More Nights With Kate (Jack Ryker) Read Free

going through this now might spare me
a whole lot of pain down the road.  I really don’t want to end up 49 and
alone like my mother.”
    “I know… that’s part of why I acted so irrationally in the
first place.  Even though we could have a great time the next several
years, I couldn’t stand the thought of you being left alone and filled with
regret later on.”
    After a few more moments of tentative discussion, I eased
the tension by transitioning the conversation to business.  There was no
easy resolution to our personal dilemma and I had an early morning meeting with
my manufacturing director.  Jack seemed relieved to talk about strategies
for retooling the plant, instead of continuing to focus on his feelings. 
At the end of our conversation, Jack reassured me that regardless of what happened
between us, he would always love me.
    “I’ll always love you, too, Jack.  Sweet dreams.”
     
    Jack
    As I hung up the phone, I had never felt more
conflicted.  On the one hand, Jayne had given my relationship with Kate
her blessing.  On the other hand, Kate was beginning to focus on the
long-term predicament she would inevitably find herself in.  Anxiety began
to fill my mind once again, so I took a little walk up to the Lido deck. 
It was a beautiful night, with millions of stars overhead, and only the sounds
of the ocean below.  I thought about the last time I was up there and how
much fun it had been with Kate by my side.  I snapped a picture with my
phone.  I wanted to send it to Kate, along with the message “Missing You,”
but I didn’t.  I had already twisted her emotions enough in the last 48
hours.  She definitely needed a break.
    I reclined back in the seat and stared at the heavens until
it all became a blur, one star blending in with the other.  I closed my
eyes and tried to purge Kate from my mind.  My efforts failed miserably as
my thoughts kept drifting back to the last time we were aboard and the good
times we had shared perusing the Virgin Islands.  My thoughts lingered on
the exhilarating shower we shared at the end of our excursion that day. 
My lips curled upward and I felt my dick strain against my pants as I thought
about how flexible and adventurous she was.  God I miss her.   
The chirp of an incoming text message broke the silence and I thought that
maybe Kate was feeling my vibe.  Picking up my phone, however, I was
greeted by a message from Kristen.  She was wondering when we might be
able to meet in order to wrap up a few loose ends.  I realize that my
quick departure left her a bit flustered.  She really is obsessively
organized.
    Me:  I’m thinking of coming back to New York in the
morning.  We can meet for lunch.
    Kristen:  Really?  You just left.
    Me:  I should’ve taken more time.  I need to
address a few things in person.
    Kristen:  The Modern @ 1:00?
    Me:  Sure, why not.  Will you reserve a chopper
ride from LaGuardia?
    Kristen:  Done.  See you at 1:00.
    The tension in my mind immediately eased at the thought of being back in New
York.  I needed to talk to Kate in person and let her in on the real
reason why I’ve been so hesitant.  I knew that leaving with a vague letter
- no matter how well written - and a text message - no matter how
well intended - was not sufficient.  Kate deserved much better. 
I shot Captain Chuck a quick text message.
    Me:  Hey Cap, can the plane be ready for flight by 7am?
    Captain Chuck:  Tomorrow?
    Me:  Yeah… tomorrow morning.
    Captain Chuck:  It shouldn’t be a problem.  I’ll
check with maintenance
    Me:  Thanks Chuck
    Captain Chuck:  Where are we going?
    Me:  LaGuardia… Don’t ask.
    Running my hands over my face, I got up and headed for my cabin.  It had
been a very long and emotional day, so I was ready to crash for a few
hours.  Knowing that I would see Kate soon allowed the persistent thoughts
to momentarily drain from my mind.  Tossing my clothes on a chair, I hit
the bed with a thud and was