“And you got lost?”
“No. Where was I?” Her father had set her up. What did he know? She gulped. She dared not tell Daniel more. Her father’s life had always chased good men away. Daniel had found her, but until she fulfilled her mission and gave the FBI the files on her father, she had no choice. She’d get the bank papers, prove her innocence, and then live without a constant threat.
“You were close to falling to your death when I found you.” Daniel sat next to her and reapplied the cold compress. “And last night you—”
“Did I say anything in my sleep?” Was that how he came to hold her? She squeezed her eyes shut. Had she told him about her father? She opened her mouth, but a knock reverberated in the air. She froze and ice seemed to run through her blood.
“Relax, Katie. It’s Liam.” Daniel stood and walked to the door.
A shiver raced through her. “How can you be sure?” She gulped. Trust never came easy to her.
He tilted his head then returned to the door. “We have our phones.”
She stayed still, until she heard both the men’s voices.
With a gulp of air, she breathed easier, and the men came into the room.
Liam gestured to the combined beds. “This is cozy.”
Daniel’s face reddened a bit. “Leave it, Liam. What did you find out?”
Liam’s fingers tapped against his shoes the moment he sat in a chair. “Does my brother know about the charges against you, Ms. Sparrow?”
“Everyone knows about the charges, don’t they? I’m always in the paper.” She blinked, but her gut signaled there was more. She refused to cry about this. “Does it matter?”
Liam sat back. “Kate Sparrow is up for conspiracy for art theft from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.”
“Not guilty.” She rolled her eyes. How would anyone think she stole any art? “It was in the papers.”
Liam’s smile sent a shiver down her back. He stared at his brother. “What’s not in the papers is an agreement to roll over with the FBI for her father’s bank accounts and statements for what’s in his box.” Liam pinned her with his steely gaze. “Did she tell you this?”
“No.” Daniel crossed his arms. “Is this why someone tried to kill her?”
“It’s why I’m on this ship. My sister hates me. Why else would I be here?” Kate stared at the floor. Then she swallowed. Her father’s accounts, his statements, and her mother’s security box were all the goals, but the FBI didn’t get what her mother had left her. They wanted her father’s secrets. “It’s not a Collins’ problem, but I would never steal from anyone.”
She gravitated closer towards Daniel and his darker, deeper eyes. She was calm near him. She uncrossed Daniel’s arm and took his hand. Daniel shook his head, and then petted her head. “Tomorrow sounds like a long day. I’ll keep her close to me.”
“Daniel—” Liam stated.
Kate stared at both men. An unsaid conversation happened next, and Kate’s skin electrified. Her skin had pins and needles as she waited for the men to speak. She steeled her gut, and expected Daniel to walk away from her. She inhaled. She’d been fine. She’d taken care of herself for years. No one could save her, but herself anyhow. Daniel kept his hand in hers, and she gazed at him.
“I’ll get the rest of our brothers. Don’t let her leave your side again.” Liam stood. “Find out more.”
The door clicked behind him, then Kate blinked. “I won’t cause any issues in your family. You get along with them, and nothing should interfere with that.”
“Liam and the rest of them will help.” Daniel sat next to her on the bed. “Why didn’t you tell me anything?”
She gazed at the floor again. “No one helps me.”
He picked up the icepack. “You didn’t give me a chance.”
She brushed his hand back and stared into his sexy eyes. “I had issues before we met, and upon meeting you, you’ve been happy in not thinking about my worries. I liked thinking about you, instead.”
Daniel ran his hand through his hair. She gulped, and prepared for anything.
Then he sat close to her on the bed. She gazed into his smoldering eyes and opened her mouth to speak. Then his strong lips captured hers, and a sigh escaped her throat. Her eyes fluttered closed, and her arms hugged him close.
He tasted better than any food she’d experienced in years.
Chapter 22
A knock on their cabin door had Kate’s body go from hot to cold in a minute. What if those men were here? A shiver rolled down her spine. Then Daniel’s hands on her chest sent a spark down her body. The heat inside her battled the question. She sat up and straightened her shirt. He caught his breath then nodded at her. She tried to smile. Then he opened the door, and she froze.
“Is my sister all right?” Stephanie’s voice called out.
Kate became lightheaded.
Then her sister pushed past Daniel, and Stephanie’s eyes grew wider as she stared at her and the beds. Kate rolled her shoulders back and dared her sister to say anything. Daniel stood right next to her with his arms crossed.
Stephanie glanced at both of them then said, “Despite our fighting, I only have one sister, and Kate’s not supposed to ever get hurt.”
Kate refused to believe her sister’s sweetness, but she hugged her anyhow. “I’m fine.”
“Good. You get me so angry, Kate, but . . .” Stephanie’s voice trailed off.
Kate’s heart beat faster. “I wish you were honest with Eric.”
Daniel stepped closer and shook his head. “How do you know what happened?”
“Figures. Men ruin good moments.” Stephanie twirled out of the hug. “Leave me alone, Kate, and don’t go falling for the doctor. He’ll break your heart worse than the others, sis.”
“Hey—” Daniel shouted, but Stephanie brushed past him and left.
Daniel turned to her with huge eyes. “Why did you hug her?”
Kate sighed. “Mom told me to watch out for her when she died. I failed miserably, but I need to honor my mom. And, Steph seemed sincere. ”
Daniel dropped his arms to his sides. “Your mom sounds like a classy woman who has a great daughter.”
“She named the company after me.” Kate glanced at his sexy, strong build and remembered how every cell in her body sparked minutes ago. Then she bit her lip. Her sister had a point. The man could devastate her. She swallowed. “Daniel, let’s go for that coffee now.”
“Sure, Katie.” He winked at her. “Give me ten minutes to get ready.”
Daniel kept her close the entire walk upstairs. He checked every corner of the halls and all the doors in a constant scan.
He guided her to the sit down restaurant. Then he asked for a corner table. They followed the hostess to a window seat. Daniel’s spine tingled, but he understood that was just fear.
At the table, he had a good view of the restaurant. Daniel held Kate’s chair for her and helped her settle into her seat. Then he took his seat.
Everyone in the restaurant continued with their conversations and food. He breathed a bit easier. The waiter came over and offered bread.
She ordered her breakfast and a coffee. He ordered the same.
The waiter left. Kate buttered her bread. “We’re at sea today. Tomorrow is the big day, then the day after is the wedding. If you want to do anything with your brothers, don’t let me stop you. I’ll stay in the cabin.”
He stared at her. “If you’re in the cabin, I’ll want to stay with you.”
“Daniel, you are persistent.” Laughter broke her tension. He winked in her direction, and saw how she blushed. She continued. “Can’t always have everything we want.”
The waiter brought the coffee, then more of his brothers walked into the restaurant and headed for their table. Kate turned around. Sean nodded at her then stared at Daniel. “Room for more?”
Sean, his wife, Gigi, and Gerard all took seats, and filled the table.
Gerard asked, “Where’s Liam?”
“He’s checking on something for me.”
Gigi, his sister-in-law, though she’d always been a sister to him anyhow, scooted closer to Kate. “If you marry Daniel, then he can move back to the Cape and settle into his house. It’s awfully barren in there, but it’s a big piece of property.”
His face heated and he saw Kate glide her hand under the table.
“Daniel’s house next to his parents?” Kate shook her head. “Does he have a big backyard for my dog to run around in?”
“He has the space. He bought an estate. Look at that rock.” Gigi sucked in her breath and stared under the table. “Daniel always had good taste.”
He had no idea how to explain this. “I already told you, Geegs, I’ll move home when it’s time. Leave Katie alone.”
Gigi held up Kate’s hand. Daniel shook his head and caught Kate’s gaze. “Gigi and my mom are close. She’s been dating my brother since they were born, so she’s that annoying sister-in-law. Ignore her.”
She nodded at him. “Adorable story.” Then Kate laughed. “At least the Collinses are close.”
“Did he buy this for you last night?” Gigi let go of Kate’s hand then stared at him.
Gerard tilted his head. “Are we making your excuses Daniel with the young Eric?”
The promise he made. He’d forgotten. Kate’s eyebrows shot up, and Daniel’s stomach churned. “The boy’s family asked us to watch out for him.”
He’d tell her alone.
“Go.” Kate nodded. “I’ll stay in our room and read.”
“No,” Gigi said, “Come with me to the spa, Kate. We’ll have girl time while the boys do their thing of talking the groom out of the wedding.”
“Daniel will be my hero if he stops this fiasco.” Kate covered her mouth. Daniel’s face heated more. He should tell Kate about that stupid promise. Kate nodded. “I’m okay with going to my room and reading a book.”
“Katie . . .” Daniel stared at her, unsure what to say. “I won’t leave you alone.”
“Hold on, Daniel.” Her face turned red. She stared with her big brown eyes then shook her head. “I’ll be with Gigi. The spa sounds awesome.”
“I’ll add one more to the appointment.” Gigi smiled then stared at Daniel. “You’ll have better luck seducing her if she’s relaxed, Daniel. You’re not that bad looking.”
Kate blushed and turned away.
Daniel tugged his ear. Thankfully the waiter returned for the food order, and he was saved. Seducing Katie would be fun.
Chapter 23
“What could go wrong in a spa?” Kate repeated herself. Daniel had walked her to the door and stood outside with her. She sighed, and he held her in his arms. This wouldn’t last in life, but she closed her eyes to remember his smell. Unlike most men, she tasted the scent of earth and a bit of the ocean mixed with a forest, again. She licked her lips. “Pick me up here in two hours, and have fun with the men.”
“Stay with Gigi, Katie. If anything goes wrong, have someone find me at the bar.” He kissed the top of her forehead, and she swayed closer. Somehow, in her nightmare life, she’d found a wonderful guy. He crossed his arms and shook his head. “No. I don’t like leaving you here.”
She stood up on her tiptoes, dragged him into a hug, and then kissed his cheek. Again, his skin tasted forbidden and delicious. Then she pushed him on the shoulder and stepped away. “Now, go, Daniel.”
“Cute, still.” He winked at her then whispered in her ear, “Katie Sparrow, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Her eyes watered. She stared past him and hugged him once more. Her face became a little wet, and she turned away. Then she rushed into the spa and waved at him goodbye. She wouldn’t cry in front of him.
In the lobby, she took a seat next to a Zen waterfall that made pretty sounds. However, her mind raced despite the water drip. Everything about Daniel was perfect. Her lips tingled to kiss him, but she hadn’t. If Prince Charming existed, which he never would, Kate would cast Daniel in that role. She sighed and crossed her legs.
“Small issue.” Gigi’s heels clicked on the metallic floor, as she walked over to Kate from the counter.
Kate stared up, and Gigi shook her head. “The bridal party asked us to join them. I don’t think we should, but it’s up to you.”
“My sister and I are like water and oil. The point of this is to relax.” Kate stood up and wrapped her hands behind her back. “Let’s go in. If we get into a fight, though, I’m walking out.”
“You shouldn’t go in there, at all.” Gigi rubbed her neck at the door. “Three of Daniel’s ex-girlfriends are the bridal party. Gabriella was the girl in high school that took his virginity in an effort to date him. Lisa was the long term on and off girlfriend and Margaritte was stalker one I had to deal with.”
“You know who took Daniel’s virginity?” Kate’s eyes widened in shock. “Did he tell you that?”
Gigi laughed. “No. I was with Sean the night Daniel came home, and we all went to school together.”
Kate’s face heated. “I can’t imagine that life.”
Gigi shrugged and followed her inside. “It’s a small town, and the Collins family saved my life.”
Kate trembled a bit. Daniel had saved her life this morning. There her sister sat like a queen in the middle of the spa. Kate winced. “Gigi, if you need to get your hair done too, we’ll have to make this fast.”
Kate sidestepped into the nail salon to visit the women.
Kate silently nodded to Gigi.
Gigi smiled and offered. “I don’t take care of my hair like I should. I’m thinking you’re right.”
“Your sister isn’t your only enemy in here.” Gigi stayed close to Kate and whispered to her. “Those women all want to stab you in the back and take your place in Daniel’s bed, Kate. The past is the past for good reason, and you’re the now.”
The ring on her finger heated, as she balled a fist. Then she hid her fake ring behind her back again. Her sister might have seen it, but there was no reason to begin a battle in here.
Stephanie giggled at the nail girl and ignored Kate.
Kate stepped around Gigi then pushed her head up, pasted a smile on her face, and sauntered over to her sister. “Red’s a good color for you, Blondie.”
Stephanie smiled back. “Red’s a good color on the Sparrow women. I like when you had your hair red and not the plain brown lifeless hair you sport now. Your hair color reminds me of dirt.”
Kate shook her head. She’d not respond. “You hated my hair red.”
Stephanie smiled back then told the other women. “Daniel let you out of that bed, sis. I was telling my friends the state of your sheets, this morning, and that big ring of his you wear. When did he propose, exactly?”
Kate’s throat made a tic sound, and then she leaned closer to her sister. “In the wedding chapel on the ship. It was a surprise.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “I’m sure.”
Was she a bad sister for not trusting Stephanie? Kate pasted a simper on her face. “I have two hours to myself before he expects me back.”
Gigi stepped in front of Kate and stopped, whatever, Stephanie would say next. “We’re late for our treatments.” Gigi grabbed Kate’s arm, and led her out. “Bye, everyone.”
Kate waited her turn for the shower with the rainwater to fall on her head, and hit all the buttons. The oils on her body washed away in this tropical monsoon of her shower, and she lost track of all time. Then she rubbed her eyes. Had she slept? She stood up and was a little dizzy for a second. Then she gazed around. No one was here. She sighed. The green gel had relaxed her skin. Her skin glowed. She stretched, wrapped a towel tighter around her, and left the spa to go back to her locker to change.
At the door to the changing room, goose bumps traveled over her body. Kate hugged her towel closer and went in anyway. Strange.
No one was here. The room was eerily quiet. She opened her locker and tugged her underwear and pants on. She kept her
towel in check and reached for her shirt and bra. Then she heard footsteps and froze. She shook her head and sucked in her breath. “Gigi? I’m almost done.”
Her skin prickled, but no one called back. Her hands shook, and she dropped her bra back into the locker. She grabbed it and struggled to get it on.
A second later, she gazed over to the hall and stared into Harry’s brown eyes. She blinked, but it hadn’t made him disappear. Her nose crinkled, but she stepped backward. Then she opened her mouth, but couldn’t say anything.
Borrowing the Doctor (The Collins Brothers Book 2) Page 11
