That Unforgettable Kiss

by Tamara Ferguson

  The A-line gown of ivory fit her mother’s shape flawlessly. Although the neckline was low cut, the lacy, long-sleeved bolero gave the beautiful gown a simple elegance. An abbreviated cap, with a net of tulle, covered her mother’s strawberry-blonde hair, which had been pulled up into a simple chignon. Paired with gloves, the entire ensemble had the flair of art deco, and was reminiscent of the gown Jenny had worn thirty years before when she and Cal had first married.

  The guests throughout the room rose to their feet as her mother began to make her way down the aisle. Kate could see the tears in her mother’s eyes when she hesitated, and reached out her hand for Kate’s.

  Clasping her mother’s hand, Kate squeezed it gently.

  After giving Kate a misty smile, Jenny continued down the aisle.

  Soon, she was standing next to her husband on the dais before the priest.

  The room grew silent, the air heavy with expectation as the gathering of guests waited patiently for the commencement of the ceremony.

  A frantic call suddenly resounded through the solarium. “Kate, stop. Please!”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Ignoring the crowd, Murphy went rushing down the aisle to approach the couple.

  The priest was obviously startled, his mouth gaping as he watched Murphy running down the walkway.

  Simultaneously, the couple standing before the priest turned, and Murphy’s jaw dropped.

  He came to a sudden halt. “Jenny? Cal?” he said in disbelief.

  Hushed laughter began echoing throughout the room.

  “But...but what...” Murphy swallowed. “What’s going on?”

  Jenny suddenly began laughing too. “I’m really glad you could join us today, Murphy.”

  Shrugging, Cal reached out, and shook Murphy’s limp hand. And then he smiled as he stared over Murphy’s shoulder. “Hmm. I’ve evidently missed something here.”

  And then, there she was, right by his side. As her eyes held his, Murphy realized that Kate was even more beautiful than he remembered.

  “Kate? But...I thought...you’re not getting married today?”

  She was obviously puzzled as she shook her head. But then she reached for his hand. “We can talk about all of this later, Michael,” she whispered. “I guess you didn’t know that my mom and dad were renewing their vows today?”

  The laughter grew louder as Kate dragged him down the aisle to where she’d been seated.

  “Murphy,” Cal called out.

  Stopping in his tracks, Murphy spun around.

  At first, Cal only stared at him sternly. But then he grinned. “Welcome to the family, son.”

  Murphy nodded distractedly. Kate continued to hold his hand, as she gently shoved him into a seat. Glancing at the faces of the guests seated further down the aisle, he was startled. His mom and dad were both sitting there, grinning from ear to ear. “Mom? Dad?” he hissed.

  His father shrugged. “Don’t look at me son. I’m never gonna question your mother’s judgment again. Making you believe that Kate was going to be married today, that was all her idea.”

  His mother smiled smugly. “Jenny was in on it, too.”

  This time, it was Kate’s turn to appear stunned.

  Even though she was obviously surprised, Murphy noticed there were tears in her eyes. He lowered his eyes to her hand, still joined with his. He couldn’t believe it. He was here with Kate.

  And, apparently, she’d missed him just as much as he’d missed her.

  Her eyes met his.

  Oh, God. He wanted to yank her into his arms and kiss her – right here – right now.

  With a sigh, he attempted to focus his attention back on the wedding. Squeezing Kate’s hand reassuringly, he settled back in his seat to listen to the service.

  * * *

  Kate couldn’t believe it. He was actually here, with that same endearing smile and that same silly awkwardness. She’d struggled with disbelief throughout the ceremony, despite his warm hand clasping hers.

  She couldn’t seem to keep the smile off her face. Dylan had been right.

  Obviously, it hadn’t been the magazine article that had brought Murphy here but something else instead. A convoluted plan instigated by his mother – and her own.

  Those two. Kate shook her head with amusement. Apparently, she and Murphy hadn’t been quite as successful at hiding their feelings for each other as they’d thought.

  But what about his fiancée? Where did she fit into the picture?

  Suddenly troubled, she gazed at Murphy from across the room. After the wedding ceremony, they’d had to split up for a while, so the photographer could take the family’s photos.

  Murphy and Dan stood together, and appeared to be deep in conversation.

  “Kate?” Julie asked, and Kate turned her attention back to her friend. “I’m totally confused about what’s been going on here today.”

  “What do you mean, Jules?”

  Julie’s eyes searched Kate’s. “What about you and Dylan?”

  “Julie. You mean I never told you?”

  “Told me what?”

  Kate shook her head in amusement. “You really don’t get home to Crystal Rock nearly enough.

  Julie lifted a questioning brow. “What do ya mean?”

  “Dylan and I haven’t actually been a couple for a really long time, now. It was easier to pretend we were still together. His mom is always trying to marry him off. And I was having a lot of trouble with guys coming on to me at work. It was getting to be really annoying. I would’ve have told you ages ago, if you’d actually been around more. You haven’t even been calling me very much on the phone or answering my emails.”

  Strangely, Julie appeared to be much more cheerful after Kate’s comment. “Well, I haven’t had time to tell you yet, but there’s a pretty big chance that everything’s about to change.” Julie drew in a deep breath. “I’ve finally been offered a teaching position at Crystal Visions.”

  “Julie, that’s wonderful!” Kate wrapped her friend in a warm hug.

  “What’s wonderful?” Dylan asked, unexpectedly appearing at Julie’s side.

  Julie grew quiet, as she peeked up at Dylan.

  “It looks like Julie might be moving back home to Crystal Rock,” Kate explained.

  Dylan froze, and searched Julie’s eyes for confirmation.

  Kate grinned. Yep. No doubt about it – sparks were sure flying between these two.

  Dylan finally cleared his throat and responded. “That’s great news, Julie.”

  Having been distracted by Julie and Dylan, Kate noticed that Murphy had apparently finished his conversation with Dan. He glared at Dylan when he noticed him standing beside Kate and approached them determinedly from across the room.

  Positioning himself like a sentry by her side, Murphy reached for Kate’s hand and held it possessively.

  And Dylan began laughing as he glanced from Kate to Murphy. Dylan winked deliberately at Kate as he thumped his fist on his chest and turned to Julie. “Since this lovely lady, here, appears to be unchaperoned, she’ll have to be my date for the rest of day – now that Kate’s gone and broken my heart.” He reached for Julie’s hand, clasping it in his own.

  Julie’s jaw dropped, and she was definitely taken aback as Dylan began leading her away. Raising a hand in farewell to Kate and Murphy, she dazedly followed along as Dylan dragged her slowly across the room.

  “What was that all about?” Murphy demanded.

  Kate grinned. Murphy was obviously jealous. “I think those two might’ve had a thing for each other – and I never even noticed.”

  “Good,” Murphy growled.

  Kate laughed. If Michael only knew what Dylan had done to plead Michael’s case – and he’d never even met him before.

  Murphy’s eyes searched the room before coming back to Kate’s. “How long before we can get out of here, Kate? We’ve got a lot to talk about.” Looking down at his jeans and T-shirt, he added ruefully, “I’m no
t exactly dressed for the occasion, anyway.”

  Shaking her head, she grinned. “Would you believe, I never even noticed?”

  He smiled, and then studied her from head to toe. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more beautiful than you do today, Kate,” he said quietly. “You’ve grown lovelier through the years.” His eyes captured and held hers heatedly.

  It took her a moment, but reluctantly, Kate managed to break away from his gaze. She answered softly, “I don’t think my parents would mind if we left right now – given the circumstances.”

  Murphy nodded, and directed her towards the door.

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-FIVE

  Thirty minutes later, they’d managed to make their way out from the reception and sat inside Murphy’s car in the parking lot.

  Hesitating, Murphy stared into her eyes. “I want to kiss you so badly, Kate.” He smiled ruefully. “But I’m afraid if I kiss you now, I won’t be able to stop.”

  Kate grinned delightedly and Murphy grinned back. Peering through the windshield, Murphy turned his attention to the jam-packed parking lot as he turned the key in the ignition. “Are you still living at the cabin?” he questioned.

  Kate appeared startled by the question. There was an odd tone in her voice when she answered. “Yeah.”

  He raised a questioning brow. “What?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Your voice sounded kind of strange when you answered me – that’s all.”

  “Oh – it’s just that I’ve made some changes since the last time you were there.”

  He nodded distractedly, as he shifted the car into gear.

  Murphy drove through the exit of the parking lot quietly and hung a left onto the access road. He was beginning to feel really drained. After all, he’d been up the entire night.

  Kate silently studied him from the passenger seat of his Lexus.

  “What?” Murphy asked, aware that her eyes were searching his face.

  Giving him a hesitant smile, she shook her head. “It’s just that – you’ve become so successful, Michael. I’ve heard you’ve been made a partner at your company, and you have a great apartment in downtown Chicago.” She motioned with her hand. “And even this car is amazing.”

  “Maybe not for too much longer, Kate,” he said, as his eyes met hers. She definitely seemed surprised by his response. “By the way, I’m not engaged anymore, if that was your subtle way of leading into the question.”

  Suddenly, she smiled and nothing else mattered. Somehow still managing to manipulate the steering wheel of his car, he reached for her hand and squeezed it.

  Turning his car into her driveway, Murphy abruptly stepped down on the brakes, staring dazedly ahead at where the cabin had once stood. “Kate?” Astonished, he turned to her for an explanation.

  She gave him a tender smile.

  “You built my house, Kate?” he asked excitedly. Eagerly now, Murphy drove further along the driveway, pulling his car to a halt when he reached the three-car garage.

  He smiled wryly. “You changed a few things?”

  Kate grinned. “Two-car garage, three-car garage – what’s the difference? I needed a larger workshop. I even attached a greenhouse. You’re gonna love it, Michael.”

  Murphy had already jumped out of the car. He rushed up the steps of the wraparound porch and began studying the siding and materials. Enthusiastically, he peered inside through the windows as he strolled along the extended length of the deck. “Seeing it finished, Kate, seeing all the materials you’ve used – it’s not at all what I expected.”

  Kate grew quiet behind him.

  Glancing at her face, Murphy instantly noticed her disappointment. “Oh, no, Kate. I meant what I said in a good way. You’ve completed this home, just as I’d envisioned it. You took the necessary steps to make it unique – something that I’ve never been able to consider since I’ve been drawing up plans at Ryland’s. I’m never allowed any leeway, at all. Mark Ryland looks over my shoulder like I’m still an intern. In fact, after winning that contest back in college, the plans I came up with for this place have been the only original plans I’ve ever drawn up since. I’ve tried to get creative, but Mark always takes on the same old boring projects.

  “Oh, Michael,” Kate said, reaching for his hand. “I’m so sorry.”

  He hesitated, squeezing her hand. “Kate...I’ve taken a month’s vacation from work. But I’m pretty sure that, once I return, I’ll be giving Mark my notice.”

  She gave him a tender smile. “Don’t make a decision now. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll go along with it.”

  His eyes were wide as he moved in closer. “Kate?”

  In silent acknowledgement, she nodded. “Callahan Construction managed to do alright without me when I went away to school. I can do a lot of the work long distance, now.” She smiled, wryly. “I think that Kelly’s planning on taking over the financials, eventually, when she graduates from college. And Jeff’s a whiz with computers – he’s updated our system three times in the last six years.”

  Still holding Murphy’s hand, Kate led him around on the deck of the house until they reached the lakefront.

  Murphy stilled, taking in the view. “Oh, Kate – this is perfect. It’s just as I imagined it.” The deck was huge and extended over the roof of the brand new boathouse, built to encompass the shore. A wall of windows opened up to the deck from inside. A discreetly hidden staircase climbed up alongside the house providing access down to the lake from all four floors.

  All the while, Murphy couldn’t take his eyes off Kate. Her hips swayed invitingly as she stepped across the porch in that sexy blue dress.

  From the moment he’d seen her today, he’d had exactly the same reaction as he’d had nearly seven years ago. And he was becoming increasingly aroused by the second. “Show me inside, Kate,” he asked hoarsely. He needed to touch her – and to hold her. He just couldn’t wait any longer.

  Silently, she unlocked the front door. Reaching for his hand, she tugged gently and pulled him inside to the foyer.

  Pushing shut the door, Murphy dropped her hand as he turned and stared at her. Before Kate could utter a word, he yanked her into his arms, his mouth hotly, hungrily covering hers.

  * * *

  Michael’s kiss was everything she remembered – and just so much more. The kiss swirled down and around her like fiery heat, satisfying places inside of her that’d longed for him, for what seemed like forever.

  Just as abruptly, Murphy suddenly surprised her by easing her back against his shoulder. His gaze was intense, but thoughtful, as his hand glided soothingly over her shoulder. Their bodies touched at intervals where the pressure of him was warm and hard, yet reassuring. His hand was gentle as it brushed across the side of her face.

  “I want our first time together to be special, Kate,” he said, softly.

  “Don’t you realize that every time we’re together it already is special, Michael? This entire day has been extraordinary from the moment you showed up to stop the wedding.” She sighed contentedly, as a flood of desire filled Kate’s heart and invaded her senses. “This has been a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

  His hand moved through her hair, cupping the back of her head, angling her face towards his. It seemed like everything was happening in slow motion, Kate thought suddenly. It was all just so unreal.

  And when Murphy’s mouth covered hers, her every sense was invaded again by that sizzling spark of fiery heat. Kate closed her eyes, sinking into the kiss, letting herself do nothing but feel the fire.

  Keeping her wrapped tightly within his arms, Murphy finally broke away from their kiss. “I’m so tired, Kate. I was driving all night.” Smiling wryly, he gazed back into her eyes. “And I’ve hardly slept all week – because I was so upset about the fact that you were, supposedly, getting married.”

  Kate grinned wryly.

  Murphy laughed, before grimacing and wrinkling his nose. “Plus, I could really use a sh
ower.”

  Kate laughed softly. “Really?” She shook her head dazedly. “I never even noticed.”

  Murphy smiled enigmatically.

  Kate smiled back as she rolled her eyes and reached for his hand. “C’mon.”

  Kate led him through the house. Murphy vaguely took in the details of the interior as she pulled him up the staircase into the master suite. The colors of the walls and finishes were lovely, in muted shades of blues and greens.

  “You added an extra floor, too?”

  “Yeah. One flight of stairs leads down into the family room, and there’s access into the boathouse. I decided on two flights of stairs leading up into the bedrooms as a safety precaution in case of a fire.”

  “Good idea,” he muttered.

  Kate continued, “And I turned the entire fourth floor into a master suite. I needed a larger walk-in closet and bathroom than your original plans allowed for. Plus, I really wanted a soaker tub, too. Some nights, I’m pretty tired and sore when I’ve been working on site.”

  When they finally reached the top of the staircase, Murphy stared with amazement at the open, airy suite. “A skylight?” Murphy grinned. “This is great.” He searched the room, taking in all the details. The colors of the fireplace surround were contemporary and vibrant, in blues and greens, and were carried on into the master bath. After stopping and staring for a minute, Murphy stepped past the fireplace and headed towards the entrance of the bathroom. “Did you do all of this tile work, Kate?”

  “I thought that the interior needed these pops of color.” She hesitated. “Do you like it?”

  “I love it. It’s absolutely beautiful.” He yawned, suddenly exhausted. “God, what we could do together.” And then, with realization dawning, his eyes met hers. “That’s it. Kate,” he mumbled wearily.

  But taking him in hand, Kate slowly began removing his shirt. Relishing the look of approval in her eyes as Kate slowly began stripping away his clothes, his mind went blank on everything but the feel of her hands on him.