That Unforgettable Kiss

by Tamara Ferguson

  “You sure you don’t want to come out with us for dinner tonight, since it’s your last night here in town?”

  Murphy squirmed uncomfortably. “Thanks for asking. But I’m supposed to get together with a friend.”

  Jenny eyed him oddly. It was almost as if she knew he was intending to meet up with her daughter, and Murphy glanced away, rubbing his hand uncomfortably over the back of his neck. He hoped Jenny couldn’t read his thoughts, because he was sure as hell planning to do a lot more than just meet up with Kate.

  Cal slapped him on the back. “Jenny’s sure glad to have some extra space in the attic, now that you’ve emptied it out.”

  “Do you really think this stuff will sell, Murphy?” Jenny asked. “To tell you the truth, I completely forgot about everything Kate had up there. She’s been so busy – since she began working full-time for her father – she doesn’t have a whole lot of time for her hobbies, anymore.”

  “I think that these tables will do more than just sell, Jenny – I wouldn’t be surprised if Kate immediately gets orders for more.”

  “Her tables truly are lovely – aren’t they? As a matter of fact, I have a couple upstairs, in our bedroom, along with a few of her framed mosaics in the guestrooms.”

  Murphy nodded. “Mom’s sure curious to see them close up.” He chuckled. “Something tells me, she’ll want to hang on to this mantelpiece and switch it out for the boring one in our family room. Ever since she’s opened up her shop, her taste has slowly transitioned from traditional to eclectic.”

  Jenny grinned, shaking her head. “I really get a kick out of hearing you talking about home décor, Murph. You’re such a big, brawny guy. Somehow, decorating talk doesn’t sound natural coming out of your mouth.

  Murphy and Cal began laughing.

  “Just promise me you won’t tell anyone, Jen? I’d sure hate to ruin my reputation.”

  Jenny began laughing too.

  Checking his watch, Murphy nodded towards the house. “Well. I guess I’d better go take my shower, so I can get outta here soon.”

  “Alright, Murph. Don’t forget, we’re going out for brunch in the morning before you take off.”

  “Alright, Cal. Ten o’clock, you said? At the Dragonfly Pointe Inn?”

  Cal nodded.

  “I’ll be there.”

  * * *

  He was actually shaking as he drove his truck along the service road leading to Kate’s cabin. He was gradually coming to realize just how important Kate had become to him. As difficult as it’d be, he knew he needed to have her in his life.

  Because he was falling in love with her.

  And this night would determine just how they intended to move on.

  Pulling onto the gravel of the long winding driveway leading down to the cabin, Murphy noticed Kate’s truck wasn’t parked in its customary place near the utility shed. He frowned, checking his watch. Maybe she was running late at work?

  But it was eight o’clock on a Saturday night.

  Reluctantly, he began to recognize the ramifications of her absence.

  And his heart began to sink.

  Stepping out of the truck, he slammed the door behind him as he made his way around the cabin onto the deck overlooking the lake. “Kate?” He stepped up onto the porch, peering inside through the picture window. “Kate?”

  Murphy sighed resignedly, walking up to the door. Pulling open the screen door, he began to knock.

  Still no answer. He twisted the doorknob and frowned.

  Damn – it was locked.

  He pulled out his phone. And immediately put it back into his pocket. What would he say? Heck, who could he call? No one knew about him and Kate. Kate carried a phone, but he didn’t know her number.

  But Kate knew his.

  Dan was off on a date – so Murphy doubted he’d know where Kate was, anyway. Even the Callahan kids were staying overnight with friends.

  Maybe she’d decided to pick up some food or something she needed from town and was running late?

  He sighed heavily. Was she really standing him up?

  Well, he’d just sit here and wait. She’d have to come home, sometime. Wouldn’t she?

  Quickly returning to the truck, Murphy pulled out the unopened case of beer he’d left in the back seat. It was a parting gift for Dan. But what the heck? Drinking a few beers might take the edge off his irritation.

  Four hours later, Murphy was sipping on his last beer and still gazing out towards the lake when he finally began to doze off. The previous night had been long and sleepless, and he’d have a lengthy drive home to Chicago tomorrow. He heaved a sigh of frustration, and grimaced, as he stretched up from his seat.

  After returning the rest of the warm beer to his truck, he pulled a blanket out from the backseat.

  The longer he waited, the angrier he became. Damn it, how could she? Didn’t Kate realize that what they had together was special?

  Returning to the deck, Murphy settled back into the lounge chair with the blanket and promptly fell asleep.

  * * *

  Murphy awoke gradually to the roar of a motorboat speeding by on the lake. Cracking open his eyes and peering out, he recognized the emblem on the game warden’s patrol boat. Hmm. What was the warden’s name? Jim Dupree. It was odd how many times Murphy had run into him over the last few weeks. Jim stood at the wheel of his cruiser and stared disapprovingly at Murphy as he steered the boat past the dock.

  Yeah, Murphy thought, the guy was definitely strange.

  After unwrapping himself from the blanket, Murphy glanced at his watch. Six a.m. He took one final look at the cabin. He’d awoken several times throughout the night to check for Kate.

  She’d never come home.

  Numb with grief, Murphy sluggishly made his way to his truck. Pulling open the door, he grabbed the long cardboard tube he’d left inside.

  Murphy sighed, staring down at the cardboard tube in his hands. It was hard to believe – it’d only been six short hours before, when he’d intended to surprise Kate with these plans.

  Ah, well, he’d leave them for her, anyway, he decided. What use did he have for them now? Strolling up onto the back porch and opening the screen door, Murphy propped the tube up against the doorframe. Turning away from the cabin, he strode determinedly back to his truck.

  Slipping into the cab, he started up the engine. Shifting into gear, he pulled into the driveway and drove along the gravel until he reached the access road.

  And never once, did Murphy look back.

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-ONE

  Six years later...

  “He’s really talking about finally getting married?”

  “Just a minute, Jen.” Holding her hand over the receiver, Meg Murphy furtively scoped out the kitchen behind her. She sighed with relief before continuing. “He was just here with me in the kitchen only a few minutes ago. Yeah. I don’t know what to do, Jenny. I can’t stand the woman. Sean and I nearly lost it when Mike announced their engagement. Amanda didn’t even have the courtesy to come along with Mike to make the announcement.”

  “Oh no, Meg.” After an extended silence, Jenny continued, “You know – I’m kind of afraid of what this news might do to Kate.”

  “Kate? But I thought you said she was involved with someone else, now?”

  “Oh, Meg. I think that all of this time – when we thought she was involved with Dylan – it was only a ploy – they were just close friends. It’s easier to remain professional when you have a bunch of employees, mostly men, working under you if they think you’re taken. She was always getting hit on.”

  “Well, I can sure understand that. Kate’s a lovely girl, and she’s so darn talented. Everything she sends to sell at my shop is snatched up immediately. I can barely keep up with the demand. I had five orders for coffee tables, just last week alone. It’s kind of amazing how long everyone is willing to wait for them, too. I think that her work’s becoming a trend – similar to artwork. But what did you mea
n – when you said that you’re worried about how Kate will handle the news of Michael’s engagement?”

  “Meg – didn’t you know? Something really serious happened between those two during the summer Murphy was here for his internship.”

  “Was that why he was still moping around here for so many months afterward?” Meg suddenly thought about the picture she’d recently discovered, tucked behind the drawer of Mike’s bedside table. “During his senior year of college, he didn’t seem to be enthusiastic about anything!”

  “You know, it was after your son left town that Kate made the decision to attend college. It was such an about-face from her original plans, to immediately take over Callahan Construction.” There was a pause at the end of the line. “Meg,” Jenny began excitedly. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  “Yeah. If Michael really wanted to marry that woman, why hasn’t he done it before now?”

  “What’s been holding him back? You don’t suppose that it’s always been Kate?”

  “We need a plan. I know I shouldn’t interfere. But Amanda Ryland will never make my Michael happy.”

  “When are they supposed to get married?”

  “Supposedly, not until next June. Amanda wants a huge wedding with all the trimmings, of course. With her, I have no doubt, everything will have to be absolutely perfect.”

  Jenny giggled. “Oh, Meg. I wish I had some advice for you.” She sighed. “By the way – that’s actually why I called. Are you and Sean still planning on driving up to Crystal Rock for our family celebration this weekend? Of course we want the two of you to stay with us. I just wanted to double-check.”

  “Of course, we’re coming. Thirty years of marriage – and another wedding to renew your vows? We wouldn’t miss it for the world. I never knew your husband had it in him to be so romantic.”

  Jenny chuckled. “To tell you the truth, he kind of surprised me too. I think our friends, Jake and Danielle Loughlin, might’ve put the idea in his head.”

  Meg began to squeal excitedly, “Jenny...that’s it! I’ve got the perfect plan. Of course, I’m not exactly sure that it’ll work. But it’s worth a try. I really want my son to be happy, and marrying Amanda isn’t gonna do it for him. I know it in my heart. Here’s what you’re gonna have to do. God, I hope this works. Listen up...”

  * * *

  “It’ll happen with one, single kiss.”

  “What?”

  “That you’ll fall in love.”

  Christina was solemn. “You’ll fight it. And it’ll be several years before you’re willing to accept it. But you’re never gonna be able to forget that kiss.”

  Kate awoke suddenly. She just couldn’t believe it – she was having that same, stupid, dream again. Growling out her frustration, she tossed and turned, punching the pillow. Ever since she’d heard the news that Michael Murphy and his girlfriend had become engaged and were finally getting married, she’d been restless and unsettled.

  Coming to a realization, she hastily sat up in the bed.

  She just couldn’t let it happen.

  She finally knew what she wanted.

  What she needed.

  And it was time to make her move.

  Before it was too late.

  * * *

  “You’re sure, Kate?” Close friend, and former boyfriend, Dylan Nash sat next to Kate at the end of the dock, their bare feet dangling over the water.

  “Yeah.” Kate dipped her toes into the water absentmindedly. “I’ve been a coward, Dylan, hiding behind you these last few years.”

  He chuckled. “It’s been my pleasure, Kate.” Dylan sighed, hanging his head. “And it’s given me a reprieve from my mother’s continuous attempts at marrying me off. She’s gonna be really disappointed, though. I’m pretty sure she thought we were headed to the altar.”

  Kate turned to study Dylan. He was incredibly attractive, with intense silvery-blue eyes and thick dark-brown hair. And he had a body to die for. His strong broad shoulders and lean narrow hips had always drawn envious stares from other women. “Somehow, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble replacing me. Every single girl, who’s living here in town, will be relieved to hear you’re back on the market,” she announced dryly.

  He grinned. “Ehh...I don’t know about that. There’s never been a woman who’s ever really struck me right where it counts.” He pounded a fist against his heart exaggeratedly.

  She grinned. “You came along at a pretty rough time in my life.” Kate gazed up towards the clear blue sky. “Julie was offered that job in Colorado, and Dad was giving me a lot more responsibility once I was finished with school.”

  Dylan Nash had arrived in Crystal Rock only few years earlier, when tourism began picking up in the community. He’d become the assistant to the head game warden, Jim Dupree, who hadn’t been able to keep up with the demands of his job. Kate and Dylan had instantly clicked. Once they’d begun dating, they’d discovered there just hadn’t been enough of a physical connection between them to continue as anything more than friends.

  “Are you still having problems with Jim?”

  “Yeah.” He sighed. “He’s what my dad would’ve called – an old stick-in-the-mud. It’s either his way, or no way.” Dylan grimaced. “He won’t even let me rearrange the filing system in the office – and it’s a mess. He sends me out to deal with complaints in the community and around the lake, while supposedly, he’s doing the patrolling. But no one ever really sees him. As far as I can tell, he hasn’t even issued any recent tickets for violations. It seems like I’m issuing them all the time. It’s amazing how many out-of-state tourists don’t even bother to purchase a fishing license.”

  “So what does Jim do?”

  Apparently puzzled, Dylan shook his head. “I don’t know. Drinks, maybe? Sometimes, I swear, I smell alcohol on his breath.”

  Kate nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me. Even though Jim’s been a fixture in the community for years, I’ve never really liked him.” She frowned. “It’s strange he’s never been married – Dad says Jim used to have a steady girlfriend back in high school. Truthfully, he’s always kind of given me the creeps.” She grimaced. “He has this weird way of looking at me. And I sure run into him a lot.”

  “Hmm. Really?” Dylan frowned. “That does seem really odd. Sometimes I think that you see him more than I do – and I work with the guy.” Dylan inhaled sharply and shook his head. “I’ve decided I’d better keep an eye on him, Kate. I don’t want his negligence falling back on me – just in case something does go down in the future.”

  Kate nodded her agreement.

  Dylan glanced at the cabin behind them. “We’ve got just about everything moved out of there, now – don’t we?”

  “Yeah,” she said, turning to stare at the dilapidated cabin. “Lots of good memories, but time to move on. Everything that hasn’t been sold, I’ve placed in storage. This property’s sure gonna look different three months from now.”

  “Have you finished revising the plans?” Dylan asked quietly.

  “Yeah. I’ve rearranged the placement of the kitchen and flipped the positioning of the bedrooms upstairs. I moved the master-suite to the upper level. And I’ve also added a small greenhouse to my workshop. But, basically, I’ve kept the plans as Murphy drew them.

  “I’m glad you’re finally moving forward, Kate,” Dylan said quietly.

  “Yeah.” She sighed heavily. “So – do you actually think that this scheme will work?”

  Dylan snorted. “Of course it will.”

  “I don’t know why it took me so long to finally see it, Dylan. I’ve never let Michael go – I just couldn’t. Working with his mother, I’ve kept track of every single thing that’s happened in his life since he left.” Kate hesitated. “I don’t know. Do you really think that he’s still interested? It’s been over six years – almost seven.”

  He smiled wryly. “Trust me Kate. He’s been dating this woman for, what – about five years, now? What’s been holdin
g him back from getting married before now? Especially since he’s apparently been successful enough to be promoted to partner? Trust me – he’s still thinking about you. He hasn’t had closure. He’s just waiting for a reason to come back here.”

  * * *

  “Of course I don’t mind if you move home for a while. In fact, I’d love it.” Jenny hesitated, “Honey, about your relationship with Dylan...”

  They’d had this argument a million times before. And, instantly, Kate went on the defensive. “Mom – I’m not promiscuous, I’m selective. There is a difference, you know.”

  It’d always been a barrier, this continuous squabbling with her daughter. Ever since Kate had been a teenager, Jenny had constantly worried about her, as well as her casual view towards sex. Now, Kate finally needed to know that Jenny understood. Having put work above everything else, Kate had always been too unemotionally involved with the men she’d dated.

  But, coincidentally, her detachment had occurred immediately after her sister had been kidnapped and raped.

  Jenny hesitated, and held up her hand. “Sweetheart...stop. I just wanted to let you in on something – something that I think you really need to know.”

  Kate stilled.

  “I’ve always been aware of the pills that you’ve had – ever since you were a teenager. You know – for birth control? I’ve also known that Lucy helped you get them.”

  Kate seemed stunned.

  Jenny turned away sheepishly. “Lucy and I discussed it. I found them in your vanity. And – well, I had a talk with her – once I realized that she was the one you must’ve turned to.”

  Kate remained speechless.

  “I was shocked, of course – even though you and Lucy have always been as different as night and day. But she made me realize why – why you’ve treated sex so casually. She claimed it was all about control – since Lucy had no control over what happened to her. Each of us, in our own way, was traumatized by her rape. And that was your way of dealing with it – by taking control over who you had sex with, as well as when it would happen.