Turn To Me (45 page)

“I’m quite glad to see you again,” Vivian said to me.  “You and Blane make a beautiful pair.”

“Thank you,” I said for lack of knowing what else to say.

“So many of Blane’s female friends come and go,” she continued.  “I’m encouraged that you’re here this evening.”

I smiled tightly and nodded, my cheeks flushing.  I didn’t care to be compared to the rest of Blane’s numerous flings.

“Yes, I agree,” Sarah said, joining our little group.  “If he’s going to run for governor, Blane needs to find a woman he can settle down with.”

“Absolutely,” Vivian said.  “Kathleen-”

“Tell me, Vivian,” Mona interjected, “are you still considering chairing the fundraiser this spring?”

They began talking about some charity thing and I gratefully eased away.  I glanced at Blane, conversing with George and the Senator.  Sensing my eyes on him, he looked my way, tipping his head slightly in approval, a smile curving his lips.

Walking to the window, I peered outside.  I watched as snow fell softly from the sky, giving the scene a storybook feel.  Lights from other houses twinkled in the night. 

“Penny for your thoughts.”

I turned, a wide smile breaking across my face at the sight of Kade standing a mere foot away.  He wore a black suit as well, but the shirt underneath was also black and no tie adorned his neck.  The top two buttons on the shirt remained undone, showing the smooth skin of his throat.  The suit was expertly tailored, encasing his shoulders and cutting inward to his lean waist and hips.  His black hair and brows were a stark contrast to the piercing blue of his eyes, looking at me from beneath thick, dark lashes.

“You’re here,” I said, belatedly realizing how stupid that sounded.

Kade’s lips twisted in an amused smirk.  “Stating the obvious.  Let’s hope that bullet didn’t affect your brain.”  His eyes dropped to my cleavage and lingered for a moment.

I flushed, but was too glad to see him to be bothered by his teasing. 

“Looks like you could use another drink,” he said, taking my empty glass.  “I know I do,” he muttered conspiratorially, glancing at the separate cluster of men and women talking.

His fingers threaded through mine, drawing me with him as he approached the bar on the sideboard.  He set aside my sugar-coated glass with a snort of disgust, taking two highball glasses and filling each with ice, vodka and tonic before handing me one.

“To your continued good health,” he toasted, clinking his glass against mine.  The twinkle in his eyes made me smile and I took a sip of the cold liquid.

“Glad you could make it, Kade,” Blane said, suddenly appearing next to me.  His arm slid proprietarily around my waist.

Kade’s eyes didn’t miss the gesture.  “Wouldn’t have missed it, brother,” he said easily, his eyes on mine as he took another swallow of his drink.

Vivian joined us then, giving Kade a hug before sliding her arm through his and leading him away, talking animatedly.

“Holding up okay?” Blane asked quietly.

I tipped my head back to see him properly.  “Yes,” I said with a smile.  “It’s nice.”  I still felt a bit like an outsider, but it was good to be with people and celebrating one of my favorite holidays.  I also knew that I was happy because I was sharing it with Blane and Kade.  They had quickly become two people I cared about very much, and aren’t those the people you want to be with on Christmas?

Soon after that, we all went into dinner.  Each course was served with a different wine until, by the time dinner was over, I was feeling very mellow indeed.  Blane helped me from my seat, taking me into the family room where everyone gathered in seats by the fireplace, the ten foot tree in the corner twinkling brightly with its many lights and countless ornaments. 

It seemed I wasn’t the only one whom the wine had affected.  Both Vivian and Sarah laughed more easily and slightly louder than usual as they chatted.  Their gaiety made me smile. 

Blane sat me next to him on a leather loveseat, his hand clasping mine as it rested on his thigh.  I listened to the conversation with half an ear, gazing at the tree and the fire dancing merrily in its grate.

“It's so nice to see you so happy, Blane,” Vivian suddenly said.  She smiled indulgently at Blane and I seated together.

“Indeed,” the Senator added.  “Though I have to say, it’s not often, ever actually, that I’ve seen you take the kind of risks you've taken lately, Blane.”

Blane's hand tightened almost painfully on mine.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Robert-” Blane began in a warning tone.  That was the first time I'd heard Blane refer to Senator Keaston by his first name.

“I suppose he hasn't told you,” the Senator interrupted him, “but it took considerable effort on Blane's part to free your friend and her parents.”

My stomach clenched.  Deep down, I’d known it hadn’t been easy for Blane to do, but had accepted at face value the brush-off he’d given when I’d asked.

“You may very well have placed yourself in an extremely vulnerable position,” Senator Keaston continued, speaking directly to Blane.  “You now owe some very powerful people, Blane.”

“That's enough.”  The tightly controlled anger in Blane's voice made me flinch, though it seemed to have no effect on the Senator.  He merely took another swallow of his drink.

The sudden tension in the room was palpable.  Blane's grip on my hand hadn't eased.  It seemed no one knew what to say.  Except Kade.

“Now it's Christmas,” Kade deadpanned, handing Blane a glass with a shot of scotch glowing amber in its depths.

I grimaced, even as Mona chuckled and Vivian gave a small smile.  Blane's body relaxed somewhat and I could feel the blood flowing back into my hand.  Conversation resumed around the room.

“I didn’t know,” I said quietly so only Blane could hear.

“You weren't supposed to,” he replied stiffly.  “It's nothing.”  He downed the scotch in one swallow.

My mind processed what I'd just learned.  Blane had put himself at risk for me, not only physically – willing to take a bullet to save me – but also risking his career.  I hadn’t thought of the kind of influence necessary to free CJ’s parents from China, but it had to be considerable.  The thought of Blane being indebted to an unknown person who wielded that kind of power made me cringe.  What had I done?  What had I asked of him?

“Play something for us, Blane,” Mona cajoled, her request abruptly breaking through my scattered thoughts.

“Oh yes, please do,” Vivian seconded.

Blane smiled easily.  “Only if Kathleen sings,” he said.

My eyebrows flew upward and I immediately started shaking my head.  “No, I can’t possibly,” I stammered.

“Of course you can,” Blane said, brushing aside my protest.  “You have a beautiful voice.”

“Yes, she does.”  This from Kade.  My gaze flew to his and I realized both of us were remembering my rather risqué Britney Spears performance at The Drop on Halloween.  His lips twitched.

“Come on,” Blane said, tugging me to my feet. 

Going to the piano in the corner, he stood me to the side of the shining ebony instrument while he slid onto the leather bench.  I was nervous at being the center of attention, everyone looking expectantly at us.

Blane played a few notes, glancing up at me.  I recognized the tune and gave a tiny nod.  He played the introduction more fully and I took a deep breath before launching into a slow, melodic rendition of The Christmas Song.  My voice was still a little rough from my ordeal with Ryan, but it lent more of throaty quality to the pitch that went well with the tune.

I kept my eyes on Blane as I sang, until I felt more comfortable, the familiar words and melody making me relax. 

And every mother's child is going to spy, to see if reindeer really know how to fly...

I raised my chin and looked out over the assembled guests, the rich sound of the piano filling the room.  Anyone looking in on this scene would liken it to a perfect, storybook Christmas.  And it very nearly was.  Almost.

Although it’s been said many times, many ways...

Kade watched me avidly, the look in this eyes making me unable to look away from him.  I couldn’t decipher it.

Merry Christmas...to you...

I drew out the last few words as the notes from the piano lingered in the air. 

When the song ended, I was taken aback by the enthusiastic applause.  I smiled shyly, adding my applause and turning to Blane.  He’d played beautifully, his fingers moving easily over the ivory keys.

Shortly thereafter, the guests departed while Mona and Gerard left for their home which adjoined Blane’s property.  I retrieved my gifts for Blane and Kade which Gerard had been kind enough to fetch from my apartment for me, reappearing to find them sitting opposite each other by the fire.

“Merry Christmas,” I said brightly, handing them each a brightly wrapped package.  The size and shape of the gifts were identical.

Toeing off my shoes, I carefully tucked my feet underneath me as I sat on the sofa.  I looked up to see them both just sitting there, watching me.

“Well, open them!” I said in exasperation.

Blane and Kade glanced at each other before opening the gifts.  My hands twisted in my lap and I nervously bit my lip.

They uncovered the presents at nearly the same time, both looking at the small paintings I’d had commissioned.  Neither of them spoke, which alarmed me. 

“It’s Lake Winnipesaukee,” I explained hurriedly.  “Blane said you two used to go there together when you were young.  I thought you might like it, hoped that it would remind you of good memories you share.”

Blane held the small painting I’d chosen for him, a view of the lake in the shining sunlight, the sun glistening off the gentle waves.  Kade held its mirror image, the lake at night, moonlight reflected in the still waters.

Still neither spoke.  My heart sank.

“You hate it,” I said to them both.

“No, absolutely not,” Blane said quickly.  He glanced up at me and I was startled to see the brightness in his eyes.  “It’s beautiful, Kat.  I hadn’t realized you’d remembered that story.”

“Of course I did,” I replied, somewhat offended that he assumed I’d forgotten.

“What story?” Kade asked.

“The time we were diving and I couldn’t find you,” Blane replied.

Kade gave a small laugh.  “Ah yes,” he said.  “You were supremely pissed off.”

“More at myself than you,” Blane corrected.

“Thank you, Kathleen,” Kade said sincerely.

I smiled, relieved.  The paintings weren’t large, I couldn’t afford anything bigger, but I thought it suited them.

“I guess it’s time for my gift then,” Blane said, setting aside the painting and reaching inside his jacket.  Pulling out an envelope, he stood and brought it to me, perching on the arm of the sofa.

“But you already gave me something,” I said, bemused.  A gift that, in retrospect, had cost more than I would have been willing for Blane to pay.

“I couldn’t pass this up,” Blane said, grinning.

I opened the envelope, pulling the pieces of paper out and studying them.  When I realized what they said, I gasped.

“You got me front row tickets and back stage passes to the Brittney Spears concert?” I asked, incredulous.

“What else would I give her biggest fan?” Blane teased.

I squealed in delight, reaching up to give him a tight hug.  He laughed at my exuberance. 

“Just don’t expect me to go with you,” he admonished. 

“That’s fine.”  I sank back down into the chair, avidly studying the tickets.  “I’m sure I can find someone else to go with me,” I said distractedly.  I couldn’t imagine how he’d gotten his hands on these.

“I’ll go,” Kade offered.

“Really?” I said, still studying my tickets.  “It’s in July.”  The backstage passes were like gold to me, Brittney's face emblazoned on them.

“Absolutely,” he replied. 

“Why would you want to do that?” Blane scoffed.  “You suddenly a Spears’ fan?”

“I don’t mind taking Kathleen to see her favorite pop star,” Kade said, almost too casually.  “In the middle of summer, I’m sure it’ll be steaming hot, right, Blane?  We’ll have a few drinks, enjoy the show.  Maybe Kathleen will even wear her Brittney outfit again.”

I laughed at that, still admiring the passes.  “Do you suppose she'd think it was funny?”

When neither man responded, I finally glanced up to see them locked in a staring contest.  I was confused, what had I missed?  Blane’s jaw was clenched tight and Kade’s smirk was chilling.

“What?  What’s wrong?” I asked anxiously.

“Nothing, Kat,” Blane said, breaking his glare at Kade and smiling tightly at me.  “I think I’m going to call it a night.  May I help you upstairs?”

I was tired and going to bed sounded lovely, but I was loathe for the night to end.  Still, I agreed and rose from my chair. 

Going to Kade, who had risen as well, I stood on my toes and gave him a hug.  I knew Blane was watching, but I was determined to not let it keep me from showing Kade some affection.  It was Christmas, after all.

“Merry Christmas,” I said, wrapping my arms around his neck.  I leaned against his chest and gave him a squeeze.

His arm curved around my waist and I felt his lips brush my hair.

“Merry Christmas, princess,” he said softly.

I released him, turning to get my tickets still resting in the chair.  Blane had my shoes dangling from his fingers and held his hand out to me.  I took it and followed him upstairs.

My room was dark and Blane didn’t turn on the light.  I stood in the middle of the room while he put my shoes down and took the tickets from my hand.

“Do I get a hug as well?” he asked roughly.

“Of course,” I said, my cheeks flushing at his implication.  I reached for him.

Then his hands were on my waist and his mouth was on mine.  I gasped in surprise and his tongue slipped inside.

The kiss was hungry and I became lost in it.  My arms reached upward to twine around his neck.  Blane’s hands skimmed from my waist over my hips and around to cup my rear.  Pulling me closer, I felt the hard press of his erection against my stomach.  An answering rush of heat between my thighs made me whimper.