“Shhh,” he whispered, trying to talk around his laughter as he bent to speak in her ear. “Don’t get mad,” he whispered, his voice warm and soft against her ear, causing her toes to curl inside her shoes. “I didn’t know what else to do. Will you help me out here?”
His hand was still clamped over her mouth and her eyes widened. Luke had told her the truth. Apparently he really wasn’t interested in MayBelle. Her spirits soared.
If Luke was going to be such a good sport about helping her out, especially—no, particularly—after the way she had treated him, the least she could do was help him out of a jam with MayBelle. MayBelle was a bit blowsy and overblown, man crazy no doubt, but she was sweet and kind, and wouldn’t hurt a fly. Kati felt a wave of sympathy for the poor woman, but felt even more sympathy for Luke. MayBelle could be very persistent when she set her mind to something, Kati remembered, thinking about the way the woman had pursued her brother Patrick.
“Will you?” Luke prompted, making no attempt to remove his hand from her mouth. Kati nodded and Luke released her. Over her shoulder she saw MayBelle’s red hair a moment before the door swung open.
“Kiss me quick!” Kati ordered, grabbing the front of Luke’s shirt again and pulling him down close. “She’s coming!”
Luke’s eyes widened in delighted surprise a moment before his lips found hers. She didn’t even hear the door open as his full mouth took possession of hers. She slid her hands from his chest, up the powerful muscles of his arms, her fingertips tingling from the strength of his firm skin.
Luke’s mouth opened, his tongue gently tracing the outline of her lips, and Kati trembled as a rush of desire and a million other sensations washed over her, leaving her breathless. His sweet tongue gently probed, tasting the soft, warm surface of her mouth and she arched closer to him, wanting nothing more than to feel him everywhere. His hands slid a maddening path from her waist to her shoulders. Her breasts were crushed against his powerful chest, the rapid thud of his heart racing, and matching the rate of her own.
With a muffled groan, Luke lifted his head. “Oh, Kati Rose,” he murmured, and she blushed, the heat rising from her neck to flood her cheeks. His eyes slid over her, caressing her as gently as his hands had, just moments before.
“I’d better get to the bank and the dairy,” he said gruffly. He turned, but Kati reached out and touched his arm, her hand sizzling from the contact.
“Luke?”
He turned and his eyes snared hers, settling on the soft satin of her mouth. Her breath seemed to wedge in her throat. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome.” Smiling, Luke turned and headed out the door. Kati could hear MayBelle’s voice as he entered the front serving area and she smiled, remembering what Luke had said.
She did need him, and MayBelle did want him in her bed. Kati laughed softly. Lucas Kane had been right all along.
“Mmm, something smells good.” Luke pushed through the kitchen door, a tray of plates in his hand and a wide, disarming smile on his face.
Kati laughed softly. “It’s my bread pudding.”
“No, it’s not,” Luke said, coming up behind her and dipping his head close to hers. “Vanilla always did drive me wild.” A shiver raced through her as Luke’s warm breath skittered across her neck. She tried not to notice how close he was, or how sensitized her body was to his nearness.
“Kati, what’s wrong?” Luke asked suddenly, his voice tinged with worry.
She let out her breath slowly, knowing he was standing right behind her, knowing if she turned, he’d be there, waiting. In the past week, ever since the day she had asked Luke for his help, things had changed between them. There was a warmth, an electricity that seemed to draw them together, and Kati was powerless to stop it.
“It’s nothing,” she lied, aware that her voice was thin and slightly breathless. “Why?”
“Because you’re putting dirty dishes in the oven.” Luke leaned forward, plucked the dishes free, then set them down on the counter. Kati stared vacantly at the mess, convinced she was losing her mind as well as her heart.
“Following this reasoning,” Luke commented, crossing the room, “I can’t wait to see what’s in the dishwasher.” One dark black brow rose, and Luke gave her a playful grin as he extracted the pan of bread pudding from the bottom of the dishwasher. “I knew there was a certain logic to this. It just took me a minute to figure it out.” There was no reproach in his voice, only mild amusement, and a heated warmth laced Kati’s cheeks.
Valiantly, she struggled to think of a good reason to give Luke for her erratic behavior. She couldn’t very well tell him the truth! What could she say? His presence was so distracting she didn’t know what she was doing anymore? That the only thing on her mind was him? No, she couldn’t very well admit that to the man, even if it was the truth.
In the past week, she had tried to keep her mind on her own chores, but it was hard. No, her mind corrected, it was downright impossible. Luke was always around and always in her thoughts. Her attention span was about as long as a minute and there was a restlessness in her that she didn’t understand. With just a look, just a touch, the man had the ability to scramble her wits!
When she closed her eyes, she saw his face, his beautiful smile. His scent lingered to tease her. Her body hungered for his touch. She would lie in bed, wide awake, watching the clock creep slowly along, knowing each hour would bring her closer to seeing him again, and feeling the familiar sense of dread and anticipation. Dread because she knew that with each passing day her feelings for him were growing and had nothing to do with business. And anticipation because just seeing him, just his presence seemed to bring a lightness to her step, a happiness to her heart.
“Kati? What is it?” His deep voice dropped an octave and she could sense his concern.
She looked up at him and flashed him a sheepish smile. “I guess I’ve been a bit…preoccupied,” she finished lamely, feeling like a fool.
“Is that all? Are you sure it’s not something else?” His brows furrowed in concern as his eyes scanned her features. She was still too pale for his tastes, and she still had those damn shadows under her eyes. “Kati, if there’s a problem with the diner, if you’re worried about something, tell me. You know you can always count on me.”
Luke had been pulling his weight and doing more than his fair share, and she’d spent the better part of her time walking around in circles, not knowing if she was coming or going, but worse, not even caring!
He cradled her face in his hands. “You know I’m always here to help. Whatever it is, you can tell me.” His thumbs caressed her chin, encouraging her to look at him and the familiar feelings of longing engulfed her, weakening her knees.
“I know,” she said gravely, avoiding his eyes. That was the problem; Luke was always there, and always in her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she tried to get her mind back on track. She couldn’t remember when she’d been so out of sorts. Perhaps it was because he was so close.
“Could you back up a bit?” she asked suddenly, and Luke chuckled, but made no move to back up.
“Why?” he asked gently. “Are you afraid of me, Kati Rose Ryan?” He had used her full name and it sounded so wonderful rolling off his lips.
“A little bit,” she admitted. Afraid wasn’t quite the right word, but it would have to do for now.
“Why?”
Kati swallowed around the sudden dryness in her throat. Dropping her chin, Kati stared glumly at her tennis shoes.
“Kati?” he prompted, brushing his thumbs against her chin and encouraging her to look at him. Her breath fled as her eyes found his.
“Because you—I—”
“Because you know that there’s a lot more between us than just the diner?” he asked softly, letting his fingers slide up to caress her cheeks.
Nodding, Kati couldn’t pull her gaze from his. She could feel his eyes touching, caressing every intimate detail of her face. Her skin burned, her lips ached
and tingled, wanting, waiting for the touch of his.
“Does that scare you, Kati?” He needed to know if she was still afraid of him. Trust. He needed hers more than he’d ever needed anything. Or anyone. But he didn’t want her fear.
“Yes.” She gave a shaky laugh, feeling an enormous amount of relief that it was finally out in the open.
“Don’t be scared, Kati,” Luke said softly. “I won’t hurt you, Kati. Not ever.” Smiling, Luke slid his arms around her. The air in the kitchen seemed suddenly still, thick. Kati licked her lips in sudden nervousness and Luke’s eyes followed the movement of her tongue. Kati tried to take a deep breath, to loosen the increasing pressure around her heart, but she found she couldn’t; the air short-circuited before it reached her throat.
Taking a long, shuddering breath, Luke’s lips found hers, and Kati felt her heart thud recklessly in her breast. His lips were slow, gentling, and she felt her limbs and every other part of her relax as languid splendor sapped at her strength. She slid her arms around his neck, feeling his muscles flex as his arms caressed her, held her. She lost herself in his touch, his scent, his caress.
Luke lifted his head too soon, and her eyes fluttered slowly open, darkened by passion, darkened by need. Luke took a step back, admonishing himself. He knew better. He had to go slow. Slower. And if he didn’t get out of here, out of this kitchen, he wouldn’t be able to think, let alone reason.
“I won’t hurt you,” Luke promised, dropping his mouth to hers to give her a quick kiss before turning and heading for the door.
Kati stared after him, absently touching her swollen lips. She had lost the battle, and the war, and was now firmly entrenched in enemy territory. So why, she wondered with a bright smile, was she so happy?
Chapter Seven
Lemon-splashed sunlight filtered through Kati’s bedroom. She rolled over and opened her eyes, groaning softly. It wasn’t the sun that had woken her up, but something else. What? Yawning sleepily, she sat up and brushed her hair out of her eyes. Her arm froze as she heard the sound again. Her eyes darted to her bedroom window. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear someone was throwing stones at her window! Sitting perfectly still, she waited. There it was again! Throwing off the covers, Kati didn’t bother with a robe as she marched across the room, fully determined to put an end to whatever prankster was ruining her sleep. Morning was not her best time, particularly Sunday morning, which was the one day of the week when she could sleep late. Unless some rude, inconsiderate person woke her up, in which case, she was decidedly testy. She inhaled slowly and threw open the window.
“What on Earth do you think you’re…” Kati stopped abruptly. Standing below, bold as brass was Luke, and he was throwing pebbles at her window. Her heart dragged, and then accelerated rapidly. He was dressed in gray slacks and a knit pullover that caressed his masculine frame. The early morning breeze ruffled his dark hair, causing it to spill boyishly over his forehead. His face lit up when he saw her.
“Good morning, Kati Rose,” he called gaily, waving. “And how are you this fine Sunday morning?”
She looked at him like he was crazy, which at the moment, she was certain he was! What on Earth was Luke doing here, she wondered, and at this hour?
“Are you out of your mind?” she asked, shoving a wad of hair out of her face in order to see him better and trying not to smile.
“Not that I know of,” he said, cocking his head to see her better. “How are you?” he repeated again, and Kati looked at him wildly, trying not to soften at the look on his face. How on Earth could this man look so good and be so charming at this hour?
“Tired,” she yelled down, shutting the window firmly and returning to bed. Lucas Kane was the kind of man to confront his feelings head-on. And Kati was still trying to run from hers, she realized, as she snuggled deeper beneath the covers. But how much longer could she keep on running?
In spite of herself, Kati found a smile curve her lips. Early or not, crazy or not, even at this hour, the man was hard to ignore.
Luke started pelting the window again. Sighing tiredly, Kati tossed the covers off again. Obviously the man wasn’t going to go away, and she wasn’t going to get any more sleep this morning. Taking a deep breath, she stomped across the room and threw the window open again.
“Lucas Kane!” she yelled. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing at this hour but— Oh, my God,” she whimpered. Luke was still downstairs, but he wasn’t alone. Reverend Powers was standing right beside him! Kati moaned softly. She was hanging out the window, dressed only in her nightshirt, screeching like a barnyard chicken! And Reverend Powers was standing below, listening to every word! She was going to strangle Lucas Kane when she got her hands on him!
“Good morning, Kati Rose,” Reverend Powers caroled gaily. His faint Irish accent drifted on the early morning breeze. He looked up at her and waved, obviously delighted to see her.
“Good morning,” she said weakly, wishing she could crawl under her bed. Slowly, she inched backward, trying to hide. She wasn’t even dressed, for goodness’ sakes!
“Isn’t it a fine morning, Kati Rose?” the reverend asked, and Kati took a deep, controlled breath. How on Earth did she get into this mess? Kati wondered if her arms were long enough to reach Luke’s neck from here.
“Yes, it is,” she muttered, scowling as Luke grinned from ear to ear.
“Lucas here tells me he’s come to court you,” the reverend told her, clearly delighted.
“He what?” Kati leaned out the window to glare at Luke and then remembering her attire, quickly pulled her head back inside. What kind of tales had Luke been telling the reverend? Didn’t the man know you weren’t supposed to tell fibs? Particularly—no, especially—to a man of the cloth?
“I think it’s a fine, old-fashioned idea, don’t you, Kati Rose?”
“Wonderful,” she muttered, sending Luke cryptic messages with her eyes, and wondering what on Earth she had ever done to deserve this. Public humiliation was not high on her list of things to do on Sunday morning.
“Well, I’ve got to be going now,” Reverend Powers said, looking from Luke to Kati. “You two have fun.” With a jaunty wave, he was off, leaving Kati to deal with Luke.
“Luke!” she cried, forgetting about her state of undress and leaning farther out the window. “What on Earth did you tell Reverend Powers?”
“The truth,” Luke called, clearly unperturbed by her anger.
“What do you mean the truth?” she hissed, trying to keep her voice down. Half the town was coming home from Sunday services and she certainly didn’t want everyone to know her business.
Luke stepped closer and cupped his hands over his mouth. “I told him I’ve come to court you.” He attempted to whisper, but his deep voice carried well and came off just short of a shout. Kati winced, trying hard not to be charmed.
“Oh, my word,” Kati muttered, glancing up and down the street and heaving a sigh of relief. At least no one was within earshot. She hoped. “Will you stop that?”
“Stop what?” he asked, grinning.
“What do you want?” she asked, nearly falling out the window at the suggestive look he gave her. She knew what he wanted. Her. She just didn’t want the whole town to know it! “Never mind,” she hissed, deciding to change her tactics. “What are you doing here?”
Luke rocked back on his heels, crossing his arms over his chest. “I already told you what I’m doing here. If you didn’t hear me, I could yell it a little louder,” he threatened, clearly delighted at the look that crossed her face.
“Don’t you dare,” she cried, glancing quickly up and down the street.
“I’ve come to court you, Kati Rose,” he called, and she had a feeling he fully intended to stand there shouting his intentions until she acknowledged him. Or died of embarrassment, whichever came first! He took a step closer and tilted his head back farther. The sun glanced off the dark, damp strands of his hair, sending a glistening prism of light acro
ss the blue-black color. “Remember MayBelle?” he inquired, cupping his hands over his mouth so that his voice carried better. Kati winced. With the husky baritone of his voice, no doubt everyone in this town and the next could hear him. “You did promise to help me out with that little problem, remember?”
Kati nodded and waited for him to continue. She had a feeling this was going to be a long, drawn-out, perfectly logical explanation that was made up entirely of baloney. Lucas Kane knew very well that after all the help he had given her the past few weeks, she wouldn’t have the heart to turn him down when he asked her for help. No matter what the problem. The little devil was going to play on her sympathies, she realized, feeling more charmed by the minute.
“What does MayBelle Watson have to do with you being here at the crack of dawn?” she inquired with a questioning lift of her brow.
“Well, she asked me to go to Libertyville Lake with her on a picnic today.”
“And?” Kati prompted, realizing he was going to take the long route around this explanation.
“I told her I couldn’t go with her,” he explained with a mischievous grin, rocking back on his heels and looking quite pleased with himself. “Because I was going with you.”
“What?” she cried, forgetting about her state of undress and leaning out the window again.
“Kati, now listen. We’re partners, and partners are supposed to help each other out of jams. Right?” He didn’t wait for her to answer but continued spinning his yarn. “How am I supposed to work if MayBelle’s chasing me around the tables? Bad for our image,” he concluded, his smile brightening. “Very bad. So you can see why it’s necessary for you to go to the lake with me. Why, if I showed up there without you, MayBelle’s feelings would be hurt. Devastated maybe.” Grinning from ear to ear, Luke looked quite pleased with himself and Kati couldn’t help but smile. The man had very strange ways of asking for a date. And she knew that’s exactly what he was asking.
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