A Touch of Passion (boxed set romance bundle)

by Uvi Poznansky

  His beautiful green eyes had appeared just as intense as they’d been the night before.

  Now, as they strode over the path leading directly to the cabins, Kate surreptitiously studied Murphy. At least the color had returned to his face. For one crazy moment, she’d even thought, he’d meant to reach for her hand.

  Inhaling an invigorating breath of the crisp morning air, Kate lifted her face into the breeze. It’d be a beautiful day for canoeing on the river today. The sun shone down brightly in the clear blue sky.

  As they made their way through the woods, their feet stirred up the ground of the overgrown path. Pine and musky moss scented the air as they strode through heavy shade before reaching the first of two isolated cabins.

  Kate twisted the knob of the front door. “That’s odd.” She frowned, moving over to the window and peeking inside. “There aren’t even any materials stacked inside yet. I wonder why it’s locked?”

  “Maybe because most of the floor’s been ripped out?”

  Kate’s head jerked around. “What?” She met Murphy’s gaze.

  He pointed out the three-bedroom cabin further down along the path. “Some of the floor’s been ripped out in that cabin too.”

  “As far as I know, from our original evaluation, the floors in these two cabins were in decent shape, and were supposed to remain intact. No rotting – no insect damage – they only needed refinishing. Let’s go see if the other cabin’s unlocked.”

  They quickly made their way down the path to the other cabin.

  Kate attempted to turn the knob and frowned.

  “Locked, too?” Murphy questioned.

  She nodded. “I’ll have to go up to the trailer and get the keys.”

  But then she hesitated.

  “What?”

  “Luke’s probably already there. He likes to come in on Sundays and catch up with his paperwork. Before he and his wife were divorced, they used to spend a lot of time out here with their daughter. Luke was in charge of building the school a few years back.”

  “So he was the crew boss back then, too?”

  “Yeah.” Kate frowned. “But none of our materials went missing – at least from this site – when we were building the school. Dad’s more suspicious of Luke than I am. I think his divorce is just messing with his head.”

  Murphy nodded. “He really does seem to know what he’s doing.”

  “He hates the paperwork, though – almost more than anyone else who’s ever been in charge.”

  “Want me to wait down here?”

  “Yeah. Luke will wonder why you’re with me.” She grimaced. “Right now, I’m trying to think of a good enough excuse for demanding the keys.” Thoughtfully, she studied the lake. “Duh. I know – I’ll just ask for the keys for all the cabins.” She began climbing the path. “Be right back.”

  Luke’s truck was in the parking lot, she noticed, coming up to the trailer. But at least no one else appeared to be around. She rapped sharply on the door before entering.

  Luke’s head jerked up from his paperwork. Man. He really appeared to be having a lot of trouble, she realized, noticing an air of desperation about him.

  “Kate.”

  “Hey, Luke. How are things going?”

  “Alright, I guess. God, I really hate paperwork,” he muttered. “You just missed Brian. He left about ten minutes ago.”

  Inwardly, she sighed with relief. He was the last person she wanted to see right now. “Yeah? He and I went out for dinner last night.”

  Luke nodded agreeably. “What can I do for you?”

  “All I need are the keys for the cabins. Ahh – one of my dad’s suppliers is gonna be late with tileboard and lumber. I just wanted to make sure you have enough materials on site to get by for another week.”

  “Sure, Kate.” He hesitated. “Did you need me to come along with you to check?”

  “That’s alright, Luke. You can keep working on your paperwork. It won’t take me long.”

  Luke sighed with relief. “Thanks, Kate.”

  Murphy was waiting out of sight at the base of the path when she approached the cabin with the keys. “That was quick.”

  “Yeah. I just can’t believe that Luke could be involved with what’s been going on. He handed the keys right over.”

  Kate soon had the door to the cabin unlocked, and she and Murphy were slipping inside.

  Kate gaped, observing the interior of the cabin. Entire planks of flooring had been removed as well as the wooden joists supporting them. “What in the hell is going on in here?” She frowned. “Unless...”

  She stepped over into the kitchen where the planks had yet to be removed. And then she noticed that the condition of the lumber in the kitchen was in much worse shape than the condition of the planks remaining in the living room.

  Kate suddenly came to a realization. Spitting into her hand, she knelt onto the floor and rubbed her fingers along the edge of the flooring.

  “Wow,” Murphy said, bending over. “Is that...?”

  With wide eyes, she nodded and muttered, “Tiger’s eye maple.” She studied the joists. “And walnut. My, God. I think that these cabins were built back in the 1920’s. But why would anyone use such high quality materials to build a seasonal cabin?”

  She stood up, continuing to examine the interior of the cabin. “This place is a goldmine of valuable lumber. And someone is ripping it off from the site and selling it,” she added grimly. “We’d better talk this over with Dad this afternoon.”

  ❋

  Thirty minutes later, Kate strode down the path from the trailer after returning the keys to Luke. She and Murphy were ready to return to her cabin when a commanding voice suddenly demanded their attention.

  “Kate. What are you doing out here today?” Fish and game warden, Jim Dupree, appeared to be surveying the area. Grim and austere at six-foot five, Jim had been a voice of authority in the town of Crystal Rock for nearly twenty years.

  Murphy turned to her, giving her a look heavily laden with silent meaning.

  Kate frowned, nodding imperceptibly. They definitely didn’t want the authorities involved – at least, not until they had a clue as to who was responsible for the thefts.

  “Hey, Jim. I’m just checking out the progress on the cabins for Dad and counting out inventory, too. I’m living at our cabin for the summer, you know.”

  Strangely, Jim Dupree scowled, glaring suddenly at Murphy.

  “This is Michael Murphy. He’s my parents’ godson.”

  Without extending his hand, Jim Dupree nodded. “I’ve just been keeping a closer eye on the activity around the lake. Remember those robberies we had at the vacation homes a few years back? Anytime I see any suspicious activity, I try to check it out personally. Be careful when you’re here on the weekends, Kate. I’d hate to mistake you for a trespasser.”

  Nodding a stiff farewell, Jim Dupree strode away. Apparently, his inboard was tied at the pier alongside the campground’s beach.

  Kate and Murphy stood together gazing out towards the lake until Jim was nearly out of sight.

  “Nice guy,” Murphy observed, dryly.

  Kate snorted. “I was scared to death of him as a kid. He’s always been kind of snooty – and a little weird, too. But he’s been the senior game warden around here for years.”

  “What do you mean by weird?”

  Kate hesitated. “I don’t know. It’s probably just my imagination. I always seem to run into him at the strangest times. This is the third time I’ve seen him this week. It used to even happen a lot when I was a kid.” But then she shrugged it off. “Since he is the area game warden, and his job is to patrol the lake, that’s not so odd, I guess. Dan pointed out to me – when I mentioned it to him once – that I’ve spent every free moment that I’ve ever had either on the beach or in a boat.” With a frown still on her face Kate continued to stare out towards the lake.

  “Well.” Murphy grinned wryly at Kate. “I guess I’m ready to go canoeing.”


  “I’ll take you back to my parents’ house first, so you can change into a T-shirt and your swimming trunks.”

  Murphy nodded towards the narrow path. “Lead on.”

  Within fifteen minutes of returning to her cabin, Kate had gathered up bottled water, snacks, and sunscreen. Murphy sat waiting for her on the couch in the living room. “This is the coolest coffee table I’ve ever seen,” Murphy said, studying the design. Shards of mosaic tiles in bright spring colors had been shaped into flowers to form a circular design along the edge of the table, while square sea-green tiles provided a level surface in its center.

  Kate glanced up from shuffling through her bag. “Thanks.” For a moment, her expression softened, before she added, “My best friend helped me design it.

  “You actually made this?”

  She snorted. “When I was about twelve.”

  “Wow. My mom would love this.” Straightening up from the couch, he turned and studied the end table. “Make that one too?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “You’re probably not interested in selling them – are you? I’m not sure if you know this, but my mom has this really successful eclectic shop in Chicago.”

  “I think that my parents might’ve mentioned something about it to me.” She grimaced. “I used to sell a lot of these tables – when I first began making them. Truthfully, I haven’t really thought about it for a while. I actually still design a few things, here and there, when I have the time.” Kate pulled the laden bag over her shoulder.

  “My mom’s always looking for something unique in accent furniture. She can’t keep up with the demand in Chicago. I’d be more than willing to talk to her,” Murphy said, scooping up Kate’s cooler from the floor.

  As she and Murphy approached the back door, Kate hesitated and met his gaze. “Sure. Why not? I actually do have quite a few pieces still in storage. Not just tables – but a mantelpiece, some artwork – stuff like that.” She chuckled. “My mom would probably love to have everything out of the attic.”

  After Kate followed Murphy outside, she locked the door of the cabin. They approached Kate’s truck, where it was parked in the drive.

  As he hopped into the passenger seat, Murphy said, “I can snap a few pictures of your tables and e-mail them off to my mom. But how about I just plan on taking a few of your things back with me anyway, at the end of the summer?”

  “After only seeing a couple of pieces – you’re really so sure that she’ll like them?” Kate asked doubtfully.

  “I’ve already seen plenty of your work, Kate,” he said dryly. “You’re also a perfectionist as a crew boss, too.”

  Kate seemed taken aback. But when she slid into the driver’s seat of her truck and started up the engine, she gazed across at Murphy and smiled. “Alright.”

  “Good. I can’t wait to see what Mom has to say. I’ll bet your stuff sells just like that.” He snapped his fingers. “And I won’t even ask for commission,” he added, grinning.

  Rolling her eyes, Kate smiled wryly.

  Chapter Ten

  As she and Murphy strolled along the path leading down from the parking lot of the Riverbend Lodge, Kate tipped her face upward studying the sky. Although a few more clouds had gathered, it was still a beautiful day.

  Murphy seemed to be feeling much better, she couldn’t help but notice.

  After spotting her older sister, Kate steered Murphy down toward the pier where most of her family had gathered. “There’s Lucy with her husband, Gabe. Have you met them yet?”

  “I’ve met Lucy,” Murphy answered. Following Kate’s lead, he waved. “But only in passing – she was dropping off her daughter one morning to spend the day with Kelly.”

  “That’s Gabe over there.” She pointed him out.

  Murphy seemed surprised. “He’s quite a bit older than Lucy – isn’t he?”

  “By almost fifteen years. They’ve been together almost three years, now. But I’ve never even questioned their age difference.” She chuckled. “Now, my mom...well...that’s a different story.”

  “Jenny? Really?” Murphy obviously wanted to hear more.

  “Poor Gabe – my mom made his life miserable. He didn’t know whether he was coming or going. He felt so guilty about the age difference between him and Lucy – he kept avoiding Lucy – when they were obviously crazy about each other.” Kate snorted. “And it was awfully difficult for him to avoid her, considering she worked as his live-in nanny.

  “I imagine some of your mom’s protectiveness had to do with Lucy’s assault? Maybe your mom was afraid Lucy wasn’t thinking rationally when she became attracted to an older man?”

  “That’s it, exactly. But Lucy was always cautious. She’d gone eighteen years, already, hoping that someone special would come along, someday.” And then, Kate added wryly, “We’re not at all alike.”

  And there it was again, that tension between them, when Murphy’s eyes met hers.

  Kate continued, “But I always knew that they’d be perfect for each other.” She smiled reflectively. “Gabe’s daughter, Isabella, loved Lucy from the moment they met. She was dealing with some pretty rough issues of her own at the time. First, Izzy lost her mother, and then she lost her grandmother, too.”

  Surveying the scene as they approached her family, Kate immediately lost her smile. “Damn,” she swore softly. What in the hell was Brian doing here?

  Murphy frowned, noticing Brian. And, suddenly, he seemed strangely irritated. Nodding an abrupt farewell at Kate, he strolled over and spoke with Dan.

  Did Murphy think she’d actually invited Brian to join them? Kate was surprisingly disappointed. She’d been enjoying this day with Murphy immensely.

  “Hi, Kate.” Brain smiled sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind? I... uh...kind of invited myself.”

  Her sister Lucy was staring at her sympathetically. Kate had mentioned how difficult Brian was becoming. But even Kate hadn’t figured on him inviting himself to, what was meant to be, a family get-together. “I told him it was fine.”

  Kate sighed resignedly.

  Lucy shrugged helplessly. “We’ve got an extra canoe.”

  Wryly, Kate smiled at her sister with silent understanding. Brian wouldn’t have taken no for an answer anyway.

  Lucy smiled back at Kate. “How about you and Brian take Kelly along with you? Jeff can go with Dan and his friend, Murphy.”

  But Brian was obviously annoyed now, when he realized he wouldn’t be alone with Kate.

  Well, that was just too damned bad. Why wouldn’t he just back off? At least she’d have a short reprieve from being alone with him.

  “Izzy’s gonna be disappointed. I promised her that she and Kelly could take their own canoe, today. But the current’s just too rough.”

  And Kate agreed – it’d been a rainy spring. Even now, the bank of the river was nearly overflowing. “Mom and Dad didn’t make it?”

  “Nah.” Lucy smiled. “They’re taking a day for themselves. Last I heard, they were going out to lunch with Jake and Danielle Loughlin.”

  Kate frowned.

  “Why? Is something wrong?”

  Kate discreetly nodded at Brian as she met Lucy’s gaze. “I just needed to talk to Dad about something that’s work related.”

  Imperceptibly, Lucy nodded. “Mom and Dad will both be home tonight.”

  “No big deal. It can wait until then.”

  Lucy and Gabe began handing out life jackets. Each time she saw them together, Kate couldn’t help but think what a striking couple they made. Petite, with white-blond hair, Lucy was lovely with her flawless skin and sky-blue eyes. And Gabe...well...he was absolutely gorgeous. He had the traditional good looks associated with his Sicilian origin. Curly black hair, olive skin, and eyes so deep and dark a blue, they were nearly violet. And his daughter Isabella was the spitting image of Gabe.

  Lucy and Gabe began assigning the seating. After discovering they wouldn’t be allowed to handle a canoe on their own, Izzy and Kelly began to wh
ine.

  Gabe immediately reprimanded his daughter with a silent stare.

  “Girls,” Lucy quietly admonished. “Remember what I said? It’s a group outing. Canoeing can be really dangerous. It’s important that you always follow the directives of your group leader.”

  “Izzy. Lucy already warned you that the current might be pretty vicious today,” Gabe added.

  Izzy hung her head sheepishly.

  “I never expected you to complain. Especially after seeing what happened to Lucy a few years ago.” For a moment, Gabe became decidedly grim.

  With widened eyes, Izzy stilled, as she stared at Lucy. “I’m sorry, Lucy.”

  “That’s okay, sweetie,” Lucy whispered.

  When Izzy ran over and hugged Lucy, Kelly wasn’t far behind.

  “Izzy, I’ll never forget that you saved my life. But I wouldn’t want anything like that to ever happen to you. I love you so much. Both of you,” she added, pulling Kelly into their embrace.

  Kate had to blink back the tears from her eyes.

  Brian, as usual, appeared to be totally oblivious of the drama unfolding before them. But Kate noticed that Murphy, who was apparently curious, turned and questioned Dan. She’d sure love to hear their conversation.

  Jeff was excited about accompanying Murphy and Dan in their canoe. With a grin, Kate watched as Dan rolled his eyes. Jeff eagerly balanced the canoe near the shore to enable Murphy to step inside.

  Dropping down and gripping his seat, Murphy scrambled to right the canoe as it wobbled from side to side.

  And Kate began to laugh.

  Scowling, Brian turned and stared at Kate. “What’s so funny?”

  “Uhh...Murphy almost flipped his canoe when he tried to jump inside. Dan’s probably gonna have his hands full.”

  Squirming somewhat uncomfortably, Brian cleared his throat. “It’s not really that difficult, is it, Kate? Just juggling the paddle back and forth – and rowing?”

  “No?” Incredulous, Kate turned to stare at Brian. “You’ve gotta be kidding me – right?”

  Brian grimaced.

  “You’ve never canoed before? Didn’t you tell me that your family home, down in Madison, is located right on the lake, too?”