The One Night Stand

Chapter 11

  Cat was smiling while jogging along her private lane, she loved to run. Besides keeping her fit, running helped her clear her mind. It was Saturday morning, and as much as Cat loved Sam and wanted closure with Trent, she needed her alone time. The last few days had been filled with sight seeing and pleasant conversation. Trent was being very attentive, it was as though he were courting her all over again. And Cat Stone wasn't certain how she felt about any of it.

  Sam and Trent had made plans to meet Steven for brunch so they'd driven into London already, leaving Cat alone all for the day to catch up on some much needed work. The brunch was Sam's idea. Cat was so proud of her niece, she was intuitive, just like her aunt. The teenager  could see her Aunt was preoccupied all week, she wanted to give her some space. 

Beep beep

  I have to see you.

  As Cat read the message, her stomach did a dance. She replied immediately, she wanted to see him too.

Where, when?

  Now, come here...

  Cat showered and dressed quickly, throwing on a summer dress. It had a halter neck and she couldn't wear a bra with it, but it was a hot day, and Tom's hotel room didn't have air conditioning. She took her own car this morning, not having time to arrange a driver. Cat hated driving, especially in heavy traffic.

   The drive seemed longer than usual. Cat was impatient to get this over and done with. She'd rehearsed her speech over and over in her mind. She was going to tell him she'd chosen to give her marriage a second chance. She didn't know how she felt about Tom Bell but she greatful to him for giving her a new lease on life, she truly loved him for that. Cat didn't want things to end on a bad note, she frowned as it became apparent that both of her relationships needed closure.

  She knocked on his door with trembling hands. She was wondering how he'd react to seeing her again. Seconds later he opened the door, he stood looking at her for a moment. Cat didn't know whether to enter or turn and run. He was different; his eyes were hard, searching hers.

   "Come in." He said and stepped out of the way.

  She walked in slowly, the room was a mess, it looked like he hadn't been there there in days. Of course he's moved on Cat, she thought. She understood his need for company. She'd allowed Trent to comfort her the past few days, his warm embraces worked, they took some of her pain away. She'd felt herself slowly giving in to her husband, she was tired. Tired of being strong and fighting herself. She wasn't sure if she could sleep with him again but she guessed time would tell.

  Cat sat stiffly in the armchair she'd sat in that first night, crossing her legs, trying to find the right words. Her rehearsed speech escaped her mind at the sight of Tom. He stood awkwardly, looking at his feet, apparently trying to figure out what to say also.

  "Tom, come here." She said holding out her hand.

  This beautiful man had been responsible for breaking down the barriers she'd held firm for a decade, and she loved him for it and wanted him to know. He did as she asked, taking her hands, kneeling before her. She took his face in her hands and looked into his big, sad, green eyes. They were softening by the second. He put his head on her chest and his arms around her.

  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but..." he deserved the truth. "I haven't slept with my husband for almost ten years. Our marriage has survived because neither of us could be bothered moving on. I thought our age difference between you and I was enough of an obstacle without throwing my marital mess into the mix. And I didn't expect us to last longer than  that first time Tom, I promise you I never meant to lead you on." He looked up at her. She had a tear on her cheek which he wiped off with his finger.