Sleeping With The Enemy (A Stranger's Touch) (5 page)

Chapter Four

Everything Kate believed to be real about her marriage to Alex was slowly slipping away like the newspaper clippings that fell from her lifeless fingers to the floor.

Her life, her marriage, even her husband’s love exposed for the reality of what they really were. Lies. A means to accomplish one thing. Alex’s revenge against the man he believed responsible for killing his wife. Kate’s father.

Alex had known exactly who she was when he walked into the bookstore. He told her he loved her, but in truth, she was just part of his plan for revenge. He wanted her father to pay and he would stop at nothing to achieve it, including using her to get to Robert.

And she had proven guidable enough to fall for every one of Alex’s lies.

She’d actually believed everything he told her. Under the circumstances, he probably found all of her naivety extremely amusing.

Looking back now with the truth scattered at her feet like a broken dream, Kate saw how ridiculous the whole thing was. Why should someone like Alex Bradshaw want to marry her? She wasn’t the type of person who attracted such men. In the past, Kate always considered herself boring, but Alex made her feel interesting.

Right from their very first meeting, he’d flirted, listened, and seemed genuinely interested in everything she had to say.

I’m such an idiot!

Now she understood the real reason behind Alex’s rush to marry in the first place. Why he’d insisted Kate not mention their marriage to her father until they returned from their honeymoon.

She thought he wanted them to break the news to her father, Robert Edwards, together carefully. After all, there was the age difference, Alex was thirty-four, and then of course they’d barely known each other.

Lies...all lies.

Kate gathered the clippings from the floor, stuffed them into her purse, and started throwing her clothes into the suitcase she’d just unpacked.

She settled the heavy bag over her shoulder along with her purse and left the house she planned to share with Alex for the rest of their lives. She could never return there. Whatever she thought she felt for Alex would disappear in time.

She needed to hear the truth from the one man she could trust to tell it to her. Her father.

Robert Edward still lived in the small two-story house where Kate grew up. It was worlds apart from the opulent neighborhood Alex lived in.

She parked her battered SUV in the drive next to Robert’s pickup and went inside.

“Dad! Dad, are you here—it’s Kate!” She climbed the stairs to her father’s bedroom, dreading this moment more than ever when she would look into his eyes and see the truth.

Her father had been ill for a long time. After the last heart attack, the doctor urged him to slow down. He’d retired less than a year ago.

Kate pushed open the bedroom door and glanced around the room. Her father was standing near the window, looking out at the late fall morning.

When he turned to look at her, even before he said a single word, the expression on his face told Kate everything she needed to know.

“It’s true, isn’t it, Dad? All of it’s true?” she asked still holding onto hope.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this, Dad? How could you?” She didn’t finish. Kate wanted to blame her father, but it wasn’t his fault. It was hers. She hadn’t listened to her conscience. She’d rushed into sleeping with Alex. Given away too much of herself too soon.

“Katie.” Her father took a step closer, holding out his arms to his only child. She went willing into them. “I would have told you about him one day. I guess I never thought you’d meet, and there never seemed to be the right time to tell you. I guess I wanted to spare you—and myself the embarrassment of having to relive that nightmare again. I’m so sorry, my baby. I’m so very sorry.”

Kate couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. Somehow, through all the moments spent replaying everything in her head as she read those terrible things about Alex, she’d always believed once she stood before her father he might tell her it was all just a terrible misunderstanding.

“Daddy…” Kate tried to speak, but the words just wouldn’t come over that shattering realization.

“What are you going to do, child?” Robert watched his daughter’s pain with the helplessness of a man who was powerless to ease her suffering.

“What can I do? I can’t believe I’m such a fool. I actually believed he loved me. I gave away everything to him, Daddy. I believed Alex’s lies.” Her father’s reaction was hard to take. She was going to cry and she couldn’t let her father see her tears.

“I need to get away.” She started pacing around the tiny room. “Just for a little while. Until I can figure out what to do. I’m so confused; I can’t think clearly anymore. I’ll have to get the marriage annulled as soon as possible,” she said with a strangled gulp. She was crying and she couldn’t seem to stop the tears. “I want to forget I ever met Alex Bradshaw.” Kate didn’t believe there was anything Alex could do to her or her father that would hurt as much as his deception.

“Katie, maybe you should talk to him first before you do anything. I can’t imagine Alex going to such an extreme over something that happened years ago. Maybe this is all just a misunderstanding.”

“It’s not, Dad—you know it’s not. And I won’t let him lie to me anymore. I can never trust him again. I’m just so stupid
.” She brushed away the last of her tears. “How could I actually believe he loved me? I’m Me—of all the women in the world Alex might love. I can’t accept all of this is just some strange coincidence, Dad. It isn’t! It can’t be! I’m going back to my old apartment to pack and then I’m leaving. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements to have the marriage annulled as soon as I return.”

“Katie, stop! Wait. I know you’re hurting, but you’re not thinking this through either. Take some time before you do something you might regret.” Kate couldn’t hold back the bitter laughter bubbling up inside of her at how many things she’d done since meeting Alex that she would live to regret for the rest of her life.

“At least speak to him. Come stay with me for a while. I love having you here. Don’t run away like this. What about the bookstore? You love the store. You can’t just leave it.”

“Dad, I have to go away. I need to sort all of this out in my head. Brandy can watch the store for a little while longer. She’s been doing fine without me anyway. Dad, I think you should come with me.” Her father’s reaction to this was clear. “Daddy, we don’t know what Alex is capable of. What if he tries to hurt you? Please, Dad, just for a little while.”

“Baby, I’m not going anywhere. I won’t run away from this. Alex Bradshaw made those accusations against me years ago. He couldn’t make them stick then and he won’t do it now.

“Don’t you see, Katie, none of this adds up. It’s been ten years. Why hasn’t he tried to get revenge before now? Why now after all these years? What does he hope to gain now? He knows the accident wasn’t because...”

“Because of what, Daddy? The first report said the accident was due to you being drunk. What happened that night, Dad? Did you…” Even though Kate couldn’t say the words, he seemed to understand.

“No, baby, I wasn’t drunk. I tried to swerve out of her way, but I couldn’t.” Her father shook his head and turned away. “That poor woman. She was dead before I got to her. By the time I reached her, there was nothing I could do. She was gone.”

“The report said it was your car that drifted into the oncoming lane on a deserted stretch of highway. Why were you out there, Dad?”

“I know what the report said, and I admit the whole thing happened so fast, but I’m certain it wasn’t my car that crossed that center line. It was hers. I was coming home from work. I’d just finished the graveyard shift at the plant.” He spotted her reaction, and shook his head.

“You don’t believe me, do you? It’s okay. I can’t blame you. I know I lost your trust a long time ago. You saw the terrible affects of alcohol growing up, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” What else could she say? Her mother
had tried to save her husband from his addiction before finally giving up hope. She’d left with her daughter and started a new life in New Mexico. She and Kate stayed with Jenny’s sister for several years. When they returned to Austin when Kate was a teen, there was a visible change in Robert. Her father was a different man. He’d stopped drinking entirely. Kate never understood it until now. It happened around the same time as the accident. After her mother died, Kate moved in with her father and the change became more apparent.

“Dad, why didn’t you try to clear your name back then? Why let Alex get away with saying those terrible things about you.”

“I did try, but for someone with my past, it wouldn’t have mattered how innocent I was proven. There would always be suspicions.”

“So why didn’t Alex let the matter drop? After all, there weren’t any charges filed against you. You were innocent. Why wait all these years to get revenge?”

Her father turned back to her with a bitter laugh. “Katie, I’m not innocent—not by a long shot. I’ve certainly caused my share of pain.”

“But you weren’t responsible for killing his wife. It wasn’t your fault, Dad.”

“No...but it didn’t change the facts, now did it? He lost his wife that night. Either way, I helped take away the woman he loved... I’m sorry, honey,” he added quickly when Kate winced at those words. “I’m sorry I’m the cause of your pain. But I still can’t help but believe this is somehow just a huge misunderstanding.”

“No! It’s no misunderstanding, Dad. He was trying to get to you through me. But now I know the truth, there’s nothing Alex can do to you.”

“He’s hurt you,” he added slowly. “That’s worse than anything he could ever do to me, Katie. He’s hurt my baby.”

“Yes
. But I won’t let him hurt me anymore, Daddy. And you’re right about one thing, I am going to talk to Alex. I want to see his face when he realizes I know the truth about his little plan. He didn’t win after all. I may be hurting, but I won’t let him destroy you or me. He can do whatever he wants with those lies, because they can’t hurt us now.”

Robert pulled his daughter into his arms, ignoring her struggles. He held her close just like he had so many times in the past when she needed his comfort.

“Baby, stay. Take some time.”

“No, Dad. We both know it wouldn’t matter. It won’t change anything. He gambled on our marriage hurting you and he lost. I know the truth now. I won’t be fooled by Alex Bradshaw any longer.”

“But where will you go, baby?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’m going to go stay with Ronnie. I’ve wanted to see her new home for a while. This will be a good time.” Kate stopped once she reached the door, turning to look back at her father. He looked so fragile. She forgot her own pain for the moment.

“Daddy, stay out of this okay? Don’t talk to him no matter what he tries to say to you.”

“Katie, don’t go...”

“I have to. I think it’s best if I go away for a while, for your benefit as well as mine. I don’t think he will do anything to hurt you if he knows he doesn’t have me to use against you. But you need to stay out of this for your own wellbeing.”

She went to her father and hugged him one last time. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. And I’ll check on you every day. But you have to take your medicine and rest like Dr. Wilkes told you. And if you need to reach me for any reason, you know you can call my cell phone. I love you, Daddy.”

Kate walked away, before her father convinced her to stay. Before she had time to think about what she was giving up by walking away from Alex.

Chapter Five

Kate parked her SUV in the only available parking spot in the garage, next to her husband’s office building downtown.

She’d purchased her ticket for
Denver. Her bags were all packed and ready. Ronnie Delaney had been thrilled at the news of her visit, but Kate knew she’d caught the urgency in her voice. She’d have to tell Ronnie the truth eventually. At the moment, all she could think about was getting away.

On her way to Alex’s office, Kate stopped by the bookstore to ask Brandy to watch the store and Earl for a little while longer. Brandy guessed, right away, something was wrong.

“You look terrible. Are you okay? What’s wrong? Is it Robert?” Kate loved her cousin but she couldn’t tell her the truth.

“No, Dad’s fine.
I’m
fine. I just need to get away for a few more days—a week tops. Can you watch the store for me? I know it’s asking a lot. Call Debbie and have her come in to help you. She’s been wanting extra hours after class to help earn some extra Christmas money.”

Brandy waved a careless hand in the air. “Sure, don’t worry about the store, it will be fine. Is this about Alex?”

Kate deliberately hadn’t mentioned Alex or their marriage to her cousin. She wanted to wait until they’d had the time to talk to her father first.

“How did you know about him?”

“He called for you earlier. He was looking for you.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry about him. He won’t bother you anymore. That’s over.”

“It didn’t sound over to me.”

Kate closed her eyes. She wouldn’t cry in front of her cousin. “Well, it is. So, don’t worry he won’t call here anymore. I’ll make sure of it. Brandy, I have to go
.”

“So, you won’t tell me what’s wrong?” Her cousin looked worried. She’d never seen Kate so upset.

“No. I can’t. Not yet. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back, I promise.”

“That’s what you said on Friday.” When Kate didn’t answer, Brandy gave in. “Okay. Do you want me to check in on Robert?”

She did, but she didn’t want Brandy asking her father any unnecessary questions.

“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. He knows to call you if he needs anything before I get back. Will you be okay, keeping Earl for a little while longer?”

“Sure, you know I love Earl. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do,” Brandy seemed at a loss for words. She gave Kate a little hug, which was totally out of character for Brandy. Kate fought back tears again at Brandy’s compassion. She knew she must look a sight. She’d been crying all morning.

“You’re doing everything you can for me right now, and I appreciate it. I’ll call you in a few days to go over the deposit. You know how to reach me if you need anything. Oh, and if Elise calls, just tell her I’ll have to call her back, okay?”

“Sure, you know I will. Don’t worry about the store. I’ll take care of things here.” Brandy reluctantly let her go, but there were tears in her cousin’s eyes when she faced Kate again.

“Don’t cry. If you start crying, then I’ll start again and I’ve cried enough already. I’ll call you. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Kate left the store without waiting to hear Brandy’s answer. Before she started to cry again.

* * * *

There was just one more thing left
to do and then she could be on her way to Denver. Kate was determined to confront the man who took her heart and shattered it into a million tiny pieces. She wanted to see Alex’s face when he realized Kate Bradshaw, no Kate
Edwards
, wasn’t quite the fool he believed her to be.

She reached for her purse, which still held the evidence of his deception
and punched the elevator button to the thirteenth floor where Alex told her his private offices were located.

She’d never been there before. There were so many things she didn’t know about Alex and now she never would.

Alex’s assistant seemed surprised when she told her she was Alex’s wife.

Kate knew she must look dreadful. Her green eyes were red and puffy. The tears washed away what little makeup she’d used to try to conceal the evidence of them. She’d dressed in faded jeans, which had seen better days and a loose fitting sweatshirt. Probably not what the young woman was expecting when she pictured Alex’s wife.

The assistant announced her by phone, and seemed surprised when he confirmed the truth. The girl whose name was Sabrina sized her up one more time before standing.

“Right this way, Mrs. Bradshaw.” Kate smiled to herself. She hoped she thoroughly embarrassed him. Her little parting gift to Alex before she left him for good.

Alex smiled and waved her inside then Sabrina discreetly closed the door behind her.

It was impossible to take even a single step further inside that room. She still remembered the way he’d awakened her hours earlier with a kiss that led to so much more. She still loved him after all. Getting over Alex was going to be the hardest thing of all.

She stood frozen in place as he got to his feet and came to her. It was impossible not to respond when he kissed her the way only Alex could. His hands circled her waist, bringing her close to him. Kate caught her breath. Her hands went up automatically to his chest to prevent him from getting too close.

Alex was the sexiest man she’d ever met. He possessed the power to make her doubt all the things she’d read in those clippings and remember the lies he’d told her. The ones about loving her. She’d been such a fool. She’d played right into his trap. Alex was charming and attentive. She’d felt comfortable with him from the first moment they’d met. She realized now it was all part of the act.

Kate grew cold in his arms, turning away when he leaned closer, intending to kiss her again. His lips brushed her cheek, lingering there.

It took all her strength to bury the feelings she had for him. The memories of all the nights they spent together were still fresh, filled with romance and long sleepless nights making love. Seducing her must have seemed easy. She’d certainly given in to his love making quickly enough.

“Kate? What is it? Are you feeling okay?” She watched Alex’s smile turn to concern as his gaze slid over her, taking in her crumpled appearance and the evidence of the tears she’d cried. He was probably wondering how he was ever going to convince anyone he’d married someone like her.

When his gaze drifted back to her face, his eyes
grew hard. He was beginning to suspect something was wrong. Somehow, she found the courage to plunge ahead. She pushed him away and put much needed distance between them.

“How long did you plan to wait before you told me the truth?”

Alex said something under his breath, closing his eyes for a moment. When he stepped closer, Kate moved out of his reach before he could touch her.

“What are you talking about?” he asked with just the right amount of feigned concern. Just enough to make her wonder if she’d only imagined the truth in those reports.

“Don’t bother trying to deny it, Alex! You know exactly what I’m talking about. Did you think I wouldn’t find out about your wife, Marissa? About my father—about what you had planned for both of us? Sorry to disappoint you, but I guess I wasn’t as naïve as you were hoping for, even if I did buy those lies you fed me about being in love with me.”

Kate watched as his expression darkened right before he reached for her again. She backed quickly away.

She pulled the clippings from her purse and flung them at him. They fell to the carpeted floor at his feet.

“I do love you, Kate, and
you
are my wife now...”

Kate began to laugh hysterically. “I’m not your wife. I’m not your anything. I was just someone you used to get what you wanted.”

“That’s not true,” he told her quietly.

“Stop lying, Alex! You lied to me right from the start! Everything about you was a lie! I trusted you! You knew how hard it was for me to trust you and you lied about everything! You broke my heart. I hope that’s what you wanted.” She took a deep breath and tried to control the tears blurring his reaction.

“I never want to see you again.” Kate breathed the words very slowly, emphasizing each one of them. “You wanted to hurt my father—to get revenge? Well congratulations, Alex, it worked! It worked brilliantly, because you broke my heart! You broke my heart and I hate you for that! I never want to see you again!”

The tears she’d been desperately trying to hold back began to fall. She watched as each of her words registered in Alex’s expression.

He was very good. For a moment, she could almost believe the things she said to him were devastating.

“Kate, wait...please. Let me explain. It’s not what you think.”

“There’s nothing to explain. You lied to me!” She jerked free of his hands.

“Kate, just listen to me. I love you.”

“No! Stop lying!”

“It’s not a lie. I
do
love you. Give me a chance to explain.”

“Did you go to the bookstore that night by accident or did you know I would be there?” She saw the truth even before he closed his eyes.