“You helped change me,” he said.
“How? I’ve done nothing.”
“You showed me that I was a bully. I’d never thought of it like that. The way you reacted to me, and how I was. You showed me another way, and for that, I’m grateful. You made me a better person.”
“And I’ve been nothing but a bitch to you.”
He chuckled. “Maybe you should start being nice to me.”
“I offered you my body.”
“It’s not the only thing I’m interested in.”
“What are you interested in?” she asked.
“That is something you’re going to have to figure out on your own.”
Kim stared at him, wondering what he could possibly want. They were two different people. Neither of them the same.
He’s different.
I’m different.
“I’ve never been on a rollercoaster,” she said, picking a more suitable topic.
“A rollercoaster?”
“Never been to an amusement park.”
“The charity event is going to be an amusement park.”
“Why?”
“A lot of big type people giving away a lot of money. It’s a big event. A political playground for everyone, businessmen, politicians, actors, you name it. And you, Kim James, are going to be my date.”
“So exciting.”
“It should be. You’re spending your time with me.”
****
Kim looked absolutely stunning in the floral blue dress that molded to every single curve. Kurt couldn’t keep the smile off his face, he was so damn proud to have her on his arm. He spotted Noah and Elsa already at the event. Even with cameras flashing, Kim held onto him like a lifeline.
“Please don’t leave me.”
“Are you afraid?”
“Terrified. I’ve never done well in social settings.”
“You’d never know.” He enjoyed teasing her. “Don’t worry. I’ve no plan of leaving you.”
She pushed some hair off her face, and they were stopped by some of his business associates.
“Michaels, how have you been?”
“Busy, John.”
“Who is this charming lady?”
“Kim James, she’s my girl, and you’ll see some of her work displayed toward the back.”
“Ah, a budding artist.”
“A professional one I believe. Real talent,” Kurt said.
“He’s just being nice.”
“Nah, I know Kurt. If he’s giving you that recommendation, it’s for a reason. He believes in your potential.” John took her hand, laying a kiss to her knuckles.
A couple of other businessmen asked where he was, to which Kurt introduced Kim.
Finally, after twenty minutes they were able to get to their friends.
“Enjoying the attention?” Elsa asked.
“No. It’s scary.” Kim took a glass of champagne from a waiter who was passing. “I don’t know how anyone can do it.”
“Your mother did it just fine,” Kurt said.
“Where are your parents?” Noah asked.
“They’re here, I think. I got a text just as we arrived. Mom was looking at my work.”
He saw her cringe, and shook his head. She had so many doubts about herself they were unreal at times. He didn’t understand it. Her talent rivaled so many, and yet she was always nervous about showcasing her stuff.
Kurt kept his arm around her, holding her close as people kept on talking to them.
“How are things on the baby making front?” he asked when Kim and Elsa were deep into conversation.
“They’re going great. Can’t complain.”
“But?”
“But nothing. Baby making is fun. What about you and Kim? Any progress?”
“We’re on a date.”
“Does she know it’s a date?”
“Yes, and she doesn’t want me to leave her side. I’d say that is total progress. I expect congratulations any day now.”
Noah snorted. “She’s falling for you.”
Kurt looked toward her. “Do you think so?”
“Yes, I do. Look at her. You’ve got her glowing. Kim’s always been on the depressive side. Sad, artistically stunted at times. With you, I see her smile. I can actually see why Elsa likes her. Beforehand, I did have to wonder how the two of them were friends. They’re like chalk and cheese.”
Kurt stared at his woman as she once again pushed some hair out of her face. She did that quite often, and he saw her hand was shaking. She was really nervous, yet she didn’t have any reason to be. Kurt wanted to protect her. Tonight would go well, he was certain of it. Her work was exemplary.
“Baby making is fun?”
“Yep. Married life is fun. You don’t know what you’re missing.”
He wanted to be married. There were so many plans he had, and all of them were devoted to Kim.
When it was time to move on, he held his arm out for Kim to take. They met up with her parents, both of whom were clearly proud of her.
“Darling, you have hidden away too long. It’s time the rest of the world sees how far you’ve come,” her mother, Esther James, said. “It’s so good to see you again, Kurt.”
“Hi, Mrs. James.”
“Please, call me Esther. Donald, this was the young man I was telling you about.”
“Donald James.” A large man with huge hands greeted him.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Kurt Michaels. You’re David’s son?”
“Of Michaels Industry. Yes.”
“You’re on your own now though, right? Technological industry, social media, and all that.”