A Touch of Passion (boxed set romance bundle)

by Uvi Poznansky

  “Ohh...kay.” Sean cleared his throat as he lifted a brow. “Uh...mm. But we’re still leaving on Friday night to avoid the traffic from construction– aren’t we, dear?”

  “Yes. About seven o’clock?”

  Sean nodded, rolling his eyes. Following the direction of Meg’s gaze, he peeked over at his son.

  But Murphy had completely missed his parents’ awkward interaction. Kate? Getting married on Saturday? He stood up, abandoning his dessert. He suddenly wasn’t hungry anymore.

  ❋

  Hours later, Murphy was still tossing and turning, attempting to fall back to sleep. He’d had lots of trouble falling asleep in the first place. For some reason, his parents had stayed up later than usual, having a long, and unusually loud, discussion in the family room downstairs.

  Murphy stared at the clock. Three a.m. Allowing himself time to drive back into the city for work, he’d set his alarm for five.

  Abandoning the blanket, he sat up in bed and propped the pillows behind his back. Reaching behind him, he switched on the lamp over his bed. Pulling open the drawer of his nightstand, he reached for the small picture album, hidden behind the drawer.

  Funny, how much of his personal stuff he’d left here at home. Amanda didn’t seem to be very obliging when it came to making room for his possessions. As a matter of fact, he didn’t even know where he’d be able to put Kate’s table. You’d think that he was asking Amanda to rip off a limb, with the way she fussed about any of his suggestions, when it came to adding décor to what was supposed to be, their home.

  Thumbing through his pictures, he finally found it. It’s been almost seven years now, since Dan Callahan had sent this picture to Murphy. It showed Kate holding her hand over his forehead as Murphy laid passed out on her guest room bed. There was something in her face, something in her eyes, that’d left Murphy hoping that they might have a future together. He’d carried this picture in his wallet up until he’d begun dating Amanda.

  And, yes, there was no mistaking it – he still saw that something in Kate’s eyes.

  ❋

  Murphy’s mood didn’t lighten up for the remainder of the week. Restless and moody, he found no enjoyment at all in his work.

  How could he continue on like this?

  It didn’t help that he kept thinking about Kate and her upcoming marriage.

  Maybe if he got of town for the weekend with Amanda? She probably had some social event or another lined up for them to attend over the weekend.

  But he’d convince her to go away with him. They needed to have some time alone, anyway. They’d had plenty of romantic weekends together when they’d first begun dating. Why was it so different now?

  Rolling up the finished plans for the condo, Murphy slipped them into a cardboard tube, before snatching up his cost projections sheet and heading off to Mark Ryland’s office.

  “Hey, Peggy.”

  Mark’s secretary distractedly gazed up at him from her desk. “Hi, Murph.”

  “Is he in?”

  “Nah. Mark left for lunch at noon. He just called back in to say that he’d decided to make a day of it. Are those the Anderson Condo plans, by any chance?”

  “Yeah. Ready by the end of the day – just as promised.” Murphy handed over the plans and projection sheets.

  “Great, Murph. Mark’s coming in for a few hours tomorrow to look over your proposal.”

  It was the same standard line from Peggy, week in, week out. Although Murphy had just been promoted to partner, even after working for Ryland’s for almost six years, Mark still treated him like an intern. How many partners at other firms had their work continuously picked over by their boss?

  Murphy was getting pretty sick of it.

  “I guess Marcie’s on her way to her cabin with her family – lucky girl. You and Amanda have plans for the weekend?”

  “I hope so, Peggy. I’m gonna try to convince her to go off with me – for a spur of the moment trip.”

  “Good for you. You must be sick of attending all those boring social events that she always seems to be suckering you into.”

  Murphy chuckled. “You got that right. A romantic weekend away is just what we need.”

  “I’d better get these plans into Mark’s office before I get too wrapped up with my other work.” Peggy stood up from her desk with Murphy’s plans and projections in her hands. “You enjoy yourself over the weekend Murph. See you on Monday.”

  Already heading back towards his own office, Murphy answered from the hallway. “Be sure to have a great weekend yourself, Peggy.”

  After quickly packing up his office, within ten minutes, he was in his car and on his way to his apartment.

  The apartment manager gave Murphy a disgruntled look when he appeared in the lobby.

  “Hey, Mac. What’s up?”

  “Oh, nothing. Your girlfriend, Amanda, just came home about forty-five minutes ago and went up to the apartment with someone. I thought it was you.”

  Murphy sighed. Great. Amanda must’ve invited one of her friends over for dinner. Well, there’d be enough time to enjoy their weekend alone together if they left in the morning.

  Slipping the key into the lock of the apartment door, Murphy twisted the knob and entered.

  Strange, Murphy thought, glancing into the living room – where were they? Quietly, he peeked into the kitchen and made his way through into the small sitting room that was attached.

  And then he heard the murmuring of voices coming from the master bedroom.

  Murphy stilled, realization beginning to seep through his brain.

  Taking in a deep, unsteady breath, he stealthily approached the bedroom door. Reaching out, he quietly turned the doorknob. Peeking inside the bedroom, he noticed the clothing scattered haphazardly across the floor.

  He didn’t even bother looking toward the bed.

  Suddenly, he was furious. How could she sleep with another man in their bed? For some reason, this was the last thing Murphy had expected. For Christ’s sake – they’d just become engaged!

  But was he really so surprised? No, actually not. From the moment they’d met, Amanda had always struck him as flighty. Apparently, he hadn’t been imagining it. That’s why, despite how lovely she was, it’d taken Murphy several months to ask her out.

  Slamming shut the bedroom door, Murphy began to rap on it sharply. He could barely control his anger.

  For a moment, all became quiet in the bedroom.

  And then, finally, Amanda spoke, “Murphy? What are you doing home at this time of the day?”

  Ah. So this was the way she wanted to play it? No guilt? And no apologies?

  His voice was calm, cool, and emotionless when he finally answered firmly, “Amanda. I think we need to talk.”

  A few moments later, Amanda slipped through the doorway wearing a flimsy silk robe. “Murphy. I can explain...”

  He held up his hand. “I don’t even want to hear it, Amanda. The weird thing is, I’m really not surprised. I’ve been wondering what you’ve been doing with yourself during the day.” He laughed dryly. “And now I know.” With resignation, he sighed wearily.

  “But Murphy! What about our wedding?”

  Murphy shook his head in disbelief. “Obviously, we’re over, Amanda. I’d appreciate it if you’d move your stuff out as soon as possible. You can let me know when. I’d like for you to be gone when I come back home in a couple of hours.”

  “You’re calling off the wedding?” she shrieked.

  He gaped at her incredulously. She really expected him to still go through with their wedding? Whatever had made him think he could be happy with a woman like this? Why hadn’t it registered – her selfishness – her spitefulness. She didn’t give a damn about anyone but herself.”

  “I’m leaving now.” Not trusting himself around her any longer, he spun on his heels to escape. “Don’t be here when I get back.” He slammed the door forcefully behind him as he exited the apartment.

  ❋

&n
bsp; “You alright, Murph?”

  Snapping out of his reverie, Murphy glanced over at his friend and former football teammate, Jimmy Rollins. “Yeah. I’m fine Rolly.” Sitting up straighter on his stool, Murphy finished off the last of his beer. He motioned for the bartender to bring him another. He really was fine, he realized. In fact, he was relieved. What would’ve happened if he’d actually married Amanda? In all likelihood, it would’ve ended up being a miserable marriage. “Amanda and I just broke up.”

  Raising his brow, Rolly appeared to be apologetic for a second, but then he grinned. “I can’t say that I’m surprised to hear that Murphy. I’ve actually been kind of worried for you.” He squirmed uncomfortably on his stool. “Let’s just say that, even though she was pretty hot, no one really thought she was the right woman for you.”

  Completely taken aback, Murphy stared at Rolly. In appearance, he was a big bulky hulk of a man, but he was one of the most softhearted guys Murphy had ever known. “So, why do I have a feeling that there’s something you’re not telling me about, Rolly?” Murphy sighed heavily. “Come on – out with it. Believe it or not, I’m probably not gonna be surprised by whatever you have to say.”

  Rolly heaved a sigh of his own. “Remember that party that you had about four months ago – when you and Amanda got engaged?”

  Murphy nodded. “Sure.”

  Rolly grimaced. “There’s a rumor going around that Amanda tried to put the moves on Jason. And you know what Jason’s like – he’d never lie about something like that.”

  Murphy stilled momentarily. But after just a split-second, he rolled his eyes, and sipped on his beer. “And you’re just telling me this now?”

  Rolly hung his head sheepishly. “We might’ve eventually. Jason thought that maybe she was drunk.” He shrugged. “We all took a vote, and decided to give her another chance.”

  “Well, to tell you the truth, Rolly, I’m sure glad that I found out before we got married.”

  Rolly’s eyes met his. “You mean...?”

  Murphy nodded. “Yeah. Her true colors came out earlier today.”

  “Oh, God, man. I’m really sorry.”

  Murphy shrugged. “You know, what, Rolly?”

  “What?”

  Murphy suddenly grinned. “I’m not.”

  Startled, Rolly began to laugh, and Murphy laughed right along with him.

  ❋

  Several hours later, Murphy found himself tossing and turning in the bed in the guest room in his apartment. There’d been no sign of Amanda when he’d arrived home close to midnight. After unloading his keys, phone, and wallet on the nightstand in the master bedroom, he hadn’t even considered going to sleep in that bed.

  But when he’d attempted to get some sleep, all Murphy could think about was Kate. He sighed heavily, rolling over on the mattress. She’d be getting married in less than twelve hours.

  He jolted upright in the bed. What in the hell was he doing here in Chicago? She wasn’t married yet.

  And he was free.

  Scrambling out of the bed, he rushed through the apartment to the master suite. Pulling open the closet door, he yanked down a suitcase from the shelf. He grabbed a mishmash of clothing, hastily flinging everything into the suitcase.

  He stilled suddenly, as he considered another life-changing decision. Why not just make a clean break from everything? What did he have to lose?

  Snatching up the phone from the nightstand, he hit the recall button for his boss’s private line. “Mark. I’m leaving you a message because it’s the middle of the night on Friday. I’ve finally decided that I need to take the month off that I have coming – beginning on Monday. I’m sorry if I’m leaving you short-handed, but Amanda and I have broken up.” Murphy hesitated for only a second, and then continued hurriedly. “To be honest with you, I’m not sure if I’ll be returning to Ryland’s after my time off. Remember what I’ve tried to talk to you about before – about having more freedom with my projects? I’m in a rut, Mark, and I need a change. The job doesn’t excite me anymore. Feel free to call me on my cell. I’ll be leaving for Wisconsin as soon as I’m done packing. Bye, Mark. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  Switching off the phone, Murphy heaved a sigh. It was done.

  And there was no going back.

  ❋

  Almost ten hours later, Murphy arrived in the town of Crystal Rock. The town was usually an eight-hour drive from Chicago. But Saturday morning had been busy on the interstate, and there’d been a series of stops and delays due to road construction, requiring an additional two hours on the road.

  For the millionth time that morning, he checked his watch. It was ten minutes until two. Grimly, he considered the worst case scenario – what if he didn’t make it in time?

  He couldn’t think like that. He sped around the curves of the access road and past the Crystal Rock Tap, driving onward toward the Dragonfly Pointe Inn.

  He pulled his car into the congested parking lot, knowing he couldn’t afford to waste more time. Squealing to a halt in line for the valet parking, Murphy hastily slipped out from his car.

  A teen wearing a uniform rushed over. “Sir, you can’t leave your car like that!”

  Murphy yanked out his wallet. Pulling out a twenty, he handed it over, along with his keys. “Take care of it for me – will you? I’m late for a wedding.”

  Murphy rushed through the entrance without looking back.

  Obviously startled, the receptionist at the desk stared at Murphy as he scrambled by. “Can I help you, sir?

  He halted in his tracks. Where was he going anyway? He turned back to the receptionist. “The Callahan wedding?”

  “It’s in the solarium, sir.”

  Already on his way through the breezeway, and holding up his hand in acknowledgment, Murphy called out over his shoulder. “That’s alright. I know my way.”

  Murphy panicked, when he finally reached the entrance of the solarium. The guests were already standing.

  Oh, God...no!

  Had Kate already made her way down the aisle?

  Murphy didn’t wait to consider his options; instead, he went barreling through the door.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  I know I wasn’t exactly enthusiastic, Kate, about working for a woman. But you’re sure a great boss,” Luke said gruffly. “You know why I used to flirt with you all the time?”

  She gave him a rueful smile. “I had my suspicions, Luke.”

  “I knew you were safe.” Luke grinned. “I wanted Melissa to think I’d gone on with my life.”

  “Plus, I imagine that there was a lot of pressure from the other guys that you worked with?” Kate suggested dryly.

  Luke’s face turned ruddy. “Yeah. They were always trying to set me up with other women.” Luke hung his head. “I never wanted any other woman but Melissa – and I missed her so much. I never really appreciated how much she actually did for me, until after she left.”

  “You guys got married pretty young, Luke. Sometimes, I think that these things happen.”

  “Yeah. I couldn’t care less about going out with the guys after she left. Funny, how much of an issue it was before we broke up.”

  “Melissa was just overloaded with work, Luke. And she wasn’t even getting paid for it. She felt undervalued and unappreciated.”

  “Yeah.” Luke nodded. “She’s sure excited about having the new baby.”

  “I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re pretty happy about it, too.”

  He chuckled. “Melissa and I are definitely on the same page now, Kate.”

  Kate nodded. “That’s really good to hear. I sure do love that brand new house that we’ve built for the two of you.”

  “What you’ve got here is pretty impressive, too, Kate.” Luke stared appreciatively towards the contemporary home on the lake.

  After completing the finish work less than two weeks before, the interior designer that Kate had hired had come in and properly staged the lakehouse
for the magazine layout.

  “I can’t believe that Murphy came up with the plans for all this.” Luke scratched his head. “I guess he must’ve been smarter than he looked.”

  Kate snorted. She’d forgotten – she’d never told Luke the truth about Murphy. Luke eyed her oddly when she suddenly began laughing

  And then a fully-equipped van turned into the driveway. Kate and Luke watched as the driver parked the van beside the garage.

  “Showtime, Luke.” Kate reached over to adjust Luke’s tie. “Be prepared to answer lots of technical questions, about the construction and energy-efficient building materials we’ve incorporated inside my home.”

  “Don’t worry, Kate. I’m ready.”

  “Just because millions of people will be reading about this in a national magazine, doesn’t mean you need to be nervous.”

  Luke’s face suddenly went pale. “Oh, God, Kate – why’d you have to go and tell me that?

  She grinned.

  ❋

  Kate held open the back door as Dylan stepped inside.

  After giving her a hard stare, he let out a long, low whistle. “Katydid! My, my, don’t you look lovely today?”

  Tight and clinging with a plunging sweetheart neckline, her full-length gown of smoky blue brought out the color of her eyes – or so she’d been told.

  She laughed. “Whenever I’m forced to dress up, Dylan, I figure I’d better just go all out.” She studied Dylan from head to toe. He wore a suit of dark gray, over a lighter gray shirt. Banded in blues and grays, his shiny striped tie drew attention to the intensity in his silvery-blue eyes “You don’t look half-bad yourself.”

  Dylan frowned, as he began fumbling worriedly with his tie. “Are you sure that all of this goes together, Kate?”

  She studied him with a sharp eye. This was strange – Dylan was nervous? Reaching over, Kate moved Dylan’s hands away from his neck and adjusted his tie. “I wouldn’t have picked it out for you if it didn’t, Dylan. I can’t believe you didn’t even own a suit and tie.”