campus in the fall. You'll ask me out for coffee. I'll say yes. That's when we 'start dating'." She reminded him. They spent hours naked in bed trying to figure out their story. The one that she would tell Sam, Claire and her friends.
He then looked down at her little pedicured feet and the sexy heels they were resting in. "Nice shoes."
She released a huff, then followed it with a grin.
He shook his head again, "That. Dress. I can't explain it, but you look … out of this world." She blushed under the weight of his admiration. Kate quickly gathered her long thick hair and held it in front of her, before telling him, "Check this out." She slowly turned around, exposing the back of the dress and he winced. Her perfect back was exposed and he literally had to keep himself from running his index finger along the sculpted shoulder blades.
"You're killing me. You know that, right?"
She shook her head in mock reprimand, "Jack."
"Jack!" Simultaneously, they both looked to the right and saw a young male approach them.
Kate watched the redhead give a bear hug to Jack before turning his attention to Kate. "Hi my name's Marc. Marc Silverman." Kate bit her lip, to prevent the hint of familiarity coming across her face. Jack had mentioned him countless times as did Claire, who claims that he has a massive and disturbing crush on her.
She accepted his extended hand, "Hi. My name's Kate. I'm Claire's friend." The three of them chatted for a bit, but Kate felt a little out of place, too many private jokes were exchanged and it was time for her to find Claire, so she excused herself.
Marc's gaze followed Kate as she walked away. "Dude. Why do you want to quit teaching if you're surrounded by girls like that? Did you look at her? I swear, I'm going to follow her now and ask her out. I don't care if I come across like an old pervert."
Jack laughed at him. "She's Claire's best friend and you're not going to ask her out."
"Fine." Marc sulked jokingly. "But, be honest for fuck's sake. Don't tell me that she's been sitting in your class all year and you haven't wanted to bone her. Huh? Be honest?"
Shaking his head, he put his arm around his best friend and nudged him towards the bar, "Let's have a drink. It's on me. And jeez, who the hell says 'bone' anymore?"
"Kaaaaaaaaaaate!"
Kate rolled her eyes in slight embarrassment as Claire screamed and ran outside the edge of the pool to give her a body slamming hug. "We've been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?" Kate looked over Claire's shoulder and saw Shannon sitting on one of the pool chairs along with a few other classmates. She waved excitedly to Kate.
"I've been with my dad, introducing him to people." She then really looked at Claire, "Wow. You look beautiful. That dress is sensational on you. And it's not black." Claire was wearing a short red strapless silk chiffon dress. The skirt was made of soft layers of silk and the fabric flowed gently as she moved. It gave the dress a flirty look that suited her personality so perfectly.
"You too Kate. You look stunning. Has Matt seen you yet? He is going to die."
Rolling her eyes, "For the thousandth time, we're just friends."
"But, it doesn't have to be that way, ay? He might be the perfect choice for … you know…."
Here we go again, Claire and her sex talk. Trying to laugh it off, Kate asked, "Claire. Have you been drinking?"
Kate joined them by the pool and they chatted, talking with enthusiasm about all the grand things they wanted to do before the big college send off. Kate drifted in and out of the conversation. She looked around to see if she could see Jack and when she finally saw him, he was with Marc and a few female students. Kate recognized them and she knew for a fact that one of them had a bad crush on Jack. Her eyes narrowed and nose crinkled a bit as she felt an unprecedented sense of territoriality. She took a hard sip of her sparkling water and watched the tall blond press her shoulder against Jack when she laughed. And then the girl placed her hand on his upper arm, not just once, but FIVE times.
Kate had to remind herself that there was no need to feel jealous, Jack was with her. It was simple as that. In a few short months, they would hold hands publicly and they could be free to express their relationship to the outside world.
She decided to go look for Sam and told the girls she would see them later. It looked as if the cocktail portion of the party was beginning to wrap up and Kate decided it was a good time to sneak into the powder room and check on her make up. Perhaps she was too distracted with trying to not let her heels sink into the grass because she nearly collided into a young man. He dropped his beer and had to grab her upper arms to prevent them from pressing into one another.
"Gosh. I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
"It's okay. No damage done." He had a chance to take a better look at her and he was quite pleased with what he saw.
"I made you spill your drink."
"That's fine. You can make it up to me, by joining me for the next one." Before she had a chance to decline, he was off to the bar and came back with two glasses. "I should have asked you what you drink, but judging by the color of that beautiful dress, I decided to get a glass of Chardonnay and avoid any red wine. My name's Jason by the way. My family and friends call me Jay."
"My name's Kate." She glanced around uncomfortably.
"So how do you know the Shephards?"
"I'm Claire's classmate… her friend." With a slight look of embarrassment he apologized, "I guess I shouldn't be offering you alcohol then. I thought you were older. Sorry."
"No worries." Unconsciously, she took a long sip of the icy cold beverage and she surprisingly liked the dry flavor to it. "How do you know the Shephards?"
"Family. I'm a distant cousin. So are you here with anyone?"
"Yes."
His shoulders dropped ever so slightly at her response.
"My father actually. And I should be re-joining him soon." That disclosure seemed to reenergize his efforts. He wasn't ready to let this beautiful girl walk away, so he began talking. She was about to politely interrupt, but then he began to tell a story about him and Jack in high school, and suddenly her ears perked with interest.
He liked standing close to her, trying his best to inhale the scent of her hair or brush his hand at her hip. She would try to inch away, but he would quickly respond by sliding closer to her.
Jack noticed that his cousin set his eyes on Kate and it made his jaw clench. Although Jay was a relative, he always found him to be a bit of an arrogant douche and he just didn't like seeing him standing so close to her. He knew Jay well enough to know that he was flirting and hitting on her.
Jack interrupted then, much to the obvious discontent of Jay. Jack sidled up next to Kate. Their bodies brushing.
"Hey Jack. So I was fortunate enough to have a chance encounter with Kate here-"
Carefully, Jack slowly dragged his fingertips up the center of her bare back. One would have to be standing immediately behind them to notice. The feathery touch left shivers in its wake and Kate thought she would buckle like a wet noodle. To camouflage his stealthy touch, Jack brought his palm up to characteristically rub the back of his head. No one was the wiser, but the two of them were aware… so aware.
" 'A chance encounter' huh? Sounds like fate." Jack smiled somewhat facetiously at his cousin. They spoke together for a while and Jason seemed to finally get the hint that Kate wasn't interested before finally leaving the two of them. With his eyes set on the festivities Jack whispered to Kate, "I need to see you."
Staring straight ahead as well, Kate responded, "You are seeing me."
"Alone." His voice was raspy and desperate.
She turned to look up at him and studied his face. She looked away and took another sip of wine.
"Meet me up in my bedroom. In ten minutes. Take the back stairs off the kitchen." He walked off, but not without lightly brushing the back of his hand against hers first.
Kate looked around the hallway of the second floor landing. It was quiet... and empty. She approached his door and made a cautious final sweep before turning the knob. Practically yanked into his room, she found herself pushed against the wall with his face buried into her neck. Using his foot, he kicked the door shut making a thud that was probably a bit too loud.
"You have no idea…" He murmured into ear. His hands were fluid and hungry. Within seconds he managed to squeeze or touch every inch of her.
They were kissing, wet and hot open-mouth kisses that drew and tangled each other's tongues and made them pant for air. Desire consumed him, he reached under her skirt, his warm finger hooked around the crotch of her cotton underwear, pulling it aside desperately trying to find access.
"Jack. Jack. Stop." Gently pushing him away by the shoulders, she teased him, "It's not happening cowboy. So you better corral him up. Your fantasy is gonna have to wait for another time." He followed her eyes as they flitted towards his bed.
That fantasy. The one that Jack had confessed to her, where he admitted to imagining that he was his high school version of himself and seducing her in various ways in his childhood bedroom. She had giggled at his confession, but then promised, wickedly, that one day, when Claire and Christian were away, she would fulfill it for him.
Jack groaned, "I wasn't even thinking of that. Why did you have to bring it up now? I was hoping you would just let me go down on you. I just want to taste you -" Attempting to finish his train of thought, he dropped to his knees and tried to lift the hem of her dress. His urgent sense of passion made her blush, it flattered her and that part was willing to do whatever he wanted.
But Kate's rational side spoke up, "Jack. No. We can't. I promise … tomorrow. I'll do whatever you want. But NOT now." She started to pull herself away from his strong grasp, trying to not allow herself to be swept up by him.
Moaning with disappointment and having to admit that Kate was right, he let her help pull him up. Jack placed his hands on her hips and bent his head so he could rest his forehead against hers. He told her reluctantly, "Okay." Playfully, he added, "But what did you expect from me when you look like this." His fingers traced along the delicate lace covering her waist and he dipped his mouth over hers.
As promised, Sam had the first dance with Kate. He seemed to be enjoying the evening and making easy conversation despite the fact that Sam didn't really know anyone. He spent a long while talking to Christian and being introduced to other guests. As the music played, he led his daughter around the dance floor. He looked down at Kate and said, "I think Dr. Shephard's son has an eye for you." Kate reddened from her father's comment. "What are you talking about?" She gently stammered.
"Jack. I noticed that he seems to really enjoy taking extra glances in your direction. There's no harm in it, Katie." He then teased, "Maybe in a few years, he'll ask you out on a date." Thankfully, the song ended before she had a chance to come up with a response. Did he suspect? Were they obvious? Was he just fishing for information by throwing out random comments in order to see how she would react?
"May I have the next dance?" Christian asked. Never in a million years would Kate ever think that she would actually be relieved to see Dr. Shephard. Kate let out a small relaxed sigh.
The musicians began another tune and the pair started to waltz, and to no surprise Christian was light on his feet. As they began to circle the dance floor, he started to speak to her. "Kate, I have to say that you look dazzling this evening. Not as beautiful as my little Claire though." He winked playfully at her. She was nervous and … cautious. Kate wasn't sure how firmly she should grip his hand or the amount of pressure she should place on his shoulder. Christian, rendered bold by the copious amounts of alcohol he consumed, added, "So, it appears that you'll be dating my son. I have to say, I've never seen him so obsessed with a woman before." Kate drew her head back slightly, his words took her by surprise, particularly his reference to her as being a woman. She still referred to herself as a 'girl'. But wasn't Christian right though? Wasn't that what Jack had accomplished during all those hours they spent in his bed. She is a woman now. And what made him think that Jack was obsessed with her?
"And I can't really quite blame him either. I don't have any issue with you Kate, other than how you might interfere with his medical career."
Again surprised by his comment, Kate gasped, "How would I interfere with his career?"
Christian let out a knowing chuckle, "Because us men tend to do foolish things when we're in love with a beautiful woman. Jack is different from me, in some ways that's a good thing and in others, it's not. He's more sensitive than I care to admit. Promise me that when the time comes you'll be easy on him, Kate."
Before she had a chance to respond, he finally lead her off the floor to an empty chair. "It was a pleasure, Kate."
Tired, Sam had left the party at 9:30, explaining that the rest of the evening should belong to the kids. And as Claire promised, the revelry rose a few notches. The DJ played all the latest dance songs and the floor was crowded by students of the graduating class. Matt had asked her to dance a few times, which she accepted. But as 11:30 rolled around, exhaustion began to set in, and she caught herself yawning despite the fact that the party was in full swing. She made a stealthy exit from the dance floor and searched around for a quiet place to sit. At the far, secluded corner of the yard, there was a lovely pergola with bougainvillea crawling up the pillars and a soothing wooden swing that she and Claire enjoyed sitting on.
Her feet needed to breathe. The heels finally taking their toll, Kate began the task of removing them. With one ginger step, she placed her foot on the lawn that felt refreshing and cool. Kate crossed the space towards the swing, the grass prickly under her feet. As she set herself down and relieved her legs of her weight, she let out a sweet contented sigh. She looked around the vast yard enjoying the secret vantage point she had. The caterers were busy cleaning up on one side, while festivities continued behind them. The large Shephard swimming pool looked serene and reflected the cold blue light that poured from the full moon.
Tired of merely studying her from afar for most of the evening, he came and sat silently on the swing. It rocked gently from his weight. But she knew he was there before she felt him sitting beside her. He stared at her beautiful profile that almost emanated a sheen of iridescence. So, so beautiful.
Twisting her head to the side to look at his face and with half-hooded eyes she smiled shyly at him, "Hey."
"Hey."
She eyed the champagne bottle and two flutes that he held in his right hand and quirked her brow curiously at him.
"It's the good stuff. And you only get one glass. I know how frisky you get when you've had too much to drink." He gave her a wolfish grin before adding, "On second thought, maybe I'll let you have the whole bottle."
"What are you talking about?" She playfully chewed on the skin inside her cheek as she looked in question.
Jack let out a hearty laugh, "You really don't remember, do you?"
Cocking her head to the side, she drawled, "Noooooooooo?"
"The night of your birthday. You kissed me." He looked at her face searching for any expression of recollection before adding with a smirk, "And then you demanded that I give you sex."
Kate laughed incredulously then, "Very funny. Now I know you're kidding." He wiggled his eyebrows and bit his bottom lip. His expression clearly read 'if that's what you want to believe, by all means, go for it.'
He was telling the truth. Those alcohol infused images or dreams were actually a memory. She was mortified. She closed her eyes and shuddered. Quickly, Kate told him, "Let's never speak of it."
He laughed. She was so adorable. "Deal. So how about a toast, Kate?" He unwrapped the foil of the very expensive french bottle of champagne that he stole from his father's healthy collection. They both could hear the festive 'pop' of the cork before he filled the flutes, some foam inadvertently spilling over the rims.
They both held up their glasses as Jack spoke. "I should warn you, I'm not very creative and don't have a flare for toasts. So it's going to be simple. Prepare yourself to be underwhelmed." His earnestness warmed her heart in an indescribable way.
Kate giggled, "Never."
"To us."
"Perfect."
Author's note: For whatever reason, I especially enjoyed writing this chapter. And as always, a special thanks to those of you that take the time to let me know your thoughts. Thank you, really.