"Jeremy, the mutt's probably still in town. His scent was no more than a day old," Elena was saying as she chopped some cucumber for the salad.
They were all gathered in the kitchen at Stonehaven preparing the evening meal. Jeremy enjoyed these times, when all of his family was together, collectively drawing strength from their closeness as a pack. Despite the changes over the years, he maintained that they were strongest when they were together as a unit. It was also these times that he missed Antonio the most. Jeremy's old friend had loved to cook and often when he'd visited Stonehaven, he'd take over the duty for the duration of his stay. Mostly when it had just been Jeremy and Clay, meal times had been a quiet, subdued occasion. But now that Elena had re-joined the pack and Nick spent more time with them, it often became a boisterous and animated affair. As such, it was difficult for Jeremy to understand why any wolf would choose isolation and exile instead of the support and loyalty of a pack.
"Now that we know he's been seen around town, it will be easier to track and catch him," Jeremy said, placing two large jugs of orange juice on the table while Clay positioned crockery and cutlery in front of four chairs.
Manning the stove, tongs in hand, was Nick. In front of him were two frying pans, massive mounds of bacon and sausages sizzling in the fat. "I wonder if he was bitten and then abandoned. Mutts around these parts know the rules and after what happened the last time, they wouldn't be stupid enough to poach on Jeremy's territory."
"So this is our guy," Clay drawled eyeing the black and white photograph on the top page of a document lying on the table. "Alexander Salazar."
Jeremy glanced at Nick before taking a seat and scanning the text. "Your contact is sure about this?"
Nick nodded. "He was identified by another pack before skipping town. They tried to track him, but he disappeared. They figured he'd been killed."
"What's the plan?" Elena asked, dropping a tub of cherry tomatoes into the salad bowl.
"Find him and kill him," said Clay simply, as though it was the most obvious thing.
Nick rolled his eyes. "As always, Clayton, you have the subtlety of a sledgehammer."
Elena glanced over her shoulder, grinning at Nick. "Thought you'd be used to it by now."
Clay smirked at his fiancé. "Nothing wrong with telling it like it is, darlin'."
"I want him alive," Jeremy said, interrupting their banter. All eyes swivelled in his direction. Calmly, he placed the document on the table and raised an eyebrow at them questioningly.
Clay responded first, his tone harsh. "Why? This guy is bad news. The sooner we get rid of him, the better."
Jeremy nodded. "I don't disagree, but I want to know why he's targeted this woman specifically. There must be a reason."
Elena turned to face him, frowning. "Clay's right, Jeremy. Does it even matter? If he's dead he can't harm her or anyone else, ever again."
"He might not be working alone," Jeremy said impassively.
Nick turned the sausages, the sizzle in the frying pan filling the gaps in conversation. "Nothing we've discovered thus far suggests that he isn't."
Elena nodded, pushing her bangs out of her eyes. "I think we should strike him down once we find him. Without delay."
Clay leaned forward, bracing his hands against the table. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
Mockingly, Nick pointed the tongs at Elena. "You're spending way too much time with this canine. Whatever happened to your sensitivity and restraint?"
She ignored his comment, looking at Jeremy. "It's best if we take him out first chance we get."
"Agreed," said Clay.
Nick heaped bacon onto a plate. "Sounds like a plan."
Jeremy had heard enough. "I've made my decision," he said calmly.
"But-"
"Jeremy-"
"This-"
"Enough!" he exploded in a tone that silenced everyone instantly. "I've made my decision. I want him delivered to me, alive. Have I made myself clear?" His words were sharp and curt as he glanced at each one of them in turn. They nodded, though he sensed they weren't happy about it.
"Good." He lightened his tone. "Now, shall we eat?"
The tension diffused somewhat as everyone turned back to their individual tasks. Jeremy knew they were each questioning his decision. Under ordinary circumstances, Clay and Elena would handle the mutt and that would be the end of it. This time though, he wanted to be the one to mete out punishment. His mind flashed to Kate, to the bruises on her face, and he felt his anger stir once more. He wanted to stare the mongrel in the face who'd dared to hurt her. And, he wanted to know why.
"Jeremy, your agent called again," Nick said, checking the steaks in the oven.
"You still working on the remaining landscape?" Elena asked curiously.
"I'm almost done. With everything going on, I've been a little distracted," he admitted.
"There's no need for you to be. We'll take care of this." Clay said. Then at Jeremy's direct stare, he sighed and added, "By bringing the mutt to Stonehaven when we catch him."
Jeremy changed the subject. "How's Logan?" he asked Nick.
The younger man dropped more bacon into the fat. "Good. He's with Rachel. He'll probably come up at the weekend."
Jeremy saw Elena tense and knew what was coming. "Rachel cannot keep the child, Elena," he said softly.
She turned to face him, torn. "Why not? I mean-"
"Those are the rules," Jeremy said, simply.
"I know, but can't rules be changed?" she asked, hopefully. Clay snorted at her words and poured himself some juice. Elena scowled at him, but continued to address Jeremy. "It's just…Rachel will be heartbroken. It doesn't seem right to take a child from his mother."
"Our survival depends on our ability to keep who and what we are a secret. If we started telling humans the truth because we wanted to spare their feelings, how long do you think we would continue to exist?"
"But surely there must be a better way?" she insisted.
Jeremy sat back in his chair. "We could stop procreating with humans entirely. That would, of course, lead to our extinction. Is that what you want?"
Elena wavered. "No, but-"
"Alternately, we could tell the mothers what we are and what their sons will grow up to be and see how they react? Perhaps some of them might understand and stay quiet. But there are many others who won't. Realistically, how long, Elena, before we are all cut open and placed under microscopes?" Her eyes dropped from his and he knew he'd made his point. She didn't like it, but she understood. Jeremy's voice gentled. "I don't derive any pleasure out of knowing the pain that Rachel will endure once her child is taken from her, but in the end, we do what has to be done for the good of the pack."
"Amen," Clay said, taking a swig from his glass.
Nick didn't say anything, his back to them as he continued to work the grill. Jeremy knew how much Nick wished that he'd known his mother. Now that he knew where she was, Jeremy sincerely hoped he didn't act impulsively and place both of their lives in danger.
"Hey, at least you know you won't ever have to give up any of your kids," Nick quipped at last, dodging Elena's fist.
"Shut up, puppy."
He glared at her in mock offense. "That's the second time you've called me that. Need I remind you that you've seen the bone I can bury?"
Elena laughed and Clay scowled.
Jeremy shook his head, looking down at the face of the man responsible for almost attacking Kate. He looked to be around mid-thirties, pale, dark hair and eyes. He didn't seem particularly threatening. If anything, he looked like an average guy who'd blend into the surroundings. Often, they're the ones to watch out for, he reminded himself.
He was jerked from his thoughts when Elena said, "Someone's here."
Surprised, Jeremy stood. They weren't expecting any guests. Everyone stopped what they were doing and followed him into the foyer. He opened the door. Immediately his senses were assaulted by a familiar scent.
"Who is that fine-looking lady?" Nick piped up, craning his neck to get a better look at the woman climbing out of the driver's seat of the Cooper.
Stepping onto the porch, they watched as she retrieved a bag from the trunk and started towards them. Jeremy's eyes wandered over her, taking in the short print dress, low heeled boots and denim jacket. His gaze lingered on her shapely legs, exposed for the first time. Her long hair was braided simply, the length of it hanging forward across one shoulder. As she approached, her eyes met his behind the rims of her spectacles, and held. He could see the colour rising in her cheeks and cursed himself for finding her so attractive.
Kate.
"That's the doctor you told us about?" Nick whispered, slack jawed. Jeremy hadn't realised he'd said her name out loud. "Jesus, Jeremy. You failed to mention that she's a complete babe. I could get into the whole doctor-patient roleplaying thing." Nick coughed, running a hand across his throat. "I think I may be coming down with something."
Clay shook his head in exasperation and Elena punched Nick playfully in the ribs. Jeremy however, glanced over his shoulder, unaware of the ferocious scowl on his face as he glared at the younger man. "That's enough, Nick."
The smile faded from Nick's lips. "I'm kidding…" he murmured, raising his hands apologetically.
Jeremy pulled himself together. "Dr Shaw," he called as she approached.
"Kate," she corrected. Her gaze was friendly and openly curious, if a little wary, as she stared from him to everyone else.
"What brings you by?"
She held the bag in her hand aloft. "You left so suddenly yesterday that I didn't get the chance to give you your wife's clothing."
Jeremy stared at the bag. He hadn't thought she'd drop it off.
"Wife?" Clay repeated with arched brows, looking at Jeremy.
Behind him, Nick was chortling. Jeremy watched as Kate faltered, her gaze swinging from Nick, back towards him, looking unsure.
"Jeremy's as single as a dollar and not looking for change," Nick replied, stepping forward and extending a hand towards Kate. "I'm Nick Sorrentino, by the way."
Her eyes met Jeremy's, even as she grasped Nick's hand. "You're really not married?" Kate blurted and then flushed.
"No," he replied, feeling the urge to punch Nick.
Kate swallowed, probably realising that his family was staring at them. Abruptly, she turned her attention to Nick and smiled warmly. "Hi."
The sight annoyed Jeremy. "Kate," he said, realising there was no getting around it, "this is my family." He gestured from one to the other. "Clay, my son, his fiancé Elena and Nick, my nephew."
He's not married! The relief Kate felt at discovering that information was astounding. At least now she didn't have to feel guilty about being attracted to him. And oh, she was very attracted. In dark blue jeans that quite honestly fit him far too well, a blue shirt that did wonders for his eyes and a dark zip up sweater, he was gorgeous.
Also, he didn't look pleased to see her at all. In fact, she could have sworn he wanted her gone. The second their eyes had connected, she'd noted his surprise, then the flash of disapproval. It had been replaced almost immediately with his usual polite mask, but she was certain she'd seen it. The thought made her feel awkward. Why didn't he like her?
Everyone else was eyeing her curiously, and she couldn't help feeling a little intimidated. They sure are a good-looking bunch, she noted, her eyes trailing from one to the other.
Nick, who was still holding her hand looked to be the youngest. He was tall and lean with dark, wavy brown hair and blue eyes. He had a roguish look about him and the sophisticated beauty of someone who probably spent more time in spas and salons than she did. Her eyes shifted to Elena. Who is not his wife, she reminded herself. She was stunning. Her hair, a beautiful golden halo, hung loosely around her shoulders and down her back. Her eyes were a vivid, clear blue, her build slim, although she possessed an air of physical strength about her that seemed to belie her slight frame. Lastly, Kate gazed at Clay.
There was no way that he and Jeremy could be biological father and son. Jeremy did not look nearly old enough to have a child Clay's age. Clay was broad shouldered, heavily muscled and solid. His deep blonde hair hung down to the nape of his neck, the long bangs framing his scruff covered, handsome face. There was something about him that seemed wild, untamed and Kate thought back to Amy's description of him. At the time she'd thought the young girl was merely exaggerating, but now, looking at him, the words, "bad boy", "gorgeous" and "dangerous" seemed about right. Of all of them, he intimidated her the most, particularly since his stance, legs planted wide apart, arms crossed over his chest, seemed almost confrontational.
Standing in front of them, Jeremy's displeasure at seeing her still at the forefront of her mind, Kate felt foolish for having made the journey. She turned to Elena and held out the bag. "Thank you for allowing me to borrow these."
The blonde woman smiled kindly and Kate couldn't help taking a liking to her. "You're welcome. Jeremy mentioned what happened to you."
Kate grimaced. "I hope he didn't mention everything," she replied with a laugh, glancing at the man in question. He was looking at her, his gaze inscrutable. "Some bits are a little embarrassing."
"Well, we're glad you're okay," Elena said.
"Was your window replaced yesterday?" Jeremy asked suddenly.
Kate shook her head. "No, first thing this morning. The repairman didn't have the correct size glass, so he boarded it up and promised to come back."
Jeremy's eyes darkened. "You stayed there without proper protection?"
Kate frowned at his tone. He looked angry. "I was fine. Besides, whoever broke in didn't take anything. Whatever they wanted, I obviously didn't have."
Jeremy stepped closer to her, his eyes blazing. "He could have come back. That was a pretty irresponsible thing to do."
"Jeremy," Kate heard Elena say, surprise in her tone.
Kate felt her temper rise. "I don't take my safety for granted. If I thought I was genuinely in danger, I would have insisted that the window be replaced then and there. Besides, the Sheriff assured me that they would patrol the area, as a precaution."
"And you thought that would be sufficient?"
Kate glared at him. "Why wouldn't it be? I'm not a fool!"
"Then you shouldn't act like one."
"Am I the only one who's completely missing what this is all about?" Kate heard Nick whisper, not so discreetly, to Clay and Elena.
Immediately Kate became aware that she and Jeremy were being keenly observed. Three pairs of eyes were glued to them, moving from side to side as though they were watching a tennis match. Their expressions varied from surprised to confused to intrigued. Embarrassed, Kate adjusted the strap of her purse over her shoulder.
They were still standing outside. Since she hadn't been invited in, she could only assume that Jeremy didn't want her there. The thought was mortifying. Eager to get away, Kate took a step back. "I should go." She looked at Elena and smiled tensely. "Thank you, again." She turned to leave.
"Wait!" Elena called and Kate hesitated. "We were about to have dinner before you arrived. Why don't you join us?"
"Elena!" Clay hissed, his disapproval evident.
Kate shook her head. "That's nice of you but I wouldn't want to intrude."
"You wouldn't be," Elena assured her with a smile. "Right, Jeremy?"
Kate's gaze swung to the man glaring daggers at his almost daughter-in-law. When he realised Kate was looking at him, his smiled tersely. "Of course," he said, polite as ever. "Please, join us." His tone was soft and cordial, but it was obvious he wasn't happy to extend the invitation.
There was no way she was going to stay when it was obvious that she wasn't wanted. Kate was about to refuse when Nick placed a hand on her shoulder, propelling her forward. "Come on in. There's plenty to go around."
Unsure of how to extricate herself since she was already across the threshold and into the foyer, Kate reluctantly acquiesced. The house was exactly as she remembered it, but with the weather being more pleasant than it had been on her first visit; it looked more airy, more vibrant. It really was beautiful.
Nick reached for her jacket. "Can I take this?"
Kate smiled at him gratefully and shrugged out of it. Standing in front of the round table, she finally had a glimpse of all the framed photographs. There were some of Jeremy, Clay, Elena and Nick, but there were also a few faces she didn't recognise, all of them men. Curious, she leaned forward.
"That's my dad," Nick said, pointing to a handsome bald man with a cleft chin. There was genuine affection in his tone and also something else she couldn't pinpoint. Sorrow?
Kate smiled. "You look nothing like him."
Nick grinned. "Oh I know. I'm the handsome one."
"I was about to say that he was."
Nick placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be wounded. "Ouch."
Kate laughed. Clay had disappeared with Elena and Jeremy stood hovering behind her. He made her nervous.
"Nick, why don't you set an additional place at the table for our guest?" he asked, calmly.
Nick grinned down at her. "And leave this delectable morsel? I'm sure Elena's taking care of it."
"I'd prefer if you'd check." Jeremy's words, innocuous enough, held a thread of command.
Nick straightened immediately and nodded, heading towards the back of the house.
Alone with Jeremy, Kate stiffened. "I didn't mean for this to happen. If you'd prefer, I'll go."
He observed her for a moment, his eyes unreadable. Then his lips curved into a courteous smile. "Not at all. We're happy to have you."
He gestured for her to walk ahead of him into the living room. It, too, was the same, although this time there was no welcoming fire blazing in the hearth. Kate's eyes were drawn to a large painting on the wall behind the desk, centered perfectly between the two large windows. Instinctively she moved towards it.
"This is beautiful," she breathed, her discomfort momentarily forgotten as she admired the swirls of shimmering colour. Bright yellows and oranges dominated the canvas of the oil painting, blending seamlessly into one another, the scene of a castle on top of a hill almost indiscernible. It stirred a memory. "Joseph Turner," she whispered, mainly to herself.
"You know your art," Kate heard Jeremy say. He was standing behind her, close enough that she could just about detect his body heat as it radiated towards her.
Her mouth suddenly dry, she licked her lips, before turning her head to look at him. Jeremy looked surprised and Kate felt rather proud of herself for being able to shock this man. For some reason she got the impression that not much did. She smiled, genuinely. "Not really. My father had a calendar on his office wall of famous paintings. July was Rain, Steam and Speed – The Great Western Railway by Joseph Turner. He liked the print so much that he ended up keeping it. It was stuck to his wall for years. This," she pointed to the canvas, "reminds me of that painting."
"It was the inspiration behind it."
"You know the artist?" she asked, impressed.
A wry smile curled his lips. "It was me."
Her eyes widened incredulously. "You painted this?"
Jeremy shrugged and confessed, "It's what I do for a living."
He's an artist? Kate's mouth opened and then promptly closed again. She turned back towards the painting, admiring its splendour. Granted, she knew nothing about art, but she thought this one was pretty spectacular. "I had no idea." She remembered that the room was filled with paintings. Looking around, she gestured to the other canvases. "Are all of these your work?"
He inclined his head and she gasped in awe. He was incredibly talented.
As she moved from painting to painting, Jeremy perched on the edge of his desk, watching her. Now that she knew he'd created them, it was as though she was looking at them with different eyes. What did they tell her about Jeremy Danvers, the artist? The man?
"I take it you approve?" Jeremy asked, and Kate thought she detected a hint of amusement in his voice.
She smiled at him. "I do. You are very gifted."
"I would remind you that you just confessed to knowing absolutely nothing about art. I could therefore be absolutely rubbish."
The statement was so absurd that Kate laughed. "I don't think that's possible."
He regarded her quietly for a moment before he said, "Thank you."
Kate was enjoying the lightness between them, especially since Jeremy seemed to always be so serious. Cocking her head to the side, she walked back towards him. "So, is it true?"
He looked at her expectantly.
"Do artists make good money?"
Slowly, Kate watched as Jeremy's face split into a grin. The sight was so unexpected that her jaw dropped. Hastily, she closed it. The smile transformed him, making him look younger, more carefree. Gorgeous. She noted the tiny lines fanning outward around his eyes, a sign that despite the fact that he never laughed with her, he clearly did with others. "Touché, Dr Shaw."
They were still grinning at one another when Elena cleared her throat. "Dinner's ready."
Jeremy's relaxed smile evaporated almost instantly, as if he suddenly regretted the impulse. Or perhaps it was seeing Elena that caused his polite veneer to fall back into place. Disappointed, Kate followed after the blonde woman, her heart still in her throat as Jeremy trailed behind.
Jeremy was furious.
Elena knew better than to invite a human into their home on a social level. Stonehaven was their wolf refuge and sanctuary; it was not the place to entertain anyone who did not belong to their world. If Kate saw anything that might even hint at what they truly were, she would have to die. Just the thought made Jeremy wince in distaste. The risk her being there posed not only to them, but to herself, was monumental. Elena had no right to put him in such a position. He couldn't understand why she'd done it and unfortunately he'd have to wait to get some answers.
Truth be told, he was also furious at himself. He'd revealed too much outside, allowing the news that Kate had been vulnerable overnight to make him react impulsively. The thought of her exposed, a sitting target for whoever was behind the attempted attacks had made him forget himself. Instead of the cool approach he might usually have engaged, he'd momentarily lost control, and in doing so, opened himself up to unwanted questions. He'd not missed the looks that had passed between his pack members. He'd been indiscreet and reckless. He couldn't afford to be again.
Ahead of him, Kate entered the kitchen. Nick was placing a platter of steaks in the center of the table, surrounded by the mountain of sausages and bacon, freshly baked bread, salad and orange juice.
"You must really be hungry," she said, eyeing the colossal amount of food.
"We all skipped lunch." Nick said.
Kate raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment, as she allowed Nick to guide her to her seat. For some inexplicable reason, it bothered Jeremy to see the younger man's hand on the back of her waist. Brushing it aside, Jeremy seated himself at the head of the table as always, with Elena to his right beside Clay, Kate to his left beside Nick. His pack was looking at him expectantly. It was a sign of respect that he ate first and having Kate there to observe the custom made things a little awkward. No doubt, she might consider it strange. In lieu of this, he grabbed his fork and speared a sausage directly off the platter. Because Kate had reached into her purse, she wasn't looking at him. Silently, he took a bite and then inclined his head towards his family. Eat.
The acknowledgement set off a flurry of activity as hands reached forward and started heaping food onto their plates. Kate, Jeremy noticed, was staring at Clay wide-eyed. He had dished three steaks simultaneously.
Sensing her stare, Clay shrugged. "I'm hungry." She gave him a small smile, which he didn't reciprocate and then accepted the bowl of salad that Nick held aloft.
"So, Kate," Elena said. "What brings you to Bear Valley?"
Jeremy could visibly see her relax, her posture easing slightly as she responded to the familiar question. "Mainly a change of scenery," she began before launching into a lengthier explanation. Jeremy knew all of this. She'd already told him when they'd met. Loathe as he was to admit it, he listened anyway, enjoying the sound of her voice. Her smiles were easy and unguarded, her hands gesturing as she talked.
"Sounds like you've settled in already," Nick commented reaching for some bread.
Kate grimaced. "Except for the wolf who's trying to run me out of town."
Everyone stilled for a second before they resumed eating.
"Must have been scary, having someone break into your place," Clay said between bites.
Jeremy recognised that Clay was trying to pump her for information. Normally, he encouraged the tactic, but somehow with her, he felt bad about it. Which is ridiculous, he rationalised. They were all trying to save her life. Still, the thought of her being just another pawn didn't sit well with him. Regardless, he remained silent.
Kate popped a tomato into her mouth. "The fact that the intruder didn't take anything, makes no sense to me at all." Then she smiled. "Or perhaps he realised that I don't have much of actual value."
Elena smiled back at her. "Did you leave any family behind in LA?" she asked casually. "A boyfriend?"
Boyfriend? Jeremy thought, sharply. He'd just assumed she was single. Not because she wasn't attractive, but because she'd come to Bear Valley to start a new life. The thought of that not being true, made him shift uncomfortably in his seat.
"A couple of cousins, but we aren't close. And yes, I left a guy behind." Kate's head turned and she looked at Jeremy. He found himself staring at her, willing her to continue. "But he's an ex, so I guess that doesn't count."
Jeremy looked away when he realised that Elena was watching him.
"Well, I say it's his loss," Nick said flirtatiously and Jeremy felt his rancour return when Kate grinned.
"I'm sure Kate doesn't appreciate being asked so many personal questions," Jeremy heard himself say.
Clay frowned.
"I don't mind," she said softly, her eyes meeting his again. Then he felt it. That punch in the gut that seemed inevitable whenever he was around her. Why did he have to find her attractive? She must have sensed something because she hastily glanced away and focused her attention on Clay. "I heard that you have a Doctorate in Anthropology. That's really fascinating."
Clay nodded, but didn't say anything more. Jeremy could tell that he didn't want to talk about it. Like him, Clay did not appreciate Elena's irresponsible invitation.
Elena jumped in. "Jeremy is an artist. Did he tell you?"
Jeremy glanced at the woman he regarded as a daughter, scowling, but Kate was already responding. "Yes, just earlier actually."
"Every hot gallery wants to feature his work," Nick added, finishing off a massive steak and reaching for another.
Kate turned those green eyes towards Jeremy, observing him inquisitively. "Do you work from here?"
He placed his knife and fork down. He couldn't concentrate on food when she was around. "I do."
"Jeremy is currently finishing off a series of paintings for a gallery showing." Jeremy almost smiled at the pride in Elena's voice.
Kate stared at him. "Do you think I could see it?"
Now? Jeremy wondered. "I'm afraid I don't show anyone my work before it's complete," he replied.
"But you show us," Elena said, ignoring the glare Clay sent her way.
Jeremy frowned at her, his eyes narrowing as his annoyance spiked. What was she doing? Did she want to expose them? "You're my family," he replied with more calm than he felt. "I prefer not to show anyone else until I'm satisfied that they're done." His tone contained a hint of warning and Elena's face flushed with guilt.
"Well, I hope-" Kate stopped abruptly when her mobile rang. "Sorry," she said, reaching into her purse. "It's Dr. Robinson." She excused herself and took the call just outside the kitchen.
"What the hell are you doing?" Clay asked as soon as Kate was out of earshot.
"What?" Elena asked innocently. "I was just being polite."
"Now is not the time to discuss this," Jeremy said brusquely, his eyes looking first at Clay and then lingering on Elena. "We have a guest."
Kate strode back in. "I'm sorry. I have to go. One of my patients just broke his arm. He won't let Dr Robinson touch him."
Nick and Jeremy stood in unison. "I'll walk you out," Nick offered.
"No," Jeremy said, "I'll show Kate out. Finish your meal."
Nick hesitated before sinking back into his chair. "It was great meeting you. I hope to see you again."
Kate smiled warmly at Nick and Jeremy balled his fists. "Thank you for dinner," she said, her gaze encompassing everyone. "It was lovely."
Jeremy led her through the house and out the front door, retrieving her jacket en-route. It was still light out, although the sun would have set by the time she reached town. "Be careful on the road," was all he said as he walked her to her car.
She turned towards him, adjusted her spectacles before fishing her keys out of her purse. "I will." She looked at him and their eyes locked. "Thank you for dinner. I…uh…know it wasn't your idea, but anyway," she said, trailing off.
"You're welcome."
Jeremy knew he should turn around and head inside, but his feet wouldn't move. Instead, his eyes were drawn to her lips, pink as rosebuds, and slightly parted. She was staring at him intently, as though he was a puzzle she was trying desperately to solve. Kate swallowed, her tongue darting out to lick her lips.
"I should go." Her voice was a whisper, her gaze filled with open interest.
Jeremy felt his resolve weaken as he looked at her, her loveliness captured to perfection against the backdrop of the fading light of dusk. They stood studying one another for the longest time, Kate's cheeks eventually colouring a deep pink. The sight was too tempting for Jeremy to resist, his hands starting to move, reaching for her…
Elena. He could smell her.
Abruptly he took a step back. Kate flushed and hurriedly turned around to open her car door. She mumbled a faint goodbye before climbing inside and driving away.
As her taillights disappeared in the distance, Jeremy turned towards Elena. His voice clipped and cold, he demanded, "Care to tell me what the hell you were thinking?"