Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

A Knight's Christmas

Chapter 10

Michael noticed that Bonnie had been quiet while they were sitting on the couch and enjoying their wine. It wasn't unusual that she was deep in thought. This was often the case when she was focused on her work or had just come up with an idea for a new device for KITT. It rarely happened when they were alone, enjoying each other's company. "What's going on in your head?" He asked to find out what was bothering her. "Is it because Devon heard us last night? We'll stay in your room next time or we'll sleep here. It won't happen again. And technically, we didn't break any rules because you aren't a guest. "

"That's not what I was thinking of. It was embarrassing though. And I hope it won't ever happen again." She moved in his arms so that she could look into his eyes. "It bothers me that he said we are like siblings. This is what he thinks of us. Siblings. Do you realize what this means?"

He should have known that this remark made her brain work overtime. "Don't worry about his comment. He wanted us to stop bickering, that's all." He kissed her lightly wishing she wouldn't worry about Devon finding out all the time. "You can take it as a good sign too. He doesn't suspect anything. He thinks I'm having flings again and he seems to be okay with it, as long as it doesn't happen at the mansion. It never occurred to him that no female guest left the mansion." He was surprised that Devon hadn't asked him any further questions about his guest. Maybe he wasn't off the hook yet.

"He's okay with you having flings. He even said so. Flings, Michael. Is that what he'll think of me when he finds out?" This thought made her feel upset. She never wanted to be just a fling. This was why she had rejected Michael years ago. "He also mentioned that he thinks you aren't ready for a new relationship. A fling is fine. Any relationship you would be in at this stage, however, – and now I'm quoting Devon – would be doomed."

"Since when has Devon become an expert on relationships and my love life? Our relationship is not doomed." Michael took her hand and kissed it. Devon might be right if he'd be in a relationship with any other woman. It was different with Bonnie. What they had was special and would last. "He'll be fine, don't worry. He'll understand that what we have is good."

"I'm not sure. Did you see the look on his face when he walked in on us? He was stunned and ready to explode. He didn't like what he saw. And he seemed relieved when he realized that it was part of your tradition. And then his comment that we behave like siblings." Bonnie's face looked sad. "Michael, I don't think he'll ever approve of our relationship. Maybe it would be best to keep what is going on between us a secret forever."

"We'll prove him otherwise." Michael reassuringly pressed her hand. He was convinced that Devon would accept their relationship even if he'd react surprised and disapproving at the beginning. "Unless you prefer sneaking around forever."

Bonnie shook her head. Not telling him would be easier but it wasn't an option. She'd feel guilty every day. "We can't sneak around forever. But it's probably better if we don't tell him yet. He was not pleased about Jennifer's phone call and the mix-up and I don't want to upset him even more.

"We'll tell him when he's in a better mood. Why don't we wait until after the meeting?" Michael smiled at her encouragingly and she pressed his hand in agreement.

They sat in silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. Michael was glad that they had decided to spend the evening in Bonnie's apartment where they could talk freely and be close without having to fear that someone could walk in on them.

He took a sip from his glass. "Have you told your parents that we won't be coming on Christmas?"

"I did. They'll understand that it is impossible for us to be there." Bonnie reached for her glass as well. "But I'm disappointed that we won't be able to go back to the inn. I was looking forward to spending some time there with you."

"So was I." The inn was a magical place for them. It was there that they admitted that they had feelings for each other and therefore it had become a symbol for the beginning of their relationship. "I got the impression that Devon is hoping we will spend Christmas with him at the mansion. "

"He doesn't want to be alone either." Bonnie had noticed the expectant look on Devon's face when he suggested celebrating the holiday together. "I didn't mind staying at the mansion the past years. This year, however, I'd rather be alone with you because there are a few things I can't do with Devon around."

"I'd love to find out more about these things you can't do with Devon around. How about you'll tell me more about them after dinner?" Michael grinned as he stood up to refill their glasses.

"Hmmm, maybe." She smiled and followed him into the kitchen.

"Looks like we have two options for Christmas." Michael looked at her. "We either leave after the Christmas party and spend the next five days somewhere where no one knows us. Or, and this is option number 2, we spend Christmas Eve or Christmas morning with Devon and then we leave for our vacation. That would give us four days away from having to sneak around."

"As much as I'd love to spend as much time with you alone as possible, I'd hate for Devon to be alone on Christmas. We are his family after all." Bonnie reached for her glass.

"This is another reason why I love you." Michael smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss. "It's decided then. We'll stay around after the party and then I'll tell him I'll be heading to the beach and we'll come up with a good excuse for you why you will be gone for a few days."

"Sounds good to me." Bonnie opened the takeout boxes that were still sitting on the counter. "How about we eat dinner now? I'm starving."

"Me too." Michael grinned. "And afterwards, Dr. Barstow, we'll continue the conversation we just had in your bedroom."

She raised her eyebrow and gave him a stern look. "You're impossible, Michael Knight."

He laughed. "I know. And that is why you love me."