A Touch of Passion (boxed set romance bundle)

by Uvi Poznansky

  Once they were settled around the table, they resumed their conversation. “I know that Jake’s planning on installing extra surveillance, but I still think we need to come up with a backup plan. I can’t imagine Luke sneaking out from the trailer to spend half the night ripping out lumber from the cabins. And then he’d have to load it up and haul it away, too.”

  Dan sighed. “It’s obvious that the lumber is being transported by water. Maybe Luke has a partner?”

  Kate snorted. “And who would that be, Dan? All of his friends are from work. I haven’t noticed him getting chummy with any one person in particular, either. How about you – have you noticed anything odd about Luke’s behavior, Michael?”

  Swallowing a mouthful of potato salad and quickly sipping on his water, Murphy responded, “Like I said earlier, Kate, Luke and Brian have pretty much been keeping me isolated working inside one of the other cabins. They’re actually beginning to trust me with the painting now, but I’m not really getting the chance to observe what’s been going on around the site.”

  “So, at the very least,” Kate said, returning her gaze to Dan, “we need to come up with a plan to give Michael access to all of the cabins – unquestioned access, that is. That way, he might be able to observe if any one person is going in and out of those specific cabins.” Frowning, Kate turned back to Murphy. “You haven’t been behaving like you’re any more competent than you were six weeks ago – have you?”

  Murphy grinned. “I’m still occasionally giving everyone my clumsy routine when they’re around. I have to appear to be a little more skilled now – especially with the painting. But don’t worry – my skills haven’t improved much observably.”

  Kate nodded distractedly, considering the plan that’d been formulating in her mind. “Good – cause I’ve got an idea. I happen to know that the final coat of poly is supposed to be applied to the flooring in a couple of the finished cabins tomorrow. Here’s what we’ll do...”

  ❋

  An hour later, after Dan had departed, Kate and Murphy were still seated at the kitchen table, finalizing their plans for the next day. “How about I help you clean up?” Murphy said, rising up from his seat.

  Kate chuckled. “Sure. There’s not a whole lot to clean up, though.”

  Working in companionable silence, Kate and Murphy began clearing the paper plates and silverware from the table. As Murphy put away the remaining potato salad and condiments, Kate ran some water into the sink. While Kate washed the glasses and silverware, Murphy picked up a towel and began to dry.

  “You’re awfully good at this,” Kate said.

  Murphy grinned, studying Kate. “When you grow up in a household with two working parents, you try to do what you can to keep the peace. Me and my brothers learned early in our lives to clean up after ourselves.” Turning back to the kitchen counter, he picked up his empty mug and poured himself more coffee.

  “It was actually the same for us – except that my older sister Lucy loved taking care of everything.” Kate chuckled. “Mom would sure get aggravated with Dan and I, after Lucy moved out. She’s still probably frustrated, too. Lucy used to do practically everything around the house for her – cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Mom was lucky to keep her hair salon operating with the economy so poor, here in Crystal Rock, while we were growing up. Not only did Mom have to pay rent on the building, she still had to come up with a way to pay her employees.”

  Murphy nodded. “I don’t think it was quite so difficult for my mom. She was already working at an elementary school – teaching math. She used to get a kick out of doing her own home improvement projects. When she got it into her head to begin her own business, it took off right away. She sure has an eye for picking up really unique items from flea markets and garage sales.” Gazing over at Kate’s coffee table, Murphy lifted a brow. “Which reminds me?”

  “That’s right,” Kate said. “With everything that’s been going on, I forgot – I meant to check out my old collection of mosaics that were gathering dust up in the attic.”

  “Do you mind if I go ahead and snap a few pictures of your tables to send off to Mom?”

  “Sure – go right ahead.”

  “I can’t believe I have to go home in a couple of weeks. I’m really gonna hate to leave.” Reaching into his back pocket, Murphy pulled out his phone. After making some adjustments, he took an assortment of snapshots from different angles.

  Once he was finished, and he’d slipped his phone back into his pocket, he crossed his arms and leaned back against the kitchen counter.

  When Murphy’s eyes met hers, tension suddenly filled the air.

  Kate was suddenly uncomfortable, so she shifted her gaze to the fireplace. “How about we go through the attic tomorrow night – immediately after work?”

  Murphy nodded. “I’ll skip driving to work tomorrow. Dan can drop me off at the campgrounds once we’re finished with our work-out in the morning.”

  Kate nodded. “I’ll pick you up from the campgrounds and drive you back to the house afterwards. That’ll give us a chance to regroup after carrying out our plan, anyway.”

  Murphy picked up his coffee. His expression was thoughtful as he stared at the row of framed pictures lining the fireplace mantel. “Lots of cool pictures,” he announced, sipping his coffee. “All faces that I seem to recognize.” Strolling over to the fireplace, he picked up one of the pictures. “Except for this pretty girl, here, in this picture with you.”

  Kate stilled. After a long silence, she cleared her throat, and gazed at the picture Murphy was holding. “That’s my best friend, Christina. She and I were inseparable when we were growing up.”

  “I’m surprised that I haven’t met her, then.”

  “Yeah. I only wish that was possible.” Kate blinked back sudden tears. There was another long silence before she finally managed to continue, “Christina passed away – when she was only fourteen.”

  Murphy froze momentarily. But after carefully returning the picture to the mantle, he turned back to Kate, with understanding written all over his face. “Oh, Kate – I’m so sorry.” For an instant, Kate thought, he meant to take her into his arms. But Murphy returned his gaze to Christina’s picture instead. “So – did she know she was gonna die?”

  Imperceptibly, Kate nodded.

  “She seems to be so...at peace. Ethereal, almost,” Murphy observed.

  Kate was startled. She took a closer look at Christina’s picture. She did seem to be at peace. Obviously, Christina had been acceptant of her fate. But why hadn’t Kate ever realized that, before now? “I...I guess I spent so much time focused on my own grief, that I never even noticed. I kept thinking that, if I wished it hard enough, she wouldn’t actually die. It was so tragic, her dying at such a young age.” And Christina had always been the most special person Kate had ever known. “I still miss her...you wouldn’t believe how much.”

  Murphy’s eyes met hers. “It must’ve been really difficult – watching her fading away.” He cleared his throat. “I really am sorry, Kate,” he whispered, gruffly.

  Kate nodded emotionally.

  For the next few minutes, they were quiet, as they finished up their coffee.

  Kate hesitated. “Would you like another cup?”

  “Just one more.” He sighed. “Then I suppose I’d better get back to your parents’ house and get some sleep.”

  When she reached for Murphy’s coffee cup, their fingers accidentally brushed.

  And Kate stilled, gazing into Murphy’s eyes.

  It’ll happen with one single kiss. Until this moment, she’d completely forgotten about Christina’s silly prediction. Was it just a coincidence that she’d actually remembered Christina’s words here – and now?

  Kate stared at Murphy oddly. For several long moments, their eyes remained locked as their fingers touched.

  Until finally clearing his throat, Murphy broke the silence. “Maybe I’d better take a raincheck on that coffee,” he announced, handing over his mu
g.

  Silently, Kate nodded.

  With his hand on the door, Murphy turned back and glanced at Kate. “Tomorrow, then?”

  “Tomorrow,” she answered.

  Absentmindedly, she rubbed her hand over her stomach as she continued to stare at the screen door after it slammed behind Murphy. “Man,” she muttered under her breath. For the first time in her life, Kate felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. “I am so in trouble.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kate peeked at her watch. Showtime, she thought, snatching up her clipboard from the seat of her truck. Timing was crucial for her and Murphy to succeed in pulling off their plan.

  Kate strolled down the path from the parking lot and halted before approaching the work zone. In fifteen more minutes, Murphy should be in place in the furthest cabin. Since she was still a little early, she might just as well check on the inventory. It was her excuse for being here, after all.

  With an unconscious air of authority, she made her way swiftly over to the materials tent. Skimming her eyes over the inventory, she began counting out two by fours before wandering over to the roofing materials.

  And then she frowned, counting again. Crap. Not again, she thought, studying the numbers on her clipboard. It was little enough – the amount of materials disappearing – two rolls of roofing paper, twenty odd two by fours, twenty packs of shingles – but the fact that the items missing were disappearing by an easily divisible number was definitely a big clue that some of the building materials were being stolen once again. She sighed. Now, besides stripping reclaimed lumber from the cabins, the thief had apparently decided to resume ripping off construction materials as well.

  With a start, she peeked at her watch. She’d be late for confronting Murphy if she didn’t get a move on. She’d talk with Dad and deal with this other problem later, she decided.

  Hopefully, Murphy was on his way into the cabin right now, Kate thought, marching across the construction zone. As if on cue, he appeared at the door of the cabin and halted. Those beautiful green eyes, deep, dark and mesmerizing, were drawing her towards him as his eyes met hers.

  And she hesitated, suddenly feeling defenseless.

  And vulnerable. She hadn’t asked for this. Murphy was a complication she just didn’t want to have to deal with right now.

  Her anger was evident as she strode through the work zone. Silence gradually descended as several members of the crew paused, observing Kate. Obviously intent in her rage, doggedly approaching the cabin, her eyes remained focused on Murphy.

  ❋

  Kate’s long leggy body was fluid in motion as she stomped up the path in her steel-toed work boots, intent in her rage. And her fiery-blue eyes were focused on him.

  Something in his gut clenched. Yeah. Why not admit it? He was so in trouble.

  As she continued to approach the cabin, her boots left clouds of dust suspended in the air behind her. When she climbed determinedly up the steps of the porch, he stood waiting dumbly within the open front door.

  Coming within inches of Murphy, Kate halted, jabbing her finger into his ribs. “What are you – some kind of an idiot?”

  Damn, she was hot. Her jeans were tight over those long, long legs that seemed to go on forever. The T-shirt she wore was tie-dyed blue, and tucked into jeans belted low on slim hips. Even the work boots that would’ve looked clunky and unflattering on any other woman looked sexy as hell on Kate.

  Distractedly, Murphy listened as Kate continued her tirade.

  “That floor needs to dry at least another forty-eight hours before we can even apply a second coat of polyurethane – let alone walk on it.”

  Lifting his boot to move forward, Murphy heard a pop of sticky suction. “Uhh-humm.”

  And then he grimaced.

  Kate’s gaze immediately dropped down to Murphy’s feet.

  Reluctantly following the direction of her gaze, he stared sheepishly down at his boots. “I guess...I didn’t realize...”

  Suddenly, she snorted.

  Murphy’s eyes jerked up to Kate’s face. She definitely didn’t appear to be angry anymore. He studied her suspiciously when she hastily turned away, covering her face with her hands.

  Apparently hearing the commotion, Luke Arnett scrambled up the steps of the porch to join them. Glancing at Murphy’s feet, he gaped. But then he quickly regrouped. When the crew boss peered into the cabin, he began to groan, “Damn it, Murphy. What in the hell have you done now?” He shook his head with exasperation. “Get the hell out of there. Go back out the same way you came in – before you do any more damage. That floor’s gonna need to be sanded right away again once it’s dry.”

  Hanging his head, Murphy quickly turned away from Luke’s deprecating stare. Cautiously, he retraced his footsteps back through the cabin and out through the door.

  Peeking back, Murphy watched as Luke took a closer look at the damage to the floor.

  “Damn.” Luke rubbed a hand over his forehead. “We’re gonna have to start all over. That was the second coat. This could put us at least a week behind, Kate.”

  Murphy couldn’t help but cringe when Luke glared at him, when he appeared after making his way from around the back of the cabin.

  Sighing resignedly, Kate appeared to be sympathetic. “Why don’t you just put Murphy on cleanup duty, Luke?” Luke followed Kate down the steps from the porch. “Our deadline’s coming up pretty quick. We can’t afford to waste more time. He can vacuum out all the cabins and maybe do some light-duty painting.”

  “Alright, Kate,” he grumbled. He turned to glare at Murphy. “You can bet I’ll be working your butt off, until you do something right,” Luke muttered.

  “Everything looks great otherwise, Luke. Thanks for your inventory count.” She held up her clipboard. “Dan will be sure to ship out your remaining materials from the warehouse next week. Dad mentioned he’d be by at the end of the week to check on your progress.” She glanced at her watch. “I guess I’d better get moving. We’ve got plumbing going in this afternoon at the Ivers’ place.” With a frustrated shake of her head, she deliberately glowered at Murphy before turning and heading up the path towards the parking lot.

  Luke heaved a sigh, reluctantly turning his attention back to Murphy. “It seems like disaster strikes wherever you go, Murphy.” Standing with his hands on his hips, Luke shook his head in annoyance. “Just get the hell outta here, and go to lunch.”

  Luke was still cursing under his breath when he shuffled away from the scene.

  Gazing down at his boots, Murphy immediately realized he had an even bigger problem. A healthy dusting of sawdust and pine needles covered the uneven surface of the construction area. The sticky soles of his boots were picking up more and more debris, as he made his way through the work zone, and his feet were becoming heavier.

  When Murphy eventually stomped up from the path into the parking lot, obviously off-balance in his weighted boots, Kate Callahan began laughing so hard she nearly fell to the ground. When she finally attempted to speak, she stopped laughing just long enough to stare down at Murphy’s feet.

  And then, she began laughing helplessly again.

  Murphy grinned, rolling his eyes. Waiting her out, he ineffectively attempted to scrape away some of the pine needles and debris sticking to the soles of his boots. Bending down to untie his laces, he slipped the boots from his feet and dropped them into the bed of Kate’s pickup.

  “Are you about done, now?” he finally asked. “We’d better get outta here before someone sees us. It’s a good thing you gave me these beat-up boots to wear when we made our plans. I would’ve ruined my good ones, for sure.

  Still chuckling, she motioned him into her truck. “Well. Our diversion obviously worked – even though I almost blew it by laughing at you. You’ve got access to the entire construction site now, during the day.” Kate hopped into the driver’s seat.

  “Yeah.” Turning to study her from the passenger seat, Murphy dryly added, “And now, since ever
yone thinks I’m an idiot anyway, no one should be suspicious.” He frowned. “We don’t have much time left. I promised your dad we’d discover who was stealing those construction materials before I left at the end of the summer.”

  She met his gaze. “You know – if Dad had mentioned you were in on this to me just a little bit earlier, we probably could’ve come up with a better plan.”

  “He figured my incompetence would be a whole lot more believable to the crew if you didn’t know.” Murphy grinned. “He was counting on you giving me hell for being so inept.”

  “Great strategy.” She snorted. “Obviously, he was right.”

  And then Kate smiled.

  That smile had a devastating effect on Murphy again. What in the hell was wrong with him? He’d never had this kind of reaction to a woman before. Why was he so attracted to Kate? Reluctantly, he acknowledged that he’d suffered silently in half-arousal, ever since he’d seen her.

  And these last few weeks had been killing him.

  When she slid the key into the ignition and started up the truck, he continued to study her silently. Pulled back from her face into its customary ponytail, silky, strawberry-blonde hair swept down over her shoulder, tickling the enticing curves of her breast.

  A breast his fingers were itching to touch.

  Sucking in an unsteady breath, he hastily forced his eyes back up to her face. Damn, she was lovely. Although her chin stuck out stubbornly, her well-defined cheekbones and an upturned nose somehow seemed delicate in her heart-shaped face. And that mouth...well...rosy-pink, her upper lip was slightly plumper than the lower.

  Apparently noticing the intensity of his gaze, Kate turned with widened eyes, curiously searching his face.

  And then she caught her breath.

  Immediately drawn in by her gaze, Murphy stilled, mesmerized by the darkened depths of her beautiful blue eyes.

  “Damn it, Kate,” he whispered, hoarsely. Reaching over, Murphy yanked her into his arms.

  Kate gasped.