Husband and children! I’ve been inhaling too many paint fumes. She had never thought about marriage and children. What’s wrong with me? Katrina loved being free of the grief and loneliness. She felt more alive than she had in a long time, but moving here wasn’t the answer. Once Nick learned the truth, he’d no longer want a relationship. If only he hadn’t stolen the key to her heart.
Katrina wanted a little more time—to enjoy the love she’d never feel again.
****
Scurrying around the cabin, Katrina prepared for her dinner date. She showered to remove the paint from her face and arms and then stepped into the dress Frankie urged her to purchase. The silk black dress was sleeveless and fell above her knees. To create a more alluring look, she wore her hair down to cascade around her shoulders. A pair of black four-inch stilettos completed her outfit.
Katrina applied her makeup and sifted through her jewelry box, choosing a cluster necklace, matching earrings, and a pavé glass rhinestone ring. Another sparkling ring in the box caught her attention, making her pulse falter. She slammed the lid close.
Tires crunched the gravel in the driveway. Katrina tucked her wallet, tissues, and lipstick into her small handbag and went to the door. Nick stood on the porch, looking incredibly handsome in dark trousers and a crisp white dress shirt, and his dinner jacket slung over a broad shoulder.
He kissed her and then stepped back, holding out her arms. His gaze ran the length of her body. “You are breathtaking. A heavenly beauty.” Stepping close, he kissed her again.
Her whole body trembled and flushed in warmth. “I just have to grab my keys from the desk.”
“We could stay here.” He winked. “I’m sure we’d find something to do.” He slipped his arms around her waist and drew her close.
Katrina tilted her head as Nick’s lips trailed along the curve of her neck. She gripped his shoulders as her legs weakened. “Then we would have gotten all dressed up for nothing,” she whispered.
“That’s true.” He brushed his lips along the back of her ear and across her cheek. “And we have that reservation. What a shame not to check out the new restaurant.” Nick grabbed her keys from the desk and draped her shawl over her shoulders. “We’d better go.”
Katrina nodded as she wiped the lipstick from his lips with her fingertip. She locked the cabin door and slipped her hand into Nick’s. A taxi pulling into the driveway caused her foot to pause before landing on the last step.
A tall man, dressed in a tailored business suit, stepped out of the car.
A tight knot twisted in her stomach. She gasped and her jaw hung wide. The heel of her shoe snagged on the step and caused her to stumble.
Nick caught her elbow and glanced down. “Are you okay?”
She shook her head. A bitter chill swept the warmth she had felt only moments ago. “No…not…now.”
The gentleman paid the driver and walked up the driveway. He glanced up, turning his path from the main house to the cabin.
“Katrina?”
She barely heard Nick say her name over the screaming voice in her head. You should have told Nick! Now it’s too late! She closed her eyes, hoping when she opened them the approaching man would be gone. Katrina opened her eyes. No such luck.
“Ma chèrie.” The man with a heavy French accent walked to Katrina and leaned to kiss both of her cheeks. “I’ve been terribly worried about you.”
Her stomach churned. This was the man whose phone calls she had been ignoring. I’m going to pass out. “Pierre, what are you doing here?”
“I thought you were only staying a few days. When I didn’t receive answers to my calls, I contacted Glen. He advised me you were fine, but I had to see for myself.”
Nick cleared his throat. His glaring stare shifted from Katrina to Pierre under furrowed brows.
Her pulse raced, and Katrina wanted to run and hide. Fighting for control, she inhaled a deep breath. “I’m sorry, where are my manners? Pierre, this is my contractor, Nick Porter. Nick, this is Pierre Harrington, he’s the manager of the cafés in Paris.” She cursed under her breath, scolding herself for not answering Pierre’s calls and avoiding this situation.
Pierre, always a gentleman, held out his hand.
Nick’s arm remained at his side, but after an awkward few seconds, he accepted the handshake.
Giving a quick nod, Pierre waved a hand toward the house. “Katrina obviously convinced you to accept her renovation project, though I’m not surprised. She’s very determined.”
Nick smirked. “She can be quite convincing when she wants to be.”
Wishing she were anywhere but here, Katrina fidgeted with the latch on her purse.
“Are you here on business?” Nick’s brow rose.
“Ah no, I’m here to check on my—”
No! “Pierre.” Katrina found her voice and took a step away from Nick. “You’ve had a long flight. You must be exhausted. Did you check in to a hotel yet?”
“No, I came straight to see you.”
She forced a smile. “We can catch up tomorrow. Let’s get you settled first.”
“We can drop him at a hotel on our way to dinner.” Nick gestured toward the truck parked in the driveway.
And stretch this uncomfortable moment even longer, I don’t think so. “Nick and I were on our way out to discuss the renovation.” Katrina caught Nick’s stare. She was sure he knew something was up, and that it wasn’t good. “The restaurant is probably very busy tonight. I wouldn’t want them to give our table to someone else. You go ahead of me. I’ll drop off Pierre at the hotel and meet you at the restaurant.” Katrina flashed a smile and then held her breath.
Nick placed a hand in the small of her back. “I guess, but don’t be long. We have a lot to talk about.”
Inside, Katrina cringed, knowing the coming conversation would be a tough one. Nick must have many questions about Pierre and why a manager would travel such distance to check-in.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Porter.” Again, Pierre held out his hand.
“And you.” Nick shook Pierre’s hand.
Katrina and Pierre walked to her car. She fumbled in her handbag to retrieve her keys.
“Mon dieu, Katrina. Where is your ring?”
She glanced up, meeting Pierre’s wide stare. Why can’t I breathe?
“Did you lose your engagement ring?”
Nick stopped halfway to his truck. “Engagement ring?” The gravel crunched beneath his shoes as he turned.
“Oui, Katrina and I are engaged to be married,” Pierre said. “Did she not tell you?”
Her vision blurred. Katrina closed her eyes and held a breath. The firm knot in her stomach twisted even tighter.
Chapter Twelve
Nick shook his head, hoping to remove the buzzing in his ears. He felt the warmth drain from his cheeks. His stomach clenched as if being hit by a strong blow. He stared blankly past Katrina. Nick couldn’t look at the woman who had betrayed him. “Katrina didn’t mention she was engaged.” He wished for her to open her mouth and deny this man’s statement as untrue.
“We haven’t officially made the announcement.” Pierre lifted Katrina’s left hand. “Where’s your ring?”
“In my jewelry box. The ring is too big. I didn’t want to lose it.”
Her voice was low, but Nick heard every word confirming the French man’s story. “Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone to catch up.” He walked with rushed footsteps to his truck.
“Pierre, I need to speak to Nick for a moment. Would you mind waiting in the cabin? Take my keys.”
Nick heard the rattle of keys and a door open and close. He reached his truck and gripped the handle until his knuckles turned white. He then opened the door and hoisted himself onto the seat.
“Nick, wait!”
He started the truck, revving the engine hard. His breaths were labored under the weight crushing his heart.
Katrina ran to the truck, clutching the open window in her hands. “P
lease let me explain.”
“I understand. You’re engaged to another man.” With stiff moves, Nick pried her fingers from the window. “The news of your fiancé would have been nice to know a bit sooner.” Before I gave you my heart. She reached for his arm, but he pushed at her hand.
Tears misted her brown eyes. “Nick, I wanted to tell you. I tried—”
Jaw clenched tight, he glared. “You didn’t try hard enough. You could have slipped your engagement into any conversation. You’ve been here a few weeks and said nothing.” What made him the angriest was that she continued to keep her dirty little secret even after he told her about his past. “What was I? Summer amusement? Thought you’d have one more fling before getting hitched?”
“No, I’d never.” Biting her lip, she wrapped her arms around her chest. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you or to lead you on.”
He hated to see her cry and longed to brush the tears from her cheeks, but kept his hands wrapped around the steering wheel. “Your fiancé is waiting. We have nothing more to say to each other.” Nick shifted the gear into drive.
Katrina stepped back but extended a hand in his direction. “Nick, please.”
His throat aching, he shook his head and pulled out of the driveway, forcing himself not to look back. Katrina had betrayed him in the worst possible way. A man should learn from the past, and to not make the mistake again.
Getting over Katrina wouldn’t be so easy.
****
Katrina wiped the tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. Nick was gone and she had no one to blame but herself. She had multiple opportunities to reveal her secret. Nick stopped her a few times, but she should have insisted. He’d never forgive her dishonesty. Her heart ached. She’d lost the man of her dreams. Releasing a heavy sigh, she remembered the man in her cabin and walked there with heavy steps.
Pierre pushed to his feet from the sofa. “Is everything okay?”
“Not really.” She slipped off her shoes.
“Problems during the renovation?” His gaze lingered over her face.
She hoped her eyes didn’t show any sign of crying. “Nothing I can’t handle.” Katrina threw her handbag on the kitchen table, disappointed in the night’s disastrous events.
Pierre reached for her hand. “Would you like me to speak to Mr. Porter?”
“No, I don’t need you talk to Nick!” She stepped back, avoiding any type of physical contact. This mess wasn’t Pierre’s fault. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. The renovation and handling the café’s business from a distance are taking its toll.”
“Well, I’m here to rescue you.” He waved a hand around the room. “Let’s start by getting you out of this dingy little shack.”
Katrina tensed and then put her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with the cabin? This was my favorite place as a little girl. The cabin has the main necessities, and I bought new furniture.”
Shaking his head, he put a hand over his mouth. “Tsk, tsk, this is no place for a woman of your class. If anyone from Paris caught wind of you staying here…” With a narrowed gaze, he glanced around the room again, his lips pinched into a tight line. “They’d think With-Her-Spoon Cafés was in financial distress. Pack your things. I’ll call the hotel to reserve a second room.”
“Pierre, I don’t care what anyone thinks, and I’m not going anywhere.” While Pierre was a charming gentleman, he could be a bit of a snob. His pretentious manner gave her a peek into what may be forthcoming in a future with Pierre. She didn’t like this side of him one bit.
“Ma chèrie, I don’t want to argue. I interrupted your supper. You must be hungry and you’re dressed too beautiful to dine here. We’ll have something to eat at the hotel restaurant.”
She rolled her eyes. If having supper with Pierre meant getting this night over, then so be it. Katrina picked up her handbag.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“What?” Irritation filled her voice, but she didn’t care. Pierre’s appearance had ruined her night.
“Your ring?”
Right, that dreaded ring. She went to her room, opened the jewelry box, and slipped the diamond on her finger. “Here.” Katrina waved her hand. The French pavé ring weighed heavily on her finger. “Can we go now?”
During their meal, Pierre updated her on the latest news regarding the cafés and the social gossip amongst their society friends. She briefly informed him about her findings regarding her biological father. His concern was genuine, and his questions overwhelming. Not knowing why Samuel had abandoned her only added to the pain she carried from Nick’s hasty departure.
Katrina declined dessert and a second glass of wine. She barely tasted the lobster plate Pierre insisted she order. All she wanted was to escape to the cabin. Thankfully, the long flight from Paris consumed Pierre’s energy. He accompanied her to the car and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. He then advised her of his plan to stay in town a few days, hoping to convince her to leave for home.
Home? She thought she was already home.
If she had only returned Pierre’s calls this whole nightmare would have been avoided. She was touched by his concern and he had travelled hours to make sure she was okay. Pierre was a dear friend and wonderful man. Katrina cared for him deeply. Unfortunately, his timing couldn’t have been worse.
When she arrived home, she went to her bedroom and unzipped her dress. She stepped out of the black silk and then tossed her necklace and earrings on the table. After pulling a nightdress over her head, she headed to the living room. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she slouched on the sofa and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.
Why was happiness so complicated? Katrina was angry with her grandmother for forcing her to return to Montreal, angry with her parents for not telling her about Samuel, angry with Samuel for not wanting her, and mostly angry with herself for not telling Nick the truth.
The plan was to get in and out of Montreal within a few days. Somewhere along the way, those few days turned into a couple of weeks. As Katrina’s love rekindled for her childhood home, she felt the grief and isolation subside. She had found Nick…and love. Could she convince him to forgive her?
At some point during the night, Katrina gave in to fatigue and allowed sleep to win. She awoke to a persistent banging on the door. She sprang from the sofa, slipped the blanket around her body, and peeked out the window. She hurried to the door to let in Frankie.
“Where have you been? I’ve been leaving you messages all night.” Frankie rubbed her belly.
“Are you okay?” Katrina held her friend’s elbow and guided her to the closest chair.
“I’m fine,” she said, puffing several deep breaths. “Pre-labor contractions.”
“You’re in labor?” She flinched from the bite of her nails indenting the palm of her hand. Katrina stared at her friend through wide eyes.
Frankie laughed and waved a hand. “Relax, I’m a pro at having babies now. They’re just Braxton Hicks contractions.”
“Shouldn’t you contact your doctor?”
“No, not necessary. I have an appointment tomorrow and besides, the cramps are gone now.” Frankie sat back, exhaling slowly. “So, what’s up? I’ve been worried.”
“I’m sorry. I turned off my phone for some peace and quiet.” If only she could turn off her thoughts as easily, and escape the chaos she had created.
“That’s not surprising after what you just found out about your real father.”
Katrina forced a smile, grinding her teeth at the same time. “I’m in disbelief about having another father, which I know nothing about, or if he’s even alive.”
“What are you going to do?”
Run back to Montreal. “Nick said he’d ask a friend to check on Samuel.”
“That’s really sweet of him.”
“Yes, but he may have changed his mind.” Katrina raised her left hand. The large diamond ring glittered in the ray of sunlight, shining through the livi
ng room window.
Frankie gasped and reached out. “Oh, my goodness, I knew you two were falling for each other, but didn’t think you’d move this fast.”
“This isn’t from Nick.” She could only wish. “Pierre gave me this ring.”
“Pierre?” Her jaw dropped. “Who’s Pierre?”
“Pierre Harrington, my fiancé,” she blurted.
“Could you reverse the tape?” Frankie fidgeted to the edge of the chair. “I think I missed something.”
Katrina went to the kitchen and set the kettle on the hot plate, flicking the switch. “I need something stiffer, but tea will have to do. Let me get dressed, and I’ll explain the whole sordid mess.”
Black capris and a yellow T-shirt were lying on the dresser, making Katrina’s choice an easy one. She removed the price tags and dressed before washing her face and brushing her teeth. When she returned to the kitchen, she poured two cups of lemon tea. Katrina set Frankie’s tea on the living room table and then wrapped her hands around her own warm tea cup. She told her friend the straight-to-the-point version of Pierre, explaining her grandmother had hired Pierre as a manager, she and Pierre work closely together, and they are good friends.
“I’m lost again.” Frankie shook her head. “You’re friends? When did you fall in love? When did he ask you to marry him?”
This is where everything gets complicated. “We’re always together. We’ve attended so many business meetings and social functions together. An engagement seemed like the next step.” As Katrina said the words, she realized how foolish her last statement sounded.
“You’re talking about a man you’re friends with at work, not one you’re head-over-heels-in-love with for life.” Frankie folded her arms over her round belly. “Do you love Pierre?”
Katrina placed her teacup on the saucer and sat straight on the sofa. She opened her mouth, but nothing came. How could she tell her best friend she agreed to an engagement under duress after her grandmother’s passing, and that her heart was never involved in the decision? She’d sound like a complete idiot.
Twist Of Faith Page 15