Chapter 12 - THE DINNER WITHOUT BODYGUARDS
Damon chose a small Italian restaurant in Brooklyn.
No private dining room.
No entourage.
No photographers.
Just a table by the window.
Kate arrived wearing a blue dress.
Damon stood when she approached.
“You look beautiful.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
They talked for hours.
About childhood.
About music.
About their parents.
About the strange loneliness of being surrounded by people who wanted something from you.
Damon admitted that he'd spent years hiding behind his family's reputation.
“It was easier to let people fear me.”
Kate looked at him.
“Why?”
He considered.
“Because fear doesn't ask you to be vulnerable.”
Kate smiled sadly.
“And love does.”
He nodded.
After dinner, they walked along the waterfront.
The city lights reflected on the water.
Damon stopped.
“Kate.”
She turned.
“I don't want you to feel obligated to me.”
“I don't.”
He swallowed.
“Good.”
She studied him.
“Damon?”
“Yes?”
“You can ask.”
He frowned.
“Ask what?”
She smiled.
“If you can kiss me.”
His expression softened.
“May I?”
Kate nodded.
Their first kiss was gentle.
May you like
Unhurried.
And entirely hers to choose.
