Twist of Fate (4 page)

She stole a glance at Sam’s profile. Her body quivered with excitement at his strong jaw, shaggy brown hair and dark blue eyes intent on the road ahead. This handsome man was hers. He was taking her home.

C’mon, Kate, this is Sam you’re talking about. Always and forever, you can say anything and he ‘gets you.’

She tried to think of some everyday, mundane thing to say. How could she remember him and not their wedding or their house? “Nice truck, by the way,” she squeaked out, then widened her eyes in disbelief when she realized how stupid it sounded.

“Thanks.” He gave her a sideward glance.

“Is it new?”

“Used, but new to me, picked her up about three months ago.” He slapped the vinyl dash in approval.

“Oh. I didn’t remember that.” She chewed her lower lip.

“That’s okay. You always did say red was my color.” His commercial-worthy smile made her relax into the seat and giggle. Sam always had a way of making her laugh.

It wasn’t long before they turned down a stone road, or so she thought. The dirt and gravel turned out to be the driveway leading to
a large log cabin-style house.

Their house?

Her jaw grew slack as she fixed her eyes on the most beautiful home she’d ever seen. Rustic, yet elegant in its design, the two-story house complete with wrap-around porch, looked like something from a postcard as it sat nestled among the tall pines. Even as inviting smoke poured from the flagstone chimney, an unexpected knot formed in her stomach.

Her life was in that house. Why didn’t any of it seem familiar? She’d been living here with her husband, yet she couldn’t even remember the color of the kitchen walls. How many bedrooms were there? Was there carpet or hardwoods? What would she find behind those large, double doors?

A pent up breath found its release a bit more sudden than she intended.

Sam’s voice was soft and full of concern when it found its way through her thoughts. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She hoped she sounded convincing. “I hate this feeling like I’m a stranger. I’ll be glad when my head is on straight. I want my life back.”

When Sam put the truck in park his hands froze on the steering wheel. She wondered if he sensed her hesitation. She didn’t mean for it to be there, but no matter how hard she tried, it just wouldn’t go away. The silence weighed heavy between them as they sat there. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Her nerves prickled beneath her skin. Again, her mind rallied for something...anything.

“Nice house.” No sooner were the words out than she groaned.

“What?” He looked confused, as if she’d pulled him from a memory…or something complicated.

“Oh, nothing, you seem worried. Is everything all right?” Her hand reached tentatively for his. When his hands remained tight on the wheel, she returned hers to her lap. Why wouldn’t he look at her?

Blood pounded in her ears as a nagging wave of fear, like something dreadful was about to happen--or had happened--shook through her. Her gaze settled on his profile. She battled the butterflies somersaulting in her stomach and willed him to speak, practically jumping out of the seat when his deep voice finally broke the silence.

“Damn it.” He rubbed his forehead while words found freedom and tumbled out in the air around them. “I was so scared, Kate. It all happened so fast, ya know? I thought for sure I’d lost you.” He white-knuckled the wheel as though he were holding on for dear life. When he pinched his eyes shut, the butterflies in her stomach fluttered to her heart.

Her own voice quivered into the stillness of the truck. “You didn’t lose me. I’m right here, right now.” She swallowed back tears she suddenly had no control over. “Forever.”

That one word hit its mark as his head slowly turned and their eyes met. Those deep blue irises that reminded her of cracked glass appeared to be troubled and she could see he was fighting some kind of internal battle. Her own breathing stopped until he spoke again.

“One minute you were there in my arms, and the next you’re unconscious, bruised, bloody, I didn’t know what else to do. I did what I thought was best. I don’t, I didn’t, want to lose you.” He stopped looking at her and re-focused on the dash. “Now that we’re at the house, I don’t know if--” She saw his Adam’s apple bob when he swallowed hard. Whatever he was about to say fought for release. “There’s something you need to know. I only hope you can forgive me.”

His face held so much sorrow she wanted to kiss him, hoping to make him feel better. What could have happened that required her forgiveness? A sharp twinge in her temple gave her the connection. At her sudden intake of breath, he reached for her hands, looking distressed.

“Kate, I’m--”

“The Jag,” she breathed, finally figuring it out.

“What?”

“That’s it, isn’t it?” The pain subsided to a dull ache before easing completely.

“What’s it?” He tilted his head, still not following her.

“The Jaguar, it was totaled wasn’t it? That’s what you have to tell me, right?” How could she not have known?

He seemed to fumble for the words as he scrutinized the interior of the truck.  “Uh, yeah, the Jag.”

“Why would I have to forgive you? You had nothing to do with it. I was behind the wheel. I’m the one who wrecked the car.”

“Umm, well...I know how much you loved that car.” Sam flicked at the keys still hanging from the ignition. “I, uh, had to make the decision with the insurance company. We had to scrap it. I didn’t know how to tell you.” He looked a little pale. Apparently he was under more stress than she thought.

“It’s just a car, Sam. We’ll get another one. Besides, it’s going to be quite a while before I want to drive again.” She twisted more in the seat so she could have a better view of his face, hoping her words would ease his mind.

“There’s no rush.” He surprised her by reaching to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. Her eyes widened at the zing of electricity that whirled through her.

“I know.”

She hadn’t expected such a powerful feeling to sweep over her. After all, they’d been married for a while, hadn’t they? She’d expected a deeper, more comfortable sort of feeling.

This was...intense.

Did he feel it too? His lips parted and he stared at her with eyes blazing. She could feel them burn a path to her very core. Oh, God, she suddenly realized she wasn’t ready for this. She still had so many questions. He leaned in ever so slowly and she couldn’t move. It was all happening so fast, too fast. She should stop him, had to stop him, had to say something. Out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw two shadows scurry across the front windows of the house.

“Sam?” She backed away from him hoping for a better view. He kept inching closer. “Kate, I--”

“Sam!” She put her hands on his chest and then yanked them back. The contact was still too electric. “There’s someone in the house.”

He paused, transitioning back to reality. His eyes sparkled, and his smile warmed her. “I almost forgot. C’mon.” He slipped out his door and jogged to hers in an instant. “Your surprise is in there.”

“A surprise?” This man was a surprise. Her heart beat a little faster as he helped her from the truck. “How could you have possibly gotten me a surprise? You spent all your time at the hospital?”

“Wait and see.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked. “This is my welcome home gift. I know you’ll love it.”

***

The immense doors swung wide when Sam and Kate reached the porch. A mouthwatering aroma made Sam’s stomach growl. When was the last time he’d had a decent meal? He gave Rusty and Jill a wink as he guided Kate across the threshold, thankful they were there.

“Welcome home, Kate,” they said in unison.

“What are you two doing here?” Kate’s shocked expression didn’t hide the joy Sam saw in her eyes at the sight of their old friends.

“They’re your surprise,” he whispered against her ear, unable to keep his distance completely. He’d wanted to give her time to adjust, but it had been so long and she was so damn sweet. It was a good thing she’d seen the shadows when she did, because he’d been close to devouring her mouth. Sweet or not, he knew she wasn’t ready for that yet. Neither was he. In an instant Jill stole her away into a hug.

“Oh, Jill, it’s so nice to see you,” Kate said and turned toward Rusty. “Somehow I knew you’d be here.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, gorgeous.” Rusty embraced her and spun her off the floor.

Kate’s squeal of delight was like music to Sam’s ears. Sam and Jill laughed along; Sam slipped a nod of thanks in Rusty’s direction. His best friend had really come through for him.

“Don’t you know he’s always had a secret crush on you?” Jill chided.

“Yeah, and if Sam here hadn’t come along when he did,” Rusty placed Kate gingerly on her feet and kissed her cheek, “I’d have married you myself.”

“Hey, hey...easy there, you know you don’t mess with your best friend’s girl.” Sam stepped between them, giving Rusty a playful shove. It felt like the good old days. Sam let his mind wonder if maybe he and Kate could have a chance by the time all this was over.

No. He had to keep such crazy notions out of his head. Sure, Kate brought back old feelings, how could she not? But that was then, this was now. And right now she needed his help. Keeping her safe was the top priority. He planned to use this time to his advantage. He’d do the right thing this time around.

He could tell she’d relaxed a lot in a matter of seconds compared to the tension-filled ride from the hospital. The longer they’d remained in silence, the more he’d felt horrible about what he was doing. He’d been surprised and then glad when she’d thought the reason for his aloofness had been the totaled Jaguar. It may be under false pretenses, but at least she’d be safe here with him.

Rusty took their coats while Jill ushered Kate into the massive two-story family room. Kate’s eyes grew wide as she took in every detail. Sam also scanned his home, impressed with the small, personal touches made by his friends. The fresh flowers, miscellaneous pictures and antiques strategically placed around the room were as if Kate had always been a part of it.

“Why don’t you sit and relax? We had a pretty long ride.” He eased Kate onto the buffalo-checked sofa, placing pillows beneath her feet.

“I’m fine, really. Although my head still aches a little.” She raised a delicate finger to her temple.

“Let me get you some water,” he said and headed toward the kitchen.

“Are you in a lot of pain?” Sam heard Jill ask when he disappeared through the saloon-style door of the kitchen. Always the mother hen, he thought.

“Not really. It comes and goes. I spent most of the ride home trying to remember things.” She gave a pleading look toward Sam when he returned with a glass. “I know, the doctor told me not to. I couldn’t help it.” A giggle bubbled from her rose colored lip. “Would you believe I thought we lived in a penthouse?”

Sam carefully watched Jill for a reaction. She sat still, intent on listening while Kate continued.

“I was having visions of leather and the city. Gosh, I could even hear all the noises in my head. At one point I even thought we were going the wrong way home, imagine that!”

Sam held his breath, feeling perspiration break on his forehead. Jill said nothing.

“And then, oh, you guys will love this.” Kate paused as the threesome glanced at each other then back to her. “When I woke up in the hospital, I almost thought Sam wasn’t really my husband. Would you believe I thought he had darker hair and a mustache?”

That did it. The glare in Jill’s brown eyes was enough to turn Sam to ashes. But he couldn’t do this without her, and she’d promised to help. When Rusty tried to place his hand on her shoulder, she promptly shoved it away. That look had been for Russ as well.

“Are you all right?” Kate asked Jill.

Sam’s body tensed. They could blow it right here, right now, if they all didn’t get a grip. He could see Jill had a problem with it, but would she use this opportunity to say something to Kate? Sam dared to glance at Rusty, who shrugged in answer to his silent question.

“I’m fine. It just got very warm in here.” Again, Jill gave the ice-princess look. Rusty slapped Sam on the shoulder, making him jump.

“Let’s fetch some snacks. I’ll check on dinner for you, too, babe, while we’re in there,” Rusty said, giving Sam a nudge before making a beeline to the kitchen. Once inside, he hurried to the back door. “Let’s formulate a plan. We can hole up at Jed’s until Jill simmers down.”

“C’mon, all she has to do is play along.” Sam spread his arms wide, remaining a couple steps behind his buddy. “There’s going to be some awkward moments, but we can work past them if we stand together. Jill can’t be that bent, can she?”

“Oh, yes I can.” Jill hovered by the refrigerator, her brightly colored nails drumming against her hips.

“Jilly, honey, you’ve--”

“Quiet, Rusty. I’ll deal with you later.” She held a hand up to her husband and crossed the room to stand face-to-face with Sam. The gold flecks in her eyes danced like sparks. “What were you thinking by bringing her here? This is wrong, Sam, terribly wrong. I can’t believe I let your little cohort over there talk me into this.”