The next morning I dragged my confused and befuddled but well rested self into my office just off my bedroom. Work waited for no one, not even an oversexed bastard like myself. The guilt was hitting me hard as I got a cheerful email from Susan and it was hard to concentrate as I listened for any sound of stirring from the guest room. I knew I'd have to face what happened last night, take responsibility for it...and make damn sure it didn't happen again. In the cold light of day I could see that. I just had no idea how I was going to bring it up with Kara. I sure as hell didn't really want to.
That was when I smelled the coffee and realized she'd already slipped down to the kitchen without me even hearing her. This realization was soon followed by the sound of her soft tread and a cheerful, "Morning Uncle Bill," as she reached past my shoulder and set a steaming mug of coffee on my desk.
"Hey Kitten," I answered automatically as my pulse suddenly jumped, "Sleep well?"
"Like a rock," she answered with a little laugh, "I need a shower but I wanted to bring you some coffee first. Want me to make us some breakfast when I get out of the shower?"
"Um...sure," I replied, reaching for the coffee.
"Unless you'd rather...come scrub my back?" she added softly and I abruptly choked on it.
Struggling to regain my composure, I slowly turned in my chair to face her. First mistake. She was wearing a short little blue satin robe that echoed the shade of her eyes and through which I could once again clearly see her hard nipples poking through the thin fabric.
"Kara, listen," I began haltingly, "I'm...I'm so sorry about last night. That wasn't fair of me... and I feel like I took advantage of you. It's...it can't happen again." Hating myself with every word.
Her expression went from cheerful playfulness to a hurt I had never seen on it and it felt like a knife twisting in my gut.
"Why would you say that Uncle Bill?" she whispered, her voice trembling, "I... I thought it was something you wanted. I... I liked it. Very much."
"So did I Kitten," I groaned in reply, "I liked it too much. But that's not how it's supposed to be between us. I've always thought of you as a daughter. Susan... your mom... she trusts me with you. She'd flip if she found out and she would be right to do so."
"I wasn't going to tell her," she shot back, her cheeks flushing, "I trusted you too. I thought you could... teach me. Please, don't say no...don't make last night something bad. It wasn't. I wanted it."
Everything in me just wanted to pull her into my arms at that. I felt like the worst sort of bastard. Giving in to her would be wrong I told myself. But hurting her...denying her... felt even more wrong. I stalled for time.
"Go... go take your shower Kitten. We'll...we'll talk more after breakfast."
The hurt look didn't leave her angel's face but she didn't argue. Once she'd left the room I took a personal day from work and logged off my work station. It wasn't as if I was going to get a damn thing done and I had plenty of time accrued.
When I heard her rustling around in the kitchen I dragged myself out of my chair and went downstairs to join her. She made a mean omelette but I didn't know if I'd even be able to taste it once I got a look at her. She wore a short little summer dress, halter top so no bra, its flirty little skirt barely skimming her thighs, the white fabric covered with a print of deep red roses, her tousled golden curls, still damp, trailing down her bare back. I didn't even know she owned such things. No fair kiddo, no fair.