That Unforgettable Kiss

by Tamara Ferguson

  Cal shook his head. “I doubt it. Don’t forget, our tracking devices are deactivated once the materials reach their intended worksite.”

  Kate nodded. “And, besides, this is the first time anything but lumber and roofing materials have been stolen. We just weren’t prepared.”

  Shoving his plate aside, Murphy reached for his coffee cup. “Another thing I’ve been thinking about, with the lake – what if that’s how your thief surveys your worksites? I mean, if the robberies are preplanned, wouldn’t your thief have to be someone who wouldn’t seem out of place if he’s around the worksite a lot?”

  “Yeah. I see what you’re saying, Murph. What if it isn’t even one of our employees?”

  Murphy shrugged. “Or there could be more than one thief. Would he need to have help – loading up what he’s stealing?”

  Cal nodded thoughtfully. “No, not necessarily.”

  Julie’s father, Jeff Thompson appeared, pulling out a chair and dropping down to a seat at their table. “It’s all over town today, guys – what happened last night at the Clarkson place. And I know something that I thought you’d like to know – guess who I saw in town yesterday?

  All eyes were inquisitive as they turned toward Jeff.

  “Brian Lancaster.”

  * * *

  Once Kate had learned Brian was staying with his family at their vacation home on Stone Lake, she’d talked her father into letting her be the one to go and talk with him. Of course, Murphy had insisted on accompanying her.

  Now was just as good of a time as any, she’d decided, after they’d all finished up with their breakfast. And Murphy had agreed.

  There was an array of vehicles parked together when Kate pulled her truck into the driveway belonging to the Lancaster cabin.

  Jumping out of the truck, Murphy met up with Kate on the driver’s side to assist her down from the seat.

  She grinned. “I’ve never really dated a guy who has manners.”

  Murphy snorted, wrapping a protective arm over her shoulders.

  When they reached the front door, she rang the bell. Kate heard voices beyond the door, and the sound of steps approaching.

  Carrying a baby wrapped within his arms, a tall handsome man answered the door.

  Kate gawked silently, until she was able to get over her initial shock. “Brian. Is that really you?”

  When the little girl began squirming in his arms, Brian offered Kate a rueful smile. “Hi, Kate. How in the heck are ya? You haven’t changed a bit. It’s good to finally see you again.” His gaze was thoughtful as he stared at his other visitor. “Murphy? You, too, huh? I can’t say that I’m surprised.” Brian frowned down at the baby who was squeezing his nose. “Sammie,” Brian cooed, in a sing song voice. “What did I tell you? Daddy can’t breathe when you pinch me like that.”

  Kate stared in disbelief.

  “Come on in, you two, and meet my wife, Karen. And this, by the way, is my daughter, Samantha.”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-SEVEN

  “I just couldn’t believe it, Julie. Somehow, I never imagined Brian being married, let alone with a baby. His little girl is absolutely adorable.”

  Murphy grinned. “His wife is pretty down to earth, too. The guy definitely seems to be whipped.”

  Kate laughed. “She really does appear to have Brian under her thumb, doesn’t she? He doesn’t even seem to mind it, either.”

  Julie smiled. “It’s hard to believe that he’s married. He was always kind of a player, Kate. In fact, I heard rumors, that he might’ve been seeing someone else when he was dating you, too,” she added, and suddenly appeared uncomfortable. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you. But once I found out that you’d broken it off with him, I didn’t even bother.”

  Kate was taken aback. “Oh, Julie. I’m sorry that I never, ever, told you – but, yeah, I think he was seeing someone else. I saw him out one night with Diane Montgomery after he and I had broken up. He had his arm wrapped around her shoulders. And with the way he was touching her, I could tell that they were a lot more than just friends. It didn’t really surprise me, because there was always something nagging at the back of mind while we were dating.”

  Despite her own revelations, Julie seemed strangely amazed when Kate revealed this information. “Diane? But she’s almost old enough to be his mother.”

  Murphy snickered.

  “What?” Kate turned to Murphy.

  He paused. “It’s just that – I’m not sure if you can remember – that night when Dan and I came back here to the cabin – that night I got so drunk?”

  Rolling her eyes, Kate nodded.

  Murphy smiled sheepishly. “Something was definitely going on between those two that night. They were sitting with each other at the bar.” He hesitated before adding, “She is a really beautiful woman.”

  Kate agreed. “But it didn’t really bother me, you know? I didn’t have any trouble, breaking up with Brian – not at all.” She turned to Julie, carefully choosing her words. “What really got me upset was finding out that, behind my back, he was making passes at my very best friend.”

  Julie gaped and brought her hands to her mouth. “Oh, Kate. You knew? Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

  Kate shrugged. “It just didn’t matter to me, Julie. He didn’t matter to me. If my feelings had been involved, I probably would’ve cared. Instead, I just broke it off. It was easier that way.” Kate reached for Julie’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “I’m sorry if he made you question your loyalties. I suspect you might’ve actually been attracted to him, Jules? He’s a pretty good looking guy.”

  Hanging her head, Julie muttered, “You know me way too well, Kate. I’d just broken up with my boyfriend, remember? Brian caught me with my defenses down.”

  Murphy gave Julie a smile of reassurance. “I never really thought Brian was that bad of a guy. Maybe a little spoiled, I guess? Obviously used to having his way with women. But I think he’s definitely in love now.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” Kate smiled back at Murphy.

  Julie stared back and forth from Kate to Murphy. “Well,” she cleared her throat, “you two haven’t had a whole lot of time to be alone. Maybe I should go now?”

  Both Kate and Murphy shook their heads.

  “I’m here for the next month, Julie,” Murphy reassured her. “Kate and I will manage to make time for each other. Our friends are important, too. How about we spend the afternoon on the lake? Maybe ski – and get some sun?”

  “I think I’ll give Dylan a call, too, and ask him to come along. He’s off today,” Kate added.

  Both Murphy and Julie stared at Kate, with matching frowns.

  Kate raised a brow, her gaze shifting from Julie to Murphy. “What?”

  “Nothing,” they both responded simultaneously.

  * * *

  For the next few weeks, Murphy just couldn’t help it – he knew he was walking around with a great big smile on his face. He’d never been this happy. Kate filled the void in his life that he’d never known was empty.

  And his parents had been thrilled for them – especially his mother. Before they’d driven off to return to Chicago, Murphy had warned his parents that he was thinking about quitting his job at Ryland’s. Although his dad was somewhat concerned, his mom had completely understood his reasoning. She’d been worried about him for long time now, she’d admitted. And his engagement to a woman who thought about no one but herself had been the last straw. She certainly wouldn’t apologize for scheming with Jenny Callahan. After all, look how well it’d turned out. But he and Kate still needed to take the time to get to know each other better, she’d advised, before they took their relationship another step further.

  And that’s just what they did – got to know one another better. Lazy August days were spent boating and skiing on the lake. Sometimes, Julie and Dylan hung out with Murphy and Kate; when they weren’t too busy fighting their attraction for one another. One night, Murphy and Kate even had dinner
with Brian Lancaster and his family. Despite extra work piling up because of the robbery, after finally locating replacement materials for the Clarkson home, Kate had managed to take some time off from Callahan Construction. There wasn’t a whole lot more that she could actually do, she’d claimed, but reorder materials. Even when she didn’t go into the office, she was still working for at least a few hours every day costing out inventory and putting together proposals for additional jobs.

  Murphy found Kate’s work to be rather fascinating. Kate put together a unique, distinctive proposal for every individual homeowner. Her clients filled out questionnaires listing their preferences for flooring and woodwork, along with their color choices. Since Murphy had been required to use discounted materials at Ryland’s, it was proving to be extremely educational. As well as offering a widely diverse choice of materials, Kate was always ready to experiment with her customer’s suggestions.

  And her clients were always satisfied, according to Luke Arnett.

  She was simply amazing.

  And when they made love...they were so attuned to each other, it was unreal. Murphy smiled with deep-seated satisfaction considering that aspect of their relationship.

  Murphy gazed towards the lake before he returned his attention to the grill. Maybe he was imagining it, but sometimes he had a strange feeling that someone was watching them – which was odd considering there were very few homes located on this end of the lake. Shrugging, he shook off his uneasiness. He and Kate had decided to cook out, when Dylan had shown up unexpectedly. Normally, Murphy would’ve been irritated, but Dylan was obviously distracted tonight, and he seemed strangely troubled.

  And Murphy had been somewhat preoccupied himself, all day – now it was time to decide what to do with his life. Surprisingly, he hadn’t had a call from Mark Ryland. He knew that’d he’d hear from him sooner or later. Murphy happened to know that Mark made more of a profit, from his design work, than from any other architect working in his firm. Murphy seemed to have a way with people, he’d been told, and he was popular with the clients.

  Mark was probably attempting to come up with a plan to entice him to return. A bigger office? Murphy grimaced. Maybe more money? Nothing that really mattered so much anymore.

  The only thing that mattered now was Kate. He’d just take everything else day by day, he decided. He’d even come up with a tentative plan after hearing a name mentioned in town the previous week.

  Brian Johnson – the architect responsible for refurbishing many of the lakefront homes and several of the cabins was here in Crystal Rock.

  Supposedly, Brian was looking for a partner. From what Murphy had heard, Brian worked with traditional concepts – and he wanted to take on an architect who would focus on contemporary design. Murphy couldn’t have asked for a job more tailor made for him.

  He’d have to find an opportunity to talk with Brian Johnson, before mentioning the idea to Kate. Although, she didn’t seem to be visibly worried on the outside, Murphy had a sneaking suspicion Kate was afraid he’d return to Chicago.

  He mentally shook himself. Not likely. He knew where his happiness lay now. He and Kate would work things out – he’d make damned sure of it.

  Thoughtfully, Murphy turned his gaze to Kate and Dylan, where they were both leaning up against the railing of the deck, and he frowned. They seemed to be pretty close. He supposed he didn’t have any reason to be jealous – Kate had revealed that her relationship with Dylan had remained platonic for the last few years. But he just couldn’t help it. The thought of Kate sleeping with another guy...well...he rolled his eyes. He’d better get over it. After all, the past was the past. There’d been other women in his life, too, even before he’d met Amanda.

  Murphy returned his attention to the grill and began flipping the burgers.

  * * *

  Kate was engrossed in the conversation she and Dylan had begun, while Murphy was busy grilling the burgers. She’d been able to tell from the moment Dylan arrived that something was bothering him, and it hadn’t taken too much effort to coax the information out of him.

  “Is something wrong, Dylan?”

  Dylan grimaced. “It’s just that work is really getting to me, Kate. Something must be going on with Jim Dupree in his personal life. He’s been acting even more wacko than usual, lately. I was getting ready to patrol my regular route yesterday, when Jim insisted on switching up with me for the entire day. Usually we alternate on a weekly basis. I just can’t figure out his motives for shaking up our schedules all the time. And now he even makes me check in at the office before I’m allowed to take the boat out on the lake. It wastes a lot of time, when one of us should be out patrolling.”

  “Is there anyone else in charge you can talk to – about Jim and his behavior, Dylan?”

  He shook his head. “Not really, Kate. He’s got seniority. But I’ve come to a decision.” Dylan sighed. “I probably won’t be hanging out with you guys as much for a while.” He grinned, before staring at Murphy as he flipped the burgers on the grill. “Why do I have a feeling that you’re probably not gonna miss me too much?”

  Kate rolled her eyes but then she grinned. “So, what are you planning on doing, Dylan?”

  Dylan shrugged. “I’m just gonna keep an eye on Jim, when I have time off – follow him around a bit – see what he’s up to. Maybe if I can figure him out, I might be able to understand why he behaves the way he does.”

  Kate stared at Dylan, not bothering to hide her concern.

  Abandoning the burgers on the grill and taking a sip from his beer, Murphy began to approach them when he saw the worried frown on Kate’s face. “What’s the problem?”

  “It’s Jim Dupree – Dylan’s boss. He’s been causing Dylan some trouble at work, lately. Dylan’s decided he’d gonna follow him around on his days off, to discover what Jim’s up to.”

  “Jim Dupree. That name sounds vaguely familiar.” Murphy frowned, racking his brain. “Didn’t I meet the guy once?”

  Kate nodded. “Yeah, come to think of it – it might’ve been back on that same day we discovered the missing lumber at the campgrounds.”

  Murphy brushed his hand across his jaw. “From what I can remember, the guy is really strange.”

  Dylan agreed with a brusque nod. “I’m tired of always arguing with him. Maybe if I can figure out why he’s so hostile, I might be able to get along with him better.”

  Kate laughed outright. “Yeah – right. Good luck with that.”

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  Kate sat in her new home office with plans for Callahan Construction’s next project spread out before her on the desk. Impatiently, she thumbed through her manual, gathering together costs of the particular doors and windows that’d been requested by her client.

  A knock suddenly sounded at the back door.

  Kate’s head jerked up as she glanced at the clock on the wall. Had Murphy forgotten his keys? He’d only been gone for a few minutes. Before he’d headed off into town this morning, he’d been acting mysterious. Maybe she should’ve been worried? But, no – he’d been in such a great mood.

  Jumping up from her seat, she strolled through the kitchen and into the foyer and peeked through the glass in the door.

  A lovely stranger, wearing a clinging black sundress, stood outside on the back porch. Although she seemed to be distraught, the woman haughtily raised her brow when Kate opened the door.

  Kate frowned at her. “I’m sorry, can I help you?”

  “I’m here for Murphy.”

  Kate blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

  Without asking for permission, the woman burst through the door. “My fiancée?” Studying Kate with obvious disdain, she let her eyes rove over her from head to toe. “I just discovered he was staying here.”

  Kate was taken aback. Fiancée? Murphy said he’d ended the engagement. She stared at the beautiful woman with her dark black hair and deep blue eyes, observing her abundant amount of curves.

&nb
sp; Just for a moment, Kate felt insecure. But why should she be? “I’m not really sure what time he’ll be home. He had some business to take care of in town.”

  Without another word, the woman turned towards the living room. Raising her brow again at Kate, she determinedly made her way through the foyer and entered the room.

  She came to a sudden halt, apparently taken aback, and her eyes searched the room with its vaulting ceiling and wall of windows.

  Inwardly, Kate smiled. The room was rather spectacular, she had to admit.

  Apparently regaining her composure, Amanda Ryland sat on the couch near the wall of windows overlooking the lake.

  Kate sighed heavily. Well, this was fun. Obviously, there’d be no avoiding a confrontation. Kate decided to return to her office, since it was located alongside the kitchen. After all, the woman wasn’t here for a social call.

  For the next few minutes, Kate attempted to concentrate on her work. But when she heard the sound of Murphy’s car in the driveway, Kate rose from her desk as he pulled up inside the garage.

  Grimly, Murphy strolled in through the breezeway from the garage. He stared at Kate for a long hard moment. “I recognized Amanda’s car in the driveway, Kate. I’m really sorry,” he muttered, holding her gaze. “I never expected her to show up here.” His eyes searched the room as he stepped into the kitchen. “Where is she?”

  Kate motioned silently towards the living room.

  Murphy looked upward, impatiently rolling his eyes. Reaching over to Kate, he tapped her chin reassuringly with his finger.

  And then he grinned.

  The tension between them was suddenly eased.

  And Kate grinned back.

  When Murphy sighed resignedly, Kate grimaced, and gently shoved him towards the living room.

  After seating herself nearby in the kitchen, Kate tried to ignore the rumble of voices, along with the pleading in the woman’s voice, as she spoke with Murphy.