GIVE IT TO ME

Summary:

Darryn has found his soul mate in Katherine. But not only is she his boss, but she's ten years older than him. Darryn can't seem to shake her or how he feels, so he tries to figure out how to get Katherine to notice him. When Katherine finally admits to wanting Darryn, their new relationship is tested and Katherine has to wonder if their age difference seperates as she'd worried about earler. This story has been revise, edited, and added to.

It never seemed to fail. Peter would always wait until she’d finish a huge account and then saddle her with a new trainee. It was as if she was the go to girl for it. Granted, this was their advertising firm, a business venture they’d started straight out of college and it had become bigger than either of them could hope for. TownMak Advertising Agency was known for all avenues of audiences. Black, white, young and old, urban to suburban. They had a plethora of executives and she’d trained each and every one of them. At thirty-five she was good at her job and prided herself on being the best. Although this would be the last time she was babysitting.

Taking the folder of the next account, a small one that didn't require major decisions, she put it off to the side with copies of a few other ones. They treated them all the same, but she liked to give her newbie’s small ones for training. It required little work, but enough to get them to show if they had what it took to compete in the business.

Katherine buzzed her secretary and let her know she’d be occupied for the rest of the day. After settling in her chair, she wasn’t surprised to hear a knock signaling the arrival of their newest hire. Maybe it was Pete’s way of getting back at her. He did the hiring, she showed them the ropes. Taking a deep breathe she looked up at the new executive, Darryn Forbes as he stepped into her offece.

Standing up, she came around to the front of the desk, her hand outstretched. She felt dwarfed by the young man, but gave him a warm smile as she took in his attire. The silk suit was tailored to fit his lean torso, outlining his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Tapered cut sandy brown hair and cornflower blue eyes. Good looking was an understatement. Handsome and breathtakingly fine were better suited to describe him. He sported the perfect chiseled features she’d read about in fashion magazines, but it was softened by his youth. He had one of those faces that only got better as they aged, turning into sexy older men. At five-eight he had to be at least six foot four or more.

"Mr. Forbes." Katherine greeted him softly. He took her hand firmly, not missing its warmth and the effect the touch sparked. Katherine decided to ignore it, although when he let go, she still felt the aftershocks.

"Mrs. Townsend." he stated. She noted how deep his voice was.

"Ms." she corrected. "Have a seat please." she directed him to the empty leather chair. Her office was her second home and looked like a small living room. Plant stands and bookcases, leather sofa that she’d slept on many a night. It was relaxing and she got more done during the work day in it.

"Can I get you anything? Soda, juice, water, coffee, or tea?" she thumbed them off. He asked for water. She got a small bottle from the fridge and handed it to him. His fingers lightly skimmed hers as he took it. Katherine kept her smile on her face, focusing on not giving away how flustered she’d become with this man in front of her. Not in all of her life had she reacted this way toward a man, any man.

"How have your first few days been? Settled yet?" she asked sitting down opposite him.

"It’s been great. I’m excited to get down to business and show my abilities." Katherine looked at him as his thin lips spread in a smile that showed beautifully shaped teeth. His eyes twinkled with excitement and she found herself liking him already.

"I like to hear that!" Katherine gathered up the papers she’d been shuffling through earlier. "Now I won’t have to beat around the bush then. You’ll be working with me on these accounts." she handed him the folders. "These are due next week. We will present them to the prospective clients. The others we have more than enough time to get through. I’ll give you the opportunity to show me your "skills" and see where your strengths lie." she grinned at him as his face showed shock that she was allowing him to jump in so soon.

"Sounds great!"

"Here is my information." she handed him a card with all her contact information on it. "You can come right here in the morning. I rarely do overtime, so if you do need to meet to discuss an account or a deadline, I’m always available. I usually encourage everyone to leave work at work, though." They both laughed at the obvious.

She told him to open up the first folder they’d be working on and they got down to business. Temporarily, Katherine put her attraction to the young man to the side. It was something that was impossible to fathom, given that he was just out of college and she’d been out of college for well over a decade and some years. Look but don’t touch would be her motto.

xxxxxx

Darryn let himself into the penthouse he shared with his brother when he made it home. His suit jacket and tie was off before he sat his briefcase on the sofa. His brother came down the steps of the penthouse. It was like looking at himself, except an older version. Derek was thirty years old and when Darryn had gotten out of college, he’d told him he had to move in with him. Darryn didn’t mind and their parents felt better that he was staying with his forever bachelor brother. They just had no idea that he was a revolving door for women.

"How was your day with the big one!?" he gave Darryn a lopsided grin. Watching as he took his dress shirt out of his slacks and took it off.

"It was cool. I got my first account. Actually, I got several and she’s letting me run with it. I mean, this is my chance to prove myself and I can’t mess it up."

"Really!?" He sat down on the edge of the coffee table as his brother sat down on the sofa. "You can do it, Dar." he grinned. "They got a good one. So, um, your boss is a she, huh?" he gave him a smile. Darryn rolled his eyes.

"Do you ever stop thinking about women, Derek?" Derek looked upwards then shook his head no. They both laughed. "Well, she is pretty hot. She’s really pretty."

"Just pretty?" Darryn chuckled. His brother would need a full on description to start his evening off. Then he’d go looking for a look alike and bring her to the penthouse to have his way with her. Why he indulged his brother, he had no idea.

"I’m not sure you’d go for her, Derek." he said simply. Darryn got up and walked to the kitchen. He got out some orange juice pouring a glass.

"Why not!?"

"She’s black." he looked at him and waited.

"Hey, I do the rainbow!" Derek looked offended.

"When have you ever dated a woman not looking like a Barbie Doll!?" he asked, chuckling. "You’re so superficial. Your ideal woman is big boobs, tiny waist, no ass, and no conversation." Derek gasped. He was ready to deny it, but then he realized he couldn’t really. He didn’t know what "the woman" would be like, but right now he was having fun.

"Well, maybe, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not open to them." he conceded. "What do you want to eat? Chinese alright?" Darryn nodded and his brother took out the menu to order from. "So, tell me." he urged.

"Damn, I thought you’d forgotten." Darryn grinned. Derek shook his head and raised an eyebrow. "No! I have to go to work tomorrow and see her. Knowing I was talking intimately about her, to you of all people, would embarrass me."

"Well, be like that then." his brother mumbled. He picked up the phone and placed their order while Darryn ran upstairs to shower.

Darryn dried off and donned on a pair of shorts as he thought about his day. He’d found himself glancing at Katherine more often than was polite to do so during their meeting together. He couldn’t help it. She was gorgeous and he hadn’t expected his reaction to her at all.

When he walked in the room and she’d looked up at him, he’d felt his heart fall straight in his gut. Maybe he was overreacting, but he’d played it cool. Trying to ignore the way she smelled. Her lightly scented perfume tantalized the senses. Her smile, he grinned absently. Her smile was mind blowing. Her round face, big brown eyes, and small nose. The dimples that went deep into her cheeks were enough to make him pray she didn’t see the hard on he was getting. The fact that she was older than him never crossed his mind, because she didn’t look a day over thirty. Hell, for a moment he thought she was only a couple of years older than him. She wasn’t married and he wondered why. She was beautiful, soft spoken, and professional. Darryn could just imagine any man with her would be starved to let her even out of his sight.

"Darryn!" his brother called up to him, breaking him out of his thoughts.

Darryn pushed off the bed and went down to eat. Thoughts of Ms. Katherine Townsend would have to be pushed to the side. There was no way he’d ever risk his job trying to get with the boss. Although he was sure he didn’t know how long he’d be able to be around her and not be able to. She was a chocolate temptation that he was sure would have him feenin' for a sample sooner rather than later.

"Okay, I know you're keeping something from me, girl! Spill it!" Katherine looked at her good friend as she sat across from her. They’d spent the day shopping and came back to Katherine’s house to have a light snack before Mina went back home to her family.

"It’s nothing, Mina. I’m just thinking that’s all." she hedged.

"Mmmhmmm. Girl we spent the last three hours shopping and you didn’t say much of anything. I might as well have been talking to myself." Katherine laughed.

"I’m sorry, girl. I got this new hire in and…" she stopped and licked her lips, looking at Mina.

"What? He’s awful?" she asked.

"No, he’s great. Actually, he can go on and handle his own accounts now. The past few weeks he’s showed me that he is "da man"".

"So, what’s the problem?" Mina asked, and then looked at the blush on her friend. "NO!!!" she whispered loudly. "Kat you didn’t!"

"No!" Katherine wrinkled her face. "Hell, no! I would never abuse my position like that, plus he’s only twenty-four. I’d be robbing the cradle."

"Oh, please!" Mina sipped her tea. "You like him!?"

"He’s attractive, and I wouldn’t be a woman if I wasn’t attracted to him." she said carefully. "It’s just that he gives off sex all the time. I mean, just oozes it. I have to let him go do his own thing if I’m going to be sane."

"So you want him, go for it. Hell, no one said you shouldn’t get a little young stuff every now and then. You're single and free to mingle." she laughed at her joke. Katherine smiled.

"No, he’s too young and we don’t have anything in common, at least not much."

"Stop it!" Mina told her. "You're making up excuses. A man is a man. If he’s feeling you and you're feeling him then you should go for it. Leave your hang ups at the door and just have fun."

"Have fun. Yeah, then when it doesn’t go right I might have to watch him leave or fire his behind." she muttered.

"Alright, then just don’t do anything." Mina advised. She watched her friend intently, never seeing her in such turmoil over any man. Katherine was straight as an arrow. Either she liked you or she didn’t. Business was business and her personal life was just that personal. For someone to rattle her like this man was doing, made Mina think that maybe it wasn’t just infatuation.

xxxxxx

Darryn gathered up the board pieces after the presentation. He looked over at Katherine who was shaking hands with the people that they’d be doing their next advertising campaign for. It was a pretty big account and he had been so nervous. Katherine’s encouragement though made it easier. Hell, she made everything easier. They’d been strictly business the past few weeks, any thing on a personal level seemed off limits. He didn’t know if he was upset at it or not. He just didn’t like the fact that he couldn’t get close to her like he wanted. And he did want to. After the first week he’d realized that he’d wanted to get to know this woman and not on a business level. He picked up the boards as she walked over.

"Congratulations, Mr. Forbes." she smiled proudly at him.

"Thanks. I was nervous." he told her honestly.

"Wow! You sure know how to hide it." she said shocked. "How about we pack up and I treat you to dinner?" she asked. "You deserve it. Plus I have something to tell you." she hinted with a smile.

Darryn felt his penis jump at the prospect that she would tell him she was feeling the same as he was. He looked after her and watched her disappear around the corner. Her black pinstripe pants suit hugged her bottom just right and her graceful walk was a turn on by itself.

"She’s hot isn’t she?!" he looked up and blushed at Pete. Darryn cleared his throat and wanted to die right then and there.

"I’m teasing you." Pete laughed when he saw how embarrassed he’d made the new hire. "I just came to say congratulations. Not many of executives get to flex like youjust did. I knew you were good, but Kat knew how good you’d be. She hates for me to give her new hires to take for a test drive." Darryn laughed. "But she’s good at it. I don’t think she realizes it. She just knows the potential in a person."

"Thanks. She’s taking me to celebrate later."

"You deserve it." Pete walked up and shook his hand. "She is hot though, right?" he lifted an eyebrow and Darryn laughed. Pete had dark brown hair and green eyes. He was a few inches shorter than Darryn, but like Katherine didn’t look a day over thirty. He wondered briefly in the beginning if they were together, but Pete was happily married to his relief. Darryn didn't know why he was so relieved, but he was glad that Katherine was single.

"Yeah." Darryn confessed, laughing.

"Have a good evening and keep it up. You’re on your way, man." he slapped Darryn on the back and walked out. Darryn shook his head grinning and walked to Katherine’s office. He sat the boards on the side as she spoke on the phone. Listening with half an ear as he straightened up the paperwork.

"For two. Yes, thank you. Thank you, Carla. You’re a sweetheart." she hung up with a soft laugh. "Ready?"

"Um, sure."

"You can drive. I usually take a taxi or have a car service." She put it on her coat and picked up her purse.

"Oh, where are we going?" he followed her as she walked out of the office door.

"Rosseti’s. You like New Age Italian?"

"New Age? Italian is Italian right?" he laughed, holding the building door open for her.

"Well, it’s New Age, because Carla is Latina." Darryn chuckled in disbelief. "She’s good though. It’s different, but it good. You’ll like it." Darryn led her to his beamer his parents had gotten for him when he’d graduated. He was slightly embarrassed that he looked like a rich boy to this woman.

"Nice." she whispered as he opened the door for her. Katherine looked around the black leather seats and wondered how could a young man afford this. Even she didn’t have one. Not that she couldn’t afford it but something like this would definitely put a dent in her bank account. She found herself looking over at Darryn, his features were young, but he had a mature quality about him. Goal orientated and driven was more like it. Those alone made her admire him as a young man.

"Where is this restaurant?" Katherine told him and watched as he maneuvered the car easily through the traffic.

She observed his hands as it covered the steering wheel lightly. His fingers were long and had nicely manicured nails. He looked well taken care of. She averted her eyes when her thoughts began taking on those hands going somewhere else and she'd promised herself she wouldn't go there. So what the hell are you doing taking him out to lunch, Kat? She thought to herself.

They got to the restaurant in good time and were seated by Carla herself. A slender Latina with a short precision hair cut, caramel complexion, and big brown eyes. She was gorgeous and one of Katherine’s best friends besides Mina. All three went to high school together and remained their own little trio. Getting together for Girls Night Out to gossip and enjoy female company.

"Chica!" she hugged Katherine. "Coma estas? Bien?"

"Si, bien." Carla looked over at Darryn who stood back smiling at the two women.

"Mmmm, what chu doin' with this young stud, huh, mami?" she whispered in her ear, as she wiggled her eyebrows. Katherine blushed respectively.

"Business." she said quickly. "Business, that's it." Carla lifted an eyebrow.

"You know good and well, chica! If I was you, business would be the last damn thing on my mind!" Katherine slapped her lightly.

"Stop misbehaving and take me to our table, Ms. Thang." she teased. They both laughed as Katherine introduced Darryn to her.

Darryn watched the play by play with Katherine and Carla. He felt he was seeing a part of her he rarely saw. She had a relaxed demeanor, someone that could be playful and carefree when she wanted to be. He knew he liked her for some reason. They were seated and Carla had a waitress bring out some light Mojitos for them to nurse since he was driving. They didn't order, since Carla told them she would bring out Katherine's favorite and something good that he'll like.

"Wow! She's something else, huh?" he chuckled.

"Yes she is." she looked after Carla and got comfortable. "So do you have a big family, Darryn?" she began. Darryn's heart began beating fast at the personal question. She wanted to know about him and this was the perfect opportunity to get to know her better.

"I have an older brother and my parents." he smiled. "How about you?"

"My mother, grandmother, and two half brothers on my father's end are the only family I have. I really don't know them well. Would I be too nosey to ask about that great car you have?" she grinned.

"No, my parents bought if for me for a graduation gift." he twisted his mouth feeling sheepish and more of a brat. Not the way he wanted the conversation to go.

"Really!? Wow! What made you want to become an Ad exec?" she asked, obviously he came from a well off family and most of them went into their families businesses. She sipped her drink.

"I'm the rebel of the family." he grinned. "Derek is the one that followed my Dad's footsteps. He's a Supreme Court judge, and Derek is a Criminal Defense Lawyer. I had no desire to go there." he shook his head. Katherine was impressed and smiled.

"Well, you must know you have a talent for this, because you talk a good game. Pete and I are thoroughly impressed at it. I'm sure if you wanted to become a lawyer you would have not problem winning your cases." Darryn smiled at the compliment, coming from her it made him feel good in a way that made him want to continue to impress her.

"Thank you. I'm glad I chose TownMak to get my foot in the door."

"Please, Pete and I would nail you down to the floor if you tried to leave." she teased and Darryn laughed, his face lighting up as he did so. Katherine liked it. His blue eyes twinkled and his beautiful smile widened. She was thankful when the waitress bought their food. They both dug in, Darryn impressed and Katherine realizing she was starving tried to eat without moaning.

They ate with quiet conversation, to Darryn's chagrin it was mostly about work and he was sure Katherine kept it that way on purpose. He had an inkling that he wasn't the only one feeling this attraction between them. If that was the case, then he would have to find away to get her to let her guard down enough to see what happens.

The drive to Virginia was about six hours, give or take. Darryn made the bi-weekly trek only because he was obligated to. The wish that he didn’t have to, niggled in the back of his mind. If he could he'd sit at home and think of ways to get the attention of Katherine. She was quickly becoming an obsession and he needed to get a fix. It was bad when you couldn't wait for the weekend to end so that you can go to work. He loved his job; it just was he was completely moved by the woman that was behind the job.

Darryn made his way through the streets of luxury, the houses on the street were more like mansions and he knew most of them harbored the upper crust of the political world. They were about forty miles from the heart of Washington. He’d grown up in the "lap of luxury". The private schools, parties, vacations, and traveling. They’d done more in his first ten years of his life then an average person did in their life. He was very proud of his mother. She was not a snob, much that is, but she did want them to be grounded. Not expecting everything handed to them, nor thinking that you didn’t have to work for what you had. His mother was the "realistic" half of his parental unit. Carolyn Annette Forbes had a big hand in rearing him and Derek. It was what constituted him coming home and driving the six hours every other weekend.

Darryn briefly wondered if she would like Katherine. Would they accept her or someone like her? She was successful, owned her own business, and career-minded. Those were great qualities, but he still didn’t know enough about her. Not to mention the fact that she was on the other end of the color spectrum. He had no one in his family that remotely married outside of their race. Their family was as blue-blooded as they came. He could search and might find a Native American, maybe, but he was sure you couldn’t get any whiter than his family.

Darryn stopped his musings enough to buzz into the gate and drive through the long driveway toward the house, before parking in the roundabout of the entryway. The massive mansion style home was impressive and he was somewhat put out at seeing it after living in close confinement with his brother for the past few months. Reluctantly, he got out the car and headed toward the double French doors. He was met by Petra, their German-American housekeeper. He greeted her with a hug.

"Where’s Mom?" he asked.

"Mrs. Forbes is in the sitting room, would you like for me to bring you something?" she asked.

"No, thank you. Ms. Petra." she grinned at him and walked away as he headed toward the left into a large room that held a piano. Through the other doors, on the opposite of it, was the sitting room that led into the "sunroom" where his mother sat. A viewe of the garden she’d had done when he was fifteen years old was just as bright now as it was then.

"Mom?" he called to her as he rounded through the open screen into the sun area. She sat on a Victorian-styled chaise lounge. Her feet rested on the ottoman and a blanket over her lap. She held a cup of tea in her hand. He walked over to her, her dark brown hair pulled back into a chignon at the nape of her neck and bright blue eyes twinkled at him.

"Darryn." she let him kiss her on the cheek and patted the empty space beside her. "I didn’t think you were coming since Derek decided not to." she took a sip of her tea. His mother’s soft heart shaped face and wide doe eyes looked at him. Her pale skin was lightly made up and the skin still showed youth, she looked younger than her fifty years.

"I have weekends off remember?" he asked. "Well, I finished all of my homework so that I would have weekend’s off." he grinned at her and sat back, stretching his legs.

"How is the new job going?" she asked, inspecting him. He looked tired, yet had a contented look about him. She hadn’t seen him in a few weeks, but she could see he was healthy.

"It’s great." he stated. "Where is Dad?" he asked quietly.

"Golfing." she murmured.

"You look tired." he told her as he eyed her more carefully. He noticed the bags undernneath her eyes and the weariness in her voice. "How have you been feeling?"

"Just how I look." she chuckled. "Tired. I'd hoped Derek would have come with you." she whispered. Darryn glanced away for a moment then back at her.

"He has this big case he’s working on. It’s been all in the papers and Court TV. I’m surprised it hasn’t gotten here."

"You know I don’t watch the television, Darryn." she shook her head. "Did you let Petra get you something to eat or drink?"

"No, I just want to stretch out for a minute." he let out a breath. "You’d tell me if something was wrong right?" he asked suddenly. A feeling of unease came over him. Carolyn looked at him and gave him a quick nod. Darryn watched her intently and decided he wouldn’t push.

xxxxxxx

Katherine’s weekend seemed boring compared to the times she’d enjoyed them. Maybe it was the reflecting on her life that got her. She sat in the bathtub and sipped the Mimosa. She turned thirty-five today and only a couple of birthday cards from old friends and of course her best friends most likely was planning something. So she decided to pamper herself and start it off with a long leisurely bath, a fruit salad, and Mimosa.

Her thoughts instead of going blank and thinking of all the things she could do today, turned toward what she didn’t have to do today. She didn’t have to take kids to an action park, make love to her husband, and plan a menu for dinner. She didn’t have to go grocery shopping for the family of five or two for that matter. She didn’t have to do anything because she was alone. Not that she wanted to be alone. She didn’t plan on being a spinster. Who does? It just "happened". Her mother would have told her that she was brooding for no reason and it was her own fault.

Katherine let out a soft laugh at her mother. She conjured up the last time she’d been with her. They’d argued over her not visiting and her job being more important. Which wasn’t the truth, somewhat. They’d go to their respective corners and then decided it wasn’t good for a mother and daughter to fight when all they had were each other. Although she had to have the last word she made sure she told Katherine that she wouldn’t be able to find a husband or give her grandbabies if she didn’t get to it already. Katherine realized it was what it was. The phone rang and she picked it up. Smiling as she looked at the caller ID.

"Hello Nana." she said to her grandmother.

Nana was almost ninety years old and had watched her children grow up and move away, only Katherine’s mother, Katrina had stayed. Raising Katherine on her own with Nana’s help. Her father wasn’t in the picture often if at all. She knew him or knew of him enough to say hello when she ran into him. How are you? What have you been up to? That was the extent of it. Her half brothers were from his current wife and they were apparently the same age if not a year or two younger than her. She realized when she’d gotten older that her father had been a rolling stone and her mother just happened to get caught underneath him.

"Happy Birthday, Kat." her soft gentle voice made Katherine’s heart expand. "What are you doing, taking your luxurious bathe I assume?" she laughed knowingly.

"Yes, I am. Thank you." she sipped her drink putting it down on the floor then sitting back, the bubbles almost to her neck.

"What are your plans today?" she asked.

"The usual, which is nothing special, I’ll probably head to the mall and see what I can splurge on and not feel guilty about it."

"Are you stopping by, honey? Your mother is coming from her trip to Hawaii. She sounded excited to finally be coming home. If you ask me, I don’t know why." she huffed. Katherine giggled.

"Yes, I wouldn’t miss my Strawberry Dream Cake you grace me with every year. My favorite by the way." Her grandmother began laughing and told her good bye. Katherine hung up and sunk deeper into the bathtub. A small smile on her lips. Finishing her drink she stood up and wrapped the large bath towel around her.

Katherine quickly dried off and walked into the large walk in closet that was a woman’s dream. The lightly stained pine that held soft velour on the bottom of the drawers for her lingerie was a pretty penny, but so worth it. She sat down on the high back settee and continued to lotion up her body. Across from her was a vanity mirror and she looked at her naked body. Taking in the smooth contours of it and wondering if it looked thirty-five years old.

She ran a hand over her flat stomach as she stood up. Toned legs, arms, average breast. Average-sized woman at that. She had an athletic body with enough softness to be considered feminine. Waving her hand flippantly, she proceeded to get dressed. Why was she worried all of a sudden how she looked?

Katherine slipped on the silk kimono style wrap shirt then a pair of cuffed shorts and heeled sandals. She let her hair out, the relaxed tresses she’d curled the night before fell in a curly mass on her head. Katherine applied her make up and switched purses before looking in the mirror.

"I must be having a mid-life crisis if I am dressing like a hootchie." she whispered. Waving her hand in frustration she left the house to meet Mina.

xxxxxxxx

"You look amazing, Kat." Mina hugged and kissed her when she got to the mall. They walked to their favorite department store. "You’re glowing, positively glowing." she teased.

"It’s my birthday; I’m supposed to look like I’m the best thing since sliced bread." Katherine told her. They both laughed.

"You need to stop. You look gorgeous, baby. I don’t see why you keep playing it down." she shook her head and they went toward the purses. "So, tonight I gathered Carla and Dasha to get you out and you some bootay." she pointed out. Katherine cut her eyes at her and shook her head.

"I don’t need bootay, but I do need a night out."

"Yeah, and I need this baby I’m carrying." Mina muttered.

"You need what?" Katherine breathed out as her head scanned her friend up and down. "When and why didn’t you tell me this earlier?" Mina covered her mouth and her eyes enlarged.

"Shit! Did I say that?" Katherine nodded. "I didn’t mean to say that." Katherine took in deep gulps of air, and then gave her a smile.

"I noticed, but why didn’t you tell me?" she gave her a hug and squeezed. Katherine was happy for her but she’d have to watch this woman carry a child and give birth so that she could be the god mother instead of the mother. Her and her husband had a child already, but Kevin’s son came with him and he already had a mother. Katherine released her and Mina let her shoulders slump.

"I’m sorry, girl, this is your day, not mine. So can we commence in the shopping and then getting you to Cream tonight."

"Cream!? No you are not taking me to some damn club named "Cream"." she bellowed. "Mina, I am telling you, it sounds like something from a porn flick."

"And how would you know about that?" Mina placed her hand on her hip and Katherine began laughing. "Thought so." They decided to call a truce and got on with the spending of money. Afterwards, she headed to her grandmothers then stopped at home to change for dinner and fun with her friends.

Cream wasn’t anything like what she thought it would be when they entered the ritzy club. The cream colored sofa’s and plush chairs sat off against the walls as nicely dressed men and women, young and old, danced on the wood dance floor to a live band. The music was at a nice level and the drinks were served in glasses not plastic cups. It should have been given a different name, but she guessed in the world of advertising, it was something that made people want to come and see what it was about. The semi-lighting and strobe lights played off of the stark whiteness of the furniture.

Katherine was surprised to see her friend, Dasha, a tall chocolate Caribbean woman they’d met when she’d first started her business. She was a corporate lawyer. Her long beautiful silky ebony hair flowed over her shoulders in waves. Dasha was curvaceous and her accent was what drew men to her. Not only that, she was beautiful. Her round face, small almond shaped eyes and tiny broad nose was unique and her personality only added to it. They all settled with their drinks in an enclosed area of the room. Each of them bouncing in their seats as their drinks sat on the table in front of them.

"I’m thoroughly impressed." Katherine noted. Her gaze surveyed the people that were continuing to gather in the club.

"Chica, how you feeling? You need to get out there. All these hot men are looking at you." she pointed with her drink at the two gentlemen that stood surveying them. Mina, Dasha, and Carla smiled.

"Oh, I am not about to go ask them for their name and number?"

"No, you don’t have to." Dasha commented. "They goin’ to do it for you." she took a deep gulp of her drink and sat it down.

The two good looking brothers came over. One with a nice low cut, broad features, small eyes and muscular tone body underneath his burgundy silk shirt. He was well dressed and she liked what she saw. She couldn’t help but be flattered and smile. The other one was chocolate and the same body type, except he was several inches taller than his friend. His oval face with straight nose, big brown eyes, immaculate goatee, and shaved head. They both looked to be in their mid-thirties also.

"Hello ladies." Chocolate bar whispered to them. His voice deep and watery. Dasha and Carla sighed openly causing Katherine to look at them, wondering whose birthday was whose.

They all greeted them as they asked could they join. Joshua was the bald one and Kyle was the red shirt one. Both were corporate hounds. She knew it meant long hours, barely anytime with the women they chose to be with. Case in point, they loved their job and would remain bachelors til their penis fell off from lack of use or over use. Kyle asked her to dance and she readily accepted with the urging of friends. Joshua offered Carla a dance and they both followed. Dasha got them some more drinks as the women went off.

xxxxxxx

Derek grinned as he watched Darryn eyeballing the couple on the dance floor. He wondered what the hell his problem was. After coming from his trip that evening, he’d been quiet. He’d had to urge him to come to Cream with him. It was a nice spot, diverse, and he met nice women here that understood his career. They weren’t looking for commitments, just a good time like him. He sipped his beer and glanced back at the black couple dancing. She’d thrown back her head and laughed at something he said. She was gorgeous, plain beautiful. He understood why he was staring, but obviously she was taken.

"What’s up with you?" he tapped Darryn’s shoulder. Darryn looked at him like he was seeing him for the first time.

"Huh?"

"I’m asking what’s up with you. You know the chick or something?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah, that’s my boss. I didn’t take her for the club type." he whispered. Hell he didn’t take her for anything, he guessed. She looked positively beautiful, but perfect in the man’s arms. What the hell was he thinking, not only was the guy black, but he was her age. He was just out of college and barely wiping the snot off his nose. Disappointment filled his chest as he felt all hope fade at the sight of her.

"Oh, really? I take it you like her huh?" Darryn glanced at him brother and blushed.

"Yeah, she’s cool." he whispered, taking a deep drink of his beer. He waited for the bitter liquid to take effect. Dull his senses or something. The slow song ended and they walked off the dance floor. Her dress flowed beautifully over her body; the light peach color looked amazing against her complexion. Strappy heels and her hair hung over her shoulders. Jewelry on her slender wrists. He watched as the man offered to dance with the woman beside her and she accepted. It was just her and another woman who were talking and laughing. She looked so relaxed. Why wasn’t she that way at work? Darryn really wanted to know this woman. This particular one.

"Why don’t you just go ask her to dance?" Derek mumbled. "It’s obvious you’re not going to stop staring at her." he teased.

"Shut up! I can’t." he turned at the bar and leaned over it, twirling his beer bottle.

"Why not?" Derek asked.

"You see her!" he cried. "Look at her!" he raised his eyebrows. Derek began laughing.

"I see her just fine. She’s beautiful. So are all her friends. Do you ever notice how they all seem to hang together? It’s like they all know their gorgeous, but don’t give a damn, which makes them even hotter." he began mumbling to himself. Darryn rolled his eyes at his brother. "Go over there and at least acknowledge that you see her. Come on, where’s your balls? They haven’t descended yet?" he chuckled. Darryn shook his head. "Go on, please, so you can stop fuming!"

"Alright. Just…Just to say hi, though." he said with less conviction that what he was feeling.

Derek watched as he walked toward the two ladies. He noticed the shocked expression on her face, the quick look of hope and then she steeled herself like she was trying to play down her feelings. She liked him. Derek almost laughed. His brother had nabbed an older woman and a damn hot one at that. Leave it to Darryn to do it with a bang.

Darryn smiled nervously down at Katherine's face. Its upturned look almost made him stop talking. She was absolutely breathtaking at that moment. Her lips full and inviting. Her dark eyes bright and skin was soft looking. He itched to touch it, caress it, and put his mouth on it...

"Darryn! This is a surprise. Who are you here with?" she asked. Her voice slightly excited and she must have had a few drinks since her eyes were very bright and open.

"My brother." he pointed over to Derek. She looked over at him and waved. Derek waved kindly back and then she turned to him.

"This is my friend Mina, Dasha just went to dance with Kyle and Carla, you met her earlier, remember?" he nodded. "She’s somewhere wearing poor Joshua out." She laughed.

"Oh, hello." he shook Mina’s hand gently. "So, you seem to be having a great time." he decided to ask. Not wanting to leave, but not wanting to look desperate.

"Yes, my friends decided to take me out." she explained.

"Oh, are you celebrating?" he looked at Mina and smiled.

"Yes," Mina started. "Her birthday!" she watched as Katherine shifted uncomfortably.

"Really? I didn’t know, Ms. Townsend. Happy Birthday." Katherine thanked him. Yes, it was her birthday and all that reminded her was the fact that she was a full decade older than the man standing before her. Dressed casually in slacks and pull over V-neck Henley long sleeved shirt. It stretched over his cut chest and his slacks hung gently on his narrow waist. She jumped when his hand touched hers.
"What?" she whispered.

"Dance, can I dance with the birthday girl." he grinned. The wide smile she’d seen that first day made her suck in her breath. She looked at Mina who shrugged and waved her on.

"Oh, alright. Okay." She let him lead her to the dance floor his warm hand firmly clasped hers. The once upbeat song seemed to know they were on there and it soon turned to a slower tune. She looked up at Darryn and gave him a timid smile. Clearing her throat she allowed him to wrap his arm around her waist and take her other hand in his. She curved her arm under his as her hand splayed across his shoulder blade.

The body heat generated alone by the closeness of it, made her heart continue to skip beats. It‘s constant thud filled her chest. She didn’t know why she wore the thin material as she knew her body was reacting to the closeness. He smelled wonderful and she could feel his breath as his head bent down near her face.

"So do I get to ask how old you are?" he grinned. Katherine suppressed a moan as his breath lightly brushed the soft hairs of her face and into her ear.

"No, didn’t your mother teach you never to ask a lady that?" Darryn chuckled.

"Yes, but I don’t listen to her." he shrugged and turned her easily around on the dance floor. "So what did you do today?" he asked. She told him without even missing a beat. Forgetting that he was Darryn Forbes, her employee, her twenty-five year old employee at that.

"I wish I had of known."

"Oh, please. I usually don’t do anything. Pete sends me flowers and I splurge on something. It’s not a big deal." she told him, although she was pleased that he wanted to help celebrate with her. She took a deep breath, not knowing how to calm her body down or get used to being so close to him. She chanced a look up at him only to be eye level with is lips, the singular thought of them touching hers was foremost in her mind and she quickly looked away. What the hell was going on with her?

"Still. Maybe next time, huh?" Katherine nodded her head. "So how is your weekend so far?" he continued.

"It’s great."

Darryn sensed that she would continue to give him one to two word answers. He wanted her to open up, but he wouldn’t be able to do it here. The feel of her breasts pressed against his chest was making it hard for him to concentrate on keeping his body in check, much less his mind. He didn’t want her to feel how he reacted to her. The song ended to his chagrin and he pulled away slowly, keeping contact with her. He bowed playfully and kissed her hand lightly.

"Thank you." he smiled and Katherine gave a small laugh as she placed her hand over her heart, feeling it trying to make a desperate escape.

He led her back to her chair, where the rest of her friends were. She introduced them and watched him as he retreated back by his brother’s side. Katherine took a dainty sip of her drink and looked at her friends over the glass. They eyed her and she gave them an uncomfortable smile. Carla giggled and shook her head.

"I told you, chica. You keep on."

"He’s fine too!" Dasha stated. "Kind of wet behind the ears, but hell, I’ll do him." she noted. They all broke out in laughter. Katherine glanced over at him only to see him staring at her. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Was it hot in here or was it just her?

Pete and Katherine sat in his office Monday morning a half hour before the day officially started. They went over their schedules, meetings, and the two proposals for the upcoming week. The week would be busy and Katherine was secretly happy since she’d spent the remainder of her weekend thinking of Darryn and how he’d had her reacting to him. Even the thought of the memory he inspired made her shift in her seat and become heated.

"So, Kat, how do you want to do this?" Pete glanced at her quickly.

"I don’t mind going. I know you and Annette could use the extra time together. I’m flexible." she noted. Pete looked visibly relieved. Katherine gave him an encouraging smile. "Don’t worry, wasn’t this the reason we took on the new hire?" she noted. Pete nodded and grinned at her. Katherine patted his hand and stood up. She glanced at her watch and gathered the folders scattered across his desk.

"Thanks, love." he told her and stood along with her escorting her to the door. "Take Darryn and Simone with you." he continued. "Darryn could use the experience and Simone would be able to draw on the spot." Katherine hadn’t expected that suggestion. She would have chosen someone else, but Pete was correct. Darryn could use the experience. She said a quick goodbye and headed to her own office, her heart beating a mile a minute.

Darryn with her for two days? No, it wasn’t like they were going to be alone. Simone would be there and besides it was business. They would have separate rooms. She never gave off signs that she was remotely interested in him. She shook her head at her paranoia. Darryn was young and she was anything but. He probably wasn’t even thinking twice about her. There were many young women around here in the workplace as well as outside. He most likely had a girlfriend, also. Katherine shook her head in disbelief that she would think so much of herself. The man was handsome, had so much sex appeal and he didn’t care, but she was sure he never wanted for the attention. Taking a deep breathe she let it out slowly, she called her secretary to get a hold of the two and let them know they were going to be meeting after lunch today.

xxxxxxx

Darryn practically ran into his room and began packing. The thought of spending two days with Katherine was just too damn lucky. He couldn’t have planned it better. It was a business trip, but he could do so much during it. He had to plan accordingly if he wanted Katherine to notice him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Derek asked as he looked around his brother’s room. Clothes were strewn across the full-sized bed and his armoire was open as he threw things in a suitcase.

"Business trip tomorrow." he muttered.

"Okay, but how long are you going for?" Derek raised an eyebrow. "A few weeks."

"No." he looked at the bed and rubbed his head. "Too much. I mean, we could go out or something, you never know. I can’t just bring suits." Darryn looked at his brother.

"Look, Dar, you need to slow down. Who are you trying to impress, Ms. Older Lady?"

"Hey, she’s not old, and maybe." he told his brother quickly. "It’s only for two days."

"Look, I’m sure she likes you already, but its business, I doubt she’s going to hop in bed with you as soon as curl your little finger." Derek shook his head.

"I’m not expecting her too." Darryn cried, his ire rising at how his brother could make light of it. "And, I’m working on getting her to notice me." he noted.

"Darryn, I love you like a brother." he thought about that statement and chuckled. "But, she’s what? Eight or ten years older, I’m sure she isn’t even thinking about you romantically."

Derek folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the door. He saw the look on his brother’s face and wanted to laugh. In a way he felt sorry for him, but he was young and every woman he looked at would be a potential hard on and love interest. He didn’t know why he was so focused on this one though. Granted she was ridiculously hot and even he could see himself chasing after her, but Darryn was not someone he knew she would go for and he’d just get his feelings hurt. He didn’t want to see that.

"Derek, I like her, a lot. She’s more than her age, and if I get to know her and she gets to know me, who knows." he shrugged. "I just have to make her realize that."

"Well obviously you’re not going to give it up." Darryn looked at him and grinned. "I don’t see why you want her. She’s looking for marriage and kids, probably, Darryn. Not wiping the milk off your mouth." he shook his head.n

Darryn growled and closed his eyes. He counted to ten and decided to ignore his brother’s comment before repacking his suitcase.

xxxxxx

The plane ride was quiet and he was no where near her. She was five seats in front of him and Simone was on the other side of the plane. Darryn felt put out and he sat back and thought what Derek had been telling him. Maybe he was right, but Darryn was hard pressed not to try. He couldn’t stop thinking about her or wanting to be in her presence. It was something he never felt before that was getting to him. After he’d come from the club that evening, it was a feeling of contentment that had come over him. Like he was where he belonged. With her. Darryn ground his teeth and wished he could focus on something else or someone else for that matter.

Katherine checked them into the hotel in Florida. She gave them their keys and told them that they’d be meeting with the clients for dinner that evening, so they’ll meet in the lobby an hour before. Darryn and Simone left their separate ways as did Katherine. She was surprised to find Darryn in front of her when she kept on to her room. Not even thinking that he’d be on the same floor as hers or even his room nearby. He looked over at her and opened it, then went in. Her heart leapt in her throat at the look. She went into her own room two doors down and hurried to shower and change.

Two hours later she sat at the bar, not knowing what to do with herself. Life hadn’t prepared her for her attraction to Darryn. She was sure it was something in passing. Taking a sip of her drink, she began writing on the pad some ideas for their clients.

"What can I get for you?" she heard the bartender say near her. She didn’t bother to look up, although she recognized his cologne. How was that possible, she had no idea?

"Uh, ginger ale that’s all." his deep voice told him. "Thanks."

Katherine continued writing, until she looked over at Darryn, a soft smile on her lips. Darryn did the same, but didn’t say anything. She turned back toward her writing and willed her heart to slow down. Her palms were getting sweaty and the pencil was slipping.

"Um, I have a few ideas, Ms. Townsend, if you don’t mind talking about them now." he suggested. She looked at him and nodded. He gave her a quick run down of what he was thinking of offering the clients, until Simone came up with them. They finished their drinks and then left in a limo to the dinner.

xxxxxxxx

Katherine, Darryn, and Simone were seated in the round table with their clients. Chez Marin and Pat Choleir were both expanding their boutiques to a New York venue. Marnier’s was a well known clothing store, catering to upscale clientele in the South and California. They needed New York advertisers for their new store that was opening in the city.

They sat side by side. Katherine in between Darryn and Chez, a Hispanic middle aged man. He was soft spoken and she could see the look in his eyes that he was very interested. Darryn watched the play by play between the two and all he saw was red. He was losing it, and as crazy as it sounded to him, he didn’t know why the sight of some other man near her was making him feel like this. She wasn’t even his girlfriend, nor was she even remotely interested in becoming it. He just couldn’t help the fact that this woman did things to him and made him feel things he’d never thought possible.

"So, Darryn and I thought of some great slogans, for your target audience. Simone will put together some ideas. We will do billboards, maybe. Magazine coverage. Commercials are always great during a specific time. Are you looking for a young audience or middle age? The clothing looks well made and great quality." she noted. Chez, his dark curly hair and deep set brown eyes smiled at Katherine.

"I bought something for you." His accent not to heavy but it was just enough to make his deep voice sexy. "And of course, Simone there also. I think if you wore the clothing, you would look fabulous and maybe I can take you out later, show you around?" he asked. Katherine laughed a soft sound.

"Uhm, of course, Mr. Marin. Do you do men’s clothing yet?"

"Pat does the men’s clothing line." He looked at Pat, who was a blonde haired, gray eyed statuesque man. He was enchanted with Simone; her dark hair pulled to the side in a ponytail and softened her deep caramel complexion. She had a set of hazel eyes that bought out the features in her soft round face. Pat seemed taken with her, he looked at Darryn and grinned.

"Yes, I bought a nice linen set for the young man, eh?" his own accent was much heavier than Chez’s. The restaurant waiter came over and took their plates and sat the dessert and coffee down. "We will all go out onto my yacht? Yes? There we will talk more and set up a time to come to New York. I like the ideas so far." he stated.

"Good." Katherine began. "Wearing the clothes will make it easier." she said.

Darryn had remained quiet through the exchange. Stewing than adding to the light conversation. He cut into his dessert and sipped the coffee until they finally left back to the hotel. The bags the owners gave them filled with clothes. Simone’s excited voice as she chattered with Katherine.

"You look bored, Darryn." Simone noted a soft smile on her pretty face. Darryn grunted. He chanced a look at Katherine, who waited.

"Well, I was just thinking, that’s all." he covered. "So, um, I think their clothing is more geared toward women like you, Katherine." She blinked at the statement.

"Oh, well, they seem nice enough for Simone to attract also." she told him softly, not showing how the comment hurt. She didn't think he meant it and it just put her in her place when it came to it.

"Yes, the colors would definitely attract someone Simone’s age. But it would be more "classy" on a woman of your age and stature. Like, I wouldn’t buy my mother these, because she’s more into the pale colors and rarely shows enough skin. Simone’s age group would want to show more skin and come out of it looking more sexy, then classy. Women in your age range are more in between. Just enough to be sexy, but enough to hold on to the class. It’s a happy medium and when you think about the price and money…" he left it open.

Simone shrugged seeing that it did make sense, while Katherine was offended. She didn’t show it, but even though he was right, it still made her feel old. Darryn watched her and saw the play of emotions on her face. He’d pissed her off, but it was the truth. He didn’t mean to, but he’d been pissed off also. He was jealous he realized. Jealous that she’d found Chez charming and attractive, yet she wouldn’t give him the time of day because he was barely off his mother’s tit, as Derek stated.

They came to the hotel, where they went to their prospective rooms and changed for the evening. Darryn’s breath caught at the dress Chez and Pat had given her to wear. The hot pink, yellows, and bright green silk flowed flawlessly over her body. Gathering at her hip and making a slanted cut stopping at her leg and showing a nice amount of leg. Her feet were encased in one strap sandals and her hair was out again. He put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat.

"You look beautiful." he whispered, trying to sound casual.

"Thanks. It does look "classy"." she noted.

"I’m sorry; I didn't mean to come off like…"

"I know, Darryn." she gave him a warm smile. "It’s okay, I agree. I’m anxious to see Simone though; maybe you were right about that also. By the way, the linen suit looks amazing on you. They make some very nice clothes, huh?" Darryn beamed at the compliment and nodded. The soft beige color was comfortable in the warm night air. Simone looked just as pretty in her peach strapless. It gathered in the middle of her bosom and flowed down the front with fabric. Stopping just at her knees.

"How do you like it?" Katherine asked. Simone shrugged.

"It’s nice for a cocktail party. The color goes perfect with my skin and I had some white sandals to go with it. Darryn you look so hot! I know you notice the ladies eyeballing you." she teased. Darryn blushed and opened the lobby door for the women. The rest of the night they enjoyed themselves on the yacht. A few other friends and business members joined them and Darryn watched in agitation as Katherine became a magnet for everyone of the men on board. Chez, especially.

"Calm down now laddie." Darryn jumped when he saw Sebastian. His dark brown hair and brown eyes twinkled at him as he watched Katherine with Chez. Her mouth curled upwards in laughter as he touched her gently on her hand. Sebastian was a shoe and purse designer and had already given Katherine and Simone some merchandise. He'd watched her try on the shoes and quickly found himself becoming a shoe fetish man.

"What? I’m calm." Darryn growled. "What’s he got that I don’t?"

"Um, years, son, years of being a player." he offered. Darryn sucked his teeth. "You want her?" he whispered toward him. Darryn looked out toward the water that was a dark. The night was slightly humid, but on the water watching the city from the yacht it was cool and he had to admit, Pat had made a wonderful suit just perfect to wear on a night like this.

"Am I that transparent?"

"No, but when you’re looking like you can kill Chez for just breathing, then yes." he chuckled. "She’s young at heart, but she’s ready to settle down, start a family." he noted. "Chez isn’t so you don’t have anything to worry about. Do you want her?" he asked again. This time his voice held a note in it. It made Darryn still suddenly because he honestly did want her. He’d wanted her from the moment he’d laid eyes on her. "I take that silence as a yes, then." he murmured. Darryn looked at him like he lost his mind. "Let me tell you this. If you’re serious, she’ll give it to you. Her heart that is, her love, her soul. But you have to make it worth her while to give it. And once she does, you'll never be able to live without it. So I hope you're serious." he walked away at that last statement.

Darryn looked at Katherine a soft smile on her lips and then her eyes found his for a quick moment before gliding over toward Simone. He didn’t see her look back at him as he walked away to look out toward the sea.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Are you bored?" she asked again. This time it was Katherine not Simone. He smelled her perfume along with the salty sea air. His body instantly becoming aroused by it.

"No, just thinking."

"That’s what you said last time." she looked over at him. "We will meet with them tomorrow afternoon and fly out Friday morning." she told him.

"Do you ever not talk about business, Ms. Townsend?" he gave her a lopsided grin as he watched her mouth open and close.

"Yes, but this is a business party…"

"No, it was a party for them to charm the pants off you and Simone." he noted, feeling the jealousy come over him again. He looked at her quickly and then backed off. "They are party people. They probably do this every night." he chuckled.

"You know a lot about that, huh?" she twisted her mouth.

"Hmmm, yes, I do. Not a frat boy, if that is what you’re thinking." he looked at her and could see that it was. Although he did have fun in college, it wasn’t the end all and be all of his existence.

"Sorry, I guess."

"Yeah, anyway, I grew up with these types of parties. Yacht, balls, galas, whatever you want to call them. These are much more fun, I guess. Get a bunch of lonely older men, hot women, and champagne. It’s more fun than business. They’ll wake up tomorrow afternoon go over the business with us, then do it again while were getting ready to leave the next day." he shrugged.

"Hmm." Katherine sipped her champagne. "It’s not good to be such a cynic at a young age, Darryn." she smiled up at him.

"I’m not. I’m realistic." his tone was to the point and she felt put in her place somewhat. "Well, looks like their headed back to the shore." he stood up straighter and left her standing there. Katherine looked after him and headed back toward Simone and Pat who were looking like they were very intimate at the moment. She smiled and decided to watch the city as they made their way back to shore.

Derek glanced at Darryn every now and then as they sat across from one another. Derek on the leather sofa with his work strewn out on the coffee table and Darryn looking up at the ceiling as he lay in the leather recliner. He tapped his pencil against the paper and sat up.

"You want a beer?" he asked. Darryn didn’t look at him, just grunted. He went to the refrigerator and came back, handing him the cold bottle. "What’s your issue, man?" he asked, taking a quick sip of his drink. Darryn blew out a raspberry. "Is it your boss?" Darryn looked at him. "Look, here is a real easy way, without her catching on to you?" He started.

"Derek, I’m trying not to get fired here."

"Yeah, so why go after her?" he asked, sitting forward. "You have her information?"

"Um, she gives everyone her home, cell, email, and other stuff." He shrugged.

"Find out where she goes after work, or during the weekend. Pop-up or something. Ask her out to coffee. Come on, Darryn, treat her like you would any other chick!" he began.

"Yes, but I don’t think she’s interested."

"Who cares, I’ve never seen you back down from anything. Do something please! I am so sick of looking at you hesitating like a bitch!" Darryn chuckled and finished off his beer, before leaving Derek to do his work.

xxxxxxx

Katherine did a double take as she sat in the coffee shop a week later. She always stopped here on her lunch break if she wasn’t doing a business meeting. They had great food along with the iced green tea she enjoyed. She thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw Darryn ordering also. He collected his food and found her. A big smile gracing his handsome features. Katherine smiled back and willed her excitement at seeing him to die down.

"Hey, Ms. Townsend, may I join you?" he asked, looking at the empty seat that was in front of her. She nodded and picked up her paper as he sat down.

"Can you please stop calling me Ms. Townsend?" she started. "Kat or Katherine." Darryn grinned. "I’ve never seen you here before…" she stopped feeling silly that she was asking him why he was in a public place.

"I’ve never been here before, thought I’d try it." he bit into his sandwich and chewed. The day was pretty nice out, the mid-March weather wasn’t as cold as it usually was. It was actually warm, and plenty of people were passing along the busy street. Darryn looked back at her and she averted her eyes. He was practically jumping out of his skin that he’d finally figured out a plan of action. He’d just have to be careful and make her comfortable enough to let her guard down.

"So what are you doing this weekend?" he asked, hoping it came off casually.

"Uhm, my friend Mina, she’s pregnant, so we are going baby shopping." she gave him a small smile, letting herself relax. "How about you?"

"I’m headed to Virginia." he told her. Her interest piqued.

"Really, you grew up there, huh, how was that?"

"I told you on our business trip." he smiled. "But, my mother, she kept Derek and I grounded. Not the typical rich kids." he continued. Darryn asked her about starting the advertising company and their conversation took on a life of its own. He watched her relax and actually talk. Darryn could listen to her all day. The ringing of her cell phone had them both realizing they were going to be late getting back.

"Oh my goodness! We have a meeting in twenty minutes, Darryn!" she stood up and opened the phone. "I’m on my way, Pete. Sorry, hun." she picked up her purse and paper.

"You need a ride?"

"Oh, you bought your car? I usually walk." Darryn dumped their trash and opened the coffee shop door for her. "Thanks." Darryn led her to his car and made the quick trek back to work. When he got to his office he slam dunked a pretend basket. Giddy with how well he’d pulled off the perfect date, without it being an actual date. Now, all he needed to do was maneuver an afternoon with her without her noticing.

Katherine shook her head at her absentmindedness. How could she forget about the meeting? Gabbing it up with Darryn. She was losing her mind, and quickly. Frankly, she’d enjoyed their conversation and was disappointed it had to end. It even had her wondering what a full day would be like with him. What did he like to do? Where would he go? Her thoughts took a turn to the point that Pete snapped his fingers in front of her face.

"What?" she asked.

"I’m about to ask you the same thing." he chuckled. "You zoned out on me for a minute there."

"Oh, I did. I’m sorry. I was just thinking."

"Yeah, about what or should I say whom?" he smiled. She blushed and turned her head. "Mmmhhmm, well come on let’s finish." He glanced at Katherine then back at the task at hand.

xxxxxx

"So how did the first day go with Mission Ms. Boss Lady?" Derek asked when Darryn sat down in front of the big screen. He had been happy all day and nothing could have taken it away from him. He’d accomplished something that he was sure the payback would be triple of what he was putting in to it.

"It worked like a charm." he smiled. Derek let out a sigh.

"So, now what?"

"A date, like a full day."

"Not yet, Darryn, maybe in a few weeks, but not yet. Keep doing the "run in’s" he suggested. "At least when you ask her for a date, she won’t mind or notice. Or you can always go with the pretense of work."

"No, we pretty much are on schedule if not ahead." he noted.

"Well, good luck, but can I ask you something?" he asked. Darryn looked at him. "If you get her and you start something, what are you going to do? Yes, the chase is fun and it’s an adrenaline rush. What happens when you got her?" he raised an eyebrow. "She looks ready for a family, Darryn, not a play date." he noted, again.

"I know."

"Oh, so you…so you’ve thought that far."

"Derek, I don’t know what it is." he sighed. "I just know that she excites me, she makes me want to just be near her. I love the way she makes me feel when she looks at me. And I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a woman as much as I want her. I don’t think this is going away. I’ve been trying to talk myself out of it for months now. Each day I fall back into the same thing. If it’s meant to be I’ll know, but if not, I don’t even want to think about it." he huffed as fear gripped him. The thought of being unable to be with Katherine never crossed his mind. Derek watched the play of emotions on his face and shook his head. He got up and went to bed letting his brother wonder about his feelings for a woman who was in grade school already when he was born.

xxxxxxx

Katherine and Mina stopped in the baby store and immediately went to the little girl’s aisle. Katherine picked up a dress, with lace trim and gathered short sleeves.

"Oh, this is so cute!" she said in a baby voice. Mina laughed.

"I’m not even far enough along to know what the sex is and you have girl clothes picked out!" she waved her hand, going over to the racks herself.

"I can’t help it, I want one!" she cried.

"I know you do, but you need a man first, girl." Katherine twisted her mouth and placed the dress back on the rack.

"Don’t remind me." she told her softly.

"Sorry, what happened to your employee that couldn’t keep his eyes off you at Cream a few weeks ago?"

"It’s not like that, Mina." she followed the woman through the store, looking around, fingering the soft fabrics. A longing in her heart gripping her. She was on the verge of tears wondering if she'll ever get that too.

"Look, honey, you are not getting any younger…"

"I know this." Katherine breathed in frustration.

"As I was saying, stop being picky. The man likes you and you have crossed him off your list because he’s younger than you. As many women running around here with these young men. Shoot, you don’t have to worry about the bedroom, stamina, or Viagra."

"Is that all you see them as!" she laughed out loud. "You didn’t say anything about, liking the same things, going to places that we’d both enjoy, dealing with not only our difference in race, but age difference also. His family not accepting me as a potential "wife" material." she stopped at the thought.

"Damn, you’ve been thinking about this haven’t you?" Mina looked at her with a wicked grin on her face. Katherine growled and walked away. Mina following as she laughed behind her. "I’m kidding, Kat. Come on, honey. I love you!" she called after her. Katherine looked over her shoulder.

"You have no sense, girl. Come on so we can look at maternity clothes." they threaded their arms through each others and walked to the next store.

xxxxxxx

Katherine stopped at her grandmother’s house later that evening. Her mother’s vehicle and an unknown car sat out front and she wrinkled her brow wondering who was visiting. Trying to go through the mental list of family and friends and coming up empty she parked on the side of the street.

Her grandmother’s one level house sat on a beautiful neighborhood that remained quiet and crime free to this day. It was diverse and the light blue and white house boasted a beautiful green front yard, stone walkway, and floral bed that edged the front area. Potted plants as she walked up the brick steps and headed inside the open door so she could let the air circulate in the house. Her grandmother was a round woman, soft pecan skin, hazel eyes, and deep dimples that made her cuter than anything. Her mother was the spitting image of her, except slender and tall.

Katherine walked in and looked around; she heard her grandmother and mother’s laughter along with a deep baritone voice. She didn’t recognize it as her father’s or brothers. Curiosity spurred her on as she headed down the short hall to the open family room. She eyed the tall, dark man that sat on the sofa beside her mother. They all looked up at her and her mother’s big smile brightened as she stood and walked over to her.

"Kat, I didn’t know you were coming. Nana didn’t say you were stopping by." she pulled her further in the room. Katherine continuing to look at the man, who was now standing up also. He was a good six foot three and thin. His long face, full lips, and dark eyes smiled at her, yet were apprehensive. His short wavy hair with gray sprinkled though out it was full and he wore an earring in his left ear.

"Um, I didn’t know I needed to call before I came over." she said sarcastically. Her mother’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered. Katherine stepped forward. "Hello, I’m Katherine." she let his big hand engulf hers. Its gentle shake made her instantly like him.

"Marvin. Marvin Gordin."

"Mr. Gordin, pleased to meet you." she let his hand go and sat down. Looking at everyone.

"Uhm, Kat, uh, Marvin here is my friend." her mother piped in. Katherine nodded.

"I’m going to check on dinner, Katrina." her grandmother told her mother.

"Alright, Mama. Kat?" she began. Katherine watched Marvin take her mother’s hand in support.

"Wow!" she began. "Wow! So, um, obviously Mr. Gordin is more than a friend. Why haven’t we met before now?"

"Because, I met him in Hawaii." her mother began. "Um, he lives there, he’s visiting me." she whispered. Katherine’s eyebrows rose. "Yes, honey, he asked me to marry him and I said yes." she said quickly.

"Whoa. You just met him a month ago Mom!" she cried.

"Sometimes baby that’s all it takes. We’ve corresponded since then and I missed him once I got home. Kat, he makes me so happy, honey." she looked over at Marvin who smiled at her mother. Katherine couldn’t believe this. What the hell was wrong with her? Why was she alone and childless, and her mother and Mina got what she wanted. She wanted to scream in frustration.

"You look happy." she said quietly instead, reeling in her emotions. "Congratulations." Her mother jumped up and gave her a hug. Marvin gave a deep chuckle and breathed out in relief. "I can’t wait to get to know you better, Mr. Gordin." she told him.

"Well, you can start by just calling me Marvin, please." Katherine laughed and nodded. Her grandmother walked in a moment later and told them the food was ready.

Katherine went to his bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. She ran a hand over her hair and patted her cheeks. Trying to see if she missed something, but she couldn’t see it. Maybe Mina was right. She should keep herself open, but not Darryn. No, Darryn was too young and he wasn’t at age were he was thinking of babies and marriage. He was having fun, partying, and sowing his oats. They weren’t on the same wave length. So he wouldn’t be a thought. She would marry someone who wanted what she did, but blue eyes and dark hair seemed to be embedded in her brain as that someone. Katherine opened the door and headed into the dining room where her mother and future stepfather awaited.

Darryn finished his last reps on the machine after an hour work out he had to meet Derek later, but that was a while from then. He liked this gym, although he’d joined when he found out Katherine also went to it, he’d found himself coming in every other day for the past couple of weeks. He hadn’t thought to come in when she would or that he’d run into her. It was early afternoon Sunday and he didn’t expect to see her at all this weekend.

As he rounded the many machines and began walking toward the men’s restrooms, he spotted a dark figure on one of the many treadmills. She was walking briskly, her sports bra hugged her small chest and tight biker shorts enclosed over her thighs as they flexed. His mouth watered and an instantaneous hard on ensued as he watched her. Her body was amazing and looked like that of a woman his age. Then again he had no women her age to compare it to, but he hadn’t expected her to render him speechless with it. He suddenly had a vision of her underneath him and the exotic look it would make.

Darryn turned his head to the side and watched as the sweat drizzled in rivulets down her chest and the sheen of it on her abdomen. He had to catch the groan that threatened to make its way out of his throat. He then realized this was the perfect opportunity for him to spend the day with her. Darryn went through everything that was open on a Sunday that would be fun, yet give him a platonic friendly feel; although he was impatient, he had to be careful not to make it seem romantic. At least not yet. Darryn made his way to the treadmill as she began her warm down. Katherine glanced his way and her surprise did not go unnoticed.

"Darryn?!" she quickly recovered and gave him a warm smile.

"Hi, I didn’t expect to run into you here. I’ve been here for a while and this is the first time I’ve seen you." he wanted to tell her she looked great, but decided against it.

"Small world, huh? Are you done?" she asked as she slowed down some more.

"Yes, just finished actually. I was headed to the showers when I saw you, thought I’d say hi."

"Oh, thank you" she gave him her gorgeous smile and Darryn’s heart did a flip flop in the middle of his chest.

‘Um, what are you doing after this?" he asked, surprised he could form a coherent thought.

"Home, read, go over some paperwork, cook, and relax. Not necessarily in that order." they both laughed.

"Would you feel okay hanging out with me then? Your day sounds like mines." he asked. He’d have to cancel with Derek, but he didn’t care. He wasn’t passing this up.

Katherine looked at him and tried to see an ulterior motive, but his face was sincere. She quietly kicked herself for the umpteenth time. Why did she always feel suspicious of the man? He wasn’t and couldn’t be remotely interested in her. Why she’d give into her thoughts she’ll never understand?

"Sounds good." she found herself saying. "I’ll meet you out front?"

"Cool, I mean, great." he blushed at how kiddish he sounded. Darryn made a quick retreat to the men’s showers as casually as possible, trying to contain his excitement. He dialed Derek as soon as he got to his locker.

"Hey, um, not gonna make it, date with Kat." he said quickly.

"Okkkaayayy."

"Met her at the gym, she agreed to hang out."

"What at the arcade!?" Derek chuckled.

"Shut up!"

"Just kidding, alright, where are you going to take her."

"I don’t know, but I’m hoping I won’t see you until well after dinner."

"Oh, you’re shooting pretty high there, brother."

"No, no…look, I’ll see you later, bye." Darryn rolled his eyes and shut the phone. He showered and dressed. Combing his wet hair, he looked at himself. Jeans and polo shirt. He felt underdressed but realized it was a silly thought.

He waited patiently for Katherine at the entrance. She walked up shortly; her hair braided back and looked refreshed. She had on no make up and she still managed to look beautiful. Her v-neck tee hugged her torso and denim jeans made him smile in appreciation. She smelled like fresh baked cookies too. Darryn led her to the car putting their gym bags in the back seat. He was beginning to like the way she looked in his car. Visions of road trips played in his head.

"I figured we’d do something relaxing, how about that?" he asked.

"Yes. It’s funny I hadn’t planned on coming today." she said as he drove through the lightly cluttered streets.

"Well, I’m glad you did; now I won’t be so bored the rest of the day."

"I would have thought you’d be occupied." she tried.

"Nah, besides my brother and work, I don’t do much anymore." he told her, turning the radio on. He found a light station with a diverse line up.

"You’re young Darryn, I’d expect you to be doing things that young people do." Darryn laughed and Katherine felt like she was judging him.

"And what’s that?" he asked. Katherine gave him small smile, feeling ridiculous.

"I have no idea."

"What do you old ladies do?" he grinned. Katherine waved her hand and laughed openly.

"Alright, sorry for that. So where are we going?"

"How relaxing is golf?" he smiled.

"Golf? Yes that is the most laid back activity I know." Fifteen minutes later they stopped at the Miniature Golf course and Darryn got them clubs and balls. They played for a good twenty minutes, laughing before he asked her about her weekend.

"Depressing!" she laughed. Darryn looked at her and waited for her to explain. He went to put the ball after she was done.

"So it wasn’t a good one then?" he asked, concentrating.

"Yes, it was. It just had a depressing quality about it. You know when everyone else is doing something and your not. You tend to ask, why not me?" she covered her feelings with a laugh. Darryn heard it and watched her.

"Explain, because I cannot see you depressed over something someone else has." he gave her a soft smile. Katherine laughed and they walked to the next hole.

"My mother’s getting married." she muttered.

"Really? You don’t sound too excited about that." he slowed their trek so that she’d be free to talk.

"Yes, I am. Don’t get me wrong." Katherine raised her hand in defense. "She’s supposed to be planning my wedding though, not the other way around." she complained. "Besides, she just met him like not even a month ago." Darryn chuckled, as she continued. "How can you know you love someone in that short amount of time?" she asked.

Darryn almost stopped in the mid-stride as she went ahead of him and set her ball down. She didn’t see the awestruck look on Darryn’s face at her comment. He blinked and felt his chest constrict tightly. He was in love with her, how freaking fantastic. He groaned. Perfect, but did he want what she wanted, because it was obvious Derek and Sebastian were right. She was ready for marriage and children. Being in love with her meant he had to want that also.

"Darryn?" she looked at him curiously. Darryn licked his lips at the sound of his name on hers and how soft her face was. "Your turn." she told him. He nodded, he was to in awe to speak and wasn’t sure if he had the right words to do so if he did. Darryn cleared his throat and putted.

"So what else, because you said it like that wasn’t the only thing that got you down?" Katherine let out a grunt.

"Mina, my preggers friend, we went shopping. I didn’t know how hard it was going to be or make me sad to shop for something as simple as baby clothes!" she twisted her mouth. "Oh, look at me, I’m sorry. I’m standing here whining like a kid. How was your trip home?" Darryn looked back at her. He putted and watched as the ball went in the easy course, then they both moved on.

"Dad was at work as usual. Mom seemed to be more exuberant than the last time I was there. Pretty boring. I drive more than I stay and visit." he chuckled. "At least Derek came down with me this time. He just wound up calling on his old buddies and doing what he does best."

"How old is he?"

"Twenty-nine." he noted.

"Did you two switch roles or something?" she laughed. Darryn understood what she was saying. It was like they did. Derek was responsible, work orientated; he just was reveling in his bachelorhood.

"I guess you can say that." he looked at his watch and since they’d finished the course he felt it would be perfect timing to get a quick bite to eat. "Can I talk you in to a quick dinner? I’m starving and after the gym…" he left the question open. Katherine picked up her ball and they both began walking back toward the desk.

"Yes, I’m right with you." she said happily. The last thing on her mind was Darryn’s easy request. She was having too much fun to even think about why he was choosing to spend the day with her. Katherine found herself easily slipping into conversation with him without a thought. Neither questioning why the feeling of contentment that seemed to stay over her as the day wore on. Darryn took them to a casual restaurant, where dress code was not a problem, and the food was simple. They sat waiting for their orders munching on complimentary chips and salsa.

"So what else do you do with your free time?" she asked.

"Well, if I’m not at home playing computer games, I have a natural affinity towards online poker games. Bad addiction to have." Katherine giggled at his serious face he put on for her. "I’m just happy money isn’t involved." she laughed harder. "I'm either at my hometime or relaxing at home. How about you?"

"I’m such a girliee girl. If it’s not shopping, it’s going to museums. I love photography."

"You take pictures?" he asked, impressed. Katherine nodded. "Wow, I would have never thought you’d be into that."

"Yeah, it’s just a hobby." she covered, suddenly feeling shy, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

"You have to show me sometime. I mean, you have a portfolio, right?" he continued. She nodded, excited that he was interested. The waitress came then and gave them their food. Both of them stopped talking and began eating. "Oh, man, I didn’t realize how hungry I was. I think this is the best fajita’s I’ve eaten." Darryn murmured. Katherine’s mouth was full so she just nodded.

He took the opportunity to watch her every now and then when she was looking away. He really wished she’d let him in. They were good together and he wanted her to see that. There really was no reason why they couldn’t be together, but he knew him being young was the problem. Her references didn’t go unnoticed; he felt put out on one hand, but he also understood. He might feel the same way if he was in the same situation. Although a lot of older men like women younger then them to make them feel like they are recapturing their youth. Darryn didn’t think he’d want that. He wanted something real. Granted he hadn’t expected his attraction to Katherine, at all. He was surprised by it actually, but it was what it was. He couldn’t stop wondering what they could be if given the chance. He concentrated on his plate and decided that maybe he should let her know, but afraid also.

"Are you ready to go, I’ll drop you off at home." he offered after he’d settled the bill.

"Yes, early day tomorrow and meetings to line up. I have some work to go over also."

"I thought that was the reason to go out today?" he grinned at her, opening up the car door once they got outside.

"I know." she shrugged. "Maybe I’ll be to tired, but normally, I’m just still revved up to go to bed." Darryn’s only thought was if he was there, she would be too tired. He’d be too tired also. A vision of him and her with intertwined limbs popped in his head. Yeah, they’d both be too tired to do anything but go to sleep. With her direction, he dropped her off at her house, nice two story brick home, with high bushes near the doors and beautiful green front yard. Two statues on either side of the gate of the walkway.

"Beautiful, I imagined you in a condo or something." he whispered. Katherine gave him a soft laugh as she took her bag out the back seat.

"Thanks. I loved it when I saw it. The trees and the back yard have a nice pool that I use when it’s too much to go to the gym." Darryn nodded.

"You want me to walk you to your door?" he asked.

Katherine suddenly felt like she’d just been on a date and her smile almost faltered. She searched for face for any indication that this was more than two people spending the day together. She had a wonderful time with him, and it made her not only self conscious, but confused also. All of her denial couldn’t take away the fact that Darryn had obliterated her reasons for not giving into her attraction to him. He hadn’t tried anything, yet the pull was getting stronger and stronger.

"Um, no, thanks."

"Alright, I’ll wait right here then until you get inside." Katherine nodded and opened the door.

"Thank you, Darryn, I really had fun today. It was unexpected, but I did enjoy it." she told him he just gave her a soft smile and she seemed to wait for something else. He watched her make a decision and tell him goodnight before closing the car door.

Katherine thought he’d drive off, but he did as he said. He waited until she’d opened the door and went inside before waving at her and driving off. She’d just spent over four hours with him and not one of them did she feel like she was spending it with a co-worker or friend at that. Katherine brushed her thoughts and feelings aside and started her bath.

xxxxxxxxxx

Darryn let himself into the Condo, and was surprised to hear mewling noises from Derek’s room. He rolled his eyes at his brothers escapades. He did need to find his own place. There was no way he could deal with Derek’s one night stands or weekend orgy’s. He worked all week and played the rest of the time. He bought condoms by the case, while Darryn couldn’t even count when the last time he’d had sex was. Not that he’d had time, ever since he began obsessing about Katherine he’d only wanted to make love to her. He shut his room door, relishing in the silence. The only good thing about the condo was that it was sound proof as long as the door was closed. He chuckled. It was like living in the dorms in college all over again. He undressed and lay on his bed staring at the ceiling, it wasn’t long before Derek knocked on the door and flung himself on the bed.

"I thought you were occupied." Darryn chuckled.

"Oh, she left." he ran a hand over his wet hair. "No biggie." he shrugged.

"You are such a whore." Darryn tried to kick him off his bed. His bare foot connecting to his shoulder. "Ugh, why do they keep coming?" Derek laughed.

"Because, I’m a big time lawyer, I look hot, and I’m good. Word gets around."

"Your dick is going to fall off." Darryn laughed. "Then we’ll see about when that gets around." he crossed his ankle over his upraised knee. His hands cradling his head.

"How was your "date"?" Derek asked.

"It was actually great. I couldn’t have planned it better."

"Yeah, obviously, since she went for it." Derek shook his head. "I thought she was smarter than that."

"She is. I learned a lot about her and vice versa. I also think she’s scared because she’s older. She kept mentioning my age, like I’m supposed to be this frat boy." he let out a deep exasperated breath.

"Well, keep at it brother." he stood up and yawned. "I’m beat. See you tomorrow." he scratched his chest and closed Darryn’s door behind him.

Katherine held the phone to her ear as she waited for Mina to pick up on the other end. The week had gone by with business as usual. She hadn’t thought much of Darryn and their Sunday together, although it would pop up once in awhile when she wasn’t busy, or when she heard his deep voice. When Mina’s voicemail picked up she left a quick message and hung up the phone. A knock on her door and her quick reply as Darryn stepped in caught her attention. She smiled at him, her heart jumping in excitement. She had the intense urge to wrap her arms around his neck and jump on him. Like she hadn’t seen him a few hours ago. It was ridiculous.

"What can I do for you, Darryn?" she asked, pointing to the chair. He walked slowly to it, his smile faltered for a moment and his blue eyes looked apprehensive, but at the same time determined. She felt the temperature go up in the room as he placed his long body in the leather chair. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

Katherine watched the suit stretch over his muscular frame. The expensive fabric that made him even more GQ. Frat boy he was not, handsome man he was. She felt her breath catch in her throat and her lips parted slightly in anticipation of whatever he had to tell her.

Darryn had made a decision when he woke up Monday morning for work. He was in love with Katherine. The woman was talking to him in a way no other woman had. She talked to his mind, his body, and his soul. He didn’t think it was just a crush at his admiration of her intellect. She turned him on, literally. He didn’t want anything else or anyone else, for that matter, but her. He’d went home that day, feeling put out that although she’d had a good time Sunday, and even when he’d sat down at lunch with her, it didn’t change her view of him. He wanted her to know that he liked her, was attracted to her, and wanted her to take a chance. He knew he was putting himself out there, and possibly creating a situation that would be awkward for both of them. Would it be sexual harassment by telling her how he felt, he didn’t think so. He hoped not, and he may haven’t had many relationships, but he read her right. She felt the attraction. He knew she felt it, had to. This wasn’t a one way street.

"Did I tell you how nice it was to spend the day with you Sunday?" he started. Looking at her intently. Katherine jumped, not expecting the statement, but all the same she averted her eyes so he wouldn’t see how it affected her. "Yeah, I did. Actually, I’d been hoping for a long time to get a chance to spend time with you, Katherine." he confessed.

"Darryn..." she began.

"No, don’t say anything. I’m not sure if I should keep this to myself, but I got a feeling I’m not alone in this. Am I right?" Katherine twisted her mouth. She was ready to lie to him, but she didn’t have a chance. "I like you, Katherine. I mean, I have done nothing but think of ways to tell you that. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, you moved me." Katherine stood up abruptly, and Darryn thought maybe he’d gone too far. She let out a laugh.

"It’s okay, um, Darryn, I’m flattered. Really." she glanced quickly at him, but couldn’t look him in the eyes. He made her knees weak and she leaned back needing to get away from the look she saw in them. The look that told her that he could give her everything she wanted if she’d just leave her doubts and judgments at the door. "But, it’s just an infatuation. You may think you like me, or want me, but really. Come on." she looked outside her window. Placing her thumb in her mouth, she gave a small laugh.

"Katherine, don’t down play my feelings." he whispered.

"Darryn, I’m not, I’m just saying." she turned toward him. "You’re young and have your whole life ahead of you. You can’t possibly…" she looked down and tried to laugh the uncomfortable feeling she had going through her.

"Is that what you think of me?" his face was a mask of quiet fury.

Katherine looked over at him, her face flushing at the look of anger on his. She felt her heart beat furiously. Swallowing hard she watched as he stood up in one fluid movement and began walking toward her. She felt the need to step back, but she couldn’t move and wasn‘t sure if she should back away or fall into him.

"Darryn" she whispered. Hoping her voice didn’t give away the fact he unsettled her.

"Katherine" he repeated back to her. "Or would you prefer I call you Ms. Townsend, again? I mean, after all, I’m just a "kid", "Little boy", a young man that doesn’t know anything. Especially when it comes to life or his own feelings. Ms. Townsend, the fact that I haven’t been on this earth as long as you have does not make me any less mature than the next twenty-five year old." He’d been quietly closing the distance between them backing her up against her desk by the end of his low speech.

Katherine bumped into the edge of the desk and put her palms out behind her to steady herself. Darryn’s voice was deep and underneath the anger, she sensed something else. Something that made her body go on high alert, the quiver of something deep inside her as she tried to keep from trembling visibly. She opened her mouth to say something, to tell him she was sorry, but she was too mesmerized at the dark storm that had begun in his eyes. This Darryn was so much different than the Darryn from the Sunday. Yet, she’d seen him look the same way on their business trip. A dark desire hidden beneath that blue when he’d look at her. How could she have dismissed something that had been obviously there for a very long time. She regretted instantly the words she'd said prior. She wanted to snatch them back and tell him, "yes", she felt what he did. She was just scared to take that leap as he was doing. Her chest moved up and down as beads of sweat began popping over he skin.

"Let me tell you something, Ms. Townsend..." he continued. Darryn's hand came up and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her flush against his hard chest. Katherine gasped and tried hard not to shiver, close her eyes, and moan at how good he felt. He smelled amazing and she could feel her silk underwear being soaked, literally. Her mouth went dry knowing what was about to come next. His face was mere millimeters from hers and his lips were wide and waiting to just become flush with hers.

The kiss was not smooth, or gentle. It was about control and power. Darryn sucked her into it, using his tongue to tantalize and stroke her mouth. He felt her moan in his and he ground his hips against hers, letting her feel the fact that every inch of him could take what he wanted because she wanted the same thing also. He felt her long arms wrap around his neck and bury her fingers in his hair. An intense desire shot through him at the touch of her slender fingers. The kiss changed from rough to sensual and hungry. Lightening the pressure as he drank in the taste and warmth of her mouth. It was a taste that made him want to go on a discovery tour of the rest of her body to see if she tasted as good as she smelled and looked. Darryn was seconds away from putting her on the desk and making love to her. Instead he held her tightly and desperately tried to control the onslaught of feelings that was rushing over him. Her lips were soft, her tongue warm, and her taste sweet. He softened some more, just enough to illicit another moan and feel her tremble in his arms before he reluctantly pulled away. His body aroused and waiting for what was supposed to come next. He inhaled deeply, licking his lips slowly. Darryn stepped back and looked in her passion filled brown eyes. The realization that he’d gotten her to reveal what she really wanted made her brown face flush and satisfied him that he was right all along, he didn‘t smile and he didn‘t throw it in her face. He just finished his sentence.

"I’m very much a full grown man." he finished huskily. His voice holding every want and need into it before making himself turn and walk out of her office.

Katherine let out a cry and rush of breath at the sound of her door closing behind him. Her fingers came up over her mouth; her lips swollen and her body lit with a fire invoked by this person, this man that she’d tried for the past few weeks, months to keep at arms length. It was insanity, but right now, it was very much real. She had no idea what the hell to do, because now that she’d tasted some of him, she wanted more than anything to have the rest. Katherine didn't know how to fix this. How to tell him that she was sorry. That she'd never wanted something so bad as what he was offering at that moment. That she was frightened he'd change his mind and she'd be left to begin again. Her heart squeezed at how close she was and turning it away was breaking it into pieces. Katherine still felt he hardness of him against her body. The thickness and length made her squeeze her thighs tightly. The feel of that wide mouth and lips, his tongue as it expertly moved over hers. He may be young, but she was sure Darryn knew what he was doing when it came to the opposite sex. This couldn't be passed off as just sexual desire, it was something more than that. Sex would be hot and passionate, but this went deeper and she knew if they had sex, she'd loose herself completely and fall. Hard.

xxxxxxx

Darryn ran his hand over his face as he shut his office door behind him and plopped down in his chair. He was going to be fired. Yes, he might as well get his shit together and pack up. You do not kiss the boss or practically make love to her on her desk just because you felt insulted. You do not do shit like that. Darryn groaned out loud and leaned his head back.

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" he whispered harshly. But it felt good. She felt good. Hell, he’d wanted to kiss her for awhile now, probably since the first day he’d seen her. It was mind blowing and she melted like chocolate in his arms. She gave as well as he did. Darryn shifted in his chair, he still was sporting a soft hard on from the after effects. Needing to get his mind off if he had a job tomorrow or not, he began concentrating on work.

Darryn was so immersed in work he hadn’t realized how late it was. Hurrying up he scrambled to get his things and picked up his box also. He’d go ahead and packed his stuff anyway. Shutting the door behind him, he shuffled the box and started toward the exit when she came out her office. Darryn felt the heat engulf his body. He felt her gaze like a branding iron. It was a branding iron. He knew how much he wanted her and the kiss made him very aware of the fact that he had deeper feelings for her than he‘d ever felt for one woman. Darryn began walking toward her and stopped when she turned around to face him.

"What’s with the box?" she asked her voice soft and quiet. He looked down at her and took a deep breathe.

"Just in case." he told her his face giving away no part of his feelings. She lifted an eyebrow and waited for him to elaborate. "If you decided I went to far earlier." he finished. He watched in agony as her tongue flicked over her bottom lip. The taste of her still lingered on his mouth.

"Oh."

"Can I give you a ride home?" he asked, before she could say anything. Katherine swallowed. A ride home. What did that mean? She went through a series of equations about that simple question, all of them ending at him naked and her underneath him naked.

"You know, Darryn, you’re fabulous. You’re one of the best that we’ve had in a long time, a true talent. I’m not stupid to let someone else scoop you up. Yes, you can take me home, after you put the box back in your office." she watched as he gave her a quick nod and turned to do as told. He came out quickly his walk confident and sexy. Taking her briefcase from her, he escorted her out of the building.

xxxxxxxxx

Katherine sunk in the leather seat, liking the closeness and the smell that surrounded her. He was comforting. She’d found out how relaxed she was around him in the time that they’d spent together. That when it came down to it, they did have things in common. Things that were different, but they valued family, thier jobs, they loved going out and staying in when the wanted. There was a list she could recite and none of it had to do with Darryn being younger and her being older.

"Did you eat?" his voice broke her thoughts and the silence of the car.

"No." she replied. He didn’t answer back and didn’t ask her anything else.

Darryn maneuvered the vehicle through the streets easily, before stopping at an upscale restaurant. He handed his keys to the valet and opened her door, waiting for her to get out. She looked up at him, almost waiting for him to explain himself. He didn’t. They were seated quickly, to her surprise. She knew The Romanian required reservations, and all he did was smile at the hostess and she led them to an empty table.

"This is amazing, how did you do that!?" she asked as soon as they were seated. He spoke quickly to the waiter and looked back at her. A twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

"I’m not exactly what you think, Ms. Townsend." he began. She didn’t miss the use of formalities. It felt like he’d slapped her, but at the same time put her at arms length himself.

"I’m sorry, Darryn." she said. Not caring that it had nothing to do with the conversation. He looked at her. "I…" she took a deep breathe. "I guess I was trying to use your age as an excuse." she whispered. "T-To not allow myself to feel attracted to you." Darryn wanted to smile, but he kept his face stoic.

"Apology accepted." he just said.

"Please, call me Kat. I don’t want you to place me in a file." she gave him a small smile and Darryn felt his heart skip at it.

"What are you having?" he just asked her.

Katherine looked at the menu and told him. They ordered and sipped the wine. Dinner was quiet and Katherine glanced at him every now and then, wondering had she just ruined any chance at all of happiness because she wasn‘t looking at the person. They finished up and he paid for their meal. Katherine was on the verge of tears at being placed in his file of "no can do’s". She would do the same thing; she’d played down his feelings of being childish and had not taken him serious at all. They stood quietly waiting for the car and when it came around, he opened the door for her.

The ride to her house was just as silent as the dinner. The soft music played in the background. Darryn could feel her eyes on him during the evening. He was trying not to let his emotions show. It was hard with the smell of her and the fact that he wanted to talk to her like they did not to long ago. He wanted that relaxed feeling of being with her. When he came to her house he shut the car off and sat back. His head bent down before taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"I’m sorry, Darryn." she started. "I really am. I don’t want you mad at me."

"Katherine, I understand your doubts. I’m not totally dense, but can you blame me. When you look at me, all you see is a number." he said, his head still down, before he looked out the front of the window. "That isn’t how I look at you. When I see you, I see a beautiful woman. I describe you as being intelligent, artistic, and independent. I can keep going on and on, but not one of them is in reference that you’re older than me." he finished. "You don’t know me at all, because you never took the time to get to know me, Darryn, all you knew was Darryn, the twenty-five year old kid that you hired right out of college." he huffed.

He looked at her and saw her body slumped over, her head down as her eyes blinked quickly. He wanted to kiss her and hold her in his arms, but he knew that it was impossible, he was still hurt and she still hadn’t accepted him as a potential man that she could build her life with.

Darryn tightened his jaw and got out the car. Walking to her side he opened her door before he went into the back seat and collected her briefcase. He looked out at the street, noticing the nice houses that surrounded him. All of them two level or three level homes. Impeccable yards, nice cars in the driveways. He was sure there were children on the street also. It was a nice place to raise a family.

Darryn closed the door and hers as he followed up the walkway. He waited until she’d opened the door and handed her the briefcase. His hand in his pocket. Katherine quietly took it from him, her warm fingers grazing his and he fought the urge to pull her into his arms and finish what they’d started at work earlier.

"Good night." he whispered and turned to leave.

Katherine stood in the door and watched as he climbed back in his car. Shutting the door she let the briefcase fall to the floor. Undressing and thinking how much she deserved to be alone. She deserved Darryn’s anger, because he was right. She dialed her friends phone number noting it was only about eight o’clock Mina picked up.

"Hey, I got your message but I’ve been too laid up to call back. What’s going on?"

"I screwed up, big time." she whispered. Mina cleared her throat.

"Alright, do you want me to come over?" she asked.

"No, I just want you to tell me what to do." she cried out. Wiping her face as the tears slid down her face. "I think I'm in love with him and I don’t know what to do." she sniffled, trying to stop the tears, but they continued. Her heart breaking because she hurt the one person that only wanted her to love him as much as he loved her.

"Kat." Mina’s soft voice filtered through the headset. "I’ll be there in a minute, hun." she hung up before Katherine could say no.

xxxxxx

Darryn was surprised to not see his brother in the condo when he made it back. He was glad though since he wasn’t in the mood to have "I told you so’s" in his face. He wanted to go back over there, but he couldn’t. Pride being one of the reasons, but not knowing if it changed anything. He’d gone out on a limb and although the result was bittersweet, he wouldn’t do it again. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and headed upstairs. Undressing he showered and laid on is bed trying to forget the ache in his chest.

Mina bought the two mugs of hot tea out of Katherine’s kitchen. She sat them down on the island that was centered in it and had two bar style stools at the edge of it. Placing the container of sugar and milk nearby, they fixed their cups quietly. Mina looked at the swollen eyes of her friend and shook her head. She knew she liked that man!

"So tell me what happened." she started. Katherine took a deep breath and gave her a big smile, before she laughed lightly.

"I saw him…him at the gym Sunday."

"I know, you told me. I thought you said it was just friendly." she noted.

"Yes, it was, but it was more than that. I mean, it felt like a date. You know...we had fun, talked, and laughed. I even told him about my hobby." Mina chuckled at her. "I know I’m crazy." Katherine took a sip of her tea. She’d since showered and was wrapped in her red terry robe. Her hair in a haphazard ponytail. She looked like she had lost her best friend, instead of just being called out by a man she felt deeply for.

"So you enjoyed it, Kat. What’s wrong with that? You’re supposed to have fun with a man."

"I know, but he came in today and started saying how he liked it too. How I made him feel and that he liked me. That he wanted to…to…I don’t know, Mina. I just totally told him it was puppy love, admiration, a crush. Down played his feelings and basically laughed at him." she sniffed. "I hurt him just because I couldn’t deal with the fact he was so young." Mina understood why she was upset, and she couldn’t blame Darryn if he just gave up.

"Kat, that’s not you. Why would you dismiss him like that?" she wrinkled her brow.

"I know…I know." she whispered. "He was ready to quit because he kissed me, but he was angry when he did it." Mina was shocked, but she kept it to herself. "Anyway, he dropped me off and basically cussed me out. I feel so stupid. I was sitting there telling him how jealous I was of you having a baby and Mommy getting married, while I was still waiting for Mr. Right. Feeling that I didn’t have a chance to get those for myself."

"Kat!"

"Don’t even say it, I’m ridiculous. I want all of this, yet the one person who "might" want to do that with me I tell him no because I think he can’t possibly understand or want that also."

"I would think you’d have more to worry about than his age, Kat, remember?"

"I know." she said softly. Katherine hugged the mug, letting the heat warm her hands.

"Why are you making this harder than it is?" Mina began. "I mean, when you take away his age, his color, his money, what do you have left?" she asked.

Leaving the question unanswered, she knew Mina was right, and so was Darryn. Being with him should make her feel alive. The fact that she’d turned his head at her age, but she always got cat calls and men of all ages trying to run a game on her. She never took it seriously and for some reason, she knew that Darryn was serious. He wasn’t playing, this wasn’t a game, and he wanted her. The fact was it also left her vulnerable. When he decided to go after some one younger and that could keep up with him. When the novelty of being with an older woman wore off.

"I don’t want to be traded in when I’m no longer any good." she whispered.

Mina looked at her surprised and instantly understood Katherine’s fear. She could take that chance, but his age came with just as many "what ifs" as his color did. Race didn’t seem to factor in as deeply as this did though. You couldn’t help the opinions of people, nor family and friends. You live for yourself, but that didn’t mean the words and gestures from others, even strangers, didn’t hurt less.

Katherine saw Mina out an hour later and headed to bed. She called Pete and told him she was taking a personal day tomorrow, but had her secretary direct her phone calls home. He’d asked was she okay and the first thought to answer was no, but she said yes.

xxxxxxx

Katherine hadn’t even changed out of her satin pajamas. She’d spent the day going over her five year plan. The plan she’d written down when she was twenty five, like Darryn. When she started her business and figured she had all the time in the world to do what she wanted. However she wanted. When she wanted. She jumped at the sound of the doorbell. Her bare feet were quiet against the wood floors as she went through the large living room area. Surprise etched on her face as she looked at the huge bouquet of bright flowers in front of her. She gasped and felt her heart dip at who was holding them. He held a brown paper bag which smelled like food to her and a bottle of red wine under his arm.

"I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I thought I’d fix you dinner." he whispered. "May I come in?" he asked. Darryn had noticed her door closed the at work that morning. He asked Pete where she was and he grew worried that he’d upset her last night. Maybe he’d overreacted, but he knew he was right on several points. He wasn’t sure if it changed anything between them or not by him doing so. In the end, he just wanted her to keep an open mind. He had left work early, since he hadn’t been able to focus as he normally would. Although he had decided to leave it alone, he was worried he'd went to far.

Katherine was speechless and her nerves left her jittery. She stepped aside for him to pass through. She directed him through the living room to a short hall to his left before the large opening of the kitchen came into view. A small bistro table sat over by the sliding glass door that led to a large back yard he noticed. He sat the bag on the center island as she bent down to get a vase. Her movements were fluid and he watched the light shimmer of the deep blue fabric against her. The oversized pajama’s outlining her body contours. Katherine took the bouquet from him, glancing at him quickly.

"Thank you." she whispered. "What…what did you get?" she asked, clearing her throat.

"Italian." he took the covered dishes out of the bag while she got plates and wine glasses. Setting the small table, while he shrugged out of his suit jacket and rolled up his dress shirt sleeves.

"Why’d you stay home?" he began when they’d settled in their seats. He poured them both a glass of the wine before sitting it down.

"I-I just needed a personal day." she rubbed her forehead closing her eyes and then opening them to see him looking at her curiously. "Thinking. I was working on my plan." she admitted.

"Plan?" he watched and waited as he ate.

"Five year plan I made when I was your age." Darryn wanted to roll his eyes. He’d been here ten minutes and already his age was brought up. He steeled himself though and pressed his lips together to keep his retort back.

"I started my business then, remember." he nodded. "So, I figured I’d make this five year plan. In five years, I’d be thirty, my business would be flourishing enough for me to settle down and have a family." she licked her lips and looked out toward her back yard. Darryn following her gaze before letting it land on the curve of her jaw and swan like neck. She turned back and gave him a small smile. "Five years passed then six, then eight. Now it’s ten years later."

"So what have you been doing?"

"Working. I forgot about the plan." she laughed. "I found it under some folders in my closet." Darryn grinned. "Can I tell you something?" He nodded. "This is hard for me, Darryn, because I’m afraid not only will you get tired of me and want someone your own age, but that we don’t want the same things. I’m ready to get on with my five year plan that I’d forgotten about. I can’t wait five more years, Darryn. I’ll be forty years old and…"

"Stop, Katherine." he cut her off. Darryn looked at her hand resting beside her plate; he took her hand in his. The warmth of his big hand surrounded hers and made a trail of heat up her arm to the center of her chest. He bought it up to his mouth and kissed the back of it.

"I like the way we look together." he said quietly. "The way your skin looks against mine. I thought about that, how my family would take me being with you. I was thinking about race." he gave her a grin. "I don’t think I wondered about if they’d say you’re too old for me. I’ve had your age being whispered in my ear from strangers to my brother." Darryn saw the surprise etched on her face. "Yeah, I’ve wanted to be with you for awhile, like I said. Even when they told me that you were looking for permanent. I knew that already. I’m prepared to give you permanent, because I knew I loved you already. I just want a chance, Katherine. I haven’t wanted another woman, but you. You’ve been the only woman on my mind for the past two months. How do I know that you won’t get tired of my lack of maturity and toss me aside for someone like Chez or Sebastian?"

Katherine was floored when he bought the two older men up. He’d thrown the same misgivings back at her. She had no excuses, because he could have the same worries as she did. They both were taking a risk.

"I never thought about that." she replied. Darryn let his thumb rub the back of her skin, before releasing it.

"We both have fears, Katherine. This is scary for me too, but only because it was so unexpected and you’re supposed to fall in love when you’re older. When you've seen the world, so to speak." he gave her a lopsided grin. "I guess I’m very lucky, because this entire means is that I get to spend more time with you."

He stretched his leg until his shoe curled around her chair leg, his small smile and eyes held hers a moment of mischievousness in them. Katherine jumped when she felt her chair move and gripped the sides of it as he pulled it smoothly in front of his. She almost laughed at his playfulness after such an honest speech he’d just given her. Darryn leaned forward in his chair as he faced her and let his eyes caress her soft feminine features. His hands fingered the soft brushed satin of her pajamas. He wanted her and wanted her now. He watched her chest as it moved up and down. When his long fingers touched the smooth brown skin on her clavicle, it stopped.

"I like to play hockey, in fact I’m on a team that plays during the winter." he started as he continued to edge the buttons on her shirt. "I don’t drink much, nor smoke. I love my job because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I don’t have the best relationship with my father, but that’s the life a judges son I guess." Darryn had unbuttoned two of the opaque buttons; he eyed the skin underneath the blue fabric. His breath catching a little as he felt the heat from her body against his fingers. He continued to tell her about himself. "I told you earlier, but I used to play in a rock band in high school, I was a mean drummer. Haven’t done that in awhile though." he grinned as he undid the last button. She had an outty belly button he smiled inside at the thought, his fingers circled around it. "I’m a major beach bum in the summertime, so we have to go often, because I love to surf. Maybe I’ll teach you. Think you'd like that?" he asked. Katherine didn't answer; she was too enthralled with his deep seductive voice and the soft hands that were trailing along her skin.

Darryn couldn’t wait anymore, he'd waited months with her just a touch away. When his eyes met Katherine’s he only saw passion, desire, and need in their brown depths. He lightly touched his lips to hers, her eyes closing as she reciprocated. A soft sound escaping her throat. Darryn moved his hand in between her shirt, touching the soft skin. He almost came then, the electric charge that went through him at the light touch. He immediately pulled her into a deep kiss that was sending him to a place he’d never been. He wanted to have her wrapped around his body as he made love to her. He felt her hands undoing his own dress shirt and in no time he was out of it and his t-shirt. Katherine moved away and ran her fingers down his lean torso. The soft dark brown hairs that coated his chest were soft and silky. The dark pink nipples hard against her fingers. She could feel his heart beating slowly against her hand and his breath, controlled.

Katherine was prepared to remove her fingers, when he caught them and kissed the tip of the fingers, nibbling the soft pads. Darryn kept his eyes trained on hers, the sensuality of it heightened his need to imbed himself inside of her. He placed her hand on his shoulder and began to remove her top, exposing a soft brown shoulder and breasts where her nipples stood dark and inviting. He couldn’t resist the taste of her skin and kissed his way over the erotic spots of her neck, down the curve of her shoulder, to the peak of her bosom.

"You're beautiful, Katherine." he whispered. "Your skin is soft, and I love the way you smell. It is intoxicating and I just want to taste every inch of you." his breathe brushed the sensitive skin and Darryn watched the goosebumps appear on it and a shiver go through her. Her body responded at his voice, his touch, his everything and it excited him.

Katherine listened to the seductive tone of his deep voice and couldn't help but feel the anticipation that seemed to fall into waves over her. She could hear herself moaning at the feel of his fingers gently skimming over her skin, the teasing of his mouth. The sensations of it stroking her nipple made the heat in her womb spread. Katherine found her head leaning back as she let her fingers run through his hair. He worked one breast and then another. She wanted to tell him no this was too soon, but she wanted him to continue at the same time. He heightened every touch and every kiss with his soft gentle approach.

She heard the unbuckling of his belt and opened her eyes when he removed his mouth from her chest. He pulled her onto his lap so fast, she could only gasp at the speed he’d pulled her pants off along with her underwear, and a groan resounded deep in his chest. His hands palmed the roundness of her behind as he moved her legs over his waist. She captured his lips in hers when he looked at her, his eyes darkening to a blue that almost matched the fabric that lay on the floor. Katherine's hand came up to caress his jaw as their kiss deepened.

"Damn, I want you so bad, I'm about to burst, Kat." he whispered, hoarsely.

"Darryn...?" it was barely a sound that escaped her lungs. The smell of him was permeating her senses. Darryn wanted to taste the essence that he felt on him. The hot, wet heat that embraced his waist. He moved his hand until he felt the wetness on his fingers. Flicking the throbbing bud with his thumb. Her hips moved against it as she trembled.

"Ohhhh...God!" she moaned.

Darryn caught her head with his other hand and pulled her mouth toward his. He was so hard, he was throbbing with need, but he ignored it and inserted his fingers in her velvety sheath. Finding the heat surround his fingers even more erotic. He stroked gently as Katherine's hips moved against him. His thumb continued to caress the bulb until he felt her tightening around him. Darryn kissed her deeply, they were both moaning and breathing hard. Her fingers digging into his shoulders as she tried to get close, allowing him to stroke that spot. His hand was soaking wet by now and he pulled it away to stroke her juices over his penis. Katherine was still feeling his exploring and when he urged her to lift up, she gave no thought to anything around her; her mind was in a haze of sexual desire and need. She lifted up slightly as he leaned back and guided herself on him. Katherine surrounding him was more than he could have hoped for. He could barely contain the urge to let go. His nostrils flared and his teeth clenched as it rushed over him.

"Ahhh...Darryn!" She cried out. The hieghtened awareness and the way he filled her. Thick and hard as steel. He stretched her body, a feeling so delicious she couldn't stop the spasms that racked her insides. Her hips began to move automatically and he watched the soft look of pleasure on her face. Darryn held her hips tightly.

Darryn met each hip roll with a thrust of his own until they found a rhythm that made them forget about everything but what was happening between them at the moment. Each time she came down on him or he thrust upwards, it made him close his eyes and sparks flew behind them. Darryn had no idea sex with a woman you loved, was in love with, would be not only passionate, but moving to the point he didn't want to stop. He wanted it to continue. To be never ending. He was happy they were sitting down, because, the tingling going up and down his legs, shooting from his groin through his chest as he gasped and groaned. His body was being ruled by this women who opened him like no other had ever done. He knew the moment she climaxed as she tightened on his manhood like a vice. Her arms came around his neck as she buried her face in it. She cried out and he felt her body get wetter, the shudder of her body as her orgasm continued to wash over her. He was dangerously close to losing it before, but now, he couldn't hold back any longer. A tidal wave that seemed never ending went over his body and he felt the very essence stream out of him in spurts. His body continued to jerk long after his body emptied. It was pleasure on a level that he wanted to feel again and again.

xxxxxxx

Katherine sat on him as they caught their breath. She felt lightheaded and the feel of him inside her, still hard made her continue to squeeze around him. Noticing how he filled her body. She trembled over him and let out a low moan, her forehead leaned on his shoulder. She looked down where they were still connected and blinked at how erotic the sight was. His hands stroked her back and his lips kissed her neck lightly. She didn’t know what to do next. She was afraid to look at him, yet didn‘t want it to end.

"Katherine?" he whispered, his breath tickling the hairs on her skin. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back the tears. "Katherine?"

"Yes."

"Okay?" she nodded. "What’s wrong?" he said.

"Nothing." she whispered. "I don’t know what to do, Darryn. I’m…I’m not sure what to do next." she told him.

"You don’t have to do anything, baby. Just as long as we are okay." Katherine moved her face, inhaling both of them on his skin. She kissed his throat lightly, before Darryn caught her mouth with his. The kiss ended slowly and he looked into the chocolate color of her eyes. "We are okay, right?" When she nodded, Darryn pulled her away from him and stood them both up. Keeping her legs around him. He held her as he took off his dress pants and shoes. Both of them naked now.

"Where’s your bedroom?" he said hoarsely.

"Upstairs first door on the left." she kissed his jaw. Darryn kissed her back and ran up the stairs with her.

"I have to get going, okay?" he kissed her quickly as he looked around the room for his clothes.

"There down in the kitchen." she grinned at him. Darryn didn’t want to leave, but they’d lain in bed all evening and it was past ten o’clock. He needed to get home and get the work he hadn’t been able to do that day before tomorrow. Katherine watched the flush on his face at her notation of his clothes.

"Oh, yeah." he scratched his head and grinned. "Come on, walk me downstairs. If I come back up, I might never leave." he teased. Wrapping the towel around his waist, he waited for her to get her bathrobe. They’d taken a shower thirty minutes earlier, but didn’t quite finish.

Katherine followed him downstairs and watched as he placed his clothing back over his body. She licked her lips, suddenly feeling shy that she’d had sex with him. In a sense she was thrilled, happy even. She didn’t want the evening to end. Bliss was a touch away. Bliss was standing in front of her and when he walked out the door what would happen next. What did they do? A set of problems seemed to occur just by her thinking about it. Work, the boss and employee. Something needed to be done, because she didn’t want Darryn to get any backlash from the others.

"Katherine?" her eyes cleared and she looked at him. Darryn came forward and rubbed her arms affectionately. "Are we okay, really? I mean, I know it’ll be awkward for a moment, but I don’t want you to back off. I really want to be with you. You believe that right?"

"Yes, I do." she smiled up at him and hugged him. Breathing in the scent of his skin and taking in the warmth. She felt the rush of emotions overcome her and blinked. Feeling his lips brush her forehead, she lifted her head and let them touch her mouth gently.

"Thank you for dinner." Darryn chuckled. "Oh, and dessert. Which I absolutely wouldn’t mind that every night if possible." He kissed her again before letting his eyes roam over her face. She looked so happy and he knew that he’d done the right thing. He’d gone with his instincts and feelings, they’d paid off. Darryn touched her cheek, running his thumb over her bottom lip as he stared into her eyes.

"I’ll see you tomorrow, love." he whispered. "Go to bed." he kissed her once more and Katherine walked him to the door, watching him drive off a moment later. She cleared the plates and left over food. Smelled her flowers, bringing a smile to her lips.

xxxxxx

"How is everything?" Pete asked Katherine the next morning. He looked at her, inspecting her to make sure she was okay. In all of the years that they'd been in business, she'd never taken a personal day unless it was for a family member. She looked alright and he could see a slight air about her. She almost glowed?

"Great, Pete. Thanks. I needed the day off." she inhaled deeply and let it out. Shuffling the papers on her desk, she looked up at him. "I'm sorry, I'm fine really, hun." she gave him a smile and Pete nodded. He had to believe it was true.

"Alright. Well, see you in a few minutes." he closed the door behind him gently.

Katherine sat down at her desk and leaned back. Her body ached a bit, but it was a good one. She'd gone to bed last night and slept like a well loved baby. The feeling that the weight of the world was off of her shoulders. She was free enough to explore a relationship with Darryn without the worries that she'd placed on them. She was still slightly afraid, but he made it better. He made it okay.

The day passed by with both of them too busy to look at each other much less feel uncomfortable with the situation. Darryn decided to seek her out at the end of the day. He had been relaxed, but anxious all day to see if anything changed since the night before. She might have grown a conscious checked his watch and cleared out his office before heading to hers. Knocking quickly he peeked his head in and couldn't help but smile at the sight she made.

"Why are you still here?" he asked, walking further in and shutting the door behind him. Katherine looked up and pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth. She put down her pen and stood, then leaned on her desk.

"I took the day off yesterday, remember. Had to catch up." she watched as he put his hands in his pockets and walked over to one of her plants. He fingered it before looking at her.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"Darryn..."

"What?" he cut her off. He walked over to her and stood so close she could feel the heat of his breath on her face. He kissed her cheek and caught her eyes. "Let me take you to dinner." he finished. Katherine tried to still the beat of her heart and just nodded. "Would you like to come with me to Virginia this weekend?"

"Your parents?" she said her eyes widening. She wasn't sure they were there yet. Darryn noticed and chuckled.

"No, Katherine. I just want us to take a nice trip. Maybe go to Williamsburg or some old town that those tourists like so much. I just want to spend the weekend with you without work getting in the way." he told her. "Okay?" he fingered a piece of hair that had come loose from her bun.

"Okay."

"Are you still fine with this? With us?" he asked. He didn't want to ask, but he wanted to make sure that all they did was move forward. No going backwards.

"Yes. I am." she looked up at him. Darryn smiled and nodded his head. "I'll be ready in a minute." Darryn kissed her softly and then left the office with her looking after him.

Katherine ran a hand over her hair and tried to figure out the ease of which she'd relaxed with him. It almost seemed ridiculous to be that comfortable in such a short amount of time, but the reality was the past couple of months he'd been doing just that. Making her comfortable and relaxed. Now all she had to do was enjoy it.

Katherine wasted no time finishing up and packing her briefcase. Darryn was walking down the hall when she came out her office. He escorted her out the building to his car. She was sure the air seemed warmer and the night air quieter. All that noise in between was gone.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Derek leaned back against the sofa when Darryn came back home two hours later. After dinner with Katherine, he'd dropped her off home and left. Although he wanted to continue the evening he knew that he'd wind up just making love to her. He wanted her to see that it wasn't about sex or getting her into bed. He wanted everything.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Derek's eyebrows raised in question. Darryn checked his face and realized he'd come in with a crazy grin on his face like the cat that ate the canary.

"Nothing." he said quickly, placing his briefcase down. He headed toward his bedroom, hearing Derek's footsteps behind him.

"So how is it with the old lady?" Darryn cut him a look and Derek put his hands up. "Sorry, down boy, down!" he chuckled. "Your boss? What's her name?" he tried.

"Katherine and everything is fine. I actually got her to relax enough to start dating me." Derek nodded.

"Great! I'm glad for you bro. You needed to stop sulking about her and go for it. So, when does she get to meet us?" Darryn looked at him from the corner of his eyes as he pulled his slacks off and folded them neatly.

"You don't." he continued undressing as Derek came over and sat on his bed.

"You are serious about her right?" Darryn nodded. "Then what?"

"You have no experience in this Derek." he laughed. "It doesn't work like that. You can't go from dating to serious in the space of twenty-four hours. I want to actually build something with her. Now, can you get out my room so I can get ready for bed? I'm bushed." he hustled Derek out the door and closed it. After showering, Darryn landed on his bed and called Katherine to wish her goodnight. The phone call lasted two hours.

xxxxxxxxxxx

"So what town did you actually grow up in?" she asked. Looking out the window, as the vast amount of trees passed by her. They had been driving for about four hours and Katherine shook her head that he did this every other weekend or so. She wasn't sure she would do that. A plane seemed so much better.

"Well, it had to be close to D.C. for my father, so my mother settled for Alexandria. It was just enough to be multicultural, right off the Potomac, yet grandiose in other parts so she could have a beautiful house." he grinned.

"You ever think of going back to raise your own family?" she asked.

"Depends. You want to live in Virginia?" he gave her a look that made Katherine twist her mouth. "Stop testing me, babe. Anyway, Derek has lived in New York for years now, and I lived with him for awhile before I came to your agency. I like it where I'm at though. It's like in the middle." Katherine nodded and decided to say no more.

They came to Virginia Beach a few hours later. The trip was long, but they'd left right after work to get there by late evening. Katherine was a bit hesitant, because it was the south, but although the looks of "fascination" were few and far in between, Darryn's comforting hand in hers made her feel better. They checked into a hotel and got situated. The only problem was they didn't go to sleep right away. Darryn held her in his arms and they sat and talked well into the early morning hours.

"Are you asleep, Kat?" he whispered. She was laying on his bare chest, her slender hand over his heart. Darryn picked it up and kissed her fingers. His chest swelled with how much he loved her. He felt her head shift and her mouth touch his skin. "Can we be honest for a minute?" he asked.

"Okay." Katherine was confused, but curious.

"When I first saw you, that first day, all I could think was how beautiful you were. I think I fell right then and there." Katherine smiled.

"Darryn..."

"No, I mean I didn't realize it, until that day when we went golfing. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I know it's too soon for you to know how you feel, but..." Katherine lifted up and stopped him from continuing. Darryn looked at her through the darkness of the room. Her eyes glistening in the low light.

"It's not, too soon, Darryn. I know I love you. I wouldn't have been physical with you unless I trusted you enough to take care of me. I was afraid of that emotional bond." she skimmed her mouth over his lightly. Darryn pursing his to feel the pressure more. "I'm still afraid, but I want it so badly, I can't resist you or what pulls me." Katherine shifted and leaned her chin on his chest. Darryn ran his hands through her hair, loving the way it felt against his fingers. She closed her eyes briefly as he massaged her scalp. "When I imagined falling in love, it wasn't what I thought. I thought maybe it would be this fairytale type thing. The birds singing, the angel playing the harp, a chorus in the background." Darryn chuckled. "I didn't expect you, Darryn. I didn't expect it to happen so fast. My head is still spinning from it."

"I didn't know you felt that way." he whispered. Katherine lifted up and climbed over him. Her face inches from his. Darryn looked at her, his face open and honest. Amazed at what he had finally and couldn't imagine not having it. He settled his hands on her waist, her skin was hot to the touch and sent a sharp blaze through him.

"Me neither, until you cussed me out." she laughed. Darryn chuckled.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"No, I hurt yours. I needed it."

"Do you need something else?" He whispered as his eyes lowered to her lips and scanned the shape of her mouth. He watched as her tongue moved over their fullness and Darryn let out a groan wishing her tongue were someplace else.

"Yeah..." Katherine kissed him softly, her lips trailed a hot erotic blaze over his skin. He groaned at how her mouth covered his nipples and her teeth grazed the tiny nubs. It shot bolts of electricity down to his groin until he was so hard, he would pucture through her clothes.

Darryn's hands grew impatient to touch her and feel the soft mounds that brushed against his bare skin. Katherine pushed his hands away and moved futher down his torso. Her breathe tickled the hairs on his stomach as she licked and kissed a line to the arousal straining against his shorts. He felt her fingers lightly skim along the elastic band and her head came up to look at him. Excitement coursed through him in anticipation. The thought of her beautiful mouth on him in such an intimate act almost made him cum right then. Darryn looked on like a voyeur as he lifted his hips and was rendered naked. Her hands were gently and lightly touched him. Almost like a feather. It was torture and he could hear himself making a deep sound that sounded far away. When he felt the heat of her mouth, wet and velvety, he had to fight not to grab her head. Instead, Darryn bit his lip hard and groaned. He couldn't even keep his eyes trained on her anymore, it was too much. The more she sucked and licked; kissed and pumped, the more he was rendered to a point where control was within an inch of him losing all of it.

"Oh, christ! Kat...you got to stop..." he breathed. He pulled her up, hearing her giggled. "I love your mouth baby." he whispered.

He flipped her over and undressed the little tank top and small bottoms off of her so fast, he was sure he heard them rip. Katherine could hear him murmuring as he took a hold of her breast and sucked hard. He moaned, sending vibrations through her and they landed straight in her center. Darryn lifted her hips until he was aimed at her core and in one smooth thrust encased himself in her body. They came together, hot and fast. Darryn already two degrees from boiling and Katherine needing less time to be stroked. He had to stop mid-way, before he finished before she did and he didn't want to be done yet. They burst together in a mass of flames, their limbs melding into colors that were erotic and beautiful to the eyes of the both.

xxxxxxxxx

Their last evening in Virginia before going back to work was interrupted by the shrill sound of Darryn's cellular. After a picnic dinner on the beach, Katherine and Darryn leisurely lay in the king sized bed of the hotel watching a movie. Finding the weekend an opportunity to solidify the relationship and relaxing within the comfort of the newness. Katherine had been glad she'd come with him. Darryn unfolded himself from around Katherine and flipped open the phone. Derek's number appearing on the screen. He turned to sit on the edge of the bed as Katherine continued to watch the movie.

"Derek?" Darryn took a deep breathe and let it out. Almost irritated that his brother had disturbed the comforting position he'd had.

"Sorry, Dar. I know how much your time with your woman means to you." he teased.

"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Is everything okay?" he asked.

"I don't know." Derek began. "Dad left me a message earlier. He sounded ...well weird. He wouldn't say what was going on and I couldn't reach him on his phone or at the house. Darryn, I think it has something to do with Mom." he finished.

"Mom? She did look a little pale when I visited her couple of months ago, but she said she was fine. Besides, she'd been cool when we visited before." he argued.

"Well, he wants us to come home. Since you are closer, I figured you can find out what's going on until I get out of here." Darryn could hear him moving around the condo. He figured he was packing.

"Alright, no problem." Darryn hung up a moment later and wrinkled his brow. He dialed his parents, but no answer like Derek had received.

"What's wrong?" Katherine looked over her shoulder at him. Darryn glanced her way and shrugged.

"I have no idea, but it doesn't sound good." he stood and stretched. "Sorry, baby. I have to go home."

"Oh, that's okay." She watched as he began putting his clothes on and getting his bags together.

"Look, maybe you should go on back home, Katherine. I can get you a ticket; drop you off at the airport." Darryn mumbled as he began buttoning his shirt, tucking it in his jeans. Katherine twisted her mouth and shook her head.

"No, Darryn. You might have a family emergency. Besides, I don't mind." she stood to gather her own clothing. Darryn reached for her and pulled her against his broad chest, wrapping his arms around her before kissing her cheek.

"Thank you." he whispered. Darryn was more than thankful for her presence and understanding. They finished packing and checked out the hotel. He let Katherine drive while he continued to try and contact his father.

The hospital room’s bland appearance seemed to bring Darryn to reality. He eyed his mother lying quietly against the whiteness of the pillow and sheets. Her pale features reminded him of when he'd seen her months ago and Darryn wanted to kick himself for not asking more questions.

"Mom?" Darryn pulled up a chair beside the bed and grabbed her hand. The blue veins stood out and her skin seemed paper thin. She opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. Taking a deep breathe, before adjusting the tube that was around her nose.

"Darryn. What are you doing here?" she asked softly. Darryn grunted.

"Might I ask the same question?" he teased. Carolyn chuckled and shook her scarf covered head. "Derek called me."

"You were supposed to be with your lady friend."

"I was and we had a great time, now I'm here. Mom..." he began. "Why have you been keeping us in the dark? You and Dad both." he asked. Carolyn hesitated, and then patted his hand that was holding onto hers lightly.

"I didn't want you and your brother to worry, honey. You were so happy and excited about your Katherine. Derek was doing what he loved. I'd done my job and now my babies were flourishing." she finished. Darryn felt his heart drop into his gut. He didn't want to deal with this right now. This morning he had no worries, now he could just feel his world starting to fall apart.

"Darryn." his mother called to him. Darryn blinked a few times.

"I feel so dumb." he whispered. "I knew something was wrong and ...and...I was so wrapped up in chasing after..."

"Shhh, stop it!" she chastised. "Now, I've had time to get used to it. I know...I know." she grinned. "You and Derek haven't and maybe that was a bit selfish of me, but I just wanted you two to be happy. Now, did you bring your Katherine?" she grinned. Darryn blushed and nodded, slightly. "Good. Tell her to come in. I want to meet the woman that had my youngest running in circles every time I saw him." she laughed.

"Good grief, Mom. Don't tell her that? She already thinks I'm too young to handle a relationship." he smiled. He kissed her quickly and headed out the door to see Katherine waiting with a magazine spread across her lap. She looked up as he approached. Darryn felt his heart quicken with how much he loved her. He was so happy she insisted on coming with him.

"How is she?" she asked, standing up. Darryn rocked on his heels for a moment, and then shook his head. "I'm so sorry, Darryn." Katherine gave him a hug that he returned.

"Thanks. Um, she's putting on a brave front though. Anyway, she wants to meet you. Do you want to come in? I mean, this isn't' exactly how I pictured me introducing you to my parents." he smirked. Katherine laughing with him.

"Oh, you thought that far huh?" she teased. Darryn raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, probably further but, yes. Are you okay with that?"

"Sure, I'd love to meet you Mom." Darryn threaded his fingers through hers and led her to the room.

Katherine noticed the light squeeze he gave her and her heart went out to him. She knew that he was trying hard to keep it together. Katherine didn't know what she'd be like if her own mother, or grandmother at that, were in this position. She'd need someone beside her--being that they were the only family she had. Darryn opened the door for her and Katherine suddenly felt nervous.

Carolyn turned her head to see the woman and her son's worried expression on his face. She couldn't say she wasn't surprised and it was unexpected, but she knew Darryn was in love. That was more important than who he was in love with. She taught them to go with their hearts and look at individuals, hoping to give them a more rounded upbringing instead of one of privilege. She held out her hand for Katherine to shake which she took gently.

"Katherine?" she whispered. Katherine nodded saying a soft hello. Carolyn patted her hand gently and glanced at Darryn who stood relieved and pleased by the interaction.

"Darryn get her a chair, honey." Darryn urged Katherine to sit in the chair he'd been in earlier, while he got another. Carolyn smiled widely at how he handled the young woman, just like a gentleman. "Wow, Darryn, honey. Can't say you don't have good taste." she teased. Darryn blushed as he rolled his eyes.

"Mom!" he warned as Katherine giggled. Knowing what was coming next; Darryn sat beside Katherine and hung his head.

"What?" She feigned innocence. "So, Ms. Katherine, my son has told me so much about you." she grinned at the surprised look that went across her face. "Yes, every other weekend." She heard Darryn groan.

"You promised!!" Darryn cried. "That was said in confidence!" Carolyn laughed openly.

"You talked about me?" Katherine said through a big smile as she looked at Darryn lovingly. Darryn twisted his mouth in embarrassment. She turned back toward his mother. "Your son is a wonderful man, Mrs. Forbes."

"Call me Carol, please." she insisted. "And I'm glad. I hoped they'd become free thinkers and go getters."

"He's a go getter alright." Katherine deadpanned. They all laughed while Darryn sunk further in his chair at their teasing, but causing his worry to slip slowly away at seeing his mother enjoy the visit. They talked for awhile before the doctor came in to explain to Darryn what his father and mother couldn't. Katherine met him a few minutes later after saying good night to Carolyn.

"Darryn, I want you to take all the time you need. Okay?" she began, once they got to the airport.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I don't want you working and worrying about your mother at the same time. We can survive." she kissed him softly before rubbing her hands over his chest. Darryn caught her fingers and kissed them.

"I love you." he whispered against them as he gazed into her brown eyes. Katherine found herself blushing at his words, still getting used the fact that he could possibly feel so deep for her. "I'm sorry about this weekend, again." he continued. "I wanted us to have a good time."

"I know and I did. It was short, but I enjoyed every minute." she replied. "Go on and take care of your Mom. I'll call you when I get home, alright. I love you." she kissed and hugged him tightly before Darryn watched her go off through the security area.

xxxxxxx

Darryn headed back to his parents house and waited for Derek to arrive before they both went to see their mother again. Afterwards, they headed back to the house and sat in her sun room. Darryn remembering the day those short months ago when he'd come home after meeting Katherine.

"Hey, man. She's going to be okay, Dar." Derek broke into his thoughts. Darryn shook his head.

"No she's not, Derek." he whispered. Derek looked away, his attempt to be positive quickly dissipated into silence.

"Stop acting like that." he stood and went by the window to look out at the vast back yard of theirs.

"Derek! She has got damn cancer!" Darryn cried. "It's in her blood and all we can do is sit the hell back and watch her deteriorate away like a piece of...of..." he cursed and ran his hand through his hair anger that his mother waited to tell them about it and angry that he couldn't take it away.

"We can't do anything for her but make sure she's comfortable, Darryn." Derek's reasonable side finally surfacing.

"I don't want to make her comfortable." Darryn felt the tears begin to burn the back of his eyes as he wiped a hand over his face. "I don't even want to think about this now. I'm going to call Katherine make sure she's home okay." he stood abruptly and left the room with Derek looking after him.

Darryn speed dialed her just as he entered his bedroom. The lavishness that surrounded him was mostly bare as he'd moved half of everything with him when he moved in with Derek. He'd kept some of his trophies from playing Hockey and pictures of his elementary and high school days that really weren't that far gone. He threw himself on the bed slipping his shoes off as Katherine picked up the phone.

"You're home?" he answered.

"Yes, just got in. I tried calling earlier." she breathed.

"My phone was off, hospital rules, you know. How was your flight?"

"Very quick." Katherine smiled. "Are you okay, honey." she asked.

"No, but I'm glad to hear your voice." Katherine smiled inwardly at being able to comfort him from so far away. "So look, we have a date when I get back, right?" he began.

"Of course." she laughed. "Maybe this time I'll treat you. By the way, would you like to go a wedding with me?" Darryn chuckled.

"Your mothers?" Katherine giggled and said yes. "I forgot about that."

"Me too. But she's going to need some help and I should be there to do it."

"So I guess you feel much better about it."

"Now that I've thought about, yes, I'm more than okay." she whispered. Darryn understanding.

"Of course. It would be like meeting the parents. They'd like me right?" he asked.

"Mom won't care. She'd just be happy I finally stopped dating my job and found a real human." Darryn laughed with her. "They'll love you, Darryn." she told him, her tone soft and comforting. They talked for a moment longer before hanging up and saying goodnight. Darryn stared at his ceiling wishing he was anywhere but where he was now.

Darryn had no idea how he would get through the rest of the week. He'd left Virginia feeling dejected and helpless. Unable to help his mother, but not wanting to go back to work for worry she would need him suddenly. He and Derek had came back home when the doctors had okayed his mother to leave the hospital. In turn, Carolyn had urged them both to leave and go back to their normal lives. Their father promising to keep them updated on her progress. Darryn was reluctant to even leave her to sip a glass of water, much less leave her without her family near. It was one of those things that were severely hard to do. But what could he do? So he was back home where Katherine had tried to comfort him as best she could between running a thriving business. Darryn absently sighed heavily, causing her to glance at him.

Katherine had come over, fixed him something to eat, and made light conversation that would take his mind off of what was going on with his mother. She could see he wasn't dealing well with it and suggested they just stay in to watch a DVD. Darryn hadn't minded, since Derek had left hours ago on a date. Darryn had commented on his way of coping with their family crisis was by humping anything with an orifice.

Darryn sat back in the leather sofa seemingly gazing into the television. His arm wrapped comfortably around Katherine's shoulder as he tried to follow the movie. He was glad she was there and thankful for her compassion but for some reason, although it was appreciated, it wasn't helping. The sound of the door made him jump. He gently removed Katherine from him and stood slowly. Opening it, he was happily surprised.

"Darryn! Hey man!" Three widely grinning faces appeared on the other side. Darryn couldn't help but laugh. Three of his very good friends, Jeff, Steve, and Mark, stood waiting casually. "Hey, you gonna let us in, dude?" They laughed at the obviously shocked expression on Darryn's face.

"Yeah...what the hell are you guys doing here?" he asked stepping to the side. "No, wait. Did Derek call you?" The men shook their heads as they entered the penthouse one by one and looked around admirably. Darryn closed the door and turned to them. "Man, I'm blown, you guys want a drink?" he asked, enthused by the turn of events.

"Yeah, but we came to see if you wanted to hang out. Mark is in town for the weekend and Jeff and I hadn't seen you around in months. What's up with that?" Steve accused, slapping Darryn on shoulder.

Steven was about the same height as Darryn and same brown hair that curled to his shoulders. Dark brown eyes and a rocker look that he tended to play to the hilt with the leather jacket and tight black jeans. Mark was the resident nerd, a stockbroker; he wore suits even on the weekend. Except tonight he'd toned it down to a blazer, dress shirt, and jeans. It actually made him look less serious. Jeff was the teddy bear of their group. Five-eight, bright blue eyes and blonde hair, he reminded Darryn of Derek sometimes. The women gravitated toward him.

Darryn led them into the living room where Katherine stood up and he stopped short. He'd forgotten she was there. Running a hand over his head he looked between the two. Introducing them quickly Darryn escaped to the kitchen. The three men looked appreciatively at Katherine. Steven a bright smile on his face as was Jeff. Katherine decided to get to know Darryn's friends. She felt you better to ask about the man she was in love with, besides his family, but the people that he held in confidence and called friends.

"So this is why we haven't seen our buddy?" Steven began. Katherine blushed and gave a small laugh. She could tell all three of them did not want for female attention. What was it about beautiful people hanging together?

"I don't know about that." she whispered, shyly.

"Yeah, Darryn ditched us for a chick. We can't fault him for that though." they all laughed. "So, you work with him?" Katherine nodded, not wanting to say she was his boss. It sounded very dirty for some reason.

"How long have you known him?" she asked. The men looked at one another and shrugged before answering with different numbers. Katherine could tell they were a rowdy bunch. The type that in college a party was their only reason for living. She imagined Darryn with them and how would she fit in to his circle of young friends. The men were still in "party" mode. Still enjoying their youth and singleness. Katherine let them regale her with drunken Darryn stories, which were more than entertaining.

Darryn listened to the soft laughter of Katherine and the deep guffaws of his friends. He wondered how he was going to work this. He hadn't seen them in months and in fact he kind of missed hanging out with the guys. Derek did his own thing, but Darryn had been preoccupied with chasing after Katherine and work that he hadn't had time to take a breather. In the same moment, he also hadn't seen Katherine in a week. He wanted to spend time with her too. Darryn groaned and went into the living room. The three of them were in a quiet conversation with Katherine who seemed to be delighted to meet his friends. He knew it would happen sooner or later, but he wanted to be something that would be casual.

"Hey, what are you telling her?" Darryn grumbled. He handed them all an opened bottle of beer. They were each relaxed on the love seat and arm of the chair as Darryn sat back beside Katherine. He glanced at her apologetically for the interruption.

"Nothing!" Jeff cried. "At least nothing that would make her look at you differently or run..." he hinted. Darryn rolled his eyes.

"Don't believe a word they say, babe." he grinned.

The group fell into conversation about what they were all up to for the past few months. Katherine sat back quietly listening and watching Darryn seemingly come alive. It was the first time she'd seen him let go and actually laugh since he'd gotten back. She almost felt inadequate to help him. The thought that their differences in ages were something that she couldn't really ignore came into her mind. Katherine knew if she was talking to Mina or Carla, she would be able to comfort them because of their commonality. Katherine quickly brushed the thoughts aside. Darryn was a man and she was a woman. They were automatically different. When Darryn got up to take the empty bottles in the kitchen, she followed him. Prepared to give him some time with people that knew and understood him. She didn't want to, but they had all weekend. The next day he'd feel relaxed and would be able to enjoy quality time with one another.

"Darryn?" Katherine saw the nervous expression on his face and grinned. "I'm going to go alright?"

"Wait, you don't have to." he started. "Um, stay, I haven't seen you all week." Katherine kissed him quickly on the cheek and wiped her lipstick off.

"No, I don't want to intrude, besides, they came all the way here to hang out with you and from what they are saying, they thought you dropped off the face of the earth." she laughed. "Just give me a call later, okay."

"Katherine..." Darryn started and took a deep breath. "I can tell them to go." he said. "I mean..."

"Darryn? Look, catch up with your friends, call me later and we can do something this weekend." she urged. Darryn watched her turn and head out of the kitchen feeling somewhat guilty. He headed back in the living room and waited for Katherine to say good-bye to everyone before escorting her to her car, promising to call her later that evening. Darryn walked back in the living room to see his friends standing up and staring at him.

"What!?" he cried.

"She's hot, Darryn!" Steve began. "She seems older, although she doesn't look a day over twenty, man.

"What gives?" Mark and Jeff waited with him for the answer.

"Katherine?" he pointed behind him. "Oh, she's cool and yes she is older, but I think this young buck can handle it." he chuckled.

"Does she know what she's getting into?" Mark teased. "Anyway, we were just talking while you were outside, you feel like getting out of here. Going to the club?"

"Yeah, let me change, alright." Darryn chuckled excitedly and ran upstairs to his bedroom.

He was thankful for the guys coming. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy Katherine's company, but he needed to get his mind off the week. Forget a little bit. Have fun. Darryn came down a moment later and they all left.

xxxxxxxx

Darryn woke with a start at the cold water being splashed his face. He groaned irritably before falling with a hard thud onto the floor. Derek stood above him with eyebrows raised and a wide grin on his face.

"What the...?" he grimaced and looked at Derek. "What the hell, man?" he groaned and began to sit up, but his head was splitting in two. He hadn't done that since college. Which he guessed wasn't that long ago. Derek chuckled.

"I take it you and your boys decided to reminisce?" he shook his head. "I checked your room, but it appears Steven decided to bring company." he raised and eyebrow. Darryn's eyes popped open trying to remember the evening before to no avail.

"Huh?" He sat up slowly and Derek handed him a cup of water and aspirin.

"Here. For a minute I thought you and Katherine broke up, especially after all you’re whining you did to get with her." He laughed. Darryn took the aspirin and looked around to see Jeff and Mark splayed out on the floor, which was a total and complete mess.

"Thanks." Darryn murmured. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Hey, um, Katherine left you a message, you might want to let her know you haven't dropped off the face of the earth." he chuckled as Darryn waved back at him, stumbling up the steps.

xxxxxxxxxx

Katherine sat at the table with her mother going over a list of seating for the reception. She wasn't sure why, since they were having the wedding in the back yard of her grandmother's house.

"Mom, I don't know why you need all this?" she began. "You can just get some picnic tables. Save you some money."

"No, Kat, I want round tables and I'm not having people sitting elbow to elbow. It's going to be elegant. This is my first wedding and it will be my last. I'm doing it right." she said sternly. "So, have you invited your new man?" Katherine twisted her mouth. She'd told her mother about Darryn when she'd gotten back from Virginia. They were happy she'd finally given time to someone besides work, but Katherine knew what was coming next and she and Darryn were no where near that.

"Yes, he is excited to meet you guys. He was worried that you wouldn't like him." she grinned.

"Why? He got some issues?" her mother glanced curiously at her. Katherine laughed and shook her head.

"No, Mommy. Anyway, where are you and Marvin going to honeymoon? You've already been to Hawaii." she noted. Katrina smiled and danced from side to side.

"He's taking me to Mexico." she laughed. "That is where his mother's family is from. So he wanted to go and take me to meet the rest of his family."

"Oh, wow! That should be fun." Katherine noted. She felt the vibration of her cell phone and glanced at it. Darryn had finally called her. She twisted her mouth and wondered how she should feel about him forgetting about promising to call her. No, she shouldn't be so hard on him. He was having fun with his friends. Even though they had looked at her with surprise and interest, Katherine was reminded how different they were really. She wasn't trying to recapture her youth or keep up with him. She had become settled and Katherine wondered if Darryn ever thought about that like she did. Did he think about how she'd be able to interact with his friends and vice versa? Katherine looked at her mother and left the table.

"Darryn?"

"Hey, sorry I didn't call you last night." he apologized. Katherine could tell he was either lying down or tired still.

"That's okay, um, how was your boy’s night out?"

"Uhgg. I realized I can't hang like I used to." he chuckled. "But, anyway, the guys spent the night and are still here." he told her.

"Oh, okay." Katherine tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice. She heard a loud burp resound in the back ground and laughter between one of the men groaning loudly. Someone yelling for Darryn to show him where the towels were. "It sounds like a house full instead of just a few men." she laughed uneasily.

"You'd think it was a zoo. But anyway, let me go, I'll talk to you and we can do something when they leave later, babe." Darryn promised. Katherine said a quick good bye and before she could say another word, Darryn had hung up. She wrinkled her face and closed the phone. The thoughts resurfaced again, but she pushed them aside. She was not going to go there.

Darryn knocked on her door Monday morning when he got into work. He peeked in the room, a small smile on his mouth. Katherine looked up and wanted to feel anything but how excited she was to see him. She wanted to be angry at him and field the jealousy that was starting to consume her. She'd spent the whole weekend waiting for him to call her like some love sick puppy only to not get even a text message. Had she been so far from his mind that he couldn't just call to say good night or give her a reason for breaking his promise to spend time with her? Darryn walked over to her desk and kissed her cheek.

"Hey, do you want to do lunch later?" he asked, sitting on the side of it. He picked a pen out of the canister and began tapping it on his thigh. Katherine cleared her throat and looked down at her schedule, thankful that she had a reason to say no. She was upset and Darryn had no clue. Inside she was beating herself up for feeling this way, but it bothered her.

"Um, I can't Darryn. Pete and I have a meeting this afternoon and it can go into lunch time." she whispered. "So, how was your weekend?" she asked, quickly. Darryn stood and placed the pen back into the container.

"It was alright."

"What did you do?" Darryn shrugged.

"Just hung out with the guys. They spent the whole weekend." he pushed his hands in his pockets. "Do you want me to pick up a sandwich then?"' he asked before heading to the door. Katherine wanted to say no. She wanted to ask Darryn a slew of questions and all of them had to deal with why he had ignored her the whole weekend, especially after they'd not seen one another but for a few hours at the most since he'd come back. Her mind was going rampant with questions and scenarios. It wasn't that she didn't trust Darryn, she did, but Katherine had felt left out in the cold completely.

"No, Darryn." she gave him a small smile.

"How about I pick you up tonight and we go out to dinner. Just you and me? Huh?" Katherine nodded.

"It's a date then." Darryn grinned and winked at her before he closed the door behind him. Katherine sat back in her chair and looked at the door for long minutes until her phone ringing pulled her out of the haze and she drowned herself in work instead of worrying about Darryn.

xxxxxxxxx

Darryn hung up the phone with Derek after an impromptu phone call. He knew it could wait, but he wanted to get it over with now and not later when he was to emotional to deal with it. At the end of the day, Darryn was tired and ready to go home. He headed out the door to see Katherine about to come out. Remembering that morning Darryn cursed. He wished he could take a breather from his life at that moment. She'd understand, so he wasn't going to worry about it.

Katherine turned around just as Darryn approached her and could see there would be no dinner that evening. Taking a deep breath she let Darryn take her briefcase and open the door to the building for her as he led them to his car.

"No dinner, huh?" she murmured.

"Yeah, sorry, Katherine. Derek and I have to take care of a few things. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes, Darryn." She gave him a small smile.

"I'm sorry, Katherine. I feel awful. Look, I'll pick you up for work tomorrow?" he tried.

"I'm not coming in at the same time, I have a fitting for my mother's wedding." she said quickly. Darryn opened his car door for her once they got to the parking area.

"Oh, forgot about that, you're mother's wedding." Katherine reeled in her comment of forgetting a lot of things but pursed her lips together. "Okay, then." Darryn shut the door and ran to the driver’s side.

The drive was quiet and any conversation was lost because Darryn felt the coolness of Katherine. He kept glancing at her to see what was wrong and decided he couldn't deal with what she was upset about at the moment. He had to take care of family business and it was the last thing he wanted to do. He parked his car in front of her house. Darryn was prepared to walk her to the door but Katherine had beaten him to it. She said a quick goodnight and was at her front door before he could step outside. A part of him was telling himself to go after her and deal with what the issue was. He didn't want to argue though. Instead, Darryn drove off when she was safely inside.

xxxxxx

Katherine threw her briefcase on her sofa and began undoing her jacket. She headed into the kitchen and fixed herself a salad quickly before showering. Growling she wondered again was their age differences bigger than what she thought. For Katherine, an older man would talk to her or think about her. He wouldn't chose friends over her, especially if this was a new relationship. She was trying to understand, but Darryn was shutting her out and she didn't want to be shut out. Katherine would give him the space he wanted. He had a lot on his mind and obviously it wasn't her. She wanted to be there for him. Wasn't that what a relationship was? Being there for one another. Then again, maybe age and experience go hand in hand. Darryn was still learning and she didn't have time to be a teacher. Feeling like she was making a big deal out of it, she pulled out her files and got down to some work since she wouldn't be in for a full workday.

xxxxxx

Derek placed the papers in front of Darryn. He had signed his part already and everything was taken care of. He picked up a carton of the takeout he'd ordered and ate the rest of his noodles. He waited patiently as Darryn read over their mother's will and when he sat back he looked at him.

"I know you don't want to bother with this, but it has to be done, Darryn." he murmured. "You know we could have done this later, you didn't have to do it now. I mean, I just wanted to let you know I had them." Derek mentioned.

"I know. I know." Darryn took a deep breath and blew it out. He scribbled his name quickly on the paper and folded it up. Derek placed it back in the envelope with the mass of other paperwork. "I just didn't want to bother with this later, Derek." he said. "I probably could have waited, since I had such a good time this weekend." he grinned. Derek chuckled.

"Yeah, me too. Mee tooooo." he licked his lips remembering the blonde he'd spent half the weekend with before falling into the trap of what was

Darryn and his friends. He'd forgotten how immature they could be and wondered when they'd all grow up. Darryn eyed his brother and rolled his eyes, already knowing he was thinking about his prey he'd latched onto that weekend.

"I'm going to bed." he muttered and left the dining room for Derek to clean up.

Darryn got a set of clean sheets out of the closet and made his bed up. He made a note to possibly buy a new bed or steam clean this one. Steven and Cheyenne, or Cherry something, had spent half the night and morning in his room, then Jeff seemed to bring someone back only to never make it to the bed. Darryn shook his head in disgust at the thought. His room had been the love shack this weekend. He picked up the mess only to see a condom wrapper under his bed.

"Good grief!" he shook his head and threw it away along with the sheets in the hamper.

Darryn stretched out on his bed and sighed loudly. His thoughts turned to Katherine and he dialed her number quickly. When she picked up he felt his heart expand at how much he missed her and how the whole weekend he hadn't seen her. He realized that maybe that was why she was upset. He'd not only forgotten about her this weekend, but broken the dates they'd had set up. He would be pissed at him to. Darryn ran a hand over his face.

"I'm sorry, Kat." he started.

"Darryn? Um...about what?" He could tell she was trying to be nonchalant about it, but he'd felt the cool exterior earlier that evening.

"Not getting to spend time with you. I just remembered. I really didn't mean to brush you off, Katherine" he stated.

"Yeah." Darryn closed his eyes and took a deep inhalation.

"Look, I just have a lot on my mind, okay." he muttered.

"Yes, I understand, but ...okay." Katherine decided she had no leg to stand on. He didn't need her to be clingy.

"But what?" he urged. "Don't shut me out, Katherine."

"That's what you're doing to me, Darryn." she pointed out. Darryn pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut.

"I just needed some time to take my mind off of things." he heard silence on the other end. "Katherine, I just wanted to have a little fun."

"I know you did and I understand. I guess I'm used to being considered, instead of ignored."

"You're being sensitive; this has nothing to do with you, Katherine."

"When it deals with you, Darryn, yes it does. I don't want to be just an appendage. This relationship is just starting and whenever you're feeling bad, I'm going to want to help lift some of that off of you. Is that so bad for you to accept it? I just feel like you're shutting me out and we can't do this if we aren't willing to be open with each other. The good and the bad, Darryn."

"Look, I don't have time to argue with you. I just called to apologize for not spending time with you; can you just leave it at that?" Katherine wrinkled her brow. She could have sworn she was trying to tell him that she just wanted to be there for him. Was it coming out wrong? Was she missing something?

"I know you're dealing with a lot now and I want to give you space, but at the same time be there for you. How am I supposed to do that when you don't even consider me enough to call and let me know that you're fine and that you're okay? I understand you needed a break, but you spent the whole weekend having me wait by the phone for you to call and let me know you're okay."

"Dammit! Katherine, I don't need to phone home when I'm gone, I don't need a mother to coddle me! Shit Katherine, one weekend and you are making it into a huge case."

"You completely...ohmigod..." Katherine was speechless by his outburst and twisted her mouth. "Alright. Whatever you want, Darryn." she whispered. "Good night."

"I didn't...Katherine." he mumbled. He heard the soft click of the phone and knew she'd hung up. Darryn groaned aloud and ran his hand over his hair.

xxxxxx

Katherine looked at the phone and let her head fall forward. She had promised not to do that. What the hell was wrong with her? He was going through this big thing and she wanted to be there wanted him to include her, but he wasn't. How was this supposed to work if he just pushed her away?

"Ugghhh, why does it have to be so hard?" she whispered. Katherine shook her head and picked up the folder she was working on. Work didn't talk back.

xxxxxx

Darryn didn't bother with talking to Katherine for the rest of the work week. He was too deep in thought, thinking about how much of an amateur he was at this. His relationships were not lengthy and he'd never been in love before. Darryn had no idea how to maneuver between the emotions and actual reality. Katherine was used to men that had goals, knew what they wanted, knew how to get it, and knew how to be a part of a relationship as two people. He admitted to being inconsiderate of her the past weekend. Only when Derek told him she'd called had he called her back. He had wanted to hang out with his buddies and get away from the seriousness of life.

Darryn went home Friday still trying to figure out how to manage the situation. Katherine hadn't even bothered him all week and he basically had gotten what he'd asked for. It was just that he felt horrible for his tone on the phone and basically telling her that she was being motherly instead of being a girlfriend. Darryn knew he'd hurt her feelings and he didn't want that. This situation was making him into a head case and he knew if he didn't figure it out soon, he would destroy all the hard work he'd done to convince her to give him a chance in the first place.

Darryn undressed and sat heavily on the sofa frustrated and needing to figure out if he was ready for what Katherine was ready for. Was he really ready for the long haul as she was? Could they actually bypass their age difference? He'd ignored it and said it didn't matter and Katherine had been concerned, rightfully so. Age did matter. At least when it came to experience. And he was seriously lacking in that respect.

"Hey, what are you so deep in thought about?" Derek grumbled as he ran a towel over his hair. He let it rest on his neck as he thumped on the chair opposite Darryn.

"Nothing. Where are you headed?" he wrinkled his eyebrows.

"To the club. Why don't you come with me? I know you can use a break from all this drama. First Mom, now Katherine." He added. "Which you know she's right, Darryn?"

"I know. I brushed her off and hurt her feelings. I know." he moaned. "I yelled at her on the phone, Derek. I shouldn't have taken it out on her."

"Yeah. She just wants to be your rock. You never want to see the person you love hurt. You want to be there for them in there time of need. She just wanted you to need her."

"Hell, do you have to rub it in!" Darryn cried. "For goodness sake, I just wanted a night out!"

"Darryn, you had a night out, dude. You spent the whole got damn weekend with them and what, a couple of hours with Katherine?"

"You weren't complaining or saying shit!" he argued. Derek rolled his eyes.

"It's not my girlfriend! She's your girlfriend and if you want to blame someone then look in the mirror. Now come on and get your ass dressed. I need some ass so that I can relieve all this stress."

"Your dick is going to fall off."

"No it won't, because I keeps it covered."

"What ever, there is going to be a moment when coverage is the last thing on your mind."

"Yeah, that will be the day. I'll marry the woman without a prenup when that happens." he hooted and disappeared in his room as Darryn climbed the stairs after him.

xxxxxx

The two brothers left to one of Derek's favorite spots. Darryn had no idea about this one, though. He found it interesting because his older brother wasn't known for his love of music. Derek rarely listened to it and what he did have he bought just because it was the hottest thing on the airwaves. It also impressed a lot of women. The Jazz and Blues club was an eclectic mix of people. The live band played as the singer belted out a beautiful rendition of famous blues singers. It made Darryn want to weep. Derek had to take him here to depress him even more.

Derek went to the bar to get drinks and gave the girl behind it a smile and wink. She grinned back and shook her head. Darryn rolled his eyes at his brother. He never stopped. Although she was cute, with her short curly hair, caramel complexion and green eyes. Darryn wondered briefly if Derek had slept with her. He was sure he hadn't. If the woman from last weekend was any indication, his preferences hadn't changed. This girl was far from blonde and blue-eyed and very much African-American with small waist and wide hips. She was petite and looked bi-racial. She passed Derek his drink and looked at Darryn who gave her his order.

"I hope your not scooping her out." Darryn asked. Derek wrinkled his brow.

"Tami?" he shook his head vehemently. "No, she's sweet, but she isn't like these women I'm usually hurtling through. I don't come here to pick up girls, Darryn." Derek took a quick sip of his drink. "Besides, Tami has a brother, he owns the club. Huge Hispanic dude. He would wipe the floor with me if I even looked like I wanted his baby sister." Derek chuckled. Darryn just shook his head. "It's just flirting, anyway. She always shakes her head. Her way of telling me, "Not in this lifetime"."

"At least she has some sense." Darryn laughed. Derek sucked his teeth and grinned with him.

"Yeah." Derek muttered. He looked down the bar as Tamika walked to help someone else. He rolled his shoulders and sipped the rest of his drink thoughtfully.

The two stayed at the bar looking out on the other patrons. It filled up pretty quickly and Darryn found himself relaxing and letting the music invade him. The songstress and her voice lulled him and he was content. Out of the corner of his eye, he was surprised by the bright smile of a pretty brunette, with big brown eyes and creamy pale skin. Darryn was shocked by her overt boldness when she asked him to dance. Darryn glanced at Derek who just shrugged and turned back toward the bar. Darryn feeling nothing was wrong with a dance, accepted and left. Tamika took Derek's glass and looked after the retreating back of Darryn. She glanced at Derek.

"Your brother?" she asked. Derek nodded. "He looks sad. What did you do?" she teased. Derek feigned a horrified look. "Nothing. He did it all by himself." he grinned at her. Tamika gave him a wide smile.

"How is your mother?" she asked while she prepared him another drink.

"Not good."

"I'm sorry to hear that. How are you doing?" Derek eyed her for a moment as she sat the glass in front of him. He grabbed it, catching her finger that was still wrapped around it. He rubbed his index finger against her knuckles watching her reaction. Her full lips parted and those greenish-brown eyes seemed to darken. Derek knew if it was just a bit brighter, he would see a soft blush against her brown skin.

"I would be better if you would accept my dinner invitation?" he teased. Tamika pulled her hand away gently and gave Derek a playful smile.

"I know your type, Mr. Derek. Remember, a few of my friends have told me." she raised and eyebrow as Derek pursed lips and waved her accusations away.

"Oh, you should be curious then?" he retorted. Tamika leaned over the counter until she could smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne. Dangerous was an understatement for Derek and girls were his play things. She would lose her mind and soul to him if she allowed him anywhere near her. She had no plans on taking their playful flirting any further than the nights he decided to come in. She could see the soft dark hair that curled around his ear and the heat that emanated from his skin as it brushed hers. If she turned her lips, she would come in contact with the smoothness of it.

"No, I think it is you that is curious." she whispered and let her eyes roam his handsome features as she pulled away, keeping few inches separating them. Derek's deep blue eyes captured hers and Tamika let hers linger for just a moment, before she got lost in the deep pools. She could see the flash of excitement that flittered over them and gave him a lopsided grin as she walked away to take care of a customer.

Derek was rendered speechless and he didn't recover until she moved away. He looked at the drink and finished it off in one gulp. For the first time in a very long time, he didn't want to get an easy lay. Women were never a problem for him and they always mentioned what they wanted from him before he could even get a line out. He was looked at as a catch, but it was his car, job, and money which they seemed more interested in than him as a man. Derek often wondered would they even care if he didn't have those things. Looks only got you so far. He glanced down the bar again, Tamika wanted him, he knew it, but no matter how much flirting he'd tried, she never took the bait. She seemed to catch on to his game plan and always set, then matched it. He liked that about her and she was a good listener. Derek looked on the dance floor to see Darryn gone. He wrinkled his brow and left Tamika a tip before walking out the door.

xxxxxxx

Darryn felt the lips on his face and on his neck as she tried to unbutton his shirt. Her small hand lifting up his t-shirt and making contact with his skin. He tried keeping one eye on the road as he moved her hand from around the material, giving an uneasy laugh at being molested. She'd seemed inebriated and he'd asked if she was okay. After a few dances, Darryn had grown concerned and asked if she had a ride home, she'd said no and being the nice person he was, he offered to take her home. Except it must have looked like an invitation. He would never take advantage of a woman that clearly was not all together there. But getting her to keep her hands to herself was a feat he was having a hard time doing.

"Wh-where's your place again?" he asked hoarsely. Darryn felt the wetness of her tongue against his earlobe and groaned as he moved his shoulder over it to wipe off his ear. The wisp of air against his ear as she recited her address. He quickly took the exit and prayed to get to her place in a hurry. Darryn pushed her gently back to her side of the passenger seat, her giggles filling it.

It took him all of five minutes to get where he needed to go. Helping her out of the car, he walked her to the apartment's front door. He wondered if maybe she would be just fine without him having to help her inside her house.

"Whoops, my keys" she giggled. Darryn looked at her and wrinkled his brow. He looked on the ground only to see them. Finally opening the door, the two fell practically into her apartment as she tore at his clothes and Darryn laughed uneasily.

"Alright now, Meghan is it? Okay, yeah...you're home. You should be just fine." he didn't bother to look around her apartment.

"Wait, baby. Come on...don't you want to have a little fun?" she asked. Darryn pursed his lips to together and shook his head. If this was what fun was, he could do without it.

A silent vibration in his pocket saved him from answering. He began backing up and shut the door behind him before running toward the car. Darryn reached in his jean pocket and looked at his phone. Debating whether he should answer Derek or not. Darryn climbed into the driver's seat and cursed as he sat back in the seat his head back on the headrest. He wiped his face, disgust filling him at how she'd mauled him, although beautiful, he wasn't putting his relationship in more jeopardy than what it already was. The vibrating on his cellular again had him quickly opening it.

"Where the hell are you!?" Derek roared in his ear.

"Um, I didn't do anything." he said quickly. "I just took her home." he whispered. Darryn's eyes squeezed shut and opened quickly.

"Fuck, Darryn! What the hell is wrong with you?" Derek cried, not hearing Darryn and thinking the worst. They both were silent for a long while before he spoke again. Darryn started the car and began to drive.

"Do you love Katherine, Darryn? I know I gave you a hard time in the beginning, but you seemed like you knew what you wanted. You were determined and when she finally said yes, you were excited. What happened?"

"Yes, I love her. I love the hell out of her."

"Well stop fuckin' it up and get your shit together." he yelled.

"It's not like that." he whispered. Derek took a deep breath and let it out.

"I know, little brother, but this isn't going to make you feel better. Katherine will."

'I'm going to her house now." he muttered.

"What!? You have my car, Darryn! How the hell am I supposed to get home?"

"You'll find a ride. I need to talk to Katherine. I have to apologize."

"Darryn!"

"I don't care, Dee. I'll talk to you later." He closed the phone and speed off onto the parkway toward Katherine's.

xxxxxxx

Derek hung up and growled. Frustrated at Darryn and disbelief at his behavior that he should have seen coming. Taking a deep breath he was surprised to see Tamika standing beside him.

"What's up?" she asked and opened the door for him to go in. Derek went inside and sat down, while she began wiping the table.

"My brother totally messed up." he muttered.

"Well, men are not the smartest species on this earth." she noted. Derek laughed and shook his head at her.

"Ha-Ha. I'm smart enough to call a taxi and take my behind home." he muttered.

"He took your car?" she laughed out loud. Derek sneered at her. "If you don't mind waiting, I'll take you home?" she offered. Derek was surprised by it and he was sure it showed on his face. She shrugged nonchalantly and waited with an impatient look on her face.

"I thought I was a leper." Derek teased.

"I said I'd take you home!" she stressed. "Not give you free reign."

"Alright, alright. Point taken. You know, you're a feisty one." he smiled at her. Tamika winked and left. Derek watched as she disappeared to the back and came out a moment later with her purse and car keys. She stepped from behind the bar and waved for him to follow her. He was surprised to find the faint scent of lemons lingering in it. Derek glanced out the window for a moment as she started the car.

"Do you have time for coffee?" He found himself asking.

"Coffee?" Tamika looked at him curiously.

"Coffee and talking? That's all, Tami." He grinned. Tamika eyed Derek and she could see he was being genuine and there was no hidden agenda in his blue eyes.

"Coffee and talking. I can do that." she nodded. Derek sat back and looked out the window at nothing in particular. His eyes found themselves going back to Tamika as she concentrated on the road in front of her. Derek absently rubbed his chest and settled deeper in the seat.

Katherine wrapped her robe tightly around her and pulled the shower cap off her head. She hurried to the door as it continued to ring. "I'm coming, dang. Hold on." she cried as she opened it only to see a disheveled and the pained expression on Darryn's face. "Darryn!"

Katherine scanned him quickly unsure as to what to say, much less ask why he was on her door step. The work week had been tense between them, but she was happy they were able to exude professionalism throughout it. She'd stepped back from the situation and knew he was upset about his mother and it was hard for him to deal with her illness. She wished he would talk to her, but he didn't. Katherine figured all she could do was wait and not make more demands of him that he wasn't able to keep. It didn't give her confidence in their short relationship and that was what worried her. She loved him and had only found herself falling deeper in love as they'd spent the weekend together. The more they'd talked during their stay in Virginia, the more she found that their age was not so difficult to deal with.

But this. This was where their ages and her fears began to resurface. Katherine moved to the side and Darryn walked in, passing her. She stiffened slightly and shut the door. Unsure if she was losing her mind or what. The smell of women's perfume assaulted her senses and she blinked back tears at the hurt that began to spread. Taking her time to reign in her emotions, she placed her hands in the pocket of her robe and turned too looked up at him and prepared herself.

"So, I guess you came to tell me you want out?" she whispered. She wondered if he ever really loved her or was he just playing. He'd chased her and gotten her, now the excitement was over. It seemed so genuine at the moment. So real. Darryn shook his head and ran a hand over his hair. She watched his eyes close briefly.

"No, Katherine. I came to apologize. I mean, the way I behaved. I was a jerk this weekend and when you tried to tell me I was being one, I got upset at you. This... I guess. I didn't know how to deal with Mom and ..." he stopped and looked at her. She had on nothing, but just the clean purity that he missed and loved. Her eyes were pools of brown and he could see the hurt in them, which made him feel even worse. There was no excuse for his actions earlier.

"I-I..Darryn, I don't know if..." she began. He held out his hand.

"Don't say it, please. I'm sorry. I love you and I want this to work because I didn't do all of this with you to throw it away. I didn't set out to conquer and destroy, Katherine. It wasn't a game I was playing." Katherine blinked rapidly, her eyes burned with tears and she couldn't stop them from rolling down her face. "Katherine, please, don't cry, honey." he whispered and stepped toward her. She backed away, the door stopping her.

"Don't touch me." she held up her hand and wiped her face. "How can you say those things?" she could feel the anger starting to take its toll and was ready to slap him for being so bold at the moment. "How am I supposed to believe you Darryn when you walk up in her with lipstick on your shirt and smelling like another woman!? Did you leave her, just to come here and hope I wouldn't notice!?" she yelled. Katherine sniffled and wiped her nose quickly. Darryn's eyebrows wrinkled and then he realized how bad it looked at the moment. He glanced down at his dress shirt. He'd tried to get her off of him.

"Katherine, it's not what you think, I just took someone home, that's it."

"Did you change your mind?" she asked. "I mean, if you changed your mind, please let me know. I don't have time to waste on someone I can't trust!" Darryn closed his eyes.

"Katherine, I love you, very much. I messed up and I admit that. Don't...You're misunderstanding, I would never do something like that and come to you." Darryn stopped. How did he expect her to act after the way he'd treated her over the weekend and on the phone? Then they hadn't talked for a full week. "You have to believe me, babe. I would never, ever, do something like that to you." He pleaded. Katherine didn't know whether to believe him or not. She just knew the evidence was in front of her. Darryn could see she wasn't sure and it was his own fault. Taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"I'm going to go. I just wanted to apologize and tell you that I love you." Katherine hurried to open the door. Darryn walked outside, he went to turn around, but she'd shut the door in his face. He had to make it up to her somehow. He had to get her to forgive him. Darryn dragged his feet to the car and drove back to the penthouse.

xxxxxx

Katherine took her shower and drank her tea. She looked at the phone, a part of her believed he was apologetic, but that didn't make it better. She didn't know if she could believe he wanted a serious relationship now. He'd just broken something that they needed to sustain in a relationship. Trust. Had he not come in smelling like another woman, she'd be alright, but the fact was, how was she to know that he hadn't made love to someone else? She didn't. Maybe it was for the best. Feeling sick to her stomach, Katherine ran to the bathroom and tossed everything that she'd eaten that evening. She should have never given into Darryn was her only thought.

xxxxxxx

Darryn unlocked the door and could hear the laughter in the living room. Curious, he looked at Derek who had Tamika sitting across from him. They both looked up and Tamika waved as Derek stood. Darryn told them goodnight and went up to his room.

"I'm going to go, Derek." Derek looked at her and was about to tell her not to, but it was late and he had no idea what she had to do the next day.

"Alright. Thanks for the ride home. The coffee and talking, too." he laughed. Tamika picked up her purse and keys and followed Derek to the door. He was going to walk her to her car, but she turned and stopped him.

"Your brother needs you, I can make it to the car by myself." she told him. Derek nodded. "Anyway, just so you know, you're not a leper anymore." she giggled.

"Oh, so I can get that dinner date, then." he wiggled his brows. Tamika rolled her eyes.

"No, you still can't get a dinner or date. So, bye!" she waved and walked away. Derek looked after her.

"I will get that dinner date." he called after her.

"In your dreams." she yelled back. Derek laughed and shut the door. He shut off the lights and knocked on Darryn's door. When he didn't hear an answer, he went in and leaned against the door jamb.

"How did it go?"

"I hurt her, Dee. Really bad." he whispered. He blinked at the sadness that overcame him. "I didn't mean to do that. I didn't want to."

"Well, just give her time. She'll forgive you, Darryn. You're still learning."

"She didn't want someone that needed to be taught, Derek." he huffed. "She wanted a man that could deal with the drama and I failed miserably. I couldn't deal. I couldn't even remotely deal with both Mom and Katherine. I just...I think it's over." he whispered.

"What did you say?"

"She thinks that I was with someone else." he stated. Darryn looked at his shirt and smelled it. He wrinkled his face and took it off. "I told her nothing happened, which it didn't."

"But it could have, Darryn." Derek walked further into the room. "When did you stop it? When did you decide you were going too far and when did Katherine come into your head?" He continued to ask, pushing Darryn's legs to the side and sat on the edge of the bed. Darryn growled at his brother.

"I just took her home, Derek! It wasn't even like that. I helped her inside her place and when you called I was already headed to the car. Nothing remotely happened but her mauling the hell out of me!" he trailed off and took a deep breathe "I've been in love with her for months, Derek. She makes me happy, she is all I want. I would never do anything to remotely compromise that." He finished.

"Okay, I believe you. Katherine doesn't know that, though, Dar." Derek stood up and walked toward the bedroom door.

"What's up with you and the chick?" he asked.

"Nothing." Derek said and shut the door. Darryn twisted his mouth and stripped off the rest of his clothes. He went to take his shower. Looking at the phone he thought to call Katherine, but decided he would just keep his distance, give her time to cool down and realize that he loved her and only her.

xxxxxx

Darryn stood outside Katherine's door for the fifth time that week. He hadn't seen her and besides sending her flowers and leaving apology messages, he couldn't do anything else but wait. He wanted to knock on her office door and ask her what did she want him to do to fix this, but he couldn't. Instead he made his feet walk back to his own office. It had been almost two full weeks since he'd even kissed her and not to mention not being able to touch her was driving him insane. She may be alright with this, but he wasn't. Darryn sat his office trying to figure out a way to get her to see he was and would always remain true to her.

xxxxxx

Katherine watched Mina as she ate their lunch with gusto. Katherine was sick to her stomach looking at food and she didn't think she could keep anything down.

"Kat, baby you have to eat." Mina said through a mouthful of her sandwich. "Are you alright?" she asked, wrinkling her brow.

"Yeah.." Katherine muttered.

"Hmm, you're not preggers, are you?" she grinned. Katherine rolled her eyes and shook her head. She wished, then she would have an excuse for feeling horrible. "Is it your young man?" she swallowed and looked sadly at her friend. "Look Kat, I'm sure he didn't do anything. Maybe he just danced with her and that was how he got the stuff on him. I mean, if he actually did sleep with another woman then came to you afterwards, he would either smell like he'd had sex..." Katherine wrinkled up her nose. "I know, but hey, that sex smell lingers." Mina chuckled. "But anyway, he probably would have showered and you could smell that too, and he's white, so they always have wet hair after doing the do or showering." she noted. Katherine couldn't even deny that it didn't make sense. It did.

"But what about the week before that. How he got all pissed at me." she muttered, feeling angry again.

"He's young, chalk it up to a lesson learned. You love him, obviously, or you wouldn't be feeling so damn bad. For someone who was arguing up and down that you couldn't be with the man because of his age, you sure fell hard for him. I see the cuts and bruises!" she laughed out loud. Katherine twisted her mouth to keep the giggle that bubbled up in her throat, but couldn't help it. Taking a deep breathe she rubbed her forehead.

"You want the rest of that sandwich?" she mumbled. Mina grinned and passed her what was left of her second BLT she had been killing not a few minutes ago.

Packing up for the rest of the day, Katherine looked at the flowers that adorned her office. She had been slowly breaking down as the week wore on, but Mina had put it all in perspective for her and knew that Darryn wouldn't do that to her. She was afraid that she wasn't enough still and knew that fear of being replaced still crept in the back of her mind. Although she promised herself to be relaxed, it was always there. It couldn't be helped.

Katherine made her way out of the building only to see Darryn waiting patiently against his car with the passenger door open. She stopped short, unsure as to how their relationship should proceed. He gave her a small pleading smile before coming toward her and taking her briefcase out of her hand. The gentle touch against her fingers made her insides quiver. The jolt moved over her hand and up her arm to only sit in the middle of her chest. She missed him. For however short they'd been together, it felt like they'd been apart for longer and Katherine was having a hard time dealing with it.

Darryn held the door open for her and she sat down. The smell of his cologne and shampoo, his scent, his body, was calling to every female sense and desire for him to wrap his arms around her and love her, was hard to ignore. Katherine glanced at him as he started the car. Darryn's eyes caught hers in a silent exchange that made her almost break down and tell him she was sorry too.

"Um, where are we going?" she broke the silence after a few minutes on the road. Darryn breathed deeply and let it out.

"I figured I needed to do something drastic, but I just want us back, Katherine. Okay. I want you to believe I love you." he told her.

"I believe you, Darryn." she confessed.

"Yes, but you'll always wonder, right?" he added. Katherine didn't say yes or no, because he was right. She looked at her slender fingers and focused on the manicured nail. "Come on, let me have it, Katherine." Darryn said after awhile.

"I've treated you like an adult since we started this, Darryn. I expected to be treated with the same courtesy. If you say you're going to do something, then do it. I just felt I wasn't important enough to you to deserve it, that's how it came across. It made me think that maybe this is wrong for you. We have a decade between us. I don't want to keep pointing it out, but Darryn... We have to talk about it. I know we broached on it, but seriously. I'm just not up for you throwing the mother role in my face next time I want to make sure you're safe." Darryn winced and veered off toward his destination. He didn't say anything else because he couldn't. They parked and Darryn turned toward her.

"Katherine, I know you're tired of hearing me apologize, but I made a huge mess of things. Trying to deal with Mom and losing her is eating at me. I don't want to lose you also. Just know that I do want you here and with me. I've missed you." He waited a few moments and felt his heart nearly stop when she looked at him. Her big brown eyes were endearing, and Darryn knew he was almost there. Just one more thing. Getting out the car, he hurried to her side. Katherine protested when he grabbed her out of the car and dragged her practically down the pathway.

"Where are we, Darryn?" she asked, when he knocked hard on the door.

"Just gotta get this over with then maybe I can get back into your good graces. Huh?" he looked down at her. Katherine eyed him with hesitation. When the door opened, she opened her mouth and looked at the woman.

"Hey, you!" Meghan smiled brightly. She looked at Darryn and the woman beside him. "Well, I’m not into..." Darryn held up his hand.

"Stop, I just need you to tell her what happened last weekend."

"Why?" she shrugged. Darryn looked at her hard. Meghan rolled her eyes. "Alright...he just dropped me off at home. I was pretty tossed. I offered, but I think I scared the bejeezus out of him. Is this your girlfriend?" she pointed to Katherine who still was speechless.

"Yes, it is." Meghan nodded and grinned.

"No wonder he came to make sure." she laughed and shook her head. "Well, since I didn't get a chance to thank you, thank you, sweetheart. There's not that many men out there like you." she shrugged and waited. "Is that all?"

"Uh, yeah. Um, thank you and your welcome." Darryn watched as she closed the door. "So, um, I owe you a dinner." he whispered. Katherine still had no words for what just happened. She had no idea how to take what just happened. When they got back in the car and on the road, she spoke up.

"Darryn you didn't have to do that. I don't even know what to say."

"I know, it's immature." he let out a deep breath. "But I didn't know what else to do, Katherine. I mean, you either were going to believe I didn't do anything or not. I'm pretty sure it was not. It was the only thing I could think of."

"I know, but I already figured you didn't." she said. "I mean, you know...you would..." Darryn caught on and nodded. "Darryn, just promise not to treat this relationship like it's one-sided."

"I guess I have a lot to learn."

"No, Darryn. I love you just the way you are. Relationships are a learning experience, this one just happens to be extra special." Darryn moved his hand until he wrapped his fingers through hers. It bought relief to him to know he hadn't screwed this totally up.

xxxxxx

Their dinner was quiet, more of a relishing of their presence with one another. Darryn knew how much of a set back he'd put them in and he didn't know how hard it would be to get back to that carefree place they'd been in prior to it. He eventually dropped Katherine off at home. He wanted her to invite him in, but decided just to take it slow.

"Am I still invited to the wedding?" he asked, a small smile played on his lips as he handed Katherine her briefcase once they'd gotten to her door. Katherine stepped inside her house, leaving the door open for Darryn to pass through. He glanced up at the sky in a thank you gesture.

"Yes, Darryn." he heard the soft laughter in her voice.

Shutting the door behind him, he looked around the foyer of Katherine's home. It was actually very her. The light art work played off of the solid dark blue color on the walls. Engraved moldings that went throughout into her living room. Darryn headed toward her stereo system and began going through the CDs. Her house was warm and inviting. Although he'd only been in it a few times, he could see Katherine clearly throughout it. Darryn turned away from the radio when he heard her come into the room. She'd put on a jogging suit and was barefoot. Relaxed and as if she were about to lounge on the sofa for a movie.

"You look beautiful." he told her. Katherine gave him a small smile and cleared her throat.

"Thanks. Um, Darryn..." Darryn walked over to her and kissed her softly, pulling her flush against him and trying with all his might not to squeeze the breath out of her. He missed the simple act of kissing her soft full lips and having her slender body against him. When her hands came to rest around his neck as she kissed him back, Darryn let out a small groan. His body was on fire. Katherine pulled away when he released her mouth.

"Damn, I missed doing that." Darryn whispered against her cheek. He could feel the smile as her cheek lifted against his lips. "I love you, Katherine. I'm in love with you. I know that saying age doesn't matter is naive, but it really doesn't. I understand we look at things differently. I still have a lot of growing up to do. And I know I'm going to make more mistakes. I'll at least try to keep it at a minimum, though." he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and squeezed her gently. Feeling her arms do the same to him. Darryn leaned his chin on the top of her head, before letting the warmth of her face caress his. "You'll help me right?" he grinned.

"If you weren't so damn cute!" she snorted. Katherine rested her hands on his forearms then slid them down to take his hands in hers. She led him to sit down on the sofa and faced him. "I'm going to let this one pass, but let me tell you now..." she sat back and gave him a stern look. "If I ever...ever..see you even look at another woman, I'm going to cut you!" she growled. Darryn's eyes widened and he burst out laughing, before he leapt on her, kissing her until she was flat on the sofa. Katherine slapped at him as he continued to plant small kisses on her face. Between them and his hard body pressing on her, she didn't know if she should laugh or moan with anticipation. "Darryn!" she said between giggles.

"Baby, you're the only woman I want, especially right now." he told her his voice husky and his eyes swirled with an intent that made her breath cease.

"Oh, well, we can talk about that other stuff tomorrow." she whispered.

"Yeah, tomorrow." Darryn kissed her fully, before shedding each their clothing. They rolled onto the carpet of the floor with a thud, Darryn knowing he'd need a first aid kit when it was all over, but not caring. He'd missed making love to her. He'd missed the warmth and the touch of her hands on his back as he moved within her. He'd missed the sounds that mingled with his own and bought him to a place that only Katherine seemed to do. He missed her giving him what he knew he needed and would just ever need. Her love.