Chapter 19

While Jarrod had some business to take care of at his office, Nick accompanied Katelyn to her cottage to feed and play with Lucky. On the return trip, they stopped off at a shop for a present for Victoria. Her birthday was in a few weeks and Jarrod had asked Nick to pick up the gift he had picked out.

Since their conversation on the balcony and his apology, Nick seemed to be more friendly and polite, like he was on her side now. Before he seemed to be judging her every move. Now, he accepted her without question. He seemed to want her to know that she was welcome in their family. What had Jarrod said that made him so accepting of her all of a sudden. He said he understood when Jarrod "explained" things, but just what was it he understood?

As they were waiting to pick up the gift, they browsed around a bit. They were just about to leave when Katelyn heard someone say,

"I see you've found a new playmate."

Katelyn turned to stare in the unwavering face of Amanda Altman. Kate's stomach turned at the prospect of a confrontation with the other woman - and there would be a confrontation. Amanda would see to that.

"Well, he's awfully cute. I wonder what Jarrod will say when he finds out you are spending your days with another man? And that he's buying you expensive gifts." Amanda nodded toward the package Katelyn was carrying. "I best get over to his office. I'm sure he'll need a shoulder to cry on." Her smile was disgustingly smug.

"Jarrod already knows. And he vastly approves."

"I doubt that. He's a very possessive man. I know." She lifted her chin. "It's only a matter of time. Only a matter of time." With that, Amanda spun on her heels and left.

Katelyn looked over at Nick who was watching the gorgeous woman walk away. He turned his eyes to Katelyn and asked, "Who was that?"

"Amanda Altman. I need to go back to my house."

They walked out of the store and Nick hailed a carriage. They rode back to Katelyn's in silence and when they arrived he helped her down.

"You can go ahead and go back to the townhouse. I'll just stay here for a while."

Nick's expression was hesitant. "Are you sure you don't want me to wait for you? I could just wait out here."

"No, thank you." Katelyn began to walk away, but Nick touched her arm to stop her.

"Don't let her get to you. I'm sure a woman like that could mean nothing to Jarrod."

I wish I were so sure. She once meant something to him. "Thanks."

Nick still gently held on to her arm. She looked at him and smiled sadly. "I just need some time to myself. I'll be fine."

Jarrod looked anxiously at the door as his brother came in, but without Katelyn.

"I thought Katelyn was with you."

"She was. We ran into an old friend of yours. Amanda Altman. The witch had her claws out and unless I miss my guess, she drew blood."

"Where is she?"

Nick raised his eyebrows.

"Katelyn! I mean Katelyn!" His brother couldn't possibly thing he wanted anything to do with Amanda when he had someone as wonderful as Katelyn. Well, almost had.

"She asked me to leave her at the cottage. I guess she needed time to lick her wounds."

Jarrod was out the door before Nick could say any more.

Katelyn, please don't believe that woman. A woman like Amanda could make even the most secure woman have doubts. And the relationship he had with Katelyn was anything but secure.

He was relieved when he saw Katelyn outside playing tug of war with Lucky. The dog was getting the better of her, yanking her around the yard even though Katelyn was digging in her heels. She looked happy. Jarrod stood and watched for a moment, listening to the dog's growls mixed with her laughter. He didn't want to be the cause of her smile fading, not just yet. He wanted to enjoy her for a moment longer.

Suddenly, Lucky's ears perked up and she let loose of the rope. He had been spotted. Katelyn sprawled backward into the grass.

She was still laughing when he rushed over to her. He held out his hand and pulled her to her feet.

"My dog has no consideration for me when you are around." Katelyn brushed herself off.

"I'm sorry. Would you like me to teach her some manners?"

"No. It probably wouldn't do any good. She only has eyes for you," she said with a wave of her hand.

And you, Katelyn, who do you have eyes for?

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Coffee sounds good."

Lucky jumped in front of Katelyn with the rope again and dropped it at her feet. "No, I'm not going to play with you after you dumped me in the grass." She stepped around the dog, but the persistent dog dropped the rope at her feet again, nearly tripping her.

"I think she's trying to say she's sorry," Jarrod said on Lucky's behalf.

"I forgive you." Katelyn scratched the dog behind the ears. "But I'm still not playing with you." She picked up the rope and threw it as far as she could. "Hurry up," She called to Jarrod as she hurried for the door. "It won't take her long to retrieve it."

They hurried inside and Katelyn started some coffee. They didn't speak until Katelyn set a cup in front of Jarrod.

"Nick said you two ran into Amanda today." He put the cup to his mouth and sipped it. "I'm sorry she bothered you."

"It was nothing, really."

Uncertainty accosted Jarrod. The encounter with Amanda wasn't the least bit upsetting to Katelyn? "What did she say this time?"

"Nothing of importance."

"Nick said she was pretty catty."

She shrugged her shoulders and took a sip of coffee.

"Then you didn't believe her?"

She set down her mug. "It's hard to ignore someone like Amanda, but when it came down to it, I chose to believe you instead of her." Her gaze met his. "I hardly know her. I certainly don't have any reason to trust her. But I do think I can trust what you've told me about her. So that's what I'm doing."

His spirits brightened. She had chosen to believe him. He felt like a man pardoned at the last hour.