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Kyle nodded but his expression was more cautious. “I’m worried about how his relationship with his father is going to affect Fiona. To be a healthy adult he needs counselling and she deserves someone willing to be a better man. I say this as someone who recognizes his own father issues.”
“I’ll be there for her.” Monique assured him. She looked at him nervously. “I’m surprised you haven’t pointed out the age difference between me and Dale and my own potential father issues.”
He shook his head. “Not my place nor do I have any right to judge others on how they relate to their fathers. And from what you just said, it seems you have enough self-awareness to manage on your own.”
“My brothers are far more blunt about it and do feel they have the right to interfere,” she grumbled.
He just smiled. “Family.”
She glanced up into his eyes for a moment then looked away with a slight smile of acceptance.
She squirmed a little. “I can see it too. Dale might be a substitute for my father. Dad is a highly skilled surgeon and that made him highly sought after and kept him very busy. He was too preoccupied and never had time for me.” Light dawned behind her eyes as she looked up at Kyle. “Like your father was for you as an aviation mechanic!”
Kyle nodded as he was very aware of their similar stories though their reactions to it were so different. “You sought a replacement and I did everything I could to reject mine.”
Monique nodded as she recognized their polar opposite behavior.
They fell silent for a bit as they picked at the remnants of their meals. The show continued on the screen but Kyle noted she never turned her eyes back to it.Content © NôvelDrama.Org 2024.
“I’m going to ask Dale for a divorce.”
Kyle looked up from his plate in surprise.
“What you said about Cameron needing to be willing to deal with his father issues so he could be a better man. I realize I’m guilty of the same unwillingness. I need to clean house. There won’t be a better time.” She looked into Kyle’s troubled eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“I hope you don’t think I was criticizing you-”
“No! I get it! You were only talking about him. I’m the one who saw the similarity.” She noticed he still looked troubled. “Something else?”
“I’m starting to worry that I’m a catalyst for breaking relationships. Fiona and Kimberly on the bike ride in France. I put Gloria’s marriage in jeopardy. Phoebe’s discovery. Now you tell me you’re divorcing your husband. I mean, good for you, but damn I’m beginning to feel like a curse.”
She shook her head as she looked at him seriously. “Kyle, you’re not responsible for the state of the relationships you encounter. If you help people come to terms with how unhappy they are and how they don’t have to remain that way, then your presence isn’t a curse, it’s a blessing!”
Kyle snorted with a doubtful smile. “A blessing? I’m not sure I’d go that far.”
Monique reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze. “I certainly appreciate your being here.”
“Thank you,” he said, squeezing her hand in return.
She smiled as she recalled the strength in his hands as they massaged her back. Then she remembered the intense tingling they’d caused when he massaged her ass. She pulled back her hand and Kyle released it immediately. They each turned their eyes to look out over the street and watched the sun setting behind the buildings.
“Not the most picturesque scenery but the food makes up for it,” Kyle suggested.
Monique smiled and nodded in agreement. “Did you want dessert?”
He shook his head then hid a yawn behind his hands. “How can I be so tired from doing so little?”
“Sunshine and fresh air will do it every time,” she agreed then Kyle caught her hiding a yawn of her own. “It’s your fault!” she pouted when he grinned at her.
Kyle paid for their meals then they walked out to the strip. The night was still warm so they decided to walk for a while to burn off some of their dinner. They picked up their conversation from earlier in the day and fell into such a comfortable rhythm as they walked they were surprised when they saw their hotel only a short distance away. They smiled at each other as they’d lost track of the time and the distance as they talked.
The rest of the way they remained silent but neither felt awkward about it.
As they passed through the lobby they heard the thump of the club down the hallway.
“Would you like a nightcap?” she asked.
He just grinned and shook his head. “I’d love one, but I can’t. Still healing,” he replied as he pointed to his head.
She winced and bounced her fist gently off her forehead. “Right! Sorry. Forgot.”
He just nodded and they made their way up to the room. She went into the bedroom and he took his sleeping shorts into the guest washroom to get changed. He came out and put the sheets on the pull out bed.
He heard a knock on the bedroom door from inside and smiled. “Decent!” he called out.
She opened the door with a smile and he caught his breath as she looked stunning in her silk nightie with a silk dressing gown over top. He did his best to not let his eyes roam and saw she was doing the same.
“I just wanted to say good night and thanks for listening tonight. It really helped!” she said.
“Your welcome. Thank you for giving me a place to rest my bruised brain,” he returned with a grin.
“You’re most welcome.” She stood there in the doorway looking like she wanted to say something else.
He looked to the bed as a yawn threatened to overtake him. “Have a good night,” he said.
She nodded with a smile as she turned back to her room. “You as well.” The door closed.
Kyle climbed onto the bed and was impressed with the quality of the mattress. He wasn’t feeling any of the springs, or the bed frame underneath. He turned off the light and pulled the sheets up to his chin. Sleep was quick to take him tonight.
Some time later, how much time he couldn’t tell, he heard his name being called out.
“Hnnna! Wha?” he grunted as he jolted awake.
“Were you asleep?” a nervous voice asked. He recognized it as Monique.
He snorted. “Uh… yeah. What’s wrong?”
“I- I can’t sleep. Could… could I sleep in your bed?” she asked.
His brain wasn’t cooperating. “You want to switch beds?” he responded.
“No. I want to sleep in that bed… with you still in it.”
Kyle became wide awake then. “Uh, maybe that’s not such a great idea.”
“Not for sex. I’m just anxious about talking with Dale tomorrow- I mean today. I need sleep. Please,” she begged.
“Oh. Ok. Sure.” He shifted over to the other side and felt her climb onto the bed and slip under the sheets.
“Mmmm! It’s warm on this side,” she said in a little, pleased voice.
He snorted in amusement from the cool side of the bed. “Go to sleep, silly girl.”
A hand gently touched his chest. “Thank you, Kyle.”
He covered her hand with his. “What are friends for?”