The Mistletoe Affair

If she had any illusions about what being friends with Jared would mean, they died with that innocent kiss. And she didn't believe any such thing as a harmless affair existed. Someone always got hurt. Crushed emotionally. That someone would be her, if she let it happen.

Handing his coat and hammer to him, she reminded herself that he wasn't a forever man, only a one-night- stand man. Her pride wouldn't let her give into that sexual pull. Making love meant more to her than a cheap, casual affair.

He stepped toward her. His breath lightly fanned her hair. “Sleep well, Katherine,” he murmured, releasing her.

* * * *

At midnight, Jared walked home in the dark, his mind reeling. He could kick himself clear across Texas. Why had he gone to see her?

Hell. He swore he'd never get involved with another divorced woman. Not after what happened with Shannon. Then he met Katherine, and her son Matt-so much like himself-and he'd almost weakened, almost forgotten lessons learned and burned so deep in his heart he would never be free from the pain again.

The minute Katherine's ex stepped back into the picture on that dance floor, Jared should have said, “Adios, been there, done that,” and gotten the hell out of Dodge, for his own sanity.

He didn't want to hear Paul had claimed he'd changed.

He'd bet one of his big toes Paul had been the first man to make love to Katherine. And the last. But Jared had heard her faint gasp tonight and felt her lean toward him when he kissed her cheek, and friendship wasn't what he felt when he held her. Not by a long shot.

She was lonely and it showed. Couple that information with her desire to have Paul back in their son's life, giving Matt the love and attention he needed from his father, and it added up to one thing. Katherine remarrying Paul-and soon.

You're a fool-wanting someone you'll never have. Whoa, did he really want her? Hell yes, else why was he out here talking to himself.

Deep inside he wished things were different.

Chapter Seven

“You have every right to say I told you so. Paul turned out to be self-centered, and I made a mistake marrying him.” Katherine glanced at her mother, who sat beside her on the living room couch the next morning. “You tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen.'

Her mother's eyes glistened with compassion and concern. “You won't hear it from me. I'd never gloat over your getting hurt. I hoped you'd prove me wrong.” She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I really did.'

“I should have told you the truth a long time ago. Jared suggested I tell you right away.'

Katherine fingered one of the cuffs on her dress. Paul had taken Matt to Sunday School after breakfast, giving the ‘ladies’ a chance to clean up the kitchen and finish getting ready for church. It also gave her time to sit quietly with her mother and finally explain the events leading up to the divorce.

Her mother's hazel eyes sought Katherine's. “When did you discuss Paul's infidelity with Jared?'

The way her mother worded the question put Katherine on the defensive. It hadn't happened like that. She grabbed a cushion from the couch and hugged it on her lap. “He dropped by late last night, worried about Paul being in the house.'

Her mother's mouth rounded. “Really? He felt worried?'

Heat flushed Katherine's face and neck. “We talked in the kitchen. Matt came down and we ate ice cream. Jared put Matt back to bed and left. That's all there was to it.'

Well, almost, if she didn't count a horseback ride they planned for Matt and an innocent kiss on the cheek that made her want more.

Katherine looked away, but felt her mother's scrutiny.

“I never meant to embarrass you last night. That's the gospel truth.'

“I know,” she said, reaching over to pat her mother's arm.

Her mother angled herself on the couch to face Katherine. “If you agreed to let Paul stay here based on my big mouth, forget it.'

“I didn't. I let him stay for Matt. I found out last night that you were right. Paul wants me back.” She blushed.

“If you don't want to encourage him, kick him out. He can still come and see Matt all he wants.'

“I already did,” she confessed.

“Smart girl. Want to tell me what changed your mind?'

Katherine shook her head.

“I'm so proud of you,” her mother said.

“Proud?” Katherine had to swallow the lump of hurt in her throat before she could get anything else out. The last thing she felt was proud; she'd failed miserably at her marriage. Her self-esteem had dropped below non- existent. And now her mother was saying she was proud? “But I lied to you and Dad for years.'

“Katherine, we're talking woman to woman. I understand why you found it necessary to lie. You did it for love, at a time when you thought we had enough of a burden to bear.” She patted Katherine's hand. “I'm sorry you carried your pain alone for so long, but I'm glad we're sharing it now.'

They sat in a companionable silence for a moment, when her mother suddenly straightened. Looking up, Katherine saw her lips pressed inward, an angry glint in her eye. “Mom?'

“The lying rat. I wish I could have seen The Salvation Army load your bedroom set and every stitch of Paul's clothes. There's nothing quite as sweet as a woman giving a low-down cheater a taste of well deserved revenge.'

Katherine's eyebrows shot up. “Dad?'

A blush rode up her mother's neck. “Oh, heavens, no. That wasn't coming from personal experience. My beautician told me how much pure pleasure she got from seeing a load of horse manure she'd bought delivered and dumped in her husband's Lexus. She showed me a picture she took when he came to pick up the car.” Her mother chuckled. “I believe she said, ‘Have at it,’ and handed him a shovel with a big red bow tied to the handle.'

Wish I'd thought of that. Tightening her headband, Katherine pushed a stray curl away from her face. “When my business flight got cancelled, and I walked into our bedroom and heard the two of them moaning under the covers like cats in heat, I lost it. After they dressed, Paul threw some things in a suitcase, and they drove away without saying a word.'

“Leaving you to fume?'

She clenched her hand and hit the cushion with a thud. “I wanted to burn every damn thing he left, but the practical side of me kept saying no. Somehow, it seemed more fitting for people on the streets to have Paul's impeccable designer clothes.'

“Sounds fair. Bet he was fit to be hog tied when he came back.'

“He stayed gone a week.” The coward. She took a deep breath and threw the cushion on the couch. “When he returned, he accused me of lying about giving his things away. He barged into the house and searched it from top to bottom. In his haste to leave, he left his favorite watch in the bureau.'

Katherine sighed and went on. “I handed him my divorce attorney's business card. He said some pretty nasty things before he stormed out. The rest you already know.'

Her mother raised one brow. “What nasty things?'

A tear rolled down Katherine's cheek, remembering the dirty remark he made about the loss of her virginity to him. “He said he never loved me, and only married me to please his parents.'

Her mother grabbed the box of tissues from the table. After taking one she placed it beside them. Taking one