by Jody Holford
Falling for Kate
An Angel’s Lake Novella
Jody Holford
Contents
More from Penner Publishing
Also by Jody Holford
Praise for Falling for Kate
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About Penner Publishing
This edition published by
Penner Publishing
Post Office Box 57914
Los Angeles, California 91413
www.pennerpublishing.com
Copyright © 2016 by Jody Holford
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. This book is licensed for your personal use only.
Cover Designer: Mayhem Cover Creations
ISBN: 978-1-944179-42-7
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Also by Jody Holford
Damaged
Falling for Home
Caught Looking
Praise for Falling for Kate
“I enjoyed every minute of Kate finding where she belongs, a sweet story full of heart and humor ♡”
-Cole Robitaille
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“There are so many things I loved about Kate and Elliott's story, but my favorite thing about it was how effortless their love was for each other.”
Tanya Baikie (I ♡ Books)
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“If you take all the words like passionate, loving, nurturing, forgiving etc and wrapped it up in the intense emotion that radiates off of Kate and Elliott in their journey to find and help each other get to their happy place and become a loving already made family, that would be how I would describe Falling for Kate.”
Julie Hillier, Reader
To the FAN-tastic five: Cole, Debbie, Julie, Stacey, & Tanya. I feel beyond lucky to have connected with you. You are more than fans; you are friends. And I am lucky.
“You may not always end up where you thought you were going. But you will always end up where you are meant to be.”
unknown
Chapter 1
Kate Aarons wanted her mom. Or one of her sisters. Or a magic wand. The customer service agent smiled like she could solve all of Kate’s problems.
“There’s a flight leaving for Duluth, Minnesota at three p.m. tomorrow,” the woman said.
Kate’s smile probably looked more like someone was poking her in the back with a sharpened stick. “Is there any flight that can get me in or around, just somewhere closer to, Angel’s Lake tonight? Please?”
“She said tomorrow, lady. Take it or leave it,” the guy behind her grumbled.
Kate whirled, gripping the strap of her Louis Vuitton carry-on like a lifeline. The imposingly tall man stood too close for Kate’s comfort—or for common courtesy—and the last of her patience vanished.
Kate pointed to the red line on the floor. “See that line? It’s where the next customer waits their turn. You should be behind it.”
She was certain the oh-no-you-didn’t smile on her face was at odds with the tone of her voice, but he stepped back, eyebrows arched, and shrugged. Living in New York for two years had taught her how to navigate more than the fashion industry.
Turning back to the attendant, Kate let out a sigh. “Okay. Thank you. I’m going to think about it.”
“Of course. Sorry it’s not sooner,” the attendant said.
Kate nodded and walked away from the counter. She was choosing to go home. It wasn’t failure if it was a choice. New York had worn her down. When people talked about the city never sleeping, they failed to mention that the people didn’t either. Not if they wanted to get ahead, or anywhere, in an industry with a revolving door and a demand for perfection. Kate wanted home. Now, preferably. And not just because it would put her a plane ride away from the biggest mistake of her almost-twenty-five years—one who had conveniently forgotten to mention he had a wife.
She was going home because Angel’s Lake was more than a place. It was the only place where she knew who she was and how she fit. Now if she could just get there.
An announcement sounded over the speakers, urging passengers to head to their departure gate. Must be nice. Her flight from New York had made an unexpected landing in Wisconsin due to engine troubles that Kate didn’t want to think too much about. Particularly since she still had to get on another plane. The airport was doing its best to be accommodating, and she now had a travel voucher for anywhere her airline flew, but still, she wanted to get home. She could wait. It wasn’t a big deal. But she really didn’t want to.
Going home had been in the back of her mind for months. Once she’d gotten on the plane this morning, the need to be home had consumed her, swallowed her up in one painful gulp until she almost ached.
Kate scanned the signs, looking for a place to get coffee. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out as she started toward a café. The sight of her sister Lucy’s name on the screen made her heart pinch. She smothered the worry that Lucy, who was the reason she’d been able to be a part of New York’s fashion world, would be upset. Please don’t be disappointed Luce.
Sliding her finger across the screen, she read Lucy’s text.
Lucy: Did you get a flight? I have an idea.
Oh no. Kate wasn’t sure she wanted to know Lucy’s plan. Despite having been, as their older sister Char liked to tease, domesticated after happily settling into a life with her husband and daughter in Angel’s Lake, Lucy’s spirit was still more adventurous than Kate’s. It was with some well-placed trepidation that Kate responded.
Kate: No flights until tomorrow. I hate airports. What’s your idea? I’m not hitchhiking.
The reply was nearly instantaneous, which told Kate she’d already been in the midst of texting.
Lucy: Alex told me Elliot had to get the girls in Reedsburg. That’s about an hour from Dane County Airport. That’s where you are right? He left early yesterday and stayed the night. They’re heading back and if you can get there, you can ride with him.
Kate’s stomach dipped—in a good way. Elliot. Elliot Peters was one of her brother-in-law’s officers. He looked more like a raven-haired, sun-kissed surfer than he did a cop. Laidback and sweet, he had adorable twin daughters and an ex who often made his life difficult. Kate had had a crush on him before she’d left for New York. Most women with a pulse had a crush on Elliot. Especially when he was around his daughters. In addition to the hot factor, the kind and funny factors, or the sexy cop factor, he was a trusted friend and not far away.
Kate: Why the hell are the girls in Wisconsin and since when?
Kate sidestepped a couple of tee
ns sprawled out on the floor, heads resting on their large backpacks. Her stomach growled, and she looked around to see what she could grab. Her phone whistled with her sister’s incoming text.
Lucy: Crazy ex has a sister there she thought she could live off of. Sis doesn’t want kids there. E finally doing a hard push for full custody. This should seal it. Yes or no? Can I text him? Tell him to wait for you? Can you get somewhere to meet him?
God. As if it wasn’t bizarre enough that Gina hadn’t appreciated having Elliot as hers, she was also a shit mom to two of the sweetest children ever. All three of them deserved better. A thought for another time.
Kate: Yes. Tell me where. I’ll go find a cab.
Lucy texted an address a few minutes later. Elliot texted approximately ten minutes later as Kate was climbing into a taxi.
Elliot: You on your way?
She sent a quick reply after giving the cabbie the address. Elliot’s response made her smile.
Elliot: Grace and Beth are going to make you wish you’d waited for the next flight. I’ll be glad to have backup.
Kate pictured Elliot and his two dark-haired little girls who had his gorgeous skin tone, his happy smile, and rich, stare-worthy eyes, so brown they were nearly black.
Kate: LOL. I won’t tell anyone you needed it for those two sweet little girls
Elliot: I am going to enjoy watching you eat those words. I love them, but they do not love car rides. You’re stuck now, Aarons.
Kate: Technically, I could turn around and wait for the flight
As if she’d give up the chance to spend seven hours in a vehicle with Elliot. Or get home as quick as possible. That was the main reason she reminded herself. Because she was certainly in no position to start up anything with anyone. Let alone Elliot, who had enough drama in his life.
Elliot: Sure. You do that and I’ll just try to console my sweet babies who are so excited you’re joining us.
Low blow. But she chuckled and imagined the smile widening on his face. It was a really good face. She’d put it out of her mind when she’d left for New York to do an internship at a top fashion house. Then of course, another face had gotten in the way and distracted her. Not that dating Elliot was an option. They were only friends. Kate had so many things to sort through—going home, finding a space to lease, spending time with her family—she didn’t have time for any activities involving her heart or her body. Besides, Alex, Lucy’s husband, would lose his mind. He definitely considered Kate a little sister and thus saw her as untouchable. And he was Elliot’s boss.
Best to leave that stone forever unturned.
Lucy: Are you in a cab yet? Are you almost there? When will you be home? Hurry up.
Kate laughed. It felt good to be wanted. Missed.
Lucy: Get home now and you can wrap my gifts for me.
The cab swerved slightly, catching Kate off guard as she rolled her eyes at her sister’s text. Patience and subtlety weren’t Lucy’s strong suits.
“Sorry about that,” the cabbie said, putting up a hand. “Guy cut me off.”
Kate nodded. “No worries.” She checked the tightness of her seat belt and pushed her shoulders against the seat. This guy should be a New York cabbie.
Elliot: Hey. I was just teasing.
Kate: I know. Was going to give sarcastic reply but cabbie thinks he’s on the race circuit.
Kate: Luce, breathe. I’ll be there when I get there. And I bet your presents will be waiting. Luv u.
Her sister sent a long string of smiley faces and hearts, making Kate grin. Then she sent a gorgeous selfie of her and Emma, Lucy and Alex’s almost two-year-old. Her heart pinched tightly. Home was exactly where she wanted to be.
Kate’s phone buzzed throughout the entire drive, as she sent playful, innocent texts back and forth with Elliot to pass the time. She didn’t watch through the window to take in what she could of Wisconsin because it just didn’t matter. All she wanted was the view of Angel’s Lake.
Snow would be covering everything, making the town sparkle like a sheet of glass. The lake would be frozen, and the plows would be trudging through the streets. Her dad would have already stocked up on salt to make sure none of his girls slipped on their way up icy front steps.
There’d been no snow or ice when she’d gotten hurt in New York. It was an invisible pain, right in the center of her heart. Not really heartbreak, but more heart-shame at being so gullible. Going home, being with her family would hopefully fill the hole that burned there, reminding her how stupid she’d been. How naïve. Never again. She wouldn’t be duped by another man. And for now, Kate wasn’t even thinking of a man. Or men. She had priorities, including her career and establishing herself. No room for men in that plan.
Now, if she could just remind herself of that once she was in cramped quarters with Sexy Elliot Peters.
Chapter 2
Elliot felt like he was playing that game the girls loved where they moved their hand up and down in front of their face, changing their expressions from happy to sad. Only his was going from amused to pissed off. Amused. Pissed. Kate was making him smile, and Gina was pissing him off. He wasn’t even going to respond to her last text, asking if he was mad. Jesus. It was like high school with her.
“Daddy, can I have more hot chocolate?” Beth asked, coming to stand in front of him.
His hands were hanging between his knees, holding his phone as he stared at Kate’s latest text. Looking up into his daughter’s eyes, he felt the same tug he always did. He loved both of them so much it overshadowed his constant irritation with their mother.
“No, sweet pea. Don’t want you to feel sick in the car,” he said.
Gracie came back from the bathroom. If people looked really closely, they noticed the small beauty mark next to Beth’s lip and used that tiny difference to tell them apart. Now that they weren’t babies and had distinct personalities, Elliot saw distinctions in the way they talked, stood, and even laughed. But he’d trained himself to pay attention to those subtleties.
“When’s Kate gonna be here?” Grace asked.
“Can I play with your phone?” Beth asked at the same time.
“It’s my turn to play with it,” Grace chimed in.
Elliot shook his head and rubbed at his temples where a headache was beginning to spread like a crack in the earth.
“No more hot chocolate, no phone, Kate will be here soon. Now both of you sit down and color or draw, okay? Please.”
Maybe it was his tone or maybe his seven-year-olds were both as tired as he was, but they sat down with the coloring books he’d grabbed them at the dollar store and chatted quietly with each other.
He was thinking about topping up his coffee for the first part of the drive when he saw Kate get out of a taxi. The café windows were painted with happy Christmas scenes: elves, toys, and reindeer. He could see the full length of Kate’s body, bundled in a long wool coat, between two of the hand-drawn presents. Yeah, she’s a present all right. One he’d love to unwrap one slow piece at a time. And then Alex can kick your ass to hell and back again.
She laughed at something the driver said and waved. The Aarons sisters were a sight to behold. Sexy, sweet, and smart—all three of them. Alex was married to Lucy, and the oldest sister was married to Luke, who Elliot played cards and pool with. Char and Luke had two daughters, one of whom was close to Grace and Beth’s age. They all played together now and again.
Elliot was a fan of Kate’s whole family, but she’d always stood out to him. She had a sultry voice that felt like fingertips grazing over his skin and when she spoke to someone, her eyes stayed fastened on theirs, like she was fully invested, regardless of the conversation. Like she cared.
As she walked into the café, he had an “if only” thought. If only he’d seen who Gina really was before she’d told him she was pregnant. If only he was in a place to make Kate Aarons his.
Beth giggled and his gaze shifted to his girls. Gina was a pain in the ass, but he wouldn’t trade
them for anything. Not even Kate. Besides, Gina had shown him happily ever after had a shelf life when the reality of living together and raising kids encroached.
“Is this seat taken?” Kate asked the girls.
The squealing pierced his ears like needles, and Elliot winced, even as he tried to smile. Kate laughed and bent down to hug his girls. They were excited to see her, sure, but mostly, they wanted to get home and jump into all things Christmas. Now that Kate had arrived, they could get going. Elliot had learned the hard way: waiting was not considered fun in the eyes of his girls.
The girls asked her a dozen questions, not even waiting for a response while Kate tried her best to answer them, shooting him a gut-clenching grin over Gracie’s head.
“Do you like country music? Daddy hates it.”
“Can you sit in the back with me?”
“How come you’re not on a plane?”
“We got hot chocolate. Are you getting some? Daddy, can we get doughnuts?”
“Do you got snacks?”
“Daddy said it’s supposed to snow more.”
Elliot stood and grabbed Kate’s forearm, pulling her out of his girls’ clutches. “All right, let her breathe you two. And Beth, it’s: do you have snacks. Come here, Aarons.”
And even though pulling her close was a stupid thing to do, when she gave him an all-out, no-holds-barred, squeeze-him-tight embrace, he was glad he did. Partially because she was his friend, partially because she was really fucking hot, and a surprising amount because he really needed a hug. And Kate Aarons gave exceptional hugs.
“You okay?” she whispered.
He pulled back and brushed a stray hair from her cheek. Her eyes watched his and this close, he could see they were a deep, shimmering blue, like water rippling. Unstill but soothing.