“No need to apologize. In fact, I’m quite flattered.”
The lady mumbled a few more words, took the book, and then left with her family. Katelyn still remained stiff in his arms.
He stepped beside Katelyn and linked his fingers through hers, heading back toward their hotel. Not a word was said. To Shane, this confirmed his suspicions. Katelyn had known before, and she had used his identity without his permission.
As they entered the hotel, Shane glanced at the beautiful woman by his side. Her sad expression pulled at his heart and his chest constricted with an unfamiliar feeling. Right now all he wanted to do was take her back in his arms—the place where she felt perfect.
He squeezed her hand and she looked at him. He smiled, which brought a smile from her. “Shall I walk you to your room?”
Her smile widened, which made her blue eyes twinkle like gems. “Is this a date?”
He grinned. “Of course. Would I have held you the way I did if we weren’t on a date?”
“You must have forgotten the time in your truck.”
They stepped in the elevator and he pushed the button to the fourth floor. The doors closed, leaving them alone again. He pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her neck. “How could I forget about that?” He kissed her just below the ear. “I’ve thought of nothing since.”
“Shane?”
He straightened and met her gaze.
“Shouldn’t we go to your sister’s room first to get my nephews?”
“Not yet. I want to be with you alone a little while longer.”
Her cheeks bloomed with color, and her smile wavered. “Shane, I—I want to apologize for making you uncomfortable tonight.”
He chuckled then stroked her cheek. “When did you make me feel uncomfortable?”
“When the lady thought you were the model on my book cover.”
“Oh.” Once again, the doubt crept back into his head, and he dropped his hand from her cheek. “Don’t worry about it. If you recall, I made the same mistake when we first met.”
“Yes, I know, but I feel bad, nonetheless.”
The elevator bell dinged and the doors opened. They stepped out and she handed him her room card. Taking her hand back in his, he walked her to her room and opened the door. He followed her inside while she switched on a few lamps. Behind him the door closed by itself. He remained by the wall and waited to see what her next move would be.
He could tell she was nervous because, once again, she had a hard time meeting his eyes. She fidgeted, licked her lips, then slowly stepped to him and stood in front of him. Finally, she lifted her gaze to his.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening. I’ve never enjoyed the light show as much as I did with you,” she said, a twinkle gleaming in her eyes.
He chuckled, feeling more at ease. Sliding his hands around her waist, he pulled her closer. “I must admit that I, too, have never enjoyed the show as much.” He shrugged. “It must be the company I was with.”
She linked her arms around his neck, threading her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. “I’m glad. I know I’ll never forget it.”
Her teasing expression turned serious as she stared at his lips. His heart flipped crazily, and he wanted to kiss her. But deep inside, he felt like he still couldn’t trust her.
“You shouldn’t be in my room,” she said softly with a grin. “It’s not safe.”
“I know. But can I kiss you goodnight first before I leave?”
She leaned up and kissed him, and without argument, he responded, giving her a sweet kiss. He broke away. “Katelyn?”
“Yes?”
“Before anything more happens between us, I need to ask one thing.”
“What?”
“I need to know...” He swallowed hard, not knowing how to say this without making her mad at him. “I would like you to be honest with me.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Katelyn, please tell me...” He paused, taking a deep breath. “Please tell me if you really used my identity in your book. In order to continue our relationship, I need to get rid of these doubts lingering in my head. I can’t get let go of the feeling that you did know me years ago, and that you’ve written about me.”
The sparkle in her eyes vanished and was replaced with panic. “Why bring this up now?”
He sighed and tightened his hold as he kissed her forehead. “I want to continue seeing you, Katelyn. I really like you. A lot.” He looked down into her sad eyes. “I don’t want any secrets between us. Do you understand?”
She nodded and pulled back, trying to leave his embrace, but he wouldn’t let her. With a deep sigh, she gave up and rested her hands on his chest.
“Why do you still doubt me?” she asked softly.
“Sometimes you look as if you’re hiding something—like right now. Then there is the fact that most everything written in your book has happened in my life. And of course, you used my name.”
“So, you read my book all the way through?”
He grinned. “Four times.”
“Did any part of that story upset or offend you?”
“No. In fact, I liked the way you portrayed me as a great hero.” He chuckled. “I only wish I were that brave.”
“Then why are you so mad? If you didn’t find anything slanderous in my book, then why does it upset you?”
She had a point, he realized. As much as she made sense, he still had to know the truth. “Because I want to know how you know me.” He stroked her face softly. “I would have remembered meeting someone so pretty.”
He waited for her answer, and at one point, she looked as if she was going to tell him. There was a look of defeat on her face, but just as she opened her mouth to speak, her expression hardened, and she clamped her mouth closed and scowled.
“Shane, you’ll just have to believe me when I tell you it’s nothing to worry about.”
He grasped her shoulders tightly. “Does that mean you did write about my life?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Katelyn, why are you being so difficult?” His blood boiled with irritation. “Just be honest with me for once.”
She gasped and pushed herself away, quickly moving over to the door and opening it. “I think you should leave now.”
He sighed heavily. “No, Katelyn. I won’t go until I get some answers.”
“If you don’t leave in two minutes, I’m calling hotel security.”
Her tight lips and furrowed brow let him know she’d follow through with her threat if he didn’t leave. One part of him wanted to shake her until she confessed, and the other part of him wanted to kiss her until she relented. What had she done to make him so confused?
He nodded. “Fine, I’ll go, but our conversation is not finished.” He walked to the door and stopped in front of her. Leaning down, he gave her a quick kiss. When he withdrew, her eyes were wide with surprise. “Stay right here, and I’ll bring your nephews back in a minute.”
Turning, he walked toward the elevator, seething the whole way. Now he had to think of a different way to get her to confess. Apparently, his charm wasn’t as practiced as he’d liked to believe. Either that or she was as stubborn-headed as he was.
Chapter Eleven
Tears gathered in Katelyn’s eyes as she closed the door behind Shane. Misery had permanently lodged itself in her heart, and she knew the only way to make it go away was to tell the truth. But she couldn’t now. She still didn’t know if he’d press charges against her and she couldn’t take that chance. The look of mistrust in his eyes not long ago had been evident. He still secretly held bitter feelings for her, she could tell.
She walked to the first queen-sized bed and turned down the covers, readying it for her nephews. They’d probably be half asleep by the time they came back. Too bad she wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight.
What a wonderful, yet confusing, evening this had been. She’d enjoyed herself with Shane as they rode the rides, and
especially while they were at the light show. Then he had to ruin it by asking her about her book. Why couldn’t he just leave the subject alone? The book wasn’t destroying his life.
When they’d reached her room, she’d hoped the kiss would have led his thoughts away from what happened with the lady at the light show. Apparently, the kiss wasn’t enough to knock him senseless.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, tears ran down her cheeks. The sting of failure hurt worse than she wanted. Of all the men she’d dated—which weren’t many—Shane’s loss hurt her more than any of them. Shane was the man of her dreams, the man she’d thought about while writing her romance stories. He was a kind and loving man, just like she’d portrayed him to be in her books.
Now it was too late. Their relationship wouldn’t progress because he wanted the truth first. He talked about not trusting her, but wasn’t it really the other way around? It still frightened her that he would press charges against her. Yet, there was no mistaking the tender look in his eyes when he kissed her that last time. It had surprised her that he’d do that after their argument.
There was a knock at the door. Quickly, she wiped her tears before letting her nephews in. Steven’s face glowed with happiness. Behind him, Shane carried Luke, the six-year-old who just couldn’t stay awake.
Steven ran to her and gave her a hug. “Guess what, Aunt Katie?”
“Shhh.” She pressed her finger to his lips. “Your brother is asleep.” She glanced over his shoulder at Shane who laid Luke down in the bed.
Steven tugged at her sleeve. “But guess what?”
“What?”
“Shane said he’d take me and Luke to where he works and we could help him drive those big tractors and trucks.”
Shane glanced her way for a brief second, smiling as he removed Luke’s shoes and socks. Her heart flipped. Why was Shane now acting like nothing had happened between them?
Katelyn waited for Shane to meet her gaze. “That’s nice, Steven,” she told her nephew without looking at him. When Shane finally turned and looked at her, she asked, “Why did you promise them that?”
He shrugged. “They asked where I worked. When I told them I own several companies that have big trucks, they mentioned how much they liked big trucks and tractors. I thought it’d be a good idea to give them a guided tour.”
She gave him a weak smile. “That was very nice of you, but I’ll have to check with their parents, first.”
Shane walked over and ruffled Steven’s hair. “Hey, sport, why don’t you get yourself ready for bed while I talk to your aunt a little bit?”
Steven nodded, then hurried into the bathroom and shut the door. Shane took hold of Katelyn’s hands and pulled her closer. Why was he acting this way?
He smiled. “Would you and your nephews like to have breakfast with me and my kids tomorrow?”
“I—I—” Confused, she shook her head.
Chuckling, he softly kissed her. She remained still, wondering about his actions, but when his arms slipped around her waist and he nibbled on her lips, she relaxed and participated in the kiss. She clung to him tightly, not wanting to let him go.
A groan tore from his chest and he pulled her closer. The kiss wasn’t passionate like she wanted, but with her nephew so close, she knew it couldn’t get out of control. Calming herself, she slowed the kiss.
“Mmm,” he mumbled before withdrawing. “Now that’s what I call a good night kiss.”
She laid her head on his chest, breathing in his musky scent. “Yes, it was.”
“Then is that a yes?”
“For what?”
“For having breakfast with me tomorrow.”
She chuckled softly. “Yes.”
He tilted her chin up and kissed her lips again, but this time only briefly. “I’ll pick you up at nine o’clock, or is that too early?”
She shook her head. “After the long day the boys have had, I think that’s a perfect time for breakfast.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her with him to the door and opened it. She stared up into his big brown eyes, wondering if this was all one of her daydreams. He was angry with her, so why didn’t he act like it now?
She waited for him to say something, but all he did was stare into her eyes. Her heart tugged with an unfamiliar emotion, creating a feeling of happiness within her.
Slowly, he bent his head and kissed her again and her heart ached a little more. When he pulled away, he smiled. He turned and walked down the hall. She watched him until he entered the elevator.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT didn’t work.” Shane paced the floor in his hotel room. He glared accusingly at his sister who sat at the small table in the corner of the room. “You told me to play the charmer, and I did, but it didn’t work.”
Elaine shook her head. “Didn’t you say she responded to your kiss?”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s working.”
“No, it’s not. She’s not going to tell me no matter how many times I kiss her.”
“Shhh,” Elaine whispered as she stole a glance at the twins asleep in the bed. When she met his glare again, she chuckled. “Keep trying. It’s not like you’re punishing yourself by kissing her. You can’t lie to me and tell me you don’t like her just a little.”
He stomped to her, slapping his hands on the tabletop and leaned over until his face was mere inches from hers. “That’s just the point, Ellie. I do like her. I like her a lot.”
She shrugged. “So what’s the problem?”
“The problem is I don’t want to enter another relationship with a woman I can’t trust. Amber’s inability to tell the truth left a permanent hole in my heart, and I don’t want to go through the heartache again.”
The laughter left Elaine’s expression. “I’m sorry. You’re right, of course.”
Sighing heavily, he turned and plopped into the chair next to his sister. “I know you meant well, Ellie, but Katelyn is a tough woman to break. She’s holding secrets. I can feel it.”
Elaine touched his arm. “Then end the relationship. Don’t see her anymore. You don’t need to know how she knows about your past. It doesn’t matter.”
“But it does matter. I can’t let this go. Can’t you see that?”
She flipped her hand through the air. “You know, you are just going to make it more difficult for Katleyn to fall in love with you.”
He rolled his eyes. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that. But I do like her...and for the life of me, I can’t let this issue rest until she confesses to have written about me.”
“Then you are going to be one very miserable man.”
He huffed. “If you don’t understand me and why I want this so bad, then I’m done talking to you about it.” He strode to the door and yanked it open. “I need to take a walk and think. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“Okay. I’m going to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Giving her a nod, he turned and walked out of the room. Instead of going to the elevator, he hurried down the stairs, taking two at a time. He knew why his temper was rising, and it wasn’t because his sister didn’t understand him. He felt this way because of Katelyn. That woman could drive him crazy with desire, and within minutes she made his blood boil with doubt.
Her kisses excited him more than he thought they would. He could kiss her all night if she’d let him, and he’d love every minute of it. She wouldn’t, because she wasn’t that kind of a girl, which was one of the many things he liked about her.
Hurrying his step, he practically ran down the few remaining stairs. He stood still just outside the front doors to the hotel, breathing in the fresh air, hoping it would cool his ardor. It didn’t. The urgent need to hold her in his arms overpowered him, and he cursed his weakness.
Perhaps Elaine was right and he shouldn't see Katelyn again. But the emptiness consuming his chest from the mere thought told him that wasn’t a good idea. He needed to see her smile, to hear her laugh, and to smell her rosy scent.<
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How was it that this romance writer could rip such emotions from him in such a short period of time?
The plain and simple truth was he needed her. She made him feel like a desirable man again. She made him feel like he was important—that his children were important, which was something Amber hadn’t done.
He couldn’t have that special feeling taken away from him. He still had to discover Katelyn’s secret, if only to ease his mind so he could trust her. But he wouldn’t stop seeing her.
“GOOD MORNING,” SHANE greeted Katelyn when he picked her up for breakfast. “I hope you slept well.”
She nodded, although the puffy bags under her eyes told him she hadn’t slept well at all.
He glanced down at Steven and Luke. “Are you two ready for breakfast?” They nodded an eager response. “Good, because Casey and Cori are anxious to see you again.”
“Shane?” Steven asked. “Are you gonna ride more rides with us today?”
He looked at Katelyn for an invitation. The blank expression on her face didn’t clue him in on her thoughts right now. “If it’s okay with your aunt.”
She gave him a weak smile. “We won’t be staying very long today. We’ll leave around three o’clock.”
He nodded. “That’s all right. I’d love to spend the remaining time with you.”
Conflicting emotions danced across her face, from the doubt in her hypnotic blue eyes, to the excitement she was trying to hide on her upturned lips. Beside her, Luke and Steven tugged on her arm, pleading.
Finally, she sighed heavily and nodded. “Okay.”
The two boys cheered as they ran out of the room toward the elevator. Shane waited for Katelyn before he turned and walked to the elevator.
“After breakfast, I’ll have to come back and check out of the room,” she said.
“I’ll help you with your bags, if you’d like.”
Once again, uncertainty flickered on her expression, but then she nodded. “That would be nice.”
All during breakfast, Shane played the gallant knight; opening the door for her, pulling out her chair, paying her breakfast bill, but the more he did for her, the more doubt reflected in her expression.
Dreaming 0f You (Christian Romance) Page 12