Love's Sporting Chance: Volume 2: 5 Romantic Sporting Novellas

by Cynthia Hickey

  Shoving his hands in his pockets, he whistled a jaunty tune. He grinned as he passed a confused Mr. O’Connor and entered the kitchen. “Good morning, ladies.”

  “You’re awfully chipper this morning,” Mrs. Oglesby said. “Sleep well?”

  “Very well.” He poured a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. “I’m wondering whether you two ladies could help me out with something.”

  “If we can,” Mrs. Oglesby said.

  Mrs. O’Connor dried her hands on a towel. “What do you need?”

  “I was given a stern lecture from your husband about staying away from your daughter. He seems to have a prejudice against people with money.”

  She inhaled sharply. “We haven’t always been treated with the same kindness you show, Mr. Woodward. Are you asking me to go against my husband’s wishes?”

  “Sort of. I’d like to court your daughter, but I fear your husband reached her first. Is there anything I can do without openly defying Mr. O’Connor or making Kat feel as if she is disobeying?”

  She twisted her mouth in thought. “You are already friends, am I correct?”

  He nodded.

  “I cannot go against what my husband has said, but Katherine is a grown woman and more than capable of making up her own mind.” She smiled. “Be kind, be generous, and stay close. She’ll determine for herself whether she wants you. If she does…well, my daughter is every bit as stubborn as her father when she needs to be.”

  9

  Days passed and the temperatures dropped as autumn fell in the country. Kat lifted her face to the sun and took a deep breath as her newest golf student, a young girl of fifteen, struck the ball, sending it flying down the fairway.

  “Good job, Marianne.” Finally, a pupil that showed promise that Kat wasn’t the only female able to make a good show at the sport.

  Her eyes followed Brad’s progress across the lawn like a woman yearning for a new outfit. She shook away the yearning and grimaced as Robert sauntered toward her.

  “I’ve brought lunch,” he said. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Kat sighed. “I’ll see you next week, Marianne. Continue to practice.”

  It was all Kat could do not to demand her father change his mind in regards to Brad. While she’d told Robert her father’s wishes, the man refused to stop badgering Kat to spend time with him. At the same time, Brad seemed more than willing to keep his distance. Yet, small tokens of someone’s affection continued to be placed on her doorstep. Sometimes, a simple flower, others a tasty treat. Did she dare hope Brad was the one leaving them and that he only waited for her to approach him?

  A smile spread across her face at the thought. Unfortunately, Robert seemed to believe the smile was for him.

  “There’s a pretty spot near the ninth hole.” He crooked his arm.

  “I must decline. Again.” Kat swished her skirt and moved past him, not missing the hard glint in his eyes.

  “You’ll come around, Miss Katherine. One way or another.” He dropped the basket at her feet and stormed away.

  “Be careful,” Mariann said. “I’ve seen him act a bit rough with the maids when he’s been drinking.” She slung her club over her shoulder and strolled away.

  Oh, Kat intended to be very careful around that scoundrel. Very careful, indeed. She picked up the basket and headed for the kitchen. Mam could use the food for their lunch.

  “Oh, thank the good Lord, you have some sense.” Mam snatched the basket the moment Kat entered the room.

  “More sense than the men around here, anyway.” She shook her head and sat at the table, resting her chin in her hand.

  Mam and Mrs. Oglesby exchanged amused glances. What were those two cooking up besides lunch?

  “Good morning, beauties.” Brad strolled in and planted a kiss on Mam’s and the cook’s cheeks. “We have a special guest today.” He went back into the hall and returned with a frail woman that, despite the vacant look in her eyes, was still quite beautiful. “This is my mother, Iris Woodward. Ma, say hello.”

  “Hello.” She glanced around the room. “I’ve left my home. I no longer liked it there.” She sat in the chair next to Kat.

  “Why not?” Kat remembered a woman back home who suffered from dementia, and placed her hand over Mrs. Woodward’s. “Did you not like it there?”

  “I wanted to be with my husband.” She beamed at Brad.

  He shrugged. “I play along. It’s less stressful for her. Let me get you a sandwich dear.”

  “Oh, no.” She made a move to get up. “A wife should serve the husband.”

  “Let me do this for you.” He sliced the bread and started making her lunch.

  Tears filled Kat’s eyes. A man who treated his ill mother with such tenderness would make a loving and patient husband for some very lucky woman. She desperately wanted to be that woman.

  “You’re a good boy, Mr. Woodward.” Mrs. Oglesby shouldered him out of the way. “Go sit with her. I’ll do this.”

  “Thank you.” Brad joined Kat and his mother at the table. “Isn’t she wonderful?”

  Kat smiled. “Your mother is very lovely.”

  “Why, Bradford. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” The shadows fled from Mrs. Woodward’s eyes. “Is this the girl you were telling me about?”

  “This is Katherine O’Connor. Her mother is the lady in the yellow apron, and the other woman is Mrs. Oglesby, the finest chef in New York.”

  “You’re quite the beauty, Miss O’Connor. What do you do at the club?”

  Kat grinned and transferred her attention away from the high spots of color on Brad’s cheeks. He was adorable when embarrassed. “I teach golf to the women members.”

  “Do tell?” She glanced at Brad. “It’s about time. Your father would never have approved, though.”

  He rested a soft gaze on Kat. “Miss O’Connor is almost as good of a golfer as I am.”

  “That’s right.” His mother laughed. “You told me of her clever deception.”

  Now, it was Kat’s turn to be embarrassed. “That’s a little fact I’m a bit ashamed of.”

  “Don’t be, dear. It brought you here to my Bradford.”

  ~

  Brad enjoyed the flash of pink across Kat’s cheeks at his mother’s innocent comment. Was it possible that her mother’s plan of Brad secretly courting her could be working? With Ma’s words, it couldn’t be a secret any longer that he spoke about Kat.

  Mrs. Oglesby brought their sandwiches and tall glasses of tea. “I hope you enjoy your lunch. It’s a simple meal.”

  “It’s wonderful.” Ma lifted the sandwich with thick slices of ham and cheese.

  “Are you staying here now, Mrs. Woodward?”

  “Yes. I realize it will be a burden on my sons, but Bradford has promised to hire me a companion as soon as possible.” She eyed Mrs. O’Connor’s stomach. “You’re quite far along in your pregnancy. Should you be working?”

  “I’m fine.” Mrs. O’Connor smiled. “Thank you for your concern.”

  “Ma came on the morning train,” Brad said.

  She sighed. “I wish you’d leave the western slang behind and call me mother.”

  “Ma is more endearing.” He winked.

  “You must stop flirting when we have company, dear.” And just like that she was gone into the past again.

  Kat cast him a sympathetic glance. “If you’ve no ideas on a companion, there is a young woman at church who used to be a nurse. She quit when she got married, and is recently widowed and looking for another position.”

  “She sounds perfect.” Brad reached across the table and brushed his hand over Kat’s for the briefest of moments. “Thank you for caring.”

  “You’re welcome. I…hmm.” She bit into her sandwich.

  Everything in him wanted to ask what she had been meaning to say. The time was coming soon when Brad needed to have another conversation with Mr. O’Connor, and one with Kat. He wasn’t willing to risk a broken hea
rt because of one man’s prejudice against his bank account.

  “Mother.” Bobby entered the kitchen and kissed Ma on the cheek. “Visiting?” He glanced at Brad

  “No. She’s living here now.”

  “Who are you?” Ma asked, confusion clouding her face.

  “Are you serious?” Bobby frowned. “Who do you expect to babysit her? It’s not going to be me. I’m much too busy.”

  Kat shot to her feet. “How dare you speak about your mother in such a way? In front of her, too. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

  Bobby actually looked ashamed. “She doesn’t know me. She’ll forget in ten minutes.”

  “That’s not the point.” She slapped her palms on the table. “We’re told to honor our parents. Why can’t you be more like your brother?”

  Bobby stiffened and made a move to reach across the table. “How dare you! You’re nothing more than a conniving little wench out to snare our money.”

  Mrs. O’Connor dumped a pot of water over Bobby’s head at the same time Brad grabbed his arm.

  “Stand down!” Brad yanked him from the table and shoved him toward the door. “Come back when you’re ready to apologize to these ladies.”

  Bobby spit on the floor. “I won’t apologize to employees.” His lip curled as he turned his attention on Kat. “Remember what I said, little girl.” He marched from the kitchen, leaving a shocked silence in his wake.

  “Who was that angry young man?” Ma craned her neck to watch him leave.

  “No one. Don’t worry yourself.” Brad collapsed in his chair. “I apologize for my brother’s rude behavior.”

  “No need,” Kat said, resuming her seat. “We aren’t strangers to his swinging moods.” She grinned. “Mam is quite the mama bear when her child is threatened.”

  “No one talks to my daughter in that way.” Mam stomped her foot and returned to the stove.

  “What did he mean by you remembering what he said?” Brad cocked his head, willing his heart rate to return to normal. He was pretty certain what Kat would say next wouldn’t help lessen his anger toward Bobby.

  “Nothing. He’s always spouting off words.” She concentrated on her lunch.

  “What are you not saying?”

  “I told you it was nothing.” She picked up her plate and carried it to the sink. “Mind your mother. I have a student to see.”

  Mind his business is what she probably meant to say. If Bobby had threatened her in any way, or if he hurt her, Brad would make sure it was the last time he terrorized a woman.

  10

  “Please, Robert, stop.” Kat shoved against his chest. “I’ve told you I don’t welcome your advances.” He had her pinned against the wall in the supply closet. Whiskey fumes, even at ten a.m., washed over her. Her stomach rolled.

  “You’re a tease, Miss O’Connor.” His lecherous gaze fell to her lips. Not with the tender look Brad gave her, but one of a man who saw a tasty slice of cake and intended to devour it.

  Tears pricked her eyes. She couldn’t move. Each time she squirmed, he took it as an invitation to inch closer. She opened her mouth to scream. He clamped his hand over her mouth to stop the sound from bursting forth.

  “Scream and I will ruin you.” He traced his free hand down her face, her neck, and further, touching places no man had ever touched. “One word and your reputation will be shattered. No one would ever hire you again.”

  She needed to do something. Take her chances at escape.

  She rammed her forehead forward, catching him in the nose.

  He howled, clutching his face, giving her the opportunity to yank the door open and dash out. Straight into the solidness of Brad.

  “Whoa.” His grin faded when he glanced over her shoulder. “Go to your cottage.”

  She shook her head. “Mam will know.”

  “Then use the dressing room to compose yourself. I’ll take care of my brother.” Brad stepped into the closet and slammed the door.

  Instead of leaving as ordered, Kat stood on her side of the door and listened to yells, grunts, and what sounded like vicious landing punches. She glanced up and down the hall, grateful everyone was busy with their jobs and not witnessing her worst humiliation yet.

  When the door opened again and Brad stepped out, wiping the back of his hand across his bloody mouth, she lifted her skirt and raced for the safety of the cottage, rather than the dressing room. Chancing upon Mam might be easier than explaining her appearance to any maids changing into their uniforms.

  Not that she thought Brad would harm her, far from it, but she didn’t want to explain why she hadn’t left as he’d said. How could she explain what she didn’t know? Other than a desire to make sure he was uninjured and emerged as the victor, she had no other reason for disobeying.

  Back home, she leaned against the closed door to catch her breath. Her hair had come undone and bounced against her shoulders.

  Someone pounded on the door. She shrieked and whirled as Brad burst in.

  “What’s wrong?” He glanced hurriedly around the room. “Is my brother here?”

  “You left him in the closet.”

  “No.” He ran his hand down his face. “He headed in this direction the moment he broke free.” He took her hand. “I’m taking you to your mother.”

  She yanked her hand back. “I won’t worry her. If you want to guard the door, then so be it, but do it from outside. My reputation is threatened as it is.” Her voice broke as she moved to her bedroom.

  Life was so unfair. The man she wanted stood outside, looking on her as nothing more than a helpless female incapable of fighting her own battles. She plopped on the edge of the bed.

  “Kat?”

  “Go outside! Are you crazy?” She yanked open her door.

  Brad grabbed her and pulled her close for a kiss. When she couldn’t breathe, he leaned his forehead against hers. “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Talk to my da?”

  “What if he still says no? Will you defy him?”

  “I don’t know,” she whispered. “I never have before.”

  “Then, I’ll have to make sure he forces me to marry you in order to save your reputation.”

  Her heart beat so hard she was certain he could feel it. “How?”

  “Like this.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “It’s so soft. Like silken curls.” He lowered his head again and claimed her lips, his words caressing her skin. “If he catches us, he’ll have no choice but to let us marry.”

  “Wait.” She planted her hands on his chest. “What if he doesn’t come?” They might go too far. She’d never be able to live with the shame. Not to mention love. The word marriage was being bandied around like a tennis ball, but not one word of love.

  “So, she isn’t the pillar of virtue after all.” Robert leaned against the open door. “You want her for yourself. Well, the competition is over. You won. I’ll transfer my attentions elsewhere.”

  “Competition?” Kat’s heart almost stopped beating.

  “Oh, he didn’t tell you?” Robert laughed. “We had a little bet going as to who could get you to succumb to their charms first.”

  “How dare you?” She slapped Brad hard enough to leave the outline of her hand across his cheek. “See yourself out.” She slammed her bedroom door against them both.

  ~

  Brad clenched his fists. “Get out of my sight. You disgust me.”

  “Sore winner?” Bobby grinned. “No matter. There are plenty of girls willing to enjoy my company in the hopes of becoming Mrs. Woodward.” He strolled away whistling.

  His brother’s careless words may have ruined any chance Brad had of winning Kat’s heart. He knocked softly on her door. “Kat? Katherine, please talk to me.” He rested his forehead against the door.

  “Go away.”

  “My brother is wrong. I only agreed to the competition in hopes of keeping him away from you.”

  “It worked. For you both.”

  It wasn’t h
ard to tell she was crying, and he was the cause of her distress. What could he do to make it up to her?

  “What are you doing in my cottage?” Mr. O’Connor stormed into the room. “Your brother said I would find you here harassing my girl. Katherine!”

  She slowly opened the door. From her mussed hair, tear-streaked face, ripped collar, and lips still swollen from Brad’s kisses, it wasn’t difficult to jump to conclusions.

  “You…” Mr. O’Connor poked Brad sharply in the chest with his finger, “have smirched my daughter’s reputation. Did you not heed my words?”

  “No, Da,” Kat held out her hand. “It isn’t what—”

  “It’s exactly what! You two will wed tomorrow!” He glared at Brad. “Understood?”

  “I don’t want to marry him,” Kat said, piercing Brad’s heart. “He’s no gentleman.”

  “And you aren’t the lady your mam and I thought. No arguments.” He shook his head. “This will break your mam’s heart. She could lose the baby.”

  Brad’s gaze met Kat’s startled one. The pain he saw there wounded him more than any knife to the gut could. “It will be all right, Kat.”

  “Go!” Mr. O’Connor pointed. “You will not speak to her again until you are wed.”

  Brad nodded and left. Now what? It would be all around the club within the hour, if not already. He had wanted a way around the man’s prejudices, but not like this. He wanted Kat to marry him because she loved him, not…love! He was an imbecile.

  He darted back to the cottage and stood on the stoop. “I love you, Katherine O’Connor! I should have told you before.” He dodged Mr. O’Connor, who tried to shove him away. “I’m marrying you for love. Not from force.”

  A slow smile spread across her face despite her wide-eyes. That smile was all he needed.

  “Good day, Father O’Connor.” Brad clapped the older man on the shoulder and hurried to the kitchen to spread the good news.

  “Hello, my future mother.” He lifted Mrs. O’Connor and spun her in a circle.

  She laughed. “What is this, you foolish man?”

  He explained what had happened, no longer worried about covering for Bobby, and finished with Mr. O’Connor’s declaration that he marry Kat. “It didn’t transpire how I had planned, but the end result is the same. She will come to love me. I’ll make certain.”