“Because Thursday morning he handed me a house key and told me he wanted me to move in as soon as possible.”
“Wow, that’s . . . rushing it a little.”
“Hello?” Sue waved her hand through the air. “Desperate is the word. Red flag. Alarms ringing.”
“So, what did you do?” Kate took a bite of a chip. It tasted delicious.
“I told him to stop talking and led him back to bed. I figured I deserved one more trip to Nirvana before I had to call it off. A shame, really. I wish there was some way to keep him on for the night shift.”
Kate laughed. “You’re one of a kind, my friend.” She dipped a chip in her guac, savoring the creamy spice.
“So are you going Monday?”
That blindsided her. Kate dropped her chip. Sue didn’t need to specify the event. Gridion’s ribbon-cutting ceremony had been looming on the calendar for some time.
“Ted said Jack is flying back for it.” Sue eyed her, looking for a reaction. “Are you going?”
Kate shook her head. “Russell said it’s best if I keep a low profile with the project. I think he’s right.” Not for her career, but for her heart. She couldn’t see him again just to say good-bye.
“Oh, woman.” Sue refilled Kate’s glass. “You’re going if I have to drag your ass to the field. You think everything to death, but in this instance, I know what’s best.” She took a drink and winked. “Wear something hot.”
Later, Kate blindly ran through various TV channels. Even Lifetime didn’t have anything worth watching. She’d never cared for the my-husband-was-a-secret-killer shows.
She headed up to bed, but sleep didn’t come. Sue’s words haunted her.
If you live by the “a liar is a liar” theory, you’d better not trust anyone. We’ve all lied at some point or another.
True enough. How many times had she lied to the kids? Too many to count. But it was to protect them. Was she supposed to tell Charlie his picture looked nothing like a cat? That she took off the tissue paper pin they’d made her before going into the office? That their father had been a lying adulterer? Absolutely not. What purpose would the truth have served?
Jack’s deception was different. It involved numbers of other people, leading them on for no reason. She’d never told Charlie she was entering his picture into a cat-drawing competition.
But the worst was that Jack had lied to her. Yes, it was an omission of truth, but it was still a lie. And he knew how much honesty meant to her.
You lied to him.
A knot formed in her stomach as the words echoed in her head. She’d lied in D.C. when she’d told him they couldn’t have a long-distance relationship. She’d claimed it was because of the kids. There’d been some truth to that argument, but really, she’d been scared of falling any further.
And here in Austin, she’d insisted they keep their relationship secret. Of course, she’d wanted to protect her kids, but it hadn’t been necessary for them to hide away for every lunch. Hadn’t that been her way of keeping it contained? Controlled. Safe. She’d manipulated the situation to protect herself.
She rolled over in her bed. Did this revelation change anything? Sue had pointed out that Kate didn’t know all her secrets, but Kate trusted her. She’d never told Sue about Ian’s affair, but Sue could rightfully trust her. Could the same be true for Jack?
He’d told her from the beginning that their affair had nothing to do with business. He’d reminded her of that on various occasions. She’d always thought he did so to eliminate any question about professionalism, but maybe he’d been trying to keep his lie about the project separate from them. Maybe he’d been telling the truth when he’d said it had nothing to do with what they shared.
Could she forget that he’d lied? Never. Could she forgive him? Give him another chance? God, she wanted to, but was she willing to risk the heartbreak if she did?
Risk. In the last year, Kate had avoided it at all costs, and life had been painless, dependable, and safe. And so incomplete. Then Jack had stormed in, and she’d dropped the training wheels and taken her hands off the bars. Dangerous, yes, but oh, what a ride. Of course she’d crashed, and it hurt like hell, but damn if she didn’t want to get back on.
Kate got out of bed and went to her closet. Time to find sexy.
Chapter 42
Jack slipped a finger under his collar. Damn, it was hot. He’d forgotten how Texas clung to its heat, even in late September. Then again, it didn’t help that this ribbon-cutting ceremony that had started at 10:00 a.m. was still going strong at—he checked his watch—11:45. Good God, these people talked. Every man, woman, or child that held an elected position was up there spewing on about their group’s role in bringing in Gridion. Maybe by four, he’d finally get to give his speech.
His hands fisted with anticipation. He would personally write a letter to the editor thanking every single resident in Austin, if they’d just give him the podium. Now. He didn’t want to wait a minute longer to put his plan in place. He’d spent way too many years delaying, avoiding, resisting connections to homes or people. But now he was ready, and he didn’t want to waste one more minute.
Jack forced himself to look at the Governor as he spoke to the crowd. The man had a presence, no doubt. But he couldn’t keep his eyes off Kate. A plus to being stuck up on the temporary stage was the view it gave him of the amassed crowd. He’d located Kate from the beginning. Instead of on the stage where she belonged, receiving acknowledgement for her work on this project, she was in the back row, in the last seat, wearing sunglasses. Big sunglasses. Despite that they covered half her face, he could tell she was nervous.
He knew this woman. My woman. He could tell from the stiffness in her shoulders, the way her foot was tapping like a hummingbird. It could very well be having to face him again. He savored every time she turned his way. A few times, he thought he saw her smile, but he wasn’t betting on a miracle reunion. He had a long road ahead of him, rebuilding her trust in him, but he would do it, no matter what it took.
Applause and cheers broke Jack’s focus. He looked up to see the Governor gesturing him to the podium. His heart raced, nerves kicked in. Giving a public address was nothing at this point in his career, but today’s speech had much bigger implications. Game time.
The crowd grew even more excited when he walked to the center of the stage and shook hands with the Governor. As he adjusted the mic, he looked out and found Kate with her hands clasped to her chest. Hang in there, babe.
“Good morning,” he started before the applause had died out. “I’m thrilled to be here. On behalf of Gridion, we’re thrilled to be coming to Austin.” He stopped for more cheers.
“Austin has proven itself to be the perfect place for our newest facility as well as Gridion’s corporate vision. This facility will not only create thousands of jobs—well-paying, manufacturing jobs at that—it will preserve a significant portion of the surrounding beauty in which we are currently sitting, including the honored home of the Travis family.”
Jack continued, highlighting Gridion’s plans and the impact on Austin, loving the excitement of the people gathered. He gave the appropriate accolades to everyone on stage, as well as the many parties involved in closing the deal. Throughout his praises, he paid particular attention to Kate’s enthusiasm. The fact that she could still show such support, even when not included in the “winning” team, made him respect her that much more.
Integrity, dedication, resilience—she had it all. God, he loved that woman. And he would get her back.
“Finally, I want to give special thanks to someone who was the greatest influence in bringing Gridion to Austin. Kate Livingston.”
There was a slight pause before the clapping began as people looked around the stage for her. He noticed the sour smile on Ted’s face, and Russell looked a little uneasy. Get over it.
Raising his hand, he motioned for Kate to stand. After hesitating, she did and the applause grew. She quickly sat down, and the crowd turned back to
Jack.
“Some of you may not know this, but I grew up in Austin. I have fantastic memories of my early years, but my family suffered a tragedy that changed our worlds and thus changed my perception of this city. I can admit now, as I stand at the location of Gridion’s newest project, I did not want to return.”
The crowd looked puzzled, not sure whether to clap, so he took advantage of the silence. “Kate Livingston changed that for me.” More applause as people turned to look at her, finding her hastily wiping away a tear.
“Kate was there the morning I walked into the Department of Economic Development unannounced. I threw her for a loop, asking to tour available sites that same day. After a minute of shock, and probably a lot of patience in not yelling over the change of plans, she swiftly gathered a team that reviewed our needs and had me walking properties by that afternoon.
“Now for those of you not in the location business, that’s a certifiable miracle. To this day, I’m still impressed with her ability to shift gears and gather the right team. I’ve yet to see anything like that in my years of business development.”
Jack looked at her and nodded with pride. “But I didn’t leave it with that. After a few days of touring, I shifted gears again, seeing this property we’re gathered on today and realizing we could move forward with Gridion’s environmental initiatives. When she thought this beautiful land wasn’t available, she searched tirelessly for another suitable site. Once again, never complaining, always professional even when battling adventurous bees.”
He winked at her, and Kate ducked her head, covering her eyes with her hand. The crowd laughed, and she finally looked back up at him. Jack’s heart stuttered when he saw her cocked brow. There she is. Time to wrap it up.
“Working with such a professional, witnessing her intelligence and passion for her job and this city, watching her smile and persevere when thrown curve balls—and I threw her a lot—taught me a lot. She proved to me that Austin holds something very special. That’s why I’m confident in knowing this is the place for Gridion and for me.
“Thank you, Kate. For everything you brought to the table. I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for you.”
The applause grew so loud he didn’t bother to end his speech more professionally. He’d accomplished what he wanted. Standing with the rest of the audience, Kate smiled at him and clapped, breaking here and there to wipe a tear. Dear God, let them be happy tears.
Jack threw his jacket over a chair and loosened his tie, freeing himself from the suffocating business suit. It was three in the afternoon, and he’d finally gotten back from the groundbreaking ceremony. He took another drink from the water bottle he’d picked up on the way back to his office. Good God, that was a long-ass event. Especially since he’d wanted to take off and find Kate as soon as he’d wrapped his speech. No such luck. Just photo op hell.
He fell into his seat, rolling up his sleeves. Maybe it was for the best. Should he give her more time? Would it be too much to show up just hours after his speech? Even if it was, could he wait any longer? Jack spun his chair around, studying the office. It was his place of business, but every inch of it reminded him of Kate. It even smelled like her.
“Jack?”
Turning around, he found Kate in his doorway. It took him a moment to react.
“Kate.” He walked toward her but stopped himself before he took her in his arms. He wasn’t sure why she was here, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to scare her off. “It’s good to see you.”
“You, too.”
God, she was beautiful. He thought he remembered everything about her, but there was no way a memory would ever do her justice. And then she smiled, and Jack knew there was no way he would ever let her go. “I was hoping to see you after the ceremony, but everyone cleared out before I could get away.”
Kate nodded. “The Governor does love his photo ops. It’s a miracle you’re back already.”
Their eyes locked, and Jack had to clench his hands to keep from grabbing her.
“Have a seat.” He pointed to the couch. She looked at it, and Jack wondered if she was taking her own trip down memory lane.
“Thanks.” She sat down and looked pleased when he joined her.
They didn’t speak for a while, just studied one another’s faces. Kate looked happy. The pain he remembered was gone. Something triggered in his chest, perhaps hope.
“Jack, I tried to see you this morning before the ceremony. I wanted to talk to you, but there were so many people grabbing at you. I wanted to tell you . . . I need you to know—”
“I’ve missed you, Kate.” He lifted his hand to her cheek, and by the grace of God, she didn’t pull away.
“I’ve missed you, too.”
It wasn’t what he’d expected. Hell, it was more than he could’ve asked for. He’d never be worthy of this woman, but he’d spend his life trying. “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m sorry for the lies. I’m sorry for hurting you.” He had to swallow to clear his throat. “I love you. God, I love you. Can you forgive me? Can you give me another chance to prove myself?”
He held his breath, waiting for her to respond. In all his life’s experiences, never had a decision been more important to him.
“I do forgive you.” Tears filled her eyes, and one broke free. He wiped it away, wanting to wipe away all the pain he’d ever caused her. “I’m tired of living in fear, Jack. I want to be with you. And I do trust you.”
Jack couldn’t believe the gift she’d given him. He would honor it the rest of his life. “I will make sure you never regret this.” He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly, reverently. He pulled back to see her eyes filled with joy.
“You’re so beautiful.” When he kissed her this time, she sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. He wanted this woman for a lifetime, and he would have her. Jack forced himself to stop the kiss and pulled her arms from his neck, despite her resistance.
“Hold that thought.” He moved over to his desk and rummaged through a drawer. When he returned to the couch, he got down on one knee and held out the diamond ring he’d selected for her. Kate inhaled sharply, her face aglow. Jack realized no stone would ever match her radiance.
“I love you, Kate Livingston. I’ll never stop loving you. I love Madeline and Charlie, and I want us to be a family. Marry me.”
Kate threw her arms around him, knocking him off balance, sending them both to the floor. He rolled her onto her back and leaned up to find her face full of love and trust.
“I love you so much. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He kissed her tenderly. “Say it again.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Not that part.”
Resting her hand on his cheek, she whispered, “I love you, Jack Graham.”
He lowered his face to kiss her, but she pushed him away. “Wait until we tell the kids. They’ll be thrilled.”
He nodded and headed back to her lips. She stopped him again.
“And you know Sue will claim all the credit for bringing us tog—”
“Kate.”
“What?”
“Stop talking.” Then he kissed her so passionately she had no chance to form words. She responded, taste for taste, and began pulling his shirt free. She moaned when he stood up.
Catching his breath, he held up a finger. “Be right back.” Jack walked over to close and lock the door. When he turned around, Kate was throwing the cushions off the couch. He watched her, loving the woman that would be his forever.
“Promise me something.” He came up behind her and wrapped her in his arms.
“Anything.” She rested her head on his chest.
“When we’re old and gray, we’ll still do lunch in my office.”
Epilogue
Kate plowed into Jack’s office. “Jack Graham, I swear I don’t know how you expect me to plan a wedding in less than a month.”
She hadn’t noticed he was on the phone. “Rick, I’ll have to call you back. The boss is
here.” He walked over to her and gave her a kiss that almost made her forget why she was frustrated.
Jack pushed a curl away from her face. “Now tell me what’s wrong.”
“Hah! What isn’t? There is no place available in December. Everyone has booked their Christmas parties.”
“We’ll get married on Peter and Maggie’s deck.”
“And all the caterers are booked.”
“We’ll eat fruitcake.”
Kate shoved his shoulder. “Are you even taking this seriously? Why did I ever agree to this?” They’d originally planned to marry in May. But then they’d celebrated a magical Thanksgiving with the kids, Maggie and Peter, and Jack’s dad, his wife, Lindsey, and her daughter, Rachel. It had been a special day, full of hope for new beginnings. After their guests left, Jack had pulled her aside and explained he didn’t want to waste another minute.
“Because you know how much I want us to be a real family for Christmas. I want to set out toys for the kids on Christmas Eve, then make love to you under the tree. I want to wake up with you in my arms when Charlie comes running into our room screaming, ‘It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!’”
How was she supposed to argue with that? Oh, how she loved this man. “Fine, but don’t you dare complain if our only decorations are inflatable Santas.”
“You got it.” He pulled her to his chair, then onto his lap. “So, has Sue finally accepted she’s not the maid of honor?”
“I wish. You know Sue. She’s hanging on to that like a dog with a bone. I heard her trying to convince Madeline she’d have more fun being a flower girl.” Kate wrapped her arms around his neck. “I think I’ll ask her to serve cake, instead.”
Jack nearly tipped them over when he fell back laughing. “You can’t do that unless I’m there to witness it. Promise?”
“Promise.” Kate kissed him deeply, then stood up. “I’ve got to go. I have a fitting for my dress.” She headed toward the door and Jack followed.
“Hold on,” he said, grabbing her hand.
Then He Showed Up Page 28
