Kurt let her image take over his senses, and he marveled, remembering the sensuality that slumbered in those smoky lavender eyes. He had known that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Whether she liked it or not, he was a part of her private dreams.
As she had become a part of his.
Chapter Fourteen
The voyage from France to England had been pleasant. They arrived late in the day, and Kit was disappointed when her father immediately whisked them away to a hotel in the city. She had wanted to check on Pegasus’s transfer to the ship they were taking to America, but Colt would not hear of it. When they arrived the next morning to board, he kept a firm hand on her arm as they went up the gangplank, to keep her from heading to the ship’s hold.
They were sailing on the White Star Line’s magnificent ocean liner Olympic. With a slim hull of forty-five thousand tons, the ship was known for its smooth ride across the rough Atlantic.
Upon entering the grand reception room, the Coltranes were greeted by a smiling, friendly young lady who introduced herself as their hostess, Miss Jane Aberdeen. An attendant stepped forward to present each of the women with a small bouquet of roses, and a white-coated waiter offered champagne and caviar. Miss Aberdeen then escorted them to their quarters, leading them down a wide, plushly carpeted hallway.
Miss Aberdeen paused before a set of double rosewood doors and said with a broad smile, “You have the Imperial Suite—one of our finest.” Then she guided them into a foyer, which held a huge vase bursting with red and white roses.
Their suite included a drawing room, a dining room, a parlor, three bedrooms, and a bath, as well as a dressing room.
After showing them around, Miss Aberdeen said, “On behalf of the White Star Line, we are proud to have such prominent and important passengers. You’ll be receiving a formal invitation to dine with the captain at his table.”
She then reminded them of the bon voyage party on the promenade deck a half hour before sailing and moved toward the door. Kit followed her outside and whispered, “Can you tell me how I can get to the cargo hold?”
“Why would you want to go there? It’s dirty, and there are rats, and the men aren’t exactly used to having a young lady around.”
Kit looked over her shoulder anxiously, fearful that one of her parents might overhear, and she led the curious hostess a few more steps down the hallway. “I’m taking my horse with me to New York—”
“Oh, of course,” Miss Aberdeen exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say so, dear? Lots of passengers ship their animals and pets. They’re put in a special part of the hold. It’s nicer there, so the owners can visit.” She gave Kit directions before going on her way.
Kit watched her turn the corner, then broke into an unladylike run. She knew that the family was about to go on deck to meet Uncle Drakar, who had come from Paris to see Marilee off. Kit wanted to see him too, but first she had to make sure that Pegasus was all right.
It took awhile to maneuver her way through the huge ship, but she finally reached the cargo hold. She was delighted to see comfortable stalls with fresh straw and hay. A young attendant who introduced himself as Norman Thatcher led the way to where Pegasus was stabled. He was eating happily, and Norman assured her that she had no reason to worry, and was welcome to visit any time.
Kit gave Pegasus a few hugs and let him know he had not been abandoned. When a horn blasted, Norman told her that the bon voyage festivities were underway.
Kit found the promenade deck crowded with passengers drinking champagne and waving to people down on the dock. Confetti and streamers were being thrown wildly, and a brass band was playing a rousing march. Kit pushed her way along, spotting her parents standing against a railing. Uncle Drakar was talking to her mother, and Kit saw that Jade had tears in her eyes. She knew how close they were, how they’d been best friends when her mother was growing up in Russia. Marilee clung to her father, torn between her excitement at seeing America, and her pain at leaving him behind.
After a few moments, Kit saw her uncle and cousin move away, to have some time alone. She stepped forward and met her mother’s scolding eyes. “Where have you been?”
“I had to see to Pegasus. He’s fine. Sorry,” Kit said contritely. Kit wondered what was wrong that her mother seemed so worried, so preoccupied. She seemed almost sad to be leaving Spain, yet that was all she had talked about for years.
Colt met Kit’s bewildered eyes and attempted to explain. “This is a time of mixed emotions for all of us, sweetie. Try and understand. I’m a bit torn myself. Europe has been our home for so long, yet my heart’s always been in America.”
In a sudden wave of nostalgia, he recounted his first trip to Europe, to regain the family fortune after being swindled. Kit knew the story well just as she knew that her father had loved other women before her mother. That was all right though. She was not naive. Then he told how he’d met Jade on his second visit to Europe, and they’d married. Kit knew the rest of that story, too, about their tragic sea voyage, and the dark time they spent apart. Colt made his third trip to Europe with Jade by his side, to forge a new start and try to forget the past.
“I never dreamed I’d end up staying in Spain and loving it, but new challenges and new dreams keep a man young. I guess it’s time for another adventure before I wake up one morning and find myself an old man.”
Jade suddenly lifted her face to receive his kiss, and managed a smile. “You’ll never grow old, Colt Coltrane. You’re forty-eight now, but you might as well be sixteen.”
Colt seemed to glow with renewed enthusiasm at going home. He then asked, “Do you think we’ll be able to find Andy? We haven’t heard from him since he wrote last year that his mother had died, and he hasn’t answered any of my letters. I’d like to see him. It’s been a long time…”
Kit melted away into the crowd, sensing that her parents needed to be alone. Besides, she didn’t particularly like being reminded that long ago her father, suffering from amnesia, was tricked into believing that he had not only married another woman, but had fathered her baby—Andy, who was now twenty years old. Even after Colt had learned the truth—that the boy was not his—he’d kept in touch with Andy, whom he had grown to love like a son. Kit had nothing against Andy, had actually liked him when he’d visited. But she still found the situation awkward, and that dark past of her parents’ lives painful to contemplate.
Kit found Kitty standing above by a railing and was not surprised that she, too, seemed melancholy. Kit slipped her arm around her waist and said gently, “You’re thinking about Grandpa, aren’t you? That you’re going home and leaving him behind.”
Kitty gave her an incredulous look. “I’m never without Travis, child. He lives in my heart. Forever.”
“But you seem so sad—”
“I guess it’s because part of my life is ending, but”—Kitty gave her granddaughter a quick hug—“another part is beginning, and that, I’m looking forward to. And do you know something else? We’re going to have fun in New York. With our sense of adventure, we’ll either search it out, or make our own!”
Just then, Kitty spotted her friend Amelia, an ardent crusader for women’s suffrage. Kitty called to her and started to make her way through the crowd. Kit saw Travis and began to walk over to him. Then she saw that he was engrossed in conversation with a lovely blond with round blue eyes. The girl was staring up at him as if completely entranced. Kit decided not to intrude.
Soon the ship’s horn blew long and loud, and everyone cheered as the mighty liner began to move slowly from the dock.
Although she was surrounded by hundreds of people, Kit realized that she had never felt more alone in her life. It was as though something was missing, but what? She’d always been independent, never really needing anyone. Yet there was an odd feeling of emptiness in her.
A wave of awareness then swept over her. Dammit, it was Kurt Tanner again! She could close her eyes and see him—his dark, beautiful eyes, mocking and devouring…and
his lips, so sensuous, almost chiseled in perfection. She could feel his strong arms around her, warm and protective, and remember how well their bodies curved together when he held her.
But why?
Why did she have to be haunted by a man who obviously had only one use for women?
Because, a voice within her taunted, he’s the only man who’s ever made you feel like a woman, and you’re afraid you’ll never feel that way again with anyone else.
She jumped, startled, as the horn sounded again. She turned from the railing, determined to enjoy the crossing and not allow her mind to dwell on thoughts of Kurt Tanner. And the little voice within her challenged, but can you?
Miss Aberdeen came to the Coltranes’ suite promptly at seven to escort them to the captain’s quarters. They met two other couples also invited for the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Grenoble and Mr. and Mrs. Peter Horing, all of London. Miss Aberdeen had confided on the way that both gentlemen were members of Parliament.
They were served champagne and iced Russian caviar, and they chatted amiably among themselves. Captain Braden Pawley soon came in, resplendent in white dress uniform, four black bars on each broad shoulder denoting his rank as master of the Olympic. He was friendly and charming, yet reserved, as befitting his high position of authority.
Kit was wearing a clinging gown of shining green satin, edged at the bodice and hem with tiny seed pearls interspersed with ruby chips. Her mother’s diamond tiara perched regally atop her carefully coiffed hair.
Kit saw Miss Aberdeen occasionally glance nervously at the door, as if she were expecting more guests. Finally she came over and said it was time to go into the dining room; protocol dictated that she lead the way and make sure that everyone was properly seated. The captain would make his entrance a few moments later.
The captain’s table, with seating for twelve, was positioned on a slightly raised platform in the middle of the spectacular seven-hundred-seat dining room that glittered like a Christmas tree, with gold and silver and crystal appointments, satin-papered walls, and gold and white furniture. The other passengers had already taken their seats, but looked up curiously as the captain’s guests filed in, as it was understood that only the most important were invited to dine at his table.
Marilee nudged Kit, pointing to the empty seat on her other side. For the first time Kit realized that there might be a stranger seated beside her.
“Whoever it is”—Marilee sniffed airily, very impressed with herself for being at the table of honor—“I hope he or she gets here before the captain makes his grand entrance. It’d be so rude to come in after him. I mean, if he can’t get here on time, one should just not show up at all.”
Miss Aberdeen, standing behind her, suddenly sighed with relief. “Our last guest just walked in.”
Unconcerned, Kit looked over the menu, trying to decide between chocolate-covered strawberries or a lemon souffle for dessert. Only when she heard Marilee’s gasp did she look up…
…into the dark impenetrable eyes of Kurt Tanner.
Chapter Fifteen
Suddenly Kit knew what it must feel like to be struck by lightning, for in that infinite moment, when the world around her ceased to exist, with Kurt Tanner’s seductive eyes on her, she was electrified. Only when Miss Aberdeen began the introductions was Kit able to gather her wits. Taking a deep breath, she managed to smile politely as Kurt explained that they had already met.
“I know all the Coltranes,” he said, acknowledging them with a gracious nod. “We’re neighbors in Valencia,” he added, looking at Kit.
Kit avoided his eyes and reached for her wineglass. She took a large sip as he sat down beside her. Dear Lord, surely he wasn’t going to try to get his revenge now!
On her other side, Marilee whispered eagerly, “He’s so handsome, Kit. You have all the luck!”
Kit silenced her with an icy glare. Her mother was graciously correcting Kurt. “We were neighbors of Mr. Tanner’s in Valencia, but unfortunately we didn’t have the pleasure of making his acquaintance until recently.”
“At the embassy ball in Madrid,” Kurt said. “It’s a shame I missed out on getting to know such charming people, and now I understand that you’re all moving to New York.”
“I invited you to several socials, Mr. Tanner, but you declined,” Jade reminded him.
Kurt grinned sheepishly. “That’s true. I’m afraid each time I had another obligation.”
“A shame.” Jade looked from him to Kit, aware of the tension between them. “Perhaps you’ll find time to call on us in New York.”
“Tell me, Mr. Tanner,” Colt said pleasantly, “what takes you to America? Is this your first trip back since leaving Springfield?”
Kurt was not surprised that Colt Coltrane had delved into his past. After all, he had a beautiful daughter and was no doubt wary of any man who showed an interest in her, especially one who’d dared dance with her the way he had at the embassy ball. He evaded Colt’s mention of Springfield, instead replying, “I was invited to attend the inauguration. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to keep tabs on my interests.” Crossing his legs, he deliberately brushed against Kit. She raised her napkin and whispered sharply, “Just make sure it’s your interests you keep tabs on, Mr. Tanner.”
He gave her an insolent smile that made her burn with anger, and other emotions she could not define, fired by his nearness. She could not help noticing his broad shoulders and the way his muscles strained against his white dinner jacket. Her fingers ached to touch him, for she had touched him, and she knew how wonderful it felt. She yearned to brush back the unruly curls that tumbled rebelliously over his forehead. Despite his uncanny ability to irritate her, she was inexplicably drawn to him. He excited her in a way she’d never before experienced…and she cursed herself for her susceptibility.
Kurt launched into a spirited conversation with Colt about Mr. Wilson’s policies. Jade listened with polite interest, and Travis glanced across the room at Valerie, the little blond he had met earlier. She stared at him dreamily from where she sat with five other young girls going home from fancy European schools, prune-faced chaperones keeping eagle eyes over them all. Marilee looked expectantly from Kit to Kurt. Kit continued to sip her wine, wishing fervently that the evening would quickly end.
Finally Captain Pawley appeared, and everyone stood respectfully as he made his way to his table. He greeted each of his guests, then took his seat between Jade and Kitty.
The dinner conversation was lively, and even Marilee turned her attention to the others. Suddenly Kit was all too aware of Kurt’s presence. It was as if they were alone, hidden from the others by a curtain of intimacy.
Softly, his voice like a cool caress upon her warm cheeks, he murmured, “Would it upset you if I accepted you mother’s invitation to call in New York?”
Kit shrugged. “My mother is very convivial. She invites everyone she meets to visit.”
His laugh was gentle. “I wouldn’t be calling on her, and we both know it.”
Kit turned to look at him sharply, praying that she could hide the heat churning within her at his nearness. “Why would you wish to call on me, Mr. Tanner? I think that by now it’s obvious we just don’t bring out the best in each other.”
“I haven’t had a chance to show you my best side, and although I haven’t seen yours, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed…” He allowed his gaze to rake over her insolently. Then he continued boldly, “We’ve spent all our time in a war of wits. Don’t you think it’s time we call a truce and see if there’s anything we like about each other? After all,” he reminded her pointedly, “we are going to be neighbors, remember?”
Startled, Kit quickly glanced about to see whether anyone had overheard them. She was relieved to find everyone still engrossed in Captain’s Pawley’s stories. “Please…” She hated to plead but she knew she had no choice. “Don’t say anything to my parents about my plans. I can’t let them know. Not yet.”
He raised a
n eyebrow. “Oh, Miss Coltrane…or Kit, if I may? We might as well be on a first-name basis since…”
Kit clutched his arm. “Please…” She beseeched Nm with her eyes. “Don’t torment me this way.”
Kurt laughed softly. He covered her hand with his and caressed her with dark, hungry eyes, “I’ve no intention of betraying you, princesa. That’s not my way. Your secret is safe with me.”
But am I safe with you? Kit wanted to ask. She feared that she already knew the answer. She would have to make sure that he never realized the power he had over her. Even as their eyes met and held, she remembered the way it had felt when he kissed her, held her. Angry with herself, she picked up her glass of cognac, trying to keep her hand from trembling.
Suddenly she burst out, “Since you consider yourself so noble and trustworthy, why didn’t you tell me you had booked passage on the same ship with me?”
“Why would I? I seem to recall we were discussing another matter that last night—your treachery.”
“Call it what you wish,” Kit fired back. “What I did was a shrewd business maneuver.”
“Remember that.”
Kit turned to look at his quizzically. There was something unnerving about his tone. “What is that supposed to mean?”
He regarded her with cool confidence. “There are all kinds of maneuvers in life, Kit honey, for all kinds of situations. According to you, the end justifies the means. I just want you to remember your own doctrine.”
Kit shrugged indifferently.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
She sighed, annoyed. “What question, Mr. Tanner?”
“Kurt. We might as well pretend to be friends.”
Kit glared at him again. “I asked you what question you want answered…Kurt.”
“Would you mind if I accept your mother’s invitation to call on you in New York?”
She was about to admit that she might like that very much, when he added with a tigerish grin, “Maybe you’d be kind enough to allow me to ride my horse in Central Park.”
Love and Honor: The Coltrane Saga, Book 7 Page 13
