I arrived at Katrina’s place late on a Thursday night, my overnight bag slung over one shoulder. The weight of the day still sat heavy on me, but it wasn’t just my day—it was hers too. Katrina had been struggling for months, maybe even years, but this was the first time she’d actually called and asked for help. Her voice over the phone had been quiet, almost defeated. I wasn’t about to say no.
Her house was in its usual state of half-organized chaos. Toys littered the living room floor, laundry was draped over the back of the couch, and her son Tommy was bouncing off the walls like he’d downed a gallon of soda. Katrina was sitting on the couch, her legs tucked under her, looking smaller than I remembered. She gave me a weak smile as I walked in.
“Kelvin,” she said, her voice tired but grateful. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course,” I said, dropping my bag near the door. “What else am I gonna do? Sit at home and binge-watch old reruns by myself?” I grinned, trying to lighten the mood, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Tommy came barrelling into the room, shouting about some game he was playing, and I could see her shoulders tense. She loved that kid, no doubt about it, but he was a handful, and she looked like she hadn’t had a real break in years.
“Hey, buddy,” I said, ruffling his hair as he zoomed past me. “How about you go find something quiet to do for a bit?”
He gave me a look like I’d just suggested he eat vegetables for dinner but eventually scampered off to his room. Katrina let out a long sigh and rubbed her temples.
“He’s been nonstop all day,” she muttered. “I don’t even know how I’m supposed to keep up anymore.”
I sat down next to her, the couch sagging under my weight. “Katrina,” I started, “why don’t you send him to his dad’s for the weekend? Just to give yourself some time to breathe.”
She shook her head immediately. “I can’t do that. He’ll just come back even more wound up, and I—”
“Kat,” I interrupted, placing a hand on her knee. “You need a break. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? Let his dad deal with him for a couple of days. You need to take care of yourself too.”
Her eyes darted to mine, uncertain. For a second, I thought she’d argue, but then her shoulders slumped, and she nodded. “Okay. Just for the weekend.”
I squeezed her knee lightly. “Good. I’ll even help you pack his bag.”
By Friday afternoon, Tommy was off to his dad’s, and the house was eerily quiet. Katrina seemed both relieved and on edge, like she didn’t quite know what to do with herself. I suggested we have a drink—something to unwind and catch up—and she didn’t argue. By the time we were two glasses of wine in (her) and a couple of beers deep (me), the tension in her shoulders had started to melt away.
She laughed at something stupid I said, her head falling back against the couch. It was the first real laugh I’d heard from her in months, maybe longer. But then, as quickly as it came, it faded, and she stared down at her wineglass, turning it in her hands.
“God, Kelvin,” she murmured. “I don’t even know who I am anymore.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice softer now.
She let out a shaky breath, her fingers tightening around the glass. “Everything feels like it’s falling apart. Tommy’s out of control, I can barely keep up with the bills, and look at me.” She gestured to herself, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m 38, overweight, single, and miserable. Who the hell is gonna want this?”
“Kat, stop,” I said firmly, leaning forward. “You’re being way too hard on yourself.”
She shook her head, tears spilling over. “No, I’m not. I look in the mirror, and I hate what I see. I can’t even remember the last time someone looked at me like… like I was worth anything.”
Her words hit me harder than I expected. I didn’t know what to say at first, so I just reached out and took the wineglass from her hands, setting it on the coffee table. “Katrina,” I said, my voice steady, “you’re worth everything. You’re smart, you’re strong, and you’re a damn good mom. You’ve been dealt a tough hand, but that doesn’t mean you’re not enough.”
She looked at me, her lip trembling, and for a moment, I thought she might break completely. Then she let out a bitter laugh and wiped at her eyes. “And what about you, huh? You’ve got all the answers, but when was the last time you went on a date?”
I leaned back with a groan, rubbing the back of my neck. “Touché. It’s been, what, ten years? Give or take.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Ten years? Kelvin, seriously?”
“Hey, don’t judge,” I said, holding up my hands defensively. “Life gets in the way. Work, family… I don’t know. It’s easier to just focus on other stuff.”
She snorted, her tears drying up as a faint smile tugged at her lips. “So, we’re both a couple of lonely losers, huh?”
“Pretty much,” I said with a shrug. “But hey, at least we’ve got each other.”
“Ten years,” she looked at me weirdly. “Don’t you, you know feel well frustrated. I mean have pent up… Never mind.”
I raised an eyebrow at her, the corners of my mouth twitching into a small grin. “Pent up what, Katrina? Go ahead, say it. We’re adults here.”
Her cheeks flushed, and she took a long sip of her wine, avoiding my gaze. “You know what I mean,” she mumbled, staring into her glass like it held the answers to life’s greatest mysteries. “It’s just… ten years is a long time to go without… you know, that.”
I chuckled, the sound low and easy, leaning back into the couch. “Trust me, I’m well aware. But honestly? After the first few years, you kind of get used to it. Doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating as hell sometimes, but… I don’t know. It’s just not a priority anymore.”
Katrina shot me a sceptical look. “Not a priority? Come on, Kelvin. You’re telling me you’re fine just… ignoring that part of yourself? No dating, no nothing?”
I shrugged, grabbing my beer from the coffee table and taking a sip. “It’s not like I don’t notice, Kat. I’m still a guy, and yeah, I’ve had my moments where I wanted to rip my hair out. But it’s not like I’ve been hiding under a rock. I just… I guess I told myself it was easier to focus on other things. Work, family, making sure you’re okay.”
Her expression softened at that last part, but then she shook her head with a small laugh. “You really are the world’s biggest softie, you know that? No wonder you’re still single. You’re too busy trying to fix everyone else to think about yourself.”
“Well softie is a word since I don’t get any if you get me,” I chuckled downing a beer and grabbing another.
Katrina snorted, almost spitting her wine as she laughed. “Oh my God, Kelvin, did you really just say that? ‘Softie’ because you don’t get any?” She was half-laughing, half-horrified, her cheeks turning pink as she shook her head at me.
I cracked open the fresh beer and smirked, leaning back into the couch. “What? I’m just saying it like it is. You’re the one who brought up being pent up.”
She waved a hand, trying to compose herself, but her smile lingered. “You’re unbelievable. Only you could make that sound both tragic and funny.”
“It’s a talent,” I said, taking a long sip. “But hey, I’m not the only one who’s been riding the dry spell express for years, so don’t go acting all high and mighty.”
She groaned and covered her face with one hand. “Kelvin, please. I don’t need to be reminded of how pathetic my love life is.”
“Pathetic? Nah,” I said, shaking my head. “You’ve just had your hands full. Between work, Tommy, and trying to keep your sanity, who’s got time to date?”
She lowered her hand and sighed, her smile fading just a bit. “I know, but it’s not just about dating. It’s… I don’t know. It’s feeling wanted, you know? Like… someone actually sees me. Not as a mom, or someone who’s barely holding it together, but as… me.”
Her words hit deeper than I expected, and for a second, I didn’t know how to respond. I watched her swirl the wine in her glass, her shoulders slumping slightly, and I realized how heavy this had all been weighing on her. She wasn’t just tired; she was lonely.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Kat, for what it’s worth, I see you. And I don’t mean just as my sister. You’re amazing, even if you don’t feel like it right now. Anyone who can juggle everything you’ve got on your plate and still manage to laugh every now and then? That’s someone worth seeing.”
She looked at me, her eyes shimmering with a mix of gratitude and sadness. “Thanks, Kelvin,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “That means a lot.”
I reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. “Anytime. But seriously, Kat, you’ve gotta stop being so hard on yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.”
She nodded, letting out a shaky breath before taking another sip of her wine. “Maybe. I just… I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like I’m in this endless cycle. Work, Tommy, bills… and there’s no end in sight. I can’t even remember the last time I felt… happy.”
The vulnerability in her voice made my chest ache. I hated seeing her like this—like the weight of the world was crushing her spirit. “Then let’s start small,” I said. “What’s one thing—just one thing—you’d do for yourself if you had the chance?”
She hesitated, biting her lip as she thought. “I don’t know… maybe get dressed up and go out somewhere. Not to meet anyone, just… to feel good about myself again. To feel like a woman and not just… Tommy’s mom.”
“Done,” I said, sitting up straighter. “Tomorrow night, we’re going out. I don’t care if it’s just to some hole-in-the-wall bar down the street. You’re gonna get dressed up, we’re gonna have a good time, and you’re gonna remember what it’s like to just… be you.”
She blinked at me, surprised. “Kelvin, you don’t have to—”
“I want to,” I interrupted firmly. “And honestly? I could use a night out too. God knows I don’t have much of a social life either.”
She laughed lightly, a genuine smile breaking through the cloud of doubt on her face. “Okay, fine. But only if you promise not to scare off all the other patrons with your bad dance moves.”
“Deal,” I said, holding up my beer in a mock toast. “To a night of bad dancing and forgetting all the crap for a while.”
“To that,” she said, clinking her glass against my bottle. And for the first time in what felt like ages, I saw a spark of hope in her eyes. She pulled off her jumper, she had a woman’s vest on underneath.
As she pulled off her jumper, revealing the snug-fitting vest underneath with a low neckline. She looked great and her cleavage which was hidden away now showing making her look like a woman, well you know what I mean. I noticed how her shoulders relaxed for the first time all evening. Katrina had this way of shrinking herself when she was overwhelmed, like she was trying to make herself invisible. But now, as she leaned back into the couch, her skin flushed from the alcohol, there was a flicker of the sister I remembered—the confident, vibrant woman she used to be before life had worn her down.
“That’s it take that granny jumper off,” I laughed drinking my beer.
Katrina rolled her eyes, smirking as she tossed the jumper onto the arm of the couch. “Granny jumper? Excuse me, Kelvin, this ‘granny jumper’ is the only thing keeping me from freezing to death in this icebox you call a house.”
I raised an eyebrow and gestured around. “Kat, it’s not the house—it’s the wine. You’re not cold anymore, are you?”
She gave me a look but didn’t argue, instead grabbing her wine glass and sinking deeper into the couch. The low-cut vest she had on underneath caught the dim light from the lamp, and for the first time in forever, I think she realized she still looked… well, good. Confident, even. Her chest lifted slightly as she stretched her legs out, letting out a sigh that seemed to release a bit of the tension she’d been carrying.
“You’re ridiculous,” she muttered, though her lips were curled into a small smile.
“Ridiculous but not wrong,” I shot back, lifting my beer toward her. “You look more like yourself now than you have in years. It suits you.”
She paused, her wine glass halfway to her lips, and glanced at me, her brow furrowing. “What does that mean? I’ve always been myself.”
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Yeah, but not this version of you. The Katrina who isn’t drowning in mom duties, bills, and stress. The one who actually looks like she’s breathing again. That’s the one I missed.”
She studied me for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not I was being serious, then shook her head with a soft laugh. “You’re full of crap, Kelvin.”
“Call it what you want, but you know I’m right,” I said, sitting back and taking another sip of my beer. “It’s nice to see you like this. Relaxed. And hey, a little cleavage never hurt anyone.”
Her face went red as she swatted at me with a pillow. “Oh, for God’s sake, Kelvin! You’re such a—”
“Realist?” I interrupted, dodging the pillow and grinning. “Look, I’m just saying, Kat. You deserve to feel good about yourself again. And if that means getting dressed up tomorrow and turning some heads, so be it.”
She sighed, setting her glass down and fiddling with the hem of her vest. “I don’t know if I even know how to turn heads anymore.”
“You don’t need to know how. It’ll just happen,” I said firmly. “Trust me, Katrina, the right people see you, even when you don’t see yourself. Trust me, you turned my head if that makes you feel better.”
Katrina froze for a moment, her cheeks immediately flushing a deep red. She blinked at me, her mouth opening as if to say something but no words coming out. Finally, she burst out laughing, covering her face with her hands. “Oh my God, Kelvin, you can’t just say stuff like that!”
“Why not?” I shrugged, smirking as I leaned back into the couch, my beer bottle dangling casually from my fingers. “It’s the truth, isn’t it? You want to know if you can still turn heads, well… there’s your proof.”
Her laugh softened into something more sheepish as she peeked at me from behind her hands. “Okay, well, that’s flattering, I guess, but also… kinda weird. You’re my brother, for crying out loud.”
I had a playful grin. “I’m just saying what any guy with eyes would notice. You’ve been so focused on everything else in your life, you’ve forgotten you’re a woman too. A damn good-looking one, if you ask me.”
She groaned and grabbed a pillow, smacking me lightly across the chest. “Kelvin, stop! You’re embarrassing me.”
I caught the pillow and held it against my chest, feigning innocence. “Hey, I’m just building you up! You’ve been tearing yourself down all night, and someone’s gotta remind you how amazing you are.”
Her blush deepened, but there was a softness in her expression now, like she was finally letting herself believe it, even if just a little. “Thanks,” she murmured, fiddling with the hem of her vest again. “I guess I needed to hear that. Even if it’s coming from you.”
“Well, don’t get used to it,” I teased, taking another sip of my beer while looking at her neckline. “I’m not exactly great at handing out compliments. But you deserve it, Kat. You’ve been through hell, and you’re still standing. That’s worth celebrating.”
Hours passed and we clearly had too much to drink, even Katrina started to get bolder.
The alcohol had done its job by now. The tension in the air was completely gone, replaced with an easy warmth that only came from being around someone you could trust. Katrina, for all her self-doubt earlier, was laughing again, leaning back into the couch with her cheeks flushed and her eyes glassy. She had that rare, unguarded look—the kind where you could tell she wasn’t overthinking everything for once.
“Kelvin,” she said suddenly, pointing at me with the bottom of her wine glass, which was nearly empty. “You know what your problem is?”
“Oh, this should be good,” I said, tipping my beer back for a long swig and resting it on my knee. “Alright, Kat, lay it on me. What’s my problem?”
She leaned forward slightly, her vest pulling tighter, and pointed at me again, her expression oddly serious despite her tipsiness. “You spend way too much time worrying about other people. Me, Tommy, work… everyone. But when’s the last time you actually thought about what you need?”
I tilted my head at her, caught off guard. “I think about it sometimes. It’s just—”
“No, you don’t,” she interrupted, shaking her head dramatically, her hair falling loose over her shoulders. “You’re like… you’re like this big, dumb fixer. You think you can fix everything and everyone, but you just ignore your own crap.”
I laughed at her description. “Big, dumb fixer? Thanks for the glowing review. Trust me also if I wasn’t your brother I sure would love to give you a good fixing haha. Ten years of pent up frustration would go instantly.”
She nearly choked on her wine laughing, “oh my god, haha. Yeah right have you seen my body I look a mess. Trust me you ain’t the only one with ‘pent up’ frustration.”
I shook my head with a laugh, leaning back into the couch and running a hand through my hair. “Kat, for the love of God, you have got to stop talking about yourself like that. You’re not a mess. I don’t know who convinced you that you are, but they’re dead wrong.”
She raised an eyebrow at me, setting her empty wine glass on the coffee table with a dramatic sigh. “Kelvin, it’s not like I’m blind. I see the stretch marks, the weight I’ve gained, the lines under my eyes from years of stress. I’m not exactly in my prime.”
“Stretch marks? Weight? Lines?” I waved my beer in the air like I was dismissing the most absurd idea I’d ever heard. “Kat, nobody’s perfect, and trust me, nobody gives a damn about that stuff. You’re out here holding your entire life together—Tommy, work, bills—all of it. You’ve been through the wringer and you’re still standing. That’s way more impressive than any supermodel.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint blush creeping up her cheeks again. “You’re just saying that because you’re drunk.”
“Nope,” I said, popping the ‘p’ for emphasis. “Drunk or not, I know what I’m saying. And what I’m saying is you’ve still got it, Kat. You’ve just forgotten how to see it.”
She scoffed lightly, pulling her knees up and hugging them to her chest. “Easy for you to say. You don’t have to walk around feeling like you’re invisible half the time.”
“Invisible?!” I nearly choked on my beer, setting it down so I wouldn’t spill it. “You’re not invisible, Katrina. Hell, if anything, you’re the opposite. People notice you whether you realize it or not. You just don’t let yourself believe it.”
“Who notices me, Kelvin?” she asked, giving me a look that dared me to answer. “Nobody has looked at me like that in years. And if they have, I sure as hell haven’t seen it.”
“I am looking at you like that now,” I said as silence hit the room. Her face flushed as she got up.
“Be right back going to get my nightie on to be more relaxed.” she stood up quickly, smoothing her hands over her vest like she was trying to compose herself. “Just… give me a minute,” she said over her shoulder, her voice slightly flustered as she headed toward her bedroom.
I stayed where I was, taking a long sip of my beer and letting out a slow breath. The room felt oddly quiet after she left, the conversation lingering in the air like unfinished business. I stared at the empty wine glass she’d left on the table, my mind running in circles.
A minute or two later, I heard the soft sound of her door creaking open, and she walked back into the room, now wearing a silky nightgown that fell just above top of her thighs a little too short. It was a soft lavender colour, with thin straps that sat delicately on her shoulders, and it clung to her in a way that made her look more comfortable, but also… well, more confident. She had pulled her hair up into a loose bun, a few strands framing her face, and I could tell by the way she avoided my eyes that she felt a little self-conscious.
“Alright,” she said, sitting back down on the couch with a sigh, tucking her legs under her once again which made it rode up. “That’s better. I can actually breathe in this.”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my expression neutral as I took another sip of my beer. “Breathe, huh? Is that what we’re calling it now?” I teased lightly, though my voice had softened. “You look… relaxed.”
She rolled her eyes, her cheeks already pink from the wine and maybe a little from the change in outfit. “Relaxed. Right. That’s just your polite way of saying I look ridiculous.”
“Nope,” I said, setting my beer down and leaning back into the couch, giving her an appraising look. “If you want the truth, you look good, Kat. Comfortable. Confident. It’s nice to see.”
Her lips quirked into a small smile, and she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re just saying that because you’re tipsy.”
“You are tipsy to I saw you stumble about when going to get changed,” I said as she swirled her wine in her glass while looking at me with a soft gaze.
Katrina laughed softly, swirling her wine like it was the most interesting thing in the world. Her cheeks were flushed, and the dim light made her eyes look warm, almost tender. “Okay, fine, maybe I am a little tipsy,” she admitted, her voice soft, teasing. “But don’t act like you’re any better. I saw you almost miss the couch earlier.”
I smirked, leaning back into the couch and resting my beer bottle on my knee. “First of all, I didn’t almost miss the couch—I was testing its durability. Big difference.” I took a sip of my beer, holding her gaze. “But nice try deflecting. We were talking about how good you look, not me tripping over invisible air.”
Katrina rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile playing on her lips. “Oh, we’re back to that again, huh? You really don’t let up, do you?”
“Not when I’m right,” I said with a grin. “And let’s be honest, when was the last time someone told you the truth about how great you look in… well, anything?”
Her smile faltered for a second, and she looked down at her glass. “It’s been a while,” she murmured, her voice quiet, almost like she was embarrassed to admit it. “I mean, I don’t exactly dress up much these days, so…”
“That’s exactly my point,” I cut in, sitting forward slightly. “You’re always running around taking care of Tommy, work, everything else. But tonight? You’re here. You’re comfortable. And you’re still you, Kat. The you who deserves to feel seen, no matter what you’re wearing.”
Her gaze lifted to mine, something unspoken hanging in the air between us. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped, her cheeks darkening as she took another sip of her wine. “You’re too nice when you’ve been drinking, you know that?” she said finally, her voice tinged with a mix of shyness and amusement.
I chuckled, leaning back again. “Maybe. But nice doesn’t mean wrong.” I gestured toward her, my tone softening. “You’ve been through hell, Kat, and you’re still standing. That’s something to be proud of, even if you don’t see it right now.”
She tilted her head, her expression somewhere between gratitude and disbelief. “How do you do that?” she asked quietly.
“Do what?”
“Make me feel like… maybe I’m not as invisible as I think I am,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. It was so quiet, so vulnerable, that it nearly stopped me in my tracks.
I leaned in slightly, letting my words hang with weight. “Invisible? Kat, trust me, you’re far from it. Maybe you’ve just been looking at yourself through the wrong lens.” I gave her a crooked smile, one that I hoped would break through the self-doubt swirling in her eyes. “Because I see you. I’ve always seen you. Maybe it’s time you started seeing yourself the way I do.”
Her lips parted slightly, as though she wanted to say something, but instead, she glanced away, cheeks turning pink. Then, almost like the thought slipped out before she could stop it, she muttered, “Oh god, I could really do with a guy right now I am so frustrated.”
I raised an eyebrow, the corners of my mouth twitching with a teasing grin. “Oh? Frustrated, huh? Care to elaborate on that, or should I just let my imagination fill in the blanks? Trust me I get it, I feel the same. A LOT in fact and this beer isn’t helping and you sat in that.”
Katrina froze for a moment, her wineglass halfway to her lips, before narrowing her eyes at me, a mix of embarrassment and disbelief on her flushed face. “Oh my god, Kelvin! Don’t even go there,” she said, her voice sharp but softened by the way her lips curved into a smile she couldn’t quite hide. The way she kept looking at me said it all.
“What? I’m just being honest here,” I said, leaning back and letting my grin widen as I gave her a once-over, not too obvious but enough to let her know I wasn’t completely joking. “You’re sitting there in that… little number, and you’re talking about being frustrated? Come on, Kat, I’m human too. Ten years of no sex does that to a man, not sure what it does to a woman as I am not a woman.”
“Oh god yeah trust me, if I am being honest I feel the same,” Katrina paused, swirling her wine nervously before continuing, her cheeks a deep shade of red. “It’s not just about… you know, the obvious. It’s everything. Feeling touched, wanted, noticed. It’s like I’ve been invisible for so long I forgot what it feels like to be seen as a woman. And now, I don’t even know if I could handle it if someone did look at me like that. Someone to take charge and you know give me a good seeing t… never mind.” She let out a nervous laugh, but it was laced with vulnerability.
I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard but also amused. “Give you a good what, Kat? Go ahead, say it.” I leaned in slightly, a teasing grin tugging at my lips. “We’re already this far into the conversation. No need to hold back now.”
Her face turned scarlet, and she grabbed a pillow, smacking me square in the chest. “Shut up, Kelvin! I can’t believe I just said that out loud.” She was laughing, though, burying her face in her hands like she wanted to disappear.
I sat closer to her and put my hand on her leg looking at her in her eyes. The room went quiet and I moved a strand of hair behind her ear and I finally spoke, “don’t be made for me saying this, but damn you are sexy as hell.”
Katrina froze, her breath catching as my words hung in the air between us. Her wide eyes met mine, and for a moment, it felt like time itself had paused. The only sounds in the room were the faint hum of the fridge in the kitchen and the soft ticking of the clock on the wall.
“Kelvin,” she murmured, her voice barely audible, unsure and almost disbelieving. Her cheeks flushed deeper, the pink creeping all the way to her ears. “You… you can’t just say things like that.”
“Why not?” I asked, my voice calm but deliberate. My hand stayed on her knee, grounding the moment. “It’s the truth. I’m not gonna sit here and pretend like I don’t notice. You’re beautiful, Katrina. Always have been. You just forgot how to see it.”
Her lips parted slightly, like she was about to say something, but no words came out. Instead, she looked down at where my hand rested on her leg, her fingers twitching as though she wanted to reach for it but wasn’t sure if she should. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted softly, her voice shaking just enough for me to notice.
“You don’t have to say anything,” I replied, my tone gentle but firm. “I just want you to hear it. To feel it. Because, Kat, you deserve to feel like a woman again. To feel wanted. And if no one else is gonna remind you, I will.”
She leaned her head into mine and her lips parted slightly as I moved closer. Katrina’s breath hitched as the space between us shrank. Her lips were so close I could feel the warmth of her breath against mine. She didn’t move away, didn’t break eye contact—her eyes, wide and uncertain, held something unspoken, something that pulled me in even further.
“Kelvin,” she whispered, her voice trembling as if she were struggling to decide whether to close the gap or pull away. Her hand brushed against mine, tentative but lingering. “This is… I don’t know if we should—”
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” I said softly, my voice steady. My hand stayed where it was, resting lightly on her knee, a grounding point between the two of us. “But Kat, you need to know—you’re not invisible. Not to me. You’ve never been.”
Her gaze flickered between my eyes and my lips, her uncertainty melting ever so slightly. She let out a shaky breath, her fingers tightening around the edge of the pillow she still held against her lap, like it was her last piece of armor. “I just… I don’t remember the last time I felt this… seen.”
“You are,” I murmured, leaning in just a fraction closer, not wanting to rush her but making it clear I wasn’t pulling away either. “You’ve always been. You just needed a reminder.”
Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, it felt like the world had gone still again. Then, almost imperceptibly, she leaned in too, her eyes fluttering shut as the tension between us snapped like a thread pulled too tight.
Her lips brushed against mine, soft and tentative, like she wasn’t sure if this was real or just a dream she was afraid to wake from. The faint taste of wine lingered on her lips, and for a heartbeat, the world around us completely faded away—no ticking clock, no hum of the fridge, no weight of the lives we carried.
She pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against mine as her eyes opened slowly, searching mine for answers. “Kelvin…” she whispered again, her voice shaky but carrying something else now—a mix of vulnerability and longing. “I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
Katrina stood before me, her hand extended, trembling slightly. Her eyes, still wide and unsure, locked onto mine with a quiet plea, the kind of look that begged for reassurance. “Come with me,” she said softly, her voice barely audible over the heavy silence that had settled between us.
I hesitated for a moment, caught in the whirlwind of emotions swirling around us. This wasn’t just about the night, the wine, or even the unspoken connection that had been building between us for hours. It was about her—about everything she had been holding inside for so long, the vulnerability she had finally let crack through her walls.
I reached out and took her hand, her fingers lacing instinctively through mine. They were warm, soft, but there was a nervousness there too—a slight tremor that mirrored the way my own chest tightened as I stood up, towering over her for just a moment before she gave my hand the faintest tug.
She led me down the hallway, her bare feet padding softly against the wooden floor. The air seemed heavier here, more intimate, as if every step carried the weight of what was happening between us. I didn’t say anything, didn’t dare break the spell that hung around us like a fragile thread. This was her pace, her choice. And I was just following her lead.
When we reached her room, she paused in the doorway, her back to me. I could see the rise and fall of her shoulders as she took a steadying breath, her fingers still clutching mine tightly. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” she said again, her voice a little steadier this time. She turned to face me, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and determination. “But I don’t want to feel invisible anymore. Not tonight.”
I stepped closer, letting go of her hand to brush a strand of hair away from her face. “You don’t have to explain,” I said quietly, my voice low but firm. “You’re not invisible to me, Kat. You never have been. Whatever you need—tonight, or any other night—you don’t have to ask twice.”
Her eyes searched mine for a long moment, as if she were trying to find something she could anchor herself to. Then, with a small nod, she stepped back into the room, her fingers trailing down my arm as she pulled me in with her.
The room was dimly lit, the bedside lamp casting a warm, golden glow over everything. It felt cozy, intimate, like it was holding its breath along with us. Katrina stood at the edge of the bed, her arms crossed over her chest, not in defense but as if she didn’t quite know what to do with them. Her gaze dropped to the floor, and for a moment, I thought she might change her mind.
But then she looked up at me, and in her eyes, I saw something that made my heart ache—a quiet kind of courage, fragile but unyielding. “Kelvin,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly, “I need to feel… like me again.”
I nodded, taking a slow step closer until I was standing right in front of her. I reached out, resting my hands gently on her arms, my thumbs brushing over her skin. “You’re already you, Kat,” I said, my voice soft but resolute. “You’re just rediscovering her. And I’m here. I’ve got you.”
Her breath hitched again, and she let her arms fall to her sides, her body relaxing just enough to let me pull her closer. My hands slid up to her shoulders, steadying her as she leaned into me, her forehead resting against my chest. For a long moment, we just stood there, her breathing slow and measured against me as if she were grounding herself in my presence.
Then she tilted her head up, her lips trembling but her gaze steady. “Don’t let me disappear,” she murmured, her voice so quiet I almost didn’t hear it.
“Never,” I promised, my voice low but firm as I cupped her face, my thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. And then, slowly, carefully, I leaned down and kissed her again—a kiss that spoke all the things words couldn’t quite hold.
I moved my hand gently to the small of Katrina’s back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her nightgown. Her breath hitched again, a soft, barely audible sound, as her body pressed closer to mine. The kiss deepened naturally, unhurried but undeniably intense, as if all the unspoken words, the emotions neither of us had fully acknowledged until now, were finally finding their voice.
Her hands rested tentatively on my chest at first, her touch light and hesitant, but then they slid up, her fingers curling around the fabric of my shirt trying to take it off.
“You sure about this,” I said as continued to kiss her.
Katrina paused for just a second, her fingers gripping the fabric of my shirt as if she was steadying herself. Her cheeks were flushed, her breathing shallow, and when she looked up at me, her eyes held a mix of vulnerability and determination. “I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she said softly, her voice trembling but resolute.
Her words hung in the air between us, and in that moment, it felt like the entire world had gone still. I could feel her hands against my chest, her fingers tightening as though she was afraid I might pull away. But I wasn’t going anywhere.
“Alright,” I whispered, my voice low but firm as I leaned back just enough to meet her gaze fully. “But this is your call, Kat. Every step of the way, it’s what you want. You say stop, we stop. Got it?”
Her lips curved into a faint smile, a flicker of her usual self shining through despite the intensity of the moment. “I got it,” she said, her voice a little stronger now. “But I don’t want to stop.”
With that, she pulled me closer, her hands sliding under the fabric of my shirt as she lifted it higher. I helped her, pulling it off completely and tossing it to the side without a second thought. Her eyes roamed over me, and for a moment, she looked almost shy, her fingers lightly brushing against my skin as if she wasn’t sure where to start.
“Katrina,” I murmured, reaching up to cup her face gently, my thumb brushing against her cheek. “You’re incredible, you know that?”
She let out a soft, nervous laugh, shaking her head slightly. “You keep saying that,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m still trying to believe it.”
“Then let me help you,” I said, leaning in to kiss her again, this time slower, more deliberate, as my hands rested on her waist. I could feel the way she melted into me, her body relaxing in a way that said she was finally starting to let go of everything she’d been holding onto for so long.
Her hands slid up to my shoulders, her touch growing bolder as she explored the lines of my back. I let my own hands trail lower, brushing against the curve of her hips and settling just above the hem of her nightgown. The fabric was soft, silky against my fingertips, and I could feel the slight tremor in her body as I held her. My hand up her thigh she felt great, reaching up her nightie.
As my hands explored higher up her thigh, Katrina’s breath caught, a sharp intake that spoke volumes of anticipation. The silk of her nightgown slid easily under my touch, revealing more of that soft skin I’d only imagined before. “Kelvin,” she breathed out against my lips, her voice a blend of apprehension and desire. “Keep going… please.”
My fingers didn’t hesitate, gently tracing the curve where her thigh met her hip before sliding under the hem. “You’re in control here,” I whispered back, my lips brushing hers with every word. She nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly against me, giving silent permission as she leaned into my embrace.
I let both hands trail up further under the fabric to find her heated core already damp with arousal; evidence of how much this meant to her, to us both. My thumb brushed over her delicate folds lightly at first—cautiously testing the waters—as she arched ever so slightly into my touch.
“Damn…you’re soaked,” I murmured, admiration clear in my tone as I looked into those wide eyes filled with need.
Katrina bit down on her lip but managed a nod again—her body language screaming ‘yes’ louder than any words could convey. Encouraged by that small sign of trust and want, I applied just enough pressure to make her gasp softly against me.
“This is what you wanted? Felt?” My voice was low, a rumble against hers as I steadily increased the pressure and pace between those slick folds.
“Yes,” came out as more of a moan now—a beautiful sound filled with longing. Her legs parted instinctively for better access.
“That’s it… Just feel,” I urged gently as one finger slipped inside without hesitating further—an entrance welcomed by warm tightness enveloping me tightly.
Her response was immediate; a mixture between a whimper and sigh escaping from deep within as she pressed herself closer still. “Kelvin… God I so need cock right now,” she groaned out my name like a plea or prayer—I wasn’t sure which but aimed to honour it either way.
I relished the raw need in her voice, the desperation that mirrored my own ten years of pent-up desire. Her confession, so bold and unguarded, only ignited the fire between us. With deliberate movements, I positioned us on the bed, guiding her to lie back gently as I hovered over her, a predatory glint in my eyes to match her fiery gaze.
“Then you’ll have it,” I growled, capturing her lips with a fervor that matched the intensity of our intertwined emotions. “All of me.”
Her nightgown had ridden up during our embrace, revealing the sumptuous curves that were as inviting as they were forbidden. Without breaking the kiss or taking my hand off her slick heat, I teased a path down her body with my free hand; tracing slow circles around each nipple before boldly cupping one breast through the thin fabric.
Katrina’s back arched into my touch instinctively. “Please…” she gasped against me, urging without words but speaking volumes with her body language.
With bated breath and steady hands, I slipped two fingers deep inside, curling them just enough to find that sweet spot within while continuing my assault on her sensitive nub above. Her moan was a torrent this time—loud and unrestrained—as she squirmed under my touch.
“So responsive,” I praised between sharp kisses along her neck. My thumb circled relentlessly while those fingers thrust deep and deliberately slow—drawing out every shudder and gasp from Katrina’s lips.
“Yes… yes! Just like that!” She cried out unabashedly now; all walls crumbling away under skilled hands that knew exactly where and how to ignite.
Sensing she was nearing an edge she hadn’t teetered on for years made something primal stir within me—I wanted to witness every second of it unfold. As if reading my intent, Katrina grabbed at me wildly, pulling me closer until our bodies molded together seamlessly.
“You’re fucking amazing,” she panted between moans as she reached down to grip what strained beneath denim jeans begging release—I chuckled darkly against skin flushed with arousal. “You want my cock in your pussy don’t you.”
“More than anything,” she confessed, her voice breathless and dripping with need. There was no shame in her gaze, only a raw hunger that mirrored the desire roaring through me. Her hand, insistent now, tugged at my jeans, working the buttons and zipper with an urgency I echoed in every fiber of my being.
I helped her peel away the last barriers between us, freeing my cock from its confines as Katrina looked on with unabashed greed. Her eyes fixed on it hungrily as if it were salvation. “Mmhm… that’s exactly what you’ve been craving,” I affirmed, letting her take control as she wrapped her fingers around my length.
The sensation was electrifying; Katrina’s touch sent shockwaves through me as she stroked slowly—intently studying how to please me best before guiding it to where we both ached for contact.
“You want this inside you?” My voice was thick with anticipation, a low growl against the shell of her ear. She nodded fervently—an arch of her hips urging me closer to the wetness enveloping nothing but air for far too long.
“Yes… please fuck me…” The plea left her lips in a hoarse whisper that shattered any remaining restraint. With one firm hand gripping behind each knee, I positioned myself at her entrance—a tease of what’s soon to unfold.
Katrina bit down hard on her lip in anticipation, nodding once more before I pushed into her—a slow, deliberate invasion that made us both gasp at the contact. Her warmth enveloped me like a glove fit just for us; squeezing and pulsing around my cock in welcoming spasms that beckoned deeper.
“Fuck!” The expletive slipped out hoarsely from my lips as I hilted myself fully inside her tight cunt—her walls fluttering wildly around my girth. She arched beautifully beneath me; responsive even as she adjusted to being so utterly filled after years without.
“Oh god! Yes! Don’t stop…” Her nails dug into my back urging depth and rhythm—and I obliged relentlessly.
Her tits rose and fell with every thrust—each movement sending ripples across those supple curves begging for attention. Without breaking stride, I leaned forward capturing one nipple between eager lips while twisting gently at its twin peak—the combination eliciting cries of pleasure mingled with profanities from Katrin’a mouth:
“Harder! Fuck yes! Hammer that pussy!”
Each word spurred me on; every filthy utterance pushing us toward an edge we chased together feverishly until finally…
Katrina’s whole body tensed under mine—a scream tearing past those swollen lips: “AH FUCKING HELL! AH MY PUSSY!” It signaled something primal within both of us reaching climax together; convulsing violently yet harmoniously before collapsing into sated heaps onto sheets drenched by our sweat-soaked skin.
I was now banging to hell out of her pussy, my cock slid in and out at an incredible rate. I wasn’t sure how long I could last.
“Oh, Kelvin, don’t you stop!” Katrina cried out, her voice ragged with need. “Fuck me harder—I want to feel every inch of your cock!”
Her filthy words spurred me on, and I grabbed her tits firmly, kneading them as they bounced with the force of my relentless pounding. The sensation was beyond words—her tightness around my shaft, the way she writhed beneath me begging for more.
“Love how you’re taking it,” I grunted out through gritted teeth. “Your pussy’s so fucking hungry for this.”
“Yeah! Use me! Make me yours,” she screamed, not a trace of inhibition left as she clenched around me in waves that signaled another impending climax.
The bed creaked beneath us; every slam against her made Katrina’s moans crescendo into near-yells of ecstasy. “Fill me up! Give it all to me!”
I could feel myself nearing the edge—the pulsing within growing intense as she clawed at my back chanting encouragements filled with lustful fervor:
“Yes! Cum inside—cum hard in your slutty bitch!”
With those words spurring on the inevitable explosion building inside, I slammed into her one last time—deep and unyielding—as we both reached a precipice neither had seen coming.
“Ah fuck!” She wailed as I flooded her womb with hot spurts of cum—an intense rush that sparked off an explosive orgasm ripping through Katrina’s body too. Her walls milked every drop from my pulsing length until we lay entangled—a messy tangle of limbs and satisfaction.
We panted heavily against each other’s skin—a mix of sweat and spent desire coating us both. After long moments passed in silent awe at what had unfolded between us…
“Kelvin…” Katrina breathed out finally when speech returned to her lips softened by a satisfied smile. “That was… amazing god my pussy.”
“You think?” I chuckled lightly against the curve of her neck, still feeling aftershocks ripple through where we were joined. “Goddamn right it was. I so needed that.”