Evil Intent (10 page)

“Well, all I can say is there was a lot of sex going in, but in the end it was the step-daughter because she was convinced the husband was going to divorce her mom and they would both be thrown out without a dime.” Maggie explained.

“That really sounds like a good play,” said Bob

“Anything with lots of sex sounds good to you! Who you trying to kid?” Samantha added.

Kathryn had excused herself to go to the bathroom again, just before Lauren came back with the drinks. On her return to the table, Kathryn spotted Lauren bending over, setting down Richard’s drink. Conveniently, Lauren was positioned just right with her plunging neck line and incredibly hot body desperately trying to bust out of her dress.

Kathryn, not to be outdone by Lauren, walked back toward Richard and reached up and undid another button on her blouse. She made a point of stopping at Richards chair just long enough to whisper in his ear that she was having a wonderful time, and also long enough to give him a kiss on the cheek as Lauren was looking directly at them. Richard, definitely noticed the button, too! Kathryn was pleased!

The evening turned out to be a lot of fun for all. Kathryn and Richard actually did very well at the games, winning the initial round. The rest of the gang were all in a great mood and frequently teased Richard over finally having a girlfriend. They also made a point to congratulate Kathryn for apparently capturing the most infamous rich and sexy, single, available doctor in all of Manhattan.

Despite how late the evening dragged on, when it was time to leave, Richard insisted on walking Kathryn home, rather than hailing a taxi. She agreed, held his arm, and the couple leisurely strolled through Central Park to the Upper West Side. Several horse drawn carriages trotted by adding to the romance of the moment. Eventually, they arrived back at her apartment on Riverside Boulevard. The doorman, recognizing Kathryn, buzzed the door open as the couple both entered, Richard holding her hand, yet being the gentleman he was, stopped at the elevator.

“I hope you had an enjoyable evening, Kathryn. I know I did. I really would like to see you again.”

“I’d like that too, Richard.”

“I mean, in addition to playing cards on Wednesdays.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

You can kiss me now, gorgeous, if you want!

“Well, then, that sounds like a plan. We’ll do it! Sorry, I got you home so late. I guess I’d better go now.”

With that said, Richard, still holding her hand pushed the elevator button, leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. When the door opened, Kathryn stepped in and turned facing him.

“Goodnight Kathryn!”

“Goodnight Richard”

As the elevator raced upward, so did her mind, with thoughts of Richard.

A kiss on the cheek? What kind of kiss is that? Damn it! I should have opened another button!

Chapter 13

T
he rest of this week, and most likely the following week would turn out to be extremely hectic for the sales team. It seemed so busy to Kathryn, she set her mind on working late just about every evening. But, despite strong sales of the new device, and heavy call volumes in the office, Ted Duncan mandated cut backs in personnel. Naturally, that only lowered morale in the office at a time when employee enthusiasm was needed most. Thursday turned out crazy, and with the way Friday began, Kathryn knew if the pressure continued, she’d be ready for the funny farm by Saturday afternoon for sure.

While sitting at her desk mid-afternoon, an unexpected call was received.

“Katherine Spencer,” she said as she picked up the call.

“Hi, it’s your favorite Bridge partner. How about meeting me tomorrow morning at the entrance to the Park at Columbus Circle, say 7 AM?”

“Seven? Ok. I think I can do that. Yes, that’ll be fine,” she answered, confused over the surprise call.

“Good. I’ll find out if you can run as good as you play bridge. See you then.”

Dr. Marks hung up the phone.

Wow, he wants to see me. Maybe he does like me!”

Kathryn’s smile lasted the rest of that day!

“Oh my goodness, it can’t be time to get out of bed already. Let me sleep just another twenty minutes,” she said continuing to lie there clutching her long pillow.

What am I doing? It’s Saturday. My Richard! Shit!

She flew out of bed, flinging the PJs and jumping into her running pants. Pulling on a white tank and a pink jacket to match her pants took another two minutes. Wash her face, brush her teeth, comb her hair, and she’ll be out the door, grabbing her baseball cap on the way. She was so excited about seeing Richard, she forgot her high energy breakfast bar.

Richard was at the rail doing leg stretches when Kathryn arrived at the south west entrance to the park.

“Good morning,” she said, as she snuck up and wrapped her arms around him.

“Good morning! It’s so good to see you. Ready for me to show you how to get a great workout?”

“You bet, lead the way coach!”

At seven in the morning, it was still pretty cool outside, and starting off with a hard run felt great. The couple took off along the south side, then ran north along the east side of the park. About a mile into the run, Richard yelled over to Kathryn.

“Hold up, we need to stop. Come over here with me.”

Kathryn had a strange look on her face but did as the doctor asked.

“Get down on the grass. I want to see 25 sit-ups. I’ll hold your feet.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Get down there!” He commanded, as she diligently did what he asked.

“Excellent, good girl. Now stand. We’re doing fifty jumping jacks. Ready? One, two, three.”

After the jumping jacks he moved over to the bench, legs stretched out, face to the ground, and hands on the edge of the park bench.

“Next are push-ups. Here, come next to me, we’ll do them together.”

Once they finished, Kathryn gave him a look, and decided she too, could yell out orders as Richard started walking back to the path.

“Wait a minute, where do you think you’re going buster? You’re the big macho man, and I have to do 25 sit-ups? Then, you get to do the same exercises as me and I only weigh 117 pounds? Not gonna happen coach! You get back in that position.”

Richard, obeyed Kathryn’s command, grinning and getting into position. But, before he could start, Kathryn spread her legs and climbed on top of Richard, as if she was riding a horse.

“Now you’re ready! I want 10 more push-ups! Do you hear me soldier?”

“Yes ma’am!” He hollered proceeding to complete 10 push-ups with her on his back.

“Good job, now let’s run some more.”

Richard liked the aggression Kathryn demonstrated, and would smile as she often glanced his way.

They did another mile and a half when suddenly the path started to rapidly ascend. They pushed on to the point, and once they finished the northwest loop, they could sense the path started to gradually descend again. They were moving at a faster clip, when Richard noticed Kathryn breathing heavier than usual.

“Just ahead, and we can stop again.”

“Thank God.”

The couple stopped near 83rd street, close to the northwest corner of the main ball field. Kathryn quickly slowed to a crawl as Richard went prancing over near some trees.

I sure hope Mr. Wonderful has to take a long wiz on a tree ‘cause I need a rest!

“Over here,” he called.

Oh no, now what?

“It’s chin-up time!”

“Richard, you can’t be serious! You’re killing me. Where do you get all this energy?”

“Come on, you can do it. I know you can. I’ll go first, then I’ll hold you as you try.”

Richard jumped up grabbing the chin-up bars that the Park placed there. The city had several exercise stations through the city parks. He did twenty pulls exhibiting little effort.

“Now it’s your turn!”

Kathryn, who was sitting down on a large Boulder, raised her head.

“I don’t think I can reach it.”

“I’ll help. Come on.”

She reluctantly, stood up, slowly walking toward the bar. Once under the bar she squatted slightly before raising her hands.

“See, I can’t reach it.” She teased.

“Quicker than a jack rabbit, Richards hands reached under her arms and instantly lifted her a foot off the ground. His strength surprised the hell out of her, but she liked it. Quickly, Kathryn grabbed hold of the bar, hoping he wouldn’t let go.

“Perfect, now pull! Harder!

Richard’s hands moved very slowly down her sides until they were holding her waist. She liked the feel of his strong hands. Not wanting him to let go of her just yet, she tried harder to pull herself upwards to the bar. She did five chins before letting go, her feet falling to the ground and her body falling backwards into Richard’s arms. The falling into his arms trick, she did on purpose. His arms moved around to her tummy, pulling her back against him. Leaning back, pressing tightly against him, she lifted her head into his shoulder, peering up at his face.

“How’d I do coach? Did I pass the test?”

“With flying colors, beautiful!”

Kathryn suddenly turned around facing him, as he naturally moved with her body. His arms were around her waist, with his hands on her lower back. She looked up directly into his eyes and quickly raised her hand, clutching the back of his neck, as she pulled herself up until their lips met in an incredibly passionate kiss.

“That was so much nicer than chin-ups,” she said.

“I won’t deny that. We better get going or you may not be able to pry me off you. We could end up here a lot longer than we expected.”

“I’ll try.”

Do I dare tell him my legs are still, wobbly from that kiss? Holy cow!

“On second thought, let’s just walk awhile,” Richard suggested.

Thank you, God.

Kathryn, reached for his arm and they began to stroll down the path. When they were around 72nd Street, Richard made another suggestion.

“I have an idea. Let me buy you a nice big breakfast or early lunch. How’s that sound?”

“I can’t go to a restaurant looking like this!”

“Of course you can, you look beautiful.”

“Sweating is not beautiful.”

“Ok, you’ve got two choices. We can go to your place, you shower and change clothes, or 2nd, we do it my way and you trust me.”

“If I shower, what about you? I’ll smell all pretty and you’ll be stinky!”

“Fine, then I’ll shower with you and the problems solved.”

Kathryn raised her eyebrows, hearing that one.

“I’m not sure about that, Richard. Do you think we know each well enough to get naked? Really?”

“How long does that take? Besides I’m a doctor. I look at naked woman all the time it’s different when you’re a doctor.”

“Yeah right, you are so full of shit! But, you win. I’m going to trust you. Where are you going to take me?”

“You’ll see. Come on.”

About ten minutes later they were still inside Central Park sitting at a little table, by the concession stand at one of the baseball fields. Tons of people were gather around and some guys were playing a ball game.

“Hot dogs for breakfast?” Kathryn said, sarcastically.

“Don’t think of the time. It’s all in your mind! Besides, how can you watch a baseball game and not eat a hot dog? That’s un-American, I think.”

They both had to admit the hot dogs tasted delicious. Whether they were that good, or whether the two were simply starving for food, they scarfed the dogs down like it was their last meal. They sat for about another hour, munching on a couple of apples as they watched the young men play ball. Actually, Kathryn watched the boys play and Richard watched Kathryn. At one point she had bent over to tie a shoe lace. Her head was practically in Richard’s lap and her hair fell forward slightly framing her face. He was surprised how mesmerized he was just looking at her. He kept staring at her thinking how incredibly beautiful she was. He wanted so bad to reach down, hold her face in his hands and kiss her once again. He procrastinated, too long. Kathryn stood up. He knew it was time to leave.

“Come this way, there’s something else I’d like to show you,” he said.

With their hands joined, she followed his lead, walking along the path, talking, laughing too, at times so hard they would cry. They would be deep in conversation when, without warning, Richard would stop, wrap one arm around her waist, hold her body close to his, and with his other arm, reach upward pointing up at some beautiful skyscraper or roof top gargoyle. The scenery that surrounded the couple was not only romantic but magnificent and never ending. They even stopped at a small pond to watch some swans and ducks. Kathryn, spotted several baby ducks that she just had to point out to Richard.

“Aren’t they too cute?”

“Not as cute as you!”

She glanced up at him, giving him a look that could only mean she liked what he had said.

When they exited onto a sidewalk, Kathryn was having such a good time telling him about when she was a little girl that she didn’t realize they had left the park and were walking along Fifth Avenue. If this was supposed to be that romantic escape that she had longed for, her wish had been granted.

Looking ahead, she soon spotted a very familiar building.

“Can I ask where you’re taking me, please?”

“You do like art, don’t you?”

“The Met? We’re going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Really?” Her voice uttering a soft shrill.

“I thought maybe you’d like that. Is that ok?”

“Oh Richard, it’s my favorite! I love this place.”

Their time together at the museum was wonderful. Richard noticeably was impressed at her enthusiasm when inside the impressionist hall. She saw so many favorites, she didn’t know which exhibit she liked best. When it was time to go, she hugged Richard thanking him for the surprise.

“This was all so fantastic, Richard. We must do this again.”

“I hope so,” he said.

Walking into the Park again, he cut directly cross at 72nd to Strawberry Fields.

“I’m not done with you yet, young lady, I suggest you run home and take that shower, put on something nice, but casual, and I’ll pick you up at your place at 2:00 o’clock. Alright?”

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“It’s so gorgeous,” she said, standing at the stern of the ferry boat, looking out at all of lower Manhattan. “This is why I love the city so much. It looks almost surreal from here. Just spectacular, and so beautiful.”

Richard was standing directly behind her looking out at wherever she was pointing toward. Suddenly, she turned facing him.

“Actually, this whole day has been beautiful, Richard, all because of you,” she said giving him a quick kiss on the lips. “Thank you for everything. I am having so much fun. And to think, not once have I thought of that stupid office.”

“Good. That’s part of the plan.”

Plan? What plan? Is he going to take me home and make love to me? Never. I’ve really only known this guy for a couple of weeks!