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Chapter 2
Kevin made his way back to the table and had to admit that he was disappointed that someone had interrupted. He assumed that would be the last he would see of Claire for the remainder of the night. Brian must have seen everything from where he was seated, because as Kevin approached the table, Brian said, "She's a popular woman Kevin. Just like we are when we're at certain functions."
"I had just told her about us." Kevin said as he watched Claire from across the room.
"So, what did she say?" Brian asked.
"She's heard of us, but doesn't know much." Kevin replied.
"She's out of your league Kevin, just forget about her." Brian said.
"Why should she be out of my league Brian? Because I wasn't born into a rich family and have had to work hard for everything I have achieved. I'm not willing to accept that." Kevin said.
"Whoa Kevin, calm down. I didn't mean to upset you there cuz." Brian said.
"Why don't we get out of here?" Kevin said as he looked around the room.
Brian spied Claire walking in their direction and decided not to respond to Kevin right away, since he suspected Claire was coming to talk to Kevin. Brian was right.
"Sorry for the interruption there Kevin. I was engaged to him several years ago. It was pretty much arranged for us. Thank god I convinced my father that I didn't love him." Claire said as she took a seat beside Kevin.
Kevin felt relief wash over him. "That's alright." Kevin said, feeling bad for letting himself get so upset.
"Are you alright?" Claire asked, picking up on some tension.
"Yeah I'm fine Claire." Kevin said with a forced smile.
"Well, I really should make some more rounds and talk to more of the guests. How much longer will the two of you be staying?" Claire asked, wanting to speak to Kevin one more time before he left for the night.
"Kevin was just thinking of leaving." Brian answered.
"Oh, are you not enjoying yourselves?" Claire asked.
"I think Brian and I need to go find the restroom." Kevin said, glaring at his cousin.
"I'm fine Kevin." Brian said. Brian knew that Kevin was attracted to Claire and he suspected that she was drawn to Kevin as well. He wanted to get Kevin away from the table so he could speak to Claire alone for a few minutes.
"Fine, I'll be right back." Kevin said as he walked away from the table.
"He's not alright is he?" Claire asked Brian.
"I think he was a little jealous of your friend interrupting your dance." Brian replied.
"Oh, the poor thing. I will have to make a point of apologizing to him." Claire said, feeling horrible for upsetting Kevin. I think I'll make my way to the washroom's and try to have a word with him." Claire said as she excused herself.
Kevin finally found the washrooms and felt like punching the wall. He was not pleased with the way Brian was acting. He didn't have to make a complete fool out of him in front of Claire. Kevin took a few minutes to gather his thoughts. He hadn't felt this way for a woman in quite some time. There was just something about Claire that he was drawn to. He finally accepted that Brian was right and she was out of his league. Kevin washed his hands and turned to exit the washroom.
Claire thought for sure that she had missed Kevin, until she finally saw him walk out of the washroom. She started walking towards Kevin, and she called his name.
Kevin thought he heard someone call his name. He slowed down and looked around and was surprised to see Claire walking towards him. He felt the nervous feeling grow.
"Why don't we go for a quick walk outside Kevin." Claire suggested.
"Don't you have to get back in there?" Kevin said.
"Nah, not right away." Claire said as she urged Kevin to follow her. "There's this beautiful garden just across the street. I thought we could go there and talk for a few minutes." Claire continued.
Kevin didn't respond he just followed Claire. He wondered what Brian had said to Claire though. Brian was obviously in the mood for stirring things up that night.
A few minutes later, Claire sat down on a bench in the garden. Kevin simply stood in front of her with his hands in his pockets. "Why don't you tell me what's troubling you Kevin?" Claire asked, not wanting to give away what Brian had told her.
"Honestly, I guess I was disappointed when that guy came and interrupted our dance." Kevin said, as he looked down at the ground.
Claire was impressed with Kevin's honesty. She admired that in a man. Claire stood up and stopped in front of Kevin. She placed her hand under his chin and lifted it so she could look into his green eyes as she spoke. "I'm sorry if that upset you Kevin. I never intended to do that. Can you forgive me?" Claire asked.
"There's nothing to forgive Claire. I just feel like a teenager with a crush. I think I'm the one that needs to apologize to you." Kevin said, instantly wanting to take it back.
"Unfortunately I can't dedicate all my time to you tonight Kevin, but I would love to get together with you some other time." Claire said.
"Well he had better head back then." Kevin said, feeling a little better about things.
"Not until you promise me that we'll set up a time to meet again." Claire said.
"No, I don't want to trouble you." Kevin said, not understanding why this woman was making him feel the way he was.
"Kevin, I'm a normal woman, with a normal job. I don't lead this high life on a regular basis. The only reason I am here is to pay tribute to my father. What makes you think seeing you again would be a problem." Claire asked softly.
Kevin turned and took a few steps away from Claire. What was happening to him? He was making a complete fool out of himself. "I just can't seem to do anything right tonight, can I." Kevin remarked.
Claire walked towards Kevin and lightly placed her hand on Kevin's shoulder. "You're not doing anything wrong Kevin. There's nothing wrong with getting a little nervous when you like someone. It's human. Now, what do I have to say to convince you that I'm interested in seeing you again?" Claire said.
Kevin turned around and smiled. "You're an amazing woman Claire. Most women would have just walked away. I would love to see you again." Kevin said, realizing that if he ever wanted to see Claire again, he had better change his attitude.
"Now that's what I want to hear. How long are you in town for Kevin?" Claire asked.
"I have a early Monday morning flight to New York." Kevin said.
"Really, how early?" Claire inquired, remembering that her flight was early on Monday as well.
"7:30 am if I remember correctly on American Airlines." Kevin said.
"Well maybe we can arrange to sit together on the flight. You sitting in First Class?" Claire continued to inquire.
"Yes, in fact I am. You're on the same flight." Kevin said.
"Yes I am. Do you guys live in New York?" Claire asked.
"No, we actually live in Florida. But we are doing some promotional work and preparation for the new tour in New York. I think we'll be there for two weeks." Kevin said.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Claire asked.
"Well I'll probably spend half the day sleeping, but I don't have anything special planned." Kevin answered.
"Why don't we get together for dinner tomorrow night?" Claire suggested.
"Dinner would be nice." Kevin said with a smile.
"I'm staying at the Airport Hilton, room 690. Do you think you can remember that?"
"Yes, considering I'm staying at the same hotel in room 1249." Kevin replied.
"You're following me aren't you?" Claire kidded as she lightly punched Kevin in the arm.
"You found me out." Kevin said, feeling a lot more at ease.
"Well I should be getting back." Claire said as she looked at her watch.
"I will escort you back and then I think I will head out." Kevin said as he took Claire's hand in his own and they started walking.
"I don't blame you for bailing out early. It's not the most exciting party in the world is it." Claire continued to kid around.
"Well the night was pretty exciting for me, since I met you." Kevin said shyly.
"It was great meeting you too Kevin. I look forward to our dinner tomorrow night." Claire said as they entered the large building.
"Well I will let you go here. I will give you a call tomorrow afternoon." Kevin said as he reluctantly let go of Claire's hand.
"I would like to come back to the table and say good night to Brian if you don't mind." Claire said.
Kevin and Claire found Brian on the dance floor. "I think I'll just let him be for a while." Kevin said as he took a seat.
"Well why don't you accompany me with my rounds. I would hate to leave you here at the table by yourself." Claire suggested, not wanting her time with Kevin to end.
Kevin did just that. He stayed very close to Claire's side. Even though most of the conversation was about business, he was just happy to be with Claire. Every once and a while she would steal a glance up at him and it felt like a bolt of lightening struck him every time he looked into her beautiful blue eyes.
Kevin took the opportunity to say good night to Claire once Brian told him he was ready to head back to the hotel. He promised Claire that he would talk to her the next day as he lightly placed a kiss on Claire's cheek. "I look forward to tomorrow." He said as he walked away with Brian.
