With All That I Am: Bound To You

More Trials to Come

"What the fuck are you doing in California?"

Winter held the phone away from her ear as she said, "I wanted to be near the ocean." Well, technically she was on it. "The jet is waiting for you."

"What the fuck, Minjeong?"

"This is my surprise."

"To give me a heart attack? You're in another state!"

"Well," Winter giggles to herself, "you better hurry then, baby." She said and winked at Rocky who gave her a chiding look.

Winter stood on the deck of the yacht and took a deep breath. They needed to get away from Sin City and let the water soothe them, just for a little while. She packed everything Karina needed and the yacht was set. Winter was happy to note that neither she nor Rocky were seasick. She had to throw a crying fit for Mark to keep his mouth shut. If she hadn't been pregnant, she never would have gotten away with it.

It took less than two hours for Karina to board the yacht. Winter waited for her with a glass of champagne and sparkling water for herself. Karina's mouth was pressed into a thin line and although Winter couldn't see her eyes, she could feel the heat emanating from her.

"You made it in time to see the sunset," Winter said and handed her the glass.

"Minjeong."

"Did you have a nice flight? Mine was a bit bumpy, but--,"

"You flew?"

Karina smashed her champagne glass and grabbed Winter by the shoulders. She gave her a small shake and leaned in close. "Minjeong, you don't take off without telling me."

Winter refused to be intimidated. "We needed time away and it's your birthday next week."

"And I would have come. Just tell me. I went home and you were gone!"

She heard fear in Karina's voice. "You thought I left you?"

Karina released her and ran both of her hands through her hair. "I didn't know what to think."

"Didn't you see my card on the bed?"

"No. I realized the house was empty and called your cell."

"Maybe I should have taped the card to the door or something." Winter mused, pursing her lips to the side.

Karina tore off her sunglasses. "No, you should tell me with your voice, not a fucking card."

"Jimin." Winter went to her and wrapped her arms around Karina's waist. She glared down at Winter and the younger woman felt awful. "I didn't think you'd jump to that conclusion. I mean, why would I leave you?"

Karina didn't answer.

"I'm not going to leave you." Winter said and tugged off Karina's suit jacket, so it dropped to the deck. She unbuttoned Karina's shirt halfway so she could cool off and register the cool breeze. "We needed time together so I rented the yacht for a week."

Winter poured her another glass of champagne and pet Rocky to reassure him that neither of them was in danger. Karina took the glass, which Winter forced her to drink before she stood beside her, looking out at the horizon as the sun set. It took Karina a half hour to chill. The night was cool, but comfortable enough for them to lounge on the deck and listen to the water slosh against the sides.

"Are you still mad at me?" Winter asked.

"You're trying to kill me."

Winter clucked her tongue in disgust. "We're going to have fun. Yuqi is going to take care of the meetings that can't be rescheduled and if there's an emergency, I have your laptop."