0 comments/ 36897 views/ 13 favorites Kara's Lawyer By: Thalia He's gorgeous, Kara Stevens thought, her eyes focusing in on a man in a dark gray Armani suit, crisp white shirt, and red power tie. His slightly curly auburn hair was stylishly rumpled as though he had just run his hands through it and his arresting green eyes were stressed. The perfectly tailored suit accentuated his rippling muscles as he purposefully strode down the sidewalk, briefcase in hand. There was no doubt about it; she had to meet him. As Kara passed him, her arm brushed against him causing her purse to fall. Like a true gentleman, he immediately stopped to help her retrieve her belongings. "I'm so sorry, I can't believe how clumsy I am," Kara began only to be interrupted by his rich baritone voice. "Not at all, it was clearly my fault. I'm in a hurry right now and wasn't paying attention, not that that's any excuse. Please take my business card, if I damaged anything I insist on replacing it. Sorry, but I have to leave now," having said that he was gone. She continued walking to her office, disappointed that she hadn't had time to turn the rushed conversation into more. She supposed it didn't really matter, after all, what could she have said to interest him without sounding like a complete slut. Determined to get the impossibly sexy stranger out of her mind and get to work, Kara absentmindedly searched through her purse for her lucky pen. Her fingers came across an unfamiliar item, pulling it out she discovered a silver men's watch. Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement, it had to belong to HIM. Rifling through the contents of her handbag, Kara found what she had been looking for, his business card. Looking at the card, she was able to put a name to the handsome face, Alexander Martinez. A thrill of pleasure and anticipation shot through her spine as she dialed the number. "Hello, you've reached the law office of Alexander Martinez. How may I help you?" A female voice answered the phone. She was surprised, he didn't look old enough to have an independent practice, and however, his Armani suit indicated his youth hadn't hindered his success. "I'd like to speak to Alexander Martinez." "Just a moment," she responded. Kara heard the click on the phone line as her call was transferred. "Alex Martinez," he answered, causing shivers to course through her body. "Hi, my name is Kara Stevens. I'm the women who dropped her purse at your feet about a half hour ago," she explained. "It's a pleasure to hear from you. I hope I didn't damage anything because of my inattention, Ms. Stevens." "Of course not, besides I was the one who inconvenienced you this morning. And please call me Kara." "Only if you call me Alex and accept that this morning was entirely my fault," he qualified his response. "I suppose I'll concede rather than be called Ms. Stevens, it reminds me of my old maid aunt. You're very persuasive; I can see why you're a lawyer." "Thank you, I do try." "As much as I am enjoying our banter, I'm sure you're wondering why I called." "I have to say, I am curious." "I found a silver men's watch and I thought it might be yours." "You found it? Thank God, my grandmother would have killed me if I had lost it. It's a family heirloom. I hadn't realized the clasp was loose until this morning, when I noticed it was missing." "Well, it must have fallen off when you helped me pick up my things. I was planning on dropping it off with your secretary on my lunch hour, but I thought I should let you know that I had it," Kara replied. "I have a better idea," he suggested. "Why don't we meet for lunch so that I can thank you in person properly?" "That would be nice. Where would you like to meet?" "How does Romano's at noon sound?" "That sounds great. I have to go now, I think one of company's interns is having a crisis." "I won't keep you then. Goodbye, I'll see you at lunch." "See you then." Kara hung up the phone congratulating herself on ending the conversation before she had the opportunity to make a fool of herself. And it wasn't as though she was lying; the young man in the hallway did look confused. Perfect, Alexander Martinez thought. He knew dropping his watch into the women's purse that morning would be a smart move. She was the most breath-taking creature he had ever seen. Her awe-inspiring red-gold hair glowed in the sunlight, hazel eyed had looked up at him from beneath a thick fringe of lashes and the light sprinkling of freckles across her nose made her beautiful face that much more interesting. She had a perfect hourglass figure and legs that seemed to go on forever, despite the fact that she couldn't have been more than 5' 3". He had been watching her for about a month, just waiting for the perfect moment to introduce himself. He had been in such a hurry that morning that he had quietly slipped the watch in her purse and hoped she would call. Buzzing his secretary he instructed the woman to make a reservation for two in a corner booth at Romano's, leisurely examining her body in his mind, Alex anticipated his meeting with Kara. How the hell was he supposed to get any work done when all he could think of was crushing her body to him and ravaging her mouth? Alex imagined himself kissing her, her quiet moans begging for more of the sweet torment. Shaking the provocative image from his head, Alex realized that if he didn't make any headway in his wok he wouldn't have time to go out for lunch. Kara had the oddest sensation in her lips; it was almost as though she was being kissed. She wasn't surprised since she had been daydreaming of Alex Martinez all morning. Just as her mind was about to go on another little trip about how his body dripped muscle, her best friend, Nicole Evans burst into her office. The two women had become fast friends when they had begun sharing a secretary three years earlier. "Oh my God, sugar, guess what happened to me this morning!" Nicole enthused in her Southern drawl. "What?" Kara asked. "Well, you know how I'm always calling into radio stations trying to win things?" Kara nodded in agreement. "It finally aid off, I won an all inclusive, all expense paid, one week trip for two; destination sunny Cancun, Mexico!" "Alright, Nicole! You and Dave are going to have a great time, I'm so jealous. When are you going?" "When are we going, you mean, honey. Last night I kicked Dave to the proverbial curb. I'm now single, so I'm taking you, just a girl's week of fun. I asked The Big Man In The Corner Office and next month, we are going to be sipping pina coladas and working on our tans." "Oh, thank you! That's only in two weeks, I'm can't wait." "Let's go shopping for teeny bikinis at lunch," Nicole suggested. "I can't, I have a lunch date. Want to come?" "With who?" She asked eager for the gossip; she knew that Kara never had business lunches. "His name is Alexander Martinez and he looks like an Aztec god." "In that case, sugar, you go on your own. Hopefully you'll need the privacy. I haven't met this guy, have I?" "No, I met him this morning. I purposely bumped into him and dropped my purse," I admitted. "You wicked wicked thing, you. What happened?" "Alex dropped his watch and I called him to return it. He invited me to lunch to thank me." "Alex? Honey, how are you on a first name basis already and how did you have his number?" "Well, he insisted that my running into hi was all his fault and gave me his card so that he could replace anything he might have damaged. When I phoned him to tell about the watch he asked me to call him Alex." "You have all the luck with men." Nicole exclaimed, flipping her silky blond hair over her shoulder. "Shut up, you have to beat men off with a stick. All American good looks, blond hair, blue eyes, and you're as wholesome as apple pie. And not a freckle in sight, I on the other hand will be one giant freckle when we get back form Cancun." "Sugar, who cares!? We're going to Cancun for free. Senor Frogs here we come!" She giggled. "Alright, well go so that I can get some work done!" "I'm going, but I expect all the details when you get back." Kara walked into Romano's at exactly 12. The maitre'd greeted her immediately. "Good afternoon, Ms. Stevens. Mr. Martinez is waiting." He said, as he ushered her towards a hostess. The young women led her to the booth, Alex stood when he saw Kara coming. As they sat down the server gave them menus and they ordered drinks. "Here," Kara said, handing Alex his watch. "I'd hate to forget to return it after you went to all this trouble to get it back." "Having lunch with you is no trouble at all," he responded. "That's very kind of you," she answered blushing slightly. "Not at all, it's the truth. Why don't we order and get that our of the way so that we can really talk." As if on cue, the server appeared, placing their drinks on the table. He pulled out his order pad. "Are you ready to order?" He asked her. "Yes, I'd like a garden salad with vinaigrette dressing on the side." "And for you, sir?" "I'll have the 20 oz. steak, medium-well, a baked potato, corn and carrots." "Will that be all?" The server questioned. Alex and Kara both nodded and the server headed for the kitchen. "Are you sure you don't want anything else? I can still call the server back." Alex asked her. "No, thanks. I always eat a light lunch." "That explains how you maintain that fabulous figure, I mean, you certainly look fit," he amended. "Thank you." Kara blushed once again. "Sorry, I don't want to come on to aggressively, but I'm very attracted to you. Hell, attracted doesn't even begin to describe it. I'm practically obsessed. Today was probably the twentieth time I've watched you walk out of the train depot to your building. I actually put my watch in your purse, so that you would call to return it." He told her, his eyes searching hers to see if he had scared her off. "I'm flattered. I guess I had the same idea, sort of. I ran into you on purpose today, to get you to notice me." Before Alex could reply the server placed their meals in front of them. "If we eat quickly, we may have time to go on a walk, before you have to be back." Kara smiled her agreement. The two ate in record time. Alex paid for the check, though she protested and they were out the door. "We still have ten minutes, before I have to go. When do you have to be back?" Kara asked. "It doesn't matter, I'm the boss. Besides, I want to walk you back." "Alright. Why don't we start walking to my office then." "That's fine with me." Alex answered, taking her hand as they walked. When they reached her building he insisted on seeing her all the way to her office. Inside, she asked him if he wanted a cup of coffee, trying to delay his departure. "No, thank you, but I'll take a rain check. I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tonight, that is if you're not busy." "I'd love to." "Great! I was sort of worried I'd be coming on too strong. Where would you like to go?" "Nowhere." "No preferences?" "No restaurants," she clarified. "You've already bought me lunch, so it's my turn. I could make a picnic basket and we could eat at a park, if that's okay with you?" "Sure. I know of a great park about a half hour from here. I think it's called Reid's Park." "That's the place I had in mind. I live about five minutes from there." "What time do you want me to come by?" "I'll let you decide." "How about 7:00?" "That's fine. Here's my address. Do you need directions?" She handed him a slip of paper. "No, I have a friend who lives a street over. I have to go now, but I'll see you then." "Bye." "This may be too much, too soon, but I have to kiss you." He closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers. Alex's tongue coaxed her mouth open, deepening the kiss. Kara's sexy murmur of desire fueled his possession of her mouth. One of her hands gripped his shoulder and the other meshed itself in his hair as she met his marauding tongue. Reluctantly, Alex pulled away. "God, you're wonderful." Alex exclaimed causing Kara's skin to pinken. She reached out to wipe her lipstick off his lips. "You might have problems explaining that," she whispered. "It would be well worth it," he replied. "Go now, before I don't let you leave. I'll see you tonight." "Bye, Kara." Kara watched him leave, a warm glow of happiness spreading through her. Nicole rushed into her office for the second time that day. "Sugar, can we say HUNK!? Does he have a twin? Hell, I'll take a brother, a cousin, any relative that looks the least bit like that." "I'm glad you approve," Kara laughed. "Approve isn't the half of it. Did he ask you out again?" "We're seeing each other tonight." "Thank the lord, if you had let him get away I was going to worry about your sanity." Kara threw a pen at her friend in response. "Get out of my office, slacker, I have work to do." "Alright! But you owe me details." Kara got home at 5:30. She started the chicken baking, showered and then changed. When the doorbell rang at 6:55, she had just finished packing everything in to the basket. She answered the door with a bright smile, only to frown when she saw who it was. "Can I help you, Barry?" She asked coldly. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" "I'll invite you to leave." "That's not very nice," he answered grasping her arm and squeezing. "Let me go, you bastard." "Not until you listen to me." "Leave her alone," Alex's voice came from behind Barry. "This is none of your business, pal, so lay off," Barry snarled. "I'm making it my business." Alex's fist slammed into the jerk's face and sent him sprawling to the ground. "This isn't over, Kara." Barry warned, wiping the trickle of blood form his now and sauntering off. "Yes it is, asshole." Alex responded, pulling Barry back by the collar of his shirt. Pounding the inept excuse for a man with powerful blows, he demanded Barry apologize to Kara. "I . . . . I'm sorry. I won't bother you again." He muttered, his voice full of pain and humiliation. The loser fled as soon as Alex let go of him. "Are you okay, Kara?" Alex asked. "I'm fine, thanks, just a little shaken up. Barry is just an ex-boyfriend. Can we talk about something else?" "Sure, why don't we go on that picnic? I brought wine." Kara smiled gratefully at the change in topic. She gathered the picnic basket and wine and let Alex know she was ready. Taking the basket form her, Alex slipped her hand in his and started for the park. They found a spot under a weeping willow tree away form the children and other noises. "I like what you're wearing." Alex told Kara, his eyes sliding appreciatively over her body. "It's just shorts and a tank top," she answered smiling. "On you it's so much more. It shows off you long legs and graceful neck." "Thanks. I have to admit I like seeing you in jeans." "Why?" "You have a cute butt." Her answer made him laugh. Well, what do you have in the basket, I'm starving." "Oh my God, I'm so rude. Of course you're hungry." "Sweetheart, I was joking." "I have baked chicken, carrots, and twice baked potatoes. I hope that's alright." "Sounds delicious." "Honestly? I brought grapes, too and chocolate cake and cheesecake. I didn't know what you'd like." After the main course, Kara leaned against the tree as Alex rested his head in her lap. "What did you say you had for dessert?" "Chocolate cake and cheesecake." "Those are my only choices?" He asked, sitting up. "Sorry, that's all I have." "I think you have more to offer," he told her, capturing her lips with hers. Their kisses became more heated; low moans of pleasure filled the air. Alex's mouth found the hollow of her throat. Kara's hands reached under his shirt, splaying against his back, wantonly urging him closer. Her whimpers of desire grew urgent as he suckled her breast through the thin materials of her tank top and bra. Drugged with pleasure, Kara pulled Alex's shirt off, reveling at the acres of bronzed skin at her disposal. Gazing into Kara's flushed face Alex was entranced. "You're so passionate, so perfect." He murmured, his ragged breath thundering in her ears. "But we can't do this here." It took her a moment to realize what they had been doing in a very public place. "Oh my God! I can't believe that I . . . . . that we . . . . . there are children here," she sputtered. "Relax, no one saw us, but we should probably go." They packed everything up and headed to Kara's house. Alex stopped at the door, getting ready to leave. "Would you like to cash in your rain check for coffee?" She asked. "That's not exactly what I'm in the mood for," he answered wryly. "That's okay, I don't actually have any." Alex followed her into other house, the second the door closed, he wrapped his hands possessively around her waist, pulling her to him. Kara sighed with pleasure as their mouths met in a lascivious kiss. Alex leaned her against the wall, separating her legs with his thigh, pressing their bodies together; he simulated his need to fill her body with his. A guttural moan filled the air, as she reached between them, stroking him through the fabric of his jeans. Kneading her luscious breasts with muscular hand, Alex dominated her with a voracious kiss. Finally, he pulled back; his jeans were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. "We have to stop now, Kara or I won't be able to later on." Wordlessly, she dropped her shorts and stripped off her tank top. Staring after her with lust in his eyes, he obeyed when his goddess stopped at the foot of the stairs, crooked her finger, calling him to her. Pulling him into her bedroom she helped him out of his clothes. It was only when she reached to unclasp her bra that he found his voice. "Don't," he commanded. "I want to do that myself." From that moment on he was in charge. Sweeping her off her feet, he settled her on the bed, amid a mountain of fluffy pillows. Kissing his way down her body stopping to bite or suck on her skin along the way, the lawyer with a flair for bedroom drama reached his goal. As Kara writhed in ecstasy, he caught the edge of her panties with his teeth and pulled them off. Unclipping her bra, he tossed it aside; a banner of satin and lace flying across the room. Slipping her arms around his neck, she pulled his mouth to hers. The lovers consummated their passion seven times before drifting of to sleep sometime in the early dawn. Alex awoke an hour later with Kara's warm body snuggled up to him. Gazing at her he felt himself grow hard, not even trying to fight his insatiable desire for this intoxicating women, he tried to wake her with kisses. Entering her before she was fully cognizant, he implored her to call in sick to work. "I can't," she managed to say, while in the throes of passion. Their simultaneous climax prevented any further conversation. After they regained their breath, he pursued the subject. "Why not? It's Friday, we could spend all weekend in bed." "As tempting as that is, I can't. It's not that I don't want tom but I'm going on vacation in two weeks, I can't miss any days until then." "Where are you going and more importantly with who," he asked, a hint of jealousy in his voice. "Cancun with my best friend, Nicole." "For how long?" "Only a week." "That's a long time." "Well, maybe I can make it up to you." "I don't know it'll be pretty tough. Do you think you can handle it?" "I know I can." Kara led him to the shower and proceeded to show him just how good she could be at making things up to him. After they made love in the shower, Alex said his goodbyes and promised to call her at work. Hoping to see him on her way to the office, she took her time walking from the train depot. She entered her building disappointed that she had missed him, but still in a good mood. Kara sat down in her desk waiting for her friend to arrive. Nicole came in moments later. Kara's Lawyer "Honey, you look tired. Late night?" She drawled suggestively. "Why do you always want me to kiss and tell?" "So that I can live vicariously through you. My dates may look like dynamos, but they're mostly duds between the sheets." "Well, let's say he knows how to take care of a lady. I personally have no complaints." Kara answered with a satisfied smile. "You look like the cat that ate the cream, sugar. Anyway, if Mr. Universe hasn't already asked you to lunch, let's go to Saks and buy bathing suits." "Sure." "Mr. Stevens, you have a delivery," the secretary's voice wafted into Kara's office. "It's probably those office supplies we ordered. Let's go get them, remember I get the green file folders with matching hanging folders." Nicole reminded Kara. "Fine, the purple are mine." The women were greeted by the sight of three-dozen yellow long stem roses. The secretary eagerly held out the card, waiting to see whom the roses were form. As she read the message, Kara blushed. It read: Kara, Wait until tonight when you see just what I can do with rose petals. After all, we still have two weeks until you're gone. Alex "What does it say, Kara?" Nicole asked with a twinkle in her eye. "That he is looking forward to seeing me tonight." "Right, I'm sure that's what it says, sugar. Judy, this roses are form Ms. Stevens' new boyfriend." Nicole told the secretary. "What's that I hear, Ms. Stevens? You're breaking my heart, I thought you were going to wait for me until I got a paying job." The intern half joked, half seriously asked. "Sugar, you're barely legal," the southerner drawled. "Besides, she's ten years older than you and more women than you can handle." "I'm hurt, I'm mature for my age and I've never had any complaints. "First of all, we don't need to share my age, Nicole. Secondly, Tommy, I'm flattered, but there's a policy on interoffice dating." Kara diplomatically told him. "Thanks for humoring me, Ms. Stevens." Tommy answered. "You don't treat me like a little kid." The young intern mock glared at Nicole. "Awww, Tommy, honey, I was just having fun with you. I'm sure those college gals line up to go out with you." Tommy smiled at her and went back to work, his ego gratified. "Nice save," Kara whispered to the southern belle. "I thought so. Now go call that sexy man of yours and thank him." Kara had the phone in hand before her friend was done with her sentence. "Hello, law office of Alexander Martinez. How may I help you?" "Alex Martinez, please." "Just a moment." "Alex Martinez," he answered in his sensual baritone. "Hey, this is Kara." "Hi, sweetheart, to what do I owe this pleasure?" "I called to thank you for the roses. That was so thoughtful. Yellow are my favorite." "I thought so." "How'd you know?" "Your suit yesterday was yellow, so was your bra and underwear. The accents in your house are shades of yellow and there is a vase of dried yellow roses in your room." "Very observant, Mr. Martinez. I'm impressed." "Do you want to go to lunch to reward me for my gesture?" "I want to, but I can't." "Why not? Too much work?" "No, I promised Nicole we'd go shopping for new swimsuits for Cancun, but you can come with. I don't know why you'd want to, but I wouldn't mind the company." "I can think of a few reasons to go, mainly you in a swimsuit. I'll be there, that way I can meet your friend." "Okay, noon then." "I'll meet you at your office." "Alright, bye." "Bye." Kara hoped Nicole wouldn't mind the addition to their shopping trip. "Alright, sugar, it's time to go shopping. I have all my plastic with me, how about you?" Nicole exclaimed as she entered Kara's office. "We have to wait a couple of minutes for Alex. He's coming with us so that he can meet you." "Is he going to be comfortable being the only guy in a department full of bathing suits?" "I think so." "Honey, why don't we bring Tommy to keep him company." "I don't think he'll want to come with," Kara answered. "Since when would Tommy pass up a chance to see us in a bathing suit?" "True, go ask him." Kara laughed as Nicole left to find the intern. "Ms. Stevens, there's a Mr. Alexander Martinez here to see you." The secretary buzzed in. "Send him in, Judy." As Alex came in Kara was once again struck with just how much magnetism he exuded. Giving her a devastating smile that was guaranteed to play havoc with her equilibrium, he pulled her into his embrace for a soul-searching kiss. A discreet cough form Tommy interrupted them. "Sugar, Tommy and I are ready, so shake a leg," came Nicole's teasing comment. "Tommy, I'd like you to meet Alex Martinez. Alex, this is Tommy Newcastle." Kara introduced the men. "Please call me Alex." "Call me Tom." "Honey, do you mean to say you don't like being called Tommy?" Nicole questioned. "Well . . . . ." Tommy stammered. "If I may?" Alex asked Tommy. "To be called Tommy by a woman is an endearment, but to be called Tommy by a man you haven't known since childhood, is like being treated like a little kid," he clarified for Nicole. "A very astute observation, Alex. My name is Nicole Evans, I'm Kara's best friend and co-worker." "A pleasure to meet you, Nicole," he answered. "Well now that the introduction are don, let's go shopping!" Kara said, pushing everyone out the door. The two women modeled swimsuits for a very appreciative audience. Alex felt desire course through his veins when he caught sight of Kara's perfectly proportioned body in a yellow barely-there bikini. "Christ, I don't know if I want anyone else to see you in that," he told her. "Wow, Ms. Stevens. That's very Cancun." "Thanks, Tommy." Leaning into Alex, she whispered in his ear, "If it's any consolation, you're the only one I want to take the suit off." "If you keep that up, I won't be able to wait until we're alone to do it," he muttered back. "Ms. Evans, I think the black one looked better." Tommy shared his opinion with Nicole. "You mean it showed more skin," she answered. "Whatever, like I said it looked very nice." After both women had purchased two suits, the foursome left the store. "So sugar, how much do we owe you for the bathing suits?" Nicole questioned Alex. "I told you, Nicole, it's my going away present for the two of you." "Don't worry, Nicole, we'll find a more discreet way to pay him back." Kara said. "No, you won't, sweetheart." Alex contradicted. "We'll just see about that," she replied with a promising smile. The next two weeks passed quickly in a blur of hectic days and passionate, sometimes torrid nights. Kara lay with her head on Alex's chest, a blissful languor spreading through her limbs. Alex's hand brushed through her silky hair as he whispered the details of what he had done to her only moments before, his words creating an erotically intimate picture in her mind. "When you said that we would make love all night, I though you were exaggerating," she sighed. "I always mean what I say." "How am I supposed to get through the week without your gorgeous body in my bed?" She complainingly asked. "Is that all I am to you, a sex toy?" He teased. "You're definitely more than that, but I like to have you with me at the end of the day. There's nothing better than knowing I'll spend the night in you arms." "I think of you every second of the day," he murmured. Alex's lips traveled over her body, a fire grew between the two of them. She moaned, her hands running over his chiseled muscles. He tormented her ultra-sensitive breasts, raising her blood to a fever pitch. "Now, Alex, now," Kara pleaded. "Not yet, sweetheart. If we wait a little longer, I can make it so much better." She whimpered in a combination of pain and pleasure as her lover's tongue explored her body. "Please!" "Not yet." Her body undulated against him, imploring him t make love to her, but he continued to sweetly torture her. Finally, when she was on the brink of an explosive climax, Alex swiftly entered her. His expert lovemaking sending her into a series of continuous orgasms, he thrust relentlessly laying claim to her body and soul. "Tell me you're mine, Kara," he demanded. "I'm yours, only yours," she managed to say in between screams of pleasure. Surrendering himself to a powerful climax of his own, Alex collapsed into Kara's waiting arms. Rolling onto his back, he pulled her body with him, settling her on top of him. "Did you mean it?" He asked. "Hmmmm . . . .?" She murmured, still in a sensual haze. "Did you mean it when you said you were mine?" "Yes, I did," she answered causing him to crush her to him in relief. "I don't think I would have been able to let you go to Cancun tomorrow without knowing that you meant it. I love you, sweetheart." "Oh, Alex, I love you, too." The next day, Alex drove Kara and Nicole to the airport. After a searing kiss, Nicole pulled Kara away from him. "Sugar, if you don't let us board now we'll miss the plane," she explained. "I'll call you as soon as we get to the hotel." Kara called, while her best friend propelled her though the boarding gate. "I'll miss you!" Alex watched through the glass window as the plane took off. He planned on watching its flight until it was a dot on the horizon. After the plane's graceful takeoff something went horribly wrong. He watched in horrified disbelief as the plane went down. As it plummeted to the ground he cold almost hear Kara's screams. Alex collapsed into a chair, elbows on his knees, hands covering his face. He heard someone saying something to him, but he didn't have the strength to listen. "Alex, God damn it, she's all right!" Something snapped in his mind, forcing himself to look up, he found his beautiful redhead sitting at his knees and Nicole standing next to him. Picking his woman up and sitting her on his lap, he buried his head in her hair. "How?" He asked. "I couldn't leave without you, Alex. I didn't want to go without you and Nicole was too disgusted with me to go alone." "You can't ever scare me like that again, Kara. I need you too much." "I'm here. I'll always be here," she whispered. "I love you more than life itself. When I saw the plane go down something inside of me died. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Kara Stevens, will you marry me?" "Yes," she said, giving him a heart-stopping kiss. "It's about time you asked her, sugar. I was starting to wonder what was wrong with you two," Nicole interjected. "Now y'all can live happily ever after."