Kimberly Nee - The McKenzie Brothers (11 page)

That was it — the flirty tart who’d cornered him at the café two days earlier. What was her name? Amelia? No. Amy. Amy something. He frowned slightly. Morrison! That was it. “Yes, of course. Miss Morrison. It’s a pleasure to see you.”

Emboldened by his slight smile, she took a step closer. “I am so relieved. I only hope it isn’t because I made a terrible impression on you. I knew it was rather bold of me but I was feeling a bit daring that afternoon.”

Garrett didn’t miss the way her gaze raked over him, starting at his feet, and slowly moving upwards. It was beyond improper for her to approach him alone, but after having had three bourbons, he wasn’t about to agree. “Of course not, Miss Morrison. You were hardly a pest.”

Her violet eyes widened further and her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips. “It pleases me to hear you say that, sir.”

Her voice lowered to a throaty purr that he was certain was meant to entice, but held no interest for him. He glanced over her head, past the glittering tiara set firmly in a nest of silky-looking black curls, to see Katherine glaring over at him.

He fought to keep from smiling. Katherine’s eyes narrowed and her lips disappeared into a thin, white line. Apparently, she was not happy another woman was showing interest in him. The thought lifted his black mood. She’d gone out of her way to avoid him since their argument yesterday.

Nice to see she was as troubled as he was.

He forced his attention back to Amy. She was certainly a beautiful woman, and obviously interested in him. A sigh rose to his lips, but he bit it back. It was so tiresome, the way women tried so hard to appear coquettish. He much preferred a woman with fire who had no trouble speaking her mind. The dolls were nice to look at but lacked that spirit needed to hold a man’s interest once the sun rose.

“I know this is terribly forward of me,” she was saying, fluttering long sooty lashes up at him, “but I do hope you will ask me for a dance before the night is over?”

He was about to say no, but hesitated. Why not? Perhaps that was exactly what was needed to get Katherine to at least speak to him again. “I will certainly try to, my lady,” he replied smoothly, smiling down at her.

A delicate flush swept into her porcelain cheeks. Gazing up at him through lowered lashes, she murmured, “I am
so
looking forward to it, Mr. McKenzie.”

Now Katherine was standing in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest and her expression one of pure anger. He gave her a smile over Amy’s head, and then decided to up the stakes.

“Come with me, my lady. I believe my name appears on your card for this dance.”

Chapter Sixteen

Katherine’s blood ran like ice through her veins as Garrett caught the dark-haired woman’s hand. He was smiling down at her as he pulled her through the throng toward the dance floor.

And the lady was breathtakingly beautiful. She was tiny and delicate, most likely feather-light in his arms. It hurt like a thousand bee stings to see her so close to Garrett as the hot fire of jealousy burned through her blood.

“That is she!” Patsy whispered excitedly, hovering at Katherine’s elbow. “Miss Morrison. I told you she was stunning, didn’t I?”

Katherine forced her tongue from the roof of her mouth. “Yes. You did and you were quite right. She is stunning. Most stunning, indeed.”

Patsy narrowed her eyes. “Are you all right, Katherine? You don’t look well.”

She didn’t
feel
well. Not at all. An awful sour taste filled her mouth. Swallowing it heavily, she said, “I am fine. Merely tired, I suppose.”

“I hope Mister Garrett asks for her hand. She is a very nice lady, from what I hear, and would make a most pleasant mistress.” Patsy shifted her empty tray to her left hand. “And they would have the most beautiful children, don’t you think?”

That sick feeling rose abruptly. “Yes, they would,” Katherine replied, dully, unable to pull her gaze from the couple. The thought of Garrett sweeping the porcelain doll to his bed sent a razor-sharp arrow slicing through her. How would she cope with that? How would she feel, tidying up the bed he’d rumpled with another woman?

Sudden tears filled her eyes. “I suppose I ought to return to the kitchen. I’m certain Mrs. Riley has plenty more for me to do.”

Without waiting for Patsy’s answer, Katherine turned and fled to the safety of the kitchen. At least there, she’d not be forced to see the happy couple on the dance floor.

Garrett fought to keep from swearing aloud. Amy insisted on filling every second with flirty chatter. She was barely over five feet tall, and not only was he developing a painful crick in his neck but his back ached from stooping over to hear her.

“And in Philadelphia, I — ”

His mind wandered and he didn’t even try to stop it. Her favorite topic appeared to be herself, and the self-centered monologue grated on him in the worst way. He lifted his head to give his neck a rest and saw Katherine watching them from the doorway.

His feeling of smug satisfaction dissolved at the expression on her face. She looked as if someone had punched her in the stomach.

“Mr. McKenzie?”

He forced his attention back to Amy. “Yes?”

“I was asking you if you’d not like to steal a quiet moment away from this crowd. Perhaps get to know one another better? Perhaps a walk in the garden?” she murmured, fluttering her lashes. “I might even allow you to snatch a kiss or two.”

Another oath rose to his lips, but he caught it at the last moment. The minx thought she was being so alluring, so bold. She should only know how many others had offered the same. Offered more, in fact. It was almost amusing.

Still, he knew better. How did she think it was he had yet to be called out for compromising an innocent miss? Besides, she aroused very little interest from him. Even when she pressed her surprisingly ample breasts against his belly, it did nothing. He wasn’t tempted.

Another woman occupied his thoughts — the fiery redhead now shooting hazel-eyed daggers at him as she made her way across the room. She no longer looked ill and he almost smiled as she frowned in his direction again. Even her glare made his heart beat at a faster pace, made his blood warm through his veins, aroused him to a certain degree.

Which did
not
go unnoticed by the simpering miss in his arms.

Her violet eyes widened and a self-satisfied smile lifted her lips. “Shall we?” He groaned inwardly. Damnation! He should certainly have better control than this. He was no boy. Miss Morrison would not let up, convinced
she
was the reason for the sudden pressure against her belly.

Trying to force Katherine from his thoughts, he said, “That would be inappropriate, my lady.”

“But why? It’s only a stroll through the garden. I hear these are some of the loveliest in all of Brunswick.”

“Be that as it may, I could not take the chance of tarnishing your reputation, my lady.”

She pouted up at him, which only served to irritate him further. Her voice was heavy with regret as she said, “Oh, but I trust you’d be the gentleman.”

That was it. Now he wanted away from her. “If you will excuse me,” he said, as the music died away. “I need to greet several latecomers.”

Amy sighed softly. “I hope you’ll not be gone long.”

He didn’t answer, but pulled away to leave her alone on the floor. As he passed by various couples, they stared but he ignored it. The gossips would enjoy this morsel, how he left Amy standing there, but he didn’t care. They didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was putting distance between himself and her endless prattle.

Voices mingled as he passed, and ivory fans rose to block out wagging lips. At the ballroom threshold, he breathed a sigh of relief. Freedom. It was close.

He hadn’t counted on Amy being the tenacious sort, and she startled him by slipping her arm through his. A coy smile played at her lips as he gaped down at her, and she cocked her head to one side. “I know frightfully few people in this town. Perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce me to a few?”

He swallowed his rising anger. She was a pest, but he did not wish to humiliate her in the eyes of Brunswick, either, so he didn’t remove her arm. Instead, he sighed, saying, “Of course, my lady. Come along.”

Chapter Seventeen

“Wouldn’t you love to walk up and slap her?”

Katherine was surprised to hear the anger in the voice of the woman standing beside her as she emerged from the kitchen once again. “I beg your pardon?”

The brunette with the deep blue eyes shook her head. “I’ve seen women throw themselves at my brother before, but
that
one — ” Emma McCallister jabbed a finger at the tiny woman in the plum silk. “ — that one is absolutely shameless.”

So
this
was Garrett’s younger sister. Katherine smiled. She most definitely agreed, wanting to march right up to the hussy, jerk her out of Garrett’s arms and tell her to keep as far away from him as possible.

Of course, she couldn’t exactly say that to Emma. Instead, she said, “She does appear to be a bit — ah — forward.”

“Forward?” Emma tossed her fall of glossy raven curls over one shoulder. “Downright scandalous, if you ask me! Of course, Garrett probably doesn’t mind so much. There is nothing he enjoys more than setting the tongues wagging. It’s almost a disgrace in itself, really.”

Somehow, that didn’t surprise Katherine in the least. Hadn’t he told her he had little use for convention? She couldn’t help but wish she was the one he was holding so wickedly close, that she was the one gliding about the floor in a gown of fine silk with delicate slippers on her feet.

“Is there anything I can get for you, Madam McCallister?” Katherine asked softly.

“Oh, heavens, no. Please, I simply needed someone to talk to. I would normally be ranting to my friend Rose, but she is home with a sick baby tonight. I hope you don’t mind me monopolizing you.”

“No. Not a whit. Please, feel free.”

Emma smiled, then sipped from the delicate crystal glass in her hand. “So tell me, how do you like working for my brother? Is he as much the tyrant at home as he is at the docks?”

Tyrant? Katherine almost laughed aloud at that description. She could imagine him being very tyrannical if the mood struck, but she’d yet to witness it firsthand. Much like the temper he claimed he possessed; she’d heard of it, but had not actually seen it.

“A tyrant, you say? Oh, no, not at all. He’s actually rather a delight to work for. Not one to make outlandish demands or busy work.”

Emma’s eyes narrowed. “We
are
speaking of Garrett McKenzie, am I right?” She pointed to him. “Tall, dark-haired devil who’s too handsome for his own good? That man?”

Katherine couldn’t hold back her airy laugh. “I believe so. Why? Is he that much of a terror as a brother?”

“At times. But, I admit, he’s not nearly as bad as he used to be. Then again,” her eyes flicked out to the dance floor, “he has other places to direct his energies these days.”

Katherine couldn’t help but follow Emma’s line of vision to Garrett, who still held the woman in plum much closer than was necessary. Red-tinged anger rose up again from the pit of her stomach at the way the tiny brunette gazed up at him as if he was some sort of god.

“I see.”

Now Emma was looking at her with narrowed eyes. “He is a handsome devil, so I don’t suppose I can fault any lady foolish enough to think she’ll be the one to bring him to the altar.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It’ll be eternity before he marries, if he ever decides to do so. I cannot blame him, I suppose. He is a rake. He adores women and as you can see, they adore him in return.”

Katherine wondered if this was said for her benefit, as Emma’s gaze held hers, but all she said was, “Yes, he does strike me as the confirmed bachelor type.”

“Very much so. Drives my parents mad, but they’ll never try to interfere. I think they figure he’ll simply change his mind one day. Between you and me,
I
think that will never happen.”

A pang rattled about Katherine’s insides at the finality in Emma’s voice. After all, she was Garrett’s sister. She knew him better than Katherine could claim. Still, that statement filled her with a sense of regret as she cast another look at the dance floor. Garrett was no longer out there.

And neither was the brunette.

She spied him then, with Miss Amy’s arm tucked firmly through his, and Garrett escorted her from the room.

Katherine swallowed her rising jealousy. “Well, I suppose I ought to return to my chores, then. It was a pleasure chatting with you.”

“A pleasure indeed.” Emma’s blue eyes sparkled. “A pleasure indeed.”

With that, Katherine headed back to the kitchen. That was her evening — endless trips into the kitchen, carry a heavy tray back to the ballroom, circle about without being a nuisance as she offered whatever tasty treats she carried, and then back to the kitchen once more.

Mind-numbing, to say the least.

She’d seen Bradley Jefferson earlier, but had managed to avoid him for most of the evening. However, as the hour grew later and guests began to retire for the night, Katherine made fewer trips to the kitchen. Martha, the tall pale-skinned woman who ran the household of Stonebridge, shoved her out the door to take a breath of fresh air, declaring Katherine looked rather peaked and in need of a rest.

She found herself in the rose gardens behind the house, and sighed as she sank onto a white wrought iron bench. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and dew and she inhaled deeply, filled her lungs with the fresh, clean scents.

A full moon watched from above, and a million stars twinkled like pinpoint diamonds resting against a sea of black velvet. She gazed up at the clear night sky, wishing the sadness weighing her down would lift, and wondering where Garrett and his delicate little brunette had gone. Wondered if at that very moment, he was pulling her into his arms, lifting her easily to meet his —

“No. Do not do this to yourself, old girl,” she whispered into the darkness, rubbing her tired eyes. “Do not torture yourself this way. You’ve no claim on the man. You are nothing to him but a maid he thought he might fancy. One kiss does not a future secure.”

“Ah, good evening. I didn’t think I be seeing
you
here.”

Katherine resisted the urge to groan as Bradley Jefferson stepped out of the shadows. Well, perhaps
stepped
was too generous. In actuality, he lurched forward, tripping over his own ridiculously large feet, and went sprawling facedown into the flower beds.

“Good evening, sir.”

“Do my eyes deceive me? You
are
the serving wench from the Bayside, aren’t you?”

Her spine stiffened as he flung himself down onto the bench beside her, draping an arm about her shoulders and sighing, “Ah, nothing like a warm, soft woman to cradle my spinning head.”

She jerked sideways as he leaned against her. “I beg your pardon, sir. You are out of line.”

“I think not. Surely I’ll not be the first drunken sot you’ve slept with.”

“I beg your pardon?” She shoved against his shoulder to push him away. “You’ve some nerve.”

“Come now, I’ll not hold it against you. Frankly, I prefer a woman with experience. Nice to know you’ll know what you’re doing.”

He howled as she clouted him upside the head. Another shove, and he flew from the bench to crash into one of the thorny rose bushes.

“You bitch!” he yelped, his voice almost girlish as he tried to untangle himself from the thorns. “Come assist me or, so help me, I’ll have Martha fire you on the spot!”

“Be my guest,” Katherine fired back, rising from the bench to glare down at him, hands on her hips, as he finally pulled himself from the shrubs. “You lay another hand on me and I promise you — you
will
lose it.”

“That so?” Bradley Jefferson sneered, taking a step toward her. “I hope you bring that fire to bed with you, wench. I just might forgive your nasty disposition.”

He lunged. Katherine couldn’t stop her scream as they went crashing into another rose bush.

Thorns caught her dress, raking her skin as she fought to shove the drunken lout off her. The linen snagged on branch after branch, ripping in long, jagged strips. The thorns tore at her flesh, marring it with scratches, but she ignored the stinging pain as she swung her fist up to catch Bradley solidly in the jaw.

Where Garrett had merely taken a half a step back the night she hit him, Bradley went tumbling backwards with another howl, landing on his backside in the soft soil. Katherine scrambled to her feet, jerking her gown free from the grabbing branches, not caring how badly her dress was ruined. Mrs. Riley and her neat and tidy could go pound sand.

The linen split further with a resounding tear as she pulled with all of her might. She sniffed, tossing her head at Jefferson. “I warned you,
sir
.”

Bradley dove at her ankles as she tried to hurry back to the house. He caught her in an iron grip, slamming her down.

“Bitch,” he snarled, winding her braid around his hand and tugging. “Next time you are given an order, I suggest you obey at once.”

The wind rushed from her as his knee dug painfully into her back. The only sound she could force free was a pathetic squeak as she struggled to breathe with that bloody knee in the middle of her spine.

“What goes on here?”

With that, the pressure on her back was suddenly gone. She winced, hearing the solid
squelch
of a fist striking flesh. Bradley let out a strangled cry, which was followed by the crunching sounds of a body hitting the bushes.

Relief rushed through her as she lay there, dragging air deep into her lungs. Her entire body hurt and her cracked rib sent a fresh ribbon of fire unfurling through her.

“Katherine?”

She wanted to cry with relief as Garrett’s deep voice reached her ears. She didn’t answer, but just lay there, panting.

He knelt beside her to gather her in his arms. “Are you all right, Katherine?”

She was limp against him. He smoothed her hair away from her face. “Say something, will you?”

“Thank you.”

“On second thought, you just breathe for a few minutes.” He shifted to sit on the ground, obviously not caring how dirty his trousers became. Tightening his arms about her, he whispered, “At least you’re speaking to me again.”

“I wasn’t
not
speaking to you,” she replied, still out of breath and trying not to look up into his eyes, knowing that she would only lose herself in them.
That
was something she did not want to happen.

The image of his leaving the ballroom with Amy swam before her. Had he been whiling away time in the darkened garden with her? The very thought made Katherine feel ill, but it at least it would explain why he was there.

“So, where is your lady love, then?” she blurted without thinking.

Garrett’s grin flashed in the darkness. “She’s right here, in my arms. Why do you ask?”

She tried to pull herself from his grasp without any success, determined to ignore the new flutters in her belly. “Do not placate me. I meant your
tiny
lady.”

“Miss Morrison?” He shrugged. “I’ve no idea where she is. I finally managed to peel her off me and stick her to some other poor, unsuspecting fellow.”

Katherine thought she heard a hint of relief in his voice. “Peel her off?”

“Yes, Kat. There is another I much prefer be glued to me instead.”

Her toes curled as he emphasized his words with a gentle brush of his lips over hers, leaving her no doubt as to whom he meant. Her spirits lifted. “Is that so, then?”

“It is, sweetheart. I prefer to
not
deal with the crick in my neck when I hold a lady in my arms.”

His gaze held hers as he murmured the words. Another kiss and her jealousy evaporated like the morning dew after sunrise. Garrett cradled her close, smiling down at her. Brushing his fingertips over her cheek, he said, “You’re a bit of a mess, love. Why don’t we go and get you cleaned up?”

“What about him?” She tried to ignore the tingling rush his caress sent through her as she gestured to the bushes where Bradley lay unconscious.

“To hell with him. I’ll deal with him in the morning. Besides, if Martha catches him in there and sees what he did to those bushes, she’ll skin him alive,” Garrett chuckled as he got to his feet and pulled her up beside him. “Come along.”

She cast a questioning look up at him as he pulled her along the garden path, away from the house. “Where are we going?”

“Home.”

“But, Garrett, I’ve work to do.”

He didn’t halt his stride. “I’ve just given you the night off. I
can
do that, you know.”

She bit down on her bottom lip as they neared the woods. She hated the stretch of woods between Stonebridge and Ravenswood. It made her uncomfortable every time she spied them out of the windows of Ravenswood.

As they stepped into the gloomy darkness, Katherine instinctively clung tighter to Garrett’s arm. He smiled down at her. “A little nervous, love?”