The Drake Unwound Complete Collection (The Drake Series Book 9)(38)

"What's this?" she asked, slipping out of my arms to check the playlist. The song was from Rubber Soul, which had been released in 1965.

"In My Life," I said, coming up behind her, slipping my arms around her waist. "Another appropriate song, because I do love you more," I said, kissing her neck. She put the cell phone down and held my arms.

"I love you, Kate," I said softly.

"I love you," she said, her voice nearly a whisper. We stood in an embrace for a while, enjoying each other. Then I let go of her and led her to the kitchen.

"Come to the kitchen," I said. "I've got some vegetables for a salad. I thought we'd have some chicken."

She followed and while Kate took responsibility for the salad, I grilled the chicken breasts, dredging them in flour and sautéing them in the pan. Kate sipped some wine I poured for her while I acted as chef. I even tied a white apron around my waist.

"It won't take long," I said and turned to her. "I have a nice baguette that we could have as the starch."

"When did you get so domestic?"

I laughed and reached into a bag on the counter, removing the long thin loaf.

"I lived by myself for five years after the divorce. It was either learn to cook decent food or live out of restaurants."

We sat at the table, set with some linens and cutlery I found in my father’s things. Before we ate, I took Kate’s hand.

"I'm not really religious," I said, squeezing her hand. "But I want to say how thankful I am about the tissue match."

She nodded, her eyes wide. "Me, too."

I smiled and let go of her hand. "I'm also thankful that I found you. Such a delicious morsel of prime womanhood."

"You're hungry," she said, grinning back. "You need to eat."

"I do need to eat," I replied and wagged my eyebrows suggestively. "But dinner first."

We discussed details of our trip. Even though it would be delayed for some time, there were still plans to be made and while I’d have to alter dates, for now at least we could still enjoy planning it together.

"We'll be staying at the Hilton for a while until I can find a nice home,” I said. “A colleague has suggested Kitusuru Village as a place to rent where there are a lot of expats living. Most of them are families with children, but there may be an area where singles and younger couples live. We'll see once we get there." I looked at her. "Do you have a preference for where to live? I mean, apartment or house?"


She shrugged. "I don’t really care. I have no idea what to expect because I spent all my time in the relief camp in Mangaize or in hotels."

"I have a contact in Nairobi who's already looking for a nice house. I think it would be great to actually live in a house for a change, instead of an apartment."

"I've always lived in an apartment,” Kate said, “except for our cottage in the Hamptons. It would be nice. Whatever you think, Drake."

"From what people who have lived there say, once you're inside the compounds, you won't know the difference between Nairobi and Los Angeles. They're gated communities where most of the expats live. Very safe. Large estates with parks and shopping."

I was busy describing things, eating my meal, not noticing that Kate was pretty silent. I glanced at her, catching her eye.

"What's going on in that mind of yours, Ms. Bennet? Something good, I hope, from that wistful smile."

She smiled more broadly. "Was it wistful?"

I nodded and reached out to take her hand. "Yes, very."

She shook her head. "I've never done this kind of thing before."

I frowned. "What kind of thing?"

"Lived with a man,” she said softly. “Planned to move somewhere with him. Planned to pull up roots and move to another continent."

"You went to Africa with Nigel," I offered.

"Not quite the same thing…"

I chuckled at that. "Not quite." Then I put down my fork and inhaled deeply. "I know this is a huge commitment, withdrawing from your semester, letting your apartment go, coming with me to Nairobi, living with me. Now with the delay, I know it seems like I haven't given you what I promised."

She reached out and took my hand. "You don’t have to feel bad about that at all. Of course, we'll stay here – as long as you want and need. I just want to be with you, wherever that is and whatever we’re doing."

I leaned over and kissed her. "I don’t know what will happen between us, Kate, but I can't imagine doing anything without you."

She smiled. "Me either."



We cleaned up quickly and then I brought out a bottle of vodka and the two shot glasses. Kate followed me to the living room, where we sat by the fireplace. I poked the logs into renewed life and we sat in front of it, the bottle of vodka on the coffee table.

I turned to her, quirking my eyebrow. "Now, Ms. Bennet, I intend to get you drunk."

She laughed, and snuggled in closer to me. "Are you sure you want to? You have no idea what kind of drunk I might be. And besides," she said, poking my arm. "As a physician, shouldn't you be advocating for moderation?"

"Moderation in most things, yes," I said and poured two shots. "But in love and when it comes to vodka, there's a time for indulgence."