The Girl Most Likely To... (9 page)

Kat shoved her hands into her pockets and continued on down the street.

She glanced to the right, down College Avenue toward the classic limestone buildings of the campus. It struck her as funny how she'd once fought so hard against her parents' plans for her. They expected her to attend Mountain Laurel on a faculty scholarship, but she stubbornly fought to be allowed to go anywhere but the local college. She laughed to herself softlyshe'd sure won that battle, and here she was twenty years later, staring at the quaint campus with longing.

As she strolled on, Kat watched each puff of her breath mix with the cold air. She had no clear idea where she was headed or what time it was but felt the need to keep walking. She no longer felt in a rush to leave town, not after that head-spinning reunion with Riley. She'd shoved a note under Nola's door before she left the B and B: /I went out to get some fresh air. Take all the time you need this morning. We have to talk!/ What they'd be discussing was a bit unclear to Kat at the moment, since she didn't know exactly what had happened last night. Riley seemed pleased enough when he left, but preoccupied, maybe even unsure. Well, of course he was! How else could he possibly feel? How else could /she/ possibly feel? How else would two people feel after trying to make up for twenty years of anger, loneliness, and hurt in one night? Without words? Because there'd been very little talking going on, that was for sure. The night had been 90 percent desperate physical need and 10 percent dozing off. The whole surreal business had left her a jumble of sensations, raw and off-balance.

As Kat continued to walk, she took inventory of herself. Her spirit felt sore. Her heart was full enough to burst. And her body was a wreckinsides swollen and hot, lips puffy, right hip bruised from crashing into the nightstand at some point.

But it was her mind that had really taken a beating. It was careening all over the place. Unrealistic hope kept popping into her head, fantasies of herself and Rileyalong with Aidanpiecing together some kind of family where there'd never been one. It was a seductive vision. And impossible. Kat knew there'd be nothing left after they'd hacked their way through twenty years of bitterness. Too much to forgive. Too much to risk.

Kat extracted her Dolce amp; Gabbana sunglasses from her jacket pocket and slipped them on to shield her eyes from the morning sun. She focused on the sound of her shoes tapping against the sidewalk, letting her arms swing free at her sides. It was Kat's policy to never put herself in a position where a man could hurt her. She'd had some good times with men, yes. But she never loved any of them, or allowed herself to believe they loved her. It was a policy that had worked for her.

Suddenly, Kat stopped, realizing where she'd walked. Her parents' house was just a few houses down, on Forest Drive, but she would not be going there. She didn't even turn her head to look. As if on autopilot, she continued walking, stopping only when she arrived in front of what had always been the unofficial heart of town. She stared at the hard-to-miss monstrosity of a house, its redbrick tower rising sharply into the sky, five thick columns along the front porch, the whole structure the same outrageous spectacle it had always been. As a kid she'd heard that the house was featured in most every American architecture textbook because of its unusual combination of design elements. Tourists would sometimes stop their cars across the street and stare, take pictures, or even sketch the house. All Kat knew was that for as long as she'd been alive it had been the Bohland House, her secret childhood refuge, home of Big Daddy Bohland and his boys. And at that moment she stood gawking at it, like a fool, not even sure why she was there or who lived there these days. /Aaaarrrooooogggghhh./ Kat jumped, suddenly aware she wasn't the only one wondering what her business was at the Bohland House: A rickety old dog made its way down the porch steps and brick walkway, harrumphing halfhearted warnings along the way. Kat smiled at the creature, knowing that this couldn't possibly be the same hound Riley had had back when they were kids, but it looked like it could be a descendant. What had they called that dog?

Waylon? Willie? All Kat could remember was that Big Daddy always named his dogs after his favorite country singers.

The dog came to a stop at Kat's feet and sniffed, wagging its tail in what must have been the seal of approval to her visit. As Kat reached her hand down to pat the dog's head, a shiny, black SUV whipped into the drive. It took Kat all of one second to realize it was the same vehicle that had splashed mud all over her yesterday at the construction site.

It would look ridiculous if she turned and ranlike she was doing something wrong by being on a public streetbut it couldn't be any more embarrassing than staying put. What if Riley was a passenger in that car? Would it seem she was stalking him? Kat gulped and waited for the driver's side door to open.

Oh my God, she whispered. It was Aidan getting out of that car. But it wasn't Aidan. Kat blinked, trying to get her mind and eyes to cooperate.

Of course it wasn't Aidan. So it had to be Riley's kid brother, Matt, who must be into his thirties by now.

Kat waved awkwardly. Matt stared at her, hands in pockets, like he didn't know whether to ignore her or say something. Kat's heart sank.

She supposed that's all she was to any of the Bohlandsthe girl who stole Riley's son.

Matt lowered his gaze and shook his head slowly. When he looked up, a tentative grin appeared on his face, much to Kat's relief. He walked toward her, the dog running up to greet him with a howl. In a moment, he was close enough that Kat could make out the image of a shield on his navy blue windbreaker, the words /Persuasion Police Department, Chief Bohland/ in yellow print below.

Kat couldn't suppress her laugh. The hound dog chimed in so loudly that Kat had to shout over the wails. So?Mad Matt' Bohland grew up to be one of the good guys?

He reached his hand toward hers and shook it firmly, still trying to hold back his smile. Kat. You're back. And just for the record, I've always been one of the good guys.

Really? In my mind you'll forever be a twelve-year-old pain in the ass.

He nodded, his grin expanding, then patted the dog's head. Whisht, Loretta. Now, up! Matt snapped his fingers and the dog made her way up the brick walkway and onto the porch, plopping down at the top of the steps. Matt turned his attention back to Kat. So. You here to see Riley?

Uh… Kat knew it was a simple question. She must seem like an idiot.

But she was so nervous she could hardly speak. Not really. I mean, unless he lives here. Does he live here? Anyway, I was just going for a walk.

Matt's eyebrow raised in question. Kinda chilly this morning.

It feels great. I needed to clear my head. Kat was struggling to sound as nonchalant as possible, but her heart was beating violently. She knew her cheeks had to be screaming red with embarrassment.

Matt stood in awkward silence for a moment. Riley came to see you last night?

The words sounded almost like an accusation, and though Matt's face remained friendly enough, it was now a guarded kind of friendly. It occurred to Kat that Matt was protecting his big brother/from her./ He stopped by. We talked.

Matt said nothing.

We talked a lot.

Please accept my apology for the mud yesterday.

Kat laughed a little, relieved that Matt had changed the subject, even if he'd done it with no finesse whatsoever. Thanks. It did kind of ruin the moment.

He winced. I am really sorry for that, Kat. And I'm sorry about your dad, too. Matt shifted his weight, then gestured back toward the house.

Look, would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?

Oh! Well, no. But thanks. I've got to get back to the bed and breakfast.

Nola's expecting me.

Matt's gaze suddenly shifted to behind Kat, and his whole demeanor changed. His face lit up with interest. His shoulders straightened.

Nola? That's her name?

Nola Maria D'Agostino. She's my best friend from back in Baltimore.

You don't say? His smile went full throttle. /Boo!/ Kat jumped, spinning around to see Nola behind her, cheeks flushed from running in the cold. She jogged in place, rolling her eyes in a not-too-subtle attempt to get Kat to introduce her.

Nola, this is Riley's younger brother, Matt. Matt, this is Nola.

Matt extended his hand. Nola stopped jogging and extended hers for a shake, but Matt lifted it to his lips, bowed, and placed a soft kiss on her skin instead. Nola Maria D'Angelo, he crooned. We finally meet.

Nola's eyes had gone huge. She was speechless.

Kat corrected Matt. Actually, it's D'Agostino.

D'Angelo's close enough, Nola said, smiling.

Matt's cell phone began to buzz and Kat decided to take this opportunity to cut the conversation short. We should probably Wait. Matt checked the number and ignored the call. So, how long you two pretty ladies in town for?

Kat laughed, amused by Matt's direct approach and his West Virginia accent. There'd been a time in her life when she'd never noticed that people here had one, but now it sounded almost cartoonish to her. Not sure. We'd planned to be on the road by now, but We've decided to stay, Nola chimed in, nodding with enthusiasm. We love it here.

Kat frowned. When did we decide that?

Right now, she said.

Matt's phone buzzed again, and before he could delay her escape once more, Kat said, We really need to get back to the B and B. It was wonderful seeing you.

Kat turned to go, practically dragging Nola with her, and started to run. Kat was suddenly overflowing with a sense of loss. That man back there was /family/Aidan's look-alike uncle, her son's father's brother, and a stranger. Hell, Aidan's own father was a stranger to him. They were all strangers to one another!

Slow down, will ya? Nola panted, pulling on Kat's jacket until she stopped. I only jogged that one block because I wanted the Bohunk brother to think I was athletic. I gotta walk the rest of the way.

Oh, jeesh.

He's hot.

Kat looked at her sideways. I am almost certain he has a beer can collection.

Madeline had been dreading this sound, but there it was. The heavy oak front door had just opened and closed, and in seconds Kat Cavanaugh and her rude friend Nola Something-or-Other would be coming in here for breakfast. And Madeline would have to smile at Kat like she wasn't getting ready to lie to her.

But truly, it wasn't such a big lie, was it? In fact, Madeline had figured out a way to get the message to Kat without uttering a single untruth. In any case, it wasn't like a little twisting of the facts would alter the course of the universe, right? Besides, if Kat truly wanted Riley Bohlandtruly /deserved/ himthen she would've found a way to show up a little sooner than she had. Twenty years? What did Kat expect?

Did she really think that a man like Riley would pine away for his high school sweetheart for a lifetime, that he'd be single and available after twenty years of neglect? Puh-leeze!

Hey, Madeline.

Good morning, Kat, she said cheerfully. To Nola she said, Hello again.

Kat and Nola were flushed as they swept into the dining room, bringing in a whiff of cold air with them. Madeline retrieved the coffeepot, rolling her eyes as she did so. Kat and Nola were runners? Of course they were. How else could Kat have kept that figure all these years?

Godshe was such a mouse back in school, totally unaware of how cute she could have been if she'd made the effort. Well, she was clearly making the effort now, and spending serious money doing it. What was it they used to say/gag me with a spoon/?

Madeline spun around, cheerful once again. I heard your father is doing well. You must be so relieved! She set two cups and saucers on the white lace tablecloth, then continued. The cleaner brought your clothes back last night as a personal favor to me, and I've already placed them in your room so you can pack up. She gestured toward the sideboard behind her. The eggs, sausage, and hotcakes are in the chafing dishes here, and on the table near the window you'll find a selection of homemade muffins, homemade low-fat granola, fruit salad, yogurt, and a variety of cereals, milk, and juices.

Madeline wasn't such a yokel that she didn't catch the way Nola's dark eyes had flashed when she'd mentioned taking the cleaning to Kat's room.

She also didn't miss the way Nola inclined her head as if to say, /Get a load of this hick,/ as Madeline took the time to courteously explain the breakfast options. And she didn't appreciate it. Not at all. In fact, she didn't much care for Kat's friend Nola. She seemed a little rough around the edges. She laughed too loud, and she had the annoying habit of calling everyone hon.

Thanks for the rundown, hon, Nola said.

It all looks great, Kat added, smiling.

At that moment, the retired couple staying in the Silver Birch minisuite decided to end their feeding frenzy, and Madeline thanked them profusely.

She busied herself tidying up but couldn't help but overhear part of the conversation between Kat and Nola, though they were whispering as quietly as their excitement would allow. She heard Kat say something about that old hen Rita Cavanaugh, the perennial principal of Underwood High School. Then, when Kat whispered something about Riley throwing her on the bed, Nola released a series of whispered exclamations that Madeline didn't quite catch, which really hacked her off, because the conversation was obviously getting good. After a few more minutes of mostly unsuccessful eavesdropping, Madeline decided she'd just get the entire mess over with.

Excuse me, but do you have a minute?

The women stopped their conversation and Kat nodded politely. Of course.

Madeline set down the stack of dishes, pulled a chair from a nearby table, and joined them. I couldn't help but hear you mention your aunt.