They were quiet, their breathing staggered, as Kate remained wrapped within his arms.
And Murphy’s satisfaction was so profound, it was frightening.
Finally, Kate sighed, as they slowly came back to earth, and Murphy reluctantly let her loose from his arms.
Rolling his eyes, Murphy shook his head. “That was pretty...incredible.”
Kate chuckled. “No kidding.”
He sighed. “I suppose, I’d better go shower and dress. I have to meet Dan in less than an hour.”
With a last lingering glance at Kate, Murphy hoisted himself up to the dock. Reaching for his shorts, he quickly slipped them on. “Coming?”
“In a minute.” She grinned, sinking down into the water. “I need to catch my breath. I’ll be up there in a minute.
Murphy grinned back at her before making his way up the staircase. Reaching the bedroom, he watched through the window as Kate began doing a few more laps through the water. Murphy shook his head and smiled. She sure had an abundant amount of energy, his Kate.
But then he glanced out further down the lake, and stilled. A large cruiser was drifting along the shore nearby.
Odd, that he and Kate hadn’t noticed the boat earlier. Murphy frowned. Whoever was on that boat would’ve had to have had a pretty good view of him and Kate. How had the cruiser managed to drift in so close to the shore without either one of them noticing?
Unless, whoever was steering the boat had intentionally remained quiet?
And then Murphy noticed a shiny, flickering light, reflecting from its bow. Or was it a flash? Hastily, Murphy called out through the open window, “Kate, get dressed and out of sight. I think you’re being photographed.”
Having just stepped out of the water, she stared up at Murphy with a disgruntled frown. Hurriedly, she yanked on her robe. Rushing across the pier and climbing up the staircase, she scrambled into the bedroom and peered out through the window alongside Murphy. “Damn it, Michael – my binoculars are still packed away in those boxes in the garage.”
The driver of the speedboat must’ve realized he’d been spotted. Immediately, he cranked up the engine and maneuvered the cruiser away from the shore, quickly shifting into full speed. Soon, the speedboat was barely visible as it zipped across the water.
Kate was angry. “Damn it. Now, we have to worry about our privacy?”
Murphy looked grim when he glanced down at her. “I don’t know, Kate. That boat wasn’t there when I first came down to the pier.” His eyes held hers.
“Really?”
“It’s odd, Kate. How’d they even know you’d be out there?” Murphy hesitated, and his eyes grew thoughtful.
“What?”
“Have you ever felt like you might’ve been being watched?”
“I...don’t know.” Kate was definitely taken aback. “I...maybe, Michael. Now that you mention it...”
“This seemed deliberate. Like someone already knew you’d be out there. And I know you go swimming almost every morning. But I’m suddenly worried. From now on, you’d better be careful.”
Chapter Thirty
It made Kate angry, knowing her privacy had been invaded. It was weird, it’d never occurred to her before now, but once Michael had mentioned it, she realized that for a long time now, she’d felt uneasy at times. She had been feeling like someone had been watching her.
But she’d figured it was just her imagination – since she worked with so many people, and was regularly on hand at Callahan Construction’s various work sites.
Before Michael had left to meet Dan a few hours earlier, he’d been ready to cancel his plans out of concern for Kate’s safety. Kate had reasoned with him. At least there was a quality alarm set up here in the house. What was he gonna do – accompany her every time she left for work?
The phone for the landline rang, and she answered, “Hello?”
“Kate Callahan? “
“Yes?”
“This is Casey Logan. I work at the desk at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn.”
“Oh, hi, Casey. What can I do for you?”
“I have a message for you – from Michael Murphy? He called in and made lunch reservations for the two of you.”
“Oh?”
“He’d like for you to meet him here at about one o’clock.”
Hmm – strange. Supposedly, Murphy was off having lunch with her brother, Dan, and driving him on to the airport. Dan was finally returning to work in New York. Maybe their plans had changed? The flight had been postponed or delayed? Odd that Murphy wasn’t calling her himself, though. But he did have a habit of forgetting to charge up his phone.
Still slightly puzzled, she shrugged and answered, “Sure. I’ll be there at one.”
❋
Kate immediately sensed trouble when she noticed Amanda Ryland sitting by herself at the table Kate was being escorted to. Oh, brother. That explained the strange invitation by phone for lunch. If Amanda Ryland had called, Kate never would’ve agreed to meet her.
Kate was suddenly irritated. She sensed the final confrontation coming on – the one she’d hoped to avoid.
How had Amanda discovered Murphy wouldn’t be around today? Kate supposed it would be easy enough to question some of the employees who worked here at the inn. Crystal Rock was a small town, after all, and everyone seemed to know each other’s business.
Kate sighed, as she reluctantly dropped down into a seat at the table.
“How much do you want?”
Kate started. “Excuse me?”
Amanda didn’t even bother to look at Kate as she stirred her martini. “To give up Murphy. How much would it take?”
Kate stared at Amanda with astonishment. “Are you for real? Even if you hadn’t cheated on him,” Kate vaguely became aware of a man sitting at the next table, coughing into his napkin, “do you really believe he would ever be happy with someone like you? You had your chance with him. Give it up – you blew it.”
Kate stood up, intending to depart. Damn – this woman disgusted her. Spoiled, self-centered, and with a superior attitude to boot – although Kate had been unfortunate enough, a time or two, to have to deal with customers like her, Amanda Ryland was the type of person she’d always attempted to avoid.
“Please don’t leave.”
Startled, Kate turned back.
Picking up his briefcase as he stood up, the man who’d been sitting at the next table made his way over to theirs. Pulling out a chair, he sat down at the table. Reaching out for her hand, he introduced himself. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Callahan. I’m Mark Ryland – Murphy’s boss.”
Hesitantly, Kate reached out, shaking his hand. Reluctantly, she dropped back down into her chair.
Amanda was definitely angry when she stared at her father. “But Dad...”
He looked at her sternly. “I’d like to talk to this young lady alone, Amanda. Evidently, there were extenuating circumstances leading to the dissolution of your engagement to Murphy – circumstances that you never bothered to mention to me.
“Dad!”
“Just please go on up to your room, Amanda. Obviously, we’re going to need to talk.”
Visibly pouting, Amanda rose from the table with her chin held high. Reaching down, she snatched up her martini and quickly finished it off. After slamming down the glass, most obviously wreathed in her silent fury, she scooped up her purse before stomping through the restaurant and out into the lobby.
Mark Ryland must’ve been used to his daughter’s temper tantrums. Loosening up the tie at his neck, he ran a hand nervously through his graying hair. “I apologize for my daughter, Ms. Callahan.” His eyes searched hers before he sighed. “I’ve spoiled her since her mother passed away.”
Kate didn’t even bother to respond.
Mark Ryland sighed again. Reaching down for his briefcase, he laid it on an empty seat. After snapping it open, he pulled out a magazine from inside. “I hear that you’re the one responsible for this.”
Kat
e stared at him, startled. “The magazine? It’s out? I can’t believe it – I completely forgot about it.” Tugging the magazine from his hands, she eagerly began sifting through the pages until she came across the lakehouse spread. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
As he gazed at Kate, Mark Ryland’s eyes seemed to soften. “It is,” he said gruffly. “I had no idea Murphy was this talented – he appears to be a master of contemporary design.” He cleared his throat. “He’s been just like a son to me, you know. You wouldn’t believe how many calls the firm has had about this spread, Ms. Callahan.”
Kate glanced up from studying the photo spread. “Oh, just call me Kate, please.”
“Very well, Kate. I was wondering – would you be willing to give me a tour?”
Kate blinked. “Of course.”
“How about I buy you lunch, first?”
Yes, Kate decided, she definitely liked this man. Too bad his daughter hadn’t inherited his warmth and sincerity when it came to engaging with others.
Of course, it was better that Amada hadn’t. Murphy might’ve actually ended up marrying her, then.
Grinning, Kate nodded her agreement.
❋
“Murphy has tried to talk to me about all of this, you know. I’ve just been too unbending – I see it now. I’m beginning to realize, to continue to remain successful – I’m going to have to make some big changes in the future.” Sitting outside on the deck, Mark Ryland was sipping from his cup of coffee. “There’s a big demand now, for contemporary design.” He gave her a rueful grin. “I’ve just been having some trouble accepting it.”
“Callahan Construction has really come into its own over the last five years. Mostly, we’ve done well with the traditional plans, too. But there’s beginning to be a big demand for the minimal. And our clients aren’t only thinking about themselves when they’re building anymore, either. They’re using their vacation homes for investment properties, making extra money from their rentals.” Kate stared out at the lake. “And it’s all about the location.”
Mark nodded. His gaze was thoughtful as he stared across the lake. “This home is certainly beautiful, Kate, with its lovely views.”
Kate became aware of the sound of crunching gravel.
Steps echoed from the living room, before Murphy strode out through the open doors onto the deck. “Kate? Mark?”
Mark stood up.
Reaching over to shake Mark’s hand, Murphy waved him back into his seat. “It’s good to see you, sir.”
Mark lifted a brow. “Is it?” But his grin belayed the sting of his reply.
Murphy frowned. “I’m sorry to have left you shorthanded, Mark.”
Mark sighed. “I can’t say that I blame you, son, considering all the circumstances. I only just discovered the real truth about what happened between you and Amanda today.”
Murphy turned to look sharply at Kate.
But Mark held up his hand. “No, Kate didn’t tell me – not directly, anyway. Amanda talked me into confronting Kate today, and I overheard their conversation.” Mark’s eyes met Murphy’s. “I can’t say I’m proud of myself, son, for believing Amanda’s version of the truth.”
Murphy nodded. “If it’s any consolation, sir, I’ve always wanted to believe Amanda, too.” His eyes held Mark’s. “It sure beats the alternative,” he added, grimly.
Kate decided it was time for her to cut in. “Michael, Mark, would you like some coffee?”
“Sure,” they answered in unison.
Kate grinned.
When she came back out to the deck a few minutes later, Murphy was staring in astonishment at the magazine. He turned as she came through the door. “Kate?”
Kate smiled. “I did it for you, Michael.” For a moment, their eyes were only focused on each other. “I was always hoping you’d come back to me,” she said, simply.
He stared at her heatedly.
With a knowing chuckle, Mark deliberately cleared his throat.
He was still smiling when Murphy turned away sheepishly, and Kate handed over Mark’s coffee.
“Well – I have a proposal,” Mark said. Sipping on his coffee, he gazed over at Murphy. “I definitely don’t want to lose you, son. And I’m willing to make concessions to keep you – some very broad concessions,” he added, turning his eyes toward Kate.
❋
Mark left the house over an hour later, to visit with Crystal Rock’s premiere architect, Brian Johnson. He had a proposition for him. He’d have to check out the financials, of course, but Mark had decided he’d be willing to buy into Brian’s company as a partner.
Along with Kate and Murphy.
Mark was offering Murphy an investment opportunity to have him remain a partner at Ryland’s. Kate would also draw a paycheck as Murphy’s consultant for each job. She would work out the details for the finish work and suggest needed changes for any of Murphy’s plans once he’d drawn them up.
But, most importantly, Kate and Murphy would be working together. She could still manage Callahan Construction. Murphy could work from Crystal Rock, occasionally travelling and working in his office in Chicago when necessary. Kate would also have her own office at Ryland’s, too.
It was dizzying, all the details. That very day, Murphy had intended on telling Kate about the offer he’d had from Brian Johnson to work with him.
The plan had also satisfied Kate’s recent desire to travel and see more of the country. As much as she loved running Callahan Construction, she’d being growing increasingly restless over the last few years.
“Everything couldn’t be more perfect, Michael.”
“Ah, Kate. Everything is pretty perfect, isn’t it?” His arms were wrapped around her as they sat together in the lounger. They both gazed out at the beauty of the descending sun. Blazing like a ball of fire, the sun literally seemed to be dropping from the edge of the horizon. The lake was awash with the colors of the sun, and shimmered like molten fire.
Kate wore a mischievous grin when her hand began to explore.
Murphy spoke hoarsely, “Kate?” He finally cleared his throat. “What’re you doing?”
Kate stared hard at Murphy. “What do you think I’m doing, Michael?”
His glittering green eyes burned with an intensity that sent fire shooting straight to Kate’s core.
“You’re not gonna...?”
Gently squeezing his bulging erection, she playfully raised her brows. “What, Michael?”
He peered out across the lake uneasily, still wary after the events of earlier that morning. He suddenly shot up from the chair with Kate in his arms. “We’d better take this inside.” He carried her into the living room through the sliding glass doors.
“Michael, I’m a little heavy for you to be carrying around like this,” Kate protested.
Murphy grunted, immediately dropping her down to the couch. His hands began to fumble at his waist, as he swiftly attempted to remove his jeans.
Kate reached over calmly, and pried his hands away. “Let me.”
When she slowly drew down the zipper of his jeans, and carefully pulled out the length of his rigid erection, Murphy sucked in an unsteady breath.
With long, exaggerated movements, she taunted and teased with her tongue, and his arousal intensified when she gently cupped him with her hands. When she finally covered him with her mouth, she could sense Murphy’s pleasure along with his pain. He let out a long ragged groan when he ultimately went over the edge.
He was shivering, when he collapsed beside her on the couch. “Oh, Kate.”
Kate smiled. She just loved the way he reacted and responded to her. And she always had so much fun. Anywhere, anyway, any form – making love with Murphy was pure unadulterated bliss. “Let’s take this upstairs,” she suggested softly.
“You won’t get an argument from me.” There was fire in his eyes when Murphy jumped up from the couch and yanked her by the arm through the living room, towards the staircase.
Chapter Thirty
-One
The next morning, Kate reluctantly admitted she needed to catch up on her work. Deciding to give her some time to focus, Murphy gave Kate’s father a call and asked if he wanted to meet them in town for breakfast, and then spend the rest of the day on the lake with Murphy, fishing.
When Dylan walked into the Crystal Rock Tap when they nearly finished eating, Murphy immediately sensed his agitation. “What’s wrong, Dylan?”
“Hi, Murphy. Cal – thank God you’re here. I couldn’t find Kate anywhere.”
Sitting in the booth across from Murphy, Cal glanced up from his breakfast. “You just missed her, Dylan. She went to pick up a few things from the office, and then she was going home to work from there today.”
Dylan hesitated. “I meant to discuss this with Kate, first. But, Cal – since I’m here, there’s something that I should probably tell you.”
Murphy motioned with his hand. “Sit down – have some coffee.”
Dylan slid into the booth next to Murphy. Reaching over for the carafe, he flipped over a cup and poured himself some coffee. “I’m thinking about driving into the regional office after we talk. I need to file a report of misconduct.”
Cal frowned. “That’s too bad. Who’s in trouble?”
“Jim Dupree.”
Cal slammed down his coffee cup. “What’s going on Dylan?”
“I don’t know – maybe I should be talking about this to Sam first, since he’s the chief of police?”
Murphy frowned. “Obviously, you discovered something big, when you followed Jim around?”
Cal sighed, turning his gaze from Dylan to Murphy. “What have the two of you been up to, Murph?”
Dylan immediately responded. “This was totally my doing, Cal. I’ve been having a lot of trouble working with Jim. His behavior’s been growing increasingly erratic, and he’s been resentful of me, ever since I became his deputy.”
“Yeah.” Cal grimaced. “He’s always been a hard one to get along with, I’ll grant you that. He’s never been very sociable either – even back in high school.”
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