Twist of Fate (8 page)

Could she possibly know? No matter, there was only one woman on his mind right now. He had all he could do not to pull her onto his lap, kiss those full, smiling lips and make her remember the passion they once shared. He needed to get his mind away from that idea or he’d be taking another cold shower.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” Sam forced a smile as he stood with his nose in the air. “Mmm, something smells good. Breakfast must be ready.” He hurried past her, hoping like hell feeding his face would remove the troubling thoughts of his past.

Their meal was quiet, and he could see her studying him from across the table. There was something on her mind, he was sure of it. Shifting in his seat, he watched her clean up the dishes. She poured them both another cup of coffee and then cleared her throat. He lifted a brow over the rim of his cup as he took a sip and watched her sit back down.

“Something’s bothering me.” Kate placed both hands around her mug.

“I figured. Have the headaches come back?”

“No, no. Nothing medical.” Taking a sip, she set the cup on the table. “It’s something here at the house.”

“The house?” He took another drink, hoping she didn’t see the slight shake of the cup.

“There’s a bedroom upstairs, and the door is locked.”

Sam gulped hard to keep the coffee from spewing between his lips. How could he have forgotten that room? He’d locked the door that horrible day and never looked back. The sting of Robin taking his son away was still so fresh in his mind.

“Hmm.” He twisted his neck, trying to crack the tension.

“I’m sure there’s a logical explanation why we’ve locked it, but of course I can’t remember.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

“It’s only storage.” He tried to sound nonchalant while reaching for another piece of bacon.

“Storage? Then why lock it?”

“Uh, yeah. We had some water problems in the basement last year. We brought a lot of stuff upstairs. Haven’t gotten around to taking it back down, is all.” He paused, and then thought to add, “You’re the one who locked it, silly.”

“Oh. Well, maybe I’ll unlock it. I can sift through the stuff. You know, it might help bring some of those memories back.”

“No.” Kate jumped, and he realized he’d spoken too harshly. “I mean...you saw a mouse. That’s why you locked the door.”

She blinked. “A mouse?”

He pounced on her weakness, eager to divert the conversation. “Oh yeah, remember, you swore you’d never go in there until I got rid of them.”

“Them?” Kate’s complexion paled a little.

“Sure, there’s probably more than one by now. Sorry, but you know how busy I’ve been.” Sam hoped like hell she bought this. She’d be full of questions if she went in that room. Questions he didn’t want to answer, which would only raise more questions.

Talk about disaster.

He took his empty cup to the sink. “There are too many heavy boxes. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself. Besides, there’s no hurry to move the stuff.”

“I only want to look inside them.” She stood and followed behind him. “Something could help me remember. Do you think you could move them for me?”

She wasn’t going to let this drop, so he had to think fast. Those pale blue eyes begged him to agree with her. Too bad he wasn’t going to. He couldn’t open that door.

“Remember, the doctor said to take it slow. You’re doing great all on your own, no need to go into that dusty old room. One of these days we’ll do it together.” He shrugged. “Could be fun.”

“I guess I can hold off.” She gave him a curious glance. “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

“There’s no big deal.” He leaned against the counter. “The room’s a mess of boxes and junk, and you hate mice. Plus, there’s no immediate reason to be in there.” He tried to keep the edginess out of his voice.

She walked to the sink to rinse her cup, and he hoped the subject was closed. When she returned to the table, she reminded him of a child busting at the seams to keep a secret. “I was thinking of something the other day.”

“And what might that be?” He crossed his arms, playing in to her amusement.

“I was thinking maybe we could go into the city. You know, do some shopping, and maybe go see Jennie.”

There it was, the one thing which had gnawed at his gut since rearing its ugly head nine days ago.

“I’ve been feeling better. Not many bad headaches, only a few small ones. What do you say? Are you up for it?” Her eyes twinkled like sun off the water.

He didn’t want to disappoint her, but he wasn’t willing to cross that bridge yet. He’d do anything but take her into that damnable city. It was too risky, almost as risky as opening that door.

“Actually, we need to go to the market.” He saw her eyes drop to the table and his heart sank. He hated to deny her small request, but there were huge consequences she knew nothing about. Maybe he could make up for it. “Hey, there are some shops in the next town. How about we go there instead? We’ll buy our groceries and make a day of it.”

“Fine.” She pouted like a child then sat up straight. “But you have to promise me next weekend we’ll go see Jen. I haven’t seen her in so long. Does she even know about the accident?”

“I called her after it happened and again to let her know I was bringing you home.”

“Oh. I’m surprised she hasn’t stopped out or called me.” He saw that thoughtful look upon her face once more. He needed to put out this fire, quick.

“You know, she was planning on taking an extended vacation in
Europe
. More than likely she’s having so much fun jetting around she hasn’t had the time or energy to call anyone. You know how Jennie gets.”

“Yeah, you’re right. She probably hasn’t even charged her cell phone. Either that or she’s hooked up with some cute guy. I’m sure she’ll call when she gets back.”

He watched the gleam fade from Kate’s eyes and could only imagine the things Jennie would say to Kate if she were around. One more incident to add to his list of things he didn’t think through enough. Thank goodness Jennie was far enough away for that to happen. He needed to keep Kate busy so she wouldn’t continue to think of things like her best friend and that room.

“So, do you want to shop in town or skip it for now?”

“Oh, no, no, I can’t skip it.” Her eyes twinkled once more. “Besides, I thought of a great gift for Mom and Dad. I know, I know, Christmas has passed. I guess it can be one of those ‘just because’ presents. Besides, I haven’t seen them in a while, and they haven’t called. I have a feeling something’s wrong.”

Where was she getting this stuff, Sam wondered while trying not to give away his shock. If it were possible for Sam to fly out the door, he would have.

“A present, you were saying?” he said to distract her. He’d completely forgotten about her parents. It had actually been nice to have her old man out of the picture for once. Sam listened in disbelief as she continued.

“Remember the little boutique in
Dublin
where we got Dad that tobacco he loves so much? Well, I thought we could give them a call and see if they could ship us some. They might even still carry those gorgeous lead crystal vases. What do you think? Great idea, huh?”

His hesitation only gave her time to rethink.

“Oh, I have a better idea. Why don’t I look into it today and ask them if they will express ship it. That way when we go to see Jen next weekend, we can make a whole trip out of it and see Mom and Dad, too.”

This was getting crazier by the minute. Those memory flashes of hers were going to make him nuts. How could he possibly explain this?
Dublin
, of all places, how did she ever remember buying tobacco for her father? This meant she had every intention of going next weekend.

In a little over a week, his project had become more than he could handle. Maybe this was a sign it was time to tell her everything, time to cut his losses and run. He was ready to make the sacrifice when the most bizarre idea popped into his head.

No, it would never work. Or would it?

Well, he’d have to give it a shot. For as much as his conscience was screaming to do the right thing, he enjoyed having her back in his life. Besides, returning to her old life right now might not be a good idea. He still wasn’t sure what exactly was going on with her ex-husband.

She’d said she thought something was wrong with her father. He’d build on that. Sam knew he was probably building his own coffin, but he had to take the chance. If he hadn’t taken chances in the first place, Kate wouldn’t be here now. She’d probably be dead. Or she could be dead if he let her go, and he wouldn’t let that happen. He had to keep those goons away from her, even if she hated him for it once she found out.

“Hel-lo. Earth to Sam. Jeepers, I thought I’d come up with a really great idea.” She’d joined him at the sink and fanned her hand in front of his face. “If you don’t like it, just say so. You don’t have to pretend like you didn’t hear me.” She paused, scrunching her face in concern. “Or didn’t you?”

“I heard you,” his voice sounded like stone.

“Then what’s wrong with the idea?” Her forehead wrinkled as she stared at him.

“Nothing’s wrong with it. I, um, well...” He didn’t know if he could go through with this, not that he’d ever been a coward or anything, but Kate had a way of getting under his skin and now was no exception. Avoiding her eyes, he made his way back to the table and sat down. It was either that, or puke.

“Well what?” She followed him over. “You’re making me nervous. Why are you looking like that?” She sat across from him and reached for his hand. “Are you all right? What’s going on?”

“You don’t remember, do you?” God, he still couldn’t look at her and acid bubbled in his stomach at what he was about to do.

“There’s a lot I’m not remembering these days, nothing new there.” She squeezed his fingers until he won the battle with his insides and met her gaze.

She seemed worried even through her smile, and it killed him. He hated to do this to her, but right now he didn’t see any other way. In order for her to forget the notion of visiting anyone, this had to be done.

He cleared his throat and gripped her hands, maybe a little too tight. “Kate, you and your Dad had a big falling-out. You haven’t spoken in over a year.”

There, it was out. He watched her pale as his words hit home, and for a moment he thought she would faint. He felt like a rat caught in its own trap. His stomach lurched when she pulled her hands away.

“What? How could I forget something like that? Oh my God, what happened?”

“The doctor said you shouldn’t overwhelm yourself with too much at once. I don’t think we should get into it.” Sam didn’t want to lie to her again.

“I can’t believe I don’t remember. It’s like I’ve blocked it out of my mind…as if it never happened.”

She’d always been so close with her father. He’d hated like hell to do this to her. He hoped by changing the subject it would help her a little.

“Listen, maybe if we go into town, it will take your mind off this. I don’t want you being worked up all over again. It was so hard on you the first time. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make up with him. Wait until you’re stronger, for both of your sakes.”

“I don’t understand. I know we’ve had our differences, but Daddy’s never been mad at me for this long. I, I need to be alone right now.” Her eyes glazed over like ice on the lake. Sam felt just as fragile as he watched her shuffle to the stairs with her shoulders hunched and her head hanging low. He hadn’t
thought she’d take it so hard.

“Sure.” He struggled with giving her the time she needed or following her to give her some sort of comfort. This was it. He was coming clean. She was going to hate him anyway, so what did it matter? He started to go after her when the phone rang. “Damn.”

Something always seemed to get in the way of him doing the right thing. Could it be fate again? Hell, he didn’t know what to think or do anymore.

Chapter Five

Sam headed into the kitchen and grabbed the phone.

“Yeah.”

“Hey, it’s Rusty.”

“What’s going on?” Sam messaged the weariness weighing over his eyes.

“Not much here. How’s everything with the happy couple?”

“Not so happy right now.”

“Why, what happened?” Sam’s sigh, followed by silence, must have led Rusty to think the worst. “Don’t tell me her memory has come back? Does she remember what happened before the accident?”

“No, but it might as well be that bad though.” Sam massaged his temples. Had he really said those things to her? Hell, not only did he build the coffin, but he’d also tied the noose around his own neck and jumped. He swallowed hard and continued, “I had to tell her something, and now she’s hurting. Why does she keep bringing things up that I have to trip over myself in order to explain?”

“W-What do you mean you had to tell her something? What exactly did you tell her, Ace?”

“That she hasn’t spoken to her father in over a year.”

“What? Are you stupid? No, wait. Don’t answer that one, because I already know.” Rusty growled through the phone. “What other idiotic things have you been doing to screw yourself?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Now that he’d voiced it all to someone else, Sam was disgusted with himself. Everything kept snowballing, and there wasn’t a shovel big enough to dig him out. How could he have sunk so low?

“Try me,” came Rusty’s forced response.

“I thought of Robin today.”

“Robin? Boy, you’re more dim-witted than I thought. What’s gotten into you? Robin’s gone, and that’s a good thing. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll never make mention of her again.”

“Trust me, Russ, I don’t ever want to see that woman again. I don’t know why, but I found myself comparing them.”

“Listen you fool, there is no comparison. You have the best girl around. If you botch this up again, I don’t think either one of you will recover.”

“Botch what up?”

“This chance you’ve been given to have Kate back in your life. I can’t believe you don’t see it.”

“Whoa, Russ, that’s just not going to happen. I’m looking out for her, that’s all. There is no chance for Kate and me. Even if I did want it, she made it pretty clear how she felt. Once she learns the truth, she’s going to hate me.”

“Why did you ever tell her those lies in the first place?”

“She started wanting to go see Jennie Duncan. Then she came up with this crazy gift idea for her parents. What was I supposed to do?” Sam didn’t want to admit to his friend how he feared losing Kate again. Sure it was bound to happen eventually when she learned the truth. For now he would relish in the sheer joy of her smile, having her to come home to every night, and the times they’d spent just snuggling in each other’s arms. Sam was in no hurry for the fantasy to end because the reality of the matter sucked.

“I sure hope you know what you’re doing.” Rusty’s voice brought him back.

“Me, too, my friend.”

“Jill is planning a great dinner for Tuesday. You guys still in?”

“We’ll be there, buddy. I could use some allies to keep me from sticking my foot in my mouth.”

“You can count on it. We won’t stand by and let you hurt her again.”

“I’m not trying to hurt her. I’m trying to protect her.”

After hanging up the phone, Sam decided it would be best to handle some paperwork in his office instead of following Kate. Yes, it was becoming harder to explain events as Kate seemed to remember them. He had to admit, once an explanation came to mind he was getting pretty good at rolling with it, even though he detested the fact he had to keep lying to her.

How could he tell her everything, when “everything” could mean losing her?

While thumbing through invoices, the picture of Kate caught his eye and he was instantly taken back. They’d always had a spark, and she was beginning to feel it, too. He’d caught her looking at him many times, and then she’d try to cover it up. Could Kate fall in love with him again? He picked up the black lacquered frame as reality raised its ugly head. She’d flat-out turned down his suggestions at Jed’s that night.

“Get a hold of yourself, Hackett, and don’t even go there.” He spoke to her image with the hope of convincing himself. The only problem was that for Kate, he’d go anywhere, do anything. She had that effect on him and as much as he wanted to deny it, he couldn’t.

“This is absurd.” He shook his head, knowing the woman in the picture wasn’t the same woman upstairs. He and Kate were two different people now. He returned the picture to the desk but couldn’t stop thinking about what Rusty suggested.

Sam took a risk to keep her safe, why not risk it all to keep her heart? Maybe it was time to pu
t his pride aside and find out.

**
*

“How you doing over there, beautiful?” At the touch of Sam’s hand on her knee, Kate turned from staring deep in thought out the truck window. Her heart still ached over the rift with her father. She wanted to make it right.

She’d found Sam in his office and demanded he tell her what happened. He’d hedged a little until she’d broken down and cried. After a few minutes of hysteria on his broad shoulders, he’d given in. While Sam relayed the story, bits and pieces of an argument had returned. She saw her father’s angry and hurt eyes. She remembered screaming at him how she would stand by Sam no matter what. She even remembered storming out of the house.

She placed both hands on top of Sam’s in an attempt to gather more of his strength. Raising her eyes, she admired his profile, as she often caught herself doing these days. A calm, content feeling settled through her. There was no doubt in her mind Sam would help heal her heart. Her father needed to understand she had a life and a mind of her own. He should be proud she was a woman who could stand her ground and not be controlled.

She exhaled, coming to terms with herself and at last answered Sam’s question. “I’m fine. I’m still a little shook up over Dad.”

“Don’t get upset again. It wouldn’t be good for you right now.”

“I know. I would’ve bet my own life that I’d spoken to him recently.” She noticed how Sam’s hand tightened on the wheel.

“Oh really?” He shot a glance from her back to the road.

“Crazy, isn’t it? I’m finding it odd how neither one of us has attempted a reconciliation. You know how close we were.” She looked back out the window. “Don’t you find that strange? I feel sick that it’s been over a year and we haven’t forgiven each other.” She inhaled sharply, turning her full attention to Sam. “My God, he knows about the accident, doesn’t he? You did call him, right?”

“He wouldn’t talk to me.”

“You mean...he didn’t care if I was dead or alive?” A single tear slid down her cheek.

“Aww, Kate, don’t do this to yourself. Of course he cares. He’s just mad as hell at me.”

“At you? Then if he cares so much,” she sniffed, “why won’t he let this thing drop, whatever it is? I’m certainly willing. You are too, aren’t you?”

He shook his head, keeping his eyes on the road. “Not that simple.”

Kate returned her eyes to the passing scenery. Pine trees gave way to full, leafy oaks as they approached the outskirts of town. Then she saw a window display she couldn’t resist.

“What a cute name for a store, City Lights. I bet I’ll be able to find the perfect gift for Jennie in there. Pull over here!” She wagged a finger at the windshield.

“You want to walk through town? That might be too much, seeing as this is your first time out.” Sam place the truck in park, and Kate was out the door before he could get to her side.

“It’s a beautiful day, c’mon!” She couldn’t hide her excitement as she grabbed Sam’s sleeve and dragged him across the street.

“Slow down, take your time. I don’t want you to overdo it,” he said, pulling back to slow her pace. It didn’t work, she was on a mission.

“Look at that gorgeous dress in the window. The lines are incredible. It couldn’t be any prettier than if I’d made it myself. Don’t you think Jen would look great in that raspberry color?” She tapped on the glass while pointing out each feature of the pink, leather creation right down to the side-seam zipper. “Where have I seen this dress before? Hmm, maybe it was in a magazine.” She shrugged at Sam’s dazed expression reflecting in the glass. “I guess I could make one if I tried hard enough. It’s been a while. Without Jen here, it might be kind of rough.”

“Sure, whatever,” he said not appearing enthused, and Kate realized she’d been rambling. He obviously wasn’t as impressed with the dress as she was. She giggled as a memory from their past returned.

“Remember how I used to make you stand around for hours while I pinned and cut and altered my designs? I don’t know how you stood there for so long. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t put you through that again. I’ll make sure I bring a mannequin home from the shop.”

Kate slowly turned, her lips parted in surprise at what she’d said. If Sam’s wide eyes were any indication, he was just as shocked. Neither one spoke. Kate tried frantically to remember more but her mind was blank.

“Why would I say that? When did I have a shop?”

“A long time ago,” Sam replied. “Maybe coming to town wasn’t such a great idea.”

“Of course it was. I needed this. How else would I have remembered I had a dress shop? Sam, I’m okay, really.” She paused, putting a hand to her chin as she studied the dress once more. “Jenny doesn’t have one like this already, does she?”

“Uh, nope, I don’t think so.” Sam glanced up and down the sidewalk, slipped her hand in his and led her away from the display.

“What are you doing?” Kate squinted into the sun, not liking the strange expression she saw transform in the shadows of his profile.

“We just got here. There’s more to look at. Why don’t you wait and see what else we find. There might be something better.”

“But I love this. It’s perfect for Jennie.” She planted her feet, not ready to give up. “What if they only have one in her size and someone else buys it? I’ll be so upset.”

“This is a small town, remember?” He stopped, and she could tell he was trying to humor her. “I don’t think there will be many people chomping at the bit to get that particular dress. Unless there’s a special occasion I don’t know about, most people out here just don’t have a need for something so…dressy.”

She formed a pout she hoped would gain sympathy. When he didn’t give in, she said, “Oh, all right. If that dress is gone later, I’m holding you personally responsible. You’ll be combing the state looking for another one or sewing it yourself, got it?”

“Are you threatening me?” There was no mistaking that devilish gleam. He stood about four feet away.

“What are you up to?” she asked, not sure if she really wanted to know. When he started to laugh, she knew she didn’t stand a chance. He took a tentative step closer, the mile-wide grin never leaving his face.

“You were killing me with the way you had to have that dress, right now.” He paused in his mocking, the smile fading until nothing remained except stone cold seriousness. “Combing the state? I think not. You must think you’re pretty funny, don’t you?”

“No.” She eyed him curiously as he stepped slowly around her. He was definitely not acting like himself, and she didn’t know what to think.

An uneasy tingle crept up her spine as if she were being watched by eyes other than Sam’s. Kate glanced fleetingly around, not wanting to take her eyes off him for long. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for Sam’s behavior.

And now hers.

“Hey, your boot is untied.” The second he stopped and looked down, she hurled herself at him. With a thud, Sam landed face first in a nearby grassy patch. Kate sprawled on his flattened back.

“Now this is funny.” She laughed in amazement of her spontaneous decision, and roared over his stunned expression. Gone was the amusement from moments before.

Sam caught her off guard and flipped her over. As he straddled her waist, pinning her wrists on either side of her head, his eyes blazed and she thought for sure they were burning a spot into the lush, green carpet. Her body reacted to his closeness in a way which scared her and thrilled her at the same time. He leaned in close, releasing a wrist. One look into those blue eyes of his and she was a goner. The closer his face got, the quicker her pulse pounded.

His breath fell in shallow bursts against her nose and mouth. Heat spread from her face to every fiber of her body. She stopped struggling and locked eyes with her husband. Although he bared no weight on her, she found it hard to breathe. She fought a battle between her head and her heart.

Her heart won as she experienced the first soft touch of his lips on hers. She welcomed his kiss and tasted him, only to look in wonder when he pulled back. His eyes questioned whether he should go on. In answer, she raised her own lips to his. For once in her life, she stopped thinking and started feeling. What a lustful feeling it was. Her insides burned and her skin prickled through her light sweater.

His lips were warm and moist and she melted into them. When she felt his tongue slip deliciously inside her mouth, she hesitated for only a second. Her tongue touched his, and he moaned deep in his throat. Her head swam in a bliss she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Whatever she was feeling, she didn’t want it to stop. She wished they were home in their bed. She could kiss him like this forever.