A Touch of Passion (boxed set romance bundle)

by Uvi Poznansky

  “Yeah.” Julie sighed. “You’d think I’d be used to it by now.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Most of the guys I go out with start out as a friend.” Julie snorted, sitting up in the bed. “I usually seem to get the rebound guys.”

  Kate’s met Julie’s eyes in the mirror. “Rebound guys?”

  “Guys that really want to go out with someone else, but they settle for me,” Julie confirmed.

  “Why in the heck would you have to settle for anyone?”

  “You and Lucy could never see it, could you? Men are instantly drawn to the women in your family. Every single guy in our high school graduating class, used to be half in love with Lucy. And, even though you’ve never seemed to realize it, Kate, it’s always been the same way for you, too.”

  Kate was suddenly speechless as she stared at Julie with widened eyes.

  Julie started laughing. “I’m so glad I came by. Just being around you always seems to cheer me up.” Raising a questioning brow, she smiled slyly. “So, has Murphy put the moves on you yet?”

  Kate’s jaw dropped. “How’d you know?”

  “Just the way you’ve been talking about him. I’ve never seen you get so involved with a guy before – especially so quickly after meeting someone.”

  Inhaling a deep breath, Kate turned away from the mirror to face Julie. “He’s supposed to be coming over tonight. It’s his last night here in town.”

  Julie’s expression grew troubled. “Are you sure that’s wise, sweetie? Speaking as someone who definitely knows a lot about long-distance relationships, I have to warn you. This is the third time for me, you know. It’s never ended well.”

  Kate rolled her eyes. “I’ve been asking myself that same question all day.”

  Julie thought for a moment, before her brown eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “I’ve got an idea. I came by to see if you wanted to have dinner with me at The Tap tonight. Why don’t you just bring Murphy along, too? It’ll save you from getting yourself into an awkward situation here at your place.”

  “Yeah.” Kate glanced down at Julie. “That’s a great idea, Jules. I can just go to the house and ask him. If I have to sit here and wait for him for the next few hours, I’m probably gonna go crazy, anyway.”

  Julie grinned devilishly. “Well, I won’t hold my breath – if you guys don’t show up.”

  Pairing a blue silk blouse with a short denim skirt, Kate finished dressing. She slipped on a pair of tan suede boots.

  “You look really cute,” Julie announced admiringly.

  “Would you believe that these are Danielle Loughlin’s castoffs? What a wardrobe that woman has.”

  Julie smiled. “Well. She was a model. It’s pretty cool – that you happen to wear the same size.”

  “Yeah it is.” Kate frowned. “Except that I keep getting sucked into modeling for those charity fashion events she has at the Dragonfly Inn twice a year.”

  Julie rolled her eyes. “Oh, what a chore.

  Kate snorted.

  “And it must be awful to be able raise funds for Crystal Visions Charities. Those sweet, wonderful, handicapped kids never show any appreciation,” Julie continued.

  Kate grinned wryly. “Alright. You got me there.” The amusement disappeared from Kate’s face as she anxiously eyed her friend. “Are you sure you’re gonna be alright after your breakup?

  “Yeah, Kate.” With a strange look on her face, Julie sighed. Standing up, she walked over to the window to gaze at the view outside. “I’m kind of used to being abandoned.”

  “Oh, Julie.” Kate was well aware that Julie’s statement had a double meaning. Julie’s mother had completely vanished from her life when she was only five-years old. Julie’s gaze was far away as she stared through Kate’s window overlooking the lake.

  Reaching for Julie and gently pulling her into her arms, Kate patted her on her back.

  “Are you really sure that you’re okay, Jules?”

  “Yeah, Kate.” Disengaging, Julie offered Kate a feeble smile. “Don’t worry. I’m always okay.”

  Somehow, Julie’s reassurances didn’t make Kate feel any better as she watched Julie anxiously.

  Julie gave Kate a bright smile. “I’d better take off. Dad’s expecting me to help out at The Tap for a couple of hours tonight. Go – get moving.”

  Kate sighed. She knew better than to question Julie further – especially when she was in this frame of mind. Julie had never been an open book. Would she ever open up to anyone?

  Following Julie, Kate walked through the hallway and into the kitchen. Kate watched from the kitchen door as Julie waved and offered her a final, rueful smile. Starting the engine and cranking the speedboat into gear, she slowly maneuvered away from the pier.

  ❋

  Kate pulled her truck into the driveway of her family home and parked alongside Murphy’s. All of a sudden, she was really nervous.

  Odd, considering all the men she’d dated in the past.

  Slipping in through the side door of the house, Kate could hear Murphy’s voice in the kitchen as he talked to someone on the phone.

  And then Kate stilled. Sara? Picking up bits and pieces of his conversation, Kate stepped away from the entrance that led into the kitchen. She’d assumed Murphy had finally broken up with his girlfriend. Otherwise, how could he be coming on to her?

  And, immediately, every doubt she’d experienced since her first meeting with Murphy came rushing back through her mind. How would a long-distance relationship between them even work? He’d be hours away. How often would she really get the chance to see him?

  Not to mention, he’d have a slew of women at college to choose from.

  And Kate wouldn’t be there. How could she even compete?

  God, how stupid she’d been. And suddenly the tears came rushing to her eyes. How would it ever work between her and Murphy? If they made love, that would be the end of it, for sure. Definitely for her.

  Because, she was just beginning to realize, she was falling in love with him.

  Damn. Closing her eyes, Kate took in a deep, unsteady breath. She was only nineteen-years old. She just wasn’t ready for this, yet.

  She knew what she had to do. She rushed out through the door and got back into her truck. With the keys in the ignition, Kate hesitated for a moment when Lucy pulled up into the driveway beside her.

  Lucy rolled down the window of her car. “There you are, Kate. Hold on a sec, will ya?” Scrambling out of her car, she quickly approached Kate’s truck. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Have you got plans for tonight?”

  “I...” Kate stared at her sister. This would be the perfect solution. If she went home to her cabin, Murphy would eventually show up. In a normal situation, she’d never stand up a date. But this was different. Once Murphy appeared, she knew she wouldn’t be able to find the strength to resist him. “No, Luce,” she answered softly.

  “Would you be willing to take on Izzy for the night? Gabe made surprise reservations for us at this lovely new hotel in Eau Claire. But he forgot to consider Izzy. Her regular sitter has plans with her boyfriend, and Mom and Dad already have something going on too. The twins are even staying at their friend’s houses, so Dan won’t be home either.”

  “What time do you need me there, Luce?”

  Visibly relieved, Lucy glanced at her watch. “Whenever, Kate. Maybe in a couple of hours? I owe you one for this.”

  Kate sighed. She’d go spend some time with Julie for the next few hours before heading over to Lucy’s. It’d be better not to take any chances.

  Tonight, she’d do everything she could to avoid going home.

  Chapter Twenty

  Sara was really upset. Despite Murphy’s numerous warnings about wanting to end their relationship over these past few weeks, apparently, Sara hadn’t taken him seriously.

  But it was done. Murphy ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He’d still have to confront her face to face when he returned to Ch
icago. But he’d felt guilty about beginning a new relationship with Kate while Sara was still hanging on by a thread.

  It was time to finish packing up Kate’s tables into his truck. He’d been right – his mom had fallen in love with her designs when he’d e-mailed the photos.

  As he carried Kate’s mantelpiece out to the truck, Murphy’s thoughts turned to his dad, and he smiled. Even though Dad complained about always being the one stuck with loading up his Mom’s truck, it was obvious he was proud of his wife and everything she’d achieved since opening up her vintage resale business.

  Murphy hoped he could be so lucky – to have a relationship as strong as his parent’s.

  Or as strong as Jenny and Mike Callahan’s.

  Speaking of which...

  Simultaneously, Jenny and Mike pulled up in their vehicles, on either side of his. Finished loading up his truck, Murphy had stuffed a couple of blankets here and there between the pieces of furniture before covering them tightly with a tarp.

  “All packed up, Murph?”

  “Yeah, Cal. I’ll just have to throw in my overnight bag and drafting table.”

  “You sure you don’t want to come out with us for dinner tonight, since it’s your last night here in town?”

  Murphy squirmed uncomfortably. “Thanks for asking. But I’m supposed to get together with a friend.”

  Jenny eyed him oddly. It was almost as if she knew he was intending to meet up with her daughter, and Murphy glanced away, rubbing his hand uncomfortably over the back of his neck. He hoped Jenny couldn’t read his thoughts, because he was sure as hell planning to do a lot more than just meet up with Kate.

  Cal slapped him on the back. “Jenny’s sure glad to have some extra space in the attic, now that you’ve emptied it out.”

  “Do you really think this stuff will sell, Murphy?” Jenny asked. “To tell you the truth, I completely forgot about everything Kate had up there. She’s been so busy – since she began working full-time for her father – she doesn’t have a whole lot of time for her hobbies, anymore.”

  “I think that these tables will do more than just sell, Jenny – I wouldn’t be surprised if Kate immediately gets orders for more.”

  “Her tables truly are lovely – aren’t they? As a matter of fact, I have a couple upstairs, in our bedroom, along with a few of her framed mosaics in the guestrooms.”

  Murphy nodded. “Mom’s sure curious to see them close up.” He chuckled. “Something tells me, she’ll want to hang on to this mantelpiece and switch it out for the boring one in our family room. Ever since she’s opened up her shop, her taste has slowly transitioned from traditional to eclectic.”

  Jenny grinned, shaking her head. “I really get a kick out of hearing you talking about home décor, Murph. You’re such a big, brawny guy. Somehow, decorating talk doesn’t sound natural coming out of your mouth.

  Murphy and Cal began laughing.

  “Just promise me you won’t tell anyone, Jen? I’d sure hate to ruin my reputation.”

  Jenny began laughing too.

  Checking his watch, Murphy nodded towards the house. “Well. I guess I’d better go take my shower, so I can get outta here soon.”

  “Alright, Murph. Don’t forget, we’re going out for brunch in the morning before you take off.”

  “Alright, Cal. Ten o’clock, you said? At the Dragonfly Pointe Inn?”

  Cal nodded.

  “I’ll be there.”

  ❋

  He was actually shaking as he drove his truck along the service road leading to Kate’s cabin. He was gradually coming to realize just how important Kate had become to him. As difficult as it’d be, he knew he needed to have her in his life.

  Because he was falling in love with her.

  And this night would determine just how they intended to move on.

  Pulling onto the gravel of the long winding driveway leading down to the cabin, Murphy noticed Kate’s truck wasn’t parked in its customary place near the utility shed. He frowned, checking his watch. Maybe she was running late at work?

  But it was eight o’clock on a Saturday night.

  Reluctantly, he began to recognize the ramifications of her absence.

  And his heart began to sink.

  Stepping out of the truck, he slammed the door behind him as he made his way around the cabin onto the deck overlooking the lake. “Kate?” He stepped up onto the porch, peering inside through the picture window. “Kate?”

  Murphy sighed resignedly, walking up to the door. Pulling open the screen door, he began to knock.

  Still no answer. He twisted the doorknob and frowned.

  Damn – it was locked.

  He pulled out his phone. And immediately put it back into his pocket. What would he say? Heck, who could he call? No one knew about him and Kate. Kate carried a phone, but he didn’t know her number.

  But Kate knew his.

  Dan was off on a date – so Murphy doubted he’d know where Kate was, anyway. Even the Callahan kids were staying overnight with friends.

  Maybe she’d decided to pick up some food or something she needed from town and was running late?

  He sighed heavily. Was she really standing him up?

  Well, he’d just sit here and wait. She’d have to come home, sometime. Wouldn’t she?

  Quickly returning to the truck, Murphy pulled out the unopened case of beer he’d left in the back seat. It was a parting gift for Dan. But what the heck? Drinking a few beers might take the edge off his irritation.

  Four hours later, Murphy was sipping on his last beer and still gazing out towards the lake when he finally began to doze off. The previous night had been long and sleepless, and he’d have a lengthy drive home to Chicago tomorrow. He heaved a sigh of frustration, and grimaced, as he stretched up from his seat.

  After returning the rest of the warm beer to his truck, he pulled a blanket out from the backseat.

  The longer he waited, the angrier he became. Damn it, how could she? Didn’t Kate realize that what they had together was special?

  Returning to the deck, Murphy settled back into the lounge chair with the blanket and promptly fell asleep.

  ❋

  Murphy awoke gradually to the roar of a motorboat speeding by on the lake. Cracking open his eyes and peering out, he recognized the emblem on the game warden’s patrol boat. Hmm. What was the warden’s name? Jim Dupree. It was odd how many times Murphy had run into him over the last few weeks. Jim stood at the wheel of his cruiser and stared disapprovingly at Murphy as he steered the boat past the dock.

  Yeah, Murphy thought, the guy was definitely strange.

  After unwrapping himself from the blanket, Murphy glanced at his watch. Six a.m. He took one final look at the cabin. He’d awoken several times throughout the night to check for Kate.

  She’d never come home.

  Numb with grief, Murphy sluggishly made his way to his truck. Pulling open the door, he grabbed the long cardboard tube he’d left inside.

  Murphy sighed, staring down at the cardboard tube in his hands. It was hard to believe – it’d only been six short hours before, when he’d intended to surprise Kate with these plans.

  Ah, well, he’d leave them for her, anyway, he decided. What use did he have for them now? Strolling up onto the back porch and opening the screen door, Murphy propped the tube up against the doorframe. Turning away from the cabin, he strode determinedly back to his truck.

  Slipping into the cab, he started up the engine. Shifting into gear, he pulled into the driveway and drove along the gravel until he reached the access road.

  And never once, did Murphy look back.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Six years later...

  “He’s really talking about finally getting married?”

  “Just a minute, Jen.” Holding her hand over the receiver, Meg Murphy furtively scoped out the kitchen behind her. She sighed with relief before continuing. “He was just here with me in the kitchen only a few minutes ago. Yea
h. I don’t know what to do, Jenny. I can’t stand the woman. Sean and I nearly lost it when Mike announced their engagement. Amanda didn’t even have the courtesy to come along with Mike to make the announcement.”

  “Oh no, Meg.” After an extended silence, Jenny continued, “You know – I’m kind of afraid of what this news might do to Kate.”

  “Kate? But I thought you said she was involved with someone else, now?”

  “Oh, Meg. I think that all of this time – when we thought she was involved with Dylan – it was only a ploy – they were just close friends. It’s easier to remain professional when you have a bunch of employees, mostly men, working under you if they think you’re taken. She was always getting hit on.”

  “Well, I can sure understand that. Kate’s a lovely girl, and she’s so darn talented. Everything she sends to sell at my shop is snatched up immediately. I can barely keep up with the demand. I had five orders for coffee tables, just last week alone. It’s kind of amazing how long everyone is willing to wait for them, too. I think that her work’s becoming a trend – similar to artwork. But what did you mean – when you said that you’re worried about how Kate will handle the news of Michael’s engagement?”

  “Meg – didn’t you know? Something really serious happened between those two during the summer Murphy was here for his internship.”

  “Was that why he was still moping around here for so many months afterward?” Meg suddenly thought about the picture she’d recently discovered, tucked behind the drawer of Mike’s bedside table. “During his senior year of college, he didn’t seem to be enthusiastic about anything!”

  “You know, it was after your son left town that Kate made the decision to attend college. It was such an about-face from her original plans, to immediately take over Callahan Construction.” There was a pause at the end of the line. “Meg,” Jenny began excitedly. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”