That Unexpected Kiss

by Tamara Ferguson

  “Jim’s a strange one. Ain’t he?” Brent grimaced. “I went to school with him. Don’t think I’ve ever even seen him crack a smile.” He hesitated. “Tell you what. I’ve got some virtual footage on my tablet, out in the car.”

  Dylan nodded thoughtfully. “That’ll work.”

  Jim stood up and made his way outside, quickly returning with his notepad.

  Pulling it out of its case and switching it on, he searched out the pictures and handed the tablet over to Dylan.

  Dylan loved the location at Pebble Lake. “I really like the looks of this one. Even the old cabin,” Dylan said. He hated destroying a cabin like this. He felt like he was ripping away history.

  Brent looked curious. “You still want to renovate and not do a tear down?”

  Dylan nodded. “If it’s possible. There’s a lot more character retained with the property, keeping the structure that was built in the early nineteen-hundreds. This is what I’d be looking for if I were going on a family vacation.” He pointed at the cottage on the screen, with its peeling paint and nonexistent landscaping. “There are plenty of modern places being built around the lake, including the dozens of cabins Jake Loughlin has available for rent at Dragonfly Pointe and some of his other properties.”

  Jim seemed thoughtful, continuing to show Dylan the features of the remaining properties. “The parcel is large enough to split up. You could add another cabin further down along the lake eventually, if you wanted to.”

  “Can you give me a copy of these Brent?” Dylan looked up at the clock. “I’m going to need to get ready for work soon.”

  “Sure,” Brent answered. “I didn’t even know you had a computer. Never saw one around when I was here before.”

  Dylan grinned. “Doesn’t everyone have a computer these days?”

  Brent began digging through his bag. “I’ve got an extra storage card in my pouch. Give me a second, here.”

  Soon, Brent had the files copied and transferred and was handing the card over to Dylan. Folding up the map, Brent left it, along the estimates, laying on Dylan’s table. After tucking his notepad into his bag, he stood up on his feet, holding out his hand.

  Dylan shook it, before leading Brent to the door.

  Walking through the doorway, Brent hesitated, turning back and looking at Dylan. “I’m not sure if I should be mentioning this, but one of the neighboring properties could very well be for sale soon. I know you said you might be interested in a larger parcel before you began building your cabin?”

  “Yeah, for sure Brent. Let me know if it’s available.” Dylan nodded firmly, dismissing him. “Be seeing you.”

  As soon as Brent had driven off, Dylan pulled out his phone and punched in some numbers.

  “Kylie?”

  “Hey, Dylan.”

  Dylan chatted a moment with his mom’s assistant. “Tell her that I’ve got a couple potential investment properties for us to consider. Have her send someone to check them out, will you?”

  “Sure,” Kylie answered. “Give me the information, and I’ll plug it in for Kurt to take a look at.”

  Picking up the paperwork Brent had left for him on the kitchen table, Dylan read the address and locations of the properties out loud.

  “Tell Mom I’ll give her a call soon.”

  “I think she’s planning on being out there within the week. Jake Loughlin’s putting her up in one of his vacant cabins.”

  “Sounds good.” Dylan grinned. “Tell her I might have already found her a job.”

  He heard Kylie giggle. “Uh, oh. I recognize that tone of voice. What kind of a job?”

  Dylan hesitated. “Just tell her she’d be working as a business assistant.”

  “That sounds…interesting,” Kylie answered dryly.

  Dylan chuckled. “Oh, it is, Kylie. Very interesting. But I’m still not going to tell you where.”

  Kylie was laughing when Dylan disconnected the phone.

  CHAPTER

  FIVE

  The following Saturday afternoon, Kate held open the back door as Dylan stepped inside. Dylan had promised Kate months ago to escort her to her mother and father’s anniversary party where her parents would be renewing their vows.

  After giving her a hard stare, he let out a long, low whistle. “Katydid! My, my, don’t you look lovely today?”

  Tight and clinging with a plunging sweetheart neckline, her full-length gown of smoky blue brought out the color of her eyes.

  She laughed. “Whenever I’m forced to dress up, I figure I’d better just go all out.”

  She stared back at him, studying him from head to toe.

  He was wearing a suit of dark gray today, over a lighter gray shirt. Banded in blues and grays, his shiny striped tie supposedly brought out the blue gray color of his eyes.

  “You don’t look half-bad yourself.”

  Dylan frowned as he began fumbling worriedly with his tie. “Are you sure that all of this goes together, Kate?”

  She was studying him with a sharp eye. Did she realize he was nervous?

  Reaching over, Kate moved his hands away from his neck and adjusted his tie. “I wouldn’t have picked it out for you if it didn’t. I can’t believe you didn’t even own a suit and tie.”

  He shrugged. “What for? I wear my uniform every day. I used to own a couple, but they got a little tight when I began working out more at the gym after I moved here. We don’t exactly have too many big social events to attend in Crystal Rock.”

  All of a sudden, Kate was wearing a frown on her face.

  “What’s wrong?” Dylan asked. “I noticed you’ve been a little more distracted than usual lately.”

  Kate grimaced. “Remember me telling you about the Callahan Construction robberies that were going on over six years ago?”

  Dylan frowned. “Yeah.”

  “They’ve started up again. And even though only a few things were missing during the last two or three months, a bunch of materials like flooring and cabinets were stolen from a site where we were doing a complete restoration of on old home near Crystal Rock Lake.”

  “You be careful, Kate.”

  “I will. Dad is trying to talk property owners into installing security while the renovations are going on as opposed to waiting, without alerting the homeowners about our latest concerns.”

  Dylan nodded agreeably. “That’s a good idea. It’s not like you could attach sensors to all your construction materials since they’re coming in from all over the country.”

  “Exactly. But enough of that. What’s the use of worrying?” Kate grinned. “Well—you really do look handsome. I see you even got a haircut. I think I like it better shorter like this.”

  Brushed back on top, he’d had his wavy ash-brown hair layered neatly over his ears.

  “Yeah.” He grinned. “It was getting to be a little long and scraggly. I used to wear it like this as a kid.”

  “No one’s going to recognize you out of uniform.”

  He snorted, still squirming uncomfortably while his eyes searched the room. “So, did everything go alright yesterday with your camera crew?”

  “The interview went really well. It’s all pretty exciting. It was great that Dan was able to use his connections to get us this magazine spread in Architecture Monthly and give Murphy proper credit for his contemporary home design.”

  “Well, your brother is a successful journalist now. Why, not?”

  Kate laughed. “That’s exactly what he said. Although, I think he was curious as to why I was finally interested in publicity now. I never mentioned anything about our plan.”

  “Kate.” Dylan stared at her sternly. Reaching out for her hand, he squeezed it reassuringly. “Murphy will show up after this. Trust me. I’m a guy. I know these things.”

  Kate rolled her eyes. But Dylan knew it was exactly what she needed to hear.

  Dylan looked at his watch. “It’s almost noon. The ceremony happens at two?

  Kate nodded. “We’ve still got plenty of
time to mingle.”

  “Are we ready?”

  Kate smiled, snatching up her clutch. “Yes, we are.”

  * * *

  A three-piece orchestra was set up in the solarium, and the chords of a violin echoed hauntingly through the dining room as Dylan walked Kate into the reception. They spent the next forty-five minutes mingling and chatting with friends.

  When a lovely, smiling stranger approached him and Kate, Dylan’s jaw dropped.

  Kate did a double-take. “Julie? Is that really you?”

  Rolling her eyes, Julie grinned. “Yeah. It’s me. Was it just my imagination—or did you really not recognize me?”

  “Oh, Julie. You look stunning.”

  Dylan stood beside Kate with his mouth still gaping.

  Kate grinned, studying her friend with obvious delight. “But who? When?”

  “Your mom.” Julie laughed, shaking her head. “I needed a good haircut. Your mom finally managed to talk me into having it trimmed into a new style. She’d been trying for years. After I thought about it for a while, I decided she was right and a change might be good.”

  Feathered back from her delicately-featured face, Julie’s ash-brown hair had been cut to her shoulders. While emphasizing the beauty of her doe-brown eyes and their long lush lashes, wispy bangs completed her look. Wearing an off the shoulder gown of lavender, which clung to her full figure like a second skin, she looked so damned hot.

  “You look gorgeous in that dress too.” Kate complimented.

  Julie was staring down sheepishly. “Danielle Reardon finally got a hold of me too. She was hanging out with your mom when I was getting my hair cut.”

  Dylan’s voice was hoarse when he finally cleared his throat and spoke. “Julie, you really do look great.”

  Dylan tried to hold her gaze, but Julie glanced away.

  Kate was looking strangely at Dylan before her eyes turned back on Julie, obviously taking a closer look at her face. The three of them had hung out a lot together in the past when Julie had come home to visit. Dylan was pretty sure Kate was finally sensing the chemistry between him and Julie, and possibly berating herself.

  Grinning at Kate, Dylan squeezed her hand and winked.

  Obviously, she understood, because she winked right back and grinned.

  Suddenly, it was time for the ceremony to begin and Kate and Dylan moved to be seated in the chairs that’d been set up for family. Julie smiled at them both before walking down the aisle to another row and sitting beside her dad.

  Kate’s older sister Lucy was now a wedding planner and had prepared all the flower arrangements, and the room looked beautiful, Dylan thought. Vases of purple and rose delphiniums mixed in with orchids were set up amidst the potted greenery lining the solarium’s glass walls.

  Dylan only had eyes for Julie, who was looking so lovely seated a few rows behind him, and he finally caught her eye and smiled.

  When she gave him the most beautiful, unguarded smile he’d ever seen, it completely took his breath away. He held her gaze for a long lingering moment. But noticing Julie’s father giving him a stern look, Dylan sighed, turning his head towards the alter and waiting for the service to begin.

  A couple come scrambling through the door of the solarium right at the last minute.

  “It’s Sean and Meg Murphy,” Kate said, looking at Dylan in consternation. “Murphy’s mom and dad. They’re really good friends with my parents.”

  Dylan grinned, glancing at the Murphys. He had a strange feeling that something interesting might be about to happen.

  Kate stood up, motioning at them with her hand.

  With obvious relief, Meg grabbed her husband’s arm and rushed him down the aisle towards Kate.

  “Hi, Kate!”

  Kate smiled. “Meg, Sean. We’ve got some open seats right here next to Dylan and me.”

  Sean hesitated. “We wouldn’t be taking up seats meant for your family?”

  “Nope. Everyone’s already here and seated. Lucy and Kelly are going to be walking down the aisle with Mom.”

  They seated themselves at the end of the row, and Kate chatted lengthily with Murphy’s parents.

  The room grew silent when the violinist broke into a beautiful rendition of the wedding march, and Kate finally settled back into her seat to watch her parents renewing their vows.

  The guests throughout the room rose to their feet as Kate’s mother began making her way down the aisle. She halted, reaching for Kate’s hand when she paused near Kate’s seat.

  Clasping her mother’s hand, Kate squeezed it gently.

  After giving Kate a misty smile, her mom continued down the aisle.

  Soon, Kate’s mom was standing next to her husband on the dais before the priest.

  The room grew silent, the air heavy with expectation as the gathering of guests waited patiently for the commencement of the ceremony.

  A frantic call suddenly resounded through the solarium. “Kate, stop. Please!”

  Dylan grinned as Kate’s eyes went wide when a man came rushing down the aisle, approaching the couple.

  The priest was obviously startled, and his mouth gaped open as he watched Michael Murphy running down the walkway.

  Simultaneously, the couple standing before the priest turned, and Murphy’s jaw dropped.

  Murphy came to a sudden halt. “Jenny? Cal?” he said in disbelief.

  Hushed laughter began echoing throughout the room as Kate’s parents began trying to reassure Murphy, who appeared to be extremely confused.

  “But...but what...” Murphy swallowed. “What’s going on?”

  Dylan looked at Kate, who was practically in tears. “Told you so,” he teased. “What in the heck are you waiting for? Go get him.”

  Kate stood up and began walking towards Murphy.

  “Kate?” Murphy said. “But...I thought... You’re not getting married to Dylan today?”

  She was obviously puzzled as she shook her head no. But then she reached for Murphy’s hand, whispering something into his ear.

  The laughter grew louder as Kate dragged Murphy down the aisle to where she’d been seated.

  “I guess you didn’t know that my mom and dad were renewing their vows today?” Dylan heard her say, as they began walking towards him.

  “Murphy,” Kate’s father Cal called out.

  Stopping in his tracks, Murphy spun around.

  At first, Cal only stared at him sternly. But then he grinned. “Welcome to the family, son.”

  Murphy nodded distractedly while Kate continued holding his hand, gently shoving him into a seat.

  Murphy looked startled when he saw his mom and dad seated further down the aisle, both grinning from ear to ear. “Mom? Dad?” he hissed.

  Murphy’s father shrugged. “Don’t look at me son. I’m never going to question your mother’s judgment again. Making you believe that Kate was going to be married to her friend Dylan, here today, that was all her idea.”

  His mother smiled smugly. “Jenny was in on it, too.”

  This time, it was Kate’s turn to appear stunned, and Dylan began to laugh. “Damn good idea. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it myself,” he muttered.

  During the interim, Dylan had vacated his seat, and introduced himself to Murphy’s parents. Now he was sitting further down the aisle beside Murphy’s dad.

  Meg Murphy gave Dylan a rueful grin and reached over and patted his hand.

  Kate’s hand was clasping Murphy’s and she couldn’t seem to keep the smile off her face.

  Dylan was glad to see he’d been right. And way ahead of schedule, to boot.

  It hadn’t been the magazine article that had brought Murphy here but something else instead. A convoluted strategy instigated by two moms.

  What a great plan, Dylan thought and grinned. His mom would love these two ladies.

  And the best thing of all? Dylan could finally lay claim on the woman he’d fallen in love with years ago.

  Wearing a smile, Dylan settled back
into his seat to listen to the service when it finally resumed.

  CHAPTER

  SIX

  Julie was watching Kate, who was gazing at Murphy from across the room.

  “Kate?” Julie couldn’t wait any longer; she had to be sure that what Dylan had said about his relationship with Kate was true. That’s all she’d been thinking about for the past few days. “I’m totally confused about what’s been going on today.”

  Kate turned to Julie, looking puzzled. “What do you mean, Jules?”

  Julie’s eyes searched Kate’s. “What about you and Dylan?”

  “Julie.” Kate grimaced. “You mean I never told you?”

  “Told me what?”

  Kate shook her head in obvious amusement. “You really don’t get home to Crystal Rock nearly enough.

  Julie lifted a brow. “What do you mean?”

  “Dylan and I haven’t actually been a couple for a really long time. It was easier to pretend we were still together. His mom was always trying to marry him off. And I was having a lot of trouble with guys coming on to me at work. It was really getting to be annoying. I would’ve told you ages ago, if you’d actually been around. But you haven’t been calling me like you used to, and you never answer my emails anymore either.”

  Julie felt so relieved. But she was too nervous to think about what it might mean regarding her and Dylan. “Well, I haven’t had time to tell you yet, and I kind of wanted it to be a surprise. But everything’s about to change.” Julie drew in a deep breath. “I’ve finally been offered a teaching position at Crystal Visions.”

  “Julie, that’s wonderful!” Kate wrapped her arms around her.

  “What’s wonderful?” Dylan asked, unexpectedly appearing at Julie’s side.

  Julie grew quiet peeking up at Dylan.

  “It looks like Julie might be moving home to Crystal Rock for good,” Kate explained.

  Julie held her breath as Dylan searched her eyes.

  He finally cleared his throat and responded. “That’s great news, Julie.”

  Julie noticed Murphy glaring at Dylan as he approached them from the other side of the room.