Twist of Fate

by Witek, Barbara

  She’d found Sam in his office and demanded he tell her what happened. He’d hedged a little until she’d broken down and cried. After a few minutes of hysteria on his broad shoulders, he’d given in. While Sam relayed the story, bits and pieces of an argument had returned. She saw her father’s angry and hurt eyes. She remembered screaming at him how she would stand by Sam no matter what. She even remembered storming out of the house.

  She placed both hands on top of Sam’s in an attempt to gather more of his strength. Raising her eyes, she admired his profile, as she often caught herself doing these days. A calm, content feeling settled through her. There was no doubt in her mind Sam would help heal her heart. Her father needed to understand she had a life and a mind of her own. He should be proud she was a woman who could stand her ground and not be controlled.

  She exhaled, coming to terms with herself and at last answered Sam’s question. “I’m fine. I’m still a little shook up over Dad.”

  “Don’t get upset again. It wouldn’t be good for you right now.”

  “I know. I would’ve bet my own life that I’d spoken to him recently.” She noticed how Sam’s hand tightened on the wheel.

  “Oh really?” He shot a glance from her back to the road.

  “Crazy, isn’t it? I’m finding it odd how neither one of us has attempted a reconciliation. You know how close we were.” She looked back out the window. “Don’t you find that strange? I feel sick that it’s been over a year and we haven’t forgiven each other.” She inhaled sharply, turning her full attention to Sam. “My God, he knows about the accident, doesn’t he? You did call him, right?”

  “He wouldn’t talk to me.”

  “You mean...he didn’t care if I was dead or alive?” A single tear slid down her cheek.

  “Aww, Kate, don’t do this to yourself. Of course he cares. He’s just mad as hell at me.”

  “At you? Then if he cares so much,” she sniffed, “why won’t he let this thing drop, whatever it is? I’m certainly willing. You are too, aren’t you?”

  He shook his head, keeping his eyes on the road. “Not that simple.”

  Kate returned her eyes to the passing scenery. Pine trees gave way to full, leafy oaks as they approached the outskirts of town. Then she saw a window display she couldn’t resist.

  “What a cute name for a store, City Lights. I bet I’ll be able to find the perfect gift for Jennie in there. Pull over here!” She wagged a finger at the windshield.

  “You want to walk through town? That might be too much, seeing as this is your first time out.” Sam place the truck in park, and Kate was out the door before he could get to her side.

  “It’s a beautiful day, c’mon!” She couldn’t hide her excitement as she grabbed Sam’s sleeve and dragged him across the street.

  “Slow down, take your time. I don’t want you to overdo it,” he said, pulling back to slow her pace. It didn’t work, she was on a mission.

  “Look at that gorgeous dress in the window. The lines are incredible. It couldn’t be any prettier than if I’d made it myself. Don’t you think Jen would look great in that raspberry color?” She tapped on the glass while pointing out each feature of the pink, leather creation right down to the side-seam zipper. “Where have I seen this dress before? Hmm, maybe it was in a magazine.” She shrugged at Sam’s dazed expression reflecting in the glass. “I guess I could make one if I tried hard enough. It’s been a while. Without Jen here, it might be kind of rough.”

  “Sure, whatever,” he said not appearing enthused, and Kate realized she’d been rambling. He obviously wasn’t as impressed with the dress as she was. She giggled as a memory from their past returned.

  “Remember how I used to make you stand around for hours while I pinned and cut and altered my designs? I don’t know how you stood there for so long. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t put you through that again. I’ll make sure I bring a mannequin home from the shop.”

  Kate slowly turned, her lips parted in surprise at what she’d said. If Sam’s wide eyes were any indication, he was just as shocked. Neither one spoke. Kate tried frantically to remember more but her mind was blank.

  “Why would I say that? When did I have a shop?”

  “A long time ago,” Sam replied. “Maybe coming to town wasn’t such a great idea.”

  “Of course it was. I needed this. How else would I have remembered I had a dress shop? Sam, I’m okay, really.” She paused, putting a hand to her chin as she studied the dress once more. “Jenny doesn’t have one like this already, does she?”

  “Uh, nope, I don’t think so.” Sam glanced up and down the sidewalk, slipped her hand in his and led her away from the display.

  “What are you doing?” Kate squinted into the sun, not liking the strange expression she saw transform in the shadows of his profile.

  “We just got here. There’s more to look at. Why don’t you wait and see what else we find. There might be something better.”

  “But I love this. It’s perfect for Jennie.” She planted her feet, not ready to give up. “What if they only have one in her size and someone else buys it? I’ll be so upset.”

  “This is a small town, remember?” He stopped, and she could tell he was trying to humor her. “I don’t think there will be many people chomping at the bit to get that particular dress. Unless there’s a special occasion I don’t know about, most people out here just don’t have a need for something so…dressy.”

  She formed a pout she hoped would gain sympathy. When he didn’t give in, she said, “Oh, all right. If that dress is gone later, I’m holding you personally responsible. You’ll be combing the state looking for another one or sewing it yourself, got it?”

  “Are you threatening me?” There was no mistaking that devilish gleam. He stood about four feet away.

  “What are you up to?” she asked, not sure if she really wanted to know. When he started to laugh, she knew she didn’t stand a chance. He took a tentative step closer, the mile-wide grin never leaving his face.

  “You were killing me with the way you had to have that dress, right now.” He paused in his mocking, the smile fading until nothing remained except stone cold seriousness. “Combing the state? I think not. You must think you’re pretty funny, don’t you?”

  “No.” She eyed him curiously as he stepped slowly around her. He was definitely not acting like himself, and she didn’t know what to think.

  An uneasy tingle crept up her spine as if she were being watched by eyes other than Sam’s. Kate glanced fleetingly around, not wanting to take her eyes off him for long. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for Sam’s behavior.

  And now hers.

  “Hey, your boot is untied.” The second he stopped and looked down, she hurled herself at him. With a thud, Sam landed face first in a nearby grassy patch. Kate sprawled on his flattened back.

  “Now this is funny.” She laughed in amazement of her spontaneous decision, and roared over his stunned expression. Gone was the amusement from moments before.

  Sam caught her off guard and flipped her over. As he straddled her waist, pinning her wrists on either side of her head, his eyes blazed and she thought for sure they were burning a spot into the lush, green carpet. Her body reacted to his closeness in a way which scared her and thrilled her at the same time. He leaned in close, releasing a wrist. One look into those blue eyes of his and she was a goner. The closer his face got, the quicker her pulse pounded.

  His breath fell in shallow bursts against her nose and mouth. Heat spread from her face to every fiber of her body. She stopped struggling and locked eyes with her husband. Although he bared no weight on her, she found it hard to breathe. She fought a battle between her head and her heart.

  Her heart won as she experienced the first soft touch of his lips on hers. She welcomed his kiss and tasted him, only to look in wonder when he pulled back. His eyes questioned whether he should go on. In answer, she raised her own lips to his. For once in her life, she stopped thinkin
g and started feeling. What a lustful feeling it was. Her insides burned and her skin prickled through her light sweater.

  His lips were warm and moist and she melted into them. When she felt his tongue slip deliciously inside her mouth, she hesitated for only a second. Her tongue touched his, and he moaned deep in his throat. Her head swam in a bliss she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Whatever she was feeling, she didn’t want it to stop. She wished they were home in their bed. She could kiss him like this forever.

  She heard the sultry sound of passion from somewhere inside herself, becoming increasingly aware of their very public surroundings. Regardless of what she wanted, now was not the right time. There were still so many unanswered questions. She couldn’t forget about them and let go, no matter how much she told herself she should. It didn’t matter how at ease she was becoming with Sam. They were starting something she couldn’t finish and wasn’t sure she should even think about it.

  His voice was seductive as he traced a finger down her cheek. “Now who’s laughing?”

  Kate panicked and held her breath, never breaking his stare. His skin felt cold against her lips, which had been warmed by his and still smoldered under his touch. She didn’t know what she feared most, what would undoubtedly happen between them or the fact she wanted him so much it hurt.

  Her head had the final victory.

  “Me.” She pushed him aside and cried, “You need to cool off!” With a shriek, she got to her feet and started running.

  The spring air cooled her burning cheeks and energized her movements. She had no idea exactly where she was running, but she knew if he caught up to her, she would pay dearly for her comeback. She squealed when she looked over her shoulder and saw how close he was.

  They both ran until they could run no more. Kate stopped with her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. She held up a finger, signaling she was done.

  When he placed a hand on her back, she heard him chuckle softly. “Good move, there, missie.”

  “Thanks. I...do...believe.” She had to pause to breathe, “we’re even.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Huh?” She raised her head and pleaded, “Aw...c’mon.” If he felt the need to retaliate, then she would just have to suck it up and take her punishment. She couldn’t run another step. Spreading her arms wide, she said, “Okay...go ahead...”

  “Hold on a sec,” he panted. Jogging two doors to the florist, he returned minutes later carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “For you.” He bowed as he presented them to her in a flourish.

  “They’re beautiful.” She buried her nose in the blossoms. “Why did you get me flowers?”

  “Do I need a reason?”

  She shook her head.

  “You looked so wonderful just now. You put up a good fight back there.” He gave her a wink. “Now we’re even.”

  ***

  Sam ran a hand across his forehead. He’d needed that brisk run. Things had gotten pretty heated back there. She’d kissed him with such abandon, he was thankful they were in a public place. He’d kept his hands to himself, but it had been a struggle.

  He took her hand as they walked farther down the street, giving it a squeeze, which made her lift her face from smelling the bouquet. Slight contact was better than no contact. As full of promise as her smile was, it brought with it a wave of guilt.

  He’d felt terrible after telling the lie about her father. Well, it wasn’t a total lie. George Thompson didn’t think Sam Hackett was good enough for his little girl and hadn’t been afraid to show it. That had been the basis for many a spat between father and daughter, not to mention Sam and Kate. The old man had Sam almost convinced, until the day Kate had stood up to him. She’d defended Sam with all she believed in, and Sam had never been more proud.

  He couldn’t say the same about himself right now.

  With every day that passed, he questioned what he’d set out to do. In the beginning, her condition had been too fragile to handle the truth. He still didn’t know what she was running from when she showed up at Jed’s. Whatever it was would more than likely be tough on her.

  Now, it was his own selfishness which kept him from telling her the truth. All that history between them counted for something. He enjoyed her company, he looked forward to seeing her face every day, and he liked having someone to come home to every night. He liked having her in his bed, even if they hadn’t made love.

  If that were meant to happen, it would happen on its own. He wouldn’t rush the issue, no matter how much his body longed to dance with hers, or how much he remembered their past, or how often Rusty’s words rang in his ears.

  A dark shadow reflecting in the department store window caught his attention. Wasn’t that the same blue van he’d seen two blocks ago? He had to be imagining things. Vans were a pretty common occurrence these days. Still...he didn’t like the way that one seemed to creep down the street as if it were following them. There was one way to know for sure.

  “How ‘bout something to drink? I’m parched after all that running.” He draped his arm over her shoulders.

  “Me, too, that sounds great.” She snuggled in close, taking another sniff of her flowers.

  Sam steered her into the pizza shop. When he turned to shut the door, the van pulled away, heading out of town. That should have made him feel better, but it didn’t.

  This was much more than he bargained for. He should forget his foolish notions and stay on plan. Protecting Kate was number one. He couldn’t wait to finish up and get her back to the house. She’d be safer there. He was about to suggest they head for home when she did it to him again.

  “Oh, look at that adorable little girl over there.” She motioned to a man eating pizza with his daughter.

  “What about her?”

  “She picks the cheese off her pizza just like Hope.”

  “Who?” Sam fought like crazy to keep himself from visibly shaking. This could not be happening. Not now.

  “Hope,” Kate replied, quite sure of herself, then opened her mouth in surprise. “How do I know Hope?”

  “No idea. Is she a friend of Jennie’s?”

  “No, she’s a little girl.”

  “Huh?” He didn’t like where this was going by the way his insides clenched.

  “I thought she was our little girl, but we don’t have any children yet.” She flashed another innocent smile.

  “Our little girl?” The words rolled like lead off his tongue while panic rushed in like a tidal wave. She must be remembering her own daughter, but not able to make the connection. He felt horrible for keeping them apart. He rationalized if Kate was in danger there was a strong possibility her daughter was, too. Sam was doing this as much for her little girl as he was for Kate.

  The next time he spoke to Rusty, he’d see if his old friend wouldn’t mind a little detective work. Right now, he needed to get Kate out of there. Without another thought, Sam stood and hurriedly pulled out her chair. “I think you overdid things today. Let’s say we head back home?”

  “I still have shopping to do.” She looked at her watch, then back to the little girl.

  “We’ll come back another time to finish. I can pick up some grocery items on my way home from work tomorrow. C’mon, your health is more important.” Sam walked Kate back to the truck, keeping one eye out for a dark blue van.

  ***

  The Harbour Street Warehouse buzzed with activity when Dante entered through the back door. Employee offices lined the upstairs loft including purchasing, accounting and Kate’s design studio along with a small break room and random storage space. The hub of the warehouse stood before him on the main level. Forklifts zipped back and forth to the dock, loaded with boxes of Kate’s signature collections. The cutting room and sewing area consumed an entire wing of the building. Amazing what Kate had done with the place over the last two years. He’d purchased it for a steal from a banker who owed him a favor and had given it to her as a birthday present. Her signature golden-K hu
ng from a steel rafter.

  Dante knew his wife had strong business savvy. Her designs were coveted by the most high-end boutiques worldwide. Of course, he’d used his connections in Milan’s fashion district to start her international contacts, but she had done the rest on her own. Too bad she didn’t see what a powerful team they made together. They could be the beginning of the Pizzaro dynasty. He wanted more than anything to leave a legacy for his children. Unfortunately, Kate refused to add to their family as long as he worked for Carlo. Again, she didn’t understand the kind of power he had. They would be a family, and she would become his dutiful and grateful wife once more. She used to be happy. Maybe a new baby would make her forget the past and focus on their future.

  “Daddy!” Sunlight shot through the warehouse as the front door burst open. Dante crossed quickly before his daughter could dash onto the floor. He crouched and scooped her in for a hug. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure her safety and happiness. Hope and Kate were his world, and he wanted that feeling like it used to be.

  “How is my Princessa?” He kissed her cheek and stood with her in his arms.

  “Aunt Chessie bought Bella and I matching dresses and then took us for ice-cream.” Hope pointed and beamed at his sister Francesca. She’d taken a plane straight from Milan the moment he’d told her about the divorce papers. While Dante was a brilliant attorney in the courtroom, Francesca had been Kate’s best friend since college when they’d met. If anyone could talk her out of the divorce, it would be Chessie.

  “It sounds like you two have had quite the afternoon.” Dante squeezed Hope until she squealed.

  “Oh, yes,” Francesca replied and rubbed Hope’s back as the girl yawned and snuggled against Dante’s shoulder. “I tried not to spoil her dinner, but I have missed spending time with her.”

  “I understand.” Dante missed spending time with her as well, but his responsibilities to Carlo were all consuming now that Kate was gone. After Kate went missing, the Thompson’s had no choice but to turn Hope over to him. They had no idea he and their daughter had a court date to discuss custody, and he didn’t feel the need to enlighten them of that or the fact that she hadn’t been washed away by the current. There were so many things to keep track of, the last thing he needed was a loose cannon for a wife. Who knew where she was or what she was planning to do.