Sweet As You

(33) Kathie Jane

Kathie Jane

The driver listened to my rambling and gave a sympathizing nod on the rearview mirror. It was ten o'clock in the evening. I was at a friend's party. Then I had the overwhelming urge to go home because it hadn't felt right. The invitation was a week old to ensure I would come. I showed up a cheerful guest like always. But then I thought of Cade who was just coming in the revolving doors of our apartment building as I was going out.

When I made it to the party, all I wanted was to leave. Because hanging out with a grumpy Cade was better than with a hundred quick-to-laugh people. I'm supposed to want to go out. It's a Friday night for crying out loud!

Never once had I thought I would prefer staying in on a Friday night where parties are louder, and my friends are all free. But then, I was in the party and I hadn't felt more alone than I did there.

"Don't worry, Kathie. I'm sure your friends will understand why you had to leave," Paul pacified.

I sighed. It's the least of my concern, really. The bigger picture was, it wasn't that Jessica and Audrey were not at the party, it was the fact that I wanted to be with Cade tonight.

The cab slowed, my apartment building coming into view. I gave Paul a big smile and handed my cab fare before bidding him goodbye. Marcus was manning the desk and was surprised to see him home early.

"Good evening, Ms. Lewis. I didn't expect you to be back so soon." The corners of his eyes wrinkled in greeting.

My smile froze in place. "I got bored. Good night, Marcus."

I stepped in the elevator and rolled my neck. I let my default smile slipped. For the first time, I acknowledged that I was exhausted. When the elevator slid open, I paused in the hall.

I found myself at the door across my apartment – Cade's door. My knuckles braced on the hard surface and did a soft knock. I wasn't sure where I was going with this, but I didn't want to go to my quiet apartment.

The door swung open, Cade shell-shocked to see me.

"Hi." The corners of my mouth weighed like cement to even attempt a smile.

His hand went to his tie and loosened it. A strand of a rebellious curling hair stick to his forehead. I'm guessing he had been annoyed by it and simply given up. Cade was a sight to see. I realized I have missed him.

He'd been busy in the past couple of days. And I missed him.

"I thought you were at a party with your friend," he pauses then, "friends," he corrected.

"I, um," I stammered, my gaze darting to his tie. "I was."

He nods.

I chanced a look on his face. "I was. I just got tired."

It sounded strange aloud. A socialite who partied all her life didn't want to be at a party anymore.

His blue eyes softened. He reaches to touch my face. "Everything okay?"

My heart melted. "Yeah, I'm okay. I just, um," I trailed off.

His thumb strokes my cheek. "You don't always have to be, Kathie Jane."

My throat constricted.

His other hand went to my elbow, pulling me in. My cheek rested on his chest, his heartbeat a comforting sound. My arms went around him and I breathe him in.

His hand was on the small of my back. Just for comfort. No ulterior motive whatsoever. It was there sending me a message that he was here and he's not going to run if I chose not to be the ray of sunshine anymore.

Wordlessly, he ushered me inside to his living room. He situated me on his couch and told me he'll make me something from his kitchen. Although, on the verge of protesting, I nodded. I took off my heels and sat on the floor, staring at the blank screen of his television. I hear commotions from his kitchen then moments later he was back with two steaming white mugs.

He laid coasters on the coffee table and handed me one of the mugs. I smiled down at the marshmallows floating. "You made me a hot chocolate."

He smiles broadly, the dimples downright adorable. "Fifty percent sugar for you."

"And yours?"

Cade lowered himself next to me. "You wouldn't want to know."

A giggle ripped out of throat. I gambled a sip on the hot chocolate, relieved that it was bearably sweet.

He reaches something from the couch behind us, his hand reappearing with a throw pillow. He puts it down my lap.

My brows drew together.

"You're wearing a skirt."

Recalling that one night where I shamelessly flash him, a blush spread across my face as I make use of the throw pillow.

He looks amused.

I tamp down the heat on my cheeks.

"What do you want to watch?" He put his mug on one of the coasters and reached for the remote.

My lips purse thoughtfully. "Something that will cheer me up."

He navigated through the movies displayed on the screen. His TV used to be plain and boring which only bear the news. I badgered him about Netflix and he complied.

I pick up a floating marshmallow off my hot chocolate and pop it to my mouth. When I turn my attention back to the television, Cade has already chosen Enchanted.

It's taken me aback. I did mention it was one of my favorites. Well, aside from everything else that I mention when we're together. The thing is, I do mention a lot probably in a minute and him keeping track of everything tugs achingly at my chest.

"You said you didn't like this movie."

"But you like it and I can learn to like things." He puts the remote back on the coffee table after turning up the volume.

I stare at his face. I had two things in mind. One: I could kiss him right now. Two: Margot Fletcher is one lucky woman.

I scratched the latter off my mind. I leaned my head to his shoulder, telling myself it wasn't a kiss, so technically, I'm not doing anything wrong. Before I could change my mind, his arm draped over my shoulders and pulled me closer.

I adjusted my head so it was on the crook of his neck. I tuck my legs over his because... well, because I wanted to.

It wasn't kissing.

We were just watching a movie. Even if I wanted it to be something more.

Hi, guys! Don't forget to vote and comment. I had a reallyyyy long day. If you feel the same way, I hope this chapter made me feel better. :)

Shout to the sweetest person alive Isha (daughter0poseidon ) who needs cheering up.