Kristy entered the kitchen, sneaking up behind Kevin in her bare feet. She slid her hands around his sides, stoking his rippled stomach sensually.
"Hey babe. Glad you're here, but I've got some girl upstairs, so you'll have to leave and come back later..." he feigned a look of surprise as he turned around and saw Kristy standing there. "Oh, Kristy... it's you!"
She playfully punched him in the same stomach she was rubbing gently only moments before. "Very funny, buster!"
He lightly kissed her on the tip of her nose, "Want to wash and peel or chop?" He gestured to a pile of fresh vegetables sitting next to the sink, "Hope you like stir fry."
Kristy grabbed a large kitchen knife and one of the zucchini Kevin had already washed, "I think I'll chop. Also, this way if that other woman shows up after all, I'll have a way to get rid of her." Kristy pointed the knife at Kevin and laughed menacingly... or at least she tried to until she started giggling.
"Fierce, Kristy. I know I'm trembling," he laughed.
"Oh, I have other ways to make you tremble sweetheart!" Kristy said seductively, which quickly stopped Kevin's laughter. ************************************************************************
Kevin carried the two plates of steamed rice and vegetable stir fry outside to the patio table by the pool. Kristy was just ahead of him, sitting their ice teas down while she looked around the backyard. A tall hedge provided the privacy Kevin needed, without feeling too isolating. The large pool and hot tub were surrounded by a good sized wood deck. The lawn and landscaping were well-tended to and simple.
"I've been thinking about having the guys and some friends over for an official house-warming party, maybe while you're here?" Kevin said. "We could Bar-B-Q; keep it simple. Whatta ya think?"
Kristy smiled as she sat down in the chair Kevin held out for her. She had changed out of her business suit into a white cotton blouse and sarong-style short floral skirt, and was still barefooted. "I'd like to meet the guys and your other friends. Are you sure you want them all to meet me?"
"Of course! And they're all dying to meet you," Kevin shared. "In fact, A.J. and Brian would like to join us when we go out tonight. Howie wanted to, but had already made plans... so maybe another night. And Nick's going out with some friends, but may try to run into us." He'd spoken with each guy this morning, all of whom were anxious to hear more about Kristy... having heard about her initially from A.J. the day before.
"Wow! Sounds like I'll have to be on my best behavior," Kristy winked and laughed.
"Actually, I think A.J. would like it even more if you weren't!" They both laughed and continued to talk comfortably over lunch.
Kevin found himself telling Kristy about his dad, his throat feeling tight and tears welling up in his eyes, the way they did whenever he talked about the man he loved so much. He stared distractedly at the water in the pool, all the pain and loneliness coming to the surface. When he finally looked at Kristy to see her reaction to his emotional outburst, he knew he'd found true love as he saw empathy, caring and love in her eyes and on her tear-stained face.
