“You never once mentioned you were dating, and now you nonchalantly tell me you’re engaged. I’m your best friend, Katrina.” Frankie scowled, eyebrows furrowing and lips pursing. “Why would you keep such important news a secret?”
Stomach in a knot, she twirled the heavy ring around her finger. “When Gram was in the hospital, she held my hand, and Pierre’s. She didn’t want us to be alone. Pierre blurted out that we wouldn’t be lonely, because we were engaged.” Katrina remembered having to close her drooping jaw, and wanted to wrap her hands around Pierre’s neck when he produced a ring that evening. “He thought by telling Gram this story, she’d pass without worry. Gram’s condition deteriorated quickly that night. She couldn’t talk, but she spoke in actions. She squeezed my hand, staring at the ring and then me. I can only assume the idea of Pierre and I getting married put her at peace. Once she passed, we honored Gram by following her wishes.”
“You’re still engaged to be married because of a stupid lie you think made your dying grandmother happy? That’s absurd!” She raised her arms in the air and then let them fall to her side. “What about love?”
She sighed. Love wasn’t meant to be. “I admit, I may not passionately love Pierre, but I do care.” That was the truth.
“So, Nick knows about this mess?”
Katrina took another sip of tea, swallowing the liquid past the lump in her throat. “He found out last night—when Pierre arrived unannounced.”
Frankie’s face paled.
“We were on our way to dinner, and Pierre arrived in a cab. I should have told Nick about Pierre. Nick was upset. I’ve ruined everything.” Katrina blinked rapidly, hoping to prevent tears from falling. “Now he won’t talk. I’ve broken his trust. He’ll never forgive me.” She continued to ramble. “I’m so confused. I want to stay and repair our relationship, but I made a promise to Pierre, and to Gram.”
“But you love Nick.”
Frankie’s statement wasn’t a question. A rush of tears gathered at the corner of Katrina’s eyes. “Nick deserves someone better, someone who can love him completely.” She blinked back tears, and her heart sank.
With effort, Frankie wiggled out from the chair and waddled to the sofa. She sat beside Katrina, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Love always prevails. This mess will work itself out.”
If only I believed that. Katrina hugged her friend and then escorted Frankie to her car. “Call me as soon as you arrive home. And no more driving. You’re on strict orders to rest.”
“I promise.” Frankie smiled and drove away.
Once Katrina received Frankie’s call, she sighed. Knowing her friend was home safe gave her some relief. She changed into a pair of shorts and stepped into her running shoes, praying the physical exertion would clear her head. No matter how hard she fought to ignore him, she couldn’t banish Nick from her thoughts. She wondered where he’d gone last night and if he was okay. Katrina increased her pace. Moisture dripped down her back and gathered at her temples. She turned the volume higher on her iPod, hoping the music would disconnect her troubled thoughts.
When she returned to the cabin, she showered and changed before picking up a box of doughnuts for the crew. They took a quick break to enjoy the sugar fix before returning to work. Several of the crew wore masks over their noses and mouths to protect from the plaster dust filling the air. Hammers banged upstairs and reciprocating saws vibrated the walls. She left them to their work, her hopes of seeing Nick crushed.
A few days passed and no sign of Nick. He hadn’t been to the house, at least not to her knowledge. Dean had said Nick was working on another project. Katrina longed to see him. She wanted to call him, just to hear his voice and know he was okay, but she didn’t. He deserved to be angry.
Instead of wallowing in despair alone in the cabin, Katrina visited Frankie every morning after jogging. She wouldn’t allow her friend to discuss Nick or Pierre. Katrina didn’t want her anxiety causing Frankie any stress, so their conversations were restricted to food, clothes, shoes, and all the shopping they’d do after Frankie gave birth.
Thankfully, the days passed quickly, and the renovation neared completion. Katrina gave Pierre a tour of the island, showing him many of the historical sites, as well as her favorite childhood spots such as her old school, the underground shopping malls and restaurants, and the library—where Nick’s truck was nowhere to be found. To hide her disappointment, she bit her lip and forced the tears to fade.
She took Pierre to meet Frankie and Thomas. The men had nothing in common, but managed to get along amicably. To Katrina’s relief, the topic of the engagement never once came up in conversation.
Later that evening, Pierre requested a swim in the lake. Katrina changed into her bathing suit while he collected wood for the fire. The relaxing swim and a glass of wine while sitting by the fire alleviated her distress for a few minutes. The moon glistening over the lake, the mesmerizing flames, and crackling of the fire created a textbook intimate setting, yet she and Pierre sat with the fire between them. Not the picture of a cuddling couple in love. Her heart belonged to another man—one she wished was right here, right now. She swiped the tear before it fell.
Katrina felt her patience dwindle on the gaps of silence during their conversation. Pierre commented on the late hour, and she pressed her lips tight, crushing a smile, He collected the bag, holding his wet swim trunks, from the cabin and kissed her cheek. She locked the door behind him and prepared a pot of tea. While she waited for the water to boil, Katrina changed from her shorts and T-shirt into a nightdress. She lifted her robe off the bed. A knock on the door had her wrapping the belt tightly around her waist and running to the kitchen.
She assumed Pierre was returning for his hotel key he had left on the kitchen table. Katrina opened the door, dangling the key from her fingertips. “Looking for this?” Her shock of finding Nick standing on her doorstep was replaced by sheer delight. “Nick.” Katrina’s pulse soared.
****
Nick stared at the object in her hand. “I apologize for stopping by at this late hour, but I have some information.”
“Please come in.” She waved a hand toward the living room.
Nick stepped inside, but stood by the door.
“Pierre forgot his key.”
He cringed. The sound of the other man’s name caused his stomach to knot and sour.
“I was about to make some tea with brandy. Would you care for a cup?”
He ran a hand across the thick stubble on his chin. “You’re obviously expecting your fiancé, so I’ll just tell you the news I have about your father.”
Katrina’s eyebrows shot up. “I didn’t think you’d contact your friend, especially after what happened—”
“You mean how you forgot to tell me you were engaged?” Bitterness hung from the tip of Nick’s words. He shrugged. “I told you I would help, and I’m a man of my word.”
“What did you find?”
“Samuel is alive and lives out West.”
Katrina gripped the back of a kitchen chair and swayed.
Stupid! Nick shouldn’t have blurted out his findings as if they wouldn’t have any ill affect. He rushed to her side, putting an arm around her waist and urging her to sit. Reaching toward the sink, he grabbed a cloth and held it under the tap. “Are you okay?” He pressed the cold cloth to her forehead.
She shook her head. “What has my father been up to the past twenty-eight years?”
Nick tucked a strand of wayward hair behind her ear. “Samuel is in the military, so he wasn’t hard to find.” He paused. “He wants to see you.”
A gasp filled the air. Katrina ran to the sink, filled her palms with cold water, and splashed her face.
Nick passed her a towel, wishing he could hold her in his arms.
“How do you know this?” She dabbed her cheeks.
“He told me.” Damn! Nick was upset for her betrayal, but he didn’t want to hurt her in return. He needed to be more sensitive on how
he relayed the information.
She staggered to the sofa and sank against the cushions, hugging a pillow to her chest. “You’ve spoken to him?”
“I contacted him after I received the information on his whereabouts.”
Katrina bent her head into her trembling hands.
Nick sat and rubbed her back, ignoring his racing pulse. “I told him I was a friend of yours and that you had recently discovered information about his relationship with your mother. He was very interested in knowing how you were taking the news and where you were living.”
She glanced up, eyes wide.
“He wanted to come to Montreal, but I told him to wait until we had a chance to discuss the situation. The next move is completely yours.”
“I should say ‘no’ and let him experience the rejection I feel.” Katrina inhaled a deep breath. “I don’t know what to do.”
Her thigh brushed against his. The small, yet close, encounter labored his breath. Nick shifted. “What does your heart want?” Gazing into her brown eyes wore down his guard. He had missed Katrina and lost count of how many times he picked up the phone to call.
“I guess I’m taking a trip west.” Her fingertips caressed his cheek. “Thank you for checking on Samuel. You’re the best.”
Those brown eyes mesmerized him. Nick leaned forward. Just one kiss.
A knock sounded on the door. He held her gaze. Another knock was followed by a louder, determined knock. Katrina didn’t move, but the knot in Nick’s stomach told him who was waiting. He stood and walked to the door.
“Oh,” Pierre said when Nick opened the door. “I forgot my key card.”
Nick chuckled. “That’s pretty lame. Do you really need an excuse to visit your fiancé? Or is this some type of weird game you play?”
“Excuse me?” Pierre stepped forward.
Katrina sprang to her feet and nudged her body between Nick and Pierre. “Pierre, Nick found Samuel Fisher. I’ve decided to go see him.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Pierre placed a hand on her arm.
Nick straightened his back and clenched his hands.
“Perhaps you should take some time to think about this matter. If your grandmother had wanted you to know about Mr. Fisher, she would have told you,” Pierre said. “I’m sure of that fact.”
“Are you really discouraging Katrina from seeing her father? That she shouldn’t get the answers she needs?” Nick couldn’t understand what Katrina saw in this stuck-up jerk.
“Mr. Porter, we appreciate your assistance finding Mr. Fisher, but your services and opinions are no longer required. I am here now and will be the one guiding…my fiancée.”
Katrina placed her hand on Nick’s chest, stopping his advancement on the other man.
“Stop, both of you.” Katrina grabbed Pierre’s arm and shoved him into the kitchen. “Pierre, I’m sorry if you think meeting Samuel is a bad idea, but I have to.”
Nick pulled an envelope from his back pocket and passed it to Katrina. “I thought you might decide to go, so I prepared a few arrangements for your trip.”
“That’s quite thoughtful of you, sending Katrina off to meet a man who never once contacted her.”
The mockery in Pierre’s tone was undeniable. Nick wanted to punch the man’s perfect French nose.
“Did anyone think to consider Mr. Fisher’s only interest in Katrina may be her money?” Deep lines creased Pierre’s forehead. “Perhaps he’s not the only one?”
Nick took a step forward, but Katrina walked into his path. He had to leave before he slugged the jerk in the face. “I have to go.”
“Thank you, Nick. Not only for this.” She held up the envelope and flashed a smile. “But for finding Samuel. Your help means a lot.”
“Anything to make this ordeal easier.”
Pierre put a hand on Katrina’s shoulder. “If meeting Mr. Fisher is what you want, I support your decision.”
Nick rolled his eyes and then turned to the door.
Katrina followed Nick to the front step and grabbed his sleeve. “Thank you.”
Her grateful smile weakened his knees. “If you need anything, just call.” He said the words, but hoped she wouldn’t contact him. Seeing her with another man was too hard. Katrina was marrying Pierre. Regardless of how Nick felt about her, he had no choice but to do the right thing and walk away.
Chapter Thirteen
Katrina would describe her emotions as scared out of her wits while waiting to board the plane to Cold Lake, Alberta. The boarding ticket shook in her trembling hands. Why had she thought she could do this trip alone? She should have allowed Pierre to join her on this journey, but his declaration to support her had been short lived. They quarreled over Samuel’s motives. Pierre’s concerns about her father possibly wanting a piece of her fortune troubled her thoughts. Even while Katrina knew there could be truth to Pierre’s apprehension, she defended Samuel. If his purpose to connect was only money, why hadn’t he contacted her sooner?
Pierre continued to talk her out of her decision to meet Samuel until her patience snapped. He then changed his attitude and offered to accompany her to Cold Lake. She declined his offer and drove him to the airport. As she watched his flight to Paris depart, she questioned her future. Professionally, she and Pierre clicked, but away from business they were completely different. The few days he’d been in Montreal, they behaved more like awkward friends. If an engagement put a strain on their friendship, did a loveless marriage stand a chance?
Boarding the plane, Katrina located her row and sat by the window. She leaned against the headrest and closed her tired eyes.
“Is this seat taken?”
“All yours.” Keeping her eyes closed, she waved a hand toward the chair beside her. She adjusted the airline headphone in her ear. The subdued music helped relax her nerves.
“Great morning for flying,” he said.
The volume wasn’t loud enough to drown out the man’s voice. “If you say so.” My eyes are closed, take the hint.
“I bought a few magazines in the shopping area while waiting to board. If you get bored, feel free to borrow one.”
“Thank you, but I have a headache. I just need to rest.” Please take the subtle hint.
“Sorry to hear that. You know what’s good for a headache? Herbal tea. I don’t personally know if herbal tea works, but I have a friend who loves her tea. She swears by her tea.”
If he says tea once more, I’m going to choke him! Katrina clenched her jaw. Maybe if she didn’t respond, he’d stop talking—
“The sky is the bluest of blues today.”
Really? Did this man have no sense between his ears? Give me a break! She gripped the arms of the chair.
“I’m not sure what color I would use to describe the sky. Maybe Lightning Star or Rio Grande.”
Gasping, Katrina opened her eyes wide. “Nick?” Big brown eyes gazed upon her. Her heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing here?” His broad smile caused goose bumps to rise on her arms.
“I thought you might need a shoulder to lean on.”
She held back tears of happiness. “I thought you were some idiot man who wouldn’t shut up. I was about to tell you find another seat.” She sighed. “You don’t have to be here.”
“I can sit somewhere else if you’d prefer.”
He moved to stand, but she reached for his arm. “No, please stay.”
The Fasten Your Seatbelt light came on.
“Here we go.” Nick sat and placed his hand over hers on the armrest.
Katrina was on cloud nine, not because the plane flew above the cotton balls of clouds, but because of Nick’s surprising appearance. She wouldn’t take his kind gesture as forgiveness. However, this trip might be the perfect opportunity to repair their relationship.
During the flight, they kept their conversation focused solely on why they were flying to Cold Lake. She couldn’t have asked for a better travel companion. Katrina shared her fears and worries, and Nic
k listened and offered his thoughts. Her boiling uneasiness over this trip had calmed to a simmer. All thanks to Nick, who took control when the flight landed, collected her luggage carrier, flagged down a cab, and gave the driver their destination. Nick’s attention warmed her heart and gave her hope.
When she grabbed her luggage from the trunk of the cab, she had the bag quickly removed from her hands.
Nick slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and pulled the handle of her luggage through the hotel doors.
Katrina checked in at the front desk. She received her room key and then turned to Nick and spotted his furrowed brows.
“In my haste to get to the airport, I forgot to make a hotel reservation. They’re booked.” He picked up his bag. “I’ll find another hotel.”
“You must have something.” Katrina turned a pleading gaze on the female clerk.
The clerk, a blonde bombshell, batted her long, fake eyelashes, her gaze set on Nick. “I’m sorry, sir. There’s a convention this weekend. I’m afraid you’ll find most of the hotels in the area are full. I do wish I could do something.”
If the clerk pushed up her voluptuous girls any further, she’d tumble them onto the counter.
Katrina nudged her elbow against Nick’s arm. “Don’t worry, I have an idea.” She turned to the clerk and forced a tight smile. “Thank you for your help.” And then to Nick. “Come on.” She tugged his sleeve, pulling him from the front desk. “Could that woman have been any more obvious?”
“About what?”
“She was flirting.” Jealousy knotted Katrina’s stomach. “If her shirt was any tighter, the buttons would pop.”
“I didn’t notice.” Nick laughed.
Katrina punched his shoulder. “You can stay in my room.” When she saw his hand rise, she continued. “I booked a suite. There will be two double beds. I’m sure we can share the space.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Blondie said you wouldn’t find a vacancy, so it’s my offer, or become acquainted with the girls busting out of her shirt.”
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