Sparing the Heart (Pastime Pursuits #3)

by Tracy Krimmer

  “We did, didn’t we, Kellan?” His mom picks up her knife and starts slicing her meat, cutting vigorously and stabbing her fork into it. She forcefully shoves it into her mouth.

  I didn’t think discussing a holiday tradition would create such tension. Either I have a real knack for this kind of thing or there’s quite a rift between the two. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to cause any arguments. I only was trying to make conversation. I’m a little uncomfortable, I guess.” Admitting that brings its own discomfort.

  “I should apologize to you,” his dad says. “I’m so sorry Kellan is being so rude and not joining in the conversation. He’s refusing to participate.” He puts his knife and fork down, his eyebrows darting to a V.

  What’s happening? My simple attempt to make small talk is unraveling. His mom is twisting everything around and turning it on him, and now his dad is joining in. I glance out the large window in the dining area hoping the snow has finally stopped, but instead I only see darkness. Nighttime has fallen, and the mix of snow and rain pelt the window.

  Kellan pushes his chair out and excuses himself. I don’t want to be left alone eating with his parents. Luckily, I don’t have to.

  “Kate, would you care to join me in a snowball fight?”

  A smile warms my face and the twinkle in his eyes speak both of spite for his parents and the good-natured, fun guy I’m sure is in there. He reaches his hand out and I take it. Again. This is the second time our hands touched today and I love it. “I’d be honored to whip your butt in a snowball fight.”

  He winks at me as he leads me to retrieve my jacket. We step out into the freezing cold air. I don’t care my hair is getting wet and the ice is scratching my face. I’m going to enjoy the snow.

  Chapter

  Twenty-Three

  I grab a handful of snow and pack it as tightly as I can. Kellan disappeared into the darkness, but I’m staying close to where the outside lights are. I’ll need to be stealth if I plan to attack first. As soon as the snowball is molded hard as a hardball, I hide it behind my back, ready for fire. I tread lightly on the snow trying my best not to crunch as I tiptoe. I make my way out of the light and farther away from the house, swinging my head from side to side, watching for any shadows and listening for any footsteps.

  The air is silent. Even if cars pass on the street, the driveway is set such a distance from the road I wouldn’t even be able to hear them. I inch into the moonlight, careful of my surroundings. The yard is quite large and this far out of the city running into wildlife isn’t out of the question. I approach the tree and duck behind it. I stand there, waiting for Kellan’s shadow to creep past me so I can jump out and send him into a fit of high-pitched screams as I pelt him with my snowball. Normally I’m not afraid of the dark, but being in an unfamiliar place and anticipating my enemy’s attack, my flight or fight response system is rising in fear. Snow creaks to the left of me so I quickly turn and pull my arm back, and as I go to throw the snowball, a burst of snow splatters onto my face. I spit out the shavings that creep into my mouth, but my lips are already beginning to numb.

  “Gotcha!” Kellan calls out and jumps out from behind a different tree. He points both hands at me with his pointer finger directed at me and does a cute little victory dance. He’s not getting off that easily.

  I pat the powder off my gloves and scoop up another snowball and whip it at him. He’s lucky I didn’t hit him in the face. It’s an awfully good looking face that must stay that way for television. Instead, I manage to bulldoze him in the stomach, causing him to keel over and grunt in pain.

  “Damn, Kate, you’re ruthless.” He lunges toward me and I’m given no choice but to run. Racing through the snow, the wetness seeps through my boots and socks. I don’t care. I keep running, spitting out the flakes that land on my tongue and ignoring the burning sensation on my cheeks from the cold air. Before I know it, Kellan catches up with me and grabs me around my waist. We spin in a circle, three times around, before falling to the ground. Laughter pours out of us as we roll down the hill, and when we come to a stop, he’s lying on top of me.

  We don’t say anything. We lay there, with his body pressing against mine, trying to catch our breath. The snow crunches beneath us, and our jackets rub together. Even though I’m freezing cold, I’m hot inside. Our eyes flick back and forth from each other, and I’m sure we’re contemplating the same thing. Our moment from the piano room has a second chance. Kellan brushes the hair peeking out from my hat. He’s going to kiss me. I close my eyes in anticipation, waiting for his lips to touch mine.

  “We should head inside.” He pushes off me, avoiding any eye contact.

  “Um, okay.” Cupid keeps throwing these chances at us, but every time ends with my heart in the gutter. One kiss. I want one kiss. I push my hands into wet ground and get up.

  “You should change.” I look down at my soaked-through jeans which are now sticking to my thighs. “You’ll catch a cold if you stay like this.”

  We both know I won’t and he’s only stopping what was about to happen. As much as I want this, and I think he does too, he’s engaged to Macy. Engaged. I’m not that type of person, and I hope Kellan isn’t either. This night, though, it’s perfect. The falling snow, the rolling on the ground — who wouldn’t kiss in a situation like this? A fairy tale setting.

  Except not mine.

  ••••••••••

  “I look like a boy,” I tell Kellan as I pull at the string of my sweatpants. I can’t believe this is what I packed. I guess I didn’t plan on spending the night with him or I might have chosen something a tad more feminine.

  “You look fine. Besides, you’re only sleeping in it. Who are you trying to impress?”

  You, I want to tell him. I don’t want him to view me as one of his buddies. Put me in my yoga pants and a slim fit A-line shirt and that will capture his attention. I thought tonight I would be retiring to a hotel bed after watching 60 Minutes and checking the lock on the door three times after the episode freaked me out. This never came into my plan.

  “If you need me, I’m right down the hall.”

  A few doors away, lying in bed, stripped down to boxer briefs. I imagine forest green ones. He’ll be sleeping pleasantly while I’m in here, hot and bothered by our almost kisses, cursing fate for him being taken. All I want to do is pound my fists into his chest and scream how much I want him and want him to want me back.

  “I’ll be fine.” Not entirely a lie. I will be okay. I may suffer from a school girl crush, but I’m a grown woman. I don’t actually plan on acting out these thoughts.

  I’m set up in the guest room, but the area feels more like a suite. I swear this one room is the size of my condo. A king-size bed set against a pin cushion headboard is the focus with the headboard rising up to the tray ceiling. A chandelier hangs over. Next to the bed, an arched doorway leads to a balcony, and I can’t wait to check out the view in the morning. A chaise lounge stacked with pillows sits at the end of the bed. The dressers and tables surrounding give an antique impression with exquisite lamps and vases full of flowers. Though I’m not a fan of carpeting, the light textured plush provides comfort to my aching feet. This house isn’t a mansion — it’s a castle.

  Kellan is still hovering around, but I think I want to be alone now. “Thanks, Kellan. I’ll be okay.” I repeat myself until he gets the hint.

  I don’t know what to do with myself once he’s gone. After our time outside, my adrenaline is pumping too fast for me to go right to sleep. Our missed kiss and him rushing me into the guest room to turn in for the evening leaves me confused and embarrassed. I wish to spend more time with him, but shooing him away is the best option. I doubt my sweatpants and Wisconsin Badgers sweatshirt could seduce him, but the more we’re together, the more I fall for him. If the attraction is mutual, we should keep our distance. Tomorrow we’ll drive to the tournament and I’ll catch a ride back with someone else.

  I walk the perimeter of the room touchin
g every piece of furniture and imagining the history behind it. Did they move into this house and buy everything new, or is everything here accompanied with a fantastic story? Is the dresser passed down from Kellan’s grandfather and did the comforter once belong to his great aunt? Did his mom once do her makeup at the vanity table? I like furniture with a history to them. It pains me not to know what lived beneath these pieces of furniture.

  After spending much too much of my time admiring the room, I should try to sleep. I peek out the window and the snow is finally starting to settle. I’m anxious for tomorrow’s game so I can put this disaster of a night behind me. I pull the quilt and sheets back and crawl into the bed. I lay back, surprised at how hard the mattress is. I expected a plush, feather like feeling. A bed that looks like this calls for someone to sleep in it, but it’s appearance is deceiving. I might as well be lying on concrete. I turn to my left. Not any better. I try my right. Damn, this is horrible. The pillow sucks, too, and my head is sunken into it like a divot. I push the sides of the pillow against my ears, drowning out any noise in the hallway. Kellan’s mom’s shoes clop through the hall and she stops right outside the door.

  “Are you okay in there, Kate?” She calls through the door.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” I want to sleep, even though it seems impossible.

  “I hope the bed is comfortable enough for you.”

  I arch my back and knead my spine a little. “It’s fine.” I grumble through gritted teeth. “It’ll work.”

  “Okay, dear. If you need anything, let Kellan or me know, please.”

  I’m sure I don’t need a thing, except maybe an hour long massage after laying in this bed all night. I don’t turn off the lamp — I’m not taking the risk of falling asleep and waking in the middle of the night in a dark room that’s not mine. I’ll freak out.

  I lie back uncomfortably and stare at the wall. In a perfect situation, Kellan and I would be here because he’s introducing me to his parents and we’re in a relationship. But, no, we’re here because of the damn weather. Can’t he control that? Shouldn’t Mr. Weatherman have predicted this? If he had, I wouldn’t be here. I could be at home in my own bed and leave in the morning.

  I’m beginning to doze off when I hear a female voice I can’t place. Gretchen is already at the hotel but I recognize the voice. I’ve only just met his mom, but it’s not her. Who else could be here other than the housekeeper? The owner of the voice hits me. I’ve only heard this condescending tone over technology.

  Macy.

  I throw back the sheets and and tiptoe to the door, pressing my ear against the hard wood. What is she doing here? Why is she here?

  “Aren’t you glad I made it?”

  “I can’t believe you drove in this, Macy.” Vicky confirms my suspicion. “How did you even manage to find a flight in?”

  “I flew in this morning before the worst of the storm hit.”

  “Kellan and his friend even stopped driving.”

  “Kellan’s friend?” Her voice raises an octave and boots tap on the floor. I picture her with her arms crossed against her chest and her eyes darted. “Kellan, who’s here with you?”

  “Kate.” He answers with no further explanation.

  “Kate, as in our realtor, Kate?” Her tone is high-pitched and accusing, and my heart skips a beat at the mention of my name.

  “The one and only.”

  I snicker at his response, but now my temperature is rising and though I’m warm, I’m shaking. Am I afraid of her? Didn’t she know we were driving together?

  “She’s sleeping over? Where is she sleeping? With you?”

  I wish.

  “Get real, Macy. She’s staying in the guest room.”

  The boots still drum against the floor. She’s definitely not happy. “I still don’t like it. This woman is spending the night with you?”

  “It’s hardly spending the night with me if she’s in another room.”

  “Oh, she’s very sweet, Macy. Haven’t you met her?”

  Way to go, Vicky. That’ll piss her off. Though I enjoy this bickering between them, I must remember Macy is a client. And a human being, as much as Gretchen tends to disagree. I can’t wish ill upon her.

  “Mom, you’re not really helping here.”

  “Yes, she is, Kellan. We’ve talked, though hardly long enough for me to form an opinion. I’m starting to think this Kate woman has a thing for you.”

  My dinner sloshes around in my stomach and bile rises in my throat. Macy can see the truth. Can Kellan?

  “I’m not even having this conversation.” Kellan grunts. “Let’s go to bed, Macy. An hour drive awaits us tomorrow, and if you’re going to bowl, you need your rest.”

  With that, I creep back to the bed and toss the covers over my head, shaking as I dread the door swinging open with a pissed off Macy behind it. He said she was bowling. Do they need me tomorrow? I can leave this situation, this uncomfortable position, and go home. But, I can’t expect Kellan to drive me all the way back to Madison. We’re more than halfway there. Does this mean I’m driving with them? With Macy? The two lovebirds?

  This whole trip was a mistake. The league, too. I should have known going into it that eventually I’d be tossed aside. This is why I don’t get involved with anyone. It always ends in disaster and my heart broken.

  Chapter

  Twenty-Four

  I shoot up in bed. What was that? My body aches and I’m sweating. I’m not drenched, but I’m soaked enough to realize I had a bad dream. My surroundings are different. The dresser, the lamp, this horrible mattress. Kellan. I’m with him at his parent’s house. I figured this would happen — I would wake up unfamiliar with where I spent the night. Despite the nightmare, I slept through the night, once I managed to doze off.

  Bang. That noise again.

  “Kate? Are you up?”

  Kellan is knocking on the door. Time to face him and Macy and play nice. I’m not going to be a jerk to her. Kellan isn’t my boyfriend. And I’m not going to be rude to someone I barely even know. A glass of wine would help me through this, though.

  “Yeah. Come in.” I can’t hold him off. I pull my fingers through my hair hoping I don’t look too horrible having just awoken. Not to mention the morning breath I’m sure is seeping from my mouth.

  Kellan enters the room, fully dressed in jeans and a white tee shirt, reminding me of James Dean. I like it. His hair is even slicked back. “Good morning.” He opens the shades. “Ah, sunshine.”

  “Sunshine? Is that a nickname you made up for me?”

  He smiles widely and points to the window. “Sunshine. The sun’s out.”

  Can I crawl back under the covers and never come out? How horrifying! My mind is so far in the gutter, I heard him calling me something he wasn’t. “Right. The sun.”

  “Do we have nicknames for each other now? I wasn’t aware. What’s your nickname for me?” He plays along and I’m partially happy about that and the other half of me is still wanting to crawl into a hole.

  I freeze. Cutie pie. Handsome face. Man-who-makes-me-drool-and-all-my-girly-parts-tingle. “Goofball. How about that?”

  “Seems about right for me.”

  My phone shows it’s nearly nine o’clock. I don’t remember sleeping this late anytime in the past year. “Am I the last one up?”

  “Yeah. You must have been out like a log.”

  “I’m surprised. This bed isn’t that comfortable.” I pull the covers off and slide out of bed. “Of course sleeping in a bed other than your own is always awkward.” Even more so in a stranger’s home.

  “Why don’t you freshen up and join us for breakfast?”

  My sweatshirt sticks to my back. I can’t turn around or he’ll see how sweaty I am. “I’m not that hungry.”

  “Don’t be silly. And Macy showed up last night. You can finally meet her outside the confines of a tablet screen.”

  Yeah. Finally. I’m thrilled. This is exactly why I don’t want to eat.
The thought of meeting her face-to-face makes me sick to my stomach. “Okay. Sounds great.” I’m getting better at this lying thing.

  Kellan shuts the door behind him, leaving me to dread this introduction. She didn’t sound so pleasant through the door; however, maybe I’m wrong and the muffled voice only sounded like a not so kind person.

  I change out of my sweats into new clothes and take a deep breath. The quicker I face this, the quicker it’s over. I’m dreading an entire car ride with this woman, but short of calling a cab, which I’m not sure will even come out this far, it’s my only option.

  I exit the room and find my way back to the kitchen. Kellan, his parents, and Macy are sitting at the table. “Kate!” Kellan stands up and motions me to a seat across from the two of them.

  I sit down, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest. She’s not even looking my way, yet I feel her eyes burning through me.

  “Kate, this is Macy. Macy, this is Kate.”

  She makes eye contact with me and curls her lip into a fake smile, offering a hello in the form of a mumble as she chews. I’m officially meeting this woman for the first time and she can’t even stop chewing and greet me politely?

  “Very nice to meet you in person, Macy. I’m glad to finally talk in person instead of over technology.” Even if she’s not going to be pleasant, I’m not stooping to her level.

  She nods in acceptance of my words, but doesn’t extend the same compliment back. Since everyone is already eating, I scoop some fruit onto my plate.

  “There’s toast and pancakes, too, if you prefer.” Vicky holds a platter full of hotcakes and pushes them toward me.