“Nah. I’m meeting Dad after I drop you off. Go ahead and eat.”
The chicken tasted great. Jen’s food was a little difficult to swallow at times. In fact, just to avoid her rather inedible pancakes, he’d been eating a giant bowl of cereal every morning before work.
When Kate pulled into the parking lot of the campgrounds a few minutes later, Murphy finally broke the silence. “So.” He cleared his throat. “If your mom’s always been such a bad cook – how did all of you survive without starving to death?”
Kate chuckled. “Thank God for Lucy. Mom and Dad were both trying to get their businesses established when we were kids, so Lucy began taking us in hand when we weren’t much older than Kelly and Jeff. My parents were always working – Mom in her hair salon and Dad in construction. Lucy was just as much of a mother to us growing up as Mom was.” When Murphy raised a brow, Kate chuckled. “Don’t worry. Not only was Lucy a fantastic cook, but she really loved cooking for us too. She’s always been into all things domesticated.”
“And now Lucy has her own home and family?”
“Yeah. Would you believe – she worked as her stepdaughter’s nanny before she and Gabe were married? Now that Lucy’s almost finished with school, she and Gabe are even talking about taking in some foster kids.”
Just then, Murphy became aware of Brian Lancaster glaring at them from across the parking lot. “We’re not late, are we?”
When Kate noticed Brian, she peeked at her watch. Uncomfortably, she cleared her throat. “Nah. You still have about ten more minutes.”
“I’m not exactly sure what I might’ve done – but I think Lancaster has something against me,” Murphy muttered, jumping out of the truck.
Appearing taken aback, Kate reassured him, “Oh, no. It’s not you, Michael. It’s me. We just broke up a couple of weeks ago.”
“Ahh.” Thoughtfully, he studied her as, somewhat uncomfortably, she gazed at Brian. “Thanks again for your help. I really do appreciate it.”
Kate smiled. “No problem. I’ll see you at the Dragonfly Pointe worksite on Monday – seven a.m. Just follow the signs to the Dragonfly Pointe Inn. We’re right down the road. Dan will give you directions, though, if you need them.”
“Have a nice weekend.” But Murphy was attempting to still his racing heart when he finally turned away. Man. That woman affected his senses in the strangest way – especially when she smiled. He’d been totally tongue-tied. You’d think he’d have been able to come up with a little more intelligent conversation during their ride through town.
Distractedly, Murphy heard the crunching of gravel as Kate slowly pulled the truck out from the parking lot.
Brian continued to glare as Murphy approached him. “If you’ve got any ideas about Kate, you’d better put them on the backburner,” Brian growled. “That woman is mine.”
Startled, Murphy halted, and momentarily remained silent. Apparently, Brian wasn’t acknowledging the fact that he and Kate had broken up. But Murphy knew better than to contradict Brian, especially with his eyes shooting daggers. He decided not to mention he’d be working for Kate beginning next week. Besides, Brian seemed to be his supervisor here at the job site, and Murphy couldn’t afford to go home with a poor evaluation – especially with that job awaiting him after graduation at Ryland’s.
“Hey, I’ve already got a woman back home. Besides, I’ll be leaving here the first week of August, anyway. Cal loaned me a pair of work boots, and Kate was just showing me where to find some inexpensive work clothes.”
Instantly, Brian became less aggressive. “Alright,” he said, looking Murphy over. “Let’s go find some work for you to do that you can’t screw up. Luke’s still pretty pissed with you right now. It’s a good thing it’s Saturday.”
Turning away, Brian strolled briskly down the path that veered off in the direction of the trailer set up as an office.
Grunting agreeably, Murphy followed closely behind.
CHAPTER
FIVE
“C’mon, Kate?”
Kate sighed, as she searched Brian’s eyes. “I don’t know, Brian. Why do I have this feeling that you think I’m ready to fall right back into your arms?”
“It’s just dinner, Kate. There’s a really great band playing out at the Crystal Rock Tap. Julie says she hasn’t seen you, at all, since she came back a few weeks ago.”
Kate did feel guilty, then. She had been neglecting her friend. Kate turned, gazing back at the Ivers’ worksite. Even she couldn’t have anticipated the shit load of problems they’d been running into. Currently they were reworking as well as replacing plumbing. And an invasion of tree roots had cracked the ancient clay waste pipes that’d been used for drainage.
“Alright, Brian. But I meant it when I said that I just wanted to be friends.” It was hard to read his reaction since he was wearing his stupid mirrored sunglasses again. But there was definitely an uncomfortable tension between them.
Abruptly, he growled, “How’s Murphy doing?”
Instantly, she was on the defensive. Was he jealous of Murphy? Was that why he’d driven out here to the worksite? “Fine,” she answered. “He seems to be finally catching on. I’m sending him back to the campgrounds on Monday.” Her answer didn’t seem to improve Brian’s mood. “Why should you care?”
“It seems like you’re spending an awful lot of time with him.”
Kate gaped. “You’re kidding me. Right?” Putting her hands on her hips, she glared at Brian. “I’m not spending any time, at all, with him. I’m his supervisor, Brian, and he’s a friend of the family’s.” And, besides, since Kate had discovered Murphy had a girlfriend back home, she’d deliberately kept her distance. “Maybe going out with you tonight wouldn’t be such a good idea, after all.”
“No, no, Kate. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just jealous.”
“That’s the thing Brian – even if there was something going on between Murphy and me – and there isn’t – you don’t have the right to be jealous.”
He clenched his jaw. “I’ll just pick you up at seven. Alright?” When he took off his sunglasses his eyes met hers.
Was he even listening? Kate sighed. “Alright.”
* * *
With her clipboard in hand, Kate scrambled from room to room through the worksite checking off items on her list. Since tomorrow was Sunday, anyway, she’d probably just drive back out here tomorrow night and prepare her to-do list for Monday.
“Shoot,” she muttered. “I forgot we’re going canoeing tomorrow.”
Gus peeked out from the crawlspace. “Did you just say something, Kate?”
“Just talking to myself, Gus. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately – since we’re at least a week behind. How’s it going down there?”
“Fine, Kate. I’ll need a couple more days to finish installing the new plumbing. What’s going on with the water heaters?”
“Did I forget to tell you? Dad approved the tankless ones you recommended.”
“That’s great, Kate. This’ll be my first installation, so it may get a little tricky. They’re getting a five-star rating for energy efficiency, though.”
“Sounds great, Gus. How’s Murphy been working out for us?”
“I haven’t heard one single complaint from John Meyers, Kate. They were finishing up the drywall in the living room today. You may want to go take a look.”
“I think I’ll just go do that. Since you’ll be the last one here today, Gus, could you lock up for me when you’re finished?”
“Sure thing, Kate. See ya on Monday.”
At least the kitchen was going in on schedule, she observed, studying the still-boxed up cabinets resting on the floor and arranged along the walls. When they’d ripped out linoleum and carpeting, the original pine planks had been a nice surprise.
Kate moved out into the living room. The ground floor had been transformed into one large open space. She turned to the fireplace and sighed. Someone had apparently built a brick façade over the original. She was worried
about what they’d discover once they removed the brick.
“Great job with the drywall,” Kate muttered, studying the seams. The interior walls were nearly ready to be primed. It was amazing how the living room appeared to be massive, now, with its vaulted ceiling.
But what in the heck was going on with Michael Murphy? It was strange that someone who’d been totally unfamiliar with construction work had, apparently, experienced a complete turnaround after only a few weeks. Something was definitely off, here.
But peeking at her watch, she promptly set those thoughts aside. It was after five. She didn’t have time to go back to the cabin to get ready for her date tonight. She’d just call Brian and have him pick her up at her parents’ house instead. It was better not to have him return her to the cabin anyway. He’d probably get the wrong idea and want to spend the night.
* * *
After stuffing her laundry into the washing machine and setting the dial to start, Kate scampered through the empty kitchen in her robe. Scrambling up the back stairs that led directly to her bedroom, she quickly shoved open the door.
But what she saw inside the room brought her to a sudden halt.
Her mouth gaped open.
Damn, the man was ripped. She knew she was staring, but she just couldn’t seem to help herself. She studied the breadth of his shoulders and definition in his abs and arms. Even Michael Murphy’s broad muscular shoulders were developed and toned. Involuntarily, she became fascinated by the dusting of hair covering his well-defined chest. It narrowed down over his flat stomach, and thickened at his groin between strong, powerful thighs.
Normally, she was attracted to men who were tall and lanky. But his body – well – it was just...amazing.
Kate swallowed, struggling for breath. Stunned by her intense physical reaction at the sight of his naked body, her own body was seized by unfamiliar warmth when she became aware of the stirring of arousal at his groin.
Hmm...
And, inwardly, she grinned. The attraction she was feeling didn’t appear to be at all one-sided.
Only slightly sheepish, she finally cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. Purely by habit, I came up here to shower and change clothes. I didn’t realize you were staying in my room.”
Or had she? She suddenly recalled the conversation she’d had with her mother a few weeks earlier. She’d been way too absorbed with work lately. And it didn’t help that she’d been thinking about Michael Murphy almost constantly since she’d met him.
Taken aback, Kate realized that, subconsciously, she might’ve been waiting for just this opportunity. She was certainly getting more than an eyeful.
CHAPTER
SIX
There was no mistaking the frank admiration in Kate’s shameless stare. Normally at ease with his nudity, Murphy was aware that his cheeks had turned ruddy once he realized he was becoming fully aroused. Taking in a deep breath and calmly turning away, he reached for the towel he’d just thrown over the chair and wrapped it around his waist.
As if that helped.
Damn it. Why was he so attracted to Kate?
She wasn’t exactly beautiful.
But she sure was lovely.
As well as poised and self-assured. Kate was the kind of woman who knew what she wanted.
And then she went for it.
He frantically attempted to conjure up an image of the voluptuous body of his girlfriend, Sara. But Sara – well – she was a tease. Murphy had gradually come to realize that, since they’d begun dating nine months before, Sara had used sex as a means to manipulate him into doing whatever she’d wanted. She’d made such a point of complaining about his summer defection to Crystal Rock, he’d been sure she was going to break up with him beforehand.
Mike grimaced. He’d actually wanted her to break up with him. Beautiful as she was, Sara was becoming more and more demanding. And with her irrational jealousy, she was alienating most of his friends.
When he turned back to Kate, he realized she was leaving the room. “I’ll be dressed in about ten minutes. It’s not a problem for me if you need to use the shower.”
Kate smiled, peeking back into the room. “Thanks. Half my clothes are still here in my closet, and I’m feeling pretty grubby. I don’t really have time to drive out to my cabin before my date tonight.”
And then, before closing the door, she winked.
Startled, Murphy laughed, sheepishly shaking his head. He was pretty damned sure he was blushing.
But then he frowned. Date?
* * *
When Kate stepped into the kitchen dressed in a short denim skirt, Murphy’s breath instantly seized.
Damn.
Chunky turquoise worn around her neck immediately drew attention to the creaminess of her skin. Matching shards of her turquoise earrings peeked out through hair that was loose over her shoulders. He realized it was the first time he’d ever seen her without her hair pulled up into a ponytail.
And those legs...
Glaring directly at Murphy through the glass in the kitchen door, Brian Lancaster knocked.
And Murphy’s mood was instantly soured.
Brian stepped into the kitchen from the breezeway. “Murphy?” He studied him suspiciously. “What’re you doing here?”
Peeking out from behind the refrigerator door, Dan glared at Brian. “He’s my friend, Lancaster,” he said dryly. “And also my parents’ godson. What do you think he’s doing here?”
After a moment of tense silence, Brian muttered an apology.
He didn’t appear to be sorry at all, Murphy noticed. Dan continued digging through the refrigerator until he finally pulled out some bottles filled with cheese spread and salsa.
Crossing her arms and leaning back against the counter, Kate studied the snacks spread out on top of the kitchen island. “I thought you two were going out to eat?”
Murphy answered, “Eventually. Dan’s the designated driver tonight. He’s giving me a tour of all the hot spots in the area.” He cleared his throat, attempting to keep his questioning casual. “So – where are you two off to?”
“The Crystal Rock Tap. According to Julie, there’s a pretty awesome band playing out there tonight.”
“Maybe we’ll see you there later?”
Raising his brow, Dan stared at Murphy.
Avoiding Dan’s eyes, Murphy turned to watch Kate as she approached Brian. When Brian wrapped his arm around Kate’s shoulders, Murphy frowned. What was going on here? Were Kate and Brian back together?
“See ya later,” Kate said, as Brian escorted her out through the door.
“Bye,” Murphy growled.
When Murphy turned his attention back to the food spread out on the table, Dan was still staring at him accusingly.
Murphy became sheepish. “What?”
“You and Kate have sure been acting kind of weird. Is there something going on between you two?”
Murphy was startled. “Nah,” he instantly muttered.
Dan continued to stare.
“I just don’t get what she sees in that guy,” he grumbled.
Dan shrugged. “Yeah. I’ve never really liked him much, either. He’s kind of full of himself.”
Murphy snorted.
Dan sighed. “But Dad says he’s competent on the job.”
Reluctantly, Murphy agreed. “Yeah. I’ve noticed that he does seem to know what he’s doing.”
Dan began gathering up their snacks from the counter. “I’ll put this stuff away. Are we ready to go?” He frowned. “Maybe you should eat a little more if you’re planning on drinking?”
Murphy had lost his appetite from the moment Brian Lancaster had shown up at the door. “I’m fine,” he said, patting the back pocket of his jeans. “Let me go upstairs and get my wallet. I’ll meet you outside.”
After scrambling up the staircase to the bedroom, Murphy had his hands on his wallet when an unbidden thought ran through his mind. He really shouldn’t look – should he?
He j
ust couldn’t seem to help himself. He strolled into the bathroom, yanking out the vanity drawer.
And grimly, he returned the emptied drawer to its track.
* * *
“What’s wrong with you tonight, Murph?”
Unfortunately, Dan suspected that he already knew. Murphy never got drunk. But he was sure on his way tonight. Dan shook his head, resignedly. Another good man brought down by his sister, Kate.
“Nothing,” Murphy muttered. Appearing anything but nonchalant, Murphy began studying the faces in the crowd. “I don’t see your sister here – do you?”
“Yep. Exactly what I was afraid of,” Dan muttered. “Another one bites the dust.” He’d managed to steer Murphy to a couple of the other bars, and rack up a few games of pool, before he’d finally given in to Murphy’s not-so-subtle hints to come here to the Crystal Rock Tap.
Murphy gave Dan a lopsided grin. “Huh?”
“You need to eat, Murph.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
Dan rolled his eyes, shoving Murphy into a booth. “Yeah, I know. You’re getting totally inebriated, though – and it’s early yet.”
“Alright. Just order me a burger, then.”
A few minutes later, Murphy was looking a little better, Dan decided. The band onstage was pretty awesome. But the place was packed.
After a few failed attempts at flirting with some of his more attractive female friends, Dan realized Murphy was just too distracted tonight.
And he was still pounding down the beers.
Dan finally gave in. “They probably went out to Dragonfly Pointe.”
“Who?”
“Shut up, Murph,” Dan muttered, rolling his eyes. “You’ve got Kate on your brain. Don’t try to deny it. What about Sara?”
“I’m breaking up with her. I’ve already been hinting around at it. But it just wouldn’t be right to do it over the phone.”
“What is it about Kate?” Dan was truly puzzled. He loved his sister, and she was pretty enough. But frankly he couldn’t understand why guys kept falling head-over-heels for her.
That Unforgettable Kiss Page 6