Chapter 18

KATE.
There were two things in this life I couldn't stop even if I wanted to.
One was doodling.
Two was working.
It was ingrained in me.
I sat cross-legged on my couch, making random sketches if whatever came into my mind when I heard a knock on my door. Strange. The front desk hadn't even called me to let me know someone was here to see me.
So it was either Bailey or one of my neighbours. None of them required the front desk.
I got up, tugging my shorts down to cover more of my ass in case it was one of my neighbours.
I opened the door and was delightfully surprised to see Drew standing there. Although he didn't look happy to see me though.
"Hey, " I smiled at him, pulling the door open wider, "What are you doing here? "
He walked past me into my apartment, ignoring me.
What was happening?
I followed him with my eyes, confused as hell, then I shut the door, returning to my seat on the couch.
I waited for him to say something. Anything. But he just started pacing like a caged animal. Deciding I wasn't in the mood for one of his mood swings, I picked my sketch book up and resumed my drawing.
"What the fuck, Kate? " he snapped finally, coming to stand in front of me.
I narrowed my eyes at him, confused as hell. "What's wrong with you? "
"You. " he seethed, pointing a trembling finger at me.
"I'm not the reason you're bipolar, Drew. "
"What the fuck are you doing to me? " he dragged his hand through his hair wretchedly, ignoring my statement.
My shoulders slumped when I understood what he meant. I'd been so fucking scared for the past few days, avoiding him all in the name of work until he'd literally strong-armed me into that date yesterday.
I felt I was in too fucking deep. He was all I thought of all day, everyday. And I knew Drew was hot one minute and cold the next. I couldn't risk falling in love with him only to have him dump me like I was nothing. Witnessing what I did to him made me feel slightly relieved. It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one in this.
I stared at him, waiting for him to say more because I knew he wasn't done.
"You've infiltrated my thoughts, Kate. " he dropped to an elegant crouch and I spread my legs to accommodate him, "I can't work, can't sleep –not that I had much luck with that anyway, but it's harder now. " he grimaced like he was going to say something he knew he'd regret, "And I was passing by a boutique the other day. I saw a gown and the first thing that I thought was –Kate would look good in that. " he shut his eyes, an expression of pain on his face, and I felt my heart squeeze. "It's so fucking hard, Kate. "
I placed my hands on his jaws, dragging his face closer to mine, "I feel the same way. "
He shook his head vehemently, "No, you don't. You don't know how hard it is. My hand hurts from jerking off so bad and my dick feels like its going to fall off any second. Last night. " he shut his eyes briefly, his face contorting in pain.
"Last night, seeing you in that dress. You don't know what it did to me, Kate. You don't know. " His breaths rushed out of him and he was up and pacing again.
I just sat there, unable to say anything, about as useful as a doormat. I swear, the look on his face, his revelations, they were doing things to me. He was unraveling. And it was so fucking spectacular. Like the man himself.
"I woke up to three wet dreams of you, yesterday, Kate. " he groaned, turning to me, "Three. "
Three? Jesus fucking Christ. I had just one and I thought I was going to die. How the hell was he still functioning?
I got up and walked over to him then I wrapped my arms around his waist, my chin coming to rest on his chest. "Drew, I'm suffering too. You're not the only one in this. " I whispered.
His blazing eyes watched me silently, warily. Like I was up to something and he wasn't sure he liked it and he wasn't going to stop me anyway, "If you really are suffering as much as I am, you'd let me fuck you. "
Jesus. This man and his dirty mouth. I squeezed my legs together, desperately trying to ignore the bolt of lust that shot straight there and thought of a way to pacify him. To remove him from this tense mood. He was hot as hell right now, yes. But I really, really wanted to see him smiling. He was charming when he was loose. And I secretly wanted to see that side of him because I knew it was the side he kept hidden from the world. Yes, I was selfish like that.
I pushed him backwards and his eyes widened slightly at the change of events. He obeyed though, following my command until he sat on the biggest couch.
My eyes roved over him hungrily, liking the way he was sprawled on my couch and how sexy he looked just staring at me with those low-lidded molten green eyes. I was wet as hell from just ogling him. I didn't know what state I'd be in by the time we were done.
I cat walked to him, making sure to put an extra sway in my hips and I caught the way his eyes widened briefly, a new mischievous glint entering his eyes.
When I got to him, I threw my right leg over his, placing it just outside his and did the same with my left leg. After straddling him, I pushed my hands under his shirt, feeling those abs that have been giving me sleepless nights.
His breaths rose and fell exaggeratedly, trying to control his excitement. But he didn't do anything, just sat there, watching me.
So he wasn't going to make this easy for me.
I leaned closer to him, making sure my braless breasts were pressed against his chest. He glanced down sharply, and the way his eyes flared, told me he was just taking in my attire. He'd been so preoccupied with his problems when he came in, he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings.
My top was a cropped hoodie that barely covered my boobs and I knew he was getting an eyeful with the way I was stretched.
"You're a fucking witch. " he growled, pulling me towards him so forcefully, I gasped.
He kissed me hard, pouring all the anger and frustration he'd been harbouring into the kiss.
He bit my lip, as he always liked to, and his tongue fucked my mouth. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me even closer against him, like he wanted to get into my soul. I rocked against him as he subtly thrust up into me. I needed my shorts and his trousers gone. Right now.
My hands felt for his belt buckle, clumsily trying to loosen it. His hands left my waist and dove into the waist band of my shorts, dragging it down.
"Drew, I need you to take your pants off. " I panted, giving up on my task of loosening his belt buckle and instead, massaging his biceps. Fuck, they were sturdy as hell.
He kissed my neck, sucking on that spot that drove me insane, "You better have condoms cause I –"
My stomach grumbled. Loudly.
"Fuucckk. " he closed his eyes in pain, leaning his head back on the couch.
I bit my lip, staring at him through my lust induced haze, feeling incredibly bad. I'd forgotten I hadn't had my lunch today and it was almost five now.
This situation was so depressing and laughable at the same time. Jesus. Something just had to stop us every damn time.
I tried not to laugh as he opened his eyes, glaring at me.
"You think this is funny, don't you? " he narrowed his eyes.
I shook my head because I was unable to say anything at the moment.
He sighed, "Damn it. Go wear something. We'll grab something from the closest restaurant. " he said, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
I honestly felt bad for him. I knew he had to be in so much pain.
"I'll make it up to you, later. " I promised.
"Whatever. " he said, a vein popping in his jaw.
In ten minutes, I was changed. I didn't bother with make up because I didn't have that time anyway.
When we got downstairs, I realized Drew drove here himself. He was driving by himself a lot lately. I wondered if I had anything to do with that.
We got to the restaurant, a posh one that happened to take a lot longer time to get to because Drew didn't want to get food from the other ones we saw. According to him, he didn't trust their food.
We ordered for a takeaway and we stood by the counter as they got our orders ready. Drew drummed on the counter, his eyes down because he didn't want anyone to recognize him. But I thought it was funny because I would recognize him with his head up or down. It wasn't just how he was that drew people's gazes to him. It was just who he was. Period.
I glanced around, watching people eating peacefully and my eyes landed on a table where a familiar man was sitting with a woman. How did I know him?
That's when it clicked.
I tapped Drew. "Drew, your dad's over there. " I tilted my chin subtly in the direction he was sitting.
He followed my gaze and cursed, "Shit. Look away. " he turned away sharply, facing the counter.
As we collected our bags to go, I saw Drew's dad from my periphery looking our way. We tried to ignore him, but he was already waving us over. Damn.
DREW.
I tried not to get pissed. And failed miserably.
Why exactly did my dad have to wave us over? He completely ignored my ass in public, even in private. I knew the only reason he'd waved me over was because of Kate. He had something cooking up.
And that was another reason why I didn't get attached. Other than the fact that I was incapable, I knew my dad would try to get her on his side. Not that Kate was that kind of person though, but I just didn't want his sights on her. It infuriated me.
I placed my hand around her waist, walking over to him and my mom with measured strides.
We stood by his table, a clear statement that we didn't plan on staying.
"Andrew, how are you? " my mom wasted no time in starting a conversation.
I felt Kate tense up beside me. "I'm fine, mom. How are you doing? " I asked blandly.
The tension left her body immediately. Did she think my mom was someone else to me? Well, I wouldn't blame her. My mom looked young enough be my sister.
"And who is this young lady? " she turned smiling eyes to Kate, beaming from ear to ear.
She just had to ask. "Mom, this is Kate. " I turned to a wide eyes Kate, "Kate, meet my mom. "
"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rutledge. "
"You have such lovely hair. " and she actually raised her hand to touch it. Someone she just met. A complete stranger.
I stared at Kate, waiting for her reaction because it would determine mine. She seemed a bit perplexed at first, then she smiled a shy smile. Phew.
"Thank you. " she murmured.
And the devil finally spoke, "Kate, you grace me again with your presence. " he gave her a stomach turning smile.
Kate smiled briefly, probably because she was trying to be careful.
"Nice to see you, son. " he turned to me with a fake smile.
"I wish I could say the same. "
His smile grew tight but he didn't let up. "Why don't you guys join us for a meal? "
Kate spoke up, "We'd love to, Mr. Rutledge –"
"But we're busy. " I finished for her, pulling her towards the door, "Maybe some other time. "
"It was nice seeing you, Kate. Do bring her over for dinner. " my mom practically yelled, the last part directed at me.
I didn't release Kate's hand until we were safe outside. I released a pent up breath. Jesus.
All through the ride back home, Kate ignored my ass. Immediately the car stopped, she walked out, going into the elevator without even waiting for me. Fuck. What was up with her?
"Kate. " I called but she had already pushed the button for her floor. I watched in shock, awe and confusion as the doors slid closed.
Only she could treat me like this and not care if I actually followed her. I mean, no one would dare ignore me. Girls flocked to me like moths to a flame. But only Kate could ignore my ass and I'd still chase her, because, damn her. I wanted her. Only she had that fire.
I waited until the doors opened again, preparing myself for a fight because I knew that's where this was definitely going to be headed.
I stepped into the elevator, watching the numbers warily as it finally got to her floor. I stepped out, walking towards her apartment and finding the door closed.
I tried the doorknob and thankfully, it wasn't locked.
I saw her sitting on the floor with one leg on top of the other. She opened her food and didn't even bother tranferring it into a dish, she ate directly from the thing. It was getting harder to not like this girl.
I walked over to her then sat on the other side of her, that placed the food in between us, "What's up? "
She didn't answer me until she'd swallowed the food in her mouth. Then, and only then, did she answer, "What's up with you and your Dad? "
"Huh? " I asked, confused. Did she forget I'd already told her?
"Why do you guys act like that around each other? "
"I already told you we aren't comfortable around each other. Or did you forget that? "
"I didn't. I want the whole story. "
I blanched. She was asking way more than u wanted to tell her. Admitting to her that me and my family were complicated was big enough. Not this. We needed some barriers between us.
"I can't tell you that. " I told her, bracing myself for her reaction.
She only stared at me somberly, "Why can't you? "
"Because it's private. " I snapped more than said because hell, I was uncomfortable. This girl was already making me do things I didn't want to and I was fucking reeling from that.
"Don't take that tone with me, Drew. I deserve to know. " she snapped back.
"Oh, really? " I cocked a brow, suddenly in the mood for a fight.
What the fuck were we even doing anyway? She wouldn't let me fuck her or anyone else. I had resorted to using my fist like a fucking twelve year old. She wasn't giving me anything and I was giving her fucking everything. What the hell was I even doing with this girl?
"Yes. "
"And why's that? "
"Because that's how a relationship works, Drew. " she glared at me, "But I won't take it out on you, you barely know what you're doing anyway. " she resumed eating just like that. Just like that.
"And people don't fuck in relationships? " I yelled, getting up from the ground because u was too restless to be sitting right now.
"Oh my God. It wouldn't kill you to say make love once in your life, Drew. "
I cringed at the word, "I don't make love. I fuck. "
She rolled her eyes, "Okay, how about have sex? Try that. "
"What's the difference? " I snapped.
She stared at me silently awhile then she got up, walked over to me and hugged me. Making me reel even more. Jesus. What was this girl doing to me?
I instantly felt all the frustration and anger rushing out of me. From that small hug.
"I know we're both kind of frustrated right now and we're taking it out on each other. How about you go home, cool off and we'll talk whenever? What do you say? " she asked, her head resting on my chest.
I grabbed her face, bringing her chin to rest on my chest because I knew that was how she liked it.
She smiled.
"I know this is just you telling me you don't want me to fuck you today. But it's okay. "
She laughed, leaning up on her toes to give me a kiss. The kiss lasted for about five more minutes, before I pulled away.
"We'd better stop here. If I continue, I wouldn't be able to leave. " I told her, running my fingers through her hair.
She nodded then gave me one last kiss before removing her hands from my body.
She walked me to the door and just when I was about leaving, she called, "Drew. "
I turned to her.
"Promise we'll have that conversation about your dad? " she murmured, looking unsure.
And of course I said yes. I couldn't fucking deny her anything. She could even ask for my arm and I'd cut it off in a heartbeat.
"Yeah. "
She smiled in relief, "I'll call you tonight. "
"Do that. " then I left.
One more cold shower for me.