Free Breakaway - A Contemporary Romance Drama Story by kate hopkins Page A

death on that apple."
     
    "You're right," Nathan said, squeezing Kate's arm gently. "I owe my life to my guardian angel."
     
    "You're being awfully quiet, sweetheart," Mr. Miller said to Kate. "Do you want to share with me and Nathan what's on your mind?"
     
    Kate took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I was just thinking about you and-"
     
    "Ted," Richard called out. "You have a phone call."
     
    "Damn," Mr. Miller mumbled. "I'll try not to take too long." He made his way toward the back door.
     
    "Well, Katie," Nathan said. "It's just you and me. Shall we keep walking or do you want to go inside?"
     
    "I want to sit on the bench over there and enjoy the weather," Kate said.
     
    "Then that's what we'll do."
     
    They wandered over to the bench and sat down.
     
    "Have you talked to Connie yet?" Kate asked.
     
    "I have," Nathan said. "We talked last night."
     
    "And?"
     
    "And she promised me she would wait until I was ready for marriage and children." Nathan paused. "She told me not to make her wait too long."
     
    "I'm a little surprised she's willing to wait for you," Kate said. "The way you made it sound in your office on Friday she was in a hurry to settle down."
     
    "I'm a little surprised myself," Nathan said.
     
    Kate turned on the bench and stared at Nathan. His face was turned up to the sky. Slowly she stretched out her arm and touched his jaw. "Connie's the luckiest woman in the world to have you, Nathan."
     
    Nathan smirked. "Sure she is. She's lucky to be with a man who can't bring himself to commit to her. I don't know what's wrong with me. Why the hell can't I commit to her, to any woman for that matter?"
     
    "Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you just haven't found the right woman yet?" Kate said softly. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Nathan. You're an amazing man, sweet, gentle, smart, handsome. I wish-" She broke off and looked away.
     
    "You wish what, Katie?" Nathan asked, taking her hand.
     
    Kate bowed her head and looked at their linked hands. "Nothing."
     
    "You can tell me. What were you going to say?"
     
    "I wish Edward was more like you," Kate said.
     
    "Katie, are you and Edward-"
     
    "I don't want to talk about me and Edward," Kate said. She tipped her head back and stared up at the sky. "It's so beautiful here."
     
    "You're beautiful," Nathan said huskily.
     
    "And you're full of it," Kate said.
     
    "You don't believe me, do you?" Nathan said. "When I tell you you're beautiful you always tell me I'm full of it."
     
    "That's because you are."
     
    Nathan reached up and cupped Kate's face between his hands. "Look into my eyes, Katie."
     
    Kate locked eyes with him and her breath caught in her throat.
     
    "You are beautiful," Nathan whispered. "Inside and out."
     
    A piece of the wall around Kate's heart crumbled. "Thank you, Nathan."
     
     
     
    Chapter 9
     
    Two days later Kate awoke to the ringing of the telephone. Wondering who was calling, she propped herself up on her elbow and reached for the receiver. She brought it to her ear and said, "Hello?"
     
    "May I speak with Kate?" a female voice asked.
     
    "This is she?"
     
    "Hello, Kate. This is Connie. I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."
     
    "You didn't," Kate lied, sitting up.
     
    "Good," Connie said. "I was wondering if you would like to get together. Maybe meet for a cup of coffee."
     
    "I'd like that," Kate said.
     
    "Lets meet at the Java Café in an hour."
     
    "I'll see you then." Kate hung up the phone and got out of bed. After getting dressed she checked on Gaby and then headed downstairs to breakfast.
     
    Edward was already seated at the table eating when Kate walked in. He glanced up as she passed by. "You're late, Katelyn. Breakfast is at eight sharp, not eight-"
     
    "I'm sorry," Kate said, taking a seat. "It won't happen again." She unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. Removing the silver lid, she discovered a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.
     
    "The hospital