K.C Philips

Chapter Eight

It was during the early hours of December 24 that K.C broke the news of his trip to America to Jessica, who was still half-awake. K.C was up thirty minutes before Jessica. He couldn't help but admire her.

She looks so beautiful when she sleeps.

Jessica woke up to K.C's face. She was wrapped in his arms throughout the night. She and K.C gazed at each other longingly for a while before K.C broke the silence.

"Do you always look like this when you sleep?"

Jessica was startled by his question. "How do you mean?" She asked.

"You look so beautiful and perfect, like a jewel from the Arabian Nights". He began to stroke her hair and forehead softly. Amidst laughter, Jessica said, "I never knew you were much of a flatterer."

"I'm not. I just say the truth as it is, that's all."

"You're not serious at all," Jessica said. She sat up on the bed.

K.C decided to break the news,
"I have some things to tell you. I'm going to the US for my nephew's birthday. I really can't put you through the stress of taking you south."

"It's okay. Wish your cousin a happy birthday for me, K.C." She turned fully to him before saying "What else do you want to tell me?"

K.C smiled. Then he began, "I'm going to be the interim CEO of my dad's company for two weeks next month." Jessica widened her eyes in a way that induced slight laughter from K.C. He continued,"I know you're wondering how. My big brother is going to be on leave, and as nice as he is, he left an important business deal for me to handle."

Jessica narrowed her eyebrows. "Why are you telling me this?" He grasped her palms. Then he said calmly, "I need you to be my company's legal representative."

Jessica laughed in surprise. "You have got to be kidding me, K.C. Do you even know the kind of law I practice?"

K.C was silent. He never gave thought to that.

Jessica went on, "Well, lucky for you I practice that kind of law. But still, I like our progression. Friends to lovers to business partners...."

"To a married couple, probably."

K.C's abrupt interruption prompted Jessica to stare at him with her mouth agape, which further prompted him to add, "You know, just saying."

Jessica shook her head as she stood; K.C followed suit. He went close to her and said, "I'm being serious. About everything."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves ," Jessica said. "Come on, we have a flight to catch"

"We? I thought you weren't going?", K.C asked, surprised.

"I am, K.C. Right there, in your heart" She smiled as she approached the shower. K.C stood speechless, gazing at the receding Jessica with only one thought.

It's all happening too fast.

***************************************

Before K.C went into the airport building, he stood to face Jessica, "The taxi will take you right back to your home. It's already paid for. Tell your mum how sorry I am for not bringing you back myself as I promised. I'll be back for Christmas and the countdown and...."

He said no further. Jessica had just kissed him. After releasing him, she asked, "And what?"

K.C looked at her intently before saying, "And.....and stay safe. Goodbye for now, Jessica." He hugged her and turned towards the airport building. She called him back.