Page 34 of United
“That’s why she looked familiar. I knew I had seen her somewhere else.” Sandra’s face relaxed into a smile. “Here comes Chris. Guess he’s looking for his Mistress,” she teased.
“Hello, ladies. I reckon you don’t know where Sonja is either?”
“We just told Paula. She left out the back door a few minutes ago,” Kate answered for them both. “We don’t know where she went.”
“Too bad for Derek. He looks pretty torn-up about his ex showing up like that.”
“Did you see it?” Sandra’s eyes widened to almost comic book level.
“Yes. This woman, Angie I think Paula said her name is, practically jumped Derek when he came in, then started screaming for the cops when Jackson and Paula pulled her off him. It was almost funny, until I realized she had a screw loose. Maybe several.” Chris rubbed his chin and turned to Kate. “James said Laura was looking for you. Did you see her?”
“She got waylaid by Julie. I’m sure they’re talking computer code. It doesn’t look like they noticed anything.” Kate indicated where Laura was chatting with the gesturing Asian submissive. “Laura may have Sonja’s number. If not, she can get it from Suzie.”
“True.” Chris turned his attention to Sandra but gripped Kate’s hand. “Sandra, would you mind telling Laura and Julie what’s happened and ask Laura if she can check on Sonja? I need a word with Kate?”
“Sure. I can see you lovebirds would like some privacy.” Sandra tilted her head. “Nice talking to you.” She hurried away.
Were we that obvious?She turned her attention to Chris. “What’s the word?”
“Nothing in particular. I just wanted to have a moment with you without someone else talking about us being together.” Chris leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Are you having a nice time at the munch?”
“Yes, and you?”
“Eh, I’ve had better. I feel bad for Derek. He seems like a decent guy, and I think he’s really good for Sonja. Now this happens.”
“Yes, I’ve seen them together at the club, and he’s very attentive to her needs. I like that in a man.”
“Is there something you might be needing that I’m not noticing?” His voice lowered to a seductive tone. “Mistress?”
“As a matter of fact, I could use some food.” Kate ran her fingernail over his collarbone and was rewarded with a delightful shudder. “Fix me a plate?”
Chris swallowed visibly. “Sure, is there anything in particular that you want?”
“A little of everything would be nice.” She could feel her heartbeat speeding up at the look he gave her.
“I’ll be right back.” He lifted her hand from his chest and pressed a kiss at the pulse point of her wrist.
As she watched him head toward the table of appetizers, she was thankful he had been determined. If he’d let things go between them a year ago, she would now be missing out on something potentially special.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Secretly glad her last client on Friday afternoon canceled, Kate spent the time until Yvonne and Chris arrived by tending her prized orchids. She’d finished cleaning the night before, and all she had left were last-minute details. She didn’t want to be distracted from her lovers.Lovers, plural!Kate had never imagined she would manage to find not one but two people she could fit with.
She checked the humidity and temperature in her sunroom. Orchids weren’t difficult to grow, but they needed a stable climate. The temperature looked good at seventy-two degrees, but the humidity level was thirty-eight percent—a little too low. Kate checked the water level in her plant mister and bent over the nearest delicate orchid. While she sprayed the leaves, Kate hummed along with Lady Gaga andAlways Remember Us This Wayon the radio. She loved this space.
The rumbling of a loud motor disturbed the peace and quiet, and Kate recognized the distinct growl. However, none of her neighbors owned a Harley. She exited the house through the side door and arrived at the front in time to seeYvonne standing beside a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Chris still straddled the bike and pulled off his helmet when she laid eyes on him.Hotter than sin!
Kate smiled brightly as she went to welcome her lovers to her home. She looked forward to them spending the weekend and had prepared a leisurely Friday evening. This night she designated to get to know each other better—a nice meal, one or two board games, and maybe a movie.
Chris shivered as they went inside. Sometimes, he wondered about his chivalrous instincts, but Yvonne’s jacket might as well have been made of gauze for all the protection it offered her from the wind. He’d had to give her his.
He’d have to see about getting her a proper leather jacket if this became a regular thing. He enjoyed having her on his bike, and she seemed to like the ride as well. Maybe she’d be interested in getting her own? Chris shook his head—talk about getting ahead of himself.
Once in the living room, Kate directed him to the blazing gas fireplace where the warmth burned against his chilled skin. He would prefer the hug and deep kiss she and Yvonne shared as a method to warm up. When the two of them broke apart, Chris held out his arms to Kate. “My turn now?”
She chuckled and turned to Yvonne. “What do you think? Does he deserve a kiss like ours?”
“Well,” Yvonne started, “he did give me his jacket for the drive over.” She gave Kate a pleading look. “That’s a point in his favor, I think.”
