Kapitel 8: Chapter 10-11-12
Chapter 10
Kim arrived at the restaurant almost an hour before the scheduled time. The place was elegant, intimate, with low lighting and a modern feel, one of the few corners of Los Angeles where she knew she could have a quiet evening, away from the cameras and constant attention. She chose a simple but sophisticated dress that, in fact, reflected more how she wanted to feel: comfortable, but special.
Sitting at the table, she looked around, trying to hide her anxiety. It was almost funny for her to feel this way; it had been a long time since she felt her heart racing with anticipation, like a teenager before a first date.
She was fixing her hair for the third time when, finally, she saw Tom coming through the door of the restaurant. He was wearing a well-cut black suit with a white shirt and no tie, exuding an easy confidence. Something about the way he walked, with his firm steps and focused gaze, immediately made Kim think he looked like he had stepped straight out of a spy movie. "He could definitely be a James Bond," she thought, smiling at the idea.
As soon as Tom spotted her, his face lit up with a smile. He crossed the room and approached the table, his eyes taking in every detail of Kim.
"Kim," he said, his expression genuinely impressed. "You look absolutely gorgeous."
Kim smiled, feeling her cheeks flush.
"Thank you, Tom. And you look… amazing too. You look like you stepped straight out of a spy movie." She laughed, trying to break the ice.
Tom let out a low chuckle, amused.
"Well, I can assure you that the real life of a spy is a little less glamorous than it is in the movies. But I'm glad you think so." He winked, and Kim couldn't help but laugh again.
They settled in, and the conversation flowed naturally, as if they were old friends instead of a couple on a first date. Soon they were discussing everything from culture to music to how much social media was influencing modern life, especially Kim's.
"How do you deal with it, Kim?" — Tom asked, genuinely curious. — The pressure of fame, the constant judgment… it seems exhausting.
Kim sighed, looking down at her wine glass.
— Sometimes it is. But it's been a part of my life for so long that I've learned to shield myself from it. What worries me most now is how it might affect my children. They're growing up surrounded by a reality I never imagined for them. I try to be honest, talk about everything, and set the best example. But, you know… it's not easy.
Tom nodded, understanding.
— I imagine it must be a difficult balance. I'm impressed by your strength to deal with all of this.
She smiled, appreciating his honesty.
— And you? — Kim turned the table. — What was it like for you? I mean, what you did… it sounds like something that requires a very special kind of mental strength.
Tom gave a small, enigmatic smile, as if recalling old memories.
— I would say that the life of a spy has many more moments of silence and waiting than action. There is a lot of observation, a lot of patience. But, at specific moments, you need to be ready to act and make quick decisions. It is a life of extremes, but I confess that I liked the adrenaline, the challenge of... making a difference, even if it was in the shadows.
Kim watched him closely, fascinated. There was something in Tom's calm, in the confident way he spoke, that conveyed a silent strength. She realized that, behind his charm, there was someone who had lived through experiences that most people would never understand.
Dinner went on, and each dish that was served was another reason for laughter, stories and the growing complicity between the two. It was as if, for a few hours, they had managed to leave the world aside, immersing themselves in a space of their own.
It was already late when Tom asked for the bill, insisting that he be the one to pay. Kim protested, but ended up giving in, smiling at him with a rare complicity. They stood up and walked together towards the exit, the night air cooling the heat of their laughter and intense conversations.
The walk to their houses was silent, but a comfortable silence, where neither of them felt the need to fill the space with words. As soon as they reached the entrance of their houses, they both stopped.
"Thanks for the night, Tom," Kim said, turning to him. "It was… exactly what I needed."
Tom smiled, his eyes reflecting the softness of that night.
"Thank you. It was one of the most memorable dates I've ever had."
Kim laughed, crossing her arms, a little embarrassed.
"Oh, so you don't go out much, is that it?"
He gave a short laugh. "Maybe less than I should, but that was an exception that was worth every second."
The air between them changed subtly, like a gentle tension that hovered, waiting to be resolved. Tom took a step forward, approaching her, and for a moment they both just stared at each other, letting the silence speak is more than any words.
"Good night, Kim," he whispered, his voice low and full of meaning.
"Good night, Tom," she replied, her heart racing.
Before she could process it, he leaned in slowly and kissed her. His lips met hers with a lightness that seemed almost ethereal, but that carried an intense heat. Kim felt her heart race, and she returned the kiss with the same softness, feeling as if time had stopped.
When they finally pulled away, they both had a restrained, almost shy smile.
"See you around?" he asked, his voice still low.
"Sure." She nodded, her eyes shining with the same intensity.
Tom waited until she entered the house, standing in front of her own door, as if he wanted to keep that moment in his memory. Kim closed the door, leaning against it for a second, feeling a mixture of joy and peace that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Chapter 11
In the days that followed dinner and the goodbye kiss, Kim and Tom began to live a new rhythm of closeness. The bond between them grew deeper, and their meetings became frequent, but unplanned. Their routines ended up overlapping: he would go for a run and, when he passed by her house, he would end up calling her to accompany him; or she would be in the garden with her children and Tom would come over to help, tell a story, or simply be nearby.
One morning, Kim was in the backyard with her children, watching as North and Saint played with a frisbee. She was distracted, absorbed in the children's game, when she heard a familiar voice.
"Do you need another player?" Tom asked, already taking off his sunglasses and smiling.
The children screamed with joy, dropping the frisbee to run to him, hugging him enthusiastically. It was clear that Kim's children already adored Tom. He crouched down, listening to their stories and answering each question patiently, showing genuine interest. Kim, watching the scene, felt her heart warm. It was rare to see someone she felt so comfortable with and who also captivated her children in this way.
"Tom! Tom!" North called excitedly. "Can you teach us that cool move you did with the Frisbee last time?"
Tom smiled, catching the Frisbee skillfully and demonstrating the trick, spinning it in the air with a precise throw.
"Careful, Saint," he warned, still with that calm and protective tone. "Remember to keep your hands in front of you, okay?"
Kim looked at him, feeling a combination of admiration and attraction that grew with each passing day. The calm and patience he showed with her children made her see him in an even more special way.
When the game was over and the kids went back inside to get something to drink, Tom approached her, holding out a bottle of water.
"For you." He smiled, handing her the bottle.
"Thank you." Kim took the bottle, smiling. "They really love you, you know that?"
Tom gave her a small smile, running a hand through his hair.
"And I love them. They're amazing kids, Kim. I don't know how you manage it all… They're full of energy, but they're also very polite."
She laughed, looking away.
"I try my best. But you're amazing with them too. It's rare to find someone who truly cares, who has patience and enjoys being around them."
He took a step closer, his eyes meeting hers with intensity.
"They're a part of you, Kim. So… I like everything about them."
She felt her heart race, and before she could respond, Tom gently pulled her to him and kissed her. The kiss was soft and deep, conveying a tenderness that he didn't need to put into words. In the last few days, the kisses and hugs had become more frequent, but there was still a tension, an expectation between them, an energy that grew with each touch, with each encounter.
When the kiss ended, he looked at her with that restrained smile.
"How about dinner tomorrow? This time, at my place."
Kim smiled, surprised and excited.
"That sounds perfect."
The next night, Kim was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the dress she had chosen. It was something simple, but elegant, because she didn't want to look like she was trying too hard. Tom had said that the night would be relaxed, without formalities, but she still felt the excitement of being with him on a date.
As soon as she finished, she went downstairs and called a driver to take her to Tom's house, which was on the other side of the condominium. When she arrived, he was waiting for her at the door, wearing jeans and a blue shirt, casual but perfectly put together, with a smile on his face.
"You look beautiful, Kim," he said, watching her.
"And you, very charming." She smiled, entering his house.
The house was decorated simply, but with a touch of class, mixing modern style with elements that reflected his travels and his life in England.
Kim walked to the living room and saw again the frame of medals and photos of Tom's travels around the world. There was something about the photos, about the life he seemed to have lived, that intrigued her deeply.
"Curious again?" he asked, approaching.
"Always," she replied, turning to him. "You've already told me a little about what you did, but it still seems… a mystery."
Tom laughed, looking away. "It's hard to explain what I went through, but I think in time you'll understand."
They settled in the living room, and Tom opened a bottle of wine, pouring each of them a glass. While he prepared something to eat in the kitchen, Kim watched him. There was a skill in his movements, a calmness that reflected his experience, and also a restrained energy, as if he were in complete control of every action.
"This smells wonderful, you know?" she commented, approaching the counter.
"I hope you like it," he replied, smiling. "It's a simple recipe, but I wanted It was something special for both of us.
As they ate, they talked about their lives, their pasts, and their dreams. Kim opened up about the challenges of balancing her career and raising children, and Tom listened attentively, offering words of support and understanding.
"And you, Tom… after all, what are your plans?" she asked curiously.
He thought for a moment, looking at her with a slight smile.
"I think I found something here that has been good for me. You, the children… somehow, that's all I need right now."
She was silent, absorbing the sincerity of his words. There was something in the way he spoke that made it clear how much he valued the present, the moment they were building together.
After dinner, they went to the living room, where Tom put on soft music in the background. Sitting side by side on the couch, they continued to talk, laughing at stories of travel and adventures that Tom shared. At some point, he put his arm around her, and she snuggled into him, feeling completely comfortable and safe.
After a while, Kim sighed and looked at him. "You know, it's rare that I feel this... this safe next to someone."
He smiled, lightly stroking her hair. "I understand. I think that, after everything we've been through, finding someone with whom we can feel this way is... special."
They were silent, just enjoying the moment. Their eyes met, and he leaned in again to kiss her, a deeper, more intense kiss. There was something in that touch that held a promise, something they both wanted, but knew it was still too early to rush.
When Kim finally decided it was time to go home, Tom walked her to the door, holding her hand and not letting go until the last second.
"Good night, Kim."
"Good night, Tom."
She went home with her heart warmed, anxious for what the future held for them. She knew there was something special happening between them, something that grew with every hug, with every kiss. It was as if destiny was building something beautiful between their lives.
Chapter 12
Kim had finally made an important decision about her relationship with Tom. After weeks of getting closer, deep conversations and a connection that seemed to grow with each other, they had talked it out and decided that they wanted to make their feelings for each other official. However, she knew that to do so she needed to involve the most important people in her life first: her children. If they weren't comfortable with the idea, she wouldn't go through with it.
That morning, Kim woke up early, anxious. She was determined to have this conversation, but she knew she had to do it lightly and respectfully, making sure they felt safe to express what they really thought.
"We're having a special meeting today, just the five of us," Kim announced during breakfast, smiling at North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm, who were helping themselves.
"What is it, Mommy?" asked North, the most curious and observant of the four.
Kim smiled and waved for them to continue eating.
"I'll explain after breakfast, just us, okay?" No cell phones and no distractions. I want to really listen to you.
The kids looked at each other, and curiosity quickly spread through the group. When they finished eating, Kim led them into the living room, where she placed some pillows on the floor so everyone would be comfortable.
"Okay, guys," she began, sitting down across from her children. "I have something really important to share with you, and I wanted to hear what you think."
"Is it about Tom?" Saint asked, with a smile that showed he already suspected the answer.
Kim nodded, smiling at him.
"Yes, it's about Tom. You know he's been spending a lot of time with us, and I know you really like him."
"He's cool, Mommy!" Chicago said, with a twinkle in her eye. "He teaches us sports tricks and does some really cool stuff! I like him."
Psalm, who was the youngest, nodded shyly, but smiled. North, always the most serious, looked at her mother thoughtfully.
"So... what do you want to tell me about him, Mommy?" North asked, looking directly at Kim.
Kim took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the honesty and transparency she had always wanted to have with her children.
"Tom and I... decided that we want to date. That means he'll be even closer to our family, and I wanted to know what you guys think about that. How do you feel about that idea?"
Saint raised his hand, as if he were in school, which made Kim laugh.
"Yes, Saint?"
"I think that's really cool!" he said excitedly. "Tom is like a real superhero, Mommy! He can fight, he knows everything about countries and he's really good at sports. I would love for him to be your boyfriend."
Kim smiled, relieved and touched by her son's sincerity. She turned to Chicago, who nodded quickly.
"I like Tom, Mommy. He's cute and he can tell cool stories." Psalm, a little more shy, said softly:
"I like him too."
Lastly, Kim looked at North, who remained serious, but watched her siblings and mother carefully.
"North?" Kim asked, wanting to know her eldest daughter's opinion.
North thought for a moment before finally answering.
"I like Tom. He's kind and makes you laugh, Mommy. I just want to make sure he'll take good care of you… and us too."
Kim felt her heart tighten at those words. North, with her maturity, had always been protective and concerned about her mother. She leaned over and held her daughter's hand.
"He'll take great care of us, North. He cares about you, and in time I hope you'll feel even more safe and comfortable with him around."
North nodded, looking satisfied, and Kim pulled her into a hug. She then wrapped all of her children in a big family hug, feeling the warmth and support coming from them. There was genuine acceptance, and she was immensely grateful for their openness in sharing what they really felt.
"I'm so glad you're all comfortable with this," Kim said, smiling. "And of course, I want you to know that you can always tell me how you're feeling."
The kids agreed and soon began asking excited questions about what dating meant. They wanted to know if there would be more adventures, more games, and even suggested that Tom should come over for dinner more often. She answered each question patiently, laughing at their funny ideas about dating and marriage.
After a while, Kim asked them to go play, and the kids ran outside. She watched through the window, feeling a calmness she hadn't experienced in a long time. The kids not only accepted Tom, but seemed happy with the idea. This comforted her and gave her confidence to move forward with the relationship.
Decided, Kim picked up her phone and texted Tom:
"I talked to them, and they all really liked the idea. Let's move forward, together?"
Tom's response came almost instantly:
"Yes, we will. I can't wait to spend more time with you all."
They arranged to see each other that night to celebrate, and Kim felt lighter, as if she was truly beginning a new chapter in her life—one where she finally felt she could be truly happy.
Later, when she was at her mother's house, Kim couldn't contain the news for long. During dinner, while chatting with her sisters and Kris, she finally blurted out:
"Tom and I have decided to start dating."
There was a dramatic pause before the sisters reacted with exclamations and laughter. Kendall and Kylie exchanged glances and quickly began to joke with her, while Kourtney and Khloe reacted with genuine enthusiasm.
"I knew it!" Kendall exclaimed, laughing. "You couldn't stop smiling every time you talked about him, Kim. We had a hunch."
Kylie shook her head, still laughing.
— And you tried to be discreet, but it was obvious!
Kim laughed, blushing a little, but she didn't care. She was happy to share this with her family.
— He's a really good person. He likes the kids and respects my life. I feel like I can be myself with him, without pressure.
Kris smiled at her, holding her hand.
— Kim, I've always wanted you to find someone like that. And if he is that someone, I can only wish you all the happiness in the world.
The conversation continued lightly, and Kim realized that her family's acceptance also brought a sense of peace. After years of living under the pressure of the media, there was something about Tom that made her feel safe, accepted and understood.
When Kim finally returned home that night, she found a message from Tom:
"Good night, Kim. I've been thinking about us all day. I'm here for anything you need."
She smiled, feeling her heart beat faster. The journey she was embarking on with him seemed promising, full of hope, and above all, surrounded by the love of her children and the acceptance of her family. Kim knew she was ready to face whatever came her way with him, with a sense of completeness and affection that she had not experienced in a long time.
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