The Commitment (Unrestrained 2)

I texted right back.

I needed some air so I went for a walk and stopped in at 8th Avenue. I'm going to take a taxi home.

Of course, Drake couldn't stand the thought I'd be taking a taxi.

Let me come by and pick you up. I'll be there in ten.

I responded, knowing that he'd likely drive over no matter what I wanted. Although he desired our equality outside of sex, there was still a protective streak in Drake and he'd worry that I was walking outside when it was dark.

OK. See you outside.

That wasn't good enough for Drake.

Wait inside and I'll text you when I drive up.

I smiled. He was so protective.

I'm a big girl, Drake. I can take care of myself…

I waited to see what he'd write in reply.

Let me take care of you, Kate. It makes me feel all Dominant…

I laughed at that and texted h

im back.

Yes, Sir.

I put my cell away and stood by the front window, watching as big fat flakes of snow fell outside.

Then the landline rang. I went over to where the phone sat on a small table in the dining room. The phone had an old answering machine and I saw that there was a flashing light, indicating that there were unanswered messages waiting.

The machine clicked on after three rings and a female voice came on the line.

"Drake? It's me. I tried your place in Chelsea and got no answer. I don’t have your new cell number. Listen, sorry to bother you after all this time, but Steve told me you were leaving New York Presbyterian for a year. If you're going away to Africa, we need to talk ASAP. Call me at my mother's. The number's still the same. "

I frowned as the message ended and the caller hung up.

Who was she? Obviously someone who knew Drake well enough to say 'it's me' and think he'd recognize her voice and knew her mother's phone number. Was it his ex? Why would she be calling him now, five years after they split?

I waited at the window, my stomach starting to tighten, the nice mood I was in from Drake's texts dissipating. I stared at the street below, watching to see Drake drive up. The streets were pretty busy but soon I saw his car approach from the south.

As I waited for his text, I wondered who this mystery woman was and what she wanted from Drake. His car drove up and double-parked on the street below the apartment. My cell buzzed and I read his message.

Ms. Bennet, your chauffeur awaits…

I texted him back, trying to match his playful tone, despite my sense of unease about the woman who contacted him.

Ha ha! Should I start calling you Mr. Darcy? Or was it Heathcliff?

There are a few voice messages on your phone and while I was here, a woman called and said you should call her before you leave. Should you come up and listen to your messages?

There was a noticeable pause before he responded.

Hmm. Maybe I should pop up and check. Let me park and I'll be right up.

I remained standing by the window, watching him drive to a parking garage down the block. I tried to squelch the jealousy threatening to break through as well as the guilt I had for hearing his voice message. I couldn’t help it, but I still felt embarrassed that I heard a private message of his.