Chapter 16 - If You Need Anything

Day 16 - Found a wallet - $500 in it. 


As Kaitlin prepared dinner, she couldn't keep the smile off her face. She was walking on air ever since her Birthday date with Reid. She had never felt so loved, even if he didn't say the words. It was too soon and it was better that way anyway.

There was no doubt that Reid was good for her boys too. Ben had come out of his shell and was doing well in school and even Reese had warmed up to him after he forked over money for photography lessons, $500 worth of lessons, as an early Christmas present. A guess a little bribery goes a long way. Of course Kaitlin objected, but Reid was having none of it.

While Kaitlin was making dinner, Reese had called Jade and asked her to come over to watch a movie since it was Saturday. She was becoming a regular around the tiny apartment so Kaitlin decided she had better make sure the two of them were behaving responsibly.

Of course, Ben 'tattled' on them every time he caught them making out so she knew they were close.

She loved her son to pieces, but she didn't want him to fall into the same trap she did. He was only a year younger than she was when he was born.

Kaitlin stayed with them for the first part of the movie reading through more mixology books trying to learn as many drink recipes as she could before heading to bed while silently observing their behavior. After noticing how comfortable they were wrapped around each other, she figured it wouldn't hurt to finally tell him her story.

* * *

The next evening after Ben and Maddy were in bed and before Kaitlin had to go work, she asked Reese to sit and talk with her while they ate a late supper together. "Reese, you asked me when we first arrived here about you being the result of your father's anger. I just wanted to tell you that you absolutely were not. He was set to go to Bridgeport University on a football scholarship. I discovered I was pregnant a week before graduation but didn't tell him until afterwards. It was his parents that forced us to get married and for him to drop the scholarship and attend the local College to get a Business Degree. That was not what he wanted. I think they are the ones that caused his anger, not you or Ben or even Maddy.  Ben was planned. That was nice but sadly Maddy wasn't.

I was naive when you were conceived. I knew better but in the heat of the moment..." Kaitlin looked down at her plate embarrassed. After a minute she continued. "Birth control is not always 100% effective. Two unplanned pregnancies is nothing to be proud of. I wouldn't trade any of you for the world, but at least if you are married before - at least you will be married for the right reasons."

"Mom - does this have anything to do with me and Jade?" he asked.

Kaitlin looked up at her son and those gorgeous blue eyes that were no longer so innocent. "I just don't want you to have to go through life in a loveless relationship because you were making bad choices. Please Reese, you are so smart and you are very handsome. It's no wonder Jade is all over you. She really does like you and I can tell the feeling is mutual. Even if she says she is using birth control, well, if you need, uh, anything, let me know, or talk to Reid."

* * * 

Later that week, she and Reid wound up at his place and their normal quickie. But somehow it was different now. He had always been attentive, but now it was more passionate as if they needed to say with their bodies what she was unwilling to say with words.

Afterwards as they lay in his bed, not ready to get up, she told him about her talk with Reese. "So, I asked him to talk to you if he needed, uh, anything. As usual Reid laughed. She loved his laugh, it always made her feel good knowing it was just for her.

"I will give him some condoms, but Katie, I am saving your favorite for us," he said with a straight face. Kaitlin was mortified. She pulled the covers over her head trying to get rid of the visual of Reese and Jade doing what she and Reid had just done while Reid roared with laughter.

* * *

Christmas was just a week away and Kaitlin splurged on a tree and a few decorations including getting each kid a new stocking to hang. She had a couple of gifts for each child as well and Reid had added a few to the mix. It was going to be a wonderful day. She couldn't wait to get Reid under the mistletoe!

There was just one problem. She was late. Kaitlin went to the store after she finished harvesting the honey and bought a pregnancy test. She just wanted to get that done and then she would just move on. She figured it was probably all of the stress of the last 7 months causing her to be irregular. She tried not to think of the other possibility.

That night after she got home from work she got ready for bed, went into the bathroom and pulled out the test. She waited for the allotted time without even looking. Finally the time was up and she picked up the stick. Positive.

She grabbed the bottle of birth control pills and counted. Holy fuck! She had missed at least three pills in the past cycle. She sat back down on the toilet and cried for at least 30 minutes before she made herself get up and throw away the evidence. God, she had just last week told Reese to be careful and here she was with unplanned pregnancy number 3.

She walked into the living room and sat down beneath the Christmas tree. Not 24 hours earlier she was happier than she had ever been in her life. And now...

Kaitlin sat there until dawn. Thinking. How did this happen, how did I miss? I guess holding down two jobs and raising three children alone is tough. She hadn't been sexually active until a couple of months ago so her birth control wasn't top of mind. But she and Reid almost always used a condom, except her birthday night, they were so caught up in their emotions and the urgency to be together that it just happened. But that was only 3 weeks ago. She couldn't remember if they didn't any other time, but because she had told him she was on the pill they must not have. Then a sick thought hit her...Leroy...that was 6 weeks ago. God, it can't be his....it just can't!

* * * 

She spent most of the night absently wiping down the bar wondering what she would do if indeed she was carrying Leroy's child. There was no way she would know until the baby was born. It could be either man's child. Leroy will know that. Would she tell him or let Reid think it was his until the birth, if he even stayed around for it. If it's Leroy's baby, the child will likely be dark skinned like Leroy. There would be no denying who it's father was.

At the end of the night, Leroy knew something was wrong with her. Their lighthearted banter was non-existent. He sat down at the bar and asked her to make him a drink, "Kate, what's wrong with you. You have been so quiet. Trouble with lover boy - I hope?"

Kaitlin looked up and shook her head, "No Leroy. We are fine."

"Then what has my sexy Kate's panties in a twist?"

Kate sat down his drink and eyed him, "I don't have any on - so they can't be in a twist."

"Ohhh, that was loww. Score one for Kate!"

"I'm gonna go now if it's okay Leroy. The bar is empty and I have had a long day. I am really tired. See you tomorrow?"

"Okay honey. Let me know if you need anything. I mean it Kate. You know I do. Right?"

"Yes Leroy. Thank you," said Kaitlin as she grabbed her things and left.

Go To Chapter 17

Go to Back to Chapter 15

Chapter 15 - Birthday Surprise

Day 15 - cute baby contest - Win 150.

December brought Christmas, snow days, Kaitlin's 35th birthday and marked the 6 month anniversary of their escape to nowhere - or now that they know where - their escape to Twinbrook. Looking back over the last 6 months, Kaitlin was glad they left in the summer right after school let out. If they had come in the winter, things may not have gone so well.

Leroy had been true to his word and gave Kaitlin her space after their tumultuous one night stand. He even let her work with Doug some evenings the first few days. Kaitlin was glad. It helped her ease back into the friendly relationship she had with her boss/landlord.

As the weeks went on she began to encourage Leroy to hit on some of the single ladies that came into the bar. He would just say, 'Sorry sweetheart, I am spoiled for everyone else' and wink at her making her face turn red. Then he would laugh while she would glare at him pretending to be mad. But she could never be mad at him, she allowed it to happen. Hell, she begged him to kiss her knowing exactly what would happen.

* * *

Kaitlin’s mind was racing as she looked at her reflection in the good part of the cracked and peeling mirror trying to calm he nerves. She was getting ready for her first official date with Reid and she wanted to look extra nice. 

Today was her birthday. Reid had called saying he wanted to take her dancing and had a surprise for her. Dang Ben, she thought, he must have told him. Ben had bonded with Reid and they were as thick as thieves. He had to be the culprit.
  

His relationship with her son aside, Reid was always sweet to her which made her guilt about her one-nighter with Leroy that much worse, as if she didn't deserve his affection. She found her thoughts straying to that night and then she quickly reminded herself she was seeing Reid, not Leroy.

Reid had never asked her to have dinner in a restaurant or see a movie. He usually just stopped by on his days off after the kids went to school and stayed until they got home so he could see Ben. Occasionally, if she had to do something in town, he would take her and then they would stop at his place for lunch and a quickie before he brought her home. She liked it that way. Friends with benefits. She told herself he was there to see Ben and she was icing on the cake. This made her nervous. Now it was really about her - and him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzzer. He was here. She could hear Ben running to him and talking 90 miles an hour about the latest level on his video game and challenging Reid, "Betcha can't beat THAT score!"

“Game on,” came his deep baritone and she melted a little. Reid was cocky for sure. He was very handsome, almost beautiful if a man can be described that way and he knew it. She had no doubt he had women throwing themselves at him.  Why he latched onto a woman with 3 kids she had no idea. 

While Kaitlin was delaying the inevitable in the bathroom, Reese wanted to show Reid some of the pictures he had taken of Maddy for entrance into Twinbrook's Christmas Baby photo contest. “She took second - again! I can't seem to get a good enough picture to get first!” whined Reese. 

Reid just laughed and continued trying to knock Ben's race car off the track, “You should look into some photography lessons. That will help you understand how to frame your subject and use lighting to enhance your pictures.”

"You think Mom will let me?" asked Reese enthusiastically, "I would like that."

"I'll ask her! HAH! Got you Ben!"

Kaitlin checked her lipstick one last time and walked out of the little bathroom. Her heart melted a little more when she saw the scene before her. All three guys were sitting on the couch encouraging Ben’s progress with the video game while little Maddy clapped and cheered for them, parroting everything they said.

Then Reese looked up, “Wow Mom!” he exclaimed when he saw her. 

Reid looked up too. He immediately got up to greet Kaitlin as she walked around to where he was sitting, stunned at how pretty she was. She was always so cute, but he could tell she had tried hard to look extra nice for him. 

“Wow is right Katie. Happy Birthday beautiful.” Then he pulled her into a hug and kissed her while Ben looked on with approval. Ben was forever asking if Mr. Reid could live with them. Maybe if their mommy liked him she would let him move in. Ever the matchmaker - that one. 

When Reid kissed Katie, Reese immediately said, “Geez Mom! Really?” 

Ignoring her oldest son, she noticed Reid was dressed a little nicer and he really smelled good, “Mmmm," whispered Kate, "you look and smell scrumptious,” he would look scrumptious in or out of anything, she thought and then said louder, “So where are we going?”  He still hadn’t told her he owned a nightclub not that it was a big deal to her, but she wondered if that’s where he was taking her. 

“I told you. Dancing,” he said simply.

The couple broke apart laughing and left the younger kids in Reese’s capable hands.

* * *

20 minutes later they arrived at what she now knew was Reid’s club - but Reid didn't know she knew. He parked and they went inside. “I have it on good authority the dance floor will be ours tonight," he said matter of factly.

The ‘Red Rendezvous’ lived up to it's name as everything was bathed in soft red lights. Reid guided her to the small dance floor, several people saying hi or nodding a greeting to him as they made their way over. 

The music was already playing so he pulled her to him and they began to dance. Reid was a good dancer and expertly guided her around the small space. She was in heaven. The last time she danced brought back painful memories. She was happy to have these new ones to replace them. It was so romantic. They didn't talk much, mostly just danced enjoying being so close to each other. 

After the last song was over, instead of releasing her, Reid pulled her to him and kissed her - deeply. Kaitlin was embarrassed. Everyone was watching. But Reid obviously didn't care. 

When she tried to pull away, he held her tighter. It was if he were making a statement, 'She's mine. We are a couple.'  And then he flashed her a real smile, not one of his sexy smirks. It took her breath away.

When he finally released her, he guided her over to a small table in a secluded corner away from the bar and prying eyes. Once they sat down he gave her a look filled with desire and said, “Katie, I have another surprise for you. But we have to go upstairs. But before we do I wanted to ask you something. Do you like this place?"

"Yes, it's very, um, intimate with the lighting and the small tables tucked in corners and I loved our dance."

"Then you will have to come here with me more. You see, this is my place, so we can come here whenever you want. I didn't tell you before because, well, it didn't seem to matter and then things, my feelings, changed and I was afraid to tell you. You are stealing my heart. You and your adorable kids. I am hopelessly..."

“Reid,” she said to stop him from saying more about his feelings, but not really knowing what to say so she directed the conversation away from her to Ben, “You mean so much to Ben. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for him. He is like a different child. You have been a wonderful friend.”

Reid was not to be put off so easily. “Uh - thank you - but Katie, darlin’, what I am trying to say is, I am telling you this because I want you to know about me. I have a - reputation. But I haven't seen anyone but you for the last four months. Haven't wanted to. I am addicted to you. And it's weird for me. You aren't going after me for money. You are sweet and unassuming and work hard to provide for your family and you have really good kids. Look, I know you came from a really bad situation and….”

Kaitlin froze and sucked in her breath, “How, what...no, I am not a charity ca...” she stammered, her eyes filling.

“God, Katie, I’m sorry. No don't cry. We don't have to talk about it. I promise my feelings have nothing to do with anything but you - not your past - you. Come on,” he said pointing to the ceiling, “Let’s go upstairs. I have a room there where we can have some privacy and I can give you your birthday present.”

Reid helped her up and Kaitlin followed him up the stairs. As the ascended, she had flashbacks of Leroy carrying her to the tiny room behind his bar kissing her passionately followed by images of Newt hitting Reese. She had to forget that. She was with Reid, who just said he adored her kids and practically saved Ben. Addicted or not though, he was a friend - a friend with benefits - nothing more. She couldn't lead him on. She had to tell him, just not tonight.

When they reached he landing she was in surprised. She expected something dingy like Leroy had. But this bar made money. The entire upstairs was huge and in one corner was big screen TV with a nice sectional surrounding it and a neatly kept office in another. Then there were a set of double doors that no doubt led into his suite. 

He opened the doors and ushered her in. The room, obviously masculine, had a huge bed, a wet bar complete with a stocked wine rack, no doubt filled with quality wine, a seating area and a full en-suite bathroom. Music was already playing softly in the background.

Reid, very comfortable in this space, walked over to the bar and began to open a bottle of wine. So wine will be my downfall tonight instead of a ‘KSR’, she thought. 

Once he got the bottle opened and the wine poured, Reid turned to her to offer a toast but stopped when he saw the look on her face, “Katie, are you okay?” 

Kaitlin quickly smiled and tried to relax. She walked over to Reid and picked up her glass, “Of course Reid, I was just surprised is all. Um, you own this place and I had no idea this was up here. It's very nice. You are full of surprises tonight Mr. Nielson.”

He smiled another of those real smiles that seemed to be reserved just for her, “Let's have a drink to your birthday. May we spend many, many more together.”

Kaitlin almost spit out her wine at the many, many more together part and started to cough, “I’m so sorry, it went down wrong!”

“You okay?" he asked for the second time in as many minutes.

"Yes," she said as she sat her glass down.

"Good," he said as he produced a box wrapped in a red ribbon and presented it to her, "Something beautiful for an even more beautiful woman."

Kaitlin could feel herself blush at his words, “No Reid. Dancing was wonderful. That was enough,” she protested thinking back to the recent birthdays that were forgotten or ignored.

Reid frowned, “Katie, take it. It's not polite to turn down a gift.”

He looked so hurt like one of her boys when they thought they disappointed her. She had no choice but to take it. “Of course it's not. Thank you,” she said as she took it and just stared at it afraid to open it.

Reid laughed, “It doesn't bite Katie. Open it.”

Kaitlin opened the box with shaky fingers and gasped. It contained a beautiful heart shaped ruby pendant surrounded by what she thought must be diamonds. “It’s beautiful, but it's too much Reid. I - I can't take this.”

“Katie, I meant it when I said I am falling hard for you. When Ben said today was your Birthday, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to show you how much your little family is coming to mean to me. I really want you to have it as a token of my affection. It's beautiful, just like you.  Here, let me put it on you.”

She turned around so he could hook the clasp. “Turn back around gorgeous, let me see.”

Kaitlin turned and he whispered, “Perfect, just like you.” 

Kaitlin’s emotions got the best of her and she began to cry. “Katie? What is it?” 

“Happy….happy tears, hold.. me please...” she said between sobs.

Reid let out a sigh of relief. He thought he had totally screwed up by confessing his feelings. He quickly enveloped her in a tight embrace and and held her until she finally stopped crying, evidence of his desire pressing into her stomach. He didn't try to hide it.

When she finally came up for air, Reid captured her lips and tried his best to put every bit of feeling he had for her into that one kiss. He was pretty sure he was in love with Twinbrook's mystery lady. 

Kaitlin held him tight, she didn't want to let go of him, couldn't let go. He was her lifeline now. She pushed their kiss deeper telling him without words that she was falling for him as she pressed her body into his. 

They kissed their way to the bed and Reid pulled her into his lap. 

He turned her around and laid her back onto the bed and she grabbed for his shirt, clothes had to go - now.

This time when he made love to her she knew. They had moved out of the friend zone. This wasn't casual sex. He was showing her how much he cherished her, a union born of a need to be close to each other, become one with the other.

Afterwards, as they lay exhausted on the bed trying to catch their breath, Reid stroked her hair. That one simple gesture meant more than everything else they had done. This time when the man next to her pulled her close in the afterglow of their lovemaking, she didn't panic or feel regret. She wanted, no needed, to be in his arms. He made her feel safe and loved.

God help me, she thought, as she lay there enjoying his caress, could it be... love.... is he really in love with me? He never said those words, but maybe he was waiting on me. When he tried to tell me how he felt earlier, I tried to friend zone him. No wonder - but it's better this way. 

Kaitlin wasn't sure she trusted her feelings at all. She thought she was in love with Newt at one time, but was she really ever? Is that why their marriage deteriorated? And then she jumped into bed with Leroy. She liked Leroy - a lot. What was that about? And, to make it worse, she was still married. Reid deserved someone so much better than what she could offer him. As Reid continued to stroke her hair, Kaitlin put away her thoughts and snuggled closer to him. She tried to name their relationship, was he her boyfriend? She hoped so, thought so, was pretty sure. Yes, he was. Had to be. It felt right.

Go To Chapter 16

Go back to Chapter 14

Chapter 14 - Kate's Sexy Rainbow

Warning - partial nudity. 

Day 14 - Someone has to get pregnant - I can do teen or adult. Since my teen is a boy, I decided to go for it with my adult. Sorry - spoiler.

There was definite chill in the air and Twinbrook had already seen a light dusting of snow now and again indicating winter was fast approaching. Another positive for living across the street from Leroy’s bar. Kaitlin was ever thankful for Leroy. He gave - well rented - the duplex to her, hired her as a bartender which helped pay the rent and become a great friend.

Despite it being cold outside, it was nice and toasty inside Leroy’s bar and Kaitlin looked forward to her evenings there, mixing drinks and talking to the locals. Mostly she looked forward to spending time with Leroy. He had become a constant in her life over the past month and their friendship was beginning to get more intimate.

They had made a game of sharing gossip about the regulars or making up stories about the newbies. The conspiratorial whispers elicited feelings of wanting more.

Whenever they would accidentally bump into each other behind the bar and he would grab her to keep them both upright the sexual tension was palpable. He wouldn't let go and would hold her just a beat longer than necessary looking into her eyes, asking if she was okay. He liked her. And she liked him. There was no doubt. If not for Reid, things would have already escalated.

Kaitlin was confused by her feelings for Leroy. She cared a lot for Reid. He had done so much for Ben and was so attentive to her. Plus, she was sleeping with him. And while they had not defined their relationship, Kaitlin had already decided it would be ‘friends with benefits’ because what more could she offer?  But sharing a bed with someone meant something - right? Or did it?

Kaitlin tried hard not to act on her attraction to Leroy, but she couldn't help imagining what it would be like to kiss him. And day by day Leroy was beginning to make it clear he wanted to know what it would be like to kiss her.

***

It was snowing outside and Doug had already shut down the upstairs bar and left. Leroy looked around and saw no more customers and knew he wouldn't get anymore for the night. "LEROY! There is nobody here. Stop it already!" laughed Kaitlin as he looked back and forth several times.

He turned to Kaitlin and took her hands and a shiver of desire ran through her body. She hoped he didn't feel it. “Hey, Kate,” said Leroy sweetly, “since we aren't going to have any more customers, how about we do a little training. I have a new drink idea and maybe you can sample it for me.”

“Sure,” she said automatically and was relieved when he let go of her hands so she could go sit on the other side of the bar for her lesson. If he hadn't let go when he did she wouldn't have been able to stop herself from pulling him closer and finding out for real what his kisses would be like. Then she cursed herself for her thoughts.

Kaitlin settled down and Leroy began to demonstrate his technique for shaking, “I hate to say this Kate, but if shake with your sexy little butt just a little while shaking the drink, you will increase your tips.”

“Leroy! You have a one track mind!” exclaimed Kaitlin laughing, “What do you shake to get bigger tips?” she teased back.

“Oh baby, I just do little of this,” he said with a sexy growl and thrust his hips forward.

Kaitlin swallowed before answering a little too breathlessly, “Yep, that would do it.” Leroy just smirked.

Still smirking Leroy handed her his concoction, “Here sweetheart, try this Leroy Special.”

“Pretty,” she said as she took a drink, “Whoa, what's in this? It's good. It is sweet, but tastes strong,” and she lifted it to her lips and took another drink.

Leroy smiled! “You like? Maybe we should call it ‘Kate’s Sexy Rainbow’” he said as he waggled his eyebrows and added, "since it’s - pretty.  And Intoxicating. And sweet. And sexy. Like you.” Then he just looked at her his eyes smoldering with want.

No! Don't Kaitlin, she thought as her pulse rate increased, you're in a relationship with a very sweet man. She broke eye contact and started to get up and said, “I need to get going.”

“Here let's finish this off. One more for the road,” said Leroy quickly not wanting her to leave yet.

Not wanting to hurt his feelings and maybe because she really didn't want to leave she agreed and they downed the last of Kate's Sexy Rainbow.

Leroy walked around to where she was seated. “Why don't I walk you home. It's snowing pretty good.”

“That's okay,” she protested as she stood up and nearly fell. Fortunately he was there to catch her before she did any damage to herself.

"Whoa, someone's a lightweight!" laughed Leroy.

“Thanks, guess I should have eaten first, that went straight to my head.”

Then he turned her in his arms. His lips were right there when he whispered, “Why don't we stay here until you feel better. I will worry if you -”

Feeling his body so close to her with evidence of his desire pressing into her and his lips just right there, Kaitlin lost her reserve and put her fingers to his lips, “Stop talking already and kiss me.”

Leroy pulled back quickly and lifted her chin to look at him, “Kate?” he asked wanting confirmation.

“Now Leroy,” she said in barely a whisper.

It was all he needed. He groaned and crashed his lips to hers both of them now moaning with pleasure as their need skyrocketed.

Leroy picked her up and carried her into his office/bedroom.

Soon their clothes littered the floor as they discovered each other in the tiny makeshift bedroom. Kaitlin had never had anyone make love to her like this before. Granted this was only her third partner, but their need was primal and urgent; a result of their pent up desire for each other.

When they came down from the euphoria of their lovemaking and Leroy tried to pull her close again, Kaitlin froze. Then she scooted to the edge of the bed to get up pulling away from Leroy. She was confused by her actions. She was no better than Newt. How could she do this to Reid. Granted, they had no commitment to each other but being intimate with someone meant something - didn't it? And now she was going to hurt Leroy too.

“Sweetheart, are you okay? Did I hurt you?” he asked confused by her actions.

“God no. You, that, was amazing.”

“Then what sweetheart?”

Kaitlin didn't answer, she just go up and pulled on her dress wanting to cover up. Leroy did the same. She was obviously embarrassed.

Leroy asked again, "Kate, sweetheart, what wrong?"

God he's being so sweet, “It’s just, well I am seeing -”

“Reid,” he stated.

“How did you know?”

“Honey, his car is at your house at least 3 times a week,” said Leroy, “You only date men that own bars? Sorry, my arch rival, now in more ways than one.”

“He owns a bar? Uh - I mean, you were spying on me?”

“No, though I think I might start now. Small town. I know his car. You live across the street.”

Kaitlin shook her head, “Leroy, I didn’t mean for this - ”

“Shhh. Don't say it. I know I am second choice here. I knew you were seeing Reid, that's why I didn't push you even though I could tell you wanted me too. And now I can safely assume you are sleeping with him. But clearly, there is chemistry here between us. Can we just take it slow. I promise this won't happen again, unless…”

“Oh Leroy, I’m so sorry. It can't happen again. I don't do...this…there is so much...it's complicated. I have a lot of baggage.”

“And Reid can handle it but I can't? I don't understand sweetheart. We all have our skeletons. I am here if you want to talk. I really like you Kate and I know you feel the same. We have fun together and I for one, would like to see where it takes us.”

“No. He doesn't know...,” she said her eyes brimming with unshed tears at how badly she had hurt him and could possibly hurt Reid with her actions.

“Kate, is he seeing other people?” he asked quietly.

That question surprised her. She just stood there with her mouth open trying to figure out how she would feel if he was. She had compartmentalized him into the “friend zone” to justify her relationship with him but where was she in his eyes? Was it the same?

“That answers that question. You would be hurt if he were. Oh Kate. We can't pretend like this never happened. But I will do my best not to make it weird for you. I mean it Kate. You are special. I know it. And if Reid ever hurts you, he will have me to deal with.”

Kaitlin gasped - “Hurt me? He would hit…”

Leroy pulled her to him before she could finish, “Aww, shit Kate, I didn't mean physically. You were abused?”

Kaitlin began to cry into his chest.

“Never mind. Don't answer. Let's get you home. Do you need to take tomorrow off?”

Kaitlin shook her head and pulled herself together. “No! I am so sorry Leroy, I am fine, really. It's just you deserve someone with more to offer than me. You're a good man,” then she looked up at him and smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, “Thanks for naming your drink after me.”

My tough little sexy Kate, he thought as he grinned and tweaked her nose, “Let's go so you can get some rest.”  What/who has hurt you so much that you don't know what love is? Thank god you didn't quit. I would be a mess.

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