“And Eddie?”
She laughed softly. “Eddie wore adhesive tape between his eyes for the rest of the year, and I had to carry my own books home from that day on. I don’t know why, but Eddie never tried to kiss me again.”
“Poor Eddie,” Luke said, taking her empty cup from her hand and pulling her down beside him. “He should have hung in there. A kiss from you would be worth a pop in the nose any day.” He leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on her mouth. He drew back, his eyes searching her face. “What about now, Kati?” he asked, his voice light. But she sensed the significance of his question. “Any boyfriends?”
It was a strange question to ask, particularly now, Kati thought wryly. If Luke was truly courting her, it might have been a good idea to find out about her boyfriend situation before this.
She shook her head. “No,” she said simply, glancing away from him to stare at the glistening blue water of the lake. The water lapped gently against the shore, bringing a warm, wet breeze against her skin.
“Why not?” he asked, pressing the issue. Kati sighed. This was delicate territory, and a bit hard for her to discuss.
“I guess I just haven’t had the time,” she said, not quite truthfully. She looked at him and knew he hadn’t really believed her. He had talked so openly and honestly about himself, it was only fair that she do the same. “That’s not quite the truth,” she admitted, meeting his gaze. “After my parents died, I had a bit of a hard time. I went from a carefree teenager with no responsibility, to a full-fledged adult left with a young boy to raise. I had relied on my parents for everything. It was a shock to suddenly find myself responsible not only for my own well-being but my brother’s as well. I was so scared,” she whispered, remembering all the days that had followed her parents’ death and the stark fear that had haunted her. “I had no one to lean on, no one to depend on but myself. It was so hard,” she whispered, blinking back sudden tears. “I had to learn fast. Patrick was depending on me. I had no choice but to grow up quickly. Independence was so hard to come by, but once I had it, I worked hard at it. I didn’t ever want to rely on someone again, to need them and then—” Kati tried to smile against a spurt of tears that seemed to come from nowhere.
“And then to be left alone,” Luke said, understanding completely. “So that’s why your independence is so important.” It was a statement not a question, and she nodded. Luke lifted her hand and kissed it reassuringly, and she looked at him, touched by the look of anguish reflected in his eyes.
“It seemed like the best way for me. I had the diner and Patrick, but then…” Her voice faltered a bit. “Then Patrick left and I had to learn all over again.”
Luke swore softly, and Kati smiled. It was the first time she had ever heard him say anything of that kind.
“You miss him, don’t you?” Luke asked, wishing he could thrash Patrick Ryan for his immature nature. And for hurting Kati. No wonder she was so skittish and fearful. No wonder she never wanted to need anyone or lean on anyone. To her, hurt and need were one and the same.
“Yes,” she admitted. “I miss him, but I don’t need him anymore,” she said fiercely. “Not like before.”
“And now?”
She glanced down at him, knowing what he was asking, but not certain she could give him an answer. “Now?”
“Do you need anyone now?” There was no mistaking the question this time. Luke wasn’t talking about Patrick, or the diner, or anything else but him and her.
“I don’t know,” she answered as a bit of the fear returned. It wasn’t the truth. She needed Luke, but she didn’t know if she was ready to admit that to him.
“Well, I do, Kati,” Luke whispered. “Needing someone doesn’t mean giving up your independence or asking for heartache. It just means sharing your life and your love. You scare me, Kati Rose Ryan,” Luke said suddenly, his eyes snaring hers.
“Me?” she declared, clearly shocked. “Why on Earth do I scare you?”
He looked at her long and hard. “Because it seems my whole life I was lost until I met Leonard. After he died, I felt all the old feelings again. Then I met you, and the moment I did…” His voice trailed off and Luke lifted a hand to caress her cheek, his fingers warm and tender against her skin. “I feel at peace here. I finally feel like I’m home. I need you, Kati,” he whispered softly, running a finger across her lips. “And you need me. What I feel for you doesn’t have anything to do with the diner.”
“I know,” she whispered, nestling her cheek against the warmth of his hand. She knew what Luke was saying, knew what he was asking. What she didn’t know was if she could handle it. What she felt for Luke had nothing to do with the diner, either. What she felt for Luke was something more, much more, and it frightened her. Kati didn’t know if she ever wanted to need anyone again. She’d been all alone so long she didn’t realize she’d been missing anything. Until now.
“Don’t worry, Kati,” he said, sensing her fear. “I’m not Eddie, I’m not going to turn tail and bolt, even if you do pop me in the kisser.” His words made her smile. “I’m made of heartier stuff than that. I can be patient, let you get used to the idea. But, Kati, I want you to know, I intend to share a whole lot more than the diner with you.” His words caused her pulse to flutter wildly. She wanted—no, needed—to share a whole lot more than the diner with him, but she was scared.
Luke slid his fingers into a wispy curl at her temple and gently caressed the silky auburn strand. A sense of contentment stole through her at the look on his face.
“My sweet Kati Rose,” he purred, sliding his fingers to the nape of her neck and sending a tingling shiver through the length of her. Sensing her fear, Luke decided to change the subject, reminding himself to go slow. “Now, are you ready for the second phase of this courtship?” he asked mischievously, pulling himself into a sitting position.
“What? There’s more? First flowers, then coffee. What’s next?”
Grinning crookedly, Luke pulled the picnic basket closer and opened the top. Kati tried to peek over the lid, but he protected it with his arm, not letting her see. “No peeking,” he scolded, wagging a finger at her. “Now, close your eyes,” he instructed, and she did what she was told. For a second. Squinting, she opened one eye a fraction, but he caught her.
“Kati Rose,” he admonished, trying unsuccessfully to give her a stern look. “I saw that beautiful emerald eye open. Now close your eyes or you won’t get your present,” he threatened.
“Another present?” She laughed and closed her eyes properly this time. She felt Luke’s breath on her face a moment before his lips touched hers. Sighing, she slid her arms around his neck. “You tricked me,” she murmured against his mouth, and felt his lips turn upward beneath hers.
“I know.” Luke slid his lips from hers, and she opened her eyes. He was holding a sugar jelly doughnut just out of her reach.
“How did you know?” she asked gleefully, appreciatively eyeing her favorite pastry.
“Oh, a little bird told me,” he murmured mysteriously.
“More like a big waitress,” she recanted, diving forward and trying to catch her treat. Bessie was the only one who knew about her penchant for these particular doughnuts.
Luke laughed softly. “One jelly doughnut for a kiss. It’s only fair, Kati. You give me something, and I’ll give you something.”
“I’ll give you something,” she threatened, diving forward and landing squarely on top of him. Luke threw his legs around hers, trapping her on top of him. Her body immediately responded to his, arching and aching with a sweet tenderness that left her slightly breathless. A pulsing throb raced the length of her, coiling her nerves into knots as his languid gaze slid over her. Perhaps, she realized a bit belatedly, a kiss would have been simpler.
His eyes stroked her face, and she returned his gaze, allowing her eyes to caress the now-familiar features. The dark brows that rose with mischief or gathered with annoyance. The glistening blue eyes that seemed to see and touch her
very soul. The slightly crooked nose that had never seemed quite so wonderful. The full mouth that her own lips ached to claim. And did.
The doughnut forgotten, Luke slid his arms around her waist, settling her more comfortably to fit his body. His hands slid down the curve of her hips, pulling her closer. She was lost in a wave of pleasure, oblivious to anything but Luke.
“Kati Rose! My dear, what are you doing to Luke?” The high-pitched shrill of Vera’s voice broke through the sensuous web surrounding Kati. Lifting her head, Kati turned her startled gaze to Vera. Hands on hips, the woman, dressed in her ever-present suit, hat and gloves was glaring at Kati like a mother cub protecting her young.
Embarrassed, Kati jumped to her feet, trying in vain to smooth the wisps of hair that had come loose from her barrette. Of all times for Vera to show up!
“I—I—” Kati stammered, and looked helplessly at Luke. How on Earth could she explain exactly what she’d been doing to Luke? And him! He was grinning from ear to ear, and obviously enjoying himself. She scowled at him.
“Vera,” Luke said, hauling himself to a standing position and plowing a hand through his hair in an effort to straighten it. “What brings you to Libertyville Lake?” he asked, trying not to grin at Kati who stood perfectly still in mortification. Vera glanced fitfully at Kati who blushed scarlet.
Clearing her throat, Vera tried to regain her composure. “I was looking for Mr. Billings. He was supposed to meet me here. We’re going on a picnic,” she explained hurriedly at the look of astonishment on Kati’s face.
Vera and Mr. Billings couldn’t get along for two minutes in the same room. Good Lord, why on Earth would they want to spend the afternoon together?
“Are you all right, dear?” Vera asked, bending down to inspect Luke for any damage and throwing an accusing glance at Kati. Ducking her head, Kati tried to hide her smile.
“I’m fine,” Luke laughed, leaning forward to give Vera a hug. Flustered at his obvious display of affection, Vera straightened her hat.
“Are you sure, dear?” she asked worriedly, and Luke laughed again.
“I’m sure. There’s Mr. Billings,” Luke announced, pointing. All eyes turned down the beach to watch Mr. Billings and Beauregard approach.
“Now why on Earth would that man bring that rodent with him?” Vera huffed, jamming her hands on her hips. “I don’t know why he has to take that dog everywhere.” She turned to Luke, a frown causing her hat to dip haphazardly over her forehead. “It’s unsavory, you know. He’s more attached to that animal than he is to—” Her lips snapped shut and Kati and Luke exchanged curious glances. “Well, dear, I’d better go let him know where I am.” She leaned over and pecked Luke on the cheek. “You take care now, you hear?” Vera frowned suddenly, deep in thought. “Perhaps you’d like us to leave Beauregard with you? He’s very good for protection,” Vera said, leaving little doubt as to who she thought needed protection from whom. Kati ducked her head to hide a smile, but Vera caught her.
“Kati Rose?”
“Yes?” Kati said, trying not to laugh and resisting the urge to slap her hand to her forehead in a mock salute.
“You take care of my Luke here,” she instructed sternly. “He’s a wonderful boy, and I wouldn’t want anything to happen to him.” With that, Vera turned on her high heels and ambled off through the sand while trying to maintain her dignity, shoving her hat back in place every few minutes.
Laughing, Kati and Luke collapsed against each other. “This was all your fault,” she accused, poking a finger into his midsection. “It was your idea of trading a kiss for a doughnut! She thinks I was assaulting you!”
“Hey,” he protested, draping an arm around Kati’s neck and dragging her close. “You’d better be careful,” he threatened gleefully, wagging a finger at her. “I might tell Vera on you.”
“Oh, yeah!” Her fingers hit his ticklish middle, and laughing wildly, Luke tumbled to the ground, pulling her down with him.
“Oh, no, you don’t,” she protested, trying to squirm off of him. “This is how I got into trouble in the first place. If Vera comes back—” He kissed her quick to stop the flow of words. Laughing, Kati looked right into his eyes, feeling giddy all of a sudden. She felt comfortable and relaxed for the first time in weeks, and she knew Lucas Kane was the reason.
“You heard Vera,” Luke whispered, nibbling at her ear. “You’re supposed to take care of me. I’m wonderful, remember?” he teased.
Kati sighed dreamily. “I know,” she whispered softly, sliding her arms around his neck. “I know.”
Chapter Eight
“Good morning, Kati Rose.” Coming up behind her, Luke slid his arms around her and gave her a resounding kiss on her cheek. “Well, at least it’s good now,” he murmured, dipping his lips to the soft warmth of her neck.
“Good morning, yourself,” Kati replied, turning her head to capture his mouth. Since Sunday, their relationship had taken on a new dimension. There was a playfulness, a warmth that seemed to bind her to Luke. She could no longer deny she was falling in love with him.
The air arced with so much tension when he was anywhere near her that Kati feared Bessie, who had recovered from her flu and returned earlier in the week, could sense it. Not much went on that Bessie didn’t know about. If she suspected anything, she never said a word. But Kati had caught Bessie looking at her strangely once or twice. Kati tried to hide her feelings for Luke, but it was hard. She had never been quite so happy before.
“Kati?” Luke looked at the assembled food on the counter. “Aren’t you getting carried away a bit?” He plucked a sandwich off the tray she was preparing and eyed it hungrily. She snatched it out of his hands and returned it to the tray.
“Those sandwiches are for tonight. Don’t touch,” she scolded as he reached for another sandwich. His hands stopped midway to the tray and he looked at her with a frown.
“Tonight?” He was looking at her with such confusion, she laughed.
“Luke, tonight is the fourth Saturday of the month.”
One brow rose skeptically. “That’s an interesting bit of information,” he said dryly, trying without success to contain a crooked smile. “Do you suppose you could tell me what that has to do with anything? These sandwiches in particular?”
“Don’t you remember?” she asked, realizing once the words were out that obviously Luke didn’t remember or he wouldn’t be asking. “The fourth Saturday of the month is the Village Hall dance. We cater the food, remember?” She had told him all about the dance at the beginning of the week.
A light of recognition dawned in his blue eyes, and he slapped a hand to his forehead. “Of course, I completely forgot. What time do I have to be there?”
Kati glanced at him strangely, his words echoing in her mind. What time did he have to be there? She just assumed they would be going together. “The dance starts at seven,” she said a bit stiffly, wondering if her assumptions had been wrong. “But generally I try to get there early to set the food and tables up. So if you come get me about five-thirty, we’ll have plenty of time.”
“Do you think Bessie can help you with the food tonight?” he asked. “I have a date.”
“A date!” The words came out before she could stop them. Anger and jealousy waged a war within her. Luke had a date for the dance and obviously he wasn’t in the least bit concerned about admitting it to her! The idea of popping him one in the kisser was growing more appealing by the moment, she thought darkly. Refusing to give in to the emotions raging within, Kati lifted her chin stubbornly. If Luke had a date for the dance, fine. It was none of her concern, she thought darkly, knowing all the while it was her concern. She was furious at him and his insensitivity, and she was not willing to admit that Luke’s admission hurt. And hurt deeply. She wasn’t going to ask, although she was dying to know. MayBelle Watson came immediately to mind.
“Now, Kati, don’t tell me you’re jealous?” he said boldly, admiring the fire that danced in her eyes.
&
nbsp; “Me?” she declared airily. “Jealous?” She hacked at a loaf of bread. “Now why on Earth would I be jealous?” she asked, trying hard to unclench her teeth. “You’re perfectly free to date anyone you choose. We’re business partners, remember?” Just saying the words caused her heart to ache. Luke was becoming so much more.
Luke’s eyes darkened, and for a moment she was certain he was going to say something. But he caught himself and lifted a hand to ruffle her hair instead. Any other time she would have found the gesture endearing. Today, under the circumstances, it just made her mad. He was dating someone else and then he had the audacity to treat her like a little sister!
“Don’t you have some work to do?” she inquired testily, determined not to let him know how she really felt.
“I guess I do.” He headed for the door. “Oh, by the way, Kati. Save me a dance.”
Save him a dance, indeed! He’d better be worried about saving his precious hide and not about her saving a dance for him, she thought darkly. It took all her willpower not to throw something at his retreating back. She wouldn’t dance with Lucas Kane if he were the last man on Earth! she decided, slapping the sandwiches together. And just to prove it, Kati picked up the phone and quickly dialed Wilfred’s number, tapping her foot impatiently while she waited for him to come on the line.
“Wilfred, it’s Kati Rose. Yes, I’m fine.” She scowled and gave the wall a solid kick with the toe of her shoe when Wilfred inquired about Luke’s health. “He’s fine, too,” she finally admitted through clenched teeth. “Wilfred, listen, the reason I’m calling is—do you have a date for the dance tonight? Bessie?” she repeated, her eyes widening in stunned surprise. This was a strange development, she thought, wondering how long Bessie and Wilfred had been dating. “No, I understand. No, please don’t worry about me. Wilfred, no, I certainly wouldn’t want to tag along.” She laughed softly. “You know what they say about three being a crowd. No, I’m fine, now don’t worry about it. I’ll see you tonight. Good-bye.” Muttering under her breath, Kati slammed down the phone just as a sharp knock sounded at the back door.
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