The waiter arrived with the check. Jack quickly paid, thankful for the interruption.
An undercurrent of attraction flowed between them as they started back out into the night. The temperature had dropped, so they alternated between a brisk walk and a light jog as they hurried toward her home. They linked arms, trying to keep warm. The trip took fifteen minutes, and their teeth were chattering when they finally entered her front door.
After shedding their jackets, Jack started a fire while Katherine went to make hot chocolate.
Five minutes later, she returned to the cozy living room with two steaming mugs of cocoa. He watched her as she pulled out two coasters and set the cups down.
Jack sat on the couch, took her hands in his, and pulled her down next to him. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too.” Katherine stared at the floor, her hair falling fond around her face. “I’m sorry I didn’t let you explain about the news story when it happened. I assumed the worst, and destroyed our relationship in the process.”
He lifted her chin. “You couldn’t have known. It wasn’t your fault.” His eyes searched hers. He loved her, had always loved her, but the words stuck in his throat.
With her fingertips, she straightened an unruly lock of hair that fell across his forehead. “Can we start over?”
He answered by pulling her into his embrace, meeting her lips in a kiss.
The fire burned low and flickered warm shadows against the walls. He continued to kiss her, and she began to unbutton his shirt.
He lifted his mouth from hers and gazed into her eyes. “I don’t want to rush you. We don’t have to do this.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” she said softly.
“I know.” His voice was husky with desire.
She raised her lips to his, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him to her. Tenderly and slowly, they explored each other, making love in front of the fire and then moving to her bed when the hour grew late.
The next morning Jack woke to the smell of coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls.
“I hope you’re hungry, because this batch of rolls just kept growing. I must have fifteen here.” She walked into the bedroom carrying a platter. “Hey, you never did tell me what brought you back to Missouri.” She sat on the bed, set the tray aside, and kissed him.
Jack rose up on one elbow. “Well, I came to look into some matters.”
“What type of matters?”
Jack took her hand. He could hear his own heart beating. “I believe my father was murdered.”
“My God, Jack, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. Why would anyone want to kill your father?”
“I believe it was politically motivated.”
“How awful.” Katherine shook her head. “It doesn’t make any sense. Your father was one of the most well- liked and respected men in the state.”
“It appears that someone didn’t like him.”
“Do you have any ideas who?”
He looked into her eyes. “The Lanes.”
“What?” Katherine pulled her hand from his, as if his touch scorched her. “The Lanes? So, that’s why you’re here. How stupid could I have been? I trusted you. My God. I slept with you! And you’re here to get information out of me. Again!” She tried to jump off the bed, but he restrained her.
“No, no. I’m not. Damn it, listen to me.” He tried to hang onto her, but she pulled free. The rolls scattered across the floor.
She darted away from him, her eyes snapping with anger. “You must have thought you’d hit the jackpot, at the convention, when you found out I worked for Carolyn.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Don’t insult my intelligence. You fooled me once, so you figured I was good for another go. I want you to get out”- she pointed toward the door-“this could cost me my career. Another career.”
In one fluid motion, he stood before her. “Kate, please.” He placed one hand under her chin, trying to make her look at him. “I don’t want anything like that from you. That’s not why I’m here with you. Please, believe me.”
“Just leave, Jack.” Katherine turned and walked out of the room as the tears spilled down her cheeks.
She wiped at her tears, went to the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee, then carried it to the living room. Don’t get emotional, she told herself as she sat down on the couch. Be rational.
Katherine bit the side of her mouth to stop the crying. How could she have been such a fool? Twice. Be an adult, just end it. She bit harder, fighting the pain and humiliation that threatened to overcome her.
After dressing. Jack walked into the living room. Katherine huddled on the couch, and clutched a cup of coffee, her hands began to shake, so she set her cup down.
“Kate. I, I… love you.”
She held up her hand. “Don’t even…”
“I would never use you. Please. You’ve got to believe me.” He sat down next to her and grasped her shoulders, trying to turn her toward him, but she jerked free, surged to her feet, and stepped back.
She met his gaze, her own angry and accusing. “Then why didn’t you tell me right away what you were here for? Why did you wait until after we’d slept together?” Her lashes glistened with tears.
“It just happened that way.” He stood and approached her, his voice and eyes pleading. “It wasn’t intentional. Please, believe me. I’m not lying to you.” He caressed her cheek. “I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid of your reaction – this reaction.”
She ducked away from his touch. “I don’t buy your excuses, Jack. There were plenty of opportunities to tell me before we made love. What was the plan? Wine me, dine me, a little romance, and then I’d happily succumb to your charms. Maybe even become your inside source?”
“No! Katherine, please…”
“Just go. Please.” She stared at the floor. “I’m not interested in a replay of our sordid past.”
Jack tried to hand his hotel telephone number to her, but she refused to accept it. When she turned away, he placed it on the table next to her and left.
FIFTY-SIX
Jack got into his rented Ford Taurus, and pounded the steeling wheel with his fists.
“Boy, did you blow that one, Rudly.”
Jack shook his head and started the car. He drove in circles for forty-five minutes. When he passed the same convenience store for the fourth time, he stopped to get his bearings.
“Damn it, Rudly, time to get with the program. You can’t fix it with Katherine right now. So, move on.” He needed a plan of action, he thought. He could no longer put off the inevitable. He’d come to Missouri for a reason. As painful as it was, he needed to focus on his father’s death.
Mort Fields had died before he’d ever gotten to interview him, but maybe his staff would have some information on his partnership with Carolyn. It was worth a try, Jack decided as he pulled away from the curb.
Thirty minutes later, Jack parked in front of the Fields. Inc, office and got out of the car. With Mort no longer at the helm, a board of directors kept the company running. Jack walked into the elaborately decorated reception area that appeared to be deserted except for the multitude of fish that occupied a full-wall aquarium.
“Hello.” Jack called.
“Be right with you,” said a voice from the back. Finally, a stout woman, dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, appeared. She held out her hand as she approached Jack. “Please excuse the mess, but we’re in the process of moving the offices. I’m Rachelle Watkins.”
