CHAPTER 164

Kyle King

Planning a perfect date was always a nervous activity for me because I had to ensure everything was perfect and tailored to my partner’s taste—in this case, my partner was Tessa, and she deserved to be treated perfectly well. I glanced at the table as the housekeeper helped arrange the dishes properly and set the tablecloths. I glanced at her work and nodded my approval. 

This was going to be a perfect date. 

I rushed into the shower, and a few minutes later, I was out. I picked a casual outfit—a Ralph Lauren shirt and black jeans. I ran my comb through my black curls. I mentally noted to check in with a barber across the street to reduce the fullness of my hair. I preferred it to be moderate and looking shabby or rough.

After a quick view of my appearance, I strolled out of the room and settled in the living room, waiting for Tessa and the kids. I had wanted to take them out, but Tessa preferred a house date. She also felt it was right; the kids came. They were missing me even though it hadn’t been up to two weeks since I last saw them. 

Nicholas and Hope had accepted me fully, but sometimes they withheld, especially Nicholas. Sometimes he chipped in about how James usually takes them for ice cream and pizza on Fridays. It was their thing whenever I suggested I resume the treat. There was also an issue about them still calling me by my name, not Kyle. 

I planned on discussing this with Tessa when they came over. It would feel right if they started calling me Dad and not just when they needed a second helping or when she was with them. I also planned on discussing the custody of the children. If she wasn’t ready for a relationship, it would be fair if we had a lawyer come up with a legal plan for the welfare of the kids and the decisions I was allowed to take. 

I didn’t want to sound selfish, but I needed to know what I was allowed to do and not do. I also wanted to take charge of their responsibilities, especially the financial aspect. Tessa had so far refused to let me take charge of their school fees, utilities, and feeding. She felt she was capable and didn’t need their money. After all, she was doing it before I returned to the picture. I found that unsettling.

My phone buzzed. Tessa was calling. I picked it immediately. ‘Good evening, Tessa. Are you here already?’

She replied. ‘We took a wrong turn, but the chauffeur has found his way. We will be there in thirty minutes. The kids are eager to see you. They didn’t even let me have a decent sleep last night.’

I chuckled. ‘I can’t wait to see them too. I have missed you too.’

She paused, not saying anything. I listened to her silent breaths. Hoping I hadn’t crossed a line, I continued, ‘I am allowed to miss you, right? I promised I wouldn’t pressure you, but that doesn’t mean I won’t remind you of my feelings. I am waiting for you, Tessa.’

She sighed, making my heart hurt a bit. ‘Kyle, I have given you enough closure to my heart already. I have allowed you to enter my life completely, but I can’t promise you that I will wake up one day and accept your proposal. I am not a business prospect that can easily change her mind just like that.’

I nodded, not liking the twist of the conversation. ‘It’s fine, Tessa. I promised you I wouldn’t break your heart, and I am not going to do that. I am okay with what you have offered me already, but I won’t stop loving you.’

‘Kyle King, I hope you aren’t about to make me change my mind about coming over to your place. I don’t want a tense date. It won’t be good for the kids.’

Nor her.

I sighed inwardly, changing the conversation. ‘The chef and I prepared our famous chicken pizza. I hope you have the stomach for mouth watering flavours.’

She chuckled—I could almost feel the relief in her voice. ‘I am ready for your dishes, Kyle. I will call you once we drive into your street. Don’t miss us too much.’

I laughed, cutting the call. I wouldn’t miss you so much if I hadn’t fallen deeply for you, Tessa Robert. I caged her rejection in the darkest part of my mind and scrolled to my mail to respond to personal mail from work and Xavier. 

I groaned as I remembered Avaline’s pending case. The King’s headquarter construction had been completed a few days ago, and the unveiling ceremony was already in process. I had already pushed a lot of responsibilities to Xavier, so I needed to take charge of the planning and invitations. This was the reason why I couldn’t hop in on a plane and return to Nashville for Avaline’s court proceedings. They couldn’t move on until I was in the country. 

Xavier’s new mail was a file attachment that contained the details of Avaline and Mr. Monty’s confessions. I shook my head while reading it. They would have succeeded in their plans if not for the little angels watching over me. 

The gentle knocks on the door made me stand up, but the bodyguard, Diesel, was faster than me in getting to the door. Tessa’s soft fragrance greeted me before her face appeared and the giggling kids rushed towards me. 

I took them in my hands and smiled. ‘You kids are getting bigger by the day. What has Mummy been feeding you guys?’

Hope giggled. ‘Nothing, Dad. Just a bit of vegetables and crabs. Also, pork and chips.’

Tessa laughed, giving me a hug as I let go of the kids. ‘Hi, Kyle. You look perfect. I hope we didn’t keep you waiting.’

I kissed her hair, refusing to let go. ‘No, I told you I would wait for you. Let’s go to the table, and we can gist about your day, honey.’

She nodded, gesturing to the kids to follow me. I couldn’t stop myself from admiring her curves as she walked before me. Tessa Robert was perfectly moulded by God.