Chapter 49

I flipped the bacon in the pan, the edges getting nice and crispy as the toaster popped, the bread, now nicely golden brown, springing out of the top. It was rare that I would bother doing this kind of breakfast on a work day. Usually opting for plain toast or something minimal effort and simple, unless I was swinging by the cafe on the way to work. Today though, I'd gotten up early, in order to prepare a decent breakfast for Kat. I glanced at the clock, it was just about to tick over to seven, and I knew she would be up soon. Grabbing the heated plates out of the top oven, I dished up the bacon, eggs, sausages and toast, then put some butter on the table with the sauces.

Now time to go wake Sleeping Beauty.

When I reached the landing, I turned into my bedroom and froze in the doorway for a second. There she was, sound asleep in my bed. I had never really brought women back to my place, seeing one in my bed was rather peculiar to me, unless it was Roxy, who'd camped out here often. But there she was, and the sight seemed to make me beam with satisfaction. I was glad that she was there, her hair fanned out across the pillow like a dark coloured halo. She looked so peaceful, lost in her dreams. I couldn't help but wonder what those dreams were, and if I was in them.

Probably, and knowing Kit Kat, you're probably being an irritating dick who she's currently bludgeoning to death with a hammer... or a stiletto.

She let out a small sigh, nudging her head against the pillow and drawing it in closer. I could have happily stood there and watched her all day, but I knew that wasn't possible.

"Kitty?" I called softly, a smile taking over my face as it sparked memories of the day before.

She shuffled again and I laughed to myself.

Okay, try again.

I walked up to the bed, and placed a hand on her shoulder, jostling her slightly.

"Kat? Time to wake up."

Still nothing, not a single move to insinuate that she was waking up. I rolled my eyes.

Sleeping Beauty, my ass. This is like waking the fucking dead. One more try and then I'm getting the water.

I thought about my next approach, what way I could guarantee waking her up. There was, of course, my favourite idea. I grinned mischievously at the idea, but there wasn't time for that, that would definitely not end there, and we hadn't got all morning.

Option two it is. I shrugged.

Placing my fingers to my lips, I let out a loud whistle, then shouted:

"KAT!"

The result was instant, she yelped and rolled clean out of the bed, her nearly naked body, landing with a thud on the floor at my feet.

"Ah, you're awake." I smiled, looking down at her.

She raised her head, her eyes narrowed and a look of anger flashing over her beautiful face.

"What the actual fuck Evan?" She started, snappily.

"Breakfast's ready." I said, briefly.

She looked momentarily confused. I figured it was the best moment to make a hasty exit, before I had to deal with the scolding for the abrupt wake up call. I walked away, just as she started to move, and narrowly missed the pillow that she threw at me, which bounced off of the doorframe.

"Wow, not very friendly." I called back, stepping onto the stairs.

"Be grateful it wasn't the lamp!" She shouted after me.

Laughing, I reached the hallway and went back to the kitchen, taking a seat and pulling my plate towards me.

The sound of approaching footsteps signalled Kat's arrival. I looked towards the door, and nearly dropped my toast, my jaw seizing up mid bite, my eyes wide and fixed ahead, for there, walking towards me was nothing short of a goddess. Her small and slender body, now covered by one of my shirts. It's white colour stood out brightly, in contrast to her golden, tanned skin. My eyes lingered at the place where it ended, halfway up her toned thighs. Only a few buttons were done up to cover the main part of her body, but I could see straight through to her underwear beneath. She caught sight of me, her lips turning upwards in a confident smile, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on me. There was something captivating about this side of her. It made my mouth go dry and my heart flutter a little in my chest. She wasn't having to try to catch my attention, there was no deliberate, well thought out ways to get me to compliment her. I liked that. Even some of the most beautiful women I'd been with, seemed to lack any natural confidence and self worth. They would spend their time trying to make me see them, to make me want them. Skimpy clothing that covered next to nothing, heavy make-up that left them with nearly an entirely new identity, and worst of all, they gave up having their own mind. So many times I'd be greeted with responses of little to no thought. Basic moments where the woman would nod and agree as though she was an empty vessel. There was none of that with Kat, and I admired her so much for it. She was a straight talker, funny, unique and her own person through and through. There was no people pleasing or needy attention seeking attitude there, she had an inner strength and poise that shone through her in every way. I studied her as she glided towards me, elegantly dropping into the chair in front of me, and pulling her plate towards her. I'd barely collected myself before she struck me dumb once again, with a prize winning smile, and a satisfied moan as she inhaled the delicious smell of the breakfast I'd prepared.

"You know, this almost makes up for the rude awakening." She said, her warm brown eyes locking onto mine as she cut a piece of sausage, and speared it with her fork.

"In my defence I did try other ways first." I shrugged.

She looked at me, doubt glinting in her eyes.

"Not very hard obviously."

"Hey, it's not my fault that it's easier to wake the dead, than it is to wake you."

She glared at me, chewing slowly, before swallowing.

"Well at least I don't snore." She retorted.

We'd always had moments like this, a fast back and forth, trading jabs with one another. It was the most natural thing in the world to me, but it was as though there was something different now. There wasn't a bitterness that seemed to bubble up, threatening to burst out and hit with something below the belt. Instead there was a warmth and a lurking desire to shut her up with a kiss, and hold her in my arms until she conceded that I was right.

"I do not snore." I replied, trying to stop myself from laughing.

She rolled her eyes and pulled a strange face, then imitated a loud snoring sound, releasing a soft whistle on the exhale.

"Please! You torture the innocent sleeping souls with your infernal racket."

"Shouldn't bother you then, you're far from innocent." I teased with a smirk, taking a bite of my bacon.

I saw the twitch at her lip where she tried, and failed, to conceal a smile. Biting the inside of her cheek. It was such a small move, and yet it set my body alight. I gripped the cutlery in my hands even tighter, trying to resist the desire to jump over the table and taste those soft, rosy lips of hers again. Before either of us could say another word, a loud ringing sounded from the hallway.

"That's mine." She said, tearing her eyes from me and getting to her feet.

I watched her head out to the hall, my shirt resting just below her ass, and swinging slightly with the sway of her hips as she walked. I heard the ringing stop and Kat's voice answer. I glanced at the clock, then began to clear up the breakfast plates, I still needed to get ready for work yet, and time was now running out. I'd just finished loading the dishwasher when Kat re entered the room.

"Sorry, I've got to go get changed and head in, they're calling a meeting before shift." She explained, placing her phone on the table.

It looked like there was a slight disappointment in her eyes that she had to leave already, but it was gone before I could be sure whether I'd actually seen it, or whether I had imagined it, and was just hopeful that she may be enjoying the time with me, enough to not want to head to work.

"It's okay, I have to head in soon myself." I half smiled at her.

She seemed relieved to see that I hadn't taken it the wrong way, smiling back at me, then pointing her thumb back over her shoulder.

"I'm gonna head up, but thanks for breakfast. I really enjoyed it."

She nodded once, then slowly stepped back, turning before scurrying off upstairs.

I gave her a few minutes to get changed, then made my own way back to my room, coming around the corner, just as she was pulling on her shoes.

"Do you need a lift?" I asked, opening my wardrobe and tugging my t-shirt over my head.

Kat's eyes refocused onto my now bare torso, her mouth open ever so slightly whilst her fingers lingered on the edges of her heels.

"Thanks, but my car's out front. I didn't drink that much last night, so I drove."

"Okay." I replied, now sliding my grey sweatpants off, letting them fall to the floor and kicking them aside, savouring the responding look on Kat's face as even more of me was exposed.

I grabbed a short sleeved, black t-shirt, and dark blue jeans and began to dress. I was on site today, so there was no need to wear a shirt and pants, they were bound to get messy anyway. Kat's eyes closed as she watched me dress.

"Errrm, I, err... I need to-"

"Finish your sentence?" I teased.

Jumping to her feet, she regathered her composure and smirked.

"Very funny. Why the casual outfit?"

"On site day." I shrugged, perching on the edge of a chair to put on my boots.

"Ah, well try not to nearly die this time. I think I preferred you visiting me at work when you were conscious."

I pretended to think on it for a moment, jumping back to my feet.

"Technically, I was conscious both times."

She rolled her eyes, and I couldn't resist the laughter that overtook me.

"You know what I mean." She said, stepping closer and brushing her hand over my cheek.

Her touch caused my eyes to involuntarily drift closed, and a warmth to begin to spread through me. I exhaled softly, reopening my eyes as her hand then drifted down my neck and rested against my chest. My gaze locked with hers and I gave her a gentle, reassuring smile.

"I promise, I'll be careful."

"Thank you." She whispered softly.

Her genuine care for my wellbeing, touched me deeply, I leant in and kissed her lips. Breaking apart before I could get carried away.

"I must go." She said stepping towards the door.

I was about to say goodbye, when she turned back.

"Hey, I have this work thing tomorrow night. A charity fundraiser." She nervously picked at her fingernails for a moment, then exhaled sharply. "Do you want to come with me, you know, as my... date?"

"Everyone else busy?" I laughed.

She bit the inside of her lip, and I looked at her curiously, her reaction confusing me.

"I don't know. You're the first person I've asked."

I was temporarily caught off guard, unable to think what to say.

Best answer fast here, she'll think you're insane, or not interested. But this is a date... One surrounded by her colleagues. I mean, am I interested?

"Of course I'm interested." I said, without thinking.

I nearly slapped myself, when I realised I'd said it out loud.

"Sorry?" She asked, confused.

"Erm, I meant yes. Of course I'll be your date."

She beamed with relief and happiness at my answer, and then turned back towards the door.

"I'll text you the details later, and I can come and pick you up, or meet you there or -"

"I'll pick you up, just let me know the time later." I interrupted with a smile. "Now get your ass to work, before you get sacked instead." I added.

"Shit!" She said sharply, before dashing down the stairs. "Text you later!" She called back, before slamming the door.

Laughing, I gathered the rest of my stuff, my mind wandering. She asked me on a date, and not just to something like a drink, but to a work function.

I hate my own work functions. Shit... work.

My mind drifted back to the day in the hospital. Her ex. He's a doctor, he's going to be there.

Ohhhhhh great! This should be fun.